VCOM 2019 Annual Report

VCOM’s Power of Purpose is evident in our academic programs and proven in our outcomes. W e are preparing globally-minded, community-focused physicians to meet the needs of rural and medically underserved populations and promote research to improve human health.

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“ It is wonderful what great strides can be made when there is a resolute purpose behind them. ” Winston Churchill

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6

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Introduction Message from the President and Provost Chairman’s Message

Students Messages from the Campus Deans A Look at Osteopathic Medicine

Our Educational Programs, Successes and Outcomes Rural and Community-Based Clinical Education Graduate Medical Education

Board of Directors History of VCOM Our Campuses

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Table of Contents 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

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114

72

Outreach Rural Community Outreach

Alumni & Friends Alumni Returning to the Mission for Residency and Practice Alumni Association Advisory Boards Friends of VCOM Scholarships, Grants and Endowments Donors

Research Research Overview Collaborative Research Funded Research

International Medical Outreach and Clinics in the Dominican Republic, Honduras and El Salvador Alumni and Residents Serving in International Clinics and Medical Outreach

Via Research Day on each campus Published Scholarly Activities of Faculty, Staff and Students

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MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT AND PROVOST Guided by a Purpose DIXIE TOOKE-RAWLINS, DO, FACOFP

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V COM’s Mission to train physicians improve human health acts as the College’s compass, guiding us every step of the way, from the admissions process to graduate medical education programs, and it is clearly seen in our student and alumni outcomes. The commitment to rural health is evident in our admissions process, with 22% of our students coming from rural communities of less than 10,000 and 47% from communities of less than 30,000. Our diversity outcomes also demonstrate this for rural and medically underserved populations and to provide research to

underserved communities upon completion of residency, and 64% practice in our target area in an Appalachian county or city. At the time of this publication, we are only able to provide outcomes on the alumni practices of the Virginia graduates, as the first Carolinas alumni began completing residency in 2018 and 2019. We anticipate the same commitment of the Carolinas campus alumni and the same outcomes for practice locations, returning to North and South Carolina, and bordering states, establishing practices in the Appalachian and Delta regions. In Alabama,

the first class will graduate and enter residency in 2019. Alabama is a state that ranks 45 th to 49 th for per-capita primary care physicians and for health outcomes of its citizens. Our graduates, as residents, are set to positively impact these numbers and

commitment, as indicated by VCOM’s #3 ranking in US News and World Report for number of African American Students enrolled. Furthermore, VCOM is #4 in the United States for Hispanic students enrolled.

“ Efforts and courage are not enough without purpose and direction. ” John F. Kennedy

make a direct impact on Alabama’s public health. Each year, 64 to 70% of our graduates enter primary care residencies, ranking 5 th in the nation in U.S. News and World Report. The compass that guides our success is the strength of this mission and a vision for healthier Appalachian and Delta regions. It points to a future where every person has access to good medical care and good health, regardless of the size of the community where they live, their diverse backgrounds or their socioeconomic status. Join us in celebrating the success of VCOM outcomes for the 2018– 2019 academic year!

With the Mission as our compass, the first two years at VCOM focus on understanding health and anatomical and physiological functions, the prevention of disease and maintenance of health. The material incorporates the osteopathic philosophy of caring for the whole patient. Third- and fourth-year students gain clinical education experience in hospitals, where students see the value of the relationship between the physician and patient first hand. VCOM community outreach programs show students the value of a purposeful medical career. Consequently, 65% of our graduates now work in medically

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A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT AND PROVOST

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN Our Purpose is to Ensure Excellence in Medical Education JOHN G. ROCOVICH JR., JD, LLM F rom its founding, the purpose of the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) has been to alleviate the shortage of physicians in Southwest Virginia and the southern Appalachian region. As this need has become greater and more urgent in surrounding regions, the College has expanded across the southern United States. One of the VCOM Board of Directors’ main purposes is to support the administration’s recruitment of great minds for leadership positions, which serves to bolster the College’s forward momentum in medical education and biomedical research. The board also serves to ensure the College maintains a secure financial position, enabling it to provide an excellent medical education in some of the most modern and innovative campus facilities in our country. Over two-thirds of the more than 3,100 physicians who have graduated from all VCOM campuses since 2007 have returned to Appalachian states for their first practices, and more than half of them go into primary care practice. The VCOM Board of Directors and Campus Advisory Boards have overseen a mission that has moved from the realm of ideas to the reality of thousands of physicians returning to rural and medically underserved communities. Thanks to excellent leadership, as well as outstanding students and faculty who embody the very purpose of VCOM, our mission moves forward.

