Two West Virginia natives are attending medical school at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM) without the burden of tuition and fees, thanks to a medical scholarship program offered by The Health Plan (THP).
WVSOM first-year students Sarah Lester of McDowell County, and Emma Beatty, a native of Clay County now living in Wetzel County, have been awarded The Health Plan Scholarship, which covers tuition and fees and is renewable for four years, allowing the students to graduate medical school without worrying about those costs.
Lester said she and members of her family cried when they heard the news.
“Receiving this scholarship is a blessing, as I no longer must carry the burden of student loans. Being able to freely focus on my schoolwork allows me to reach my full potential without worrying about the money I would have to pay back upon starting residency. This scholarship will also allow me to pursue my goal of giving back to my home state as a physician,” Lester said.
“My fiancé began crying when I told him, as this is important for our lives together once we’re married. Not having to spend the first decade of our marriage counting pennies to pay off my debt is a huge relief,” Lester said.
Beatty said receiving the scholarship is an honor.
“Receiving this scholarship allows me to direct my focus on my studies instead of worrying about the financial hardship I may have otherwise encountered. I am thankful to have been chosen and will live up to the expectations set before me. I was ecstatic to find out I had been selected and immediately sent my family the news. This award allows them to also relax knowing I will not be worried about my financial status during my time at WVSOM,” Betty said.
Jeff Knight, president and CEO of The Health Plan, and James W. Nemitz, Ph.D., president of WVSOM, along several legislators and business leaders, joined with the students at West Virginia Chamber of Commerce’s Business Summit to announce the awards.
The Health Plan opened its medical scholarship program to students at WVSOM this spring. Lester Beatty are the first recipients.
Since 2009, The Health Plan Scholarship program has provided more than $3 million in scholarships to more than 50 medical and nursing students who intend to stay and practice in the state of West Virginia. The need-based program is also available to medical and nursing students at West Virginia University and Marshall University.
Knight said including WVSOM builds on The Health Plan’s efforts to support West Virginia medical community.
“The health care staffing shortage continues to be a significant issue in West Virginia. The Health Plan is committed to supporting our state’s health care workforce, and we’re thrilled to team with WVSOM to offer our scholarship program to its students. WVSOM does amazing work in educating future providers and advocating for health care initiatives important to all West Virginians. We’re proud to be partners,” Knight said.
Nemitz thanked Knight and The Health Plan for offering the scholarship program at WVSOM, which educates an average of 800 medical students each year. According to a reported by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, the school is No. 1 in producing primary care physicians who practice in West Virginia.
“WVSOM is appreciative that The Health Plan has included osteopathic medical students in its scholarship program. Medical school is not inexpensive. This scholarship, by financially assisting recipients who want to stay in West Virginia, benefits not only our students but the state,” Nemitz said.
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