On May 16, the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM-Louisiana) proudly celebrated the graduation of its third class of physicians. After four rigorous years of study, service, and clinical training, these new graduates have earned their Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degrees and will now begin the next chapter of their medical journeys in residency programs across the nation.
This class of 145 graduates represents 28 states, with many proudly calling Louisiana home. Among them are 12 student parents who balanced the demands of family life with their medical education. Together, the class achieved an outstanding 99% residency match rate, an exceptional milestone that reflects both their dedication and the strength of their preparation. As they move forward, these physicians will collectively impact millions of patients’ lives, carrying with them the mission of VCOM and the principles of osteopathic medicine in every patient encounter.
Commencement speaker Thomas J. Gullatt, MD, FCCP, a physician leader with over 30 years of clinical and executive experience, serves as CEO and market president for the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System’s northeast Louisiana market and as an assistant professor at VCOM-Louisiana. Addressing the Class of 2026, he challenged graduates to recognize both the privilege and responsibility that come with the profession, reminding them that their impact will extend far beyond the exam room.
“You walk into a position of trust and respect, whatever community or situation you choose to pursue. Studies show that physicians are the most publicly trusted occupation—but with this trust comes responsibility and, with it, the opportunity to have an impact on patients, society, and public health. It will be up to your generation of physicians to enhance public trust—or allow the erosion of public confidence to continue.” He also encouraged the class to commit to lifelong learning, adding, “Never stop your quest for knowledge, detail, new techniques, and interventions. Your education doesn’t end now—it’s really just beginning.”
VCOM’s mission is to prepare community-focused physicians to meet the needs of rural and medically underserved populations throughout the Southeast, particularly in the Appalachian and Delta regions. The Class of 2026 continues to advance that mission.
Nearly 27% of graduates will remain in Louisiana for residency training, while another 26% will continue their training in neighboring states, demonstrating a strong commitment to serving the communities that helped shape their journey. Overall, members of the Class of 2026 matched into residency programs in 26 states, with the most placements in Louisiana, Texas, and Florida.
60% percent of the class matched primary care specialties, including family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, and obstetrics and gynecology. These specialties form the foundation of preventive, accessible, and community-based healthcare.
The Class of 2026 also continues VCOM-Louisiana’s growing tradition of success in military medicine through the Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP). This year, five students matched to pursue military residency training across five specialties in the Army, Navy, and Air Force, continuing VCOM-Louisiana’s legacy of training physicians committed to serving both patients and country.
As the Class of 2026 begins residency training across the country, they carry with them the knowledge, clinical experience, and values gained at VCOM-Louisiana, along with a deep commitment to service, compassion, and whole-person care. Reflecting on the journey ahead, Ray L. Morrison, DO, FACOS, DFACOS, dean of the VCOM-Louisiana campus, reminded the graduates, “You’ll have times of joy, times of unhappiness, but these values will be your guiding light as you face the unknown and find yourself in a position to make many difficult decisions. You’re now part of a proud profession, a community of osteopathic physicians dedicated to healing the whole person—body, mind, and spirit. You carry with you not just a degree, but the hopes of your family, the pride of your professors, and the trust of the communities you serve.”
