Medical School May Expand SHSU Campus

News from the Houstonian (Nov. 6) about the proposed SHSU medical school in the Conroe area:

Though nothing is set in stone at the moment, university officials have been working with a developer on securing land in Montgomery County for the future construction of a medical facility where students in the field can get hands on experience while fulfilling a need in the community.

According to Dean of Health Sciences Michael Lacourse, although the plan is only in its infant stage, it currently includes graduate degree programs in osteopathic medicine, advanced practice nursing, physician assistant studies, physical therapy, occupational therapy and possibly mental health programs through a collaboration with the Department of Psychology.

“In the current plan, the medical school would not be part of the College of Health Sciences, but we do plan to integrate the osteopathic school with current and future clinical health sciences degree programs offered by the College of Health Sciences,” Lacourse said. “In fact, we are excited to be developing an innovative instructional approach that will offer students an inter-professional learning experience so they are prepared to work in team-based models of care when they graduate.”

Additionally, proposed undergraduate degree programs include medical laboratory sciences, diagnostic imaging, health informatics and dental hygiene. Lacourse added that they will begin offering some of their recently approved degree programs at The Woodlands Center as early as this spring in nursing, healthcare administration, public health and wellness management.

“All of our clinical programs require students to complete a portion of their education in a clinical environment, so the demand we would create for access to hospitals and other health care organizations would be significant,” Lacourse said. “By locating in Montgomery County, we will be much closer to the growing number of clinical sites available in Montgomery County and North Houston.”