Marshall’s Medical HELP Program Prepares Students for Successful Medical Careers

Staff  •  March 7, 2025

Marshall University’s Medical HELP Program has supported aspiring medical professionals on their path to success for nearly four decades.

Rooted in the belief that every student has the potential to excel when given the right tools and support, this program has helped countless students sharpen their study skills, build confidence, and prepare them for the rigors of medical school and beyond.

As Marshall continues expanding educational opportunities for West Virginians, programs like Medical HELP play a crucial role in bridging the gap between ambition and achievement. Under Brad D. Smith’s leadership, the university has prioritized initiatives that remove barriers to education, creating pathways for professional growth and ensuring that students – regardless of their background – have access to key resources that work to make a significant difference in their lives.

Built on Student Success

The Medical HELP Program was founded in 1986 by Dr. Barbara Guyer, a leading expert in education and learning strategies. Originally designed to support students with learning disabilities and ADHD, the program quickly grew as faculty recognized that many students faced similar challenges like difficulty with time management, unstructured study habits, and test-day anxiety. Medical HELP provides the strategy and structure to overcome these hurdles.

Through small class sizes, individualized coaching, and research-backed methodologies, Medical HELP ensures that students leave the program feeling more prepared, confident, and capable of handling the challenges of medical school.

Lifelong Skills, Long-Term Results

By combining structured learning with individualized attention, Medical HELP fosters academic achievement and personal growth through:

• Active learning techniques: Students learn how to engage with complex material on a deeper level. 
• Time management strategies: Students learn how to stay organized and productive under pressure (a skill that can be used in many other aspects of their lives).
• Test-taking tactics: Students learn how to believe in their ability to demonstrate their knowledge and approach exams with confidence.
• Mindfulness practices: Through mindfulness, students learn how to manage stress and maintain focus even in the toughest of times.
• Personalized support: One-on-one tutoring and coaching allows students to learn and grow in a manner that best suits their needs without the pressure of feeling like they’re “holding up” others or “falling behind.”

These skills help students develop the discipline and resilience required to succeed in medical school and their future professional fields while nurturing their unique learning styles in a safe and supportive environment.

Expanding Access to Education at Marshall University

Brad D. Smith maintains a vision for Marshall University that extends beyond the classroom. Continued support of programs like Medical HELP reflect a larger commitment to education as a catalyst for change, ensuring that students from all walks of life have access to specialized support, regardless of where they started or where they want to go.

This mission and vision are reflected in other transformative initiatives that are reshaping educational access throughout the Mountain State, including:

• Marshall For All, Marshall Forever: Established to further Marshall University’s commitment to making higher education accessible and affordable for all through a unique blend of grants, scholarships, and work opportunities, Marshall For All was first introduced to ensure no student graduating from Marshall would leave with student loan debt. The program has now expanded its offerings to include “Marshall For All: Tuition-Free WV” for eligible students, providing full tuition coverage with no loans required. 
• Metro Tuition Program: Over 100 neighboring counties to West Virginia in Kentucky and Ohio will now be offered in-state tuition to attend Marshall University.
• Ascend West Virginia (WV) and First Ascent: Both Ascend WV and First Ascent are designed to bring and retain talent into the state, foster economic growth, and create opportunities for professionals in West Virginia to thrive.
• The Student Incubator: The Brad D. Smith Student Incubator empowers student entrepreneurs with the resources, mentorship, and funding to turn their ideas into businesses that promote economic growth throughout the state. 
• The Cabell Commitment Plan: President Brad D. Smith and Cabell County School Superintendent Dr. Ryan Saxe introduced the “Cabell Commitment” plan to continue to expand educational opportunities throughout West Virginia. Through this initiative, any senior with a GPA of 2.5 or higher will be automatically admitted to Marshall University – eliminating the need for an application and easing the path to higher education.

Much like the initiatives mentioned above, Medical HELP goes beyond education – it’s about transformation. “Removing barriers to education” means providing West Virginians and students nationwide with the support, guidance, and opportunities they need to reach their full potential.

2025 Course Schedule & How to Apply

The next 4-week Medical HELP session runs from April 28 to May 23, 2025. Students preparing for medical school who are interested in refining their study strategies and improving their test performance are encouraged to apply.

Marshall University also offers other summer healthcare programs designed to give students early exposure to the field, including:

• The Health Care Pathways Initiative (HCPI): The application deadline for this program is April 25, 2025. 
• Project PREMED: The application deadline for this program is May 2, 2025.

These programs provide mentorship, hands-on experiences, and academic support for students considering a career in healthcare.

Flexible Program Options

Understanding that every student’s journey is different, Medical HELP offers flexible learning formats and affordable fee structures to fit individual needs:

Building a Stronger Future for West Virginians Through Education

Brad D. Smith’s leadership at Marshall University is grounded in the belief that education is the foundation for opportunity. By investing in programs like Medical HELP, the university is not only preparing students for successful careers but is strengthening West Virginia’s position as a leader in education, healthcare, and economic growth.

For students aspiring to make a difference in the medical field, Medical HELP provides the tools, mentorship, and structure to help them succeed – because when one student succeeds, an entire community benefits.

Learn more about the Medical HELP Program and the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine. Make sure to follow President Brad D. Smith on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to stay up-to-date on upcoming events, educational initiatives, and economic growth opportunities.