Following a morning of classwork, the Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine prepared for their first white coat ceremony, making history as Idaho's first medical school.
Also making history is Ricky Aguayo, one of ICOM's students, "I was born in Mexico, family moved up here, I'm the first one to finish high school, first one to go to college, first one to get into med school."
Ricky had dreams of becoming a doctor after attending appointments with his grandma. Now, he's paving the way for others just like him.
“I've been able to be a good role model for family's and have other family members go to school now," says Ricky.
And Friday marked a significant first step in his medical journey, as well as the journey of 162 other students part of ICOM's class of 2022. All embarking on a journey to change Idaho's 49th holding position in physicians per capita.
"With Idaho, with our incredible physician shortage, by training caring and competent physicians, the physicians of the future, we're going to provide access for patients throughout Idaho, and the region," says Founding Dean, Dr. Robert Hasty.
Forty-two of those students are coming from right here in Idaho, all grateful to continue their education here in the Gem State.
"It's at home for me, so it was a great opportunity for me to stay here close to family and enjoy Boise,” says Ricky.
