WVSOM RHI

03/24/2026

We are incredibly proud to celebrate our Class of 2026 Rural Health Initiative students on their Match Day success. Your passion, resilience, and commitment to rural health truly inspire.

05/06/2025

It’s always bittersweet to send off our RHI completers, but we couldn’t be prouder of all you’ve accomplished.

Congratulations to each of you on reaching this milestone—and thank you for your commitment to rural health and the communities we serve. Your passion and purpose will carry far.

Wishing you success and fulfillment in all the journeys ahead!

04/01/2025

Congratulations to our RHI Students on Matching!

We are so proud of each of you for reaching this incredible milestone. Your hard work, dedication, and commitment to rural health have paid off, and we can’t wait to see the amazing things you’ll accomplish in residency.

We’re looking forward to celebrating with you at graduation and cheering you on as you begin the next phase of your journey. The future of rural medicine is bright with leaders like you!

01/14/2025

Thank you to all who helped with another great Rural Practice Day!

10/08/2024

Our WVSOM Rural Health Initiative students embarked on an enriching experience focused on Agriculture: Health & Safety in rural communities.

We kicked off with a visit to Cornerstone Care Teaching Health Center, where students engaged in presentations by medical professionals like Dr. Stephen Neal and Dr. Amanda Ellis, covering topics such as:

-Challenges in rural emergency departments
-Health and safety concerns in agricultural communities
-Cultural and environmental factors affecting rural patient care
-Impacts of machinery, livestock, and seasonal work
-Personal and financial stresses farmers face

The day wrapped up with a tour of the WVU Farm, where Mr. Ben Walsh guided us through key agricultural safety practices.

Together, we’re preparing future doctors to meet the unique healthcare needs of rural and agricultural communities!

08/06/2024

The RHI team was proud to collaborate with many other WVSOM departments, students, faculty, and staff to assist with this thought-provoking simulation that aims to educate participants on various social determinants of health.

02/27/2024

02/27/2024

Go Green Coats!

Meet Our Green Coat Interns! 🩺🎉
Pictured below: Kyle Hawthorne and Victoria Sturm, both students at Davis & Elkins College. They will graduate in April and will bring our total of Green Coat Intern Graduates to 40.

The DMC Green Coat Internship is a hospital-based immersion program for college students with an interest in medical school. Through a partnership with the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM), students gain comfort and competence with patient interactions, discern their personal commitment to serving rural populations, and improve their opportunity for acceptance into medical school upon graduation. Students gain further experience by working alongside an inter-disciplinary healthcare team in volunteer service.

We appreciate all of the staff that work with our interns to make this the best experience it can be.

12/06/2023

Happy National Miners Day!
Our RHI student doctors started their week by embarking on a two-day immersive look into the West Virginia coal mining industry.

Highlights included:
• Training and simulations at the National Mine Safety and Health Academy in Beckley, WV.
• Presentation by Senator Tom Takubo, D.O.
• Immersive tour of Arch coal mine and processing plant in Eccles, WV.

Participating in this event was not just educational; it was invaluable for our aspiring doctors preparing to serve the healthcare needs of West Virginia! The combination of practical experiences, expert insights, and on-site visits offered a holistic understanding of the region's health landscape.

As we celebrate National Miners Day, we recognize the significance of this experience in showcasing industry advancements, understanding working conditions, and acknowledging potential health risks.

Here's to our student doctors gaining the knowledge and empathy needed to make a meaningful impact on West Virginia's diverse and distinctive population!

12/05/2023

09/19/2023

Our group of RHI student doctors embarked on at the Pilgrims Poultry Plant in Moorefield, WV, as part of the Rural Health Initiative program.

👁️‍🗨️ Our Visit Highlights:
✅ Immersive Tour: We explored the state-of-the-art facilities, gaining insights into poultry processing and food safety.
✨ Eye-opening Discussions: Engaging conversations with industry experts deepened our understanding of the vital link between healthcare and agriculture.
🌄 Rural Health Impact: Witnessing the impact of healthcare in rural areas was a humbling experience that reinforced our commitment to serving underserved communities.
👥 Connections: We forged lasting connections with fellow student doctors and professionals, fostering a supportive network.

We're immensely grateful for this opportunity to broaden our horizons and contribute to the well-being of rural communities.

A heartfelt thank you to Pilgrims Poultry Fresh and Prepared Plant for their warm welcome and valuable insights.

We're excited to carry the knowledge and inspiration gained during this visit into our future medical careers. Together, we'll make a difference in rural healthcare!