Western University of Health Sciences | Humanistic Healthcare Education and Innovation

Western University of Health Sciences (WesternU), with campuses in Pomona, California, and Lebanon, Oregon, is a leading institution in humanistic and interprofessional healthcare education.

Founded in 1977 as the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, WesternU has expanded to include nine colleges offering over 20 graduate and professional health sciences programs. The university emphasizes a compassionate, holistic approach to care, blending scientific rigor with empathy, and is committed to community engagement, cutting-edge research, and innovation, especially in addressing health disparities.

Accredited by WSCUC and various professional bodies, WesternU provides state-of-the-art facilities, vibrant student life, and numerous clinical opportunities through WesternU Health. Its alumni form a global network of healthcare leaders, and the university’s strong community partnerships underscore its mission to improve public health and well-being.

Western University of Health Sciences: A Pillar of Humanistic Healthcare Education and Innovation

Western University of Health Sciences (WesternU), with its main campus in Pomona, California, and an additional campus in Lebanon, Oregon, stands as a prominent institution dedicated to educating the next generation of healthcare professionals. Emphasizing a humanistic approach to medicine and interprofessional collaboration, WesternU is a leader in health sciences education, research, and community engagement.

Mission and History

Founded in 1977 as the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific (COMP), WesternU has grown significantly to encompass a wide array of health sciences disciplines. Its core mission revolves around providing a high-quality education that blends scientific excellence with heartfelt compassion, preparing students to become empathetic and skilled practitioners. The university’s commitment to humanism is deeply embedded in its curriculum and community outreach, encouraging students to consider the holistic well-being of patients and contribute positively to society.

Academic Programs and Colleges

WesternU offers a comprehensive range of graduate and professional programs across numerous health professions. The university is home to nine health sciences colleges, collectively offering over 20 degree programs. Some of its key colleges and the programs they offer include:

• College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific (COMP): Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
• College of Dental Medicine: Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD)
• College of Pharmacy: Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)
• College of Optometry: Doctor of Optometry (OD)
• College of Podiatric Medicine: Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM)
• College of Veterinary Medicine: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
• College of Physical Therapy: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
• College of Health Sciences: Programs such as Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPA), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), and various other graduate and undergraduate health science programs.
• Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences: Offers advanced research degrees.

The university also offers specialized programs like Advanced Health Care Practice (Master’s), Applied Health Sciences (online graduate diploma), Health & Rehabilitation Sciences (Master’s and PhD), Health Information Science, and Global Health Systems, reflecting a commitment to diverse and evolving healthcare needs.

Accreditation

WesternU is institutionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), a recognized body by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and the U.S. Department of Education. Furthermore, its individual professional programs hold specialized accreditations from their respective national accrediting bodies, ensuring the highest standards of education and preparing graduates for licensure in various states.

For instance, its Doctor of Pharmacy program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education, and its Osteopathic Medicine program by the American Osteopathic Association, Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation.

Research and Innovation

WesternU is a dynamic environment for research, with a strong focus on investigator-driven research that addresses pressing healthcare issues and promotes health equity in disadvantaged populations. Research programs often involve multidisciplinary teams utilizing basic science, clinical, behavioral, and community-based research approaches.

The Faculty of Health Sciences, for example, has “Signature Research Areas” and several “Research Centres” that foster discovery and innovation, including the Canadian Centre for Activity and Aging (CCAA), which is a leader in research and program development for improved physical ability and healthy aging in older adults. Students are actively involved in research, contributing to their development as future clinician-scientists.

Recent research insights from WesternU faculty include:

• The impact of climate change on children’s physical activity.
• Links between homelessness and dementia.
• The importance of learning animal sounds for children’s language development.
• The toll of economic abuse on rural women.

Campus Facilities and Student Life

WesternU’s main campus in Pomona, California, spans 22 acres and is a hub of academic, clinical, and community activity. The university also has a campus in Lebanon, Oregon. On-campus, students have access to state-of-the-art research facilities, specialized health clinics (WesternU Health, offering services like Eye Care, Dental Care, Foot & Ankle Care, Primary & Specialty Care, Pharmacy & Travel Health Care, and Clinical Trials), and various resources to support their academic and personal well-being.

Student life at WesternU is vibrant and engaging. The university encourages a strong sense of community and offers numerous opportunities for student involvement, personal growth, and leadership development. With over 130 student clubs and organizations, students can participate in diverse co-curricular and extracurricular activities. The Student Government Association (SGA) actively works with university administration to enhance the student experience.

Notable Alumni

WesternU boasts a distinguished network of alumni who are making significant contributions to healthcare and medicine globally. While a comprehensive public list is extensive, some notable figures associated with Western University (which may also include Western University of Canada due to search result overlap) include:

• David G. Armstrong: A prominent figure in podiatric medicine.
• Gabriel Chiu: Known in various health and philanthropic circles.
• Christopher Plummer: (Associated with Western University of Canada) Renowned actor.
• Simu Liu: (Associated with Western University of Canada) Actor.
• Jagmeet Singh: (Associated with Western University of Canada) Canadian politician.
• Roberta Lynn Bondar: (Associated with Western University of Canada) Canada’s first female astronaut and neurologist in space.
• Jennifer Gunter: (Associated with Western University of Canada) Canadian-American gynecologist and author.

Alumni are highly sought after and form a global network of accomplished professionals.

Community Involvement

A cornerstone of WesternU’s philosophy is its deep commitment to community involvement. Through various initiatives, students and faculty directly impact the health of local communities. WesternU Health provides opportunities for students to gain invaluable clinical experience while offering the community enhanced access to critical healthcare services.

Examples of community engagement include:

• The Himmati Foundation, started by a College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific graduate, which has donated thousands of masks, gloves, and food items to homeless shelters and nonprofits across seven states.
• A mask-making project initiated by a College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific student to protect healthcare workers.
• The #BeAwesomeToOneAnother campaign, launched by a College of Dental Medicine graduate, promoting humanism in healthcare and reaching a vast audience on social media.

WesternU continuously strengthens its relationships with local, regional, state, and federal governmental, institutional, business, and community partners, reflecting its dedication to serving the broader public good.

FAQs about Western University of Health Sciences

What is Western University of Health Sciences known for?
WesternU is known for its humanistic approach to healthcare education, interprofessional collaboration, and a wide range of health sciences programs.

Where is WesternU located?
WesternU’s main campus is in Pomona, California, with an additional campus in Lebanon, Oregon.

When was WesternU founded?
WesternU was founded in 1977 as the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific.

What degrees does WesternU offer?
WesternU offers over 20 graduate and professional programs in disciplines like osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, optometry, podiatry, physical therapy, nursing, and biomedical sciences.

How many colleges are part of WesternU?
WesternU comprises nine colleges specializing in various health science disciplines.

Is WesternU accredited?
Yes, WesternU is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), with all its programs also holding specialized accreditations.

What is the teaching philosophy at WesternU?
WesternU emphasizes a humanistic approach to healthcare, focusing on empathy, compassion, and holistic patient care.

What clinical services are available at WesternU?
WesternU Health offers services such as eye care, dental care, foot and ankle care, primary and specialty care, pharmacy, and clinical trials.

Does WesternU support student research?
Yes, students are actively involved in multidisciplinary, investigator-driven research addressing real-world health challenges.

What are some research focus areas at WesternU?
Research at WesternU focuses on health equity, aging, homelessness, climate change’s effect on health, and childhood development.

Are there opportunities for community involvement?
Yes, students and faculty engage in extensive community outreach, such as free clinics, mask donation drives, and public health campaigns.

What student organizations are available at WesternU?
There are over 130 student clubs and organizations, offering opportunities for leadership, service, and professional development.

Is there student government at WesternU?
Yes, the Student Government Association (SGA) works with administration to enhance the student experience.

Who are some notable alumni from WesternU?
Notable alumni include podiatrist David G. Armstrong and philanthropist Gabriel Chiu. Some names often linked to Western University of Canada may appear due to name similarity.

Can students gain hands-on clinical experience at WesternU?
Absolutely. Students gain real-world experience through WesternU Health clinics and community engagement programs.

Does WesternU offer online programs?
Yes, some graduate programs, such as Applied Health Sciences and Health Information Science, are available online.

What is the size of WesternU’s main campus?
The Pomona campus spans 22 acres and includes academic, research, and clinical facilities.

Does WesternU offer interprofessional education?
Yes, interprofessional education is a core component of WesternU’s curriculum, fostering collaboration among health disciplines.

How does WesternU support student well-being?
The university offers various resources for academic, emotional, and physical well-being, including health clinics, counseling, and wellness activities.

What makes WesternU different from other health science universities?
WesternU stands out for its humanistic philosophy, interprofessional approach, community service, and strong focus on compassionate care.

What types of financial aid are available at WesternU?
WesternU offers financial aid including scholarships, grants, federal loans, and work-study opportunities.

How do I apply to WesternU?
Prospective students must apply through the appropriate centralized application service for their program (e.g., AACOMAS for DO), followed by supplemental materials.

What is the student-to-faculty ratio at WesternU?
WesternU maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio to ensure personalized education and mentorship.

Does WesternU have partnerships with hospitals or clinics?
Yes, WesternU maintains affiliations with a variety of hospitals, clinics, and healthcare systems to support clinical training.

Are international students eligible to apply?
Yes, WesternU accepts international students for many of its graduate programs, although specific requirements may vary by program.

What support does WesternU offer for career placement?
Career services include resume workshops, interview prep, job fairs, and networking opportunities with healthcare employers.

Does WesternU conduct global health initiatives?
Yes, the university offers programs and courses related to global health systems and encourages international outreach.

What kind of facilities are available to students?
Students have access to modern classrooms, labs, simulation centers, research spaces, libraries, and fitness and wellness centers.

Is housing available for students?
While WesternU does not provide on-campus housing, it assists students in finding nearby accommodations.

How does WesternU promote diversity and inclusion?
WesternU is committed to diversity in healthcare and fosters an inclusive environment through curriculum, training, and campus initiatives.