Four FSU Students Accepted into WVSOM Pre-Osteopathic Medicine Program

Four FSU Students Accepted into WVSOM Pre-Osteopathic Medicine Program

Sep 16, 2024 8:00 AM

Last fall, Frostburg State University and the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM) entered into a partnership to provide skills and credentials necessary for admission to and success in osteopathic medical school through the WVSOM Pre-Osteopathic Medicine Program (POMP). Four FSU undergraduate students recently learned that they were accepted into this program.

"This is FSU's first year participating in the WVSOM Pre-Osteopathic Medicine program and the Health Professions Advisory Committee couldn't be happier that our four students who applied to the program were all accepted," said Dr. Karen Keller, professor of biology at FSU. "We're very proud of these students and know that they are all capable of becoming excellent, compassionate physicians."

Keller went on to say, "It's a wonderful opportunity for them to know before they graduate with their undergraduate degree that they have been accepted to WVSOM, which is an outstanding osteopathic medical school."

The goal of POMP at WVSOM is to promote osteopathic medicine, increase the number of excellent applicants, support aspiring osteopathic physicians at all levels of education and continue the proud legacy of osteopathic medicine. Students who successfully complete all program requirements will receive guaranteed acceptance to WVSOM.

Cierra Wilson, Carolyn DeSena, Brady Mckinley and Emilia Porter have been accepted into the program and will attend WVSOM following graduation. They all agree that this partnership is a great opportunity for students who want to have a career in medicine.

Wilson wants to be a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, specializing in geriatric medicine. "I am beyond grateful for this opportunity, and I hope to see more students take advantage of this program in the future."

DeSena is equally excited to pursue her passion for medicine. "The line of work I am interested in going into currently is pediatrics, but I am also open to other specialties. I look forward to exploring all areas of medicine during medical school."

"WVSOM is a phenomenal school with staff and faculty that genuinely care about their students," said Brady Mckinley. "I am thinking of pursuing emergency medicine, and I am looking forward to attending there next year."

Porter did research on osteopathic medicine, explored WVSOM's programs and curriculum, and shadowed doctors, which she said solidified her passion for their approach to patient care. "As someone who aspired to enter the medical field, I had been unsure about medical school due to the competitive nature of admissions. I am incredibly excited to embark on this next chapter of my medical career."

During the signing ceremony last year announcing the partnership between WVSOM and FSU, Dr. Ronald Nowaczyk stated, "This partnership illustrates the continuing evolution of higher education institutions like WVSOM and FSU to respond to the needs of the citizens they serve. Creating these pathways encourages truly talented students to reach their dreams and stay in their communities."

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.