Mission and Vision
Purpose-Driven Education
At SHSU-COM, we don’t just educate future doctors. We shape physician leaders who are committed to service, access, and equity in healthcare. Our mission and vision drive every aspect of our curriculum, partnerships, and community outreach. We believe the best medical education is one that prepares students to make a lasting difference, starting with the rural and medically underserved communities of East Texas.
Our Mission
The mission of the Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (SHSU-COM) is to prepare students for the degree of Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine with an emphasis toward primary care and rural practice, to develop culturally aware, diverse and compassionate physicians, who follow osteopathic principles, that are prepared for graduate medical education, and will serve the people of Texas with professionalism and patient-centered care.
A significant part of the mission of the COM is to increase the physician workforce in the eastern region of Texas and to increase access to primary care. The COM will accomplish this by recruiting qualified applicants from areas to which they would likely want to return and establish their practice.
Our Vision
The vision of the SHSU College of Osteopathic Medicine is to provide medical education and service to the eastern region of Texas and be recognized as a leader in improving primary care access and workforce needs in the state. The SHSU-COM will:
- Provide an excellent academic experience through a vertically integrated basic science/clinical curriculum provided by highly skilled and experienced basic science faculty and clinicians.
- Reinforce the quality of academic experience through biomedical and clinical research.
- Create opportunities with clinical partners to develop strong clinical training programs for students and facilitate the creation and expansion of graduate medical education.
- Produce qualified candidates for entry into GME who will become part of the medical workforce in East Texas.
About SHSU College of Osteopathic Medicine
SHSU-COM is the eighth college of Sam Houston State University and just the third osteopathic medical school in Texas.
Sam Houston State University’s mission to serve Texas began in 1879 with the training of teachers. Just as education elevated the state then, SHSU-COM now responds to a critical need for medical professionals – preparing physicians to improve health outcomes across Texas, especially in rural and medically underserved communities.