Newest WVU medical students wrap up orientation, start studies with sturdy footing
The West Virginia University School of Medicine Medical Degree Program recently welcomed the newest class of medical students in late July for orientation and a kick start to their studies and future success.
Beginning on Tuesday, July 21, the first-year students started a week of professional development that allowed the students to obtain basic medical certifications, bond with classmates, get advice from program leadership and start meaningful professional connections.
It concluded Wednesday, July 29, as students participated in a formal Oath of Integrity ceremony attended by their families that marks their official start as a medical student at WVU.
During the annual ceremony, the students pledge their loyalty and passion to the field of medicine and their patients, and to their academic duties as students.
Students also received a stethoscope sponsored by Lisa Costello, M.D., associate professor in the WVU School of Medicine Department of Pediatrics and the School of Medicine Alumni Association president, in memory of her mother, Cheryl Costello.
The stethoscopes symbolize the good listening skills and compassion that is important for physicians and their entry into the WVU School of Medicine family.
“From a highly competitive pool of more than 6,100 applicants, we have matriculated more new students than any other year in history of the school. The 120 members of the Class of 2030 were chosen due to their outstanding experiences, attributes and academic records,” said Associate Dean for Admissions, Linda S. Nield, M.D.
The Class of 2030 includes representation from 20 states and 13 different West Virginia counties. Thirty five percent of the class have undergraduate degrees from WVU, and the remainder represent 56 other undergraduate institutions.
Sixty three percent of the class majored in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, neuroscience, microbiology, biomedical science, biophysics or pre-med programs, but many other majors were also represented, including business, computer science, economics, environmental studies, foreign language, mathematics, music and veterinary medicine.
Pre-medical pathway programs accounted for 25 students.
The achievements in academic excellence, research and social advocacy of the incoming cohort speak for themselves. Student honors include representation from:
- Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
- National policy fellowship
- No Patient Left Behind Fellowship
- National Institutes of Health KUH Summer Undergraduate Research Program
- Ruby Distinguished Doctoral Fellowship
- Appalachian Freshwaters microplastic research
- Refugee Legal Advocacy Center service
- Humanitarian Healthcare Advocacy service
- West Virginia Upward Bound service
Seven members are in or have served in the United States Military. Also, the class boasts five Eagle Scouts.
The class includes several college athletes, including a member of the national championship winning WVU rifle team and a cheerleader from the University of Florida. Other members competed in golf, soccer, softball, rugby, cross country and track.
“This year’s cohort of students is exceptionally talented and ambitious to grow, not only in academic achievement, but also as compassionate healers who truly can help generations of patients in West Virginia,” said Norman Ferrari, M.D., chief academic officer and vice dean for education and academic affairs. “We welcome them with open arms as they start their journeys and we’ll support them in this mission.”
Students will complete their first two years of medical school at the Morgantown campus. They then disperse to the Morgantown, Charleston or Eastern campuses to complete the remaining two years of studies and clinical rotations.
For more information about the M.D. program, visit medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/students/md-program/.