Cutline: Linda Boyd, D.O., WVSOM’s chief academic officer and Dean, talks about the dual degree program.
Today, WVSOM hosted a ceremonial signing for its partnership with Marshall University. The agreement allows the medical school’s students to supplement their Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree with an MPH degree through a program that lasts a total of five years.
During the ceremony on WVSOM’s Lewisburg campus, representatives of both institutions signed a memorandum of understanding describing the program’s admissions procedures, academic policies, tuition and billing, and other elements of the partnership.
In discussing the program earlier this year, the presidents of both institutions talked about the benefits to the students and to West Virginia.
James W. Nemitz, Ph.D., president of WVSOM, said the agreement allows students to broaden their base of knowledge in order to address issues impacting public health.
“The dual D.O./MPH degree program benefits our students who want a greater understanding of community health needs and solutions. Just as osteopathic medicine addresses the entire patient, not just the symptom, public health looks at the larger population, not just the patient. Marshall University offers an outstanding public health program, and we’re happy to work with President Brad Smith and the university’s administration to offer this option to our hard-working future physicians,” Nemitz said.
Brad D. Smith, president of Marshall University, said such dual degree programs are a key to addressing the region’s health care challenges.
“As we unveil this important dual degree program, we embark on a transformative journey for the health and well-being of West Virginia and Appalachia,” Smith said. “This innovative program stands as a beacon of hope, addressing the unique health care challenges of our region with strategic precision and unwavering dedication. By nurturing a new cadre of doctors also trained in public health, we not only elevate our communities’ health outcomes but also empower our people to thrive amidst adversity.”
The partnership established a path for interested students to attend osteopathic medical school for two years of preclinical education before starting a 10-month online program at Marshall for the MPH degree. Theprogram started this summer and is available to any WVSOM student in good academic standing after completion of their second year.
Following completion of the MPH program, WVSOM students will complete clinical rotations in the school’s Statewide Campus, where learning occurs in clinical settings such as physician offices, medical centers and hospitals.
The mission of the MPH program is to prepare a competent public health workforce, promote scholarly activities and reduce the burden of health disparities, particularly in West Virginia and Appalachia.
Linda Boyd, D.O., WVSOM’s chief academic officer and Dean, said the dual degree program will lead to innovative solutions for improved public health.
“WVSOM is thrilled to offer a D.O./MPH for our medical students by partnering with the Marshall program. Getting an MPH degree during medical school is one of the most popular dual degrees for medical students across the U.S. Learning more about public health will shape future doctors by allowing them to look at systemic problems in health care and work toward innovative solutions on the macro level, while also caring for their individual patients. Marshall has been a wonderful partner in developing this program, and we look forward to having many students engage in this value-added training,” Boyd said.
Michael Prewitt, Ph.D., dean of the College of Health Professions at Marshall University, said the school’s degree program provides unique experience and expertise.
“The MPH program is an interdisciplinary program whose graduates will seek to improve and maintain the health, safety and well-being of populations and to prevent and manage disease, disability and human suffering. Students will benefit from a comprehensive and rigorous curriculum along with specialty training. They will develop critical knowledge and skills in such areas as rural health, global health and health policy. Additional practicum experiences will provide students with the expertise and experience needed for public health practitioners,” Prewitt said.
Wednesday, October 30, 2024 - 08:12
Today, WVSOM hosted a ceremonial signing for its partnership with Marshall University. The agreement allows the medical school’s students to supplement their Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree with an MPH degree through a program that lasts a total of five years.
During the ceremony on WVSOM’s Lewisburg campus, representatives of both institutions signed a memorandum of understanding describing the program’s admissions procedures, academic policies, tuition and billing, and other elements of the partnership.
In discussing the program earlier this year, the presidents of both institutions talked about the benefits to the students and to West Virginia.
James W. Nemitz, Ph.D., president of WVSOM, said the agreement allows students to broaden their base of knowledge in order to address issues impacting public health.
“The dual D.O./MPH degree program benefits our students who want a greater understanding of community health needs and solutions. Just as osteopathic medicine addresses the entire patient, not just the symptom, public health looks at the larger population, not just the patient. Marshall University offers an outstanding public health program, and we’re happy to work with President Brad Smith and the university’s administration to offer this option to our hard-working future physicians,” Nemitz said.
