Learning Specialist - Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine

The Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine - Educating the next generation of physicians

The mission of Meritus Health, Inc. is to improve the health of our community. With the establishment of the Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine (MSOM), we take a significant step forward in fulfilling this mission by educating physicians who are professionally accomplished, socially responsible, and deeply connected to the communities they serve.

MSOM is the first new medical school in Maryland in more than a century.

Located on the campus of Meritus Health in Hagerstown, Maryland, MSOM is now an integral part of Western Maryland’s largest healthcare provider, serving over 200,000 residents across the tri-state region. This strategic location gives students direct access to a vibrant healthcare environment that supports both education and hands-on clinical training.

The inaugural Class of 2029 began its journey in July 2025, marking an exciting new chapter in medical education in Maryland. The first cohort includes 90 medical students, with future classes expected to expand to 180 students. MSOM’s state-of-the-art D.M. Bowman Academic Hall—a 200,000‑square‑foot, five‑story facility—fosters a dynamic learning environment with advanced simulation centers, laboratories, classrooms, and a conference center capable of hosting up to 1,000 people.

This initiative not only addresses the growing national shortage of healthcare professionals but also contributes significantly to the regional economy. Between 2025 and 2030, MSOM is projected to generate more than $750 million in economic activity.

Through MSOM, Meritus Health proudly leads the way in shaping the future of healthcare and medical education, preparing a new generation of physicians to meet the evolving needs of our community and beyond.

Position Description

The Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine Learning Specialist develops, implements, and continuously evaluates a comprehensive academic success and retention program for medical students and residents. The position supports learners across the educational continuum through data‑informed academic coaching, individualized learning plans, competency‑based remediation, and proactive interventions designed to promote persistence, well‑being, and professional identity formation.

The role emphasizes collaboration with faculty, program directors, and institutional partners to ensure learner support services align with the osteopathic philosophy, inclusive excellence, and accreditation requirements for undergraduate and graduate medical education. 

Primary Functions:

• Manages and delivers structured academic interventions for medical students and residents, including early identification of academic risk, targeted coaching, and longitudinal follow‑up.
• Counsel's learners in identifying and addressing academic, clinical, and professional performance concerns using diagnostic and prescriptive advising approaches aligned with adult learning theory and competency‑based education.
• Collaborates with faculty, course directors, and residency program leadership to design, implement, and monitor individualized learning plans (ILPs) mapped to osteopathic and national core competencies, including medical knowledge, professionalism, practice‑based learning, and communication skills.
• Supports learners preparing for licensure examinations and specialty board certification through evidence‑informed study strategies and performance analytics.
• Designs and facilitates workshops and small‑group sessions addressing learning strategies, clinical reasoning, time and stress management, test‑taking, and resilience.
• Develops and supervises peer‑assisted learning and tutoring programs, ensuring tutor training, quality assurance, and alignment with curricular goals.
• Works closely with faculty, staff, and program directors to embed learner support strategies within curricular and co‑curricular environments and to strengthen formative and summative feedback practices.
• Manages collection and analysis of academic performance, utilization, and outcome data to identify trends, evaluate program effectiveness, and inform short‑ and long‑term retention strategies.
• Serves on institutional committees and work groups relevant to the duties and responsibilities of the position
• Position may require flexible hours outside the traditional 8:00–5:00 schedule to support learner success.

Minimum Requirements:

Education- A Bachelor's degree is required; a master's degree is preferred or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience

Experience- Minimum of two (2) years of experience in academic or learning support with documented outcomes in student progression and retention.

Demonstrated expertise in learning skills development, diagnostic and prescriptive advising, adult learning theory, and academic assessment.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to engage in sensitive, high‑stakes academic conversations.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and data‑informed decision‑making skills.
• Innovative, solution‑oriented approach with flexibility to meet diverse learner needs.
• Proven ability to develop collaborative, productive relationships with students, faculty, staff, and institutional partners.

Preferred Qualifications:

•  Demonstrated experience in osteopathic medical education, undergraduate medical education, and/or graduate medical education.
• Experience with program development, coordination, and evaluation of academic success initiatives.
• Knowledge of supervisory practices and principles.
• Demonstrated commitment to inclusive excellence, learner well‑being, and resilience

Caring for Our Team
We offer a comprehensive benefits package to support our employees' well-being and professional growth. Benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance available starting the 1st of the month following date of hire, along with life insurance, & short and long-term disability coverage. Paid Time Off begins accruing from day one, and we also provide a 401k plan, an education assistance program, and an employee assistance program. Additionally, employees working evening, night, or weekend shifts may be eligible for a shift differential, adding even more value to your role.

Happy to Help

At Meritus, we believe in a collaborative and caring work environment. Interactions are an opportunity to learn, listen and to be there for one another. Therefore, we provide warm welcomes, hospitality-driven closures, and are always Happy to Help.