Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine Values and Mission Statement

Values

• Community-Based Learning Environment
• Commitment to Serving Underserved Populations
• Emphasis on Primary Care and Family Medicine

Mission Statement

To educate physicians committed to serving the diverse population of West Virginia and surrounding regions, promote healthy communities, engage in innovative scholarship, and support regional economic development.

Healthcare Issues to Know for the Interview

Given its focus on primary care and service to underserved populations, particularly in central Appalachia, potential candidates for Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine could benefit from being aware of the following healthcare challenges prevalent in the area served by the institution:

• Obesity Epidemic: Addressing the issue of obesity, especially given its impact on public health and chronic disease management in West Virginia.

• Opioid Crisis Management: Understanding strategies for managing opioid addiction and reducing prescription drug abuse.

• Accessible Healthcare Provision: Exploring ways to improve accessibility to healthcare services for remote and rural areas.

By understanding these key healthcare issues, prospective students can showcase their awareness of local healthcare priorities and align themselves with the mission and values of Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine.

Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine Values and Mission Statement

Values

The values of the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine emphasize its commitment to serving the unique healthcare needs of West Virginia and Central Appalachia. This involves fostering a diverse and inclusive educational environment where students from various cultural and ethnic backgrounds can thrive and contribute to addressing regional challenges.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine is to provide high-quality medical education and postgraduate training programs that produce a skilled physician workforce tailored to address the distinctive healthcare demands of West Virginia and surrounding areas. The institution aims to attract capable, qualified, and highly motivated candidates who, upon graduation, exhibit a high likelihood of fulfilling local and regional healthcare needs.

Healthcare Issues to Know for the Interview

Given the focus on regional healthcare needs, prospective students should be aware of significant public health issues affecting West Virginia and neighboring regions. Some key topics could include:

• Obesity Epidemic: Understanding the prevalence of obesity in West Virginia and potential strategies to combat it, considering factors such as dietary habits, exercise levels, and access to healthy food options.
• Chronic Disease Management: Recognizing the burden of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and respiratory illnesses within the population and discussing approaches to improve prevention and management efforts.
• Opioid Crisis: Addressing the ongoing opioid addiction crisis in West Virginia and understanding initiatives aimed at reducing harm and improving outcomes for affected individuals.
• Access to Care: Exploring barriers to healthcare access faced by communities in rural settings and identifying ways to increase availability and affordability of services.
• Health Literacy: Promoting improved health literacy among populations to enhance self-management capabilities and reduce preventable complications related to common conditions.

Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine Information

Mission Statement

The mission of the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine is to provide high-quality medical education and postgraduate training programs to produce a skilled physician workforce committed to addressing the unique healthcare needs of West Virginia and Central Appalachia. The school aims to attract diverse, highly qualified, and motivated applicants who are likely to contribute positively to the state and regional healthcare landscape.

Admission Procedures

• Interviews: Typically conducted on Saturday mornings, though weekday interviews can be arranged. Interviews involve socializing over breakfast, meetings with current students, tours of educational facilities, and discussions with potential peers.
• Preferences: Interview preferences are given to West Virginia residents, followed by those from nearby states (Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia) demonstrating strong ties to West Virginia. Those completing certain pipeline programs also receive priority.
• Accommodations: Applicants must attest to their ability to fulfill technical standards throughout their studies, which cover areas such as obtaining and processing information, acquiring knowledge from various sources, recording exam findings, and communicating effectively.

Region-Specific Healthcare Issues

As a school focused on serving West Virginia and Central Appalachia, key healthcare challenges faced by the institution and its surrounding communities include opioid addiction, rural health disparities, chronic diseases, mental health concerns, access to primary care services, and economic factors contributing to poor population health outcomes.

Community Engagement

The Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine engages with local communities through initiatives aimed at enhancing diversity, promoting early exposure to medicine among underserved populations, fostering academic excellence, and supporting career development within the field of medicine. Examples include the Hampton University Mentoring Program, the Marshall University Biomedical Research Program, and the Project P.R.E.M.E.D., which targets minority groups interested in pursuing careers in medicine.