Brad D. Smith, president of Marshall University, said such dual degree programs are a key to addressing the region’s health care challenges.
“As we unveil this important dual degree program, we embark on a transformative journey for the health and well-being of West Virginia and Appalachia,” Smith said. “This innovative program stands as a beacon of hope, addressing the unique health care challenges of our region with strategic precision and unwavering dedication. By nurturing a new cadre of doctors also trained in public health, we not only elevate our communities’ health outcomes but also empower our people to thrive amidst adversity.”
The partnership established a path for interested students to attend osteopathic medical school for two years of preclinical education before starting a 10-month online program at Marshall for the MPH degree. Theprogram started this summer and is available to any WVSOM student in good academic standing after completion of their second year.
Following completion of the MPH program, WVSOM students will complete clinical rotations in the school’s Statewide Campus, where learning occurs in clinical settings such as physician offices, medical centers and hospitals.
The mission of the MPH program is to prepare a competent public health workforce, promote scholarly activities and reduce the burden of health disparities, particularly in West Virginia and Appalachia.
Linda Boyd, D.O., WVSOM’s chief academic officer and Dean, said the dual degree program will lead to innovative solutions for improved public health.
“WVSOM is thrilled to offer a D.O./MPH for our medical students by partnering with the Marshall program. Getting an MPH degree during medical school is one of the most popular dual degrees for medical students across the U.S. Learning more about public health will shape future doctors by allowing them to look at systemic problems in health care and work toward innovative solutions on the macro level, while also caring for their individual patients. Marshall has been a wonderful partner in developing this program, and we look forward to having many students engage in this value-added training,” Boyd said.
Michael Prewitt, Ph.D., dean of the College of Health Professions at Marshall University, said the school’s degree program provides unique experience and expertise.
“The MPH program is an interdisciplinary program whose graduates will seek to improve and maintain the health, safety and well-being of populations and to prevent and manage disease, disability and human suffering. Students will benefit from a comprehensive and rigorous curriculum along with specialty training. They will develop critical knowledge and skills in such areas as rural health, global health and health policy. Additional practicum experiences will provide students with the expertise and experience needed for public health practitioners,” Prewitt said.
Wednesday, October 30, 2024 - 08:12
The West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM) on Oct. 18 celebrated a state appropriation of $13.6 million that will help the school with deferred maintenance issues on its main campus in Lewisburg, parts of which were constructed in 1922 when it housed the Greenbrier Military School.
West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice, who lives near WVSOM, visited the school to sign the legislation. WVSOM is a public school, and its buildings are owned by the state of West Virginia.
WVSOM President James W. Nemitz, Ph.D., welcomed the governor and guests to the signing ceremony.
“We are honored to have Governor Jim Justice here to celebrate the signing of legislation providing the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine with $13.6 million in deferred maintenance funding. Governor Justice has been an incredible champion of WVSOM and a great neighbor,” Nemitz said.
Justice included the funding request on his call for the recent special session of the West Virginia Legislature.
“I’m so proud of this school. I’m so proud of all that you have done and all that you continue to do,” Justice said of WVSOM.
The governor said all West Virginians benefit from the school’s graduates and the medical services they provide across the state.
“What you have delivered is off the chart,” Justice said.
With an enrollment of about 800, the osteopathic medical school educates the highest number of students of West Virginia’s three medical schools. It welcomed one of its largest classes this fall and filled a new graduate program that offers a master’s in biomedical sciences degree.
WVSOM has educated many of the primary care physicians and medical specialists in the state. The school has nearly 1,000 graduates practicing in West Virginia.
Nemitz said keeping the school’s facilities updated is a key to building enrollment.
“Attracting students is a competition. Each year, we compete against all medical schools for enrollment. The quality and functionality of our facilities is an important component in our ability to successfully recruit students to campus and train them to be the next generation of physicians,” Nemitz said.
Nemitz said WVSOM is an important asset to West Virginia.
“We are in a growth mode at WVSOM, but that means we need every classroom available and in good condition. We must continue offering a modern and safe learning environment, quality programs and affordable tuition,” Nemitz said.
