While the academic curriculum at WVSOM provides students with the foundation of medical knowledge, skills, and competencies needed by osteopathic physicians, participation in the numerous student organizations and activities available on campus further enhances the student educational experience.
Involvement in co-curricular programs and activities provides opportunities for students to develop skills that will better prepare them for eventual practice in the community. Leadership skills, time management, interpersonal relationships, marketing, public speaking, and networking with national professional and student professional associations are just some of the benefits and opportunities offered through the co-curricular program.
All of the student organizations at WVSOM are student chapters of national professional organizations and abide by the national by-laws. The relationships with the national organizations give students an important professional network that provides additional educational and training opportunities.
An additional benefit is the potential to be mentored by professionals in the field. WVSOM students serve on national committees for national professional organizations, further enhancing their educational experience and leadership development.
Each student organization has identified a community non-profit that they will partner with throughout the year for service activities.
The Translating Osteopathic Understanding into Community Health (TOUCH) Program is a national initiative of the Council of Osteopathic Student Government Presidents (COSGP). Its goal is to encourage osteopathic medical students “to engage in service throughout their community, in order to impact those outside of osteopathic medical students and professionals, for the purpose of expanding the osteopathic ideals and principles to those unaware of our professional values.”
The Student Government Association of WVSOM became an active supporter and participant in the TOUCH program during the 2007-2008 academic year and has remained so ever since.
Students can earn recognition for their community service through this program by logging their hours into the national TOUCH database. Students earning 50 hours or more in one TOUCH year (April 1-March 31) will also receive a letter of commendation for their service to the community in their dean’s letter.
If you have any questions about the TOUCH program or would like to share a community service opportunity for students at WVSOM, please contact the current TOUCH coordinator at touch@osteo.wvsom.edu.
The Founders’ Activity Center– WVSOM’s on-campus workout facility – offers a regulation basketball court, cardiovascular machines, resistance machines, weights, lockers and shower facilities for the campus community and their families.
A secure prox card entry allows for 24-hour access to the Activity Center.
Students, faculty and staff also take time away from the demands of academics to participate in recreational sports and fitness activities. Sports such as flag football, soccer, volleyball and basketball serve to bring together students, strengthening the bonds of friendship and community.
Other intramural sports are organized and sponsored by various student groups throughout the year.