Student Pipeline
The Robert C. Byrd Center for Rural Health (CRH) has developed a very active pipeline program that begins in high school and continues through college, medical school, residency training and into practice.
For High School Students
Dr. Clements demonstrates techniques of wilderness medicine to SOAR students at SVHS
Dr. Clements demonstrates techniques of wilderness medicine to SOAR students at SVHS
Pikeview High School science club students at the Mercer County Academic Bowl
Pikeview High School science club students extracting DNA
Pikeview High School Science Club with the Princeton Rescue Squad and New River CTC Paramedic Program
Pikeview High School science club students extracting DNA
HSTA staff and students on field trip to Marshall Medical School, Pharmacy School and Forensics
Dr Whitney Boggs, family medicine resident, talking to HSTA students about medicine as a career
Cabell Lincoln HSTA students learning about forensics and medicine with MU Forensics faculty
Pikeview High School student at the Three Rivers Avian presentation
Three Rivers Avian and "Rudy" the screech owl at Pikeview High School
Wyoming East High School students visit the MU School of Pharmacy
Wyoming East High School students working with MU School of Pharmacy student
Wyoming East High School students learning to sort meds
Pikeview High School students visit the MU School of Pharmacy
Pikeview High School students with Associate Dean of MU School of Pharmacy, Dr. Anderson
Spring Valley HS SOAR Club visits COSI in Columbus, OH
Spring Valley HS SOAR Club visits COSI in Columbus, OH
Spring Valley HS SOAR Club visits COSI in Columbus, OH
Spring Valley HS SOAR Club visits COSI in Columbus, OH
Spring Valley HS SOAR Club visits COSI in Columbus, OH
The Center has carried out its award-winning high school pipeline since 2004. Center staff work with rural, minority and underserved students to raise awareness of health care careers, remove barriers to pursuing these careers, and help prepare students for the rigors of medical education. The CRH regularly presents about the pipeline program at state, regional and national levels.
Activities include:
- Trips to Marshall’s anatomy lab
- Real-time surgeries via videoconference
- Hands-on suturing workshops
- talks by a variety of health care specialists and other activities
In many cases, and whenever possible, the Center for Rural Health partners with other organizations in order to reach more students and to maximize the total resources of the partners. For example, the Center for Rural Health regularly works with:
- Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) in the state to reach students from rural areas interested in health care professions.
- Upward Bound programs at both Marshall University and Concord University to target minority, underserved, economically disadvantaged and first generation college going students.
- West Virginia Health Sciences and Technology Academy (HSTA), based at West Virginia University, in order to reach minority and underrepresented students who are interested in health care and who are participating in the HSTA four year academic enrichment program.
- GEAR-UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) program, a federally funded six year program targeting high poverty and at risk students to encourage them to pursue higher education.
- Project Lead the Way, a national organization targeting high school students interested in science related careers.
Teacher Feedback (see quotes below) (anonymous)
- "Hands on activities are wonderful. Students loved the activities and presenters did an excellent job of making the students comfortable and feel successful. Thanks!"
- "The staff was and is always very responsive and effective with my students. They not only give the students information they show they care and are available afterwards if needed"
- "We are very fortunate to have this relationship with Marshall Medical School. My students are very appreciative!"
Pipeline Reports
2018-19 Full Report
Activities (By County) - 2018-19
2017-18 Full Report
Activities (By County) - 2017-18
2016-17 Full Report
Activities (By County) - 2016-17
2015-16 Full Report
Activities (By County) - 2015-16
2014-15 Full Report
Activities (By County) - 2014-15
Activities (By County) - 2013-14
Activities (By County) - 2012-13
BS/MD Program
This program allows high-performing students to complete the requirements for both the Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Medicine degree programs in seven, instead of eight years. Students receive a tuition waiver for the medical school part of the program. High school students apply by January 15th of the year prior to their college enrollment. The first cohort of students included 13 students and the entire class entered medical school in August 2018.
Hampton University Mentoring Program
Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine (MUJCESOM) and Hampton University, a historically Black University in Hampton, Virginia entered into a Memorandum of Understanding in 2013. Two visits are conducted annually to Hampton’s campus located in Hampton, Virginia. During these visits presentations are made to both undergraduate and graduate classes regarding the admissions process, application and MCAT preparation and mock interviews. During the year staff corresponds with and mentors interested students regarding questions about processes and provides suggestions as to how to make their application competitive.
Each year five slots are made available for Hampton students to participate in the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine Summer Academy (detailed below).
Summer Pre-Med Academy
The academy is a fast-paced week for college students who aspire to become physicians. Students from both public and private colleges in West Virginia are eligible, and students who are selected attend free of charge. Students have many opportunities throughout the week to interact with medical students, residents and faculty. The curriculum includes classes such as the following:
- All about the admissions process - from the experts
- What to expect in medical school and how to improve their study skills
- Hands-on experience with suturing
- How to provide wound care and splints in wilderness medicine
- Tour of the anatomy lab with talks on the human organ systems
Student Feedback (anonymous)
- "Everything was honestly so helpful, I wouldn’t change anything."
- "Overall, I really enjoyed the program – a lot of great information."
- "I feel so prepared, and I feel that the program has improved my chances of getting in [medical school]."