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Conroe Montgomery Edition VOLUME 10, ISSUE 3 JUNE 21JULY 22, 2024

2024 Health Care Edition

Meeting demand for doctors

In May, the rst class of 69 students graduated from Sam Houston State University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine, which is located in Conroe.

COURTESY SAM HOUSTON STATE UNIVERSITY

SHSU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine in Conroe targets physician shortage

the needs of Texas were,” said COM Dean Thomas Mohr. “We have one of the most incredible medical centers in the world. ... But there is a shortage of primary care physicians, especially in our rural and underserved communities.”

In Conroe, Sam Houston State University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine is working to help address the physician shortage. Opening in 2020, the college’s rst class graduated in May. “When [SHSU ocials] started thinking about a medical school, they were really looking at what

BY LIZZY SPANGLER

By 2036, the unmet demand for primary care physicians in the Gulf Coast public health region— which includes Montgomery County—is anticipated to reach 39%, according to April 2024 data from the Texas Department of State Health Services.

CONTINUED ON 16

Also in this issue Impacts: Tuscany Italian Grill now open along Grand Central Parkway in Conroe (Page 6)

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INSIDE

Dining: Porky’s Belly BBQ oers rustic eatery in Montgomery (Page 27)

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CONROE - MONTGOMERY EDITION

Farm-country Roots. Modern-day Comforts.

Welcome to Clopton Farms, a new home community just off the beaten path and down the scenic Rabon Chapel Road in Montgomery, Texas. Farmhouse-chic homes and thoughtfully planned amenities go hand-in-hand in this tranquil spot. Choose from three collections of modern home designs on 50’, 60’, and 70'-wide homesites, all with deep, oversized backyards. Check out resident-exclusive amenities like a planned recreation center and sparkling pool, a fitness center, playground, covered pavilion, and miles of neighborhood walking paths. Then hook up your boat and grab fishing gear. Lake Conroe is 1.5 miles away.

Coming Fall 2024. Your new home is waiting for you. Scan the QR code to learn more about Clopton Farms.

New Homes from the High $300s | 2,128 – 3,613 Sq. Ft. | 3-5 Beds. | 2-4 Baths. | 2- to 3-Bay Garage

The prices of our homes, included features, plans, specifications, promotions/incentives, neighborhood build-out and available locations are subject to change without notice. Stated dimensions, square footage and acreage are approximate and should not be used as a representation of any home’s or homesite’s precise or actual size, location or orientation. There is no guarantee that any particular homesite or home will be available. A Broker/Agent must register their client in person on client’s first visit at each community for a Broker/Agent to receive a commission or referral fee, if available. Not all features and options are available in all homes. Unless otherwise expressly stated, homes do not come with hardscape, landscape, or other decorator items. Any photographs or renderings used herein reflect artists’ conceptions and are for illustrative purposes only. Community maps, illustrations, plans and/or amenities reflect our current vision and are subject to change without notice. Photographs or renderings of people do not depict or indicate any preference regarding race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, familial status, or national origin. Our name and the logos contained herein are registered trademarks of Tri Pointe Homes, Inc. © 2024 Tri Pointe Homes Texas, Inc. All rights reserved.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

About Community Impact

Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today with editions across Texas. Our mission is to provide trusted news and local information that everyone gets. Our vision is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Our purpose is to be a light for our readers, customers, partners and each other by living out our core values of Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity.

Market leaders & metro team

Reporters Jovanna Aguilar Asia Armour Angela Bonilla Melissa Enaje Wesley Gardner Cassandra Jenkins Rachel Leland Emily Lincke Nichaela Shaheen Jessica Shorten Haley Velasco Aubrey Vogel Carson Weaver Graphic Designers Richard Galvan

Chrissy Leggett General Manager cleggett@ communityimpact.com

Jatziri Garcia Ellen Jackson Matt Mills

Martha Risinger Jesus Verastegui Taylor White Ronald Winters Managing Copy Editor Beth Marshall Account Executive Taylor Rainey Senior Managing Editor Matt Stephens Senior Art Production Manager Kaitlin Schmidt

Lizzy Spangler Editor lspangler@ communityimpact.com

Jason Culpepper Publisher jculpepper@ communityimpact.com

Email newsletters communityimpact.com/newsletter Support us Join your neighbors by giving to the CI Patron program. Funds support our journalistic mission to provide trusted, local news in your community. Learn more at communityimpact.com/cipatron

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CONROE MONTGOMERY EDITION

Impacts

• 702 W. Montgomery St., Ste. 100, Willis • www.tropicalsmoothiecafe.com

149

N. DANVILLE ST.

4 Sunset Yoga The studio oers a variety of yoga classes. • Opened May 11 • 24390 W. FM 1097, Montgomery • www.sunsetyoga.org

Willis

EMERSON DR.

