Affiliation Agreement
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine

BACKGROUND

The Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) and Springfield College hereby pledge their commitment to the training of future practitioners of primary care medicine by joining in this affiliation. Under the joint agreement between LECOM and Springfield College, select undergraduate students who have I successfully completed specific core course requirements at Springfield College may continue their education in medicine at LECOM in a specified program of study. This accelerated academic program is referred to as The "3 + 4" Accelerated Program in Primary Care Medicine (or Program). The Program is comprised of two phases: Phase I consists of the first three years of undergraduate education at Springfield College; and Phase II consists of the remaining four years of medical school education at LECOM. Springfield College will confer either the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree or the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree to students who have successfully completed the first year of academic curriculum at LECOM.

SELECTION OF STUDENTS FOR THE PROGRAM

For admission to the Program, students must complete the first 3-year phase of education at Springfield College. Following the successful completion of the ascribed undergraduate phase of training, students will continue with the second phase of their education under the auspices of LECOM and associated clinical training sites.

Students will be admitted to the Springfield College Phase (Phase I) of the Program based upon admissions criteria established by Springfield College.

ADMISSION TO PHASE II OF THE PROGRAM

Upon successful completion of Phase I of the Program Springfield College, select students will be recommended for final acceptance to Phase I of the Program (at LECOM).

Students to be admitted to Phase II of the Program must apply through AACOMAS for application to LECOM no later than September 1 of that year. A LECOM Supplemental Application must also be completed and submitted by September 1 of that year prior to scheduling of the Admission Interview.

Students to be admitted to Phase II of the Program must also successfully complete at least 90 credit hours and the specific prerequisite course work as indicated in the Springfield College and LECOM student catalogs, and as described below (or as amended). The minimal overall grade point average at Springfield College must be a 3.2 (A=4.0). The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) scores must be 7 or better in each subtest with a minimum overall score of 24 or better.

Appropriate letters of recommendation, including a detailed, supportive letter from the Springfield College Health Professions Committee, and all other supporting documentation must also be submitted upon application for admission to Phase II.

All students considered for admission into Phase II of the Program must be interviewed for admission on the LECOM campus prior to final consideration.

Students who successfully complete Phase I will be granted I admission to LECOM contingent on the students satisfying all the admissions criteria. Students will receive official notification of acceptance into Phase II of the program, writing, approximately two weeks following the admissions interview. All student inquiries for information regarding application status should be directed to the LECOM Admissions Office.

Notwithstanding any other provision in this Agreement to the contrary, LECOM shall retain the final authority in determining each student's admission into Phase II of the Program, and retains the final authority to deny any Student admission into Phase II if, in the sole determination of LECOM the Student:

1. Poses a serious risk of harm to the health or welfare of the employees and students of LECOM.

2. Fails to demonstrate professional behavior appropriate to the environment of LECOM

3. Exhibited conduct or other behavior that would preclude licensure as an Osteopathic Physician.

4. Fails to comply with the published policies, rules, and regulations of LECOM and/or demonstrates behavior off-campus which is likely to have an adverse effect on LECOM, the osteopathic profession, or the educational process.

5. Fails to comply with all federal, state and local laws

Phase I

FIRST YEAR SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE

FIRST SEMESTER

Biology I
Organic Chemistry I
English
Biology or Chemistry Lab I

SECOND SEMESTER

Biology II
Organic Chemistry II
Behavioral Science
Biology or Chemistry Lab II
Calculus

SECOND YEAR SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE

THIRD SEMESTER

Inorganic Chemistry I
Physics I
Physics Lab I
English

FOURTH SEMESTER

Inorganic Chemistry II
Behavioral Science
Physics II
Physics Lab II

THIRD YEAR SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE

FIFTH SEMESTER

Course Listings
Total Phase I credits: 94 – 100

SIXTH SEMESTER

Course Listings

Note: To alleviate an intensive second year schedule, Physics and Lab may be taken over the summers between the freshman and sophomore years.

Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)

The MCAT should be taken in August prior to the start of the third year.

Phase II

FOURTH YEAR OF THE JOINT PROGRAM

FIRST YEAR AT LECOM

FALL SEMESTER

Human Gross Anatomy
Embryology
Cell Biology/Histology
Physiology
Pathology
Biochemistry
Osteopathic Principles & Practice I
Pharmacology I
Microbiology

SPRING SEMESTER

History and Physical Examination
Integumentary System
Neurosensory System
Musculoskeletal System
Osteopathic Principles & Practice II
Osteopathic Preceptor Education Program (OPEP)

Note: EMERGENCY MEDICINE, PEDIATRICS and related intersystem topics in medicine are distributed appropriately throughout the curriculum.

