TORRANCE, PA — The Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh announced a new clinical training partnership between the Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) and Torrance State Hospital during an event on March 25. This collaboration, aimed at educating future osteopathic physicians while addressing critical gaps in health care access for rural and underserved communities, is tied to the development of IUP’s proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine (COM).
The affiliation agreement allows IUP medical students to receive hands-on clinical training at Torrance State Hospital, a DHS-operated facility specializing in inpatient psychiatric services for Pennsylvanians with severe mental illness. “I began my career practicing medicine in teaching hospitals in Philadelphia, and I saw firsthand how vital hands-on clinical experience in a real hospital environment was to the medical professionals in training,” remarked Secretary Arkoosh. “It is our hope that this partnership with IUP will give students the skills they need to promote individuals’ health and wellbeing while contributing to their communities’ health and investing in their future careers.”
This initiative aligns with Governor Josh Shapiro’s commitment to strengthening rural health care through investments in infrastructure and workforce development. His 2025-26 budget proposal includes $10 million to support rural hospitals, building on previous efforts that allocated $36.7 million in combined state and federal funding. Additionally, the funding proposal outlines another $10 million to assist Pennsylvania hospitals with urgent staffing and health care needs, leveraging federal matching funds for a total of $35.1 million in additional support.
Addressing Key Health Care Needs Through Education
IUP’s College of Osteopathic Medicine, which is in the planning stages, seeks to tackle challenges associated with providing health care in rural and underserved regions. Students will train in both traditional medical fields and osteopathic principles, with a curriculum emphasizing mental and behavioral health education, hands-on clinical experience, and primary care for underserved populations.
“Part of Pennsylvania’s acute and worsening rural health care crisis is a lack of mental health care resources,” stated IUP President Dr. Michael Driscoll. “IUP’s proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine is committed to educating our students in mental and behavioral health beyond what is standard in the traditional medical education curriculum. Training opportunities at a top-notch facility like Torrance State Hospital will greatly enhance the student experience and benefit patients.”
National data underscores the critical role that osteopathic medical programs play in addressing rural health needs. Over 57% of doctors of osteopathic medicine enter careers in primary care, and more than 20% practice in rural areas, making IUP’s commitment to this field a vital step for Pennsylvania.
Expanding Partnerships and Training Opportunities
Torrance State Hospital, one of six state-run inpatient psychiatric hospitals under DHS, provides robust mental health services, as well as forensic treatment for individuals involved in the justice system. Secretary Arkoosh praised the hospital’s staff, noting their continuous efforts to support Pennsylvanians and rehabilitate patients for reintegration into their communities.
While the new affiliation with Torrance represents a significant milestone, IUP has cultivated clinical training partnerships with other regional health care providers. Institutions such as Penn Highlands Healthcare, Nulton Diagnostics and Treatment Center, Hyndman Area Health Centers, and Indiana Regional Medical Center are part of a growing network aimed at delivering diverse training environments for IUP medical students.
Looking forward, the collaboration between IUP and Torrance State Hospital promises to prepare the next generation of physicians while addressing health care disparities in Pennsylvania’s rural communities.
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