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MEDICAL SCHOOL MEDICAL SCHOOL
TRAINING TRAINING

Impact and Residency Placement A Commitment to Compassionate Care
The graduation of its inaugural class in May 2021 marked a signifi- At the heart of UIWSOM's mission is the dedication to pro-
The University of the cant milestone for UIWSOM. This event not only celebrated the transi- ducing physicians who are not only competent in their clinical
tion of its first cohort of students into professional medical practice but
skills but also compassionate in their patient interactions. The
also set a precedent for the success of future graduates. Nearly 600 UIW- school's rigorous curriculum and emphasis on a holistic approach
Incarnate Word School SOM graduates are currently undergoing residency training in various to medicine encourage students to consider the wider context of
their patients' lives, fostering a deep sense of empathy and a collab-
programs nationwide, with Texas hosting the largest number of these
residents. This reflects the school's growing influence in the healthcare orative spirit. This approach not only benefits the patients but also
of Osteopathic Medicine field and its ability to prepare students for the rigors of residency. enriches the professional and personal growth of the physicians
themselves.
The school's success is further evidenced by the diverse range of
specialties its graduates have pursued. Over the past four years, UIW- The University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopath-
By Martin Timoney, EdD, MS, MA, LPC, NCC Dean John T. Pham, DO, FACOFP SOM graduates have matched into 22 different specialties, with a ic Medicine has rapidly emerged as a distinguished institution for
notable majority in primary care fields such as Family Medicine, Inter- medical education. Its unique blend of academic rigor, commitment
he University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic also deeply attuned to the holistic aspects of patient care. Osteopath- nal Medicine and Pediatrics. However, their expertise is not limited to holistic patient care and strong ethical foundation positions
Medicine (UIWSOM) stands as a beacon of medical educa- ic medicine, with its emphasis on treating the whole person, offers a to these areas. Emergency Medicine and Psychiatry are also popular UIWSOM as a leader in training the next generation of osteopathic
Ttion excellence, having swiftly established a strong reputation unique perspective in healthcare. It considers lifestyle, environmental choices, showcasing the school's broad impact on healthcare. physicians. With a diverse array of specialties represented among its
since welcoming its inaugural class in 2017. This institution, despite and mental health factors as integral parts of patient care, alongside Surgical specialties, though representing a smaller fraction of the graduates and a significant impact on residency training programs
its relatively short history, has made remarkable strides in shaping the physical health. UIWSOM's curriculum is meticulously designed to matches, highlight the comprehensive training provided by UIW- across the country, UIWSOM is poised to continue its trajectory
next generation of osteopathic physicians. These physicians are rec- imbue these principles in its students, fostering a culture of empathy, SOM, preparing students for success in various medical disciplines, of excellence, shaping the future of healthcare and improving the
ognized not just for their clinical acumen but also for their holistic collaboration and an unwavering commitment to lifelong learning. including General Surgery, Orthopaedic Surgery, Vascular Surgery, well-being of communities in Texas and throughout the United
approach to patient care, embodying the values of compassion, empa- Urology and Ophthalmology. States.
thy and lifelong learning. Their journey from medical students to resi- Dean’s Perspective
dents in training across the United States is a testament to UIWSOM's John T. Pham, DO, FACOFP, was appointed as Dean of UIW-
commitment to excellence and its effective curriculum. SOM in 2022. Reflecting on UIWSOM’s match history, he said, "As
Dean of the University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic
Historical Foundations and Ethos Medicine, I take immense pride in four remarkable years of success- Percentage of Matched UIWSOM Graduates Top Five Specialties UIWSOM Specialties 2021-2024
UIWSOM's roots are deeply embedded in the traditions of the Uni- ful matches from 2021 to 2024. Our journey together, underscored
versity of the Incarnate Word (UIW), a private Catholic university in San by commitment and excellence, has led to outstanding outcomes for
Antonio, Texas, founded in 1881 by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate our students as they transition into their respective medical careers.
Word. This historical backdrop is significant, as it reflects a long-standing Our students have achieved remarkable success, a testament to their
commitment to not only academic excellence but also to the service of the hard work, the faculty's guidance, and our school's emphasis on
community and the holistic development of students. These foundational medical knowledge and compassionate care. Each match confirms
values have been seamlessly integrated into UIWSOM's mission, shaping that UIWSOM not only prepares future osteopathic physicians but
its approach to medical education and patient care. also molds leaders prepared to enhance the health and well-being
of communities in Texas and throughout the United States. As we
A Holistic Approach to Medicine look to the future, we are filled with pride for the paths our students
The establishment of UIWSOM was driven by the recognition of have forged and excited for the contributions they will make to the
a growing need for physicians who are not only clinically adept but medical field."

UIWSOM students celebrate Match Day 2024

Martin Timoney, EdD, MS, MA, LPC, NCC, is a native of
Ireland. He attended the Pontifical University at Saint Patrick’s
College, Maynooth, for undergraduate studies. He holds a Master
of Arts in Theology, a Master of Science in Clinical Mental
Health Counseling, and a Doctor of Education in Community Care and
Counseling. He is a licensed counselor in Texas and Washington.

20 SAN ANTONIO MEDICINE • June 2024 Visit us at www.bcms.org 21