WHEELING, WV (LOOTPRESS) – It was announced this month that The Health Plan has opened its medical scholarship program will now be opened to West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine students.
The Health Plan Scholarship program has provided more the three million dollars in scholarship funds to over 60 students practicing in the nursing and medical fields who plan to remain and practice in West Virginia.
The Health Plan CEO and President, Jeff Knight and West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine President, James W. Nemitz, Ph.D. on July 19, 2024, celebrated the inclusion of the medical school in the needs-based scholarship program. The program is also available to medical and nursing students at Marshall University and West Virginia University.
The inclusion of the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine in the program expands upon the efforts of The Health Plan to provide support to the Mountain State Medical community according to Knight.
“The health care staffing shortage continues to be a significant issue in West Virginia. The Health Plan is committed to supporting our state’s health care workforce, and we’re thrilled to team up with WVSOM to offer our scholarship program to its students,” said Knight.
“WVSOM does amazing work in both educating our future providers and advocating for health care initiatives important to all West Virginians. We’re proud to be partners.”
Nemitz expressed gratitude to Knight and The Health Plan for the offering of the THP scholarship program at WVSOM. The institution provides education to an average of almost 800 medical students annually.
The school ranks first in producing physicians who practice in the state of West Virginia. Forty percent of West Virginia physicians having graduated from WVSOM.
“WVSOM is appreciative that The Health Plan has included osteopathic medical students in its scholarship program. Medical school is not inexpensive. This scholarship, by financially assisting recipients who want to stay in West Virginia, benefits not only our students but the state,” said Nemitz.
“The Health Plan shows its commitment to the health and well=being of the communities it serves through its products and services and by supporting health care professionals, medical education and healthy-living initiatives. The program is a tremendous opportunity for WVSOM students.”
West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine students were able to submit applications in the last month of the scholarship cycle for the 2024-2025 period through the opportunity. Students will also be eligible to apply for the full 2025-2026 scholarship period.
