The university was founded in 1900 as the American College of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery. The school was the fourth medical school in the world to grant the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree. Originally located on Washington Boulevard in Chicago, the school moved to Hyde Park in 1918. In 1913, the school changed its name to the Chicago College of Osteopathy, eventually becoming the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine.
In 1986, the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine moved from its prior location in Hyde Park to a new campus in the western suburb of Downers Grove, Illinois. In 1991, the Chicago College of Pharmacy opened. The College of Health Sciences began in 1992. In 1993, the board of trustees unanimously approved a single educational mission for the institution, uniting the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, the Chicago College of Pharmacy, and the Chicago College of Health Sciences into Midwestern University. In 2009, the College of Dental Medicine-Illinois opened, followed by the Chicago College of Optometry in 2014 and the College of Graduate Studies in 2018.
In 2010, the university received a Conservation and Native Landscaping Awards from the Environmental Protection Agency for restoring 9 acres of wetland and oak-hickory woods on the Downers Grove campus. In 2012, the Downers Grove Multispecialty Clinic opened in a five-story, 193,000 square foot building. Also that year, the College of Veterinary Medicine opened at the Glendale campus, with 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. The school was the first veterinary medical school in the state of Arizona, and was the 29th veterinary medical school in the United States.
Midwestern University offers multiple academic programs at two campus locations. All programs are graduate-level and focus on the health professions. The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Midwestern University researches a variety of areas related to health and biomedical science. Areas of research include environmental toxicology (as a part of the One Health Initiative), COVID-19, pharmacology, physiology, and anatomy. As of the 2020-2021 academic year, the university held $1,603,231 in active externally funded research awards. Sources of funding for research include: National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, Health Resources & Services Administration, American Heart Association, American Optometric Foundation, HonorHealth, Leakey Foundation, Marfan Foundation, PhRMA Foundation, PetSmart Charities, Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation, National Assoc. of Chain Drug Stores, Pharmaceutical Research & Manufacturers of America Foundation, etc.
Midwestern University operates several clinics on both its Downers Grove and Glendale campuses. The Downers Grove Multispecialty Clinic opened in 2012 and includes medical, dental, speech-language, physical therapy, and optometry services. Through five community clinics located on the Glendale campus, the university provides medical, dental, podiatry, optometry, mental health, physical and occupational therapy, and veterinary services. The Companion Animal Clinic is part of the larger Animal Health Institute, which also includes a Large Animal Clinic and a Diagnostic Pathology Center.
Nearly 7,000 students were in attendance at Midwestern University for the 2020-21 academic year (both campuses). There were 2,980 students in attendance at the Downers Grove campus, with 63% female, 37% male, 58% white, 27% Asian, 6% Hispanic or Latino, and 2% Black or African American. At the Glendale campus, there were 3,927 students in attendance, with 57% female, 43% male, 59% white, 17% Asian, 10% Hispanic or Latino, and 3% Black or African American.
