MSOM
Meritus Health
MSOM

Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine

Community is the MSOM Difference

Western Maryland's largest healthcare provider, with a 120-year legacy of providing community-based care, is proud to be launching the Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine to train physicians who will be socially responsible, professionally accomplished, and community oriented. 

Become a community-oriented physician.

Our goal is to educate great doctors who have experience engaging in the community. Click below to see the impact of the ways Meritus cares for its community. Medical students will have volunteer and research opportunities to participate in these initiatives and more.

Shape your medical future.

Benefit from hands-on learning and an expanding residency program at Meritus Health, preparing you for a successful medical career. 

 

Addressing Community Health Needs

Meritus Health has been doing community-based care for over 120 years. To us, this means living our mission every single day by engaging with the community to serve all of their health needs whatever it may take. For example, here are just some of the community-based initiatives we're doing today:

  • Giving free groceries to our neediest patients at our practice locations
  • Weekly conversations with patients who indicate they lack social companionship
  • Employing a fleet of vans and drivers so nobody misses an appointment due to lack of transportation 
  • Providing over $65M in community benefit including over $12M in free medical care

MSOM is taking that tradition of caring for the community and incorporating it into our curriculum. 

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"Our mission is to improve health in the region," explained Meritus Health President and CEO Maulik Joshi. "As an anchor organization for this community, it is our privilege and obligation to positively impact the lives of over 200,000 people in our region. The Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine will do that. It will change the game for the health, education and economy for everyone."

Prepare future generations of physicians who are professionally accomplished, socially responsible, and community oriented.

To be a leader in community-based medical education.

Please see our Strategic Plan.

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The Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine 

supports a growing need

There is a growing shortage of physicians, and there are not enough new physicians being produced. Maryland is graduating fewer physicians, relative to population, than any other state.

124K

PHYSICIANS

National projected shortage of physicians by 2030

52

PHYSICIANS

Current Shortage in Washington County, Maryland

1 in 3

PHYSICIANS

is over the age of 60

Keep Up With Us

News & Updates

MSOM NEWS:Dr. K leads study on key clinical and extracurricular experiences for premed students
Jan 30, 2025

Dr. K leads study on key clinical and extracurricular experiences for premed students

In collaboration with colleagues, Dr. Samuel Kadavakollu, Associate Dean for Academics at the Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine, co-authored a comprehensive study examining the clinical experiences and extracurricular activities that can significantly boost premed students' chances of acceptance into medical school. The study explores the types of activities that enhance applications and fulfill critical competencies for medical school success. Read the full study via the Journal of Osteopathic Medicine.

MSOM NEWS:Excitement builds at MSOM Accepted Students Day
Jan 29, 2025

Excitement builds at MSOM Accepted Students Day

The Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine (MSOM) recently celebrated a highly successful Accepted Students Day, welcoming 42 accepted students and their families to its vibrant campus. The event was filled with excitement and anticipation as future osteopathic physicians explored the state-of-the-art facilities, engaged in interactive sessions with faculty, and participated in hands-on demonstrations. The day began with a warm welcome from President and CEO, Dr. Maulik Joshi, who emphasized the school's commitment to fostering a supportive and collaborative learning environment. Attendees had the opportunity to tour the campus, visit the simulation labs, and learn about the innovative curriculum designed to prepare students for a dynamic healthcare landscape. Throughout the day, accepted students and their families were able to connect with faculty and staff, gaining valuable insights into the Meritus community. Informative panels and Q&A sessions provided a platform for addressing any questions, ensuring that attendees left with a clear understanding of what to expect in the coming years. The event concluded with a celebratory luncheon and tour of the facilities, where future classmates and their families mingled and shared their excitement for the journey ahead. The success of the Accepted Students Day highlighted the strong sense of community and dedication to excellence that defines the Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine.

MSOM NEWS:Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine receives OK for first class
Sep 18, 2024

Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine receives OK for first class

MSOM will be the first new medical school in Maryland in over 100 years After 1,000 days of continuous planning, enrollment is now open for the Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine for the fall 2025 semester. The school received conditional approval to operate in Maryland as an in-state degree-granting institution from the Maryland Higher Education Commission and pre-accreditation from the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation. “We started on this path to fill the critical shortage of physicians in our community, the state and the nation,” said Maulik Joshi, Dr.P.H., Meritus president and CEO. “Now, we’ve taken the steps that will create generational change.” There are not enough physicians in the United States to meet the needs of our population. By the year 2030, there is a projected shortage of 124,000 physicians, and in Washington County alone, studies indicate a current shortage of 52 physicians. Additionally, in Maryland, one out of three physicians are over the age of 60. The Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine will be the first medical school opened in Maryland in more than 100 years. “We are fortunate to have outstanding medical schools in Maryland with the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the University of Maryland School of Medicine and we are honored to contribute to the growth of undergraduate medical education in our state,” said Dr. Paula Gregory, founding Dean of the Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine. “Our MSOM mission is to train socially responsible, professionally accomplished and community-oriented physicians.” What will the first students find on campus? The first class, the class of 2029, will include 90 medical students and future classes will be at 180 students. The D.M. Bowman Academic Hall, which will be the school’s main building, has been under construction for about two years on the Meritus Medical Center campus off Robinwood Drive near Hagerstown. The academic hall is slated to be completed by December 2024. The 200,000-square-foot, five-story building will house a state-of-the-art simulation center, simulation labs, classrooms and a conference center that can host up to 1,000 people. The adjacent Meritus Commons will provide student housing through 340 one- and two-bedroom apartments. The complex will also include a club house, commons area and dog park. The first 90 units will be completed in time for the first class. What is the projected economic impact of the Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine? An independent economic impact study performed by Tripp Umbach shows the Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine will bring considerable benefits to the region. Capital impacts from 2023-2026 are estimated at $268 million dollars, with 1,595 jobs created and estimated tax revenue of $6.2 million dollars. Once the school welcomes its first class, an estimated $500 million of economic impact is expected between 2025 and 2030, with more than $120 million per year to the Maryland GDP every year beyond 2030. How can I learn more about the new medical school? For more information about the Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine, including details on academics, tuition and fees and how to apply, visit www.msom.org.

Help Us Reach Our Goal

We Need Your Support

By supporting the Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine, you are directly impacting the health of our region. We are thrilled to develop a customized giving plan to support what matters most to you.