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VCOM College-wide Board of Directors

John G. Rocovich Jr., JD, LLM Chairman

Dixie Tooke-Rawlins, DO, FACOFP President and Provost

James F. Wolfe, PhD President Emeritus

Thomas R. Brock Jr., MBA Representative, College-wide Board General Electric, retired

Jimmy Gibbs Representative, Carolinas Advisory Board; Founder and Chairman of Gibbs International, Inc.

Neal Castagnoli Jr., PhD Representative,Virginia Advisory Board; Virginia Tech Research, retired

Nick J. Bruno, PhD Representative, Louisiana Advisory Board; President, University of Louisiana at Monroe

Bruce Holstien President and CEO, Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System

Gov. James C. Justice II, MBA Representative, College-wide Board

Roy E. Heaton, DO Representative,Virginia Advisory Board; VOMA

Steven Leath, PhD Representative,Auburn Advisory Board; President,Auburn University

Randal J. Kirk, JD Representative, College-wide Board; Chairman and CEO of Intrexon Corporation

Raymond D. Smoot, PhD Finance Representative for the Board

Daniel A. Wubah, PhD Educational Advisor to the Board; President of Millersville University of Pennsylvania

Sue Ellen B. Rocovich, DO, PhD Secretary, College-wide Board

Jimmy Sanford Representative,Auburn Advisory Board; Auburn University Research Advisory Board

William D. Thomas, DO Alumni Representative; Alumni Association President, Class of 2007 VCOM Faculty Member

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Carolinas Advisory Board

John G. Rocovich Jr., JD, LLM, Chairman Dixie Tooke-Rawlins, DO, FACOFP, President and Provost

Timothy J. Kowalski, DO, FACN Dean,VCOM-Carolinas

Ingo Angermeier Retired President and CEO, Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System

Graham Adams, PhD CEO, South Carolina Office of Rural Health

NEW PHOTO

Marlon Hunter CEO of ReGenesis Health Care

William Barnet III CEO of William Barnet & Son, Inc.

Jimmy Gibbs Founder and Chairman of Gibbs International, Inc.

A. Alan Turfe, MBA CEO and Chairman, JM Smith Corporation

Bruce Holstien President and CEO, Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System

“ The secret of success is constancy to purpose. ” Benjamin Disraeli

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Auburn Advisory Board

John G. Rocovich Jr., JD, LLM, Chairman Dixie Tooke-Rawlins, DO, FACOFP, President and Provost

Elizabeth A. Palmarozzi, DO, FACOFP Dean,VCOM-Auburn

Mark Baker CEO, Jack Hughston Memorial Hospital

Martin J. Bonick CEO, PhyMed Healthcare Group

Laura Grill President and CEO East Alabama Medical Center

William G. Anderson, DO Founding Board Member-VCOM

Thom Gossum, Jr. Chair of the Auburn University Foundation Board

L. Keith Granger Regional President and Market CEO, CHS – Alabama

Jimmy Sanford Auburn University Trustee

Bill Hardgrave, PhD Provost,Auburn University

Ray Morrison, DO, FACOS Dean,VCOM-Louisiana

Nick J. Bruno, PhD Representative, Louisiana Advisory Board; President, University of Louisiana at Monroe

P. Gary Jones, MD CEO, Chief Medical Officer Vantage Health Plan & Affinity Health Group

Scott McDonald Chief Administrative Officer and Interim Athletic Director, University of Louisiana at Monroe

Louisiana Advisory Board

John G. Rocovich Jr., JD, LLM, Chairman Dixie Tooke-Rawlins, DO, FACOFP, President and Provost

(not shown)

Randy Morris Administrator/Owner, West Carroll Health Systems;

Kristin Wolkart, President and CEO St. Francis Medical Center

Ed Williams Executive Director Louisiana Osteopathic Medical Association

Chairman of the Board, Rural Hospital Coalition

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS

A BRIEF TIMELINE OF Our History

2001

Charter established for the College.

2003

First campus opens to inaugural Class of 2007.

Opening of the first year- round permanent VCOM Clinic in Verón, Dominican Republic. Partnerships in El Salvador and Honduras established.

2006

2007

Inaugural class graduates from VCOM-Virginia.

