WVSOM is committed to fostering an educational environment that values the development of human potential, cultural and ethnic diversity, and understanding. WVSOM strives to promote equitable and fair treatment in every aspect of campus life for all persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, veteran or military status, disability, genetic information, or other category that is protected under federal, state, or local anti-discrimination laws.
To help fulfill this commitment, WVSOM has established, through Institutional Policy GA-28, the Committee on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. This Committee, composed of faculty, staff, and students, focuses on many different issues, ranging from the recruitment of employees and students to improving the social and learning environment for everyone on campus. A student sub-committee, the Cultural Integration Committee, is comprised of a group of students who work with the leadership of other student organizations to ensure that a focus on diversity is incorporated into each student organization’s activities and educational efforts.
Beyond formal student organizations, students are also encouraged in their efforts to enact ad-hoc diversity-related educational programming, such as the LGBTQ+ educational series which has been hosted by students on an annual basis since 2015.
This training was developed through a WV Higher Education Policy Commission Diversity for Equity grant. The instructions to complete the training are available by clicking on the link below.
Developing Effective Allyship Training
American Geriatrics Society- The objectives of this student organization are to develop an interest in Osteopathic Geriatric Medicine among students of WVSOM and to encourage the establishment or expansion of residency programs in geriatric medicine. The student organization promotes a better understanding of Osteopathic Geriatric Medicine in the general public through education and community service with an emphasis on Geriatric care in rural areas.
American College of Osteopathic Obstetricians & Gynecologists (ACOOG) - The purpose of the student branch of ACCOOG is to educate future osteopathic physicians on issues of women's reproductive health. This organization hosts lectures and provides professional guidance for students toward OB/GYN residencies and fellowships. The organization promotes women's health in the community by raising awareness in areas such as fetal alcohol syndrome, birth control options, breast, uterine and ovarian cancers, and the importance of obstetrical care.
Association of Military Osteopathic Physicians & Surgeons (AMOPS) - The WVSOM chapter of AMOPS was established in recognition of the unique position that osteopathic physicians occupy within the United States Armed Forces. The primary goals of WVSOM AMOPS are: to provide information concerning the practice of osteopathic medicine within the Armed Forces; to provide information concerning rotations, internships, residencies and careers in the US armed forces; to provide support to local armed forces and deployed family members; to encourage active Health Professional Scholarship Program (HPSP) students to maintain the highest personal, professional and military standards; and to take an active role in the Lewisburg community by participating in community service and working in collaboration with other WVSOM organizations.
Christian Medical and Dental Association (CMDA) - The Christian Medical Association is a national professional organization of physicians, dentists, medical and dental students, who have banded together to serve Christ through their professions. CMDA helps its members wrestle with the increasing ethical problems in the professions, enhance the quality of care given to the whole person, and interact with other members of the healing professions who face common problems.
CMDA lives with the conviction that medicine is an avenue of ministry. For this reason, a local chapter was organized at WVSOM and hopes to be of such service to the school, students, and community.
DO CARE - WVSOM Student Chapter of DOCARE International, NFP, formerly known as PAX, is an organization which promotes diversity and cultural sensitivity on campus and throughout the community through education and community service. Additionally, DOCARE/PAX is a support group for a WVSOM student who considers him/herself a minority or a member of a group which is underrepresented in the medical profession. Membership is open to all WVSOM students.
Jewish Medical Student Association (JMSA) - The mission of Jewish Medical Student Association is to develop knowledge, understanding, and acceptance of the Jewish life and culture among students and faculty. JMSA works toward achieving these goals by creating opportunities for people of all backgrounds, races, and cultures to come together and share educational and social experiences. JMSA also encourages religious diversity among members.
Medical Students for Choice (MSFC) - Medical Students for Choice (MSFC) is nationally known non-profit organization that includes medical students and residents throughout the United States and Canada. The WVSOM chapter of MSFC is committed to ensuring that osteopathic medical students and physicians are trained to provide women patients a range of reproductive healthcare choices. WVSOM MSFC sponsors guest lectures and workshops to WVSOM students and faculty on women's reproductive health care. The student organization works to enhance the curriculum and residency programs to include reproductive health.
Medical Muslim Student Association (MMSA) - The purpose of the Medical Muslim Student Association (MMSA) is to provide a system of spiritual support, social activity, fellowship, and advocacy for Muslim students and non-Muslim students with an interest in Islam. MMSA will focus on developing the relationship between Islam and medicine, through various interfaith activities. The MMSA places a particular emphasis on using the unique cultural perspective of its members to interact with populations in a way that both complements and enhances the work of other service organizations.
Medical Student Pride Alliance (MSPA) - The WVSOM MSPA, Medical Student Pride Alliance will act as an activist and social organization committed to empowering sexual and gender minority medical students and allies, increasing the number of physicians trained in LGBTQ+ inclusive healthcare, and addressing the unique needs of LGBTQ+ communities through research, advocacy, and service. MSPA is affiliated with the Medical Student Pride Alliance national organization, which will allow networking and sharing of resources with medical students around the country.
National Osteopathic Women Physicians Association (NOWPA) - NOWPA is a national organization established in 1904 by female students at The American School of Osteopathy. Its objective is the further study of osteopathy as a philosophy, a science and an art. WVSOM's Kappa Chapter of NOWPA endeavors to uphold this tradition through the organizational theme of Women in Medicine. NOWPA is the avenue through which all WVSOM students, faculty and staff are invited to listen to speakers lecturing on various aspects of women's health care and problems faced by female physicians. With membership open to all students, NOWPA wishes to make everyone at WVSOM more aware of the issues faced by women in medicine.
Student National Medical Association (SNMA) - Student National Medical Association (SNMA) is committed to supporting current and future underrepresented minority medical students, addressing the needs of underserved communities, and increasing the number of clinically excellent, culturally competent and socially conscious physicians.
WVSOM’s SNMA chapter believes that the best medical care is one that is not only disease focused but attentive to every aspect of a person—mind, body, spirit and cultural variances. We seek to rally students’ awareness and sensitivity to the needs of diverse populations.