LEWISBURG, W.Va. (WVDN) – Throughout his annual State of the School address, James W. Nemitz, Ph.D., president of the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM), had a consistent message: The school is increasingly viewed as a leader among medical schools, across West Virginia and the country.
In the March 31 address, Nemitz told faculty and staff that WVSOM’s graduates are helping to shape the future of health care.
“We are the leading producer of physicians for the state, and we’re one of the top schools producing physicians who practice in rural areas nationwide,” he said. “All over West Virginia, what I hear consistently is, ‘If we didn’t have WVSOM, we’re not sure we would have health care in our area.’ We are a force that people recognize, appreciate and value.”
Nemitz’s presentation centered on the school’s current strategic framework, which consists of four pillars: educating the health workforce for West Virginia and beyond; advancing research and clinical service to improve health and well-being in West Virginia; investing in the school’s people and culture; and driving sustainability and innovation.
As the strategic framework was being developed, school officials identified enrollment as a top priority, he said.
“There are now more than 70 locations in the United States where a person can get an education as an osteopathic physician, so we have to have strategies to keep our enrollment strong,” Nemitz said. “Those strategies are to create an academic and community environment that is attractive to applicants, to market our program so that potential applicants know who we are and to develop pipeline programs.”
The rising number of osteopathic medical schools has benefits as well, he said, noting that while one in four medical students are training to be D.O.s, that ratio soon will increase to one in three.
“Growth is good for the osteopathic profession. It’s raising our visibility. People are beginning to know what a D.O. is because there are so many more of them,” Nemitz said.
He added that in the fall, he expects WVSOM’s incoming first-year class to include the largest number of in-state students in the school’s history. He attributed the increase to WVSOM’s admissions staff and to the school’s new Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences degree program, which will graduate its second class of students in May, and to POMP (Pre-Osteopathic Medicine Program), a pipeline program built on partnerships with affiliated undergraduate institutions.
“I’m proud of our MSBS and POMP students, many of whom are now on the path to becoming osteopathic physicians. These programs are a big part of our future success,” Nemitz said.
He emphasized the importance of the work WVSOM’s staff and students do in the communities the school serves.
“A medical school is more than a place where people come to become a physician. We also have a responsibility to improve the health of our communities,” he said, citing initiatives such as the WVSOM Center for Rural and Community Health’s WISH (Women Interested in Staying Healthy) and Fit Kids programs, which focus on teaching women 35 and older and children ages 6 to 11, respectively, to live healthier lifestyles through nutrition and exercise.
Nemitz said the school’s long-term financial outlook is strong, despite challenges due to operating expenses. He expressed gratitude to state leaders for an increase in funds that are allowing WVSOM to avoid tuition increases for students for the 2026-27 academic year, to make progress on deferred maintenance projects and to expand its research infrastructure.
“Our state appropriation is extremely important, and I thank our legislators and governor for the increase in our appropriation. We also received a one-time appropriation of $5 million. We’re making asks at the federal level, and we are exploring several economic development projects. We’re working hard to maintain financial stability,” he said.
The use of tools based on artificial intelligence will play a key role in WVSOM’s future, Nemitz said, thanking school administrators who are leading efforts to establish procedures and standards for their use.
“I encourage everyone to educate themselves and to use AI, and to automate work functions when possible. There are ways we can improve and become more efficient, and I think they are critical to our future success. If we as an institution don’t adopt and embrace this technology, we’ll be left behind,” he said.
Nemitz ended by showing his appreciation to WVSOM employees for ensuring the school achieves its mission of empowering students to find health within themselves and the people and the communities they serve.
“You’re the ones who make WVSOM what it is,” he said. “You’re the reason for our success, and I deeply appreciate your work. Each of you contributes to our mission, no matter what your job is.”
