[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 83 (Thursday, May 13, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Page S2517]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

                                 F_____
                                 

  RECOGNIZING THE NEW DOCTORS OF THE ARKANSAS COLLEGE OF OSTEOPATHIC 
                                MEDICINE

 Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I rise to honor the inaugural 
graduates of the Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine, ARCOM, as 
they prepare to receive their hoods and diplomas on Saturday, May 15, 
2021.
  After 4 years, this class of 145 doctors will move on to residencies 
throughout the region and the Nation, but first, they will celebrate 
their unique role as leaders and standard-setters within what has 
already become a vitally important and game-changing institution in 
western Arkansas.
  ARCOM welcomed its first class of medical students in 2017. Four 
years later, the school celebrated its first Match Day with 95 percent 
of students placed into residency programs. Of those moving onto 
residences, 7 percent will work in primary care and almost two-thirds 
received placements in Arkansas and surrounding States. Studies show us 
that a majority of doctors stay and practice in the region they are 
educated, so I was also pleased to see that more than 50 percent of 
ARCOM's first class of graduates matched in States that are considered 
in the bottom 10 percent for access to medical care. This is where they 
are needed and speaks to the mission and importance of ARCOM, not only 
to Arkansas but our entire region.
  As part of the Arkansas Colleges of Health Education, ACHE, ARCOM is 
transforming healthcare education and helping prepare future doctors to 
practice in medically underserved regions. It is inspiring to think 
about the efforts it took to make this day possible. The need for more 
medical professionals in Arkansas is great, and the work put in by the 
students community leaders, generous donors, and true visionaries who 
saw the need should be applauded today.
  In addition to this inaugural class of osteopathic physicians, ACHE 
is celebrating its second commencement for graduates receiving a master 
of science in biomedicine. The campus is now also home to the School of 
Physical Therapy, with its first class starting instruction in June 
2021, and the School of Occupational Therapy, which expects to welcome 
students in January 2022.
  I am grateful for the incredible work being done by administration, 
faculty, staff, and students. The campus is a cornerstone for new 
medical facilities, housing, and opportunities in western Arkansas and 
continues to draw new resources to the area. Its impact has been 
significant and stands to grow well into the future.
  I am also proud of these graduates. They have prepared for their 
medical careers during a challenging time, with full understanding of 
the importance of their charge and the task ahead. As they embark on 
their careers, I know they have seen and experienced more than they 
expected. They have chosen this path for a reason, and our State and 
Nation are stronger because of their commitment to serving others.
  Congratulations to the 2021 class of ARCOM and to everyone who made 
this dream possible for them and for Arkansas.

                          ____________________