Attending a college of osteopathic medicine can be an exciting time, but the rigorous expectations and requirements can carry a lot of weight for both students and their families. That’s why it’s important that a great deal of thought and planning factor into making this decision.

At KansasCOM, we encourage students to talk honestly with their friends and family about significant life changes to expect once school begins. The demands are equivalent to students essentially having an 80-hour-a-week job that requires most of their mental attention and overall energy. The academic demands often leave the family of the student feeling deprioritized or more “alone” in handling day-to-day life at home.

Many students use the following descriptors when discussing how school feels:

Hectic: Students and their families notice that life seems more hectic once coursework begins.

Stressful: Family members quickly notice how stressed their loved ones become and, in turn, how stressed they feel with new responsibilities.

Limited time: Time is a precious commodity for students. They have less of it to spend with family and friends.

Financially difficult: The vast majority (approximately 90%) of students will take loans in order to pay for school and to financially support themselves during their studies. This means that students and their families are living on a fixed income, which can be difficult and stressful.

Approaching the medical school experience as a family—already prepared for the unique challenges and circumstances that may arise—is an important part of finding success in school.

At KansasCOM, we know that entering and completing osteopathic medical school can be a strenuous time for both students and their families. That’s why we’re here to provide necessary support to ensure families feel confident that their loved ones are receiving a high-quality, positive, enriching educational experience through our Learning Enhancement services.

KansasCOM families have a wide range of resources available to them within the greater Wichita area. Take advantage of those resources to make your time in Wichita meaningful and positive.

We encourage families of students to check our website often for updates and the latest news about events and activities at KansasCOM. Here you can also explore our program, campus, and other support services to help both you and your student navigate your journey with KansasCOM.

Learn more about our Learning Enhancement services, or contact us any time with your questions.

How should you proactively prepare for these big changes in your life and the lives of your family members?

Talk to your family: Be honest and talk with your family about the changes that are coming and how it will impact relationships. What will attending a school of osteopathic medicine look and feel like? How is that different from your experience prior to enrolling? Talk about what it will look like to help your family prepare for this significant change.

Intentionally schedule time together: As a new student in a school of osteopathic medicine, one will be creating a daily schedule that includes not only study and class time but also time for meals, workouts, and family. Make sure to intentionally schedule time to be with family and stick to it.

We’re proud to share the academic community we’ve established in Wichita with students and their families. We encourage families to attend the events and activities catered to them and to stay updated on ways to become involved with the community.

View the latest KansasCOM updates.

Sedgwick County is the second-fastest growing county within the state of Kansas. That means jobs are available for students’ spouses or partners. For more information on job searching in the Wichita area, check out the following resources:

Wichita’s Dwight Eisenhower Airport services all major U.S. carriers and has direct flights daily to some of the largest airline hubs in the nation: Kansas City, Dallas, and Denver all are serviced as a part of Wichita’s daily flight schedule. For more information, visit the link below.