Brief History of the
Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

The osteopathic profession was founded by a Civil War physician, Andrew Taylor Still, whose emphasized manipulation designed to improve circulation and to correct mechanical malfunctions of his patients' bodies.

The Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine began as a dream of the osteopathic practitioners in the state. Working in conjunction with the Michigan Association of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons, they received a state charter in 1964, and began fund-raising for the private Michigan College of Osteopathic Medicine (MCOM). Students were admitted to that school, located in Pontiac, Michigan, in 1969.

In the same year, the state legislature granted MCOM's petition to become a state-assisted school, and on August 5, 1969, P.A. 162 was approved. The act ordained that "A school of osteopathic medicine is established and shall be located as determined by the state board of education at an
existing campus of a state university with an existing school or college of medicine."

The act also created a unique entity, the Michigan Osteopathic Medicine Advisory Board, appointed by the governor to "advise the board of control on all matters of pertinence to the school of osteopathic medicine." Three institutions were eligible for the new state-supported school. Wayne
State University proposed a Department of Osteopathy within its medical school, with an associate dean for osteopathy — contrary to the legislative mandate. The University of Michigan did not submit a statement, leaving "the initiative to the State Board of Education." Only Michigan State University accepted the responsibility to establish a full college on September 19, 1969.

In 1971, the private osteopathic college transferred to the East Lansing campus and was known as the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (MSUCOM). Two classes graduated in 1973 — one in May and one in August.

Charter dean of MSUCOM was Myron S. Magen, D.O., who served for more than two decades. He was followed by Douglas L. Wood, D.O., Ph.D., Allen W. Jacobs, D.O., Ph.D., and the current dean William D. Strampel, D.O.

MSUCOM has now graduated over 3,500 alumni, more than half of whom remain in family practice, and two-thirds of whom remain to practice in the state of Michigan. Nearly half of Michigan's osteopathic physicians are now alumni of MSUCOM.

The college has assumed a position of excellence in research, teaching, faculty development and the use of educational technology in the teaching of medicine.