Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine

Background

The Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine (BCOM) is a private, for-profit medical institution established in 2013. With campuses in Las Cruces, New Mexico, and Melbourne, Florida, BCOM is dedicated to educating a diverse osteopathic physician workforce committed to improving healthcare quality and access in underserved communities. The college's mission, encapsulated in its motto "Para la gente y el futuro!" ("For the people and the future!"), emphasizes its focus on serving the Southwest, particularly Native American and Hispanic populations, and extending its reach to underrepresented communities nationwide.

Key Strategic Focus

BCOM's strategic objectives include:

Accreditation Excellence: Achieving and maintaining accreditation through appropriate accrediting bodies.

Evidence-Based Education: Providing an osteopathic medical education program that enables students to demonstrate the knowledge and competencies required for graduate medical education and osteopathic practice.

Diversity and Inclusion: Embracing diversity to foster inclusiveness and cultural awareness among learners and educators, aiming to increase diversity in the regional physician workforce.

Community Health Focus: Preparing students to effectively address the health needs of diverse populations, with an emphasis on the Southwest border region, particularly among Hispanic and Native American populations.

Research and Scholarship: Supporting faculty and students in advancing knowledge through an atmosphere of inquiry and discovery that inspires excellence in scholarship and medical practice.

Wellness Promotion: Establishing a healthcare culture that promotes osteopathic principles of wellness and prevention.

Graduate Medical Education Development: Developing new graduate medical education opportunities with a special emphasis on primary care and physician retention in the region.

Financials and Funding

BCOM operates as a private, for-profit institution. In 2015, the college received over $110 million from private investors, including significant contributions from Rice University via the Rice Management Company, which became the single largest shareholder. In 2022, The Rise Fund, TPG’s multi-sector global impact investing strategy, became a minority investor, joining Rice University as major stakeholders. These investments have been instrumental in the college's expansion and development initiatives.

Pipeline Development

BCOM's educational pipeline is designed to address physician shortages in underserved regions. The college has facilitated the opening of over 100 new graduate medical education residency positions in family medicine, internal medicine, orthopedic surgery, and osteopathic neuromusculoskeletal medicine. Notably, the orthopedic surgery residency program closed in 2020.

In 2025, BCOM celebrated 144 students matching into residencies across various specialties, with a significant emphasis on primary care fields such as family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatrics. This achievement underscores the college's commitment to addressing healthcare needs in underserved areas.

Technological Platform and Innovation

BCOM utilizes state-of-the-art medical education technologies and methods to ensure student success across all fields of medicine. The curriculum integrates academic and clinical training in fundamental biomedical and clinical science principles during the first two years. The college offers unique resources, including a hybrid gross-virtual anatomy laboratory, a standardized patient facility, and a high-fidelity simulation center, enhancing students' familiarity with clinical scenarios and developing their clinical skills.

Leadership Team

John L. Hummer: President

William Pieratt, DO, FACP: Dean and Chief Academic Officer

Doris Newman, DO: Dean (Florida Campus)

The leadership team brings extensive experience in osteopathic, allopathic, and general higher education, guiding the college's mission and strategic initiatives.

Leadership Changes

In 2020, William Pieratt, DO, succeeded Don N. Peska, DO, MEd, FACOS, as Dean and Chief Academic Officer. This transition marked a continued commitment to academic excellence and leadership within the college.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The osteopathic medical education sector has experienced significant growth, with over 38,000 students enrolled across 43 accredited colleges in the United States. This expansion reflects a broader trend toward addressing physician shortages, particularly in underserved regions.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors in the osteopathic medical education landscape include:

Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM): Established in 1992, LECOM is the largest medical school in the U.S., offering programs in medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy across multiple campuses.

Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM): With campuses in Virginia, South Carolina, Alabama, and Louisiana, VCOM focuses on producing physicians to serve rural and medically underserved populations.

Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine (ICOM): Founded in 2016, ICOM addresses physician shortages in the Mountain West region, with a mission similar to BCOM's focus on underserved areas.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

BCOM has established significant partnerships to enhance its educational offerings and community impact:

New Mexico State University (NMSU): A public-private affiliation provides students access to NMSU's facilities and resources, enriching the educational experience.

Florida Institute of Technology (Florida Tech): An affiliation agreement established a four-year osteopathic medical school on Florida Tech’s campus in Melbourne, Florida, expanding BCOM's reach and capacity.

Clinical Affiliations: BCOM collaborates with various healthcare institutions, such as Northwest Medical Center in Tucson, Arizona, providing students with diverse clinical training opportunities.

Operational Insights

BCOM's strategic considerations include:

Market Position: As a relatively new institution, BCOM differentiates itself through a strong commitment to diversity and serving underserved communities, aligning with national efforts to address healthcare disparities.

Competitive Advantages: The college's innovative curriculum, state-of-the-art facilities, and strategic partnerships position it as a leader in osteopathic medical education, particularly in the Southwest and underserved regions.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

BCOM's strategic roadmap includes:

Expansion of Educational Programs: Continued development of graduate medical education opportunities, with an emphasis on primary care and physician retention in underserved regions.

Enhancement of Technological Platforms: Investing in advanced medical education technologies to further enhance student learning and clinical preparedness.

Strengthening Community Engagement: Deepening partnerships with local communities and healthcare providers to address regional health disparities effectively.