AUSTIN-Sam Houston State University's proposal to create a college of osteopathic medicine met stiff resistance, but the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board recently approved it by a narrow margin.
"After approximately four years of researching, analyzing and planning, this endorsement represents a major leap forward in helping to train doctors who will predominately practice in rural, underserved areas," Dana Hoyt, the university's president, said in a statement. "Sam Houston is one of the best-suited universities to address our state's rural healthcare crisis."
Texas ranks 47th nationally in primary care physicians per 100,000 population, and rural residents in particular need greater access to primary care doctors.
East Texas has just one primary care physician for every 4,510 residents, according to the university, and the college of osteopathic medicine proposal picked up support from more than 20 state lawmakers as well as regional
residents.