FIFTH YEAR OF THE JOINT PROGRAM

SECOND YEAR AT LECOM

FIRST SEMESTER

Cardiovascular System
Respiratory System
Hemotology/Oncology System
Renal System
C.O.D.A. I
Osteopathic Principles & Practice III
Public Health/Preventative Medicine
Medical Jurisprudence

SPRING SEMESTER

Digestive System
Endocrine System
Reproductive System
Human Sexuality and Medicine
C.O.D.A. II
Osteopathic Principles & Practice IV
Specialized Patient Encounter (SPEC)
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)

NATIONAL BOARDS OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICAL EXAMINERS

The COMLEX, Level 1 of the NBOME must be taken (and passed) in June after successful completion of the second year at LECOM.

SIXTH YEAR OF THE JOINT PROGRAM

THIRD YEAR AT LECOM

Internal Medicine (8 weeks)
Obstetrics/Gynecology (4 weeks)
General Surgery (8 weeks)
Anesthesiology/Pain Management (4 weeks)
Radiology (4 weeks)
Family Medicine (4 weeks)
Pediatrics (4 weeks)
Psychiatry/Behavioral Sciences (4 weeks)
Elective (8 weeks)

SEVENTH YEAR OF THE JOINT PROGRAM

FOURTH YEAR AT LECOM

Medical Selective (4 weeks)
Primary Care Selective (4 weeks)
Ambulatory Medicine (8 weeks)
Emergency Medicine (8 weeks)
Rural/Underserved Medicine (4 weeks)
Cardiology/Critical Care (4 weeks)
Elective (8 weeks)

NATIONAL BOARDS OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICAL EXAMINERS

COMLEX, Level 2 of the NBOME MUST be taken (and passed) in August of the fourth year at LECOM to partially meet the minimum requirements for graduation.

CONFERRAL OF THE DOCTOR OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE DEGREE

The degree will be conferred only upon successful completion of all coursework, both didactic and clinical, passing both Levels 1 & 2 of the COMLEX, and recommendation by the faculty and administration of LECOM. Conferral of the D.O. degree will be at the end of the fourth year at LECOM (seventh year of the Program).

AFFILATION PARTNER RESPONSIBILITIES

Springfield College agrees to:

1. Provide courses that meet the prerequisite requirements for LECOM.

2. Designate a person who will serve as coordinator of the Program.

3. Submit to LECOM a list of candidates for the program no later than September 1 of the application year, accompanied by their letters of recommendation from the Springfield College Health Professions Committee and a statement from each applicant on their reasons for choosing a career in osteopathic medicine.

4. Be responsible for promoting the affiliation to prospective and current students through providing information to the Springfield College Admissions staff, Career Planning and Placement officers, the Health Professions Committee members, all premedical advisors, and through other relevant modalities.

5. Keep students and premedical advisors abreast of current information applicable to the affiliation.

6. Maintain permanent files for students who apply to the Program. Serve as a liaison between Springfield College and LECOM for any and all issues involving the affiliation.

LECOM agrees to:

1. Grant admission to candidates from Springfield College who meet the admissions requirements for Phase II of the program no later than November 1 of the application year (third year of the program).

2. Waive the secondary application fee for Springfield College students applying for Phase II of the Program.

3. Designate a person who will serve as coordinator of the Program.

4. Inform appropriate personnel of the agreement and to encourage support of the Program.

GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS

1. Springfield College agrees to indemnify and hold harmless LECOM from and against any and all claims, demands, actions, settlements, or judgments, including attorneys' fees and litigation expenses, based upon or arising out of the activities described in this Agreement, to the extent that such claims, demands, actions, settlements or judgments are occasioned by the negligence, actions, or omissions of Springfield College, its agents, servants, employees, or students.

2. LECOM agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Springfield College from and against any and all claims, demands, actions, settlements, or judgments, including attorneys' fees and litigation expenses, based upon or arising out of the activities described in this Agreement, to the extent that such claims, demands, actions, or omissions of LECOM, its agents, servants, employees or students.

3. Springfield College and LECOM, in compliance with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations, will not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, handicap, sexual preference, or veteran status in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, their respective programs and activities.

4. It is understood that this Agreement is not intended to, and shall not be constructed to, create the relationship of agent, servant, employee, partnership, joint venture or association between Springfield College and LECOM, but is rather an Agreement by and between independent contractors.

AMENDMENT AND DURATION OF AGREEMENT

Either party may take the initiative to amend this Agreement by submitting suggestions in writing and following through the respective liaison. The amended Agreement will become effective when signed by the appropriate administrative representatives of each institution. This Agreement constitutes the entire Agreement between two parties hereto, and no addition, modification, or deletion shall be valid unless reduced to writing and signed by all of the parties hereto. This Agreement will go into effect beginning at the signing date and will remain in effect until either party indicates otherwise in writing at least one year in advance. Any decision to terminate the Program will not affect the status of any Springfield College students currently accepted into or enrolled in the Program.

AGREEMENT:

THIS AGREEMENT made this ______ day of ________, 2003, by and between the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine of the City of Erie, County of Erie, and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and Springfield College of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Updated: 11/01/2006