Midwestern University: A Legacy of Healthcare Education
Midwestern University stands as a cornerstone of professional healthcare education, evolving from a pioneering medical school into a comprehensive multi-campus institution. With a history spanning over a century, the university has consistently expanded its academic offerings to meet the growing demands of the medical field, specializing in osteopathic medicine and various allied health sciences.
The Foundations of Osteopathic Medicine
The institution's journey began in 1900 when Dr. John Martin Littlejohn and his brothers founded the American College of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery. This establishment was a milestone in medical history, becoming only the fourth medical school globally to grant the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree—a professional degree for physicians that emphasizes a whole-person approach to care.
Originally based on Washington Boulevard in Chicago, the school relocated to Hyde Park in 1918. Over the early decades, the institution underwent several name changes, transitioning to the Chicago College of Osteopathy in 1913, and eventually becoming the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Expansion and the Formation of Midwestern University
The late 20th century marked a period of rapid growth and structural transformation. In 1986, the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine moved to its current location in the western suburb of Downers Grove, Illinois.
The university's scope broadened significantly in the early 1990s with the opening of the Chicago College of Pharmacy in 1991 and the College of Health Sciences in 1992. To unify these diverse disciplines under a single educational mission, the board of trustees officially established Midwestern University in 1993.
Growth continued into the 21st century with the addition of the College of Dental Medicine-Illinois in 2009, the Chicago College of Optometry in 2014, and the College of Graduate Studies in 2018.
Establishing the Arizona Presence
In 1996, the university extended its reach to the Southwest by opening a campus in Glendale, Arizona. The Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine was the first to launch at this location, making it one of only two medical schools in the state at the time. It remained Arizona's sole osteopathic medical school until 2007.
The Glendale campus quickly diversified its curriculum, adding a physician assistant program in 1997 and the College of Pharmacy in 1998. This was followed by the College of Dental Medicine-Arizona in 2006 and the Arizona College of Optometry in 2008. In 2020, the podiatric medicine program was formally established as the Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine.
Innovation in Veterinary Medicine and Sustainability
Midwestern University has made significant contributions to specialized medical infrastructure. In 2012, the university launched the College of Veterinary Medicine in Glendale. This was a historic addition, as it was the first veterinary medical school in Arizona and the 29th in the United States. The facility includes a 109,000-square-foot veterinary teaching hospital, a 36,000-square-foot large animal teaching facility, and a 76,000-square-foot classroom building.
Beyond academics, the university has demonstrated a commitment to environmental stewardship. In 2010, the Environmental Protection Agency honored the university with Conservation and Native Landscaping Awards for the restoration of nine acres of oak-hickory woods and wetland on the Downers Grove campus. Additionally, the 193,000-square-foot Downers Grove Multispecialty Clinic opened in 2012 to enhance clinical care and training.
Key Facts
- Founded: 1900 as the American College of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery.
- Pioneering Status: Fourth medical school in the world to grant the D.O. degree.
- Campuses: Located in Downers Grove, Illinois, and Glendale, Arizona.
- Veterinary Milestone: Established the first veterinary medical school in Arizona (2012).
- Environmental Achievement: EPA award for restoring 9 acres of native land in Illinois.
| Campus | Key Establishments | Notable Milestones |
|---|---|---|
| Downers Grove, IL | Osteopathic Medicine, Pharmacy, Health Sciences, Dental Medicine, Optometry, Graduate Studies | Moved to Downers Grove in 1986; Multispecialty Clinic opened 2012. |
| Glendale, AZ | Osteopathic Medicine, Pharmacy, Dental Medicine, Optometry, Veterinary Medicine, Podiatric Medicine | Campus opened 1996; First veterinary school in Arizona opened 2012. |
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Midwestern University officially named?
The institution was officially named Midwestern University in 1993, following a unanimous decision by the board of trustees to unite the colleges of osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, and health sciences under one mission.
What is the significance of the D.O. degree mentioned in the university's history?
The Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) is a professional medical degree. Midwestern University's founding institution was the fourth school in the world to grant this specific degree.
Which campus hosts the veterinary medical school?
The College of Veterinary Medicine is located at the Glendale, Arizona campus, where it serves as the state's first veterinary medical school.
What environmental recognition has the university received?
In 2010, the university received Conservation and Native Landscaping Awards from the Environmental Protection Agency for restoring nine acres of wetland and oak-hickory woods at the Downers Grove campus.
How many medical schools were in Arizona when the Glendale campus opened?
When the Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine began courses in 1996, it was one of only two medical schools in the state, alongside the University of Arizona College of Medicine.