LEWISBURG, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine and Marshall University on Tuesday hosted a ceremonial signing event celebrating the institutions’ Masters of Public Health Partnership.
The agreement will allow for West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine to earn a Masters of Public Health degree while working toward completion of their osteopathic medical education. Through the five-year program, D.O. students will be able to supplement their degree with an MPH degree.
Held at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine’s Lewisburg campus, the ceremony saw a memorandum of understanding detailing the admissions, procedures, policies, tuition, billing, and other element associated with the program signed by representatives of both WVSOM and Marshal University.
“The dual D.O/MPH degree program benefits our students who want a greater understanding of community health needs and solutions,” said WVSOM President, James W. Nemitz, Ph.D. “Just as osteopathic medicine addresses the entire patient, not just the symptom, public health looks at the larger population, not just the patient. Marshall University offers an outstanding public health program, and we’re happy to work with President Brad Smith and the university’s administration to offer this option to our hard-working future physicians.”
Smith also remarked of the potential of dual degree programs such as this to address health care challenges impacting the region.
“As we unveil this important dual degree program, we embark on a transformative journey for the health and well-being of West Virginia and Appalachia,” said Smith. “This innovative program stands as a beacon of hope, addressing the unique health care challenges of our region with strategic precision and unwavering dedication. By nurturing a new cadre of doctors also trained in public health, we not only elevate our communities’ health outcomes but also empower our people to thrive amidst adversity.”
Upon completion of the Masters of Public Health program, West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine students will begin completing clinical rotations at the school’s statewide campus, which offers clinical settings such as medical centers and hospitals and physician offices.