During the ceremony, Nemitz thanked many legislators and state officials for their support of WVSOM. The funding legislation — Senate Bill 2020 — passed unanimously in the State Senate and House of Delegates during the recent special session.
West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice, who lives near WVSOM, visited the school to sign the legislation. WVSOM is a public school, and its buildings are owned by the state of West Virginia.
WVSOM President James W. Nemitz, Ph.D., welcomed the governor and guests to the signing ceremony.
“We are honored to have Governor Jim Justice here to celebrate the signing of legislation providing the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine with $13.6 million in deferred maintenance funding. Governor Justice has been an incredible champion of WVSOM and a great neighbor,” Nemitz said.
Justice included the funding request on his call for the recent special session of the West Virginia Legislature.
“I’m so proud of this school. I’m so proud of all that you have done and all that you continue to do,” Justice said of WVSOM.
The governor said all West Virginians benefit from the school’s graduates and the medical services they provide across the state.
“What you have delivered is off the chart,” Justice said.
With an enrollment of about 800, the osteopathic medical school educates the highest number of students of West Virginia’s three medical schools. It welcomed one of its largest classes this fall and filled a new graduate program that offers a master’s in biomedical sciences degree.
WVSOM has educated many of the primary care physicians and medical specialists in the state. The school has nearly 1,000 graduates practicing in West Virginia.
Nemitz said keeping the school’s facilities updated is a key to building enrollment.
“Attracting students is a competition. Each year, we compete against all medical schools for enrollment. The quality and functionality of our facilities is an important component in our ability to successfully recruit students to campus and train them to be the next generation of physicians,” Nemitz said.
Nemitz said WVSOM is an important asset to West Virginia.
“We are in a growth mode at WVSOM, but that means we need every classroom available and in good condition. We must continue offering a modern and safe learning environment, quality programs and affordable tuition,” Nemitz said.
During the ceremony, Nemitz thanked many legislators and state officials for their support of WVSOM. The funding legislation — Senate Bill 2020 — passed unanimously in the State Senate and House of Delegates during the recent special session.
A special legislative session resumed Oct. 6. President James W. Nemitz, Ph.D., presented WVSOM's Deferred Maintenance request to the House Finance Committee.
House Finance Chairman Vernon Criss, R-Wood, directed the meeting, which was held at the West Virginia Capitol in Charleston. Photo by Perry Bennett, WV Legislative Photography.
House Finance Chairman Vernon Criss, R-Wood, directed the meeting, which was held at the West Virginia Capitol in Charleston. Photo by Perry Bennett, WV Legislative Photography.
It was an exciting day in Williamson visiting with Christopher “Dino” Beckett, D.O., at the Williamson Health & Wellness Center, Inc. in Williamson, W.Va.
Joining with us was Tommy Fox, a WVSOM third-year student, who is clinical rotation with Dr. Beckett.
Joining with us was Tommy Fox, a WVSOM third-year student, who is clinical rotation with Dr. Beckett.
It was an honor to attend a special event in honor of Hamza Syed. To commemorate his life and the positive impact he had on so many, family, friends and WVSOM held a bench memorial event in his honor.
This memorial serves as a lasting tribute to the person he was and the joy he brought into our lives.
The event was Friday Oct. 4, at 6:30 p.m.
This memorial serves as a lasting tribute to the person he was and the joy he brought into our lives.
The event was Friday Oct. 4, at 6:30 p.m.
WVSOM leadership attended the 2024 Health Care Leadership Summit at the Greenbrier, inlcuding WV Metro News' Hoppy Kercheval interview with W.Va. Governor Jim Justice.
WVSOM leadership attended the 2024 Health Care Leadership Summit at the Greenbrier, inlcuding WV Metro News' Hoppy Kercheval interview with West Virginia State Delegate Matt Rohrbach and State Senator Tom Takubo, D.O.
West Virginia Delegate Jeff Campbell, R-46, reads over the items on the Special Session Call during a break in action at the State Capitol on Sept. 30
Gov. Jim Justice issued a proclamation calling for the West Virginia Legislature to convene for a second Special Session of the year.
