In 2025, the Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine at the Cherokee Nation (OSU-COM) celebrated a historic milestone with the graduation of its first class, marking a significant achievement for both the institution and the broader healthcare landscape. Located in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, this medical school was founded with the mission of addressing healthcare disparities in rural and underserved communities, particularly among Native American populations. The graduation of this pioneering class is a step forward in realizing that mission, as these new physicians are equipped with the skills and knowledge to make a tangible difference in areas that have long faced medical shortages.
The OSU-COM program was established with a vision of training medical professionals who are not only highly skilled but also culturally competent and deeply committed to serving the unique needs of diverse communities. A primary focus has been on rural healthcare, which has long been underserved, and on improving health outcomes for Indigenous populations. By prioritizing a curriculum that integrates osteopathic principles and practices with an emphasis on community-based care, OSU-COM is responding to the acute shortage of healthcare providers in rural Oklahoma and surrounding areas.
The significance of this first graduating class cannot be overstated. Many of the graduates are Native American, and they have been uniquely trained to understand the cultural nuances and healthcare challenges faced by Indigenous communities. This adds a layer of understanding and empathy that is essential for effective care delivery, particularly in areas with large Native populations, where healthcare access has historically been limited. These graduates are also prepared to work in the most isolated and underserved regions, providing a lifeline for those who would otherwise have limited access to quality medical care.
In addition to their cultural competency, the graduates of the OSU-COM class of 2025 are well-versed in osteopathic medicine, a holistic approach to healthcare that emphasizes the interrelationship between the body’s structure and function. Osteopathic physicians (DOs) are trained to treat the whole person, rather than just addressing isolated symptoms or diseases. This approach is especially beneficial in underserved areas, where comprehensive care is often needed to address not only acute medical conditions but also the social determinants of health that impact entire communities.
The opening of the OSU-COM in the Cherokee Nation in 2020 was a bold initiative that sought to transform healthcare delivery in Oklahoma. It was designed not only to provide a high-quality medical education but also to create a pipeline of physicians who would commit to serving in the areas where they were most needed. The graduates of the first class embody this vision and are poised to return to their communities to begin their medical careers, many of them in rural Oklahoma or Native American territories, where they will be able to provide culturally sensitive and much-needed healthcare services.
Throughout their training, these students engaged in hands-on learning experiences, often working in community clinics and outreach programs that serve underserved populations. This practical training has given them a deep understanding of the challenges these communities face and prepared them to address those challenges directly in their future practices.
The graduation of the first class of OSU-COM is a moment of pride not only for the university but also for the state of Oklahoma and for the many communities that will benefit from the contributions of these newly minted osteopathic physicians. It is also a reflection of the broader efforts to reduce healthcare disparities in the United States and to ensure that underserved populations receive the medical attention they deserve.
As these graduates step into their roles as medical professionals, they carry with them a profound responsibility—to provide exceptional care, advocate for their communities, and inspire the next generation of healthcare leaders. With the completion of their education, these graduates represent a beacon of hope for a more equitable and inclusive healthcare system, one that is better equipped to meet the needs of all people, regardless of their background or geographic location.
The achievement of the OSU-COM’s first graduating class is a testament to the power of education, collaboration, and commitment to service. It underscores the importance of training healthcare providers who not only have the technical expertise to heal but also the compassion and cultural awareness to truly make a difference in the lives of those they serve. The impact of these graduates will be felt for years to come, and they will undoubtedly play a critical role in shaping the future of healthcare in Oklahoma, particularly in the underserved regions that need them most.
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