The signing ceremony took place at Warren State Hospital. Leadership from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) and Warren State Hospital included Jennifer Smith, Deputy Secretary for Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, DHS; David Markley, CEO, Warren State Hospital; and Dr. Cheryl Moore, Chief Medical Officer, Warren State Hospital.

Doctors of osteopathic medicine, or DOs, complete four years of osteopathic medical school, with an emphasis on preventive medicine and comprehensive patient care. Trained to recognize the interrelated unity among all systems of the body, each working with the other to promote overall health and wellness, osteopathic medical schools are twice as likely to practice in rural areas.

IUP proposed college of osteopathic medicine Founding Dean, Dr. Miko Rose, and IUP proposed college of osteopathic medicine Founding Associate Dean of Clinical Affairs and Graduate Medical Education, Dr. Ryan Smith, signed the agreement for IUP. Signing on behalf of Warren State Hospital were David Markley and Jennifer Smith.

Present also at the ceremony were state Rep. Kathy Rapp and retired senior judge of Warren-Forest Counties William F. Morgan.

Dr. Rose and David Markey after the official signing.

Warren State Hospital is one of the Department of Human Services’ six state hospitals that provide inpatient services for individuals with severe and persistent mental illness in a supportive and restorative environment. Staff at Warren provide patients with the opportunity for rehabilitation, growth, and coping skills and strategies to manage their illness. Warren State Hospital collaborates with county programs, behavioral health providers, family members, and advocates to help individuals receive inpatient treatment with the goal of returning individuals to their communities to continue treatment in the least restrictive setting.

The clinical training affiliation agreement is IUP’s 18th formal signed agreement.

“DHS is honored that Warren State Hospital will help play a role in supporting our rural communities by training future generations of physicians in Warren County,” Smith said. “Warren’s programs and the Pennsylvanians they treat will help educate IUP college of osteopathic medicine students about behavioral health care and the unique needs and challenges our patients face, creating a robust system of care through a well rounded, empathetic work force.”

IUP’s proposed college of osteopathic medicine’s clinical training affiliation agreement is the first clinical training agreement at Warren State Hospital with a college or school of medicine since 2007.

“We hope students will be inspired by our commitment to individual health and wellbeing while contributing to their communities’ health and investing in their future careers,” Smith continued. “The students who train here will also play a part in fostering trust and community for the neighbors and the people we work with, so they know that they can get the care they need with dignity and respect.”

IUP Founding Dean Dr. Miko Rose expressed deep honor in being part of the effort between IUP and WSH.

IUP’s proposed college of osteopathic medicine has “Candidate Status” from the American Osteopathic Association’s Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA), which recognizes that IUP has done the required planning and has the resources necessary to apply for pre-accreditation status within two years.

The next step in the accreditation process, seeking “pre-accreditation status.” When proposed colleges achieve pre-accreditation status, they are permitted to begin recruiting students. That status follows additional reports and site visits from COCA’s accrediting team; it is expected to take up to 16 months.

State Hospital CEO David Markey offered excitement for the affiliation saying “It’s a push in a positive direction in creating connections, relationships and hope for recovery.”

Dr. Rose was hired as the founding dean of the proposed college of osteopathic medicine in November 2023; the hiring of a founding dean is one of the first steps to establishing the college. Associate Founding Dean Dr. Smith and Founding Associate Dean of Preclinical Affairs Dr. Luke H. Mortensen joined the team in 2024.

Dr. Smith explained the importance of the IUP/WSH alliance in fostering the growing power of medical professionals in rural areas by saying “Because they are immersed in the rural community they are more likely to stay.”

Signing for WSH David Markley and Jennifer Smith

Named one of Pennsylvania’s Fifty Over 50 top leaders in 2024 by City & State Pennsylvania, IUP Founding Dean Dr. Rose is one of fewer than 150 physicians elected as a fellow of the American College of Neuropsychiatrists by the Fellows of the American College of Neuropsychiatrists/American College of Osteopathic Neurologists and Psychiatrists.

“We are very grateful for the opportunity that clinical training at Warren State Hospital will present to our future students,” Dr. Rose said.

IUP’s proposed college of osteopathic medicine will require mental health care training beyond the required standards meaning students will spend their entire 24-month clinical rotation in rural healthcare allowing them to become part of the community.

“These required rotations provide an important opportunity for our future physicians to learn from experienced professionals and first-hand experience about the important role that the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s behavioral health care system plays in caring for patients in Pennsylvania, including its rural citizens,” Smith said.

IUP’s Council of Trustees endorsed the exploration of a possible development of a college of osteopathic medicine at IUP in December 2022.

Signing for IUP Dr. Ryan Smith and Dr, Miko Rose

There are only three colleges of osteopathic medicine in Pennsylvania, all at private universities; IUP’s proposed college of osteopathic medicine would be the only college of osteopathic medicine at a public university.

IUP’s proposed college of osteopathic medicine and IUP’s commitment to addressing the rural health crisis has resulted in funding from individual donors, foundations, agencies, and legislators totaling more than $34.3 million. Fundraising for the project is part of IUP’s Impact 150, $150 million comprehensive fundraising campaign, raising funds for healthy students, a healthy university, and healthy communities.

In light of changes in the healthcare system set in motion by the signing of the One Big Beautiful Bill into law that will likely put additional strain on already struggling rural hospitals in Pennsylvania Dr. Rose said, smiling proudly,”It’s been a non-partisian discussion.

“We are in a mental health pandemic,” he added “The brain is the most affected organ in healthcare. The cracks (in healthcare) are widening and mental health is the first hit when there are cuts. Rural areas deserve access to healthcare and basic needs.”

Thankful for this new affiliation Dr. Cheryl Moore said, “I see a real opportunity for growth within the Warren State Hospital and the community. …. We have a difficult time recruiting to the area. This will be beneficial to both the staff and patients.”

State and local officials, healthcare professionals and IUP representatives gathered this week to celebrate the signing of IUP/WSH training agreement.

Other formal clinical training affiliation agreements are in place with Conemaugh Miners Medical Center, Wayne Memorial Community Health Centers, Wayne Memorial Hospital, Chan Soon-Shiong Medical Center at Windber, Torrance State Hospital, Conemaugh Nason Medical Center, Penn Highlands Healthcare, Clarion Psychiatric Center, Armstrong County Memorial Hospital, Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center, Broad Top Area Medical Center, Hyndman Area Health Centers, Nulton Diagnostics and Treatment Center, The Primary Health Network, Indiana Regional Medical Center and Punxsutawney Area Hospital.