VCOM - 2019 Annual Report

MESSAGE FROM THE LOUISIANA DEAN A Powerful Need and Vision for the Delta Region RAY MORRISON, DO, FACOS A pproximately 81% of the state has been designated as a health professional shortage area by the Louisiana Department of Health. The National Workforce study places the state of Louisiana at a 19% deficit in per capita family practice physicians. Surrounding states are unable to assist Louisiana as they also struggle to provide primary care resources. And with the state’s ongoing population growth, there is a dire need for a significant increase in the number of primary care physicians. The University of Louisiana-Monroe (ULM), with the state’s only public school of pharmacy and multiple health science schools of nursing, kinesiology, physical therapy, occupational therapy and others, joins VCOM in a collaboration to shape the next generation of healthcare professionals in the state. VCOM students will be educated according to osteopathic principles, which enable them to treat the whole person: mind, body and spirit. Recruited heavily from the surrounding region, VCOM students often express a desire to return to their home communities to practice medicine. VCOM’s humanitarian mission to serve rural and medically underserved populations places the College in an ideal position to address Louisiana’s need. Because of VCOM’s commitment to supporting communities most in need, developing and running the school will be done at no cost to the taxpayers of Louisiana. Additionally, further positive effects include an immediate cost benefit to the local community and broader region to the tune of 65-80 million dollars in economic impact.

81 % of Louisiana has been designated as a health professions shortage area

The new VCOM-Louisiana campus building will house over 100,000 sq. ft. of classrooms, offices and labs

$ 0 VCOM-Louisiana has a public/private collaboration with the University of Louisiana- Monroe, with no cost to the Louisiana taxpayers for building and operations

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THE VCOM CAMPUSES