The Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine (ICOM) welcomed its third cohort of student doctors to campus on Monday, Aug. 3, for the start of the 2020-21 academic year.

The Class of 2024 is comprised of 162 students from across the United States — 33 of whom hail from Idaho and 45 from across ICOM’s five-state target region that includes Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota and South Dakota.

“We could not be more pleased with the quality and overall preparation of these young student doctors—most of whom have worked and prepared their entire lives for the opportunity to study and learn the art and science medicine,” said Dr. Tracy J. Farnsworth, ICOM President.

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.

ICOM’s third cohort continues to be academically strong, with an average GPA of 3.49 and an average MCAT score of 505.

“ICOM continues to attract highly accomplished and motivated student doctors from our state and region and from across the country,” said Dr. Thomas J. Mohr, Dean and Chief Academic Officer. “We are so proud of our incoming class for overcoming such adversity to get to medical school in the midst of a pandemic. These passionate men and women have stepped up and affirmed their commitment to serve the needs of our patients and our communities despite the risks involved in healthcare today. They are the next generation of ‘healthcare heroes.’”

ICOM’s Class of 2024 participated in New Student Orientation July 29-31, which was held virtually. Students had the opportunity to visit campus in small groups for several pre-orientation activities, such as getting fitted for white coats and picking up their assigned iPads.

ICOM resumed full campus operations for the Fall 2020 semester, which includes a hybrid of in-person and online instruction. The health and safety of ICOM’s students, faculty and staff remains the college’s top priority. A number of health guidelines continue to be implemented as the academic year progresses.

Out of an abundance of caution due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the White Coat Ceremony for ICOM’s Class of 2024 — originally scheduled for September 25, 2020 — has been postponed. Alternative plans are being discussed.