Promoting your personal wellness and academic success
At ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ COM we recognize that you are as unique as fingerprints, or, in medical terms, those cutaneous ridges on the bulbs of the distal phalanx of our fingers. The osteopathic principles teach us that everything is interconnected, and, in the same vein, we acknowledge that you need continuous support to grow academically, professionally, and personally. By adhering to these principles, we promote your personal wellness and academic success as you pursue your osteopathic medical degree and your passion for practicing medicine.
If you are considering applying to ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ COM, or researching how the program aligns with your present or future goals, visit our Admissions page. There you will gain insight into everything from touring campus, to course requirements, and financial aide information. For an in-depth understanding of our academic programs, the Academic Curriculum details what you can expect from years 1-4 of your medical education.
Julia Hickey ’23
There are so many reasons why I found myself in medicine. As an EMT, I remember the thrill of the siren call. As a daughter, I have witnessed my father’s strength and humor amidst multiple cancer diagnoses. As an advocate, I have learned about and want to continue supporting those who are often overlooked in the medical system. As a friend, I have enjoyed supporting others through their integrative health journeys and have also explored healing my own immune system through managing my diet. As a wilderness therapist, I empowered teenage girls as they busted coal to blow it into flames. All of these journeys led me to want to connect with people through medicine.
For a year after completing my undergraduate studies, I participated in a wilderness therapy program in Vermont. This meant I held a therapeutic space to encourage the emotional growth of teenagers struggling with mental health and behavioral adaptation issues. Living in the woods, teaching teenagers how to dig a latrine, solidified my path in medicine. Not only would working in an indoor setting reduce the potential for skin rashes, but the understanding and passion I gained from working with teenagers and figuring out how they thought and what prevented them from achieving their ideal outcomes made me realize that I love connecting with people and empowering them to make changes despite the barriers they face. I learned that growth was not linear and appreciated learning how to take small steps towards change. You can often find me hiking in my free time. Due to the joy I find in summiting a high peak, I found myself drawn to rural medicine to face the challenge of creativity in care where services are limited. My passion for mental health and preventative approaches and has led me to consider psychiatry or family medicine. I hope to advocate for patients and meet them where they are in their healthcare journeys, to facilitate an accessible and inclusive experience.
I hope to advocate for patients and meet them where they are in their healthcare journeys, to facilitate an accessible and inclusive experience.
As a ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ COM student, you have opportunities both in and out of the classroom. You can choose to get involved in our community to enrich your experiences in the classroom with practical applications. Browse through the list of more than 40 clubs and organizations that promote healthy lifestyles, professional growth, and ever-lasting friendships.
To aid in successfully maintaining school/life balance, you have access to Student Support Services on the Biddeford campus. Ranging from tutoring to health appointments, and counseling, we recognize that there are many factors that lead to your success and have structured our services based on this belief.
We pride ourselves on being student-centered, student-friendly, and family-friendly. As you embark on this new chapter in your life, we welcome you into our family, so that when you are here you are home.