A Note from the Executive Dean

When it comes time to sum up the progress of an academic year, we often default to the tangibles. In AY 2023-24, these included early outreach programs, an innovative curriculum, a mini mobile unit and a new research center—all of which are worth celebrating! But the true measure of success is in the ripple effect that these tangibles set in motion.

New outreach programs spark curiosity and, potentially, an affinity to the Heritage College, leading to more applicants down the road.

The team-based approach of our Pathways to Health and Wellness Curriculum prepares our students to shine in clinical settings, which contributed to the college’s 99% match rate in 2024.

Our first mini mobile unit furthers our reach, which increases access to screenings and immunizations. All in all, the ripples of our Community Health Programs create an estimated $63 million in annual social and economic gains for Southeast Ohio!

The Heritage Translational Research Center paves the way for unprecedented discovery and, ultimately, lives saved. Meanwhile, each grant, patent and breakthrough creates its own ripple effect, growing HCOM’s national prominence and inspiring additional research investments. Case in point: At the time of our annual report publication, Heritage College is number-1 among osteopathic schools for NIH Funding!

As you sift through the college’s annual report, I encourage you to look beyond the tangibles. The ripples from AY 2023-24 are far-reaching, and they are still in motion—preparing future generations of osteopathic physicians to address pervasive healthcare needs; providing care where care is needed most; enabling innovative research that will drive medical advances; and paving the way for an exceptionally bright future. I hope you share my pride in the incredible impact that Heritage College continues to make with each passing year!

Kenneth H. Johnson, D.O. Chief Medical Affairs Officer, Ohio University Executive Dean, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine