Larkin University Announces Plans to Seek Accreditation for College of Osteopathic Medicine and Honors Jacqueline Nicole Michel

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Larkin University Announces is Seeking Accreditation for a College of Osteopathic Medicine to Address Regional Physician Shortage and Honor the Legacy of Jacqueline Nicole Michel.

Larkin University is proud to announce that it is seeking accreditation for a new College of Osteopathic Medicine (COM)—a transformative step aimed at addressing the growing shortage of physicians in Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties, one of the fastest-growing and most medically underserved regions in Florida.

South Florida continues to experience rapid population growth, increased healthcare utilization, and a rising demand for primary care and specialty physicians. Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties face persistent challenges in recruiting and retaining physicians in primary care, behavioral health, and underserved communities. Establishing a College of Osteopathic Medicine is a critical and timely response to these regional needs, ensuring a sustainable pipeline of highly trained, community-focused physicians who are more likely to practice where they train.

The proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine will emphasize the osteopathic philosophy of holistic, patient-centered care, focusing on prevention, whole-person health, and service to diverse populations. The planned medical school is projected to encompass approximately 110,000 square feet by creating a learning environment that is student centered. The new construction will house state-of-the-art classrooms and a series of student-focused clinical learning centers that provide active learning opportunities in an environment that supports and nurtures future physicians.

The College of Osteopathic Medicine represents a collaborative effort between Larkin University and Larkin Health System. The Health System serves as a strategic clinical and operational partner to the College of Medicine. The partnership is designed to support the educational mission through the provision of clinical learning environments, operational services, and financial support, while preserving the University’s full academic autonomy. Larkin University is a growing institution of post baccalaureate programs dedicated to excellence in healthcare and professional education. The University currently offers graduate and professional programs in pharmacy, physician assistant studies and biomedical sciences, with a strong emphasis on experiential learning, interprofessional education, and community engagement. The College of Pharmacy offers the only PharmD program in Miami-Dade County. Through its close partnership with Larkin Health System, the University provides students with direct access to real-world clinical environments and mentorship with its accomplished practicing healthcare professionals.

The establishment of the Jacqueline Nicole Michel College of Osteopathic Medicine represents a defining milestone in Larkin University’s mission to educate compassionate healthcare leaders, strengthen the regional workforce, and improve health outcomes for the communities it serves.

Larkin hospitals have achieved recognition for excellence in patient care for the integrated healthcare delivery system accredited by The Joint Commission. The Gold Seal of Approval was awarded in reflection of the organization’s commitment to meeting high quality performance standards in health care. The system will provide student clinical education at its robust clinical sites in South Miami, Hialeah, and Hollywood. Larkin Health System currently sponsors more than 40 ACGME-accredited medical residency and fellowship programs, providing a robust and proven graduate medical education infrastructure that will support clinical training and long-term physician retention in the region.

The new College of Osteopathic Medicine will be located on Larkin University’s future 48-acre campus near Homestead in Naranja, east of SW 280th Street and U.S.-1, strategically positioned to serve both urban and rural South Florida communities. The targeted opening date for the medical school is Fall 2028, pending accreditation approval.

“Seeking accreditation for a College of Osteopathic Medicine is a defining moment for Larkin University and a reflection of our
maturity as an academic institution. With a strong foundation in healthcare education, deep clinical partnerships, and an unwavering commitment to community service, we are prepared to educate the next generation of osteopathic physicians who will lead with competence, compassion, and purpose. It is a profound honor to advance this mission under the name of Jacqueline
Nicole Michel.” — Dr. Rudi H. Ettrich, President, Larkin University

Larkin University in collaboration with the Larkin Health system, the GME programs and the extensive network of dedicated physicians and teaching faculty will work for the success of all students who enter the Jacqueline Nicole Michel College of Osteopathic Medicine as part if its warm and loving family and community of accomplished professionals.

Honoring a Life and Legacy

In conjunction with this historic initiative, and in honor and loving memory of Jacqueline Nicole Michel (2007–2025), a bright and compassionate young woman who touched the lives of all those around her, the Board of Trustees of Larkin University, with the full support of the President’s Council, faculty, students, and staff, and in close consultation with the Michel family, has unanimously resolved to name the medical school the: Jacqueline Nicole Michel College of Osteopathic Medicine

Jacqueline Nicole Michel was the beloved daughter of Dr. Jack J. Michel, founder of Larkin University, her mother Ms. Mary Michel, her stepmother Alba Lucia Michel, and her siblings John, Thomas, Stephen, Annie, and Chiara.

As a freshman at the University of Central Florida, Jacqueline was pursuing a degree in Pre-Veterinary Medicine, driven by a lifelong love for animals and a deep sense of responsibility for the well-being of others. She was a passionate advocate for women, minorities, and marginalized communities and devoted her time to both global and local causes. Jacqueline volunteered at Parkway Middle School, mentoring and guiding younger students, and consistently demonstrated empathy, courage, and service in all aspects of her life. In memoriam of her the City of Lauderhill proclaimed her Birthday, January 12^th, “Jaqueline Nicole Michel Day”.

“The establishment of the Jacqueline Nicole Michel College of Osteopathic Medicine reflects our deep commitment to serving South Florida’s healthcare needs while honoring a legacy rooted in compassion, service, and love for humanity.
Jacqueline believed deeply in caring for others—especially those most in need—and it is our hope that every physician educated here will carry forward those values throughout their careers.” — Dr. Jack J. Michel, Founder and Chairman of the Board, Larkin University

Jacqueline leaves behind an enduring legacy of kindness, compassion, and advocacy. It is a profound honor that the Jacqueline Nicole Michel College of Osteopathic Medicine will be the first Osteopathic College of Medicine in the United States named after a woman.

Larkin University hopes that the principles and values that defined Jacqueline’s character will be exemplified by every future physician educated within its walls.

For more information see our website: https://www.larkin.edu/academics/college-of-osteopathic-medicine/