Today@Sam Article
SHSU-COM Celebrates Opening of Heritage of Healing Gallery
June 12, 2025
SHSU Media Contact: Campbell Atkins
By Brittany Foreman
Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (SHSU-COM) proudly unveiled its new Heritage of Healing Gallery with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by staff, faculty, medical professionals and special guests from across the state.
This curated collection, now on display at SHSU-COM’s Conroe campus, was made possible through generous artifact loans and donations from the Texas Medical Association (TMA), the Texas Osteopathic Medical Association (TOMA), the March of Dimes and individual private collectors.
“These artifacts are more than relics. They’re reminders of how far we’ve come and the shoulders we stand on,” said Thomas J. Mohr, D.O., dean of SHSU-COM. “Bringing them into our learning environment reinforces the continuity of care, compassion and innovation that defines the osteopathic philosophy. It is a true honor to share this history with our students and community.”
The exhibit is part of the college’s broader commitment to creating immersive educational experiences that ground students not only in science and skill, but also in the historical and human dimensions of medicine.
Featuring items such as a McManis treatment table, an iron lung used during the polio epidemic, a 1900s doctor’s bag, symbolizing the house-call era of patient care and a Civil War-era surgical kit, the exhibit connects the legacy of healing with the education of today’s future physicians.
The Heritage of Healing Gallery also includes displays that serve as cautionary tales – items once thought to be beneficial that, through further research and progress, led to changes in tools and practices. These displays reinforce the medical community’s commitment to evidence-based care and the vow to “First, do no harm.”
The space is open to students, faculty, staff and invited guests of SHSU-COM. As the gallery continues to grow, SHSU-COM invites individuals and organizations to help shape the exhibit. The college welcomes additional medical artifacts, either on loan or as donations, to continue educating future physicians and honoring the legacy of those who came before.
“We’ve left room on our shelves for more stories,” said Mohr. “If you or someone you know has a meaningful piece of medical history, we would be grateful to hear from you.”
To learn more about contributing to the Heritage of Healing Gallery, please contact COM Communications at com-communications@shsu.edu.
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