Clarks Summit, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (PA DHS) and Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) have announced a new agreement aimed at training future physicians to address health care needs in rural areas. The clinical training affiliation between Clarks Summit State Hospital and IUP's College of Osteopathic Medicine will focus on educating osteopathic physicians in a hands-on clinical environment while simultaneously tackling the shortage of health care professionals in underserved communities.
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PA DHS Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh stated that the location where future physicians are trained greatly influences their choice of practice. She emphasized the significance of the partnership with IUP, which allows students to gain insights into the critical services provided by state hospitals in managing complex behavioral health issues. The goal is for graduates to be inspired to work at Clarks Summit after completing their training.
Clarks Summit State Hospital is one of six state hospitals operated by PA DHS, offering inpatient services for individuals experiencing severe mental illness. The facility focuses on rehabilitation and provides strategies for managing health conditions, collaborating with county programs and behavioral health providers to facilitate patient reintegration into their communities.
The collaboration aligns with the missions of both PA DHS and IUP's College of Osteopathic Medicine to ensure access to quality health care across Pennsylvania. Dr. Miko Rose, Founding Dean of IUP's College of Osteopathic Medicine, highlighted the importance of this agreement, which provides diverse mental health training opportunities for students. By familiarizing students with medical practice in underserved regions, the program aims to encourage them to settle in those areas post-graduation.
IUP's College of Osteopathic Medicine is designed to meet the urgent demand for health care professionals in rural areas. The curriculum includes a robust focus on mental health, with students required to undertake additional clinical rotations in rural primary care and psychiatry. The program anticipates enrolling its first class in fall 2027 and predicts a significant economic impact of nearly $50 million annually by 2033, with the potential to create 7,800 new jobs in the region.
IUP has formal agreements with Clarks Summit State Hospital and has established partnerships with a total of 25 clinical training sites, primarily in rural communities, including additional agreements with Torrance State Hospital and Warren State Hospital. For further details on PA DHS's Rural Health initiatives, visit dhs.pa.gov/ruralhealth.