STEPHENVILLE, Texas — Dr. Elizabeth Palmarozzi, DO, FACOFP, has been named Founding Dean of Tarleton State University’s proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine.
With nearly four decades of experience ranging from academic leadership to time spent in the field, Dr. Palmarozzi brings immense knowledge to the position. In her new role, she will lead Tarleton State’s accreditation process, develop program curriculum, recruit faculty and staff, and collaborate with healthcare partners to secure commitments for clinical placements and residencies.
“We are thrilled to have someone with Dr. Palmarozzi’s background leading us forward as we work to address the evolving healthcare needs in Texas,” said Tarleton State President Dr. James Hurley. “Her familiarity in building a College of Osteopathic Medicine from the ground up will be invaluable during this exciting process. Under her leadership, our university will be prepared to address healthcare access and quality in rural and medically underserved communities.”
Most recently, Dr. Palmarozzi served as the Founding Campus Dean for Touro University and the Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in Great Falls, Mont. Prior to her time in Big Sky Country, she was the Founding Campus Dean for the Via College of Osteopathic Medicine-Auburn campus.
She began professionally in a private solo rural family medicine practice and has gone on to actively care for patients throughout much of her academic career.
“I am thrilled with the opportunity to begin the College of Osteopathic Medicine at Tarleton State University,” said Dr. Palmarozzi. “Osteopathic medicine aligns perfectly with the mission, vision and values of Tarleton State. As a native Texan, I am committed to advancing medical education in the state and graduating physicians to provide care, especially in rural and medically underserved areas. I am honored to have been selected as the Founding Dean and eager to begin this endeavor.”
Tarleton State’s proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine is positioned to provide meaningful impact in Texas, which ranks 47th in the nation in patient-physician ratio. A critical area of need exists in rural areas, where the state has just 13 physicians per 10,000 residents. Adding a medical school in Stephenville would help fill a significant gap in North Central Texas.
A formal feasibility study for the College of Osteopathic Medicine was recently conducted by Tripp Umbach, displaying the critical need and viability of the proposed college. The data collected in the study from the U.S. Census Bureau indicated that 20% of Texas residents will be 60 or older by 2030, and the number of residents aged 65 and older is projected to more than double to 8.3 million by 2050, further increasing healthcare demands.
The medical school at Tarleton State would support class sizes of up to 150 students.
Dr. Palmarozzi earned her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine. She holds a postgraduate degree from what is now known as the Oklahoma State University Medical Center and a bachelor’s degree in biology from Lamar University.
She is a past president of the Texas Osteopathic Medical Association, Texas Society of American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians, Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine Alumni and Rotary International. She is also board certified by the American Osteopathic Association through the American Board of Osteopathic Family Physicians.
A founding member of The Texas A&M System, Tarleton State University is breaking records — in enrollment, research, scholarship, athletics, philanthropy and engagement — while transforming the lives of approximately 18,000 students in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Bryan and online. For 125 years, Tarleton State has been committed to accessible higher education opportunities for all while helping students grow academically, socially and professionally through programs that emphasize real world learning and address regional, state and national needs.