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The Health Plan and West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine have partnered to include the school in the Health Plan Scholarship Program. The program, established in 2009, has provided over $43 million in scholarships to medical and nursing students in West Virginia to address the shortage of primary care physicians. The Health Plan, a nonprofit organization aiming to improve the health and well-being of its members, is committed to supporting the state’s healthcare workforce.

James Nemitz, president of the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, expressed excitement about the partnership, highlighting the benefits it will bring to his students. The scholarship covers tuition and fees at the in-state rate and can be renewed for up to four years, with recipients required to serve in The Health Plan’s area after graduation.

Nemitz mentioned that the application process for the scholarship program has opened, and 11 students have already applied. The program aims to retain physicians in West Virginia and the region by incentivizing recipients to practice in the community post-graduation. Don Smith, director of communications for the nonprofit, praised the program’s success and noted that it works with various colleges and universities in the state.

The collaboration between The Health Plan and West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine is a significant step towards addressing the healthcare staffing shortage in West Virginia, ensuring that qualified professionals remain in the state to serve the community’s medical needs.

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