Politics
Florida Poly, Orlando College of Osteopathic Medicine partner for accelerated medical degrees
Florida Polytechnic University and the Orlando College of Osteopathic Medicine (OCOM) are partnering to launch a new program that will allow students to earn both Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degrees in just six years.
An effort to address physician shortages and expand access to high-quality medical training, the program creates a direct and seamless pathway from undergraduate STEM education at Florida Poly to professional medical training at OCOM.
OCOM founder Dr. Kiran C. Patel and Florida Poly President Devin Stephenson signed an agreement last week. Designed for high-achieving students, the initiative is limited to 20 students per year and requires a minimum SAT score of 1390 or ACT score of 31, and GPA of 3.5. The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) will not be required.
“This is a transformative opportunity for students who want to become physicians and are eager to begin serving their communities,” Stephenson said.
“By combining rigorous STEM education with a clear, accelerated track to medical school, we are reimagining what’s possible in health education and responding to a critical need for more doctors across Florida and beyond. This agreement also reflects Florida Poly’s 25|30 Strategic Plan’s commitment to build capacity through enhanced partnership development, strengthening our role as a driver of innovation and impact.”
Students in the joint degree initiative will spend the first two years at Florida Poly completing foundational science and math coursework before transitioning to OCOM for four years of study focused on osteopathic medicine, a whole-person approach to medicine.
“It creates a clear and accelerated route for talented students, particularly those entering college with an associate degree and exceptional academic standing, to become physicians sooner,” said Patel, himself a cardiologist.
“Just as important, this program significantly reduces the overall cost of education by eliminating two full years of tuition and living expenses. Together, Florida Poly and OCOM are providing a smarter, faster, and more financially sustainable path to a medical degree for the next generation of doctors.”
Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) are fully licensed physicians who provide care with mindful attention to the patient’s lifestyle, environment and emotional well-being, alongside physical symptoms. The DO methodology, while less common than a Medical Doctor (MD) degree, is a more holistic approach to medicine and health care.
Final elements of the partnership and accelerated program are still being completed, and details on how to apply to the program will be made available soon, Florida Poly said in an announcement.
The new program is part of the recently formed partnership between Florida Poly and OCOM, formalized at a signing ceremony in May at OCOM’s campus in Winter Garden.
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The horrific shooting in Australia that claimed at least 16 lives during a Hanukkah celebration has prompted an expression of sympathy from Florida lawmakers.
The Florida Jewish Legislative Caucus issued a statement of condemnation of the violence during the Jewish observance on Sydney’s Bondi Beach. The Caucus published its statement Sunday afternoon.
“The Florida Legislative Jewish Caucus unequivocally condemns the horrific and senseless killing that occurred during Hanukkah in Australia. An act of violence against Jews celebrating their faith is an attack not only on a single community, but on the fundamental values of freedom, religious liberty, and human dignity,” the Florida Legislative Caucus said in a news release.
“We stand in unwavering solidarity with our Jewish brothers and sisters in Australia, with the victims’ families, and with Jewish communities around the world who are once again forced to confront hatred simply for being who they are. The State of Florida’s Jewish legislators join in mourning, remembrance, and resolve.”
The Florida LegislativeJewish Caucus has a dozen members from the House of Representatives and two State Senators.
Hundreds of people had gathered Sunday at the beach for an event to celebrate the first day of Hanukkah, when gunmen opened fire. At least 38 others were injured in the attack.
New South Wales Health Minister Ryan Park said the death toll had risen from 12 to 16 overnight, including a 12-year-old child. Three other children are being treated in hospital, he said.
“This is absolutely horrendous for the community broadly, but particularly the Jewish community. … What we saw last night was the worst of humanity, but at the same time, the very best of humanity,” Park said.
The massacre at one of Australia’s most popular beaches followed a wave of antisemitic attacks that have roiled the country over the past year, although the authorities didn’t suggest those and Sunday’s shooting were connected. It is the deadliest shooting in almost three decades in a country with strict gun control laws.
One gunman was fatally shot by police and the second was arrested and in critical condition, authorities said. Police said one gunman was known to security services, but there was no specific threat.
At least 29 people were confirmed wounded, including two police officers, said Mal Lanyon, police commissioner for New South Wales state, where Sydney is located.
“This attack was designed to target Sydney’s Jewish community,” New South Wales Premier Chris Minns said.
The violence erupted at the end of a summer day when thousands had flocked to Bondi Beach, including hundreds gathered for the Chanukah by the Sea event celebrating the start of the eight-day Hanukkah festival.
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Material from The Associated Press was used in this report with permission.
Behavioral health officials have a list of precautions for Floridians to deal with anxieities heading into Christmas and New Year’s Day.
While the holidays can bring a lot of comfort and joy, the can also be a stressful time and Florida’s health management entities are providing some helpful tips to deal with yuletide anxiety.
There are seven behavioral health managing entities in the state and all of them are aware that stress heading into Christmas and New Year’s Day can seem overwhelming at times. They’re advising balance may be one of the key elements in dealing with the holidays.
“The holidays are a time of joy, but they can also be a time of stress, sadness and triggering situations,” said Natalie Kelly, CEO of the Florida Association of Managing Entities. “Florida’s behavioral health Managing Entities remind Floridians that behavioral health services are available, even to those who are uninsured or underinsured.”
The state’s behavioral health professionals are also providing a list of tips to help come to grips with any holiday tension including:
— Get plenty of exercise. Exercising boosts your mood and combats depression.
— Limit alcohol intake. Alcohol is a depressant that can cause feelings of anxiety, sadness and depression.
— Set healthy boundaries and don’t overextend yourself. Setting realistic expectations can help reduce stress.
— Seek the help of a counselor for mental health needs. If you feel overwhelmed or the need to get help to address your feelings, contact a counselor.
— Call 2-1-1 if needed to connect with resources in your community.
— Call 9-8-8 if you or a loved one is having suicidal thoughts.
A mental-health treatment network has been established in the state for providers who deliver services to residents needing help. Those services extend to parents and children, veterans and the homeless.
Providers serve patients for not only mental health needs, but substance use, housing, transportation and employment help. Those managing entities are often overseen by community organizations and administrators and are accountable to state and federal funds.
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