Ranking reflects 10 consecutive years for the Lewisburg, W.Va.-based medical school as president touts its "legacy of excellence"

LEWISBURG, W.Va.--The legacy of excellence continues at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine.

U.S.News & World Report magazine's latest graduate school rankings include WVSOM for the 10th consecutive year, marking a decade of excellence for the school. WVSOM is ranked in two categories: Primary Care and Family Medicine. Only one other osteopathic medical school is ranked in as many U.S.News categories as WVSOM.

The string of consecutive rankings by U.S.News confirms WVSOM's reputation as one of the premier medical schools in the nation, said WVSOM President Olen E. Jones Jr., Ph.D.

"The school has now been ranked 10 years running--further evidence that the legacy of excellence continues at WVSOM," Dr. Jones said. "To be ranked among the top medical schools in the country time after time is a remarkable achievement, and certainly reflects the hard work of many dedicated people here at our medical school."

"The teamwork and positive attitude shown by our faculty, staff and students reflects the strength and quality of our medical education program," Jones said, pointing out that WVSOM has appeared in the prestigious rankings each year since 1998.

The rankings are based on expert opinion about program quality as well as statistical indicators that measure the quality of a school's faculty, research and students. Opinions were gathered from deans, program directors, senior faculty members and professionals in the medical field directly involved in hiring new physicians.

The rankings for "America's Best Graduate Schools 2009" are available in the U.S.News & World Report's "Best Graduate Schools" guidebook, and in the April 7 edition of the U.S.News & World Report magazine. You can also access the rankings online at the U.S.News & World Report Web site.