WVSOM Recognized as a Program of Excellence

Being recognized for outstanding work is gratifying for any school.  But when that recognition comes from a school's peers in higher education, it makes the recognition even more special.  The West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine received such validation from the University of West Virginia System when that group once again awarded WVSOM the "Program of Excellence" designation, announced Olen E. Jones, Jr., Ph.D., president of the school.

"I'm pleased that the state system has designated WVSOM as a Program of Excellence.  This honor is a testament to the teamwork and overall commitment of our faculty, staff, students, and alumni," says Dr. Jones.  "While all of us at WVSOM take pride in our school, it is quite another thing to have our work recognized and honored by those outside this institution," he added.

The Graduate and Professional Degree Program Review Committee conferred the honor upon WVSOM after completing its review of graduate and professional degree programs at WVSOM and other institutions in the state system.

"This recognition directly reflects the quality of the program offered at WVSOM and takes into account the contribution and dedication of every employee, professor and student," Jones points out.

He believes that WVSOM's exemplary record in fulfilling its mission shined through and caught the attention of Committee members.  "WVSOM has a very specific mission, and we do it well.  Our program is dedicated to training doctors to care for the special health care needs of the elderly population in underserved areas of rural West Virginia," notes Dr. Jones.

The school's success in meeting its mission of training primary care physicians for practice in rural communities of West Virginia and in serving the health care needs of the rural elderly population has been cited by the committee in the past.