History of the College A fter the leaders of the Harvey W. and determined that there was an extreme healthcare deficiency in the southwest part of the state, the decision to establish the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) was made. A 2002 national study also estimated a shortage of more than 100,000 physicians by 2020. Plans to establish the College moved forward under the leadership of John G. Rocovich, Jr. JD, LLM and his wife, Sue Ellen Rocovich, DO, PhD. Peters Research Foundation studied the healthcare needs of Virginia

Initially funded by the Harvey W. Peters Research Center, founded by the late Marion Bradley Via to benefit Virginia Tech and southwest Virginia, VCOM is a non-profit, private 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Prior to establishing VCOM, the Harvey W. Peters Research Center benefited from contributions by Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Peters and substantial growth in its investment portfolio. Marion Bradley Via’s son, Edward Via, has been instrumental in funding this initiative.

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Purposeful Placement for Primary Care

V COM’s initial vision was to provide Virginia and the greater Appalachian Region and to promote joint biomedical research with Virginia Tech. Under a public/private partnership between VCOM and Virginia Tech, the College opened its doors to the first students in Blacksburg, Virginia in the fall of 2003 and graduated its first class in 2007. Between 2007 and 2016, VCOM Alumni completed residencies, and 323 have settled in Virginia with over a third of those in the Southwest region. This has moved the needle from Virginia ranking 38th in the country for primary care physicians per population to eighth in the country in 2018. In 2010, VCOM founded a second campus in collaboration with Spartanburg Regional Health System to address the healthcare shortages healthcare for the southwest and other medically underserved regions of

in the upstate region of South Carolina. The first students began their medical education at VCOM–Carolinas in the fall of 2011, and the campus graduated its first class in 2015. Alumni are beginning to establish medical practices in the state. Auburn University administration learned of the success of the VCOM/VT collaboration and formed a public/private collaboration to open a VCOM campus at Auburn University. VCOM-Auburn's inaugural class began in 2015 and graduated in May 2019. These graduates, who are entering residency this year, will move the needle for healthcare in Alabama, which currently ranks in the 45th- 50th percentiles for most healthcare outcomes. In a collaborative public/private partnership with the University of Louisiana-Monroe, VCOM broke ground on a new campus in 2018. The VCOM-Louisiana campus will address the physician shortage in the state, which currently ranks 39th in the U.S. for per capita primary care physicians. Plans are to open the campus in the summer of 2020.

2011

Inaugural class begins at VCOM-Carolinas.

The first class of students matriculate at VCOM-Auburn.

2015

2018

Ground broken for VCOM-Louisiana.

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HISTORY AND CAMPUSES

THE VCOM TARGET REGIONS AND Campuses

Pennsylvania

Ohio

Indiana

Maryland

Illinois

West Virginia

Missouri

Virginia

Blacksburg

Kentucky

North Carolina

Tennessee

Oklahoma

Spartanburg

Arkansas

South Carolina

Alabama

Auburn

Mississippi

Georgia

Monroe

Texas

Louisiana

Florida

VCOM’s target regions for recruiting students from and returning physicians to:

The target Appalachian region

The target Delta region

Target states with primary and rural medicine shortages

★ Our Campuses

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Virginia – The first VCOM campus opened to classes in 2003, as a public/private collaborative partnership between VCOM-Virginia and Virginia Tech. This partnership has created a medical education continuum that ranges from premedical education at Virginia Tech, to a medical degree from VCOM, to established residency programs in Blacksburg, Roanoke/Salem, Abingdon and Danville, and Bluefield. The research programs between VCOM and Virginia Tech have brought in over 50 million dollars in funding. Carolinas – The first class matriculated to the campus located in Spartanburg, South Carolina in 2011. The College is a part of the College Town Initiative developed by the City of Spartanburg to support and connect the seven colleges in the area. Social and community service activities are available for students to feel at home in this revitalized community. Research partnerships include the Gibbs Cancer Center with Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System. Auburn – VCOM has a collaborative public/ private partnership with Auburn University, promoting a medical education continuum and success in research. VCOM is establishing graduate medical education programs in partnership with several Alabama hospitals. This campus, opened in 2015, is located in Auburn, Alabama, a university town known as “the loveliest village on the plains.” VCOM-Auburn’s first class graduated in 2019. Louisiana – The VCOM-Louisiana campus will be located in a beautiful setting along the Bayou DeSiard on the University of Louisiana-Monroe (ULM) campus next to ULM's athletic grounds. A walking path along the bayou will provide easy access to the ULM campus and shared resources. The 100,000 sq. ft. VCOM campus, situated on 10-acres, is currently under construction.

