Conemaugh Health Systems has been honored for its work mentoring future physicians. The system received the Mentoring in Medicine Award at IUP and IRMC’s Rural Health Conference Thursday at the Kovalchick Complex.
IUP student Madeline Metts presented the award for Conemaugh’s 10-week paid “Mentoring in Medicine” internship, offered to pre-med students from Bedford, Cambria, and Somerset counties. Program director Dr. Alexander Pozun accepted the award, noting that since 2004, more than 220 students have completed the internship and 20 have returned to the region to practice medicine.
The recognition comes as IUP continues developing its proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine, which has already secured clinical training agreements with 18 hospitals, including Conemaugh’s three regional centers. The proposed college has earned candidate status from the national accrediting body and aims to admit its first class in 2027.
Founding dean Dr. Miko Rose praised Conemaugh’s efforts, saying mentorship programs like this are key to improving healthcare access in rural Pennsylvania.
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