On May 7, members of the SHSU-COM Class of 2026 officially entered the osteopathic medical profession, marking the next step in the college’s mission to expand healthcare access and strengthen the physician workforce in rural and medically underserved communities.
More than half of the graduating class matched into primary care specialties aligned with the college’s mission, while nearly two-thirds will remain in Texas for residency training. Graduates matched into programs across Texas and throughout the nation in specialties including family medicine, emergency medicine, psychiatry, anesthesiology, obstetrics and gynecology, orthopedic surgery and neurological surgery.
During commencement, Welcome Wilson Jr. reflected on the role SHSU-COM graduates will play in addressing physician workforce shortages across Texas, particularly in rural and medically underserved communities. Wilson, who voted in support of establishing the medical school while serving on the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, spoke about the importance of expanding access to healthcare and training physicians committed to serving communities in need.
During commencement ceremonies, graduates recited the Osteopathic Oath and were formally welcomed into the osteopathic medical profession.