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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Students

“ What is success? I think it is a mixture of having a flair for the thing that you are doing; knowing that it is not enough,

that you have got to have hard work and a certain sense of purpose. ” Margaret Thatcher

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VCOM-Virginia

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MESSAGE FROM THE VIRGINIA DEAN Fulfilling Our Purpose JAN M. WILLCOX, DO, FACOFP N early two decades ago, the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) was founded with a specific purpose of developing and empowering physicians to provide extraordinary healthcare and leadership in rural and medically underserved areas that face the greatest need such as Southwest Virginia and the southern Appalachian region. Our Mission is accomplished by recruiting students from rural areas, training in rural and underserved areas and then returning physicians to their home communities to practice medicine. Almost 90% of VCOM medical students come from at-risk, distressed or transitional counties in Appalachia, and 22% hail from communities of less than 10,000 population. More than 2,200 VCOM-Virginia alumni have been added to the physician workforce since 2007. Additionally, more than 77% of VCOM alumni and residents practice in a county classified as at-risk, distressed or transitional. Demonstrating their commitment to the Mission, more than 100 alumni have returned to our rural and underserved sites as clinical teaching faculty. Nearly 40% of our graduates are practicing in rural or medically underserved areas in Virginia. Our Global Physician Initiative has included more than 100 alumni mentoring students at VCOM’s international clinic sites in Honduras, El Salvador and the Dominican Republic. I am proud of VCOM-Virginia and the other VCOM campuses as we fulfill our inspired purpose of bringing physicians to those most in need.

178 graduates in the

VCOM-Virginia Class of 2019

2,201 physicians have graduated from VCOM-Virginia since 2007

54 % of Virginia Alumni have entered Primary Care practice Classes of 2007-2013 VCOM Outcomes Report

64 % of graduates practice in a rural or medically underserved region

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THE VCOM CAMPUSES

VCOM-Carolinas

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MESSAGE FROM THE CAROLINAS DEAN Wellness in our Neighborhood TIMOTHY J. KOWALSKI, DO, FACN V COM’s mission to remedy physician shortages in rural and underserved communities is brought to life by our students, heavily recruited from the Appalachian region and other small communities who share a passion to serve. These individuals are more likely to seek primary care practice and specialties in service to areas where physician distribution is limited. It is this sense of purpose that drives all of our students, as well as faculty and staff, and ensures the success of our mission. Once a vital textile manufacturing community, Spartanburg’s Northside had declined. For the better part of the last decade, VCOM, in partnership with Northside Development, has revitalized the neighborhood. I am proud that VCOM has been instrumental in this renaissance in Spartanburg. Our selection of the site of the historic Spartan Mills, represented by its majestic smokestack, and investment in the campus and neighborhood has provided an impetus for Spartanburg’s Northside Initiative. The progress continues with a new mixed- use development, in partnership the nonprofit Northside Development Group, Wofford College and VCOM that includes housing, office space, and a free-standing teaching health clinic that will enhance the health and wellness in our neighborhood.

158 graduates in the VCOM-Carolinas Class of 2019

771 total physicians have graduated from VCOM-Carolinas since 2015

A new teaching medical clinic under construction across from the campus will enable VCOM to enhance the health and

wellness in the neighborhood

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THE VCOM CAMPUSES

VCOM-Auburn

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MESSAGE FROM THE AUBURN DEAN Serving our Community ELIZABETH A. PALMAROZZI, DO, FACOFP

A n important step towards alleviating the physician shortage in Alabama and beyond will take place this May at VCOM-Auburn. In what seems like a blink, four years have sped by, and our inaugural class of 2019 will be graduating and moving on to their residencies. Though work to educate subsequent classes continues, this is a particularly special milestone for all of the people here on campus to reflect upon. In partnership with Auburn University, VCOM established the Auburn campus in 2015 to address a serious physician shortage in the state of Alabama. According to statistics, 60 of Alabama’s 67 counties suffer a shortage of primary care physicians. Additionally, Alabamians suffer from a higher than average rate of chronic conditions. The need in Alabama and beyond is obvious, and our purpose is clear. We are constantly working to recruit students from rural and underserved areas in hope that they will return home to serve their community and improve health outcomes. The dedication of our students can be seen throughout the Auburn/Opelika area in early clinical experiences, health fairs, free clinics, community education and while on rotations in local medical care facilities. Especially uplifting is the amount of work these busy medical students dedicate to local charitable organizations and efforts, including their commitment in working to assist the victims of the tornadoes that tore through Lee County on March 3, 2019. Community involvement is an important aspect of academics and student life at VCOM-Auburn.

