Today@Sam Article

SHSU College of Osteopathic Medicine Celebrates Second Graduating Class of Physicians

May 19, 2025
SHSU Media Contact: Campbell Atkins

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By Brittany Foreman

Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (SHSU-COM) celebrated the graduation of its second class of osteopathic physicians, marking another milestone in its mission to expand access to high-quality healthcare, particularly in rural and underserved communities across Texas. 

“As they move into residency, these new physicians carry with them not only clinical skills and knowledge, but the heart of our mission: to serve, lead and heal,” said SHSU-COM Dean Thomas J. Mohr, D.O. “Their success is a testament to their hard work and to the growing national reputation of SHSU-COM.” 

The weeklong, fourth-year finale was capped by commencement ceremonies featuring distinguished speaker Robert Cain, D.O., president and CEO of the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM). In his address, Dr. Cain praised the class of 2025 for their resilience, clinical excellence and commitment to service during a transformative time in healthcare.  

Celebrations began with a tribute to military service at the Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) Military Pinning Ceremony. Brigadier General (Ret.) Robert E. Suter, D.O., MHA, delivered keynote remarks following a presentation of the colors and national anthem by Conroe High School’s Junior ROTC. SHSU-COM honored the following student doctors who will serve our nation as military physicians: 

  • Captain Kelsey Hu, D.O. (Army)
  • Lieutenant Roxanna Mota, D.O. (Navy) 
  • Lieutenant Paxton Martin, D.O. (Navy) 
  • Lieutenant Esther Mallet, D.O. (Navy)
  • Lieutenant Jiahong Yang, D.O. (Navy) 

      Throughout the week, SHSU-COM recognized the academic and personal achievements of the graduating class with a Graduate Awards Banquet, celebrating faculty, staff, preceptors and students, and a family-friendly COM County Fair, complete with rides, games and alpacas. 

      This year’s graduates leave behind an impressive legacy. The class of 2025 achieved a 99% placement rate into residency programs, with over 55% matching within Texas and 56% entering primary care specialties such as family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics and OB-GYN. Their placements include prestigious programs like Stanford Health Care, Baylor Scott & White Health, Texas Children’s Hospital and John Peter Smith Hospital. 

      Members of this class also contributed to the broader medical community through published research and even co-authored a children’s book promoting healthy habits. Academically, they achieved the highest first-time pass rate in the nation on the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination of the United States (COMLEX-USA) Level 1 board examination. SHSU-COM itself was recently awarded ‘Accreditation with Exceptional Outcomes’—the highest distinction granted by the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA). 

      The class of 2025 will now take the next step in their journey as osteopathic physicians, serving patients, families and communities across Texas and the nation. 

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