FORT SMITH, Ark. -- - The first medical school in Fort Smith opened its doors earlier this week to students to mark a milestone for medicine in the River Valley.

150 students started their journey today to become a doctor at the Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine.

The brand new medical school welcomes students from across the country to be a part of the class of 2021.

ARCOM hopes their brand new services and their initiative for better education will break the glass ceiling in medicine for the River Valley.

"I think the passion of the peope here really stood out to me," medical student Ryan Schultz said. "Then you start to look at Fort Smith and what it has to offer and the need that the community presents and the excitement of the community for the school. That is what becomes a very attractive option."

The school is also home to natives from the area. '

Missy Olcott is from Fort Smith and says she probably wouldn't have had the opportunity at 30 years old to attend medical school if it wasn't for one close to home.

"Staying close to Fort Smith is what made sense to me," Olcott said. "You never know what is going to come here or what the future holds, but being here in Forth Smith and being a part of the growing community is what is really important to me."

ARCOM says its biggest goal is to provide doctors who will build relationships and stay and serve the River Valley.

"People are coming from the wood works to welcome us and embrace us so it is important that we train physicians to give back and serve the community," Executive Director of Student Affairs said. "Since they have embraced us, we are need to embrace them and we are doing that."

In the next several years, ARCOM does plan on expanding to train and educate more future doctors.

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First Medical School in Fort Smith Welcomes Students Today - KNWA