153 Graduates in the

VCOM-Auburn Class of 2019

Only an estimated 73 % of Alabama’s current need for primary care physicians has been met

99 % of students in VCOM- Auburn’s inaugural class matched

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THE VCOM CAMPUSES

VCOM-Louisiana

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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

The Power of Touch A Look at Osteopathic Medicine

What is a DO? In the United States, physicians may hold either the Doctor of Medicine degree (MD) or the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree (DO). MDs and DOs have equivalent rights, privileges and responsibilities and are licensed to practice the full scope of medicine, including to perform surgery and prescribe medicine. Healing the Whole Person While much of the curricula at osteopathic medical schools is virtually identical to those at schools granting the MD degree, the notable differences are that DO schools provide an additional 300 hours in the study of hands-on manual examination and treatment of the body’s musculoskeletal system. The interconnected system of nerves, muscles and bones that house the rest of the body is important in the health and wellness of each person. The Hands-On Approach Osteopathic physicians look at the whole person, considering how all the body’s systems work together to prevent or treat health issues. Using osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM), a DO is able to manipulate the bones and muscles for a safe and

effective treatment, without surgery or medication, for a wide variety of ailments.

Looking Beyond the Symptoms DOs examine the whole patient. DOs partner with patients to help prevent illness and injury, using their hands to aid in diagnosis and to increase the body’s natural tendency toward self-healing.

Top-of-the-Line Care When DOs combine this knowledge with the latest advances in medical technology, they offer patients the most

comprehensive care available in medicine today.

Approximately 114,000 fully licensed active osteopathic physicians currently practice

1 in every 4 medical students in the U.S. attend an osteopathic medical school

the entire scope of modern medicine.

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FACT: Osteopathic physicians can choose any specialty, prescribe drugs, perform surgeries and practice medicine anywhere in the United States.

FACT: Many DOs fill a critical need for health care by practicing in rural and other underserved communities.

more than 6,500 new osteopathic physicians enter the workforce each year

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THE DO PROGRAM

The Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Program

Our Mission and Values The United States is currently experiencing a physician shortage that is only expected to get worse. By 2020, it’s estimated there will be a shortage of 100,000 physicians. VCOM’s goal is to recruit students from rural areas where these shortages are felt the hardest, provide a well-rounded, service-oriented medical education, and return these students as primary care doctors in the communities that need them the most. About VCOM VCOM is a four-year private medical school that offers the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree. The heart of the college is its Mission to prepare globally-minded, community focused physicians for rural and medically underserved areas, and to improve human health especially of those most in need.

Recruiting for Success As part of VCOM’s successful commitment to lessen the shortage of physicians, the College recruits students from, provides training in and returns skillful physicians to provide care in medically underserved areas, especially those in the southern Appalachian region and the southeastern United States. As a result of this targeted recruitment, the majority of students are from states in VCOM’s target recruitment region. Prospective students often say they are drawn to the College’s mission, which inspires them to provide care for those most in need.

47 % of VCOM students are from rural communities with populations under 30,000 (Classes of 2019-2022)

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Student Home Locations in Target Regions Classes of 2007-2021

80 % of all VCOM students are from our Target Region

Pennsylvania

Ohio

Illinois

Indiana

New Jersey

Delaware

West Virginia

Missouri

Virginia

Kentucky

Oklahoma

Tennessee

Arkansas

North Carolina

Alabama

Mississippi

South Carolina

Georgia

Auburn Campus (591) Carolinas Campus (1,069) Virginia Campus (2,193) Ohio Pennsylvania Indiana Illinois New Jersey

Texas

Delaware

West Virginia

Missouri

Louisiana

Virginia

Appalachian region Delta region Targeted states Georgia Alabama Mississippi Tennessee Kentucky

Oklahoma

Arkansas

NorthCarolina

SouthCarolina

Texas

Louisiana

Florida

Map data generated by the National Center for the Analysis of Healthcare Data March 2019 www.NCAHD.org

