Founded in Las Cruces, N.M., and closely tied to the broader Borderland community, Burrell College has spent the last 10 years building a medical education model centered on service in underserved communities. Since its inaugural class in 2016, the college has graduated more than 860 doctors of osteopathic medicine, many of whom are now practicing in the communities facing persistent physician shortages.

“Burrell College was built on the idea that where a student trains is often where they

choose to practice,” said John L. Hummer, president of Burrell College. “By embedding our students in communities that face health care shortages, we’re not only educating them, but also investing in the long-term health of our mission regions.”

Today, Burrell College not only operates its founding campus in Las Cruces, but a second campus in Melbourne, Fla., reflecting both its growth and the increasing demand for physicians trained to serve where they are needed most. 

That approach has made Burrell College’s impact especially meaningful in the Borderland, where regional collaboration and community-based training have helped shape the school’s identity. College leaders say one of the strongest examples of that mission in action is the Preceptor Program, which connects students with practicing physicians in clinical settings across New Mexico, Texas, Arizona, Florida, and New York.

Burrell College student physicians Andrew Peace and Ojeni Touma sharpen their skills with hands-on training using a high-fidelity mannequin-bringing real-world medicine into the classroom.

More than 1,100 physicians currently serve as preceptors, offering mentorship and hands-on training that helps students understand medicine and the realities of delivering care in diverse and often underserved communities.

“Being a preceptor is more than teaching clinical skills; it’s shaping how students

understand patient care in the real world,” said Dr. Muneer E. Assi, associate dean of

clinical education and division chief of internal medicine at Burrell College.

“It’s about taking a new generation of doctors under our wing and guiding them as they expand their knowledge and understand the needs of our communities,” Assi said. “We recognize our public health challenges and are working together to create

something better.”

The college is also reaching audiences beyond the classroom and clinic. Through its

monthly podcast, D.O. Pulse, Burrell College highlights conversations around medical education, osteopathic medicine, and community issues in a format designed to inform both health care professionals and the public. The podcast is hosted by three-time Emmy Award-winning journalist and El Paso native Sidney Alvarez, whose broadcast background brings a familiar news-style tone to the program. Episodes are available on YouTube and feature guests from both inside and outside the college.

The Burrell College D.O. Pulse podcast is reaching 8-12K viewers each episode, sparking conversations on education, community, and the future of osteopathic medicine.

As Burrell College looks to its next chapter, its leaders say the mission remains clear:

train future physicians, deepen community partnerships, and expand access to care in regions that need it most.

For more information, visit https://burrell.edu.

Burrell College at a Glance

• Founded: 2013
• First Class Entered: 2016
• Graduates: 862 (Classes of 2020–2025)
• Campuses: Las Cruces, N.M., and Melbourne, Fla.
• Mission: Educating physicians for service in underserved communities

Become a Burrell Preceptor

• Shape the future: Mentor the next generation of physicians.
• Strengthen local care: Help build the physician pipeline in underserved communities.
• Join a network: More than 1,100 physicians across five states already partner with us.
• Become a Preceptor:  https://burrell.edu/future-preceptors/