Welcome to Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine at Florida Tech

In Jan. 2023, Florida Tech and Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine entered into an affiliation agreement to establish a four-year osteopathic medical school on Florida Tech’s campus in Melbourne, Florida, and to offer an Osteopathic Medicine Pathway Program to Florida Tech students. Housed in the L3Harris Commons building, the Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine at Florida Tech will welcome its first class of medical students in Fall 2024.

About Burrell College

Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine is a private, four-year osteopathic medical school centered on student success and mission medicine. Burrell College is committed to educating a physician workforce representing the population and communities it serves. Burrell College utilizes the latest medical education technologies and methods to ensure student success in all fields of medicine — from primary care to subspecialties like surgery, anesthesiology, and emergency medicine.

The Burrell College curriculum provides academic and clinical training in fundamental biomedical and clinical science principles throughout students' first and second years. Burrell College offers an array of unique resources, including a hybrid gross-virtual anatomy laboratory, a standardized patient facility, and a high-fidelity simulation center to enhance students' familiarity with clinical scenarios while developing clinical skills.

Established in 2013, Burrell College is an independent college with two campuses, New Mexico and Florida, and several regional academic centers throughout Arizona, Texas, Florida, and New Mexico. Burrell College champions diversity as a strength, exemplifying the institution's motto, “Para la gente y el future: For the people and the future.”

Definition and Value of Osteopathic Medicine

In the realm of healthcare, osteopathic medicine stands out for its holistic and patient-centered philosophy. While many people are familiar with conventional allopathic medicine, osteopathic medicine offers a unique perspective on healthcare that emphasizes the interconnectedness of the body's systems and the importance of treating the whole person, not just isolated symptoms.

What is Osteopathic Medicine?

Osteopathic medicine, or osteopathy, is a distinct branch of medicine that emphasizes a whole-person approach to healthcare. Osteopathic physicians (DOs) undergo rigorous training, which includes medical school followed by specialized osteopathic training. They are fully licensed medical doctors who can diagnose and treat medical conditions, prescribe medications, and perform surgery just like their allopathic (MD) counterparts.

Core Principles of Osteopathic Medicine

1. The Body's Self-Healing Ability: Osteopathic medicine places great importance on the body's natural ability to heal itself. DOs view their role as facilitators of this inherent healing process.

2. The Interconnectedness of Body Systems: Osteopathic physicians consider the body as a unified system, where all parts are interrelated. They focus on treating the root causes of illness, rather than just addressing symptoms.

3. Structure and Function: The foundation of osteopathic medicine is the principle that the body's structure and function are intimately linked. Problems in the musculoskeletal system can affect other systems, and vice versa.

4. Holistic Care: Osteopathic medicine takes a holistic approach to patient care, considering not only the physical but also the emotional, social, and environmental aspects of health.

Why Osteopathic Medicine Is Valuable

1. Preventative Care: Osteopathic physicians often emphasize preventive care and lifestyle modifications to maintain good health. They work closely with patients to create personalized wellness plans.

2. Reduced Reliance on Medications: Osteopathic treatment methods, including osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), can reduce the need for medications or surgery in some cases. This approach minimizes potential side effects and risks.

3. Whole-Person Focus: DOs take the time to listen to their patients and consider all aspects of their health. This personalized approach often results in more accurate diagnoses and effective treatment plans.

4. Complementary and Integrative Medicine: Osteopathic physicians are open to incorporating complementary and integrative therapies alongside conventional treatments. This flexibility can lead to more comprehensive and patient-centric care.

5. Improved Patient Outcomes: Many patients report high levels of satisfaction with osteopathic care, citing better pain management, reduced recovery times, and improved overall well-being.

6. Diverse Specializations: Osteopathic physicians can specialize in various medical fields, including family medicine, internal medicine, surgery, and more. This versatility allows patients to access osteopathic care across a wide range of healthcare needs.

Osteopathic medicine's focus on holistic, patient-centered care, and its emphasis on the body's innate ability to heal, make it a valuable and increasingly popular choice in the healthcare landscape. Whether you seek relief from a specific ailment or aim to maintain your overall health and wellness, an osteopathic physician may offer a unique perspective and a comprehensive approach to your healthcare needs. By recognizing the interconnectedness of the body's systems and treating the whole person, osteopathic medicine empowers patients to take control of their health and well-being.