Published in The Wilson County News on August 2, 2017
New School of Osteopathic Medicine promotes holistic health care at Brooks
Story & photos by Harry & Linda Kaye Perez Special to the Wilson County News
Thank You for Saying Yes was the underlying theme of the grand opening and dedication of the new University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine at Brooks City Base on July 20th. Yes to the idea for the school many years ago; yes from the staff that worked diligently to achieve their goal; yes from the generous donors, the City of San Antonio and Brooks City Base: and yes from the first class of 150 students that will begin their studies here at the end of July.
UIW and the Sisters of Charity are expanding their mission into the world of “holistic-whole person approach” to healthcare. Instead of just treating the symptoms, the medical student will learn how all the parts, mind and body, are interconnected, and how to recognize or identify what needs to be corrected. The osteopathic approach guides the student, soon to be a physician, to learn how to assist the body’s natural tendencies toward self-healing and better health.
Speaking from the podium that was used by President John F Kennedy on his visit to the Brooks Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine just one day before his assassination in Dallas, UIW President Emeritus, Louis Agnese, Jr., San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg and other community leaders praised the accomplishment of the only Catholic medical school in Texas. According to Bexar County Commission Precinct 4, Tommy Calvert, this school will create more healthcare opportunities for Southeast San Antonio as well being part of an economic impact estimated at $10 Billion over the next decade that will trickle down to the surrounding counties.
The School of Osteopathic Medicine occupies four existing buildings previously the School of Aerospace Medicine at Brooks City Base totaling 155,000 square feet. Renovations were accomplished at a cost of $50 Million. On the first landing on the moon, Astronaut Neil Armstrong said, “The Eagle has landed.” Dr. Robyn Madson, Founding Dean of the School of Osteopathic Medicine, used that same phrase to launch this new adventure.
Dr. Robyn Madson, founding dean of the University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine.
A July 20 ribbon-cutting ceremony officially opens the new University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine at Brooks on San Antonio’s south side.
