Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine: Programs and Opportunities
The Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine (JCESOM) is dedicated to providing high-quality medical education and postgraduate training programs. This commitment fosters a skilled physician workforce prepared to meet the unique healthcare needs of West Virginia and central Appalachia. The school emphasizes rural health, training students in clinical settings that prepare them to serve in underserved areas.
A History of Growth and Adaptation
Founded in 1977, the school was later named for the late Joan C. Edwards. In 2017, the Touma Museum of Medicine, named after Joseph B. Touma, further enriched the school's resources.
In June 2011, the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) placed the School of Medicine on probation for not meeting nine standards in areas including a lack of diversity for students and faculty, lower-than-average scholarship support and higher-than-average student debt, limited programs to promote student well-being, limited advising, lack of a financial aid and debt management program, and curricular issues. The probation was lifted in 2013, after the administrators of the school demonstrated progress to the LCME, and the school was again fully accredited.
Under the direction of Dr. David Gozal, MD, MBA, PhD, Marshall has continued to build on its mission of educating a physician workforce for the Appalachian region.
Admissions and Preferences
Admission to the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine is based on scholarship, the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT), and personal qualifications assessed through interviews and recommendations. As a state-assisted medical school, Marshall gives preference to West Virginia residents. However, some positions will be available to well-qualified nonresidents from states adjoining West Virginia, nonresidents who have strong ties to West Virginia or to students who are introduced to our school through our out-of-state recruitment pipeline and outreach programs.
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Clinical and Educational Environment
The school describes itself as "non-traditional" in that it is not associated with a major research and referral hospital, and students do not take classes in a segregated single building separate from the university. First year students mainly attend classes on-campus in the Robert C. Byrd Biotechnology Science Center (Marshall University) and also take anatomy classes and use library resources at the Robert W. Third and fourth year rotations are conducted mainly at Cabell Huntington Hospital, a 303-bed hospital that is also home to the 72 bed Hoop's Family Children's Hospital as well as the Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Marshall University Medical Center, which serves as the primary outpatient location for Marshall Health, in addition to St. Mary's Medical Center with 393 inpatient beds, and the Huntington V.A. Medical Center. Notably, in 2012, Cabell Huntington Hospital joined Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine as a teaching hospital. On May 1, 2018, Cabell Huntington Hospital completed the final steps to acquire St. Mary's Medical Center.
Degree Programs
The Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine offers a variety of programs, including:
- Doctor of Medicine (MD): The core medical degree program.
- Master's and Doctorate in Biomedical Sciences: These programs offer advanced study and research opportunities in biomedical sciences, exploring the scientific basis of medicine and disease.
- Joint M.D./Ph.D. Program: A combined program for students interested in both clinical practice and research. This program blends the discovery of new knowledge with clinical medicine. Most MD/PhD graduates work as physician-scientists at medical schools, conducting disease-related research and applying the results to the treatment of patients.
- Joint M.D./M.P.H. Program: A combined program for students interested in both clinical practice and public health.
In 2015, the school enrolled its first class into the newly created BS/MD program for West Virginia students, which allows them to complete their bachelor's and medical degrees in seven years.
Residency Programs
The school currently offers residencies in 12 specialties, providing postgraduate training for physicians in various fields of medicine.
Other Programs
MD Early Assurance Program: The MD Early Assurance Program at Marshall University and the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine is a program with the goal of preparing undergraduate students for success in the MD program. The Program will consider applicants who are Marshall University students, both in-state and out-of-state, who are capable, qualified, and motivated to succeed in basic science and clinical studies and who upon graduation possess a high probability of meeting the health care needs of our state and region. This program is a unique opportunity with specific eligibility and application requirements and continuing obligations once a student is accepted into the program. This program is for students currently enrolled in Marshall University who have demonstrated a particular interest in a medical career, and the academic strength to excel in a demanding premedical curriculum.
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- MD Early Assurance Program Requirements:
- Have completed the following MD prerequisites by the end of summer semester of their second undergraduate year at Marshall University: one year each of general biology or zoology, general chemistry and organic chemistry, and all associated labs. Should Marshall University not offer Organic Chemistry Lab during the summer term, this requirement for eligibility will be waived.
- Have a minimum composite ACT of 24 or composite SAT of 1160. This program does not accept Superscores.
- Applicants must provide the names of at least three individuals completing letters of recommendation. These must include at least two college academic letters from professors who have had you in a class that resulted in a grade.
