Southeast Alabama Medical Center (SAMC) announces today the development of Alabama’s first college of osteopathic medicine to help fill the state’s shortage of an estimated 402 primary care physicians in a time when hundreds of thousands of Alabamians will soon gain access to insurance coverage under the new health care law.

Developed by the Houston County Healthcare Authority and operated by a private-not-for profit board with local and state representation, the college could enroll its first class of 150 students in perhaps as early as fall 2012.

“Recognizing the need for more primary care physicians who will practice in Alabama, our graduates will be Doctorates of Osteopathic Medicine. This curriculum is holistic, primary-care oriented,” said Dr. Charles Harkness, D.O., and Vice President of Medical Affairs at SAMC.

The Alabama Medical Education Consortium, whose focus is establishing and maintaining primary care for rural and underserved Alabama, is providing key leadership in the college’s creation and will assist in placing the medical students in their third and fourth years of education in clinical settings throughout the state.

“Sixty out of 67 counties in Alabama need primary care physicians and all but two are federally listed as medically underserved areas. This medical college will positively impact access to much needed primary care in these rural communities,” said Ronald S. Owen, Southeast Alabama Medical Center’s CEO.

The $40 million investment includes a $15 million operating budget funded by SAMC and $25 million construction costs financed through bond sales. In addition, SAMC will be asking Houston County to issue a letter of commitment to assist with the cost of student outplacement pending the college’s full accreditation.

The college will be located on or near SAMC and construction could begin at the earliest in January 2011 pending application completion deadline in June. 

“There is a window of opportunity to have all our required documents submitted to the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation by June 24. Having the business leaders and county government supporting this medical school will result in an infusion of economic activity and a greater access to local, quality healthcare,” said Owen.

"The establishment of a medical college in our area will elevate our market position and lay the foundation to transform our economy to a whole new level. We will be one of the select communities in the country that will grow medical services and technology for our region, state, and nation. This is a wealth creator in our community and will generate high quality white collar jobs," said Matt Parker, Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce President.

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