The WVU School of Medicine has been recognized as one of the top 10 schools of medicine in the country for rural medicine, according to U.S. News & World Report's 2009 edition of "America's Best Graduate Schools."
This marks WVU's first appearance on the list, which ranks programs based on ratings by medical school deans and senior faculty in the nation's 125 accredited medical schools and 20 accredited schools of osteopathic medicine.
The occasion was marked by a press conference on April 1 at the WVU Health Sciences Center Learning Center Commons. WVU President Mike Garrison, Dr. Fred Butcher, interim vice president of WVU HSC, Dr. John Prescott, former dean of the WVU School of Medicine, and Hilda Heady, associate vice president for Rural Health, spoke during the conference.
School of Medicine students learn about and care for patients in rural areas of West Virginia as part of the requirements for graduation. They work in partnerships with rural communities and with other health care providers in rural clinics across the state.
"The reason we're getting national recognition is because of the intentional way WVU embraces community service," said Heady. "Rural health training at WVU is about education and community service. That's what helps our students and community partnerships to succeed."
The number of physicians who practice in rural, underserved communities has increased by 200 percent in recent years.
"Too often we tend to focus on our challenges without taking the time to mention and celebrate our achievements," Garrison said. "Thanks to the pioneering efforts of the School of Medicine, West Virginians throughout the state have access to excellent health care."
