SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 22

(By Senators Takubo, Miller, Laird, D. Hall, Romano, Kessler, Stollings, Beach, Plymale, Boso and Williams)

Recognizing the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine as a national leader in rural primary care medicine, for excellence in medical education and for its many contributions to the State of West Virginia.

            Whereas, The West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine is located in Lewisburg, West Virginia, and its statewide campus offices are located throughout the Mountain State; and

            Whereas, The mission of the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine is to educate students from diverse backgrounds as lifelong learners in osteopathic medicine and complementary health-related programs; to advance scientific knowledge through academic, clinical and basic science research; and to promote patient-centered, evidence-based medicine; and

            Whereas, The West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine is dedicated to serving, first and foremost, the State of West Virginia and the special health care needs of its residents, emphasizing primary care in rural areas; and

            Whereas, The West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine is a leader in producing graduates who practice in rural settings and has a nationally recognized faculty and innovative programs; and

            Whereas, U. S. News & World Report has ranked the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine among the top medical schools in the nation in primary care and family medicine for the past sixteen years, solidifying the schools reputation as a place where scientific study and compassion are joined in one curriculum; and

            Whereas, The West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine is known nationwide for its efforts in rural, family and primary care medicine and has received many accolades to support its efforts, including: First among all medical schools in the United States in graduating physicians who practice in rural areas (Academic Medicine, 2010 Study); 3rd in the nation for percentage of medical school graduates entering primary care residency specialties (U. S. News & World Report 2014); 12th in the nation for family medicine (U. S. News & World Report 2014); and 16th in the nation for rural medicine (U. S. News & World Report); and

            Whereas, Third- and fourth-year students from the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine completed 1,367 rural clinical rotations in West Virginia this past academic year; and

            Whereas, The West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine has been recognized by The Chronicle of Higher Education for four consecutive years as a “Great College to Work For” and is the only institution in West Virginia with this honor; and

            Whereas, Graduates of the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine practice medicine in 46 of West Virginia’s 55 counties and in 48 states and the District of Columbia, and are making a significant contribution to the health care needs of the citizens of West Virginia and the nation; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate:

            That the Senate hereby recognizes the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine as a national leader in rural primary care medicine, for excellence in medical education and for its many contributions to the State of West Virginia; and, be it

            Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine.