Three Students Selected for WVU Mountaineer Accelerated Pathway to Medical Degree Program

Three outstanding students have been accepted into the 2026 West Virginia University Mountaineer Accelerated Pathway (MAP) to the Medical Degree (MD) Program. This year's accepted students are Austin Montgomery, Ashley McBrayer and Lainey Posey.

The MAP to MD Program provides academically talented and highly motivated West Virginia high school students, as well as high school dependents of WVU and WVU Medicine employees, with a flexible pathway toward earning a medical degree through the WVU School of Medicine.

Each of the newly accepted students cited the program's academic opportunities and commitment to serving West Virginia as key factors in their decision to pursue MAP.

Posey plans to major in Immunology and Medical Microbiology at WVU and hopes to participate in research opportunities during her undergraduate studies. Following graduation, she intends to attend the WVU School of Medicine and pursue a career as a pediatric infectious disease physician. 

She said the program aligns with her long-term educational and career goals.

"I wanted to pursue MAP because it is such a wonderful opportunity to prepare me for my future," Posey said. "This pathway will set me up for success in my education and career. I knew MAP would allow me to both follow my dreams and give back to my home state of West Virginia."

Montgomery will major in Immunology and Medical Microbiology and plans to volunteer in healthcare settings throughout college to gain clinical experience and serve his community. He hopes to attend the WVU School of Medicine and ultimately become an interventional radiologist serving West Virginians.

He said his interest in medicine was inspired by his parents, both of whom are physicians.

"With both of my parents being physicians, I have seen firsthand from an early age the dedication and compassion required in medicine," Montgomery said. "Their example inspired me to pursue the MAP to MD program at WVU because it offers a strong pathway toward achieving my ultimate goal of attending the WVU School of Medicine."

After completing her undergraduate studies, McBrayer plans to attend the WVU School of Medicine and hopes to participate in the MATTER program. She aspires to become an anesthesiologist, continue studying Spanish and eventually practice medicine in West Virginia while helping expand healthcare access in rural communities.

McBrayer said the program's accelerated academic structure and scholarship support made MAP an attractive option.

"I wanted to pursue MAP because I favor a more rigorous academic approach, and the accelerated pathway would allow me to reach my goals sooner," McBrayer said. "Additionally, the annual medical scholarship provided by the program, if remaining in good academic standing, would help to make medical school more affordable."

The acceptance of Montgomery, McBrayer and Posey into the MAP to MD Program reflects their academic achievement, commitment to service and dedication to improving healthcare for future generations of West Virginians.