Central Florida's newest medical school opens up; welcomes 1st class of 97 students

Original article available on Spectrum News 13, at this link.

Click the image to watch the video of this report, courtesy of Maria Serrano/Spectrum 13 News

ORLANDO, Fla. — The first day of school for Central Florida’s newest medical school is Monday.

The Orlando College of Osteopathic Medicine (OCOM) stated it hopes to address the region’s deficiency in physicians and residency programs.

In advance of that, the first class of 97 students arrived at OCOM early, trying on their white coats and getting their photo IDs.

Moriah Bertrand moved to Orlando from Los Angeles.

“I feel great. It’s all becoming real,” said Bertrand, who is part tha first class. “It’s been a really quick move, really quick transition.”

Like Bertrand, about 40% of the students are coming from out of state.

“It wasn’t real until I put the coat on. Now it is,” she said.

Bertrand reflected on the moment she knew she wanted to become a doctor.

“My medical mission trip to Rwanda in May, that’s where I got off of the fence, and I was like: ‘Alright God, if this is what you want to do I’m ready, I’m willing, I’m open',” she said, talking about her time at a triage for patients.

Her mother, who is a doctor, also went on that trip.

“This is the trip where I realized, this is my calling on my life," Bertrand said. "This is my purpose, and I’m going to step into it boldly.”

Rachel Freeman, director of communications and marketing at OCOM, said the first group of students represent the expected graduating class in 2028. 

“And (OCOM is) looking forward to matriculating these students into future physicians,” Freeman said.

As the newest medical school in the region, OCOM's goal is to address the growing demand.

“Where we have so many students wanting to join the college and learn,” she said.

Bertrand said she’s encouraging other students who are thinking about becoming doctors to believe in themselves.

“You don’t know unless you try," she said. "I got in and life begins, and I’m just so excited for this new adventure.”

In the debut OCOM class, 22% are represent their family's first generation to seek a medical degree.

The average Medical College Admissions Test, or MCAT, score of the enrolling class is 503, and the students have an average overall grade-point average of 3.55.

The average age is 24 years old; 51% are men, and 49% are women.

Statistics about OCOM’s inaugural class of 97 students.