Fairmont State University and West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine forge new partnership to prepare students for careers in osteopathic medicine

Fairmont State University students who envision themselves going on to careers in osteopathic medicine now have an excellent advantage, thanks to a new agreement between FSU and the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine.

The partnership will create a new program at Fairmont State University called the WVSOM Pre-Osteopathic Medicine Program. As long as a student successfully completes the requirements of this program, they are guaranteed to be accepted into medical school at the West Virginia School of Orthopedic Medicine. In addition to the guaranteed acceptance, there are more perks to this new program, including the opportunity for FSU students to interact and network with other medical students, including through shadowing, and will support students with knowledge from professionals. The two institutions also hope it will promote osteopathic medicine as a career and encourage and inspire more students to apply.

According to an article on Fairmont State University's website, James W. Nemitz, Ph.D., who is the president of WVSOM, said of the partnership, “This partnership gives students who are driven to succeed and have an early interest in osteopathic medicine an advantage when applying to medical school. If they complete all program requirements, they will receive guaranteed acceptance to WVSOM. It is a win for both schools. It allows Fairmont State University to offer a direct pathway to medical school. WVSOM will be able to provide guidance to Fairmont State students, and it is an opportunity for WVSOM to attract the next generation of physicians who will excel in providing health care to patients.”

Michael Davis, Ph.D., who is the president of Fairmont State University, added, “We’re excited about who we’re partnering with because we know we’re partnering with one of the best primary care medical schools in the nation. And in return, Fairmont State will be sending hard-working, bright students ready for advanced study. This partnership is also an opportunity to transform West Virginia communities. The West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine leads the state in graduating physicians who practice in rural areas. Given the health care crisis that Appalachia — and West Virginia, in particular — currently faces, this program will have an impact on our communities that will last for decades.”

For more information about Fairmont State University, visit the school’s website.