Institutional Strategic Plan

Mission Statement

The West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM) empowers students to find health within themselves and the people and the communities they serve. We advance health and well-being in West Virginia and beyond through cutting-edge training, pioneering research, and immersive clinical experience. By blending innovation, compassion, and a deep-rooted dedication to osteopathic principles, we are shaping the future of health.

Strategic Plan Pillars

1. Educate the health workforce for West Virginia and beyond.

   • Recruit students from West Virginia and across the country who have the potential to be exceptional osteopathic physicians, scientists, and other health professionals.
   • Equip students with the knowledge, skills, and values to prepare them for residency and personal and professional success.
   • Increase the number of residency slots in West Virginia, emphasizing high-need graduate medical education residency positions.
   • Determine the feasibility of program expansion and potential new degree programs in the sciences and health professions.

2. Advance research and clinical service to improve health and well-being in West Virginia.

   • Develop a long-term plan to build the research enterprise, prioritizing areas where WVSOM can make a distinctive contribution.
   • Improve community health in the state and the region through our research, evidence-based programs, and community outreach.
   • Increase access to clinical care through integration with the Robert C. Byrd Clinic and investments in the statewide campus system.
   • Increase the number of graduates practicing in rural health and primary care in West Virginia.

3. Invest in our people and our culture.

   • Recruit, develop, and retain the exceptional faculty and staff needed to advance our mission and goals.
   • Build a healthy and supportive community.
   • Enhance organizational culture, live our values, and increase engagement.
   • Strengthen board governance to ensure effective oversight and leadership for the future of the School.

4. Drive sustainability and innovation throughout WVSOM.

   • Ensure financial sustainability to support ongoing operations and long-term growth.
   • Develop leaders at all levels and create succession plans for key roles.
   • Invest in the infrastructure, technologies, systems, and processes needed to support the School’s short-term operations and long-term future.
   • Position WVSOM for success in the increasingly competitive environment for medical and health professions education.