MedED program expands, welcomes new class of Berkeley County students to WVU Medicine Berkeley Medical Center 

MARTINSBURG, W.Va. – WVU Medicine is proud to welcome the second class of Berkeley County high school students as part of the MedED program, an immersive initiative designed to provide early, hands-on exposure to healthcare careers. 

The MedED program is a two-year education and workforce development experience that introduces students to Berkeley Medical Center while allowing them to gain real-world insight into the healthcare environment. Offered in partnership with Berkeley County Schools and The Education Alliance, the program also serves as a direct pathway to future healthcare career opportunities following graduation. 

At Monday’s signing ceremony, students from Hedgesville, Martinsburg, Musselman, and Spring Mills high schools formally committed to the program. Surrounded by family, friends, and educators, these students signed participation agreements and received MedED certificates recognizing their acceptance into the program. 

“The MedED program represents an intentional investment in our future workforce,” said Justin Ruble, vice president of human resources, Berkeley Medical Center. “By introducing students to healthcare careers early and giving them meaningful, hands-on experiences, we’re helping them make informed decisions about their futures while strengthening the talent pipeline for our community.” 

Throughout the program, students will split time between classroom-based health science instruction at their schools and experiential learning at Berkeley Medical Center. While on-site, students will work alongside healthcare professionals across various departments, gaining exposure to the teamwork, skills, and compassion required in today’s healthcare settings. 

"We are pleased to work with our partners to open pathways like this for our students," said Dr. Ryan Saxe, Berkeley County Schools Superintendent. "Programs such as these increase student success, because they combine real-world experience with classroom learning. Students can cast a vision for their future while gaining a range of skills necessary to successfully pursue their journey. The MedEd program is what industry and education working together looks like, and our students will reap the benefits of this partnership for years to come." 

"This is what collaboration looks like at its best," said Dr. Amelia Courts, President/CEO of The Education Alliance. "Schools and businesses are co-creating opportunities through MedEd that prepare students for high-wage, high-skill careers while strengthening our state's workforce." 

The MedED program is modeled after a successful manufacturing education initiative that originated at Toyota Motor Manufacturing and was locally adapted through collaboration among healthcare, education, and community partners.