MSOM
Meritus Health
MSOM
Career Counseling and Academic Support

Career Counseling and Academic Support

Career Counseling

In addition to the academic advisors and student services resources available to students for career counseling, Meritus has a robust medical staff of active physicians and residents available to provide mentorship and role modeling in various medical specialties.

Academic Support

MSOM provides academic counseling to assist all students in study skills, learning styles, learning resources and other assistance to ensure students are successful. Several resources will be available to students.

Academic Advisors: Students will be paired with an academic advisor who will serve as a guide and a partner in navigating the complexities of medical school. Academic advisors will provide valuable insights, answer questions, and offer guidance tailored to the student’s individual goals and aspirations. They bring a wealth of knowledge about program requirements, opportunities for research, residency programs, and community involvement.

Learning Services Overview

The Learning Services team provides personalized support to all students throughout their medical education. Our team includes educators with expertise in teaching, curriculum design, adult learning, cognitive science, student advising, and more. As lifelong learners, we stay informed on best practices in medical education to ensure students receive the most effective and up-to-date guidance.

We encourage students to schedule appointments early and often. Our services include:

  • Study Strategies & Time Management: Helping students develop efficient study habits and manage their time effectively, tailored to the demands of medical school.
  • Learning Style Support: Identifying supplemental resources and study techniques that align with individual learning styles.
  • Study Schedule Review: Assisting students in creating and refining personalized study schedules to maximize productivity.
  • Board Exam Prep: Offering support for COMLEX-USA and COMAT preparation, including tailored strategies, resource recommendations, and timeline guidance for each stage of exam readiness.
  • Testing Support: We provide guidance for all levels of COMLEX preparation, rotations, and COMAT study while connecting students with additional resources such as faculty, APSLs, Student Wellness, and more.
  • Student Wellness & Accessibility: Ensuring support for students' physical, mental, and emotional well-being, including access to MSOM Student Accessibility Services and wellness resources.

All services are provided at no additional cost to students. Contact your campus learning specialist for more information or to schedule an appointment.

  • Jacob Harris Mc Intyre2

    JACOB HARRIS-MCINTYRE 

    Learning Specialist

    Jacob Harris-McIntyre currently serves as the Learning Specialist at the Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine (MSOM) in Hagerstown, Maryland. With over a decade of experience in higher education, academic support services, and student engagement, Jacob has a passion for developing evidence-based strategies that promote student success. His career reflects a unique combination of professing anatomy and physiology, coaching collegiate student-athletes, and implementing academic interventions that foster inclusivity and improved performance outcomes. At MSOM, he provides individualized academic support, identifies learning barriers, and integrates assistive technologies and learning analytics into instructional planning. Jacob Harris-McIntyre is known for his student-centered philosophy, data-driven approaches, and dedication to fostering a culture of academic excellence.

    Research/Areas of Interest:

    • Learning analytics and academic performance tracking
    • Educational equity and intervention planning
    • Holistic student development and metacognitive learning strategies
    • Implementation of microlearning in medical education
    • Assistive technology integration in higher education

  • At the Osteopathic Medicine school, a dedicated Learning Specialist offers tailored group workshops to enhance study strategies and support diverse learning styles. These workshops focus on equipping students with practical tools to optimize their academic performance, emphasizing active learning techniques, time management, and test-taking strategies. By fostering a collaborative environment, the sessions cater to various learning preferences—whether visual, auditory, or kinesthetic—ensuring that each student can approach their studies in a way that aligns with their strengths. Additionally, students are encouraged to explore evidence-based methods for improving memory retention and understanding complex concepts, empowering them to thrive in their rigorous medical coursework.

  • Our team is here to provide comprehensive assistance to help you succeed in your exams and academic journey. We offer support in the following areas:

    • Tailored guidance and planning for students preparing for all levels of the COMLEX
    • Strategic planning for rotation preparation and COMAT study schedules
    • Ongoing support, motivation, and structured planning during academic challenges
    • Referrals to appropriate resources such as Faculty Advisors, Academic Peer Support Leaders (APSL), Learning Communities, Student Accessibility Services, Counseling and Psychological Services, and other resources that can further assist your needs

  • According to the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME), performing well during the first two years of medical school and understanding the Master Blueprint are essential for success on board exams. COMLEX-USA is the osteopathic exam series, and our Learning Specialists are here to support students at every stage of their COMLEX preparation. We also work closely with third- and fourth-year students during rotations to help them prepare for the COMAT exams.

    We encourage students to schedule a session with the Learning Specialist to develop personalized strategies for incorporating board preparation into their daily routines. Together, we'll review the best resources that align with their learning styles and map out the COMLEX timeline for their second year. Our Learning Specialists are trained in NBOME guidelines and continually stay updated on board-related information.

    Students considering the USMLE (the allopathic exam) must first meet with the residency team for guidance. For more details on available resources, check out the links below or schedule a meeting with your campus Learning Specialist.

    • National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME): The governing body responsible for overseeing the COMLEX and COMAT exams.
    • COMLEX-USA: The osteopathic exam series is designed to assess medical students' clinical knowledge and skills.
    • COMLEX-USA Master Blueprint: A comprehensive guide outlining the content areas and expectations for the COMLEX exams.
    • COMAT: The Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Achievement Test assesses clinical knowledge during rotations.
    • USMLE: The United States Medical Licensing Examination is required for allopathic physicians but may be considered by some osteopathic students.

    • WelCOM: A comprehensive online resource designed to help students prepare for the COMLEX exams by providing practice questions, study plans, and other materials tailored to your learning needs.
    • COMSAE: The COMLEX-USA Self-Assessment Examination (COMSAE) offers practice tests that simulate the actual exam, helping students assess their strengths and areas for improvement as they prepare for the COMLEX.

  • MSOM is committed to providing equal educational opportunity for persons with disabilities in accordance with its nondiscrimination policy and in compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008.

    • Student Accommodation Services: Services dedicated to providing accommodations and supporting students with disabilities, ensuring equal access to all academic and extracurricular opportunities in the medical program.
    • Student Health and Wellness: A range of resources aimed at supporting students' mental, emotional, and physical well-being throughout their medical education. From stress management to counseling services, we prioritize student health and well-being

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