1097

CAROLINE ST.

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830

MONTGOMERY ST.

5 Cars Plus The shop specializes in repairing European, foreign and domestic vehicles. • Opened in early April • 612 W. Phillips St., Conroe • www.carsplusautorepair.com 6 Ariza Westview The 240-unit apartment complex features one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. • Opened in April • 1945 Westview Blvd., Conroe • www.arizawestview.com 7 Rose Hill RV Park The RV park’s largest pads are 24 feet by 60 feet. There is also an amenities building that features a washeteria, workout room and bathrooms. • Opened April 15 • 10949 Rose Road, Conroe • Facebook: Rose Hill RV Park - Conroe 8 Dream Football Club Academy The soccer academy oers competitive, semi- professional and elite programs, according to its website. • Opened in late April • 1214 S. Frazier St., Ste. A, Conroe • www.dfcacademy.net 9 Rocking The Outdoors Rocking The Outdoors constructs waterfalls, outdoor re pits and outdoor kitchens, owner Mike Klentz said. • Opened in March • 118 Hall Drive S., Montgomery • 281-787-2913 16

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LAKE CONROE

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WESTVIEW BLVD.

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KEENAN CUT OFF RD.

W. PHILLIPS ST.

FRAZIER ST.

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GRAND CENTRAL PKWY.

JODY LN.

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WEST FORK SAN JACINTO RIVER 1484

MAP NOT TO SCALE

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2 Citizens Coee Truck The business serves coee and food items. • Opened in April

Now open

1 Tuscany Italian Grill The restaurant’s menu includes dishes such as lasagna, let mignon, shrimp scampi and desserts including cheesecake and tiramisu. • Opened April 24 • 1259 Grand Central Parkway, Ste. 100, Conroe • www.tuscanyitalianconroe.com

• 3830 W. Davis St., Conroe • www.citizenscatering.com

3 Tropical Smoothie Cafe Tropical Smoothie Cafe is known for its smoothies, wraps, sandwiches and bowls. • Opened May 11

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10 Hippo Burgers Besides burgers, the restaurant’s menu includes chicken sandwiches, wings, hot dogs, shakes and sides. • Opened June 2

Now open

Expansion

• 2016 N. Frazier St., Conroe • www.hippoburgers.com

Coming soon

11 Buttermilk Cafe The restaurant will be a full-service cafe open for breakfast and lunch, with an espresso bar and bakery. • Opening this fall

• 302 N. Danville St., Willis • www.buttermilkcafe.org

15 PJ’s Coee The coeehouse chain, owned and operated by local franchisees Ivonne and Lenny Sims, oers a variety of hot and iced coee drinks alongside food items such as beignets, muns, scones, bagels and croissants. • Opened May 20 • 17128 Walden Road, Montgomery • www.pjscoffee.com

18 Sweet Hazel Coee Co. The coee shop, which previously operated out of a trailer, expanded into a storefront, owners Winn Molnari and Jessica Bastidas conrmed via email. The business’s name is inspired by the owners’ chocolate lab, Hazel, who passed away in 2022 at 14 years old. • Expanded April 1

Relocations

12 Refuge Church The church held its last service on April 28 at 13850 FM 1314, Conroe and has relocated to a new building. • Relocated May 1 • 3273 S. Loop 336 E., Conroe • www.therefuge.org

• 17156 FM 1097, Montgomery • www.sweethazelcoffee.com

Expansions

16 Hope Church Montgomery The ve-year anniversary celebration for Hope Church

13 Jessica Anne’s Gelati Co. The business, which previously operated out of a food trailer, expanded to a storefront in Montgomery. • Expanded May 24 • 12050 Melville Drive, Ste. 4, Montgomery • Facebook: Jessica Anne’s

Worth the trip

Montgomery was held on April 11. • 16430 FM 2854, Montgomery • www.hopemontgomery.com

The Caeine Collective Alongside coee and baked goods, The Caeine Collective houses other small businesses. • Opened March 23 • 32907 Tamina Road, Ste. D, Magnolia • www.thecaffeinecollectivecoffee.com Dragon Bowl C Dragon Bowl C opened its second location. The ramen bar oers a fusion of anime-inspired Asian cuisine. • Opened May 4 • 610 Rayford Road, Ste. 642, Spring • www.dragonbowltx.com

17 Montgomery Bodyworx Lush Bodyworx LLC ocials said the business formerly co-owned by Rena Stratton and Sarah Caravel changed its name to Montgomery Bodyworx. The name change came about after the former co-owners decided to amicably part ways to build their own businesses, Stratton said. • 208 McCown St., Ste. 102, Montgomery • www.montgomerybodyworx.com

In the news

14 Apollo’s Pals Sanctuary Apollo’s Pals Sanctuary, a nonprot focusing on animal rehabilitation, celebrated its fth anniversary with an open house in late April. • 15139 McRea Lake, Conroe • www.apollospals.com

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CONROE MONTGOMERY EDITION

Government

Additional $50M needed for Conroe water infrastructure

Around $50 million in additional funding is needed to pay for four water plants as city officials continued to express concern about Conroe’s diminishing water capacity at a Conroe City Council workshop meeting May 22. “I don’t need [the $50 million in] all one year,” Conroe City Engineer Chris Bogert said. “That can be two years. But it’s a serious impact. ... We’re currently scrambling for all the things we can do to stop the bleeding. But the answer is there’s no quick, easy fix for such a systemic problem.” Bogert also said consistent underfunding of water infrastructure has contributed to the city’s available water capacity diminishing. “We’ve been trying to correct this for many years,” Bogert said. “I’ve been here 9 years. The growth started before I got here. But each year, we go into the [capital improvement program] and request funds and the infrastructure is the last one to be filled.”

In Conroe’s capital improvement program for fiscal year 2023-24, the city budgeted $37.45 million for 17 water projects and $45.53 million for 20 sewer projects, according to the FY 2023- 24 budget document. Place 2 council member Curt Maddux asked staff if the city could use its fund balance—essentially a city’s savings account—to help fund water infrastructure. Collin Boothe, the city’s director of finance, said that could be an option, but that account must be drawn down carefully otherwise it could affect the city’s bond ratings. A minimum of 90 days of fund balance is needed in both the city’s general fund as well as the water and sewer operating fund, Boothe said. “But we don’t want to draw [those fund balances] down to the 90 days because some of the bond rating agencies are looking at those numbers,” Boothe said. “So we have to be very careful about drawing it down.”

Water Sewer Conroe’s water, sewer CIP budget

0 $10M $20M $30M $40M $50M $60M $70M $80M

$45.53M

$37.45M

SOURCE: CITY OF CONROE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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BY LIZZY SPANGLER

In their own words

The takeaway

“I encourage [us to] nd some partnerships, some solutions, and let’s work cohesively.

“We take a moral and ethical code [as engineers]. ... Our rst objective is public safety. … [My engineers]

Bogert said Public Works Director Norman McGuire is already getting calls regarding low water pressure. “Next summer is going to be the hardest,” Bogert said. “The irrigation in the summer is when we’re hit the worst.” Bogert said an irrigation ordinance will be put forth at council’s next meeting on June 13 after press time. Bogert also said after one well and one water plant come online in mid- June, the next water plant will not come online until summer 2025. “None of those are silver bullets,” Bogert said. “They all help, but we have a hard gap for about 16 months or two years until we get those other wells online.”

... I don’t want to dip into [reserve] funds.” HOWARD WOOD, PLACE 4 COUNCIL MEMBER

are scared to approve plans because we don’t have the water out there that we need.” CHRIS BOGERT, CONROE CITY ENGINEER

“We have to understand what is critical, and I say [the] next 24 months

“We’re going to have to have some aggressive funding going forward

is critical. ... But ... the can has been kicked as far as it’s going to be kicked.” HARRY HARDMAN, PLACE 3 COUNCIL MEMBER

to get out of this. … There is no immediate x. This is a two-year problem, guaranteed two years.” NORMAN MCGUIRE, CONROE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR

CONROE - MONTGOMERY EDITION

Election

BY VANESSA HOLT & LIZZY SPANGLER

Wesley Doolittle wins Republican primary runo for sheri

Montgomery County will have a new sheri in 2025, following results of a Republican primary race on May 28. Challenger Wesley Doolittle won the Republican primary nomination, defeating incumbent Rand Henderson. No Democratic candidates led in the primary election for sheri . Doolittle received 13,423 votes, or 53.55% of votes cast, and incumbent Rand Henderson received 11,642 votes, or 46.45% of votes cast. Montgomery County commissioners are slated to approve the canvassing report on June 18, after press time. “I look forward to being sworn in as your sheri, and I want you to know that I will do everything in my power to lead ... the Montgomery Sheri’s Oce with integrity and transparency,” Doolittle said in a news release posted on social media May 30.

