D’Youville University has received pre-accreditation from the American Osteopathic Association’s Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA) to establish the D’Youville University College of Osteopathic Medicine (DYU-COM)—the first osteopathic medical school in Western New York and the first new medical school in the region in nearly 200 years.

Pre-accreditation confirms D’Youville’s preparedness to admit students and develop the infrastructure needed to welcome its first class in fall 2026. This milestone aligns with the university’s mission to expand healthcare access and train future physicians to serve underserved and rural communities.

“This is a monumental moment for D’Youville and Western New York,” said President Dr. Lorrie Clemo. “Opening a medical school is more than just education; it’s about transforming healthcare access, expanding the workforce, and strengthening our community fabric. We are grateful that COCA trusts our vision, and we are excited to build Buffalo’s first medical school in nearly 200 years.”

The DYU-COM curriculum emphasizes the osteopathic philosophy of holistic patient care, including early clinical experiences, interprofessional teamwork, and cultural awareness. Nearly 50 clinical affiliation agreements with hospitals and providers across Western and Upstate New York, as well as New York City, are already in place. DYU-COM aims to train physicians in family medicine, internal medicine, OB/Gyn, pediatrics, general surgery, and psychiatry.

“We are assembling a faculty who are not only academically and clinically accomplished, but are deeply committed to mentorship, service, and training physicians who reflect the communities they serve,” said Founding Dean Dr. Shawn Cannon. “DYU-COM will be both accountable to Western New York and a model of excellence in medical education.”

DYU-COM will admit 90 students in 2026, with enrollment increasing to 180 students per class by 2028, ultimately reaching 720 student physicians by 2031. Students can now apply through the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service. The program will start on D’Youville’s main campus, with a permanent move in 2027 to 285 Delaware Avenue, a state-of-the-art facility in downtown Buffalo.

The origins of osteopathic medicine trace back to Andrew Taylor Still, a Civil War medic who, after experiencing personal tragedy and losing faith in conventional treatments, sought alternative healing methods. In 1892, he founded the American School of Osteopathy in Kirksville, Missouri. His approach emphasized the body’s musculoskeletal system, natural healing, and reducing reliance on medications. Today, osteopathic medicine is a rapidly growing field. There are 43 accredited osteopathic colleges in the U.S., and in the 2023–24 academic year, over 38,000 students enrolled — reflecting a 65 percent increase in the past decade.

Osteopathic physicians (DOs) complete the same training and hold the same licensure as allopathic physicians (MDs). The difference lies in philosophy: DOs take a holistic approach to care, emphasizing the connection between body, mind, and spirit. For D’Youville, launching DYU-COM represents not only an investment in education but also a historic commitment to reshaping healthcare access in Western New York and beyond.