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By Alex Branch

The UNT Health Science Center’s osteopathic medical school was the only medical school in Texas to place at least 25 percent of 2018 graduates in family medicine.

It’s the latest example of the program’s leadership in reducing the state’s shortage of primary care physicians.

The Texas Academy of Family Physicians honored the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine (TCOM) for the achievement at the organization’s annual meeting in November.

It was the 20^thyear TCOM received the honor, which the academy created in 1993 to encourage medical schools to increase the number of graduates entering family medicine residencies.

“Our program’s achievement in family medicine demonstrates its great value to Fort Worth, North Texas and the state of Texas,” said Frank Filipetto, DO, Interim Dean of TCOM. “Our graduates are the doctors who are providing front-line medical care in our community for our families and friends, and they have been for many years.”

The shortage of primary care physicians is a growing problem in Texas. A recent study from the Association of American Medical Colleges found that when it comes to primary care, Texas ranks 47th out of the 50 states for having an adequate number of primary care physicians.

TCOM opened in 1970. Educating with a mindset of innovation, the school excels through a unique curriculum, cutting-edge research, and outstanding student performance in classrooms and clinics. It has been recognized as one of the top medical schools for primary care by U.S. News & World Report.

TCOM recruits students from underserved communities and emphasizes altruism and commitment to community service, traits that may make one well suited to primary care, Dr. Filipetto said. Also, many talented primary care physicians serve as mentors and facilitators for TCOM students, inspiring some to enter primary care as well.

“Our success in family medicine demonstrates the commitment of our students, staff and faculty in creating solutions for a healthier community,” Dr. Filipetto said. “We are very proud of this recognition.”

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