D’Youville University Approved to Enroll Students in New College of Medicine

D’Youville University is proud to announce that the American Osteopathic Association’s Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA) has granted pre-accreditation to launch the D’Youville University College of Osteopathic Medicine (DYU-COM). This marks a historic milestone: the first College of Osteopathic Medicine in Western New York and the region’s first new medical school in nearly two centuries. 

Pre-accreditation affirms D’Youville’s readiness to admit students and build the infrastructure to welcome its inaugural class in fall 2026. The approval also reflects D’Youville’s longstanding mission to expand access to healthcare and medical education, especially in underserved and rural communities. 

“This is a monumental moment for D’Youville and for Western New York,” said President Dr. Lorrie Clemo. “Opening a medical school is more than education, it’s about transforming healthcare access, growing the workforce, and strengthening the fabric of our community. We are grateful for the trust COCA has placed in our vision and eager to build Buffalo’s first medical school in almost 200 years.” 

DYU-COM will emphasize the osteopathic philosophy of whole-person care and a curriculum that integrates early clinical experience, interprofessional collaboration, and a focus on cultural competency. Nearly 50 clinical affiliation agreements with hospitals and healthcare providers across Western New York, Upstate New York, and New York City are already in place to ensure medical students have robust clinical training opportunities. 

“We are intentionally prioritizing clinical partnerships with hospitals and providers serving rural and underserved populations,” Clemo added. “There is a critical shortage of primary care physicians in these communities, and D’Youville looks forward to being part of the solution.” 

“Receiving pre-accreditation is the culmination of years of planning and collaboration by our university and community partners,” said Founding Dean Dr. Shawn Cannon, DO. “We are assembling a faculty who are not only academically and clinically accomplished, but deeply committed to mentorship, service, and training physicians who reflect the communities they serve. DYU-COM will be both accountable to Western New York and a model of excellence in medical education.” 

Starting with 90 students in fall 2026, DYU-COM will quickly expand to 180 students per class by 2028—ultimately reaching a capacity of 720 student physicians by 2031. Students will be able apply through the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service (AACOMAS) later this month. All prospective students are encouraged to visit www.dyu.edu/medicine 

The first year of instruction will be held on D’Youville’s main campus. In fall 2027, DYU-COM is planning on moving into its permanent home at 285 Delaware Avenue in downtown Buffalo, a state-of-the-art facility intentionally selected to keep the medical school in the heart of the city. 

Highlights 

• First new medical school in Western New York in 180 years.
• Four years of planning and community collaboration led to COCA approval.
• COCA is the only accrediting body for Osteopathic schools in the U.S. Receiving pre-accreditation means COCA has reviewed D’Youville’s application, facilities, finances, curriculum, leadership, and planning — and has determined that the university meets the standards required to begin enrolling medical students.
• Nearly 50 signed affiliation agreements for clinical training across New York State.
• Curriculum prioritizes primary care specialties: Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, OB/GYN, General Surgery, and Psychiatry.
• Class growth plan: 90 students in 2026, scaling to 180 per class by 2028, with a total enrollment of 720 by 2031. 

About D’Youville University  

D’Youville University is a nationally ranked private university founded in 1908 and headquartered in Buffalo, New York, which offers degrees in the health sciences and business. D’Youville University promotes a healthy mind, body, and spirit. Through transformational educational experiences, students are prepared for growth, career success, and upward mobility. For more information, visit dyu.edu.