James W. Nemitz, Ph.D., president of the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM), took part in a panel at the West Virginia Chamber Annual Meeting and Business Summit at The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, W.Va. The panel, which focused on “investing in the next generation,” also included Marty Roth, Ph.D., president of the University of Charleston, and Gordon Gee, J.D., Ed.D., president of West Virginia University.
Nemitz said WVSOM is working to ensure the success of its students by partnering with other higher education institutions within the state and by creating more opportunities for research, allowing students to match into more competitive residency programs.
“A quality health care delivery system is essential for the continued well-being and prosperity of West Virginia, and WVSOM is the leading producer of physicians for the state,” Nemitz said. “In order to do that, one of the things I’ve learned is that you have to take care of your students. Medical students are pretty robust; they’re strong and competitive, but they need nurturing and care just like everybody else. WVSOM creates an environment where students can be successful and ultimately serve as physicians in communities throughout the state and throughout Appalachia.”
The panel in which Nemitz participated can be viewed starting at two hours and three minutes into this video.