UNA, Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine Sign Memorandum of Understanding

by Staff
0 comment

FLORENCE – The University of North Alabama and the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine (ACOM), in Dothan, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that provides benefits for students at both institutions as well as residents in rural areas of the state.

“We are so pleased with this partnership,” said Dr. Ross Alexander, the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost. “It’s an opportunity for our students to further their careers with pathways to enrollment at ACOM, which is highly competitive. Additionally, the Memorandum allows for their third-year medical students to complete their clinical rotations at Shoals-area hospitals, working closely with UNA students.”

The Memorandum was signed by representatives from UNA as well as by Dr. James C. Jones, ACOM’s Interim Dean. Image result for alabama college of osteopathic medicine (acom)

“We are proud to partner with an institution that enjoys the great reputation and commitment to quality that UNA has,” said Dr. Jones. “We believe that our partnership will be a strong force to help in meeting the future healthcare needs of our state.”

Dr. Vicki Pierce, the Dean of the Anderson College of Nursing and Health Professions, will be working directly with students from ACOM as they come to the UNA campus and the Shoals.

“The Anderson College of Nursing and Health Professions is excited about developing a relationship with the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine,” Pierce said. “We look forward to developing education experiences where nursing and medical students learn side-by-side. This can easily be accomplished in the simulation laboratory in our new facility, the Laura M. Harrison Hall, which is scheduled to open next spring. This relationship will increase the educational experiences of students in both institutions.”

The simulation lab offers students in the ACONHP a chance to work in simulated healthcare settings before and during their clinical work in the field at local hospitals.

Alexander said he anticipates that the partnership will evolve and will be of benefit to healthcare providers and patients locally.

“There are similarities in our geography, with ACOM anchoring the southwest corner of the state while we occupy the northwest corner,” he said. “Further, this indicates a means to address some of the ongoing rural healthcare challenges we’re seeing and have been working to address through the ACONHP.”

Dr. Heath Parker, Associate Dean of Clinical Sciences for ACOM, believes that nurses and doctors training together only helps out community hospital partners and patients.

“ACOM is very excited about the partnership and growth opportunities with UNA,” he said. “We are proud to be working with such an established institution of academic excellence. Our innovative interprofessional education initiatives will be transformation for all of our students and further strengthen our patient-centered care teams in our communities.”

Dr. Joy Borah, the Senior Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs and University Chief Accreditation Officer, will be working with students from UNA and ACOM as part of the relationship.

“Partnerships such as this allow for early academic planning, thereby creating pathways for graduation and career success for our students and contributing to the workforce development needs of the state and region.”

Media Release/Michelle Eubanks
Interim Associate Director
University Communications & Marketing
UNA

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Related Posts

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.