Leaders from the University of Guam and the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine–Arkansas gather for a memorandum of understanding signing ceremony on April 2, 2026, formalizing a new pathway for UOG students to pursue medical degrees. Pictured from left are Brookshield Laurent, D.O., Chair of Clinical Medicine, NYITCOM-Arkansas; Shane Speights, D.O., FAAFP, Campus Dean, NYITCOM-Arkansas; Anita Borja Enriquez, D.B.A., President, University of Guam; Sharleen Santos-Bamba, Ph.D., Senior Vice President and Provost, UOG; and Rachael Leon Guerrero, Ph.D., RDN, Dean, UOG College of Natural and Applied Sciences.

The University of Guam and the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine (NYITCOM) celebrate a new academic partnership that creates a pathway for UOG students to pursue medical degrees. The collaboration aims to strengthen Guam’s healthcare workforce by increasing the number of locally trained physicians. From left to right: Senator Tina Muña Barnes; Brookshield Laurent, D.O., Chair of Clinical Medicine, NYITCOM-Arkansas; Shane Speights, D.O., FAAFP, Campus Dean, NYITCOM-Arkansas; Anita Borja Enriquez, D.B.A., President, University of Guam; Sharleen Santos-Bamba, Ph.D., Senior Vice President and Provost, UOG; Rachael Leon Guerrero, Ph.D., RDN, Dean, UOG College of Natural and Applied Sciences; and Maika Vuki, Ph.D., Interim Associate Dean, UOG CNAS.

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Through the agreement, University of Guam students pursuing pre-medical studies will have the opportunity to complete four years of undergraduate education at UOG, followed by four years at NYITCOM to earn a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree at NYITCOM’s campus in Jonesboro, Arkansas. The pathway represents a long-term strategy to build local healthcare capacity and increase the number of homegrown physicians serving the island.

“Guam faces a critical shortage of healthcare professionals, and this partnership is part of the solution,” said Dr. Anita Borja Enriquez, University of Guam President. “By creating a clear pathway to medical school, we support our mission to provide public value—developing local talent and strengthening the healthcare workforce for our island and region.”

The announcement comes as Guam addresses physician shortages and expands access to care and highlights how the University is working towards immediate and long-term solutions for the healthcare workforce.

"Over the past decade, the dedicated faculty in CNAS have built a strong Biology program, and we have produced so many great students,” said Dr. Rachael Leon Guerrero, Dean of the College of Natural and Applied Sciences. “This partnership between our academic institutions further expands the opportunities and impact for our students to pursue a career in medicine, while staying connected to the needs of our community."

Additional details about program requirements, eligibility, and application timelines will be announced in the coming months.