Program Description and Statement of Purpose
The Anatomy/Osteopathic Principles and Practice (OPP) Scholars program provides an opportunity for qualified students to obtain experience in teaching, mentoring, scholarly activity while expanding their anatomy knowledge and OPP skill set. The Scholars program allows qualified Osteopathic Medical Students to participate more fully in the Osteopathic Medical Education process, both as peer mentors and educators. The Scholars are mentored by faculty members in the anatomy and OPP departments and work closely with these faculty members as they develop courses, educational materials, work in the clinic, and conduct scholarly activity. The scholars develop the anatomy and OPP knowledge base and applied skill set beyond the level attained during the first two years of the Osteopathic Medical Education and fosters professionalism and leadership skills. Scholars participate in the program between their second and third year of Osteopathic Medical Education or their third and fourth year of Osteopathic Medical Education. Upon completion of the Scholar year, the Scholar continues his/her Osteopathic Medical Education; thus, the scholar extends their medical student tenure by one full year.
Program Prerequisites
Students considering applying for the Scholars program should have an interest in the integration of anatomy and OPP in theory, practice, and scholarly activity. Enrollment in the Scholars program is contingent upon successful completion of the OMS-I and OMS-II curricula and the COMLEX Level I exam. Students must pass all courses within the curriculum with individual course averages exceeding 75%. Additionally, students must pass the MGA and OPPI and OPPII on their first attempt with each course average >80%. Preference will be given to scholar candidates who exhibit exceptional academic, clinical performance and leadership skills within the MGA and OPP curricula.
Program Benefits
The Scholars program offers close mentorship with anatomy and OPP faculty to facilitate leadership, scholarly activity and professional development opportunities. Scholars will receive:
- Monthly stipend for living expenses.
- Health insurance option.
- Reimbursement of up to $2,000 (annually) for approved conference expenses.
- Enrollment as student in DOFELL 850 and DOFELL 851 for 6 credit hours during the duration of the Scholar year.
- One year of tuition remission (100%) of their Osteopathic Medical Education.
During the scholar year, students are not eligible for additional financial aid.
How to Apply
Invitation for applications will be sent by email to students by the end of the first semester of the second year. Due dates are set at the time of invitation and will be after the end of the first semester. Applications will be reviewed by the program directors during the latter part of December. Program directors will interview finalists and make selections by early January. The Scholar tenure will commence at the end of July and conclude the end of May of the following year. Interested students should contact Dr. Donna Hermey (donna.hermey@LMUnet.edu) or Dr. Douglas Weston (douglas.weston@LMUnet.edu).