NEWS
West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine
WVSOM Receives Accreditation for New Master ’ s Program
The West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine ( WVSOM ) will expand its degree portfolio to offer a new Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences program .
The new degree — which received accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission in January — is a two-semester , ninemonth program . It includes a core of biomedical sciences courses designed to prepare students for advanced study in any health profession . It also contains a health sciences thread that introduces students to the principles of community health and the importance of diet and physical activity for health maintenance as well as the prevention and treatment of certain chronic diseases .
Timothy Garrow , PhD , founding associate dean of graduate programs for WVSOM , said the rollout of the degree program is the result of a year ’ s worth of work .
“ It ’ s been exciting to work with like-minded faculty , administrators , and staff to develop a novel MS degree in biomedical sciences that includes training in the food , nutrition , public health , and exercise sciences so that future healthcare professionals are well equipped to help prevent or better manage the most common chronic medical conditions in the U . S .,” he said .
The office will recruit students for its inaugural class that will begin in the fall .
24 • www . wvsma . org