WVSOM & BSU Announce Pre-Osteopathic Program Partnership

The West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM) and Bluefield State University (BSU) have entered into a memorandum of understanding that will more thoroughly prepare BSU students who hope to pursue a career in osteopathic medicine.

WVSOM President James W. Nemitz, Ph.D., and Bluefield State University President Robin Capehart signed the memorandum during a March 21 ceremony at BSU. Through the agreement, qualifying BSU students can enter WVSOM’s Pre-Osteopathic Medicine Program, develop the skills and credentials required for admission into WVSOM, and enhance their experience while in the program.

President Capehart noted that the partnership benefits everyone involved. “ It creates a clearly defined roadmap for our students who are interested in pursuing a career in osteopathic medicine,” he said. “We anticipate a substantial increase in the number of BSU students who will enter the program, graduate, and help fill the pressing statewide and nationwide need for more physicians.”

President Nemitz said the agreement will allow the two schools to work together to strengthen the osteopathic medical workforce.

“This partnership will identify students who are driven to succeed and who have an early interest in osteopathic medicine, allowing WVSOM to provide mentorship and guidance for successfully navigating the path to medical school,” Nemitz said. “We are thrilled to work with Bluefield State University to find students who will excel in providing patient care to West Virginians.”

“The POMP program will provide opportunities that will lift BSU students to the next level,” observed Dr. James Walters, Bluefield State Associate Professor of Biology.  “We have been working closely with WVSOM for several years to adjust BSU’s curriculum to what they need to see from incoming students.  BSU’s new Applied Science Programmatic Pathways incorporate everything we have learned from our extensive interactions.  Our students are more prepared than ever to take advantage of this fantastic opportunity”