New FSU–MSOM Medical Partnership

Mar 2, 2026 9:00 AM

Frostburg State University has announced a new partnership with the Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine (MSOM) that creates a structured pathway for students pursuing a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree. Through the agreement, eligible FSU students who successfully complete required academic benchmarks will be guaranteed a formal interview with MSOM.

“We are thrilled to partner with MSOM to create new opportunities for our students who aspire to careers in medicine,” said FSU Interim President Darlene Brannigan Smith, Ph.D. “This agreement not only affirms the exceptional preparation our students receive at Frostburg, but also provides a clear and supportive pathway for them to pursue their dreams.”

Meritus Health, Western Maryland’s largest healthcare provider, supports MSOM’s mission to recruit highly qualified candidates into its osteopathic medical program. As part of the partnership, Frostburg will continue offering a strong pre-medical curriculum and dedicated advising to help students prepare for medical school admission.

“This partnership offers our students the opportunity to interview with an osteopathic medical program located just 75 minutes from FSU in Hagerstown, Maryland,” said Karen Keller, Ph.D., coordinator of FSU’s Health Science Program, noting that the proximity and shared focus on community engagement make MSOM an attractive option. Chanté Richardson, Ph.D., MBA, Associate Dean of Student Services and Community Engagement at MSOM, emphasized that students will also gain early access to valuable pre-medical resources, including MCAT preparation workshops, D.O. shadowing opportunities, and other pre-admission programs.

The partnership reflects a shared commitment to expanding access to medical education and strengthening the pipeline of future physicians serving Western Maryland and beyond.