In addition to core biomedical science courses such as cell biology , genetics , microbiology , immunology , and human anatomy and physiology , the health sciences thread introduces students to the topics of community and public health , nutrition and food science , medical nutrition therapy , and physiological adaptations to exercise .
Culinary Medicine and Exercise is Medicine courses allow students to take a closer look at health maintenance and wellness through nutrition , dietary patterns , and exercise . Ultimately , the goal of the program is to give physicians the confidence to provide nutrition and physical activity advice to their patients .
Linda Boyd , DO , vice president for academic affairs and dean and chief academic officer , said the program is an example of WVSOM ’ s effort to expand interest in healthcare careers .
“ At WVSOM , we have mastered the way in which we deliver a medical education . Being able to also offer a Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences allows us to create a larger pool of qualified applicants to go on to complete their medical training . West Virginia needs more doctors , and this is another way to meet our mission .”
WVSOM ’ s graduate program will place an emphasis on lifestyle and chronic disease prevention — an issue of value to the state of West Virginia , which has some of the highest rates of obesity , diabetes , and heart disease in the nation — by teaching the science behind those issues . The medical school ’ s existing
HEALTH CARE
LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
September 25-27 , 2024 The Greenbrier
A Joint Annual Meeting
West Virginia Medical Journal • June 2024 • 25