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 have launched 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."

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:Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine chosen for national medical education program
Aug 17, 2026

Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine chosen for national medical education program

MSOM is one of 17 schools chosen to help improve how future doctors' clinical skills are assessed. The Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine (MSOM) has been selected by the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME) to take part in the Core Competency Capstone for Osteopathic Medicine (C3DO) program beginning in 2028. MSOM is one of a select group of osteopathic medical schools chosen to help improve how future doctors' clinical skills are assessed. C3DO is a national program that measures important skills needed by osteopathic physicians. The assessment looks at patient communication, medical history-taking, physical examination skills, osteopathic clinical reasoning, professionalism and osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT). MSOM's participation will allow the school to work with other osteopathic medical schools across the country to strengthen medical education and help ensure students are ready to care for patients when they enter residency training. More than 4,000 students have already participated in the C3DO initiative, which currently includes 17 colleges of osteopathic medicine serving as pilot sites. “We are proud that MSOM has been selected to join this important national effort,” said Samuel Kadavakollu, Ph.D., MSc, associate dean of academic affairs and professor at MSOM. “This opportunity reflects our commitment to providing outstanding medical education and preparing students to become skilled, compassionate physicians. We look forward to working with other schools across the country to improve clinical skills assessment and support the next generation of osteopathic doctors.” MSOM's selection highlights the school's dedication to excellence, innovation, and student success. The school also recognizes Raena Pettitt, D.O., CHSE, for her leadership and hard work in preparing and submitting the successful application. By participating in C3DO, MSOM will help shape the future of osteopathic medical education while continuing its mission to train physicians who provide high-quality, patient-centered care.

MSOM NEWS:Dr. Kadavakollu Contributes to NBOME National Assessment Development for COMAT Nutrition
Jul 17, 2026

Dr. Kadavakollu Contributes to NBOME National Assessment Development for COMAT Nutrition

The Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine is proud to recognize Samuel Kadavakollu, PhD, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, for his national service with the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME). During 2026, Dr. Kadavakollu participated in multiple expert panels to develop the COMAT Nutrition in Patient Care assessment, contributing to curriculum survey reviews and the creation of both preclinical and clinical blueprint content. His involvement reflects MSOM's continued commitment to advancing osteopathic medical education, fostering academic excellence, and helping shape high-quality national assessments for future physicians. Learn more at https://www.nbome.org/news/nbome-awards-inaugural-research-grants-to-four-researchers/

MSOM NEWS:Dr. Kessler discusses MSOM's incoming second class on News Talk 103.7
Jul 16, 2026

Dr. Kessler discusses MSOM's incoming second class on News Talk 103.7

What does it take to build the next generation of physicians? Dr. Kessler recently joined News Talk 103.7 FM to discuss the incoming second class at the Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine and how the school is preparing future doctors to meet the healthcare needs of our region and beyond. As the first medical school in Western Maryland, the Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine is helping shape tomorrow's physician workforce through innovative education, hands-on clinical training, and a commitment to serving communities where physicians are needed most. Listen to the interview and learn more about the exciting future of MSOM! https://soundcloud.com/new.../14-july-2026-msom-celebrates-a

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.