Students at Midwestern University participate in numerous clubs on campus and an active student government association. There are several professional fraternities on campus. The behavioral medicine club hosts an improvisation show, which benefits charities. Additional clubs and organizations on campus include:
More than 25,000 alumni have graduated from Midwestern University. Notable alumni include:
"History". IOMS. Illinois Osteopathic Medical Society. https://ioms.org/about-us/history
"Our History". Midwestern University. Archived from the original on May 7, 2018. Retrieved June 22, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20180507003754/https://www.midwestern.edu/about/history_of_mwu.html
"U.S. Osteopathic Medical Schools" (PDF). AACOM. American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medical School. Archived from the original (PDF) on November 17, 2020. Retrieved June 22, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201117023050/https://www.aacom.org/docs/default-source/data-and-trends/u-s-osteopathic-medical-schools-by-year-of-inaugural-class.pdf?sfvrsn=dc9e2997_16
Kantzavelos, Maria (July 25, 2020). "University Becomes a Regular Neighbor". Chicago Tribune. https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2000-07-25-0007250340-story.html
"History". IOMS. Illinois Osteopathic Medical Society. https://ioms.org/about-us/history
"Our History". Midwestern University. Archived from the original on May 7, 2018. Retrieved June 22, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20180507003754/https://www.midwestern.edu/about/history_of_mwu.html
"Our History". Midwestern University. Archived from the original on May 7, 2018. Retrieved June 22, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20180507003754/https://www.midwestern.edu/about/history_of_mwu.html
Gonzales, Angela (November 3, 1996). "Midwestern plans full pharmacy school". Phoenix Business Journal. https://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/stories/1996/11/04/newscolumn2.html
"Our History". Midwestern University. Archived from the original on May 7, 2018. Retrieved June 22, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20180507003754/https://www.midwestern.edu/about/history_of_mwu.html
"Our History". Midwestern University. Archived from the original on May 7, 2018. Retrieved June 22, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20180507003754/https://www.midwestern.edu/about/history_of_mwu.html
Larkin, Malinda (July 27, 2016). "Strong one-health foundation at Midwestern: University well-versed at establishing professional health care programs". Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. https://www.avma.org/News/JAVMANews/Pages/160815f.aspx
Anderson, Helen (March 1, 1998). "MIDWESTERN UNIVERSITY QUIETLY GOES ABOUT SCHOOLING HEALTH-CARE PROFESSIONALS". Chicago Tribune.
Rhodes, Dawn (July 10, 2014). "Midwestern University expanding Downers Grove campus". Chicago Tribune. http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/downers-grove/ct-midwestern-plan-downers-grove-tl-0717-20140711-story.html
"Our History". Midwestern University. Archived from the original on May 7, 2018. Retrieved June 22, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20180507003754/https://www.midwestern.edu/about/history_of_mwu.html
"Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine". Midwestern University. https://www.midwestern.edu/academics/our-colleges/arizona-college-of-osteopathic-medicine.xml
Corbett, Peter (June 4, 2015). "Midwestern University adds Glendale campus programs". The Republic. http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/glendale/2015/06/04/midwestern-university-expands-medical-programs-glendale-campus/28471041/
"U.S. Osteopathic Medical Schools" (PDF). AACOM. American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medical School. Archived from the original (PDF) on November 17, 2020. Retrieved June 22, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201117023050/https://www.aacom.org/docs/default-source/data-and-trends/u-s-osteopathic-medical-schools-by-year-of-inaugural-class.pdf?sfvrsn=dc9e2997_16
"Our History". Midwestern University. Archived from the original on May 7, 2018. Retrieved June 22, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20180507003754/https://www.midwestern.edu/about/history_of_mwu.html
"Midwestern University Introduces the Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine". www.midwestern.edu. Retrieved May 11, 2021. https://www.midwestern.edu//about/mwu-now/news/midwestern-university-introduces-the-arizona-college-of-podiatric-medicine.xml
