Med school reaches agreement with Special Operations Forces to School of Medicine

The Campbell University medical school has reached a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Special Operations Forces to School of Medicine (SOFtoSOM).

The agreement outlines the terms of cooperation between the two organizations, the MOU says, which operate with a shared vision of improved pathways for veterans to enter medicine and improved healthcare throughout the U.S.

Special Operations Forces are military units composed of elite military members across all branches, who are trained to execute high-stress missions, often in covert and sensitive environments, where precision, adaptability and specialized skills are paramount, a SOFtoSOM presentation says.

The agreement says the military applicants who are vetted, selected and have completed a preparatory program will be offered an interview session with the med school for the respective application cycle. It also offers means to collaborate through advertising, marketing, social media and other avenues of publicity.

CUSOM is truly honored to partner with SOFtoSOM to expand meaningful pathways for our nation's elite service members to enter medicine, says Jennifer Patterson, director of Admissions for the Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine.

"Their unwavering commitment to service and leadership aligns deeply with our mission to prepare community-focused osteopathic physicians who will serve rural and underserved communities," Patterson said. "We are excited to support these remarkable individuals as they continue their lifelong dedication to others through impactful careers in healthcare."

Oftentimes, according to the SOFtoSOM presentation, the sections within the primary application that SOF applicants have difficulty with are the personal statement and the work and activities sections. "This is due to the "Quiet Professional" stigma associated with Special Operations Forces (SOF), where sharing stories or seeking affirmation for individual success is frowned upon."

The presentation also cites a lack of advisers, time issues related to deployments, training and family obligations, for example, and a Lack of Outreach, as many SOF members aren't aware of the opportunities that exists for them to pursue medicine.

"Our goal for the SOF applicant is to reduce the strain and confusion associated with becoming a medical student," according to the presentation. "We accomplish this goal by using our immense network of medical student advisers, webinars with speakers from medical school admissions members, tutoring through our third-party partners, application/interview mentorship and research opportunities for them to stand out as a non-traditional applicant."

Applicants to the medical school should have achieved at least a 3.2 Science and overall cumulative grade-point average on a 4.0 scale and have overall MCAT scores at the 50th percentile or higher, with a preferred score in the 50th percentile or higher in Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems.

The med school uses a holistic admissions review, the MOU says, and the aforementioned academic metrics are only one component of the evaluation.

"Applicants vetted through the program are reviewed in the full context of their experiences, attributes and academic preparation," it says, "and the Admissions committee determines interview invitations based on this comprehensive review."

The timing and format of interviews remain at the committee's discretion, and admission into the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree program through the SoFtoSOM pathway does not guarantee conferral of the DO degree, the agreement says.
The term of this MOU is three years from the date of signing, with opportunities to renew or revise it.

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