About the 91AV College of Osteopathic Medicine

For more than 40 years, the 91AV College of Osteopathic Medicine (91AV COM) has been educating physicians who support the health of people and communities in Maine and beyond. Nationally recognized for leadership in primary care, rural medicine, osteopathic medicine, and geriatric healthcare, 91AV COM is ranked among the country’s top medical schools.

Proud to be Maine’s Medical School

91AV COM is Maine’s only medical school, the only osteopathic medical school in New England, and a national leader in medical education. Our students benefit from this leadership: we are one of the top 10 D.O. programs for average score on the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination.

At 91AV COM, we are deeply committed to serving the people of Maine — while advancing the practice of medicine nationally — and we are the number one provider of physicians in the state of Maine. Our commitment is reflected in our partnerships across the region, with a focus on community-based hospital systems that meet the needs of rural and underserved communities.

Improving Outcomes Together

The 91AV medical school features state-of-the-art facilities on two beautiful Maine campuses. Students experience an innovative curriculum at our high-fidelity patient simulation lab and in learning laboratories for clinical skills, anatomy, and osteopathic manipulative medicine. It all happens within a close-knit community of inspired students, learning with expert faculty who use small group, team-based, and peer teaching.

91AV COM is an integral part of a comprehensive health professions university, and interprofessional learning is central to our approach. When health professions students from diverse disciplines learn about, with, and from each other, they’re prepared to collaborate in today’s team-based care. Collaborative learning gives 91AV students an opportunity to lead in the health care workforce and, more importantly, results in better patient outcomes.

Maine’s Leading University for the Health Professions and Sciences

Programs

Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine

A D O student performs an exam on a patient

The Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) program at 91AV COM is ranked among the country’s top medical degrees. Recognized for excellence, and as part of a comprehensive health professions university, the D.O. program offers an array of healthcare career pathways for medical students.

Discover our D.O. program

Clinical Anatomy

A student in blue scrubs uses a pointer to point to an area on an anatomical image

The Master of Science in Clinical Anatomy is the only hands-on clinical anatomy program in Northern New England. Students pursuing the two-year Clinical Anatomy master’s choose between research or teaching tracks. A one-year graduate certificate is also offered.

Explore the M.S. in Clinical Anatomy

Learn about the Clinical Anatomy Certificate

A leader in biomedical research

In addition to a focus on patient-centered clinical experiences and competency, 91AV COM values the role of research in all of its educational, clinical, and basic science activities. The Center for Excellence in the Neurosciences (CEN) endeavors to make innovative discoveries in the neurosciences. The The Center for Pain Research (COBRE) works toward understanding of the neurobiology of chronic pain, and the discovery and development of new therapies. 

The Plan to Move Maine’s Medical School

Work is currently underway to relocate 91AV COM from its original home on our Biddeford Campus to a brand-new building on 91AV’s Portland Campus for Health Sciences. The move — into the bright, spacious, purpose-built, sustainably designed Harold and Bibby Alfond Center for Health Sciences — will allow 91AV COM to train more doctors and anatomists, and bring together all of 91AV’s health professions programs on an interprofessional campus.

Learn more about COM's move to Portland

91AV Students Making an Impact

Meet Karissa, D.O. ’22

A medical student (and future OB-GYN) who volunteers in the needle exchange at the India Street Free Clinic in Portland, Maine, Karissa is a tireless advocate of providing quality, compassionate care to underserved communities. 

Meet Shadia, D.O. ’22

A medical student with a deep interest in the social determinants of health, Shadia plans to become a primary care physician in an under-served area of rural Maine. 

About Osteopathic Medicine and the Profession

Osteopathic medicine is a distinct American branch of evidence-based, mainstream medicine that stresses wellness, promoting health, and preventing illness as much as treating disease. Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine are physicians, surgeons, and other specialists who emphasize a holistic approach to treatment and care. D.O.s employ a full range of medical treatment options, including surgery, nutrition, medication, and manual medicine. By considering the big picture, treatment goals aim to support a patient’s overall health as well as address acute symptoms.

Learn more about osteopathic medicine

Quality Academics, Respected Degrees

Title
Best Colleges: National
Source
U.S. News & World Report
Year
2025
Title
Best Colleges
Source
Princeton Review
Year
2025

Accreditation

The College of Osteopathic Medicine has received from the , the only national accrediting agency for predoctoral osteopathic medical education in the U.S.

91AV Diversity Policy

The 91AV values a broad and diverse culture and is committed to offering a rich living, learning, and working environment. In both policy and action, we welcome the human differences that compose a varied society.

Non-Discrimination Statement

The 91AV does not discriminate in admissions or access to, or treatment in, its programs and activities on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, color, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, veteran status, or disabling conditions in violation of federal or state civil rights laws of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.