The Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine (ICOM) welcomed its fourth cohort of student doctors to campus on Monday, Aug. 2, for the start of the 2021-22 academic year. 

The Class of 2025 is comprised of 162 students from across the United States — 19 of whom hail from Idaho and 34 from across ICOM’s five-state target region which includes Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota and South Dakota. 

ICOM’s fourth cohort of aspiring physicians are among some of the first medical students in the nation making their return to campus for in-person learning after the COVID-19 pandemic required a shift to virtual learning during the previous academic year. 

“It is always difficult to get into medical school, but this class in particular had to show strength and resilience in difficult times to meet the rigorous standards for admission,” said Dr. Thomas J. Mohr, ICOM Dean and Chief Academic Officer. “That perseverance and motivation that allowed them to continue to excel during the pandemic will serve them well as they take on the challenges ahead. We are thrilled to have them join the ICOM family!”

ICOM’s fourth cohort is academically strong, with an average GPA of 3.56 and an average MCAT score of 505. 

“I love that ICOM is attracting bright, inquisitive and compassionate students to meet our mission of caring for people in our region,” said Janette Martin, ICOM’s Director of Admissions. “Bringing in a new class of great students is always exciting and energizing!”

ICOM’s Class of 2025 participated in New Student Orientation July 28-30. Students visited the Meridian-based campus for several pre-orientation activities, such as getting fitted for white coats and picking up their assigned iPads. 

School officials hope graduates from ICOM will help to fill the critical physician shortage in Idaho, which ranks 49th in the nation for the number of physicians per capita and 45th for primary care physicians.