The West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM) is offering community members insight into the medical field by providing a Mini-Med School led by first- and second-year students.
Mini-Med, which begins Feb. 2, helps participants learn and gain knowledge on specific health-related topics including the musculoskeletal system; brain and neurology; endocrinology; and cardiopulmonary. The course runs for four consecutive weeks.
“Since this is WVSOM’s sixth year offering a mini-medical school, we have been able to receive feedback from participants about what they expect from the event and make changes or implement suggestions to make the event better,” said Andrea Nazar, D.O., a Clinical Sciences professor and faculty advisor for the program. “It’s nice to see the community excited about learning about health and medical education.”
Rachel Harris, Class of 2017, is one of the event’s organizers. She said that event gives community members an insight into what WVSOM students learn during their first two years in school.
“Each week will start with a case presentation that is an example of a typical patient presentation doctors encounter,” she said. “Community members will then interact with students at various stations, run by WVSOM clubs, to learn different topics relating to the case. From basic sciences, to anatomy, to osteopathic manipulative techniques – it will be an engaging hands-on experience.”
Mini-Med will take place from 5:15 to 8 p.m. Monday evenings on Feb. 2, 9, 16, and 23 at the Clinical Evaluation Center on WVSOM’s campus. But the event isn’t just for the community – high school students are also invited to the last session. Feb. 23 is a combined session to include high school students at no cost; however, space is limited. Students in grade 8-12 are encouraged to enroll with parental consent.
“For our high school students, the Feb. 23 session is a great chance to have a peek into the life of a medical student,” Nazar said.
She said that WVSOM students enjoy the opportunity to engage with the community in small group settings and appreciate being involved with this service.
Community members are asked to pay a $25 registration fee that includes all four sessions, course materials and dinner each evening. To enroll, call 304-793-6818 by Jan. 26.