The backstory Henderson and Doolittle faced each other in a runo because in the March election each received just below the 50% of the vote needed to declare victory in the primary. Henderson was elected sheri in 2016 and in 2020. The Montgomery County Sheri’s Oce website states that he has served in Montgomery County since 1994. Doolittle told Community Impact his experience includes 22 years with the Department of Public Safety, including 13 years as Texas Ranger. He also served as captain with the Montgomery County Precinct 1 Constable’s oce. Also of note In other May 28 elections aecting The Woodlands area, the Democratic candidate for Harris County tax assessor-collector was also chosen by voters. The village of Creekside Park in

Wesley Doolittle

Rand Henderson

The Woodlands is located in Harris County. Annette Ramirez defeated Desiree Broadnax in the Democratic primary runo for Harris County tax assessor-collector. Ramirez received 56%, or 24,376 votes, while Broadnax received 44%, or 19,270 votes. The tax assessor-collector collects and distributes property tax, among other functions.

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Transportation

BY LIZZY SPANGLER

Ongoing projects

1 Hwy. 105 widening Project: Hwy. 105 between 10th Street and South Loop 336 is being widened from two to four lanes. Update: This project is 24% complete, per a May media update from the Texas Department of Transportation. • Timeline: March 2023-third quarter 2027 • Cost: $51.83 million • Funding source: state funds 2 FM 1486 repairs Project: FM 1486 is getting overlay and base repairs. Update: This project is 94% complete, according to a May media update from TxDOT. • Timeline: October 2023-third quarter 2024 • Cost: $4.57 million • Funding source: state funds 3 FM 1097 widening Project: From Lake Conroe Hills Drive to Blueberry Hill Road, FM 1097 is being widened to four lanes. Update: The project is 45% complete with a delay due to bridge redesign, per a May media update from TxDOT. • Timeline: second quarter 2022-first quarter 2025 • Cost: $20.20 million • Funding sources: federal, state funds

Willis

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CONROE - MONTGOMERY EDITION

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Real estate

Although home sales year over year were split among Conroe and Montgomery ZIP codes in May with four seeing a rise and four decreasing, home sales overall in the region saw a 4.2% decline. Residential market data

Number of homes sold

May 2023

May 2024

-21.5%

+40.43%

+18.42%

-23.6%

-31.25%

-5.47%

+4.62%

+6.67%

77301

77302

77303

77304

77306

77316

77318

77356

77318

77356

77303

77301

105

Median home sales price

149

77316

May

2023

2024

77306

$272,500 $392,230 $289,183 $362,500 $236,000 $399,000 $423,000 $446,500

$264,990 $375,000 $260,000 $349,995 $234,400 $410,000 $339,850 $444,000

77301 77302 77303 77304 77306 77316 77318 77356

77302

77304

Homes sold by price point

May 2024

$1 million+

$750,00-$999,999

Average days on the market

$500,000-$749,999

+24.6%

+20%

+15.15%

-7.45%

+56.25%

+15.22%

+4.26%

-8.42%

286

$250,000-$499,999

117

<$249,999

MARKET DATA PROVIDED BY MELISSA SPENCER RE/MAX INTEGRITY 23309 KUYKENDAHL ROAD, TOMBALL • 713-823-2368 MELISSA@THESPENCERTEAM.COM

77301

77302

77303

77304

77306

77316

77318

77356

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CONROE - MONTGOMERY EDITION

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Health care

BY LIZZY SPANGLER

Health Care Edition

2024

Community Impact 's annual Health Care Edition features news on the timeliest topics in the industry. Content ranges from major health care developments to listings of nearby health care facilities. Articles within this guide are focused on local topics aecting your community, the metro and the state of Texas, and are written by our team of journalists to meet our mission of providing trusted news and information everyone gets.

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What's inside

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SHSU works to help address physician shortage (Page 16)

See urgent care centers in Conroe, Montgomery (Page 20)

SHSU holds groundbreaking for new Health Professions Building

What they're saying

“The Health Professions Building represents Sam Houston State’s commitment to health care education, student success and community well-being.”

On April 29, Sam Houston State University held a groundbreaking ceremony for its new Health Professions Building located in Conroe. The new building, for which design was approved in late February, will be four stories and located next to the university’s College of Osteopathic Medicine, according to prior reporting. SHSU Chief Finance Ocer Amanda Withers said the total project is set to cost around $70 million. “[The building] will expand our presence, it will demonstrate our continued commitment to academic excellence, innovation and prioritizing shared resources between the medical school and the health professions,” SHSU President Alisa White said. “I’m excited for the future.” During the groundbreaking ceremony, Emily Roper, dean of SHSU’s College of Health Sciences, said the new building will house four academic programs. “Bringing together athletic training, dietetics, physician’s assistant and physical therapy under one roof, students have greater opportunities for interprofessional education and shared learning,” Roper said.

EMILY ROPER, DEAN OF SHSU’S COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES

CITY CENTRAL AVE.

CRIGHTON RD.

“It’s the interconnectivity ... that’s oered between the medical school here [and] the school of nursing. ... It just sets the perfect backdrop for [interaction].” AMANDA WITHERS, SHSU CHIEF FINANCE OFFICER

The new building will house four academic programs, including:

Master of Science in athletic training

Master of Science in dietetics

Stay tuned

Doctor of physical therapy

Withers said the university anticipates moving into the new building in January 2026, with students starting to use the building that fall.

Master of Science in physician assistant

SOURCE: SAM HOUSTON STATE UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY IMPACT

CONROE MONTGOMERY EDITION

From the cover

Meeting demand for doctors

The big picture

Texas's primary care shortage The state’s shortage of primary care physicians is projected to continue until at least 2036.

40K

30K

In May, the rst class of 69 students graduated from SHSU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine, with 62% of those graduates pursuing primary care specialties and 58% of those graduates staying in Texas, Mohr said. “Both of those [percentages] really speak to the ‘why’ that we’re talking about,” Mohr said. In San Jacinto County, immediately northeast of Montgomery County, three primary care physicians serve a population of 29,559— meaning there are 9,853 people to each physician, according to 2023 data from the Texas Department of State Health Services. Statewide, Texas is grappling with a shortage of primary care physicians, according to the Health Professions Resource Center at the Texas Department of State Health Services. By 2036, there will be 21,815 doctors but a need for 37,919 doctors—meaning the unmet demand for primary care physicians across the state will reach 42%. Meanwhile, the U.S. will face a primary care physician shortage of between 20,000-40,400 physicians by 2036, according to a March 2024 report by the Association of American Medical Colleges. “We are looking at substantial shortages of doctors that will not meet our future health care demands,” AAMC President and CEO David J. Skorton said in a March 21 news release. “Further, if we succeed in improving access to care for our growing and aging population, which we very much hope to do, then the workforce shortages will be even larger than projected in this report.”

20K

42%

37%

Supply Demand Unmet demand

10K

2022 2024 2026 2028 2030 2032 2034 2036

2036 demand projections

Local breakdown

By 2036, all of the state’s public health regions are projected to have an unmet primary care physician demand of at least 35%. 60%

Montgomery County

Population: 672,131 Physicians: 615 Physicians per 100K population: 91.5 Rank: 24 out of 254 counties

1 Rio Grande Valley: 58%

2 East Texas: 52%

San Jacinto County

Population: 29,559 Physicians: 3 Physicians per 100K population: 10.1 Rank: 207 out of 254 counties

3 North Texas: 46% 4 Panhandle: 43%

5 Gulf Coast: 39%

Harris County

8 South Texas: 35% 6 Central Texas & 7 West Texas: 37%

Population: 5,258,527 Physicians: 4,814 Physicians per 100K population: 91.5 Rank: 23 out of 254 counties

30%

SOURCE: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF STATE HEALTH SERVICESCOMMUNITY IMPACT

What else?

“We are seeing the first group of graduates in 2024, so the connection to our residency programs at HCA Houston Healthcare Conroe and other HCA Houston Healthcare facilities is important,” he said. Mohr said the college also has a family medicine residency program with Huntsville Memorial Hospital. Additionally, SHSU recently announced a clinical partnership with OakBend Medical Center and the Ibn Sina Foundation to train third and fourth year medical students in Fort Bend County, according to a March 12 news release. “We’re hoping to launch in 2025, but starting residency programs ... [it] has to go through a whole bunch of hoops to get it accredited and ready to go,” Mohr said.

HCA Houston Healthcare Conroe partners with Physician Services to provide nearly 40 doctors and extended providers, CEO Matt Davis said in an email. “The immense growth in North Montgomery County continues to grow opportunities for new doctors and health care professionals of all kinds,” Davis said. Davis said the hospital is “extremely excited” about SHSU and its medical school. “Their commitment to advancing health care and addressing the need for medical professionals is vital to the future of provider care,” he said. SHSU students complete portions of their clini- cal rotation requirements with local physicians at HCA Houston Healthcare Conroe, Davis said.

"With the attention our region has as a great place to practice medicine, connecting our local graduates with local residency

options assists in the future growth of our community- based doctors and professionals." MATT DAVIS, CEO, HCA HOUSTON HEALTHCARE CONROE

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY LIZZY SPANGLER

Zooming in

Looking ahead

This fall at the College of Osteopathic Medicine, 568 total students are expected to be enrolled for the semester, which includes 102 seniors, accord- ing to data provided by SHSU. While students’ first and second years are spent on campus in Conroe, they move to various communities for further training in their third and fourth years, Mohr said. “[They are] really seeing real-world medicine in rural and underserved community-based training sites,” Mohr said. Mohr said students have moved to places like Lufkin, Nacogdoches, Texarkana and Beaumont. “We are bringing people from these commu- nities and then we train them in their third and fourth year back in those communities,” Mohr said. “If you came from Corpus [Christi] or Victoria ... that’s where you’re going to go back for your third and fourth year. And the likelihood of you actually coming back [to] practice in those areas of need ends up being much, much higher.”

SHSU College of Osteopathic Medicine's 2024 enrollment

In the next five to 10 years, Mohr said he would like to see more of the college’s student doctors staying in Texas or deciding to come back to the state to practice. “I want to see a larger percentage of them going into smaller communities that are the places in need so we can really start to move the needle on access to care,” he said. Mohr said he also would like to see the rural areas in Texas being taken care of when it comes to health care access. “Health care access is infrastructure,” he said. “It’s the same as water or roads or sanitation. You can’t grow or sustain a rural community unless you have health care access as well.”

Freshmen

Sophomores

Juniors

Seniors

162

164

140

102

Total enrollment: 568 students

Around 2,100 applications are received each year.

Approximately 750 applicants are interviewed.

162 students will be accepted into each class starting fall 2024.

SOURCE: SAM HOUSTON STATE UNIVERSITY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

*Restrictions Apply. Home sale pricing varies. Additional costs not shown in Ad. All information, including but not limited to pricing, availability, features, and specifications, is subject to change. Contact the community office for more details, accurate pricing, and a comprehensive understanding of the terms and conditions associated with home purchase. Equal Housing Opportunity. 936.284.4590 10118 Falvey Lake Lane Conroe, TX 77385 thereservecommunities.com Schedule a Tour!

CONROE - MONTGOMERY EDITION

Health care

Hospitals

Level III: neonatal intensive care unit that can care for mothers and infants of all gestational ages with mild to critical illnesses Level IV: advanced NICU that can care for mothers and infants of all gestational ages as well as the most complex, critically ill infants Conroe Cornerstone Specialty Hospitals Conroe Trauma level: N/A NICU level: N/A Number of beds: 41 Number of physicians: More than 100 Number of nurses: 80 • 1500 Grand Lake Drive, Conroe • www.cornerstonehospitals.com/location-conroe

Number of beds: 332 Number of physicians: 575 Number of nurses: 471

Levels of care

New program or procedure: The hospital is pursuing a Comprehensive Stroke Center certification and now offers robotic spine surgery. • 504 Medical Center Blvd., Conroe • www.hcahoustonhealthcare.com/locations/conroe Nexus Neurorecovery Center-Conroe Trauma level: N/A NICU level: N/A Number of beds: 74 Number of physicians: data not provided

Trauma levels Level I: highest level of care with a full range of specialists and equipment in-house 24/7 Level II: offers specialists on call 24/7 and can transfer to Level I facilities Level III: offers resources for emergency surgery and intensive care but may have to transfer to higher-level facilities for more serious issues Level IV: provides initial evaluation, stabilization and diagnostic capabilities but may have to transfer to higher-level facilities for more serious issues Neonatal intensive care unit levels Level I: newborn nursery that can care for mothers and infants at 35-plus weeks of gestation with routine prenatal problems Level II: specialty care nursery that can care for mothers and infants at 32-plus weeks of gestation with problems to be resolved rapidly

Number of nurses: data not provided • 9297 Wahrenberger Road, Conroe • www.nexushealthsystems.com

