The University of Northern Colorado is taking a historic step toward reshaping healthcare education in northern Colorado with the creation of its new College of Osteopathic Medicine. With the schools opening date coming soon, investing almost $200 million into the building that will house the program, questions are flying about what exactly osteopathic medicine is and what makes it different from traditional medical programs.
Most students at UNC may be unfamiliar with the term Doctor of Osteopathy, or "DO," but those in the medical field are well aware of it. The idea is not centered around one area, but the entire mind, body, and soul of a person.
Unlike a traditional doctor of medicine, or “MD,” who typically focuses on diagnosing and treating specific conditions, osteopathic physicians are trained to consider how a patient’s lifestyle, environment, and overall well-being contribute to their health.
The new program on campus is set to open in 2026, and it will be Colorado’s second osteopathic medical school. It will be the first located in northern Colorado. The university’s leadership says the college is designed to address the state’s growing physician shortage, especially in rural areas where access to healthcare is limited.
That mission resonates with healthcare workers already serving the region. Kelly Saxton, a registered nurse at Banner Health, said she believes the addition of UNC’s osteopathic school will make a real difference.
“With the shortage of healthcare professionals in this area, I think it will be great,” Saxton said. “It will be beneficial, especially for people in this area who go to the osteopathic school and then can stay in this area, and for the people who live here.”
Saxton said she’s worked alongside both MDs and DOs during her career and sees little difference in the quality of care they provide.
“I think they take care of patients the same, and they are both fantastic. ER doctors are typically DOs because they have to look at the whole body when someone comes into the emergency room." Saxton said.
For students like Digby Marshall, a junior pre-nursing major, the new school represents an exciting opportunity to take his passion for healthcare to another level.
“When I first came to UNC, I planned on becoming a nurse because I wanted to work closely with patients,” Marshall said. “But when I started learning more about osteopathic medicine, it really clicked with me. The idea of treating the body as a whole and focusing on long-term wellness instead of just fixing problems... I think that’s the kind of care people need.” Marshall said.
Marshall then explained that after spending time researching and learning about DOs, he is now thinking about the different job possibilities after his undergrad.
“I like that DOs spend more time with their patients,” Marshall said. “It’s not about rushing people through appointments. I feel like their job is about understanding them and helping them build healthier lives. That’s a huge reason why I got into the medical field in the first place.”
According to the American Osteopathic Association, more than 11 percent of U.S. physicians are DOs, and the field is growing faster than ever.
Saxton said the addition of the osteopathic school could also help strengthen ties between UNC and local hospitals.
“There will be a good relationship because they will do residency at hospitals in the area, whether that's ER or in surgery,” Saxton said. “It's a way for students to really go through school and get involved with the community.”
She added that medicine remains one of the most rewarding careers for those willing to dedicate themselves to lifelong learning.
“Medicine is a great field to enter,” Saxton said. “It’s always changing, always evolving. Students have the chance to continuously learn, so that’s great. You will be learning for the rest of your life.”
While the school’s opening is still more than a year away, there is a feeling of hope and excitement rising on campus. Students are curious about potential research opportunities, internships and collaborations with the three local hospitals once the college opens.
Marshall said he hopes the addition of the medical school inspires more students to explore healthcare careers.
“It makes UNC feel like a place where you can really grow,” Marshall said. “I think this is going to change the university in a huge way. I mean when was the last time UNC had something this big and new on campus?”
Saxton agrees.
“Anything to bring more medical professionals to this area would be beneficial,” Saxton said.
As construction continues, UNC’s College of Osteopathic Medicine stands as more than just another campus building. It represents an opportunity for a new direction, and one rooted in compassion, connection, and a belief that the best medicine starts with understanding the person behind the patient.
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