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In a landmark achievement for healthcare education in the Mountain West, Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine (Noorda-COM) celebrated the graduation of its inaugural class of physicians—a watershed moment for Utah's largest medical school.
These pioneering students didn't merely complete their medical education; they actively shaped a transformative educational model built upon the foundational pillars of clinical innovation, holistic wellness, and academic excellence.
A strong start: Residency match results
Noorda-COM's inaugural class demonstrated exceptional achievement with a 92% initial match rate and an impressive 99% overall placement rate in the highly competitive 2025 National Resident Matching Program—statistics that meet or exceed national benchmarks.
"These outcomes are a testament to the dedication and resilience of our pioneering students," said Dr. Lynsey Drew, dean and chief academic officer. "They embraced a bold new model of education, and their success proves its power."
The institution's graduates secured positions across diverse geographic regions and medical specialties, ranging from essential primary care disciplines to highly sought-after surgical fields.
Building the future of healthcare
Residency placement represents far more than individual accomplishment—it marks a crucial transition toward fulfilling critical healthcare needs in communities nationwide.
Noorda-COM graduates are now embarking on their professional journeys in prestigious medical facilities spanning from Utah to New York, positioned to create meaningful impact in diverse healthcare settings.
"Our students' success reflects the strength of our academic model and their determination," said Dr. Norm Wright, president and CEO of Noorda-COM. "We're proud to send compassionate, capable doctors into communities where they're needed most."
These newly minted physicians embody the institution's mission to transform healthcare delivery through both clinical excellence and genuine commitment to patient-centered care.
An innovative approach to medical training
Noorda-COM pioneered an innovative learning environment centered around intimate, collaborative pods where meaningful connections flourish between faculty and students.
This forward-thinking approach is enhanced by state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, early immersion in clinical settings, and comprehensive training in team-based healthcare delivery.
Wellness isn't merely an afterthought but forms the cornerstone of Noorda-COM's educational philosophy—a curriculum meticulously crafted to balance intellectual demands with personal resilience.
Students benefit from a multi-dimensional support system addressing academic challenges, emotional well-being, and personal development, creating physicians who not only excel clinically but also model the self-care practices essential for sustainable careers in medicine.
This integrated approach ensures graduates can effectively heal others while maintaining their own vitality throughout demanding medical careers.
Meeting the moment in Utah and beyond
As the largest medical institution by enrollment among Utah's three medical schools, Noorda-COM is emerging as a vital contributor in addressing critical physician shortages across the Mountain West.
The college is working to directly target healthcare gaps in rural and underserved communities—areas historically struggling to attract and retain medical professionals.
This commitment to service is reflected in impressive outcomes: 52% of Noorda-COM's Class of 2025 matched into essential primary care specialties including family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatrics—disciplines that not only form the foundation of public health but also represent the frontline defense against emerging healthcare challenges in underserved regions.
A competitive edge
In an era where medical school admission remains fiercely competitive—with U.S. acceptance rates averaging just 5.5% in 2025—osteopathic programs like Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine (Noorda-COM) are increasingly becoming first-choice destinations for aspiring physicians.
Noorda-COM distinguishes itself by seamlessly integrating rigorous scientific training with a holistic, patient-centered approach to medicine.
Noorda-COM's strategic Provo location offers students a vibrant community setting, exceptional outdoor recreational opportunities, and the flexibility to tailor their medical education through specialized tracks in rural medicine, global health initiatives, and research pathways—all designed to prepare graduates for the evolving landscape of modern healthcare.
Noorda-COM's first commencement
Noorda-COM commemorated this historic milestone with its inaugural commencement ceremony on May 3—a poignant celebration representing not just the culmination of rigorous academic achievement, but the beginning of impactful medical careers poised to transform healthcare across the region.
As these pioneering graduates step forward as physicians, they embark on their professional journeys embodying the foundational values of excellence, compassion, and innovation that Noorda-COM has instilled from its inception.
Their success marks not an end but a beginning—the first chapter in what promises to be a transformative contribution to healthcare throughout the Mountain West and beyond.
To witness this watershed moment and learn more about Noorda-COM's vision for the future of medical education, visit noordacom.org/events/commencement to view the complete ceremony and celebration.
