SHSU College of Osteopathic Medicine

SHSU-COM has received a $1.4 million grant from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to establish a women’s preventive mobile health unit serving rural and medically underserved communities across East Texas.

More than 376,000 women of reproductive age in Texas live in a county with no women’s health provider. For many, that means a routine screening can turn into a 100-mile drive just to access care.

Through the new mobile unit, SHSU-COM will help bring preventive services closer to home, including cervical cancer screenings, clinical breast exams, reproductive, sexual and midlife health services, mental health screenings, immunizations and more.

SHSU-COM student doctors will also gain hands-on experience serving rural communities alongside faculty and healthcare professionals, helping fulfill our mission while learning how access, education and preventive care work together to improve community health.

Local partners Huntsville Memorial Hospital and St. Luke's Health - Memorial Hospital - Livingston, TX provided their support for the initiative and its future impact across the region.

“This award gives us the opportunity to take meaningful action on one of the most persistent challenges facing rural communities: bringing preventive healthcare within reach,” said Thomas J. Mohr, DO, dean of SHSU-COM and vice president for medical affairs at SHSU.

Read more: https://bit.ly/3S867Xd

Happy Birthday, A.T. Still! 🎉

Today, our students came together to celebrate the founder of osteopathic medicine and the legacy he left behind. Through food, fellowship and hands-on OMT in the courtyard, they reflected on Dr. Still’s vision, learned more about the principles of osteopathic medicine and honored the path he forged for generations of physicians.

Happy birthday to the man whose ideas continue to shape the future of patient care.

📸: SD Maurya Gouni

🚨MABS Application Deadline Extended: August 8🚨

The application deadline for SHSU-COM's Master of Applied Biomedical Sciences (MABS) program has been extended to August 8.

There's still time to join our inaugural cohort and explore the intersection of biomedical sciences, artificial intelligence and the future of healthcare.

Visit the link to learn more and apply: https://bit.ly/4fgwyBD

Today marks the beginning of a new semester filled with fresh opportunities, new faces and familiar ones returning to campus.

Campus Activities & Involvement helped kick off the semester by welcoming students with SHSU gear, school supplies and plenty of Bearkat spirit.

Here's to another semester of learning, connection and preparing the next generation of osteopathic physicians.

Meet Ravi Yarid, DO—family medicine physician, father of five, lifelong gamer, fitness enthusiast and faculty member for SHSU-COM's Master of Science in Applied Biomedical Sciences (MABS) program and the Department of Osteopathic Principles and Practice.

If there's one theme that defines Dr. Yarid's journey, it's alignment.

Drawing on his experience as an osteopathic physician and medical educator, Dr. Yarid found a calling in artificial intelligence—not as a replacement for physicians or educators, but as a tool to strengthen them. Today, he serves as co-chair of the Digital Health Innovation Steering Committee for the American Osteopathic Information Association (AOIA), helping guide national conversations around AI and digital health in osteopathic medicine.

As one of the faculty members helping shape SHSU-COM's MABS program, Dr. Yarid believes the future of AI is about equipping people with better tools to innovate, make informed decisions and elevate patient care. Through MABS, students won't just learn about AI—they'll help shape its future in healthcare.

"AI is a tool. How we choose to use that tool is everything."

Learn more about the MABS program here: https://bit.ly/4fgwyBD

Have questions about SHSU-COM's Master of Applied Biomedical Sciences program?

We've rounded up answers to a few of the questions we hear most often. If you don't see yours, join us for our upcoming virtual information session this Thursday, July 30 from 12:30-1:30 p.m.

We'll cover admissions, what to expect from the program, practical applications and answer your questions live.

Applications are due in August, and the application fee is waived for students applying this fall.

Register now: https://bit.ly/4vl6LhI

It is with sadness that SHSU-COM shares the passing of Robert “Bob” Rice, PhD, assistant professor of clinical anatomy, on July 17. A dedicated educator, researcher and academic leader, Dr. Rice devoted his career to sharing knowledge, inspiring students and advancing innovative approaches to health professions education and patient care.

His work spanned anatomy education, academic leadership and emerging technology, including award-winning virtual reality simulations developed in support of NASA Johnson Space Center. At SHSU-COM, he brought his depth of knowledge and passion for teaching into the anatomy classroom, leaving a lasting impression on his students and colleagues.

We are grateful for Dr. Rice’s life, service and lasting influence. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and all who were touched by his dedication, curiosity and love of teaching.

Read more: https://www.shsu.edu/academics/colleges/osteopathic-medicine/shsu-com-highlights/memoriam-bob-rice

Congratulations to SHSU College of Osteopathic Medicine Dean Thomas J. Mohr, DO, on his election to the Board of Directors of the American Osteopathic Information Association (AOIA) during the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) House of Delegates in Chicago.

The AOIA is a national organization dedicated to advancing the use of technology and innovation in osteopathic medicine. Dr. Mohr's appointment reflects SHSU-COM's continued commitment to shaping the future of healthcare through initiatives like the Institute for Medical AI and the Master of Science in Applied Biomedical Sciences (MABS) program.

Interested in learning more about SHSU-COM's new Master of Science in Applied Biomedical Sciences?

Attend a virtual information session on Wednesday, July 22, from 12:30–1:30 p.m. to learn more about the program, explore the online curriculum, review the admissions process and hear what students can expect as part of the inaugural fall cohort.

Applications close in August, and the application fee is waived for students applying this fall.

Register now: https://bit.ly/4vl6LhI