West Virginia Medical Journal - 2023 - Quarter 4 | Page 30

NEWS

West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine
WVSOM , Frostburg State University Announce Partnership
The West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine ( WVSOM ) and Frostburg State University ( FSU ) have entered into a memorandum of understanding that will better prepare Frostburg students interested in pursuing a career in osteopathic medicine .
The agreement , signed by WVSOM President James W . Nemitz , PhD , and FSU President Ronald Nowaczyk , PhD , on October 16 , will provide skills and credentials necessary for admission to and success in osteopathic medical school through the WVSOM Pre-Osteopathic Medicine Program ( POMP ).
“ I am so pleased to expand our partnerships with undergraduate schools to identify students who are driven to succeed and have an early interest in osteopathic medicine ,” Nemitz said . “ This partnership is a win for both schools . It allows WVSOM to provide guidance to Frostburg students on navigating the path to medical school and it is an opportunity for WVSOM to attract the next generation of physicians who will excel in providing healthcare to patients .”
Nowacyzk echoed the positive impact the partnership will have in communities .
“ This partnership illustrates the continuing evolution of higher education institutions like WVSOM and FSU to respond to the needs of the citizens they serve ,” Nowacyzk said . “ Creating these pathways encourages truly talented students to reach their dreams and stay in their communities .”
The goal of POMP at WVSOM is to promote osteopathic medicine , increase the number of excellent applicants , support aspiring osteopathic physicians at all levels of education , and continue the proud legacy of osteopathic medicine . Students who successfully complete all program requirements will receive guaranteed acceptance to WVSOM .
The program ensures that students have the opportunity to network with medical students and medical professionals and assists with shadowing opportunities while improving students ’ knowledge of osteopathic medicine .
POMP is a partnership between WVSOM and affiliated institutions . The program is designed for undergraduate students who have an interest in osteopathic medicine and plan to enter osteopathic medical school . Currently , 13 schools of higher education are affiliated with the program .
Image : From left , Frostburg State University President Ronald Nowaczyk , PhD , and WVSOM President James W . Nemitz , PhD , shake hands after signing a memorandum of understanding in October .
Organizational Changes Will Help WVSOM Maintain Status as Leader in Medical Education
The West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine ( WVSOM ), the state ’ s largest medical school , announced organizational changes coinciding with the start of the 2023-2024 academic year . The changes will allow WVSOM to retain its financial and academic strength while replenishing the school ’ s leadership team following the retirement of several longtime administrators in 2023 .
With the retirement of Larry Ware , MBA , WVSOM ’ s vice president for finance and facilities since 2009 , David Meadows , MBA , assumed the role of vice president for finance and facilities and chief financial officer on August 14 . Meadows has extensive administrative experience in private and public education and in the
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