The Woodlands Memorial Hermann The Woodlands

HCA Houston Healthcare Conroe Trauma level: II NICU level: III

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Woodlands Hospital was the first hospital in Texas to complete a clinical case with the Essenz Perfusion System. This heart-lung machine continuously records and displays data and events together to assist the perfusionist throughout a procedure. • 17200 St. Luke’s Way, The Woodlands • https://locations.stlukeshealth.org/location/ woodlands-hospital Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands Trauma level: IV NICU level: III Number of beds: 74 Number of physicians: 195 Number of nurses: 454 New program or procedure: Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands Intensive Outpatient Program provides evidence-based patient- and family-centered mental health care to youth in The Woodlands and surrounding communities. It is structured to close the gap between inpatient and outpatient behavioral health services, providing intermediary care for patients who cannot perform successfully in their current settings but do not need inpatient psychiatric hospitalization. The program serves patients ages 12-17 years who are diagnosed with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and non-suicidal self-injurious behavior. • 17600 I-45 S., The Woodlands • www.texaschildrens.org This list is not comprehensive.

Medical Center Trauma level: II NICU level: III Number of beds: 457 Number of physicians: 1,395 Number of nurses: 1,366 New program or procedure: MRI-guided focused ultrasound for movement disorders • 9250 Pinecroft Drive, The Woodlands • www.memorialhermann.org/locations/woodlands St. Luke’s Health - Lakeside Hospital Trauma level: N/A NICU level: N/A Number of beds: 30 Number of physicians: 279 Number of nurses: 50 • 17400 St. Luke’s Way, The Woodlands • https://locations.stlukeshealth.org/location/ lakeside-hospital St. Luke’s Health - The Woodlands Hospital Trauma level: N/A NICU level: III Number of beds: 245 Number of physicians: 818 Number of nurses: 560 New program or procedure: St. Luke’s Health-The

The Woodlands

Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital Trauma level: N/A NICU level: III Number of beds: 293 Number of physicians: 1,223 Number of nurses: 867 New program or procedure: Maternal mental health program • 17201 I-45, The Woodlands • www.houstonmethodist.org/locations/ the-woodlands

CONROE - MONTGOMERY EDITION

Health care Clinics & ERs

BY ANGELA BONILLA, VANESSA HOLT & LIZZY SPANGLER

Hours: 8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily • 12717 I-45 N., Ste. 300, Willis • www.willisurgentcare.com

• 20042 Eva St., Ste. 120, Montgomery • www.carenow.com

Conroe

NextCare Urgent Care Montgomery Type: urgent care center Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. • 15320 Hwy. 105, Montgomery • www.nextcare.com/locations/tx/montgomery

The Woodlands

CareNow Urgent Care-Conroe Type: urgent care center Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m.-7 p.m., Sun. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. • 1150 W. Dallas St., Conroe • www.carenow.com Conroe Urgent Care Type: urgent care center Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m.-2 p.m., closed Sun. • 804 W. Dallas St., Ste. 4, Conroe • 936-494-0865 Family First Urgent Care Type: urgent care center Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Family First Urgent Care Type: urgent care center Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. • 14420 Hwy. 105, Ste. 104, Conroe • www.familyfirsturgentcareconroe.com Next Level Urgent Care Type: urgent care center Hours: 9 a.m.-9 p.m. daily • 1246 N. FM 3083 W., Conroe • www.nextlevelurgentcare.com/locations/conroe

Houston Methodist Emergency Care Center Type: freestanding emergency room Hours: 24/7 • 3759 FM 1488, Ste. 500, The Woodlands • www.houstonmethodist.org

Types of clinics & ERs

Retail clinic: clinics typically found in larger retailers capable of treating basic illnesses and typically offering vaccinations Urgent care center: can treat basic illnesses in addition to some broken bones and other ailments Freestanding emergency room: capable of treating most symptoms and ailments—similar capabilities to a hospital’s ER Conroe Brazos Urgent Care Type: urgent care center Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. • 3600 FM 1488, Ste. 200, Conroe • www.brazosurgentcare.com/locations/the-woodlands

RapidCare Emergency Room Type: freestanding emergency room Hours: 24/7 • 18057 Hwy. 105, Ste. 220, Montgomery • www.rapidcareemergency.com

Texas Children’s Urgent Care Type: urgent care center Hours: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. daily • 17600 I-45 S., Ste. 285, The Woodlands • www.texaschildrensurgentcare.org

