Community HEalth Centers (CHC)

Community Campuses

A.T. Still University’s School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona (ATSU-SOMA) second-, third- , and fourth-year students are based at one of 11 select community health center- focused community campuses across the United States.

Second-year students spend time in these “community campuses” in small group settings, learning additional clinical presentations, observing patient care, and gaining an understanding of the local health system and community health practices. Third- and fourth-year students complete their clinical rotations at their community health center, in associated hospitals, as well as with affiliated healthcare providers at select healthcare institutions.

“Our students work alongside CHC faculty and are able to diagnose, treat and educate patients on disease and disease prevention,” says Douglas Wood, D.O., Ph.D., dean, SOMA. “We believe that we are the right medical school at the right time. Healthcare reform is now focusing on prevention and individuals at risk for chronic diseases, but prevention and wellness always have been our focus, and we are preparing tomorrow’s healthcare providers to advocate personal health responsibility and prevention. We are also serving a population of individuals who may be medically uninsured or underinsured.” Osteopathic principles and practices are integrated throughout the curriculum.

ATSU partners with the following community health centers and community organizations for community campuses: