The Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine (ICOM) celebrated the graduation of 146 new physicians on Friday, May 1. After four years of study, ICOM faculty hooded the new osteopathic physicians and the College’s Class of 2026 was conferred the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree.
“With today’s commencement, ICOM has now graduated 734 Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs),” said Dr. Tracy J. Farnsworth, ICOM President. “We rejoice in the success of these graduates and in the knowledge that they will provide much needed medical care to thousands of persons for decades to come.”
In a packed theater at the Morrison Center in Boise, graduates gathered with family, friends, faculty and staff, to celebrate their transition into resident physicians, where they will train in their specialty of choice for at least the next three years. Of the 146 graduates, 16 will stay in Idaho for residency training.
Prior to the official hooding of the graduates, ICOM presented its first-ever Honorary Doctorates of Public Service to former Governor of Idaho, C.L. “Butch” Otter, accepted on his behalf by former Idaho State Representative Marv Hagedorn, and former Idaho State University President, Arthur C. Vailas, PhD. In conferring these degrees, the College recognizes their extraordinary vision, courage, leadership, and support in establishing ICOM.
Following the awarding of the honorary doctorates, each new graduate was individually hooded and symbolically transitioned from an osteopathic medical student to an osteopathic physician. Prior to the conclusion of the Hooding Ceremony, graduates recited the Osteopathic Oath, led by Robyn Dreibelbis, DO, FACOFP, Associate Dean of Graduate Medical Education. Additionally, 15 graduates were commissioned as officers in the United States Armed Forces.
The 146 new osteopathic physicians will begin their residencies in the coming weeks, with approximately 60% of the class embarking on a primary care specialty. In total, ICOM graduates will continue their medical training through residencies in: anesthesiology; child neurology; dermatology; diagnostic radiology; emergency medicine; family medicine; general surgery; internal medicine; neurology; obstetrics and gynecology; orthopedic surgery; osteopathic neuromusculoskeletal medicine; pathology; pediatrics; physical medicine and rehabilitation; psychiatry; and urology.