"Green Landscaping: Greenacres". Green Landscaping: Greenacres. EPA. https://archive.epa.gov/greenacres/web/html/index-2.html#Midwestern_University
"Conservation and Native Landscaping Awards". Chicago Wilderness. http://www.chicagowilderness.org/?page=CNLA
"Midwestern University, Downers Grove, Multispecialty Clinics". DWL Architects. http://www.dwlarchitects.com/projects/midwestern-university-multispecialty-medical-clinic-downers-grove-illinois/
Blair-Smith, Jill (July 25, 2013). "Midwestern University Welcomes Community to New Medical Campus". Chicago Tribune. http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/downers-grove/community/chi-ugc-article-midwestern-university-welcomes-community-to-n-2013-07-25-story.html
Wright, Lesley (June 3, 2014). "Midwestern University opens first AZ vet school in Glendale". The Republic. AZ Central. https://eu.azcentral.com/story/news/local/glendale/2014/06/03/midwestern-university-opens-first-az-vet-school/9900441/
Angela Gonzales (March 7, 2012). "Midwestern to spend $90M on state's first veterinary school". Phoenix Business Journal. Retrieved May 12, 2012. http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/news/2012/03/07/midwestern-to-spend-90m-on-states.html
Larki, Malinda (July 1, 2013). "Midwestern closer to accreditation". AVMA News. https://www.avma.org/News/JAVMANews/Pages/130701v.aspx
Gonzales, Angela (June 22, 2015). "Midwestern University opens companion animal clinic to the public". Arizona Business Journal. http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/blog/health-care-daily/2015/06/midwestern-university-opens-companion-animal.html
Wright, Lesley (June 3, 2014). "Midwestern University opens first AZ vet school in Glendale". The Republic. http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/glendale/2014/06/03/midwestern-university-opens-first-az-vet-school/9900441/
"Statement of Accreditation Status: Midwestern University". Higher Learning Commission. https://www.hlcommission.org/component/directory/?Action=ShowBasic&Itemid=&instid=2094&lang=en
"Midwestern University-Downers Grove: Programs". College Navigator. National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?q=midwestern+university&s=IL&l=94&ct=2&id=143853#programs
"Midwestern University-Glendale: Programs". College Navigator. National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?q=midwestern&s=AZ&l=94&ct=2&id=423643#programs
"Midwestern University-Downers Grove: Programs". College Navigator. National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?q=midwestern+university&s=IL&l=94&ct=2&id=143853#programs
"Midwestern University-Glendale: Programs". College Navigator. National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?q=midwestern&s=AZ&l=94&ct=2&id=423643#programs
Prozialeck, WC; Edwards, JR (September 1, 2018). "The One Health Initiative as a Basis for Research Development in the Department of Pharmacology at Midwestern University". The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association. 118 (9): 610–616. doi:10.7556/jaoa.2018.135. PMID 30178051. https://doi.org/10.7556%2Fjaoa.2018.135
"Kingman Regional Medical Center launches research study of COVID-19 spread". The Miner. September 12, 2020. https://kdminer.com/news/2020/sep/12/kingman-regional-medical-center-launches-research-/
"Research 2017: COMPLEMENTARY / NUTRITION RESEARCH". Diabetes Research and Education Foundation. https://diabetesaction.org/research-2017?rq=Midwestern%20University
"ORSP Research Report 2020" (PDF). midwestern.edu. https://www.midwestern.edu/Documents-/About/ORSP%20Research%20Report%20Q4%202020-2021%20Final.pdf
"Midwestern University-Downers Grove". College Navigator. U.S. Department of Education, Institute for Education Sciences. https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?q=midwestern&s=AZ&l=94&ct=2&id=423643#accred
"Statement of Accreditation Status: Midwestern University". Higher Learning Commission. https://www.hlcommission.org/component/directory/?Action=ShowBasic&Itemid=&instid=2094&lang=en
"Search DDS/DMD Programs". American Dental Association. Retrieved August 12, 2016. http://www.ada.org/267.aspx
"WestAccredited PT & PTA Programs Directory". Council on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. Retrieved August 12, 2016. http://www.capteonline.org/apta/directories/accreditedschools.aspx?type=PT&navID=10737421958&LOC=CA&STYPE=PT&ID=89557E3E-D387-444A-A0DD-ACD9DFED80C1
"Accredited Programs". Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant. Retrieved August 12, 2016. http://www.arc-pa.org/accreditation/accredited-programs/
"OT Master's-Level Programs - Accredited". American Occupational Therapy Association. http://www.aota.org/Education-Careers/Find-School/AccreditEntryLevel/OTMasters.aspx
