In 2024, the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM) introduced its first-ever graduate program — one leading to a Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences degree.
That program has nearly doubled in class size from its inaugural year. The MSBS program welcomed 47 new students to the WVSOM campus in Lewisburg, W.Va., during its Aug. 4-5 orientation.
Sessions included an overview of courses; a look at the school’s information technology services, academic technology and library services; and an anatomy review.
Students were introduced to staff in the Office of Student Affairs and WVSOM’s Academic Support and Intervention Resources (ASPIRE) department, which helps them adopt learning techniques and provides counseling to those who experience mental health issues.
Marina Diioia, Ph.D., WVSOM’s associate dean for graduate programs, welcomed the class and told students to think about why they were in the program and where they wanted to go.
“Remember what your motivation is. Think about your next step and how this program will get you there. This is a one-year degree and it can be very intense at times. The volume of the material is substantial so give yourself some grace,” she said.
She said study and reflection, asking for help, forming study groups, time management, proper sleep and wellness will contribute to MSBS students’ success.
WVSOM President James W. Nemitz, Ph.D., shared his excitement for the new academic year and explained that the MSBS program could be a pathway toward becoming a physician — which many students said was their goal.
“When you succeed, we succeed,” he said. “Listen to your faculty and your associate dean. Realize that a large part of being successful in this program is taking care of yourself.”
Nemitz will host a reception for MSBS students, their families and faculty and staff Aug. 15 to celebrate the start of the academic year.
The program, which received accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission in January 2024, is a two-semester, nine-month program. It includes a core of biomedical sciences courses designed to prepare students for advanced study in any health profession. In addition, elective courses introduce students to community and public health, nutrition and food science, medical nutrition therapy, cancer biology, medical ethics and physiological adaptations to exercise.
Those interested in the Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences program can visit www.wvsom.edu/msbs for more information.