HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Marshall University and its Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine selected ten high school seniors from across West Virginia as the newest class of students for the B.S./M.D. program. 

 The program was established in 2015 as a pathway for high-performing West Virginia students to finish both their Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Medicine degrees in seven years. The new class joins 32 B.S./M.D. students currently in medical school and 29 students in the undergraduate portion of the curriculum. 

 The following students have been accepted into the program and will begin their undergraduate coursework at Marshall this fall. 

• Yazan Badran                              Point Pleasant Junior/Senior High School
• Neha Chandrasekar                    George Washington High School
• Ava Coburn                                 Spring Valley High School
• Olivia Cox                                    University High School
• Megan Griffey                              Tug Valley High School
• Nisha Kumar                                Huntington High School
• Bennett Luo                                 South Harrison High School
• David McGraw                             Ravenswood High School
• Cooper Tatterson                         Point Pleasant Junior/Senior High School
• Olivia Tomblin-Pavlovich              Elkins High School

“We are delighted at the continuing growth and impact of this program, which assists very talented West Virginia students in achieving their dream of becoming a physician,” said Jennifer T. Plymale, associate dean of admissions and special programs for the School of Medicine. “All are committed to a life of service as a physician and aspire to make a positive difference in their communities.” 

This year’s group of B.S./M.D. students represent six very rural counties in West Virginia. Three members have received recognition from the College Board’s National Rural and Small Town program for their academic honors and living in a rural community. In addition to excelling academically, the group includes musicians, athletes, entrepreneurs and community volunteers. One student has certifications in phlebotomy and telemetry and another will complete high school with an associate’s degree.  

Students begin the application process the summer prior to their senior year of high school. The program is open to West Virginia high school students who achieve a minimum composite score of ACT 30/SAT 1390 and a math score of ACT 27/SAT 630, as well as a cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.75 on a 4.0 scale. Other criteria include three letters of recommendation and interviews. Students who successfully complete the undergraduate program requirements will matriculate directly into medical school. They are not required to take the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT). Additionally, the students receive a tuition waiver for the medical school portion of the program. 

“Being accepted into Marshall’s B.S./M.D. program is a dream come true,” said Yazan Badran from Point Pleasant High School. “Through volunteering in the emergency room at my local hospital, I’ve discovered my passion for medicine. This program offers me the chance to turn my dream of becoming a doctor into a reality. I’m honored to join an elite group of students dedicated to excellence, and I’m eager to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives.” 

The first class of B.S./M.D. students graduated with their Doctor of Medicine degrees in 2022. For more information about the program, visit https://jcesom.marshall.edu/students/bsmd-program. Another pathway for students attending Marshall University interested in pursuing a degree in medicine is the M.D. Early Assurance Program. For information, visit https://jcesom.marshall.edu/admissions/md-early-assurance-program. 

Date Posted: Tuesday, April 23, 2024