VCOM 2016 Annual Report

Appalachian Outreach

M edical students and their skills in providing patient-centered medicine through outreach activities that serve the Appalachian region. Second-year students at VCOM–Virginia and VCOM– Carolinas are actively involved in community outreach, providing education for rural high school students through faculty at VCOM enhance

students who are interested in pursuing healthcare careers.

Mini-Med School events. During each Mini-Med School experience, medical students use a scientific approach to focus on prevention and emphasize the consequences of high-risk behaviors. Students and faculty also volunteer with Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programs at local schools to share their experience with

Through Appalachian outreach, VCOM students gain experience in public and environmental health, as well as caring for patients in poor socioeconomic conditions. Medical outreach experiences are a key component in teaching students to provide healthcare in challenging environments.

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