Welcome to the UIW School of Osteopathic Medicine

John T. Pham, DO, FACOFP, Dean and Chief Academic Officer | Professor of Family MedicineTogether with the faculty, administration, and staff, I am excited to welcome you to the University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine (UIWSOM). Each year, the arriving class of new learners bring with them such exhilaration, promise, and possibility. It is truly an exciting time! You have followed many unique paths to arrive here. Your diverse backgrounds, individual experiences, and special talents all contribute to a rich community that enhances not only our school but the practice of osteopathic medicine.

The UIWSOM community is committed to improving the health and wellbeing of our local, national, and global communities. We bring together world-class researchers and faculty from diverse health-related fields to train our future osteopathic physicians. Promoting culturally, linguistically, and community responsive care for all patients to enhance patient safety and improve patient outcomes are core principles of our mission.

Our curriculum is forward thinking and distinctive. UIWSOM graduates complete medical school with the tools to effectively communicate with patients, diagnose and treat diseases, and to lead with compassion and empathy. You are joining part of a truly impactful community.

We are one of 42 American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) institutions in the United States. Combined, we educate more than 30,000 future physicians — 25% of all U.S. medical students.

What is Osteopathic Medicine?

Holistic 

Patient-centered 

Preventive 

Functional 

Primary care focus

The UIW School of Osteopathic Medicine stands as one of the newest medical schools in Texas, and a vital part of one of the state's oldest Catholic universities.

We admitted our first class of 162 students in July 2017. We advance a nearly 140-year-old UIW tradition of providing medical care and education across South Texas.

Texas ranks 47th in number of physicians per patient, and 57% of the state's medically underserved people live in our School of Medicine's service areas.

Because of our whole-person approach to medicine, 56% of all DOs choose to practice in the primary care disciplines of family practice, general internal medicine and pediatrics. 

What Makes UIWSOM Stand Out

We offer two degree programs: a four-year Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) and a one-year Master of Biomedical Sciences (MBS).

The UIW School of Osteopathic Medicine stands as one of the newest medical schools in Texas, and a vital part of one of the state's oldest Catholic universities. We admitted our first class of 162 students in July 2017. We advance a nearly 140-year-old UIW tradition of providing medical care and education across South Texas.

Entering Class of 2024 Profile

  • 73% Texas residents
  • 3% African American
  • 39% Asian
  • 38% Hispanic
  • 1% Native American
  • 29% White
  • 1% Not Reported
  • Average age: 25
Students walking just outside of a UIWSOM building

Take a Virtual Tour of UIWSOM

Want to start traveling without moving? Explore the UIWSOM campus with an interactive tour online!

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