West Central PA News

During a public reception welcoming Dr. Miko Rose, the founding dean of Indiana University of Pennsylvania’s proposed college of osteopathic medicine, Senator Joe Pittman announced that $2 million has been designated for IUP’s new college of osteopathic medicine in the 2023-2024 state budget. Senator Pittman explained that this funding will be used to support the operations at the start of the medical school.

Senator Pittman expressed his excitement for the future of rural healthcare and the opportunity for the region to become a hub of rural healthcare delivery for the state. He thanked Rep. Jim Struzzi and Rep. Brian Smith for their collaboration in advocating for this substantial investment.

IUP Council of Trustees Chairman Sam Smith acknowledged the support of Senator Pittman and Representatives Smith and Struzzi, stating that the proposed college of osteopathic medicine will be life-changing for both future patients and the region. IUP President Dr. Michael Driscoll also expressed his appreciation to Senator Pittman and other legislators for their support in moving the project forward.

Dr. Miko Rose, the founding dean of the proposed college of osteopathic medicine, expressed her gratitude for the warm welcome she received and emphasized the potential of the project to change the healthcare landscape for generations to come. She thanked Senator Pittman, Rep. Struzzi, Rep. Smith, and all the donors for their commitment and belief in the proposed college.

Representatives Struzzi and Smith also made remarks during the event, expressing their support for the project. Foundation for IUP President Regina Stover welcomed Dr. Rose and pledged the continued support from the Foundation for IUP. Stover emphasized the transformational impact that the college of osteopathic medicine will have on higher education in Pennsylvania.

The IUP Alumni Association Board of Directors also announced a donation of $500,000 to the proposed college of osteopathic medicine project. This gift follows previous donations from Rich Caruso and IUP graduates Nick Jacobs and Mary Ann Hoysan Jacobs.

IUP’s Council of Trustees endorsed the exploration of a college of osteopathic medicine at IUP in December 2022, recognizing the critical need for rural healthcare in Pennsylvania. The proposed college of osteopathic medicine at IUP would be the only one at a public university in Pennsylvania, offering an opportunity to address the shortage of trained physicians in rural areas.

Dr. Miko Rose's appointment as the founding dean of the proposed college of osteopathic medicine was announced during the Second Annual Pennsylvania Mountains Rural Health Conference. Dr. Rose brings a wealth of experience and expertise to IUP, having served as an Associate Professor and Chief of the Division of Psychiatry at Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine.

With the hiring of Dr. Rose, IUP will now begin the process of seeking accreditation from the American Osteopathic Association’s Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA), a three- to five-year process that includes self-studies, feasibility studies, and site visits.

The $2 million budget designation for IUP's proposed college of osteopathic medicine is a significant investment in the future of rural healthcare and the education of physicians in Pennsylvania. With the support of Senator Pittman and other legislators, IUP is one step closer to establishing a college that will make a lasting impact on the health and well-being of the community.