HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – The Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine welcomed its newest class of medical students today with a drive-thru welcome event. 

 The 80 incoming medical students received supplies needed to kick off their medical school journey, including stethoscopes donated by Drs. Joseph B. and Omayma T. Touma and family, and medical instruments provided by 109 School of Medicine alumni, family and friends.

 The Class of 2024 includes students from a variety of backgrounds, including a former Marshall University basketball player, two married couples and two sets of siblings. The class includes alumni from Emory University, Johns Hopkins University, The Ohio State University, University of Kentucky, West Virginia University and many others, as well as 11 legacy students, meaning one or both parents are Marshall School of Medicine alumni. Other interesting statistics about the class include:

• 86% are from West Virginia.
• 55% are males; 45% are females.
• 11% entered from Marshall’s accelerated B.S./M.D. program.
• 89% were science majors.
• 16% are first-generation college graduates.
• The average age is 23 years old.

Virtual orientation conducted via Zoom and Microsoft Teams will continue through end of the week. Then, students will participate in a virtual academic launch pad designed to prepare them academically and personally for the rigors of medical school. Like others, the School of Medicine has been actively adapting its curriculum into a modified format based on the guidance of the American Association of Medical Colleges since April.

“The upcoming semester will bring unique challenges as we work to ensure students are able to meet necessary benchmarks in what can only be hands-on medical education,” said Bobby L. Miller, M.D., vice dean of medical education. “Thankfully, for the Class of 2024, the first-year medical school curriculum consists largely of foundational knowledge that allows students to begin to understand the underpinning of clinical care.” 

Due to COVID-19, the school postponed the traditional white coat cloaking ceremony until 2021. At that time, students from the Class of 2024 will receive their white coats, given by generous donors of the School of Medicine.

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Photo 1: Husband and wife, Mackenzie and Seth Bergeron, drive up to receive their backpacks with medical school supplies. They are both natives of Huntington, who both graduated with their bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Alderson-Broaddus University.

Photo 2:  Anisha Valluri, Class of 2023, delivers a backpack to an incoming medical student.

Media Contact: Sheanna M. Spence, Director of External Affairs, School of Medicine, 304-691-1639

Date Posted: Monday, July 13, 2020