Conemaugh Meyersdale signs clinical affiliation agreement with IUP proposed college of osteopathic medicine

On Wednesday, May 20, 2025, Conemaugh Meyersdale Medical Center formally signed a clinical affiliation agreement with Indiana University of Pennsylvania’s proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine.

As part of the successful accreditation process, IUP must secure various clinical training sites which students enrolled in the school will have the opportunity to train and learn in during their final two years of medical school. With a proposed open date of Fall 2027, this agreement will allow students to begin training at Conemaugh Meyersdale in 2029.

The signing ceremony, which took place in the lobby of Conemaugh Meyersdale, welcomed hospital leadership, IUP proposed college of osteopathic medicine leadership, local and state legislative representatives, staff of Conemaugh Meyersdale and local community members. Conemaugh Meyersdale Chief Operating Officer Jessica Svidergol-Peterman, Conemaugh Meyersdale Medical Center Chief of Staff and Emergency Room Medical Director Dr. John Cawley and IUP proposed college of osteopathic medicine founding dean and founding associate dean Dr. Miko Rose and Dr. Ryan Smith signed the agreement.

During the ceremony, Registered Nurse Carl Deal, and Licensed Practical Nurse Dorothy “Dottie” Paulman, shared stories about the unique and rich history of Conemaugh Meyersdale. From stories dating back before the development of 9-1-1, to sharing some of their most fond memories working in the various units, both Carl and Dottie showed immense pride for the small, community hospital.

“We continue to see outstanding support for IUP’s proposed college of osteopathic medicine on all fronts, especially from community healthcare providers,” IUP President Dr. Michael Driscoll said. “It’s especially gratifying to be in partnership with hospitals and medical centers like Conemaugh Meyersdale Medical Center that share our commitment to rural healthcare.

“We also are very proud to have an IUP graduate, Ms. Svidergol-Peterman, as the Chief Operating Officer of this outstanding medical facility. She is an example of professional excellence and commitment to serving her community."

Chief Operating Officer Svidergol-Peterman earned both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in nursing from IUP in 2006 and 2010, respectively. A native of Cambria County, she began her career as a staff nurse in the emergency department at Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center until she transitioned to Conemaugh Minors Medical Center in 2015.

“This collaboration with IUP’s proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine underscores our shared mission to enhance healthcare access and outcomes in rural Pennsylvania,” Market President and CEO of Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center Dr. Rodney Reider said. “By creating meaningful, hands-on learning opportunities for future physicians, we are investing not only in their training, but also in the long-term well-being of the communities we proudly serve. This partnership is a critical step toward building a healthier future together.

The mission of IUP’s proposed college of osteopathic medicine is not only to provide opportunities for students to attend medical school, but to help close the gaps in rural healthcare. Presently, in Pennsylvania, there is approximately 1 primary care physician for every 1,113 patients. However, approximately 380,000 Pennsylvanians live in Health Professional Shortage Areas where the ration can be up to 3,500 patients per provider. This new proposed college of osteopathic medicine aims to educate, train and keep medical professionals in rural settings in an effort to improve access and quality of care across our region. Partnerships with rural hospitals such as Conemaugh Meyersdale will help to enhance the experience for the students.

Presently, there are only three colleges of osteopathic medicine in the state of Pennsylvania, all which are located at private institutions. IUPs proposed college of osteopathic medicine will be the first and only college of osteopathic medicine at a public university, providing a unique opportunity for local people who live in more rural communities to consider and attend medical school. 

National studies show that graduates from programs of osteopathic medicine are more likely to pursue primary care in rural and underserved areas—57 percent of all doctors of osteopathic medicine practice as general practitioners, and more than 20 percent of DO graduates practice in rural areas. Demand is high for osteopathic medicine training: in 2021, 22,708 applicants competed for 8,280 seats at schools of osteopathic medicine.