The WVU School of Medicine welcomed four new residents to training as the university graduated its most recent cohort of Mountaineer Accelerated Track to Enter Residency students during December commencement .
The program , better known as MATTER , was created to attract talented students who are looking for an efficient and expedited entry into residency without sacrificing academic quality .
Students in the program commit to a core residency program at WVU and can graduate medical school in just three years and seamlessly enter their residency program . Those programs include family medicine , internal medicine , neurology , obstetrics and gynecology , emergency medicine , internal medicine pediatrics combined , pathology , or pediatrics .
A shorter path to residency also translates to less accumulated debt for participants .
“ By graduating one semester early , I not only avoid paying for that semester , but I also start earning a salary sooner . This definitely helps alleviate some of the financial burden of medical school ,” said Madelynne King , MD . “ It ’ s a benefit that I didn ’ t understand or appreciate as fully when I was applying as I do now that I ’ m graduating .”
Elizabeth Dice , MD , said the MATTER program complemented her career goals perfectly .
“ It has allowed me to stay close to my family support system nearby that surrounds my husband , baby , and me , which I know will be critical to my thriving in residency ,” she said .
The four graduates are :
• Elizabeth Dice , MD – Pediatrics
• Madelynne King , MD – Rural Family Medicine at Harpers Ferry
• Shayla Koerner , MD , and Savannah Lusk , MD – Family Medicine
Image : Archive WVU Photo . Students practice using equipment in the STEPS simulation lab at West Virginia University .
West Virginia Medical Journal • March 2023 • 39