shsu.com
Here’s a write-up on the Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (SHSU-COM).
Overview
SHSU-COM is the medical school of Sam Houston State University (SHSU) in Texas. (Wikipedia) It awards the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree. (Wikipedia) Founded fairly recently (2019) as part of SHSU’s expansion into medical education. (Wikipedia)
Mission & Focus
The school emphasizes serving rural and medically underserved populations in Texas. (shsu.edu) Their curriculum combines foundational sciences, clinical experiences, research opportunities, and partnerships with health systems. (shsu.edu) They highlight measurable outcomes: for instance, SHSU-COM students have achieved very high pass rates on the COMLEX Level 1 board exam. (shsu.edu)
Campus & Facilities
Located in Conroe, Texas (925 City Central Avenue, Conroe, TX 77304) for its main facility. (shsu.edu) The Wikipedia entry notes a 107,000-square-foot building on ~7.3 acres. (Wikipedia)
Accreditation & Outcomes
Very important: SHSU-COM achieved “Accreditation with Exceptional Outcomes” status from the relevant osteopathic accrediting body (the American Osteopathic Association Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation, or COCA). (Wikipedia) That’s a strong signal of institutional quality. Their student successes (board exam pass rates) are also highlighted. (shsu.edu)
Curriculum & Student Experience
The program is structured much like other D.O. programs: first years focus on didactic and lab sciences, small-group work, early clinical exposure; later years emphasize clinical rotations across specialties. (Wikipedia) They also emphasize student support, learning communities, research involvement, and partnerships with clinical faculty. (shsu.edu)
Community & Regional Impact
One of the goals is to improve physician supply in underserved / rural regions of Texas. (SHSU Physicians) The partnership with local physicians and clinics helps provide more services for the community, while also giving students exposure to real-world care settings. (SHSU Physicians)
Things to Consider / Key Questions
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Because it’s a newer medical school (established 2019) there may still be aspects (such as alumni network size, long-term residency fill outcomes) that are developing.
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Location matters: Conroe, TX might be different from larger urban settings—this is a strength for students who want rural/underserved focus, but may matter if someone wants large hospital tertiary care exposure.
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Financial/cost considerations: As with all medical schools ensure you understand tuition, scholarships, debt projections, and the cost of living in the Conroe/Houston region.
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Match & clinical rotations: Investigate which hospitals SHSU-COM partners with for clerkships and residency placements.
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Culture & fit: If you are a student applicant, check whether the mission (osteopathic philosophy, rural care) aligns with your goals.
Why It Might Be a Good Choice
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Accreditation with Exceptional Outcomes: strong institutional accreditation status.
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Strong pass rate on osteopathic board exam: indicates effective teaching and student preparation.
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Clear mission aligned with underserved/rural care—if that’s your interest, SHSU-COM is purpose-driven for it.
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Modern facilities and a newly built campus geared for the specific mission.
Key Takeaways
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SHSU-COM is a newer D.O. medical school (founded 2019) and part of Sam Houston State University.
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Accredited with high distinction (“Exceptional Outcomes”) by COCA.
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Focused mission: training physicians for underserved/rural Texas communities.
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Strong board exam performance by its students.
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Modern campus in Conroe, Texas with dedicated facilities and partnerships for clinical education.
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Important for prospective students: confirm costs, rotation sites, residency placements, and whether the mission aligns with your goals.
FAQ
Q: Where is SHSU‐COM located?
A: In Conroe, Texas (925 City Central Avenue, Conroe, TX 77304). (shsu.edu)
Q: What degree does SHSU‐COM award?
A: Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.). (Wikipedia)
Q: Is the school accredited?
A: Yes — it received “Accreditation with Exceptional Outcomes” from COCA. (Wikipedia)
Q: What is the school’s mission?
A: To prepare physicians to improve healthcare access and outcomes, especially in rural and medically underserved areas of Texas. (shsu.edu)
Q: What about student outcomes (board pass rates etc.)?
A: SHSU-COM reports that their students have achieved the highest national first-time pass rate on the COMLEX Level 1 board exam. (shsu.edu)
Q: What kind of clinical training and partnerships are there?
A: The curriculum includes foundational sciences, clinical education and partnerships with faculty, clinical rotations, research involvement. (shsu.edu)
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