Today@Sam Article

SHSU-COM Welcomes Military Medical Leaders and Students to Conroe

March 5, 2025
SHSU Media Contact: Mikah Boyd

The Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (SHSU-COM) was honored to assist in hosting the 2025 Association of Military Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons (AMOPS) conference, which brought over 500 attendees to Conroe. Among the distinguished guests were Lt. Gen. Mary K. Izaguirre, D.O., the surgeon general of the United States Army; Lt. Gen. John J. DeGoes, M.D., the surgeon general of the United States Air Force and Space Force; and Rear Adm. Kevin Brown, M.D., the commander of Naval Medical Forces Atlantic. Nearly 200 osteopathic medical students from across the country joined military physicians, leaders and educators for this gathering of service, training and collaboration.

Thomas J. Mohr, D.O., dean of SHSU-COM, extended a warm welcome to attendees during the opening breakfast. The conference officially began with a presentation of the colors by SHSU ROTC members William Ratliff (criminal justice, senior), Gustavo Garcia (mechanical engineering, freshman), Taylor Knight (homeland security, junior) and Joseph Piro (psychology, sophomore), setting a tone of respect and service.

Thursday’s keynote address was delivered by Retired Col. Kevin O’Connor, D.O., a distinguished physician who served as a White House physician beginning in 2006 under the Bush administration and retired in 2024 as physician to the president. In his speech, O’Connor emphasized the importance of being present—not just professionally, but personally. He urged attendees to embrace the human side of medicine, highlighting that being a good doctor extends beyond technical skill to truly seeing and valuing patients.

“Good doctors are active listeners. They empathize, they connect and they genuinely care for their patients. If you let yourself become friends with your patients, then you’re not just working—you’re spending time with friends,” he said.

The conference featured an address from American Osteopathic Association (AOA) President Teresa Hubka, D.O., who highlighted the growing presence of osteopathic physicians in military medicine. She noted that 44% of all Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP)  students are now osteopathic medical students, demonstrating the growing impact of D.O.s in military healthcare.

The conference also offered hands-on learning opportunities. SHSU-COM hosted stations where medical students were able to practice skills. Military working dogs were incorporated into simulation training for in-the-field medical care, providing attendees with unique and practical experiences.

In the spirit of service, attendees participated in a community outreach project with Compassion United in Conroe. Members of the Student Association of Military Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons (SAMOPS) helped organize shelves, move canned goods, portion dried goods and clean at the nonprofit’s food pantry, reinforcing AMOPS’ commitment to making a tangible impact beyond the medical field.

The conference concluded with an awards banquet, where Robert Suter, D.O., senior associate dean for clinical integration at SHSU-COM, was inducted into the prestigious Conclave of Eagles alongside speaker O’Connor. This honor recognizes physicians who have made significant contributions to military medicine and osteopathic leadership.

The presence of the military’s top medical leaders underscored the significance of the conference, highlighting the collaboration between academic institutions and military medicine. Through education, service and leadership, SHSU-COM continues to support the next generation of military physicians, preparing them to serve both in uniform and in communities across the country.

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