The Special Session starting Monday, Sept. 30, and resumes Sunday, Oct. 6.
The Governor’s Office and legislative leaders have been meeting for weeks to prepare for a Special Session. Together, they’ve been working on a plan to deliver tax relief, provide support for childcare, and tackle other key issues.
The West Virginia School of Medicine is listed on the Call under Item 23:
Twenty-Third: To supplement and amend the appropriations of public moneys out of the Treasury from the balance of moneys remaining as unappropriated surplus balance in the State Fund, General Revenue, to the Higher Education Policy Commission, West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, fund 0336, fiscal year 2025, organization 0476, in the amount of $13,600,000 by supplementing and amending the appropriations for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.
Gov. Justice released the following statement ahead of Monday’s Special Session:
"As I call this Special Session, the goal is clear that we need to help the hardworking people of West Virginia. I'm hopeful that we can get another personal income tax cut across the finish line. I've said it time and again: nothing will help our population grow, create new opportunities, and drive economic progress in West Virginia like eliminating our personal income tax. We're on the right track, but we need to keep pushing forward. The growth and momentum we’ve built during my time as Governor is off the charts. It’s truly been a rocketship ride. We’ve also minded the store, and because of that we now have the opportunity to get these things done.
We also need to do something to help hardworking families afford childcare. Right now, families across the country are struggling with extreme childcare costs, and we can't sit on the sidelines and watch it happen in West Virginia. We need to step in and help. That's why I'm again asking for a childcare tax credit to lower costs for families. This will make things a lot better for working families.
There are additional things to address, such as more money for our schools and our nurses and getting major water, sewer, and infrastructure projects across West Virginia completed.
We all know my time as your Governor is coming to an end. But I promised you that I would run across the finish line, and that's exactly what we're doing."
Gov. Jim Justice issued a proclamation calling for the West Virginia Legislature to convene for a second Special Session of the year.
The Special Session starting Monday, Sept. 30, and resumes Sunday, Oct. 6.
The Governor’s Office and legislative leaders have been meeting for weeks to prepare for a Special Session. Together, they’ve been working on a plan to deliver tax relief, provide support for childcare, and tackle other key issues.
The West Virginia School of Medicine is listed on the Call under Item 23:
Twenty-Third: To supplement and amend the appropriations of public moneys out of the Treasury from the balance of moneys remaining as unappropriated surplus balance in the State Fund, General Revenue, to the Higher Education Policy Commission, West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, fund 0336, fiscal year 2025, organization 0476, in the amount of $13,600,000 by supplementing and amending the appropriations for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.
Gov. Justice released the following statement ahead of Monday’s Special Session:
"As I call this Special Session, the goal is clear that we need to help the hardworking people of West Virginia. I'm hopeful that we can get another personal income tax cut across the finish line. I've said it time and again: nothing will help our population grow, create new opportunities, and drive economic progress in West Virginia like eliminating our personal income tax. We're on the right track, but we need to keep pushing forward. The growth and momentum we’ve built during my time as Governor is off the charts. It’s truly been a rocketship ride. We’ve also minded the store, and because of that we now have the opportunity to get these things done.
We also need to do something to help hardworking families afford childcare. Right now, families across the country are struggling with extreme childcare costs, and we can't sit on the sidelines and watch it happen in West Virginia. We need to step in and help. That's why I'm again asking for a childcare tax credit to lower costs for families. This will make things a lot better for working families.
There are additional things to address, such as more money for our schools and our nurses and getting major water, sewer, and infrastructure projects across West Virginia completed.
We all know my time as your Governor is coming to an end. But I promised you that I would run across the finish line, and that's exactly what we're doing."
Sherri A. Young, D.O., MBA, FAAFP, Cabinet Secretary for the West Virginia Department of Health, at right, and Russ Crane, the Deputy Secretary for the Department of Health, visited WVSOM on Sept. 17 to discuss issues, needs and ways to collaborate with WVSOM President James W. Nemitz, Ph.D., Dean Linda Boyd, D.O., Dr. Drema Hill, Ph.D., and others members of WVSOM leadership. Dr. Young is a WVSOM graduate, Class of 2003.