The Rural Scholars Program supports outstanding third-year West Virginia medical students who are committed to practicing in rural and underserved communities.

Participants receive enhanced clinical training, mentorship and financial support as they prepare for careers in primary care across West Virginia.

 

Family Medicine Rural Scholars

This opportunity is designed for third-year medical students interested in the Family Medicine Residency at Vandalia Health Charleston Area Medical Center. Students selected for this pathway are eligible for a $10,000 stipend and benefit from a waiver of the NRMP Match, allowing them to secure a residency position without the expense and uncertainty associated with the traditional match process.

During their fourth year, Rural Scholars complete an accelerated curriculum that includes community-based rotations, sub-internships and advanced procedural and leadership training typically reserved for fellowship-level study.

Eligibility and Application:
  • Open to students from West Virginia University, Marshall University and the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine.
  • Applicants must have passed USMLE Step 1 or COMLEX Level 1.
  • Application window: Oct. 17, 2025 – April 3, 2026.

Accepted students will work with Madonna Gribble, DO, and the Rural Scholars faculty to plan their MS4 year, including required rotations and completion of a Rural Scholars project.

Benefits:
  • $10,000 stipend upon graduation.
  • Guaranteed position in the CAMC Family Medicine Residency Program.
  • Waiver from NRMP Match and interview fees.
  • Specialized rural medicine and leadership training.

 

More Information & Application Form

 

 

Multi-Program Rural Scholars

Participating Residency Programs at CAMC in Charleston, WV:

Participating Residency Programs at Vandalia Health CAMC Greenbrier Valley Medical Center in Ronceverte, WV:

This Rural Scholars opportunity is available to third-year West Virginia medical students interested in one of the above residency programs. Selected students receive a $10,000 scholarship to support their training and preparation for rural practice.

Recipients will still participate in the NRMP Match but will also gain early mentorship, structured rural rotations and advanced exposure to community-based care during their fourth year.

Eligibility and Application:
  • Open to students from West Virginia University, Marshall University and the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine.
  • Applicants must have passed USMLE Step 1 or COMLEX Level 1.
  • Application period: Oct. 17, 2025 – April 3, 2026.
Benefits:
  • $10,000 scholarship upon graduation.
  • Enhanced rural clinical training and mentorship.
  • Integrated MS4 rotations and leadership development.
  • Program recipients will not be required to interview again for the CAMC residency program. If matched, recipients will enter a CAMC residency program upon graduation through the NRMP Match process. 

 

More Information & Application Form

 

 

Contact Us

For questions, please contact the Graduate Medical Education department at gme@vandaliahealth.org or call 304-388-9948.