Cambria Times

Conemaugh Nason Medical Center has entered into a clinical training affiliation agreement with Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) to support students at IUP’s proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine. This partnership aims to enhance medical education and address healthcare needs in rural Pennsylvania.

In December 2022, IUP’s Council of Trustees approved the exploration of developing a College of Osteopathic Medicine. The university has since started the accreditation process through the American Osteopathic Association’s Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation. This is a multi-year effort that involves feasibility studies, self-assessments, and site visits.

Establishing clinical training sites is crucial for the accreditation process. Typically, osteopathic medical students spend their first two years in classroom-based education before moving on to two years of hands-on clinical training at affiliated healthcare institutions. With this agreement, Conemaugh Nason Medical Center will be instrumental in providing students with practical learning experiences in a diverse clinical environment.

The signing ceremony took place at Conemaugh Nason Medical Center on Tuesday, February 25. Key representatives included Dr. Miko Rose, Founding Dean of the proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine; Dr. Ryan Smith, Associate Dean of Clinical Affairs; Rodney Reider, CEO and Market President of Conemaugh Health System; Michelle Buttry, Chief Operating Officer at Conemaugh Nason Medical Center; and Dr. John Baker, Medical Director of the Emergency Department at Conemaugh Nason.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with IUP in training the next generation of physicians,” said Michelle Buttry. “This partnership emphasizes our commitment to providing high-quality healthcare in rural Pennsylvania and ensuring that future physicians acquire essential clinical experience in a community-focused setting.”

Dr. Rose highlighted the importance of the partnership for IUP’s proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine's mission: “Conemaugh Nason Medical Center has a strong legacy of serving its community, making it an ideal clinical training site. This collaboration will provide students with critical exposure to rural healthcare while fostering a deep commitment to patient-centered medicine.”

IUP has been securing similar agreements with other healthcare providers across the region to strengthen its proposed medical program. Previous partnerships include those with Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center, Indiana Regional Medical Center, and several rural healthcare organizations.

The need for more trained physicians in Pennsylvania is a key factor driving IUP’s pursuit of an osteopathic medical college. According to United Health Foundation data, there is one primary care physician for every 1,367 patients in Pennsylvania—a ratio indicating growing demand for medical professionals in rural areas. Nationally, graduates from osteopathic programs often enter primary care and practice in these communities, making initiatives like IUP’s proposed college crucial for addressing healthcare shortages.

As IUP continues its accreditation process for the College of Osteopathic Medicine, partnerships such as this one will play an essential role in preparing future physicians and improving healthcare access within the region.