iberty University has taken its first step toward establishing its new School of Osteopathic Medicine by hiring a dean who has years of experience practicing medicine as well as navigating all the procedures necessary to build a fully accredited school of medicine. Dr. Ronnie B. Martin, a past president of the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians, comes to Liberty from the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in Blacksburg, where he served as a professor, Associate Regional Dean, Associate Dean for Clinical Education and Vice Dean for Post Graduate Affairs. He was a practicing physician for more than 20 years before primarily, but not exclusively, turning his attention on medical education in 2003. As a practicing physician, Martin served as an emergency room doctor, a family physician and a director of medical clinics. As a medical educator he played a leading role in founding, building and achieving accreditation for a fledgling osteopathic school in Colorado, but has also served in the role of an accreditor of osteopathic schools. Liberty’s School of Osteopathic Medicine will eventually seek accreditation through the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation where Martin himself previously served. Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The medical school will train doctors capable of providing world-class medical care in keeping with Liberty’s stated mission of global service. Because of the diversity of interests and global origins of Liberty’s student body, Liberty-educated physicians will likely be found practicing in communities around the world, in America’s military and, certainly, in Christian missionary service. Chancellor Jerry Falwell, Jr. said students will be rewarded financially if they choose to practice medicine in Southside Virginia. PA G E 16 Falwell said, “Liberty will LIBERTY JOURNAL
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