"Search Accredited Programs". American Psychological Association. http://www.apa.org/ed/accreditation/programs/
"CAA Accredited Program Listing" (PDF). American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Retrieved June 22, 2020. https://apps.asha.org/eweb/CAAawp/CAA-Accredited-Programs.pdf
"Accredited Programs". American Optometric Association. Archived from the original on January 5, 2012. Retrieved August 12, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20120105005827/http://www.aoa.org/x12702.xml
"Midwestern University Chicago College of Pharmacy". Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education. Retrieved June 22, 2020. https://www.acpe-accredit.org/faq-item/Midwestern-University-Chicago-College-of-Pharmacy/
"Statement of Accreditation Status: Midwestern University". Higher Learning Commission. https://www.hlcommission.org/component/directory/?Action=ShowBasic&Itemid=&instid=2094&lang=en
"Search DDS/DMD Programs". American Dental Association. Retrieved August 12, 2016. http://www.ada.org/267.aspx
"WestAccredited PT & PTA Programs Directory". Council on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. Retrieved August 12, 2016. http://www.capteonline.org/apta/directories/accreditedschools.aspx?type=PT&navID=10737421958&LOC=CA&STYPE=PT&ID=89557E3E-D387-444A-A0DD-ACD9DFED80C1
"Accredited Programs". Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant. Retrieved August 12, 2016. http://www.arc-pa.org/accreditation/accredited-programs/
"OT Master's-Level Programs - Accredited". American Occupational Therapy Association. http://www.aota.org/Education-Careers/Find-School/AccreditEntryLevel/OTMasters.aspx
"Search Accredited Programs". American Psychological Association. http://www.apa.org/ed/accreditation/programs/
"CAA Accredited Program Listing" (PDF). American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Retrieved June 22, 2020. https://apps.asha.org/eweb/CAAawp/CAA-Accredited-Programs.pdf
"List of Accredited Programs". Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs. https://www.coacrna.org/programs-fellowships/crna-school-search/
"Accredited Programs". American Optometric Association. Archived from the original on January 5, 2012. Retrieved August 12, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20120105005827/http://www.aoa.org/x12702.xml
"Detailed PharmD Accreditation History". Retrieved June 22, 2020. https://www.acpe-accredit.org/faq-item/Midwestern-University-College-of-Pharmacy-Glendale/
"Accredited Programs" (PDF). American Veterinary Medical Association. https://www.avma.org/ProfessionalDevelopment/Education/Accreditation/Colleges/Documents/colleges_accredited.pdf
"Statement of Accreditation Status: Midwestern University". Higher Learning Commission. https://www.hlcommission.org/component/directory/?Action=ShowBasic&Itemid=&instid=2094&lang=en
"List of Podiatric Medical Colleges | CPME". www.cpme.org. Retrieved May 11, 2021. https://www.cpme.org/colleges/content.cfm?ItemNumber=2425&navItemNumber=2240
Rhodes, Dawn (July 10, 2014). "Midwestern University expanding Downers Grove campus". Chicago Tribune. http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/downers-grove/ct-midwestern-plan-downers-grove-tl-0717-20140711-story.html
Gonzales, Angela (October 6, 2015). "Midwestern University signs residency deal with Iasis hospital to ease physician shortage". Phoenix Business Journal. American City Business Journals. https://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/blog/health-care-daily/2015/10/midwestern-university-signs-residency-deal-with.html
"Facilities at Glendale". www.midwestern.edu. https://www.midwestern.edu/campus-life/glendale-az-campus/campus-facilities
"Midwestern University, Downers Grove, Multispecialty Clinics". DWL Architects. http://www.dwlarchitects.com/projects/midwestern-university-multispecialty-medical-clinic-downers-grove-illinois/
Blair-Smith, Jill (July 25, 2013). "Midwestern University Welcomes Community to New Medical Campus". Chicago Tribune. http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/downers-grove/community/chi-ugc-article-midwestern-university-welcomes-community-to-n-2013-07-25-story.html
"Eye Institute opens at Midwestern University in Downers Grove". My Suburban Life. Shaw Media Digital. January 22, 2016. http://www.mysuburbanlife.com/2016/01/15/eye-institute-opens-at-midwestern-university-in-downers-grove/aaa45zs/
"Midwestern University Clinics". Midwestern University. Retrieved June 26, 2012. http://www.mwuclinics.com
"Midwestern to host veterinary medicine open house". Glendale Independent. February 25, 2020. https://www.yourvalley.net/glendale-independent/stories/midwestern-to-host-veterinary-medicine-open-house,142315
"Midwestern University-Downers Grove". College Navigator. U.S. Department of Education, Institute for Education Sciences. https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?q=midwestern+university&s=IL&l=94&ct=2&id=143853#enrolmt
"Midwestern University-Downers Grove". College Navigator. U.S. Department of Education, Institute for Education Sciences. https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?q=midwestern+university&s=IL&l=94&ct=2&id=143853#enrolmt
"Midwestern University-Glendale". College Navigator. U.S. Department of Education, Institute for Education Sciences. http://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?q=midwestern&s=AZ&l=94&ct=2&id=423643
Blairsmith, Jill (April 17, 2014). "Community Invited to Free Improv Night at Midwestern University". Chicago Tribune. http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/downers-grove/community/chi-ugc-article-community-invited-to-free-improv-night-at-mid-2014-04-17-story.html
"Student Activities Office". Midwestern University. https://www.midwestern.edu/downers_grove_campus/student_services/student_activities_office.html
"Alumni Directory". Midwestern University. Archived from the original on May 27, 2022. Retrieved May 20, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20220527210359/https://midwestern.edu/alumni/alumni-directory
"RVU president honored for his leadership in medical education". The DO. American Osteopathic Association. September 17, 2016. https://thedo.osteopathic.org/2016/09/rvu-president-honored-for-his-leadership-in-medical-education/
"Clinton E. Adams, DO, FACHE". Rocky Vista University. Archived from the original on June 23, 2020. Retrieved June 23, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20200623080633/http://www.rvu.edu/faculty/clinton-adams/
"Ivan Edwards, D.O., AZCOM Class of '04". Midwestern University. May 20, 2020. Archived from the original on February 3, 2023. Retrieved May 20, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20230203094315/https://www.midwestern.edu/ivan-edwards
"Alamo Wing flight surgeon receives prestigious fellowship". Air Force Reserve Command. September 29, 2021. Retrieved May 20, 2022. https://www.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2793892/alamo-wing-flight-surgeon-receives-prestigious-fellowship/
Cox, Jim. (2006). Radio Speakers: Narrators, News Junkies, Sports Jockeys, Tattletales, Tipsters, Toastmasters and Coffee Klatch Couples who Verbalized the Jargon of the Aural Ether from the 1920s to the 1980s: A Biographical Dictionary. McFarland. p. 175. ISBN 978-0786427802 /wiki/ISBN_(identifier)
Smith, Bryan (January 31, 2012). "Dr. Mercola: Visionary or Quack?". Chicago magazine. Archived from the original on March 7, 2020. Retrieved March 8, 2020. http://www.chicagomag.com/Chicago-Magazine/February-2012/Dr-Joseph-Mercola-Visionary-or-Quack/
"Dr. Rudolph Moise – Black History Month Profile". Miami's Community Newspapers. February 1, 2017. https://communitynewspapers.com/coral-gables-news/dr-rudolph-moise-black-history-month-profile/
Mayo, Christina (October 27, 2016). "He bought a pint of whiskey for an old man. That led to a lifetime of granting wishes". Miami Herald. https://www.miamiherald.com/living/helping-others/article110749987.html
"LIEUTENANT GENERAL (DR.) DOUGLAS J. ROBB". www.af.mil. Retrieved May 20, 2022. https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Biographies/Display/Article/108038/lieutenant-general-dr-douglas-j-robb/
"Lt. Gen. (Dr.) Douglas J. Robb | IBM Center for The Business of Government". www.businessofgovernment.org. Retrieved May 20, 2022. https://www.businessofgovernment.org/bio/lt-gen-dr-douglas-j-robb
"Dr. Richard A. Scheuring, DO". US News. https://health.usnews.com/doctors/richard-scheuring-876147
"Richard A. Scheuring, D.O. A Date with Destiny". NASA. Archived from the original on April 10, 2022. Retrieved May 27, 2009. https://web.archive.org/web/20220410163221/https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/constellation/stars/profiles/scheuring.html
Brown, Leslie (September 24, 2019). "Correcting Wikipedia's bias against women scientists". The DO. American Osteopathic Association. https://thedo.osteopathic.org/2019/09/correcting-wikipedias-bias-against-women-scientists/
Wolfe, Rob (December 6, 2016). "Weinstein to Step Down at Dartmouth-Hitchcock". Valley News. https://www.vnews.com/Dartmouth-Hitchcock-CEO-Retires-6697056
"Dr. James N. Weinstein, DO". US News. https://health.usnews.com/doctors/james-weinstein-10772