Florida

Students by Target States Matriculated Classes of 2019-2022

Rural Students by Community Size Matriculated Classes of 2019-2022

500

600

25%

406

24%

400

500

22%

400

300

15% 15%

300

198 216

200

180

200

114

97

86 86

100

100

17 29 22

5

0

0

<10K 10-30K 30-50K 50-100K >100K

AL

FL

GA KY

LA

MS

NC SC TN

TX

VA WV

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THE DO PROGRAM

COMLEX Level 1 % First Attempt Pass Rate Classes of 2016 to 2019

97 96

100

96 98 93

95

94 94 94 91

93

93 96

87

20 10 30 40 50 60 70 80 90

A CurriculumDesigned for Success Years 1 & 2: The foundation of VCOM’s carefully curated block-style curriculum explores each body system to highlight the core areas of medicine. Students are also introduced to and led through clinical experiences by faculty. Hands-on training activities help students to become fully aware of the communities they will affect and helps with communication skills early on. Years 3 & 4: In the third year, students move through 10 core clinical rotations at College-affiliated hospitals and practices. This gives them a look at most specialties available to them and shows them up-close the inner-workings of medical practices. In the fourth year, they choose specific rotation sites and specialties that are of interest to them. This enables students to get a clear idea of their upcoming career paths. Support: Students do not go through any of these steps alone. At VCOM, students are encouraged with the support of our collaborative campus community and resources offered by the Center for Institutional, Faculty and Student Success. The Center advances the quality of medical education at VCOM, offering

0

2017

2018

2019

2020 In Progress

National Mean

VCOM–Virginia

VCOM–Carolinas

VCOM–Auburn

COMLEX Level 2 CE % First Attempt Pass Rate Classes of 2016 to 2019

98

97

100

96 95 96

94

93 96 96

93

92

92

91

20 10 30 40 50 60 70 80 90

0

2016

2017

2018

2019 In Progress

National Mean

VCOM–Virginia

VCOM–Carolinas

VCOM–Auburn

COMLEX Level 2 PE % First Attempt Pass Rate Classes of 2016 to 2019

97 96

97 97

100

93

93 95 94

93

20 10 30 40 50 60 70 80 90

encouragement and support at all levels to champion educational excellence. The success of VCOM students is a point of pride not just for them, but

0

2016

2017

2018

2019 In Progress

everyone at VCOM is proud to play a role in fulfilling our Mission.

National Mean

VCOM–Virginia

VCOM–Carolinas

Attrition Rate 3.8 % Classes of 2007 to 2021

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# 4

Recognized as a leader in recruitment for African American Enrollment

in the nation’s medical schools for the enrollment of Hispanic and Latino students based on 2018 enrollment data from AACOM.org and AAMC.org

Recruiting for Diversity V COM values and affirms that diversity contributes richness to the College and enhances the quality of medical education producing better doctors overall. VCOM recognizes the lack of medical care available to minority populations and actively recruits minority students who are underrepresented in healthcare. The United States population is becoming increasingly diverse, and VCOM seeks a student body that will meet the needs of an ever-changing society. Addressing Inclusion of Minorities Underrepresented in Medicine VCOM has initiated successful programs to increase the diversity of the student body and future healthcare workforce. We believe diversity initiatives must also include regions that are medically underserved in order to provide the care these areas need and deserve. Each campus has robust student life programs and student organizations that support student diversity and promote social activities and health education programs.

VCOM has received National Awards from Minority Access, Inc. eight years in a row!

Ethnic Diversity Classes of 2019 to 2022

14 % Average Underrepresented Minority Classes of 2007-2021

Native Hawaiian/Paci c Islander American Indian/Alaskan Native

.4% .8% .8% 6% 8% 17% 67%

Race/Ethnicity Unknown Black/African American Hispanic of any race

Asian White

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THE DO PROGRAM

Elevating a Student’s Potential for Success V COM partnered with Bluefield College to elevate its successful Graduate Certificate Program into a Master of Arts in Biomedical Sciences (MABS). The program’s curriculum is focused on biomedical sciences with a strong emphasis on human medicine and clinical applications. Master of Arts in Biomedical Sciences

field study and seminars in professional development. The program is located on VCOM’s campus in Blacksburg, Virginia. This program is attractive for individuals from rural areas, low socioeconomic status backgrounds and underrepresented minorities, although acceptance is not limited to individuals from these groups. Students who successfully complete all requirements, and meet academic and individual performance benchmarks in the MABS program, are guaranteed admission to the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) program on one of the VCOM campuses, unlike similar programs that only guarantee an interview.

The primary purpose of the MABS program is to allow students to enhance their academics and gain acceptance into a medical school or other health science schools. The rigorous nine-month, 35-credit-hour classroom curriculum has an emphasis on biomedical coursework, research experience,

One advantage of the MABS program is a nine-month Master’s program instead of a two-year program,

like some other institutions offer.

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“ There is one quality which one must possess to win, and that is definiteness of purpose, the knowledge of what one wants, and a burning desire to possess it. ” Napoleon Hill

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PREMEDICAL MASTER OF ARTS PROGRAM

Rural and Community-Based Education

V COM provides clinical instruction to its third- and fourth-year medical students by partnering with community-based hospitals throughout Appalachia and beyond. Through exposure to rural and medically underserved areas, students receive significant hands-on clinical training where they also gain an appreciation for the many rewards of rural medicine. Students spend six of the nine months of their third year in community- based hospitals that hold 100 to 400 beds. They spend a minimum of three months in affiliated practices where core primary care training is available.

West Virginia

21

19

14

Virginia

8 9 10

13 12

1

16

26

20

15

4

5

11

25

2

6

7

27

3

18

17

North Carolina

24

22

23 28

41

30

46

42

44

32 31

29

33

38

47

36

34

37

40

35

Alabama

South Carolina

Georgia

50

45

39

VCOM–Virginia VCOM–Carolinas VCOM–Auburn

43 48

49

51

52

Working under the guidance of faculty physicians at these clinical sites, students are well prepared for the rotations of the fourth year. These sites provide exposure to a more traditional academic health center and residency structure.

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Florida

54

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Clinical Training Sites*

SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA REGION 1. Bluefield Regional Medical Center, Bluefield, WV 2. Wythe County Community Hospital, Wytheville, VA 3. Mountain States Health Alliance - Johnston Memorial Hospital, Abingdon, VA Affiliated Training Sites 4. Carilion Tazewell Community Hospital, Tazewell, VA 5. Clinch Valley Medical Center, Richlands, VA 6. Mountain States Health Alliance - Russell County Medical Center, Lebanon, VA 7. Mountain States Health Alliance - Smyth County Community Hospital, Marion, VA NEW RIVER VALLEY VIRGINIA REGION 8. Carilion New River Valley Medical Center, Christiansburg, VA 9. LewisGale Hospital Montgomery, Blacksburg, VA Affiliated Training Sites 10. Carilion Giles Community Hospital, Pearisburg, VA 11. LewisGale Hospital Pulaski, Pulaski, VA ROANOKE VALLEY VIRGINIA REGION 12. Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, Roanoke, VA 13. LewisGale Medical Center, Salem, VA Affiliated Training Sites 14. LewisGale Hospital Alleghany, Low Moor, VA 15. Salem Veteran’s Medical Center, Salem, VA SOUTHSIDE VIRGINIA REGION 16. Centra Southside Community Hospital, Farmville, VA 17. Danville Regional Medical Center, Danville, VA 18. Sentara Halifax Regional Health System, South Boston, VA

EASTERN VIRGINIA REGION 19. Augusta Health, Fisherville, VA 20. Riverside Regional Medical Center, Newport News, VA NORTHERN VIRGINIA REGION 21. Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center, Fredericksburg, VA NORTH CAROLINA REGION 22. Asheville VA and Pardee Hospital, Asheville, NC 23. Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, Fayetteville, NC 24. W.G. “Bill” Hefner Veterans Hospital, Salisbury, NC ARMED FORCES AND VETERANS ADMINISTRATION AFFILIATED SITES 25. 633rd Medical Group Langley Air Force Base, Hampton, VA 26. Kenner Army Health Clinic, Fort Lee, VA 27. Naval Medical Center at Portsmouth, Portsmouth, VA 28. Womack Army Medical Center, Fayetteville, NC UPSTATE SOUTH CAROLINA REGION 29. AnMed Health, Anderson, SC 30. Bon Secours St. Francis Health System, Greenville, SC 31. Mary Black Health System, Spartanburg, SC 32. Spartanburg Regional Medical Center, Spartanburg, SC CENTRAL SOUTH CAROLINA REGION 33. Newberry County Hospital, Newberry, SC 34. Palmetto Health Tuomey, Sumter, SC 35. Regional Center of Orangeburg, Orangeburg, SC

EASTERN SOUTH CAROLINA REGION 37. Grand Strand Regional Medical Center, Myrtle Beach, SC 38. McLeod Regional Medical Center, Florence, SC 39. Roper St. Francis, Charleston, SC 40. Aiken Regional Medical Center, Aiken, SC CHARLOTTE-AREA CAROLINAS REGION 41. Piedmont Medical Center, Rock Hill, SC 42. Springs Memorial Hospital, Lancaster, SC ALABAMA REGION 43. Columbus Regional Medical Center, Columbus, GA 44. Crestwood Medical Center, Huntsville, AL 45. East Alabama Medical Center, Opelika, AL 46. Helen Keller Hospital, Sheffield, AL 47. Gadsden Regional Medical Center, Gadsden, AL 48. Jack Hughston Memorial Hospital, Phenix City, AL 49. Medical Center Enterprise, Enterprise, AL 50. Russell Medical Center, Alexander City, AL 51. South Georgia Medical Center, Valdosta, GA FLORIDA REGION 52. Ft. Walton Beach Medical Center, Ft. Walton Beach, FL 53. Orange Park Medical Center, Jacksonville, FL 54. Wellington Regional Medical Center, Wellington, FL

Affiliated Training Sites 36. William Jennings Bryan Dorn VA Medical Center, Columbia, SC

* This information is subject to change. For an updated list of Clinical Hospital Sites, please visit www.vcom.edu.

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CORE Hospital Clinical Education Sites Clinical Training Sites - Virginia Campus

LewisGale Hospital Montgomery - HCA Virginia Blacksburg, Virginia

Ballad Health Johnston Memorial Hospital Abingdon, Virginia

LewisGale Medical Center - HCA Virginia Salem, Virginia

Carilion New River Valley Medical Center Christiansburg, Viginia

Sovah Health - Danville Regional Medical Center Danville, Virginia

Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital Roanoke, Virginia

Salem VA Medical Center Salem, Virginia

Sentara Halifax Regional Hospital South Boston, Virginia

Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center - HCA Virginia Fredericksburg, Virginia

Cape Fear Valley Medical Center Fayetteville, North Carolina

W.G. “Bill” Hefner Veterans Hospital and Novant Health System Salisbury, North Carolina

Riverside Regional Medical Center Newport News, Virginia

Augusta Health Fisherville, Virginia

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RURAL Hospital Affiliated Sites for Rural Primary Care Education

Ballad Health Russell County Medical Center Lebanon, Virginia

Carilion Tazewell Community Hospital Tazewell, Virginia

Carilion Giles Community Hospital Pearisburg, Virginia

Clinch Valley Medical Center Richlands, Virginia

LewisGale Hospital Allegheny - HCA Virginia Low Moor, Virginia

LewisGale Pulaski Hospital - HCA Virginia Pulaski, Virginia

Ballad Health Smyth County Community Hospital Marion, Virginia

Wythe County Community Hospital Wytheville, Virginia

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Clinical Training Sites - Carolinas Campus Core Hospital Clinical Education Sites

Bon Secours St. Francis Health System Greenville, South Carolina

Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Spartanburg, South Carolina

Spartanburg Medical Center – Mary Black Campus Spartanburg, South Carolina

Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital Sumter, South Carolina

Grand Strand Medical Center HCA – South Atlantic Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Aiken Regional Medical Centers Aiken, South Carolina

Regional Medical Center Orangeburg, South Carolina

Roper St. Francis Hospital Charleston, South Carolina

Orange Park Medical Center Jacksonville, Florida

Springs Memorial Hospital Lancaster, South Carolina

Piedmont Medical Center Rock Hill, South Carolina

Charles George VA Medical Center Asheville, North Carolina

Wellington Regional Medical Center Wellington, Florida

Rural Hospital Affiliated Primary Care Education Sites

Cherokee Medical Center – Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Gaffney, South Carolina

Union Medical Center – Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Union, South Carolina

McLeod Regional Medical Center Florence, South Carolina

Newberry County Memorial Hospital Newberry, South Carolina

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Clinical Training Sites - Auburn Campus

Gadsden Regional Medical Center Gadsden, Alabama

Piedmont Columbus Regional Hospital Columbus, Georgia

Crestwood Medical Center Huntsville, Alabama

East Alabama Medical Center Opelika, Alabama

Russell Medical Center Alexander City, Alabama

South Georgia Medical Center Valdosta, Georgia

Jack Hughston Memorial Hospital Phenix City, Alabama

Medical Center Enterprise Enterprise, Alabama

Fort Walton Beach Medical Center Fort Walton Beach, Florida

Orange Park Medical