Touro University – Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine
Congratulations and welcome! You are one of a select group of students who will soon start a journey that will last a lifetime. You are all different and unique but share a common bond of intellectual excellence, motivation to a career in healthcare, high moral and ethical standards and an interest in Osteopathic philosophy and practice. You are also part of the 3rd class of D.O. students and have the distinction of being the largest medical school class ever in the State of Nevada. As the 21st Osteopathic medical school in the United States we are positioned to make a positive difference in the healthcare of Nevada and the country by providing the educational resources and environment for each of you to grow academically, professionally and personally. You will also influence how our school and program grows and develops because your personal and professional experiences after you graduate will reflect on the institution that helped train you. We will seek your insight into how we can do things better.
I would like to take a moment to brag about our (actually your) facility. The OMM lab is spacious and has recently been updated with hydraulic examination tables. It has some exciting state of the art AV features such as a moveable camera and monitors for demonstration purposes. The Interdisciplinary Lab (IDL) is designed to assist you in learning technical skills in microbiology, histology, neuroscience, biochemistry, and physiology. You will the opportunity to learn how to perform basic clinical microscopy (examine peripheral blood smears, perform and interpret gram stains, examine and interpret urine specimens and cerebrospinal fluid). The Gross Anatomy lab is one of the few OSHA compliant anatomy labs in Nevada. We recently purchased notebook computers to replace the dissectors and atlases at each cadaver table. Students will have access to sophisticated video dissectors to help them learn anatomy. The Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) lab consists of 11 monitored exam rooms and a control area where students performing clinical examinations can be observed and recorded and provided with a DVD copy for their educational use. We have implemented an innovative program using trained simulated patients (in collaboration with UNLV’s School of Performing Arts) to assist students in performing histories and physical examination and preparing them to be successful on the COMLEX – PE exam. On the basis of recommendations made by our accrediting body, we have built additional student study rooms and lounges.
Our faculty continues to grow. We have added additional experienced basic science and clinical faculty to an already seasoned faculty. In addition, we have had the good fortune to have the support of basic science and clinical adjunct faculty from the community to supplement our full time faculty. Clark County and Nevada continues to be a gold mine of resources for academic medical education in the basic sciences, clinical rotations and in research.
Touro University Nevada is interested in the academic, professional and personal development of our students. We have cultivated an open door and friendly environment to support the educational growth and development of our students and we are in the process of implementing innovative approaches to our curriculum and assessment. This includes but is not limited to Problems Based Learning modules (PBL), interactive classroom technology, small group tutorials, and structured Self – Study modules. We want to make learning more relevant, interesting and enjoyable.
In respect to your personal development, Touro University Nevada has built a well – equipped exercise room and basketball/volley ball court for students’ use. A security guard is stationed on campus from 7 pm until 7 am daily. Your safety continues to be our primary concern. Lastly, our newly updated website and intranet have been created to assist current and prospective students in navigating the wealth of information housed in Touro University Nevada.
Our faculty, staff and administration is available at all times to assist students. I look forward to interacting with each of you over the next 4 years and as colleagues in the future.
Sincerely,
Mitchell D. Forman, D.O., FACR, FACOI, FACP
Dean & Professor
