A Leader in Medical Education

A leader in producing graduates who practice in rural settings, WVSOM blends the ease of living in a breathtaking mountain community with a nationally recognized faculty and innovative programs. U.S.News & World Report has ranked WVSOM among the top medical schools in the nation in primary care and family medicine for the past 14 years, solidifying the school’s reputation as a place where scientific study and compassion are joined in one curriculum.

More than a Mission Statement

To us it's not just another mission statement -- it's a living and breathing principal that guides each and every member of the WVSOM family to produce the best educated, most caring and compassionate osteopathic physicians in the world:

 

"The mission of the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM) is to educate students from diverse backgrounds as lifelong learners in osteopathic medicine and complementary health related programs; to advance scientific knowledge through academic, clinical and basic science research; and to promote patient-centered, evidence based medicine.

WVSOM is dedicated to serve, first and foremost, the state of West Virginia and the special health care needs of its residents, emphasizing primary care in rural areas.

 

Accreditation

The West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine is fully accredited by the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA) of the American Osteopathic Association (AOA).

COCA is the only accrediting agency which is recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) for accrediting institutions regarding predoctoral education of osteopathic physicians in the United States.

Nationally Renowned

WVSOM is known nationwide for its efforts in Rural, Family, and Primary Care medicine:

  • #1 in the percentage of graduates of all U.S. medical schools practicing in rural areas.
  • #2 in the percentage of graduates of all U.S. medical schools entering primary care residencies. 66% of our 2011 graduates entered primary care residencies.
  • #12 in the nation of all U.S. medical schools for Rural Medicine programs.
  • #12 in the nation of all U.S. medical schools for Family Practice programs.

Student Demographics

WVSOM's student demographics (using the 2009-10 academic roster) breaks down as follows:

  • 778 total students
  • 221 in-state students
  • 557 out-of-state students
  • 369 females - 409 males
  • 161 minority students
  • Average age is 27.