- Participants must successfully complete a selection of 30 credit hours of 300-400 level science courses after they are accepted into the MD Early Assurance Program. Courses from the recommended course list that are taken prior to acceptance into the MD Early Assurance Program will not be counted towards the 30 hour requirement for this program. Course offerings and availability are subject to change. Participants must work with the MD Early Assurance Program academic advisor to ensure timely completion of requirements.
- MD Early Assurance Program Requirements:
Combined BS to PhD in Biomedical Research: The combined BS to PhD in Biomedical Research gives students the opportunity to earn both degrees in just seven years, compared to the traditional eight to nine years it takes to complete them separately.
PhD Program in Biomedical Research: The PhD Program in Biomedical Research takes an interdisciplinary approach to the biomedical sciences, engaging students in cutting-edge research.
Program in Clinical and Translational Science: This program in Clinical and Translational Science equips students with the information and training to translate basic advances into improved patient care that will enhance the quality of life for patients in the Appalachian region. Students engage in rapid developments in technology, genomics and translational science to advance patient care.
Master of Science (M.S.) in Biomedical Research with a Medical Sciences Emphasis program: The Master of Science (M.S.) in Biomedical Research with a Medical Sciences Emphasis program offers a strong foundation in science-based curriculum for students interested in pursuing a career in a health-related field. A two-year, non-thesis degree in biomedical research exposes students to the basics of science and medicine and gives students the background knowledge required to pursue a variety of health professions, including health care administration or managerial and biotechnology patent law. Students often use this program as a foundation prior to doctoral programs in medicine or other health-related professional schools.
Graduate Program in Research: The graduate program in Research takes an interdisciplinary approach to the biomedical sciences, engaging students in cutting-edge research.
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Physician Assistant (PA) Program: Marshallâs physician assistant (PA) program is a 28-month program of rigorous academic courses and challenging clinical rotations.
Certificate in Medical Science: The Certificate in Medical Science at the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine is a one-year program designed to strengthen the academic foundation of students preparing for medical school.
Technical Standards for Medical Degree Candidates
The Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine has adopted minimal technical standards for the assessment of all Medical Degree candidates. Candidates to the MUJCESOM are selected based on their academic, personal, and extracurricular dimensions.
- A. OBSERVATION: Candidates must be able to acquire information from demonstrations and participate in experiments of science, including but not limited to such things as dissection of cadavers; examination of specimens in anatomy, pathology, and neuroanatomy laboratories; and microscopic study of microorganisms and tissues in normal and pathologic states. Candidates must be able to accurately acquire information from patients and assess findings. They must be able to perform a complete physical examination in order to integrate findings based on this information and to develop an appropriate diagnostic and treatment plan.
- B. COMMUNICATION: Candidates must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently with patients, their families, health care personnel, colleagues, faculty, staff, and all other individuals with whom they come in contact. Candidates must be able to obtain a medical history in a timely fashion, interpret non-verbal aspects of communication, and establish therapeutic relationships with patients.
- C. MOTOR FUNCTION: Candidates must, after a reasonable period of training, possess the capacity to perform physical examinations and diagnostic maneuvers. They must be able to respond to clinical situations in a timely manner and provide general and emergency care.
- D. INTELLECTUAL-CONCEPTUAL, INTEGRATIVE, AND QUANTITATIVE ABILITIES: Candidates must be able to assimilate the detailed and complex information presented in the medical student curriculum. They must be able to learn through a variety of modalities including, but not limited to, classroom instruction; small group, team and collaborative activities; individual study; preparation and presentation of reports; simulations and use of computer technology. Candidates must be able to memorize, measure, calculate, reason, analyze, synthesize, and transmit information. They must recognize and draw conclusions about three- dimensional spatial relationships and logical sequential relationships among events.
- E. BEHAVIORAL AND SOCIAL ATTRIBUTES: Candidates must demonstrate the maturity and emotional stability required for full use of their intellectual abilities. They must accept responsibility for learning, exercising good judgment, and promptly complete all responsibilities attendant to their curriculum and to the diagnosis and care of patients. Candidates must display characteristics of integrity, honesty, attendance and conscientiousness, empathy, a sense of altruism, and a spirit of cooperation and teamwork. They must understand and demonstrate understanding of the legal and ethical aspects of the practice of medicine and function within both the law and ethical standards of the medical profession. Candidates must be able to interact with patients and their families, health care personnel, colleagues, faculty, staff, and all other individuals with whom they come in contact in a courteous, professional, and respectful manner. The candidate for the MD degree must accept responsibility for learning, and exercise good judgment. Candidates must be able to contribute to collaborative, constructive learning environments; accept constructive feedback from others; and take personal responsibility for making appropriate positive changes.
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