Willis

Memorial Hermann-GoHealth Urgent Care Type: urgent care center Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. • 813 W. Montgomery St., Ste. 300, Willis • www.gohealthuc.com/memorialhermann/ locations/willis

Urgent Care for Kids Type: urgent care center Hours: 9 a.m.-9 p.m. daily • 1640 Lake Woodlands Drive, Ste. E, The Woodlands • www.urgentcarekids.com

Montgomery

Doctors Urgent Care Type: urgent care center Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. • 17002 Gleneagle Drive, Conroe • www.thedoctorsurgentcare.com/conroe

CareNow Urgent Care-Montgomery Type: urgent care center Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m.-7 p.m., Sun. 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

• 2510 S. Loop 336 W., Ste. 115, Conroe • www.familyfirsturgentcareconroe.com

Willis Urgent Care Type: urgent care center

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Education

Conroe ISD board removes 3 biology topics The Conroe ISD board of trustees agreed on May 14 to remove several items from a biology textbook in its 2024-25 curriculum, but it retained several other items board members had objected to on topics such as COVID-19 and genetically modified organisms. The sections can be “turned off” in the electronic textbooks and not included in the district’s curric- ulum, according to board discussion. The decision was intended to keep the book compliant with the State Board of Education’s Proclamation 2024, which outlines instructional materials adoption, according to board discussion. “The printed copy of the book is still going to have all of these things in there,” Superintendent Curtis Null said. “The electronic version of the book, we can turn these things off.” The framework The board voted 4-3 in favor of the changes. The

Board considers gender identity policy The Conroe ISD board of trustees on May 14 discussed but did not take action on forming a policy similar to that adopted in Katy ISD outlining how students and teachers discuss gender identity. The KISD policy requires pronouns used on campus to reflect the person’s biological sex; excludes gender fluidity content from classroom and instructional materials; and maintains separations based on biological sex in facilities such as bathrooms and locker rooms, among other requirements. The board did not take action on the policy. The gist “I think it’s really reckless for us ... to follow in [Katy ISD’s] footsteps when we’re not actually addressing a specific problem for students,” trustee Stacey Chase said.

Three items in the curriculum did not comply with state requirements, board members said.

A section regarding primate evolution

A unit describing theories for the origin of the universe that does not include intelligent design An item with material which could be considered “anti-American” or “anti- Texas”

SOURCE: CONROE ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

board approved all other recommended instruc- tional materials and sections of the biology book. What they’re saying “I personally just wanted to remove that one,” trustee Tiffany Baumann Nelson said, regarding the section about COVID-19 vaccines which was left in. “This is ... censorship at its finest,” trustee Datren Williams said. “ ... It’s as if we don’t trust our teach- ers to be able to decipher what to and not to teach.”

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MISD trustees approve $650 teacher raises Montgomery ISD teachers will receive a $650 annual salary raise in the upcoming school year as the district is expected to face an estimated $4.3 million shortfall in fiscal year 2024-25. What’s happening On May 7, MISD trustees approved the teacher raises as well as a 1% salary increase—“from the midpoint of their pay grade”—for all other employ- ees, per a May 9 email from a district spokesperson. Last June, MISD approved a balanced budget with $1,300 raises for teachers, Community Impact previously reported. Current situation On May 7, trustees and district leaders also discussed the FY 2024-25 budget. According to Ruffin’s presentation, the FY 2024-25 budget is expected to include $780,000

LSC-Montgomery receives $500K

“I am not naïve to think this compensation increase provides as signicant of an impact as many were

hoping. ... In the face of a decit budget, our board made the decision to stand in our corner and continue to support our people.” MARK RUFFIN, SUPERINTENDENT

The Lone Star College-Montgomery Biotechnology Institute will be expanding its offerings and upgrading equipment to meet growing employment demand, according to a May 21 news release from LSC. The full story LSC invested $500,000 to buy new equip- ment for the institute’s associate of applied science degree program, according to the news release. The new equipment will help students train for jobs in biotechnology and biopharmaceutical manufacturing fields. LSC’s Biotechnology program will also be expanded this fall with a new degree plan, which will include “campus-based capstone experience with hands-on research and man- ufacturing projects,” according to the release.

in added expenses for the opening of Creekside Elementary and $1 million in increased expenses for new special education positions. MISD trustees are anticipated to approve the FY 2024-25 budget at their June 25 meeting. The context MISD’s “budget challenges” are a result of the lack of funding increases made for public schools during the 88th legislative session, according to the district’s May 9 email.

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