Chicago's First New Medical School in Nearly 100 Years Is Now Accepting Applications

The Illinois College of Osteopathic Medicine at The Chicago School Receives Pre-Accreditation Status, Paving the Way for a New Generation of Physicians

CHICAGO, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Chicago School today announced that its Illinois College of Osteopathic Medicine (IllinoisCOM) has received pre-accreditation from the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA), the programmatic accreditor for osteopathic medical education in the United States. Pre-accreditation confirms that the college has met or exceeded the Commission's standards for educational quality. This significant milestone allows the college to officially begin recruiting students for its inaugural class, set to begin in Fall 2026.

IllinoisCOM at The Chicago School plans to graduate 170 new osteopathic physicians annually when fully operational, strengthening the healthcare workforce and helping to address America's urgent physician shortage. The Chicago School's deep expertise in psychology and behavioral health will inform the education of a new generation of physicians by fostering a unique, multi-disciplinary approach to patient care—integrating mental and physical health for comprehensive, whole-person treatment. 

"Nearly 60% of patients who receive mental health treatment do so from their primary care physician, yet many primary care doctors have inadequate preparation in behavioral healthcare," said The Chicago School President Michele Nealon, Psy.D. "At IllinoisCOM, we're embedding mental and physical health integration into the foundation of our curriculum to ensure future osteopathic physicians are prepared to meet the full spectrum of patient needs."

Through strategic partnerships with hospitals and healthcare organizations, The Chicago School will build on its longstanding commitment to supporting urban communities through the establishment of clinical rotations for IllinoisCOM students in high-need areas that align with its campus locations in Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. These placements seek to ensure students gain hands-on experience while serving communities facing critical healthcare shortages. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, the U.S. faces a projected shortage of up to 124,000 physicians by 2034, with the greatest gaps in primary care. 

"Chicago has long been a recognized world leader in medical education, and The Chicago School is honored to become part of this legacy," said John Lucas, DO, founding dean and chief academic officer of IllinoisCOM. "Our students will be trained not only in the latest advancements in medicine but also in the art of compassionate, culturally competent care. They will be prepared to meet patients where they are, ensuring more effective treatment outcomes, particularly in underserved communities."

The new medical school is expected to generate $1 billion in total economic impact in Chicago over the next 12 years, contributing $83.4 million annually to the local economy, supporting 464 jobs, and generating $4.8 million in state and local tax revenue each year. 

In 2024, The Chicago School and The Community Solution Education System jointly announced the development of a state-of-the-art campus in Chicago's West Loop that will support a community of approximately 1,800 students, faculty, and staff. Spanning 247,000 square feet, the campus will be home to The Community Solution headquarters and The Chicago School's IllinoisCOM as well as its programs in psychology, health, business, counseling, and behavioral sciences.

"The Community Solution Education System is focused on preparing professionals to address some of society's greatest areas of need," said Michael Horowitz, Ph.D., chancellor of The Community Solution Education System. "This milestone is more than an institutional achievement for The Chicago School, it is a critical step toward expanding access to high-quality medical education and integrated healthcare to advance the well-being of communities across the country."

Recruitment for IllinoisCOM's inaugural class is now underway, and The Chicago School is excited to welcome its first cohort of future osteopathic physicians in July 2026. IllinoisCOM is poised to make a lasting impact on Chicago's healthcare landscape and beyond. To learn more about Chicago's newest medical school, visit medicine.thechicagoschool.edu. For more information about the accreditation process, visit osteopathic.org.

About The Chicago School 
For 45 years, The Chicago School has been a leading nonprofit university dedicated to training professionals for careers that improve the health of individuals, organizations, and communities. By combining education, innovation, community, and impact, The Chicago School approach provides students with a practical and solutions-oriented education in an array of academic programs across psychology, health, business, counseling, and behavioral sciences. With more than 6,000 students and locations in Chicago, Dallas, Southern California, and Washington, D.C., the university's extensive network of community partnerships provides applicable training and networking opportunities. 

The Chicago School is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission. To learn more, visit www.thechicagoschool.edu. The Chicago School is a proud member of The Community Solution Education System, an integrated nonprofit system of colleges and universities working together to advance student success and community impact.

SOURCE The Chicago School