Sam Houston State University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine and OakBend Medical Center launched a new residency program in Richmond, welcoming its first class of residents this month.
Sam Houston State University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine in Conroe, in collaboration with OakBend Medical Center, has officially launched a new residency program, welcoming its inaugural class of family medicine residents this month.
As stated in a news release dated Aug. 25, four residents started their training on Aug. 1, marking the beginning of the inaugural class. The program aims to grow and support 12 residents within a three-year timeframe.
The residency offers practical training in both inpatient and outpatient environments at OakBend Medical Center and its associated clinics. Leaders assert that the collaboration will tackle the shortage of primary care physicians in Texas, while providing residents with an intense, community-focused learning atmosphere.
“This program aims to cultivate well-rounded, compassionate physicians dedicated to the communities and individuals they serve,” stated Program Director Dr. Tracy Stammann. “We are thrilled to welcome our inaugural class and start creating something meaningful here in Richmond.”
Dr. Thomas J. Mohr, Dean of the SHSU College of Osteopathic Medicine, stated that the residency serves as an extension of the institution's mission to prepare more physicians for communities across Texas. “Our dedication lies in developing initiatives that aim to boost the number of physicians practicing in Texas,” Mohr stated. “This partnership with OakBend Medical Center represents a significant advancement toward that objective.”
Joe Freudenberger, the CEO of OakBend, emphasized the program's significance for both residents and patients. “Collaborating with SHSU-COM to initiate this residency program enables us to contribute to the future of family medicine and enhance the care for the communities we serve,” Freudenberger stated. “We are eager to support these new physicians as they advance in their careers and provide care for our patients.”
Texas is experiencing an ongoing shortage of physicians, especially in the fields of primary care and in rural regions. Residency programs, such as this one, are essential for retaining medical graduates within the state, as research indicates that physicians are more likely to practice in the areas where they receive their training.
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