Midwestern University

Midwestern University (MWU) is a private graduate school with campuses in Downers Grove, Illinois and Glendale, Arizona. During the 2022–23 academic year, the Downers Grove campus had 2,758 students, and the Glendale campus had 3,782 students.

The university was founded in 1900 as the American College of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery. The Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine is the fourth-oldest medical school still active in Illinois. Over time, the school grew by adding more degrees and programs. In 1993, all these programs were brought together under the name Midwestern University. In 1995, the school opened a campus in Glendale, Arizona, making it the second and largest medical school to teach students in that state.

Midwestern University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Its medical schools are also accredited by the American Osteopathic Association's Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation.

History

Midwestern University began in 1900 as the American College of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery. It was the fourth medical school in the world to offer the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree. The school first stood on Washington Boulevard in Chicago but moved to Hyde Park in 1918. Over the years, it changed its name and added new programs.

In 1986, the school moved to Downers Grove, Illinois, and in 1993, it became Midwestern University, bringing together several colleges. In 1996, the university opened a second campus in Glendale, Arizona, starting with a medical college. More colleges joined both campuses over time.

In 2010, the university earned an award from the Environmental Protection Agency for helping nature on its Illinois campus. In 2012, a large clinic building opened in Downers Grove, and a veterinary school began in Glendale, Arizona. This was the first veterinary school in Arizona and the 29th in the United States.

Academics and accreditation

Midwestern University offers many programs for students who want to study health professions. All of its programs are for students who have already finished their basic college years. The university is approved by the Higher Learning Commission.

Students can earn a doctoral degree in many areas, such as Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, Doctor of Dental Medicine, and Doctor of Pharmacy, among others. The university also offers master’s degrees, like Master of Arts and Master of Public Health.

The university also does research in health and science. It studies topics like environmental toxicology, COVID-19, and pharmacology. In the 2020–2021 school year, it had over one million dollars in research money from groups like the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation.

Campuses

Downers Grove, Illinois

The Downers Grove campus is in Downers Grove, Illinois, which is a suburban area 25 miles west of downtown Chicago. It covers 105 acres.

Glendale, Arizona

The Glendale campus is in Glendale, Arizona, a suburban area 15 miles northwest of downtown Phoenix. It covers 156 acres and has many buildings for teaching, research, and administration, including an Interfaith Chapel.

Patient care

Midwestern University has several clinics on its campuses in Downers Grove, Illinois and Glendale, Arizona. The Downers Grove Multispecialty Clinic, which opened in 2012, offers many health services like medical care, dental care, speech therapy, physical therapy, and eye exams.

On the Glendale campus, there are five community clinics that provide services such as medical care, dental care, foot care, eye exams, mental health support, physical and occupational therapy, and care for pets. The Companion Animal Clinic is part of the Animal Health Institute, which also has a clinic for larger animals and a center for diagnosing diseases.

Students

Midwestern University had nearly 7,000 students during the 2020–21 academic year across its two campuses. The Downers Grove campus in Illinois had about 2,980 students, while the Glendale campus in Arizona had around 3,927 students.

Students at Midwestern University enjoy many clubs and groups to join, including a student government. There are also professional fraternities and a behavioral medicine club that puts on improvisation shows to support charities.

Alumni

More than 25,000 people have graduated from Midwestern University. Some well-known graduates include:

• Clinton E. Adams – President and CEO of Rocky Vista University
• Ivan Edwards – pastor and Flight surgeon
• Victor Lindlahr – radio presenter and health food writer
• Joseph Mercola – Internet businessman
• Rudy Moise – lawyer and politician
• Douglas J. Robb – US Air Force lieutenant general
• Richard Scheuring – NASA flight surgeon
• Emily Temple-Wood – 2016 Wikimedian of the Year
• James N. Weinstein – Microsoft executive