WesternU COMP-Northwest welcomes new graduate pathway program for Linfield University students interested in osteopathic medicine

WesternU COMP-Northwest Site Dean and Assistant Professor of Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry Mandilin Hudson, DO '09 and Linfield Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Beth Concepción, Ph.D, sign pathway agreement.

Western University of Health Sciences' College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific-Northwest (COMP-Northwest) welcomed representatives from Linfield University on June 18, 2024, to tour campus, learn about WesternU's humanistic approach to osteopathic care, and finalize a pathway agreement between universities.

This pathway agreement will provide Linfield pre-medical students who meet a high standard of academic and personal excellence an opportunity to interview at COMP-Northwest. Administrators from both universities worked together to establish pathway expectations aimed at fostering intellectual distinction and a culture of compassion among undergraduate students. Some requirements for students to be eligible to interview include a 3.5 GPA in science courses, a 505 score on the MCAT, two letters of recommendation, and volunteer and health care experience.

WesternU welcomes Linfield University faculty and administrators to COMP-Northwest campus. Left to right: Dr. Jeremy Weisz, Dr. Gennie VanBeek, Dr. Beth Concepción, Donna Fulton, and Dr. Edward Goering (Luke Rauch, WesternU)

"Our goal, as applications decline across the nation, is to ensure we still have a strong applicant pool with candidates who are interested in attending," said Donna Fulton, Assistant Director of Admissions for COMP-Northwest. "The expectations for pathway students are higher, but it shows a dedication to a career in medicine."

Indeed, undergraduate university enrollment has been decreasing since 2010, with an accelerated decline in enrollment during the COVID-19 pandemic. The pathway agreement with Linfield develops a pipeline of qualified applicants to WesternU and provides a clear professional path for Oregon students interested in osteopathic medicine. As the osteopathic medical profession continues to be one of the fastest growing areas of health care, developing relationships in the Pacific Northwest remains a WesternU priority.

"We are thrilled with this partnership. COMP-Northwest is focused on increasing the number of physicians in the state of Oregon, the Pacific Northwest, and the country as a whole," said COMP-Northwest Site Dean and Assistant Professor of Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry Mandilin Hudson, DO '09. "We hope to be able to provide mentorship for Linfield students interested in a career as a physician get to that goal, no matter which route they take. We are hopeful that this is only the start of several pathway partnerships with undergraduate institutions around the state and are in talks with others. Stay tuned!"

Linfield University is a private, nonprofit university based in McMinnville, Ore., with a second campus in Portland, Ore. The university was established in 1858 by the Oregon Territorial Legislature. Today, the university has an enrollment of nearly 2,000 students. Linfield confers both undergraduate and graduate degrees in a variety of disciplines, including education, nursing and the arts.

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