In a landmark moment for Western University of Health Sciences (WesternU), the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific-Northwest (COMP-Northwest) will now bear a new name: the Heatherington College of Osteopathic Medicine. This historic renaming honors the extraordinary contributions of Jeff Heatherington and the Heatherington Foundation for Innovation and Education in Health Care, whose longstanding commitment to osteopathic medicine has helped shape the future of medical education in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest.
This change, approved by the WesternU Board of Trustees, represents the first time in the university’s 48-year history that a college site has been named in recognition of a philanthropic benefactor. It signals not only an enduring appreciation for Heatherington’s transformative impact but also a strategic evolution in WesternU’s identity as it expands its educational footprint and community reach.
A Vision Realized
Jeff Heatherington has been a vocal advocate and generous supporter of osteopathic medicine for nearly five decades. As the former Executive Director of the Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons of Oregon and Chair of the Coalition for a Healthy Oregon, he has been at the forefront of advancing access to quality health care and supporting the professional development of future physicians. His leadership extended beyond advocacy through his work as the head of FamilyCare, Inc. and founder of the Heatherington Foundation, where his influence has helped steer millions toward health-centered initiatives throughout the state.
Heatherington and the Heatherington Foundation’s contributions to WesternU total more than $50 million, making him the university’s largest donor. Among the most generous of his gifts is the donation of 150 acres of riverfront property in Lebanon, Oregon, which will serve as the site for the university’s future expansion, including the planned development of a graduate program in behavioral health therapy.
This vision, however, began taking shape long before official naming discussions were underway. In 2007, Heatherington began conversations with leadership at Samaritan Health Services in Corvallis to explore options for bringing an osteopathic medical school to Oregon. Those early efforts culminated in the establishment of COMP-Northwest in 2011, an institution that has since graduated over 1,100 Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.s), many of whom now serve patients in medically underserved and rural communities across Oregon and the Pacific Northwest.
Why the Name Change Matters
According to WesternU, the decision to rename the college is more than symbolic and represents a convergence of values, mission, and future growth. The change reflects Heatherington’s unwavering belief in the power of humanistic, whole-person care and recognizes his legacy as a builder of systems that improve health care access for all.
“This naming is a testament to a legacy of compassion, leadership, and vision,” said WesternU President Robin Farias-Eisner, MD, PhD, MBA. “Jeff Heatherington’s unwavering dedication to humanistic, whole-person care aligns perfectly with the University’s mission. The new Heatherington College of Osteopathic Medicine will not only carry his name, it will carry forward his ideals, shaping generations of future physicians in Oregon’s only osteopathic medical school.”
The official name of the Oregon D.O. college is now the Heatherington College of Osteopathic Medicine. During the transition period, the college may still occasionally be referred to by its former name, COMP-Northwest, to ensure clarity.
A Deeply Personal Legacy
The Heatherington family’s connection to osteopathic medicine stretches across generations. Jeff Heatherington’s father, Dr. J. Scott Heatherington, was a renowned osteopathic physician, educator, and leader. He served as President of the American Osteopathic Association, Dean of the Oklahoma College of Osteopathic Medicine, and was a two-time President of the American Academy of Osteopathy. His lifelong contributions were recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award in 1996 and the A.T. Still Medallion of Honor in 1998.
“My father’s passion for osteopathic medicine and his dedication to teaching truly laid the groundwork for my own commitment to the field,” Jeff Heatherington said.
To honor that legacy, WesternU established the Dr. J. Scott Heatherington Endowed Scholarship, which provides financial support to future osteopathic physicians and reinforces the family’s multigenerational bond with the institution.
The renaming of COMP-Northwest to Heatherington College of Osteopathic Medicine signifies more than a new name; it represents a continuation of purpose. It is a declaration of WesternU’s long-term vision to advance healthcare education, invest in community health, and elevate humanistic, osteopathic care across Oregon and beyond.
As the institution moves forward with the transition, additional updates and implementation milestones will be communicated to students, faculty, and the public. In the meantime, the university is actively engaging media, professional organizations, and partner institutions to share the story of this historic change and the legacy it honors.
