Members of Indiana University of Pennsylvania’s proposed college of osteopathic medicine leadership team were invited presenters for the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education’s 2025 Summit, “Together We Thrive, Building Inclusive Excellence Across the State System,” held virtually and at PennWest Clarion on October 29 and 30.
Founding Dean Miko Rose, Founding Associate Dean of Clinical Affairs and Graduate Medical Education Ryan Smith, and Founding Associate Dean of Preclinical Affairs Luke H. Mortensen presented on “Let’s Build a Med School” at the Summit.
Rose, Smith, and Mortensen discussed the background, development of the proposed college of osteopathic medicine at IUP, and the mission and focus of the proposed college for serving rural communities and rural students; the process of developing the proposed college; and how the faculty, administration, and staff are committed to actively mentoring students to prepare for their futures. They also shared the potential benefits of a proposed college of osteopathic medicine for students in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.
From left, IUP students Isaiah Olouwole and Isaiah Perdue; IUP proposed college of osteopathic medicine Founding Dean Miko Rose; IUP Executive Director of Student Inclusion Roger Briscoe II; IUP proposed college of osteopathic medicine Founding Associate Dean of Clinical Affairs and Graduate Education Ryan Smith; IUP proposed college of osteopathic medicine Associate Founding Dean of Pre-Clinical Affairs Luke Mortensen; and IUP student Feyisayomi Adepoju.
As they shared their personal histories, they talked about the importance of teamwork, following a vision, doing things that bring joy every day to succeed—and being open to a variety of outcomes and pathways to finding what each of them are meant to do in the world.
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.
Smith joined the team in July 2024 as the founding associate dean of clinical affairs and graduate education, responsible for overseeing the clinical curricular areas of the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program, including developing clinical training agreements.
Mortensen was hired in August 2024 as associate dean of preclinical affairs, responsible for overseeing the preclinical curricular areas of the program.
Named one of Pennsylvania’s Fifty Over 50 top leaders in 2024 by City & State Pennsylvania, 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.
Rose, Smith, and Mortensen were three of 12 IUP faculty, administrators, and students who were invited to present for the Summit, which was attended by more than 120 people in person and virtually.
IUP’s Council of Trustees endorsed the exploration of a possible development of a college of osteopathic medicine at IUP in December 2022.
IUP’s proposed college of osteopathic medicine has “Candidate Status” from the American Osteopathic Association’s Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation, which recognizes that IUP has done the required planning and has the resources necessary to apply for pre-accreditation status within two years. “Candidate Status” is the second step in seeking accreditation from COCA.
The IUP proposed college of osteopathic medicine team is working on 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.
Securing clinical training sites for students is part of the successful accreditation process; IUP has secured 230 percent of the needed clinical training spots, surpassing the 120 percent required for accreditation.
IUP has 18 clinical training agreements in place, including with all three members of the Pennsylvania Mountains Care Network (IRMC, Punxsutawney Area Hospital, and Armstrong County Memorial Hospital) and two of Pennsylvania’s Department of Human Services’ state hospitals that provide inpatient services for individuals with severe and persistent mental illness in a supportive and restorative environment (Torrance State Hospital and Warren State Hospital).
IUP’s proposed college of osteopathic medicine and IUP’s commitment to addressing the rural health crisis have resulted in funding from individual donors, foundations, agencies, and legislators totaling more than $34.3 million.
Since its founding in 1875, IUP has evolved from a teacher-training institution into a doctoral research university recognized for its commitment to student success and achievement. As IUP celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2025 and through the Impact 150 comprehensive campaign, the university honors a legacy of educational excellence while looking to its next 150 years of student success, innovation, leadership in healthcare education, and public service.