The Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine (ICOM) welcomed its fifth cohort of student doctors to campus on Monday, Aug. 1, for the start of the 2022-23 academic year. 

The Class of 2026 is comprised of 162 students from across the United States — 26 of whom hail from Idaho and 36 from across ICOM’s five-state target region which includes Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota and South Dakota. 

“These promising young student doctors represent the best of our rising generation and the future physicians of Idaho and this region,” said Dr. Tracy J. Farnsworth, President of ICOM. “They come to us well-prepared to embrace the academic and professional rigors of the next four years.” 

ICOM’s fifth cohort is academically strong, with an average GPA of 3.6 and an average MCAT score of 507.  

“It’s so rewarding to work with these student doctors,” said Janette Martin, Director of Admissions. “They are bright, caring, compassionate and service oriented. They will become amazing doctors who will make a positive impact on our healthcare in this region and beyond.”

ICOM’s Class of 2026 participated in New Student Orientation July 26-28. Students visited the Meridian-based campus for several pre-orientation activities, such as getting fitted for white coats and picking up their assigned iPads. Orientation week culminated with a White Coat Ceremony on July 29 — a rite of passage for first-year osteopathic medical students. The ceremony signifies a commitment to the osteopathic profession and patient care.