A.T. Still University – School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona (ATSU-SOMA): Programs, Facilities, Research, and Alumni Success
Introduction- ATSU-SOMA
A.T. Still University – School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona (ATSU-SOMA) is a private medical school located in Mesa, Arizona, dedicated to producing highly skilled and compassionate osteopathic physicians. Established in 2007, ATSU-SOMA is part of A.T. Still University, the founding institution of osteopathic medicine.
The school is widely recognized for its Whole Person Healthcare philosophy, an approach that integrates the body, mind, and spirit in patient care. It is especially known for training physicians to serve in underserved communities across the United States.
Historical Background of ATSU-SOMA
The roots of ATSU-SOMA trace back to 1892, when Dr. Andrew Taylor Still founded the world’s first school of osteopathic medicine in Kirksville, Missouri. His philosophy emphasized prevention, holistic care, and the body’s innate ability to heal itself.
Building on this legacy, A.T. Still University expanded to Mesa, Arizona, to establish ATSU-SOMA in 2007. This campus brought a unique educational model focused on community-based clinical training and interprofessional collaboration.
Mission and Vision
Mission:
> To prepare compassionate osteopathic physicians through innovative education, community partnerships, and a focus on the whole person.
Vision:
To advance healthcare access for underserved populations
To integrate innovative learning methods in medical education
To promote primary care and community health improvement
Campus and Facilities
ATSU-SOMA’s 22-acre campus is part of the Arizona Health & Technology Park. It features state-of-the-art learning environments designed to simulate real-world medical practice. Facilities include:
Simulation Center – High-fidelity mannequins and patient simulators for clinical skill development
Anatomy Lab – Advanced dissection stations and 3D anatomical visualization technology
Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) Lab – Dedicated space for hands-on manual therapy training
Ultrasound Training – Point-of-care ultrasound integrated into the curriculum
Library & Research Center – Access to digital medical databases and journals
Student Wellness Center – Supporting the mental and physical health of students
Academic Programs at ATSU-SOMA
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) Program
The flagship program at ATSU-SOMA is the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree.
Years 1–2: Students learn foundational biomedical sciences, clinical skills, and OMT techniques on the Mesa campus. Teaching uses problem-based learning (PBL) and small group discussions.
Years 3–4: Students transition to full-time clinical training at partner Community Health Centers (CHCs) across the nation, gaining experience in primary care, specialty medicine, and underserved patient populations.
Curriculum Model – Clinical Presentation Educational Model
ATSU-SOMA uses the Clinical Presentation Educational Model, which organizes the curriculum around more than 120 ways a patient can present with a medical condition. This approach helps students quickly translate medical knowledge into clinical reasoning.
Interprofessional Education
Students collaborate with peers in other healthcare programs, such as dental medicine, physician assistant studies, and public health. This ensures graduates can work effectively in integrated healthcare teams.
Community Health Center Partnerships
A hallmark of ATSU-SOMA is its partnership with over 20 Community Health Centers nationwide.
CHCs provide real-world training in diverse communities, many of which are medically underserved.
Students gain cultural competence, patient communication skills, and exposure to preventive medicine.
This model addresses healthcare disparities while training future physicians.
Admissions Process
Eligibility Requirements
A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution
Minimum cumulative and science GPA of 2.8
MCAT score from within the past three years
Completion of prerequisite courses: Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physics, and English
U.S. citizenship or permanent residency status
Application Steps
1. Primary Application via AACOMAS – Submit transcripts, MCAT scores, and academic history.
2. Secondary Application – Includes ATSU-SOMA-specific essays and a $70 application fee.
3. Interview Invitation – Selected applicants attend an interview (either in person or virtual), participate in small group activities, and interact with faculty and students.
Preferred Candidate Profile
Ideal candidates demonstrate:
Strong academic preparation in sciences
Commitment to serving underserved communities
Leadership, teamwork, and communication skills
Prior clinical experience or volunteer work in healthcare settings
Student Life at ATSU-SOMA
Life at ATSU-SOMA goes beyond academics. Students participate in:
Clubs & Organizations – Specialty interest groups, student government, cultural clubs
Community Service – Health fairs, free clinics, and outreach projects
Wellness Programs – Yoga, fitness classes, counseling, and mindfulness training
Research Opportunities – Faculty-mentored studies in public health, osteopathic principles, and clinical medicine
Research and Innovation
ATSU-SOMA is part of the AMA’s Accelerating Change in Medical Education Consortium, promoting curriculum innovation. Research areas include:
Public and community health
Osteopathic manipulative medicine outcomes
Chronic disease management in underserved populations
Interprofessional healthcare delivery models
Graduate Outcomes and Contributions
ATSU-SOMA graduates consistently match into primary care residencies at a high rate.
Many alumni choose to practice in rural or underserved areas.
The school ranks highly in producing physicians who enter family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatrics.
Alumni have gone on to leadership roles in healthcare organizations and policy-making bodies.
Accreditation and Governance
ATSU-SOMA is accredited by the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA).
The school’s leadership includes experienced faculty, healthcare practitioners, and administrators committed to maintaining academic excellence and community impact.
Tuition and Financial Aid
For the 2025–2026 academic year, tuition is competitive among private osteopathic schools.
Tuition: Approximately $65,000 per year
Financial Aid: Scholarships, federal loans, and service-based loan repayment programs (such as the National Health Service Corps) are available.
Technology Requirements
Students are required to have:
A modern laptop (Windows or Mac) with at least 16GB RAM
High-speed internet access
Microsoft Office Suite and secure login via multi-factor authentication
Why Choose ATSU-SOMA?
Choosing ATSU-SOMA means choosing a program that:
Integrates early clinical exposure with strong science education
Prepares you for practice in real-world community health settings
Supports a mission-driven career in serving underserved populations
Offers a collaborative and supportive student culture
Conclusion- A.T. Still University
A.T. Still University – School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona (ATSU-SOMA) is more than just a medical school — it is a mission-driven institution shaping the future of healthcare through innovation, compassion, and community service.
Founded on the legacy of Dr. Andrew Taylor Still, the father of osteopathic medicine, ATSU-SOMA blends a strong scientific foundation with early, immersive clinical experiences in underserved communities across the United States.
One of the school’s most distinctive features is its Community Health Center partnership model, which gives students real-world exposure to diverse patient populations from the very start of their education.
This hands-on approach ensures that graduates are not only clinically competent but also culturally aware, socially responsible, and ready to address healthcare disparities.
The Clinical Presentation Educational Model at ATSU-SOMA equips future physicians with the ability to think critically, make accurate diagnoses, and deliver holistic care tailored to each patient’s needs.
By emphasizing whole person healthcare — integrating body, mind, and spirit — ATSU-SOMA trains doctors who view patients as individuals, not just as a set of symptoms.
Graduates from ATSU-SOMA consistently match into competitive residency programs, particularly in primary care specialties like family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatrics.
More importantly, many choose to serve in rural and medically underserved regions, fulfilling the school’s mission of improving healthcare access for all.
The campus in Mesa, Arizona offers cutting-edge simulation labs, advanced anatomy facilities, and a supportive environment where students collaborate with peers from other healthcare disciplines.
A.T. Still University is inter professional education model mirrors the teamwork required in modern healthcare settings, giving graduates a competitive advantage in their careers.
Choosing A.T. Still University – School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona (ATSU-SOMA) means committing to a career that blends medical expertise with empathy, service, and leadership.
It means joining a network of healthcare professionals dedicated to transforming communities through compassionate care.
Whether your goal is to practice in a bustling city, a rural town, or an underserved neighborhood, ATSU-SOMA provides the training, values, and opportunities to make that vision a reality.
In an era where healthcare challenges are growing more complex, the world needs physicians who are adaptable, innovative, and deeply connected to the communities they serve.
ATSU-SOMA stands as a beacon for such future leaders in osteopathic medicine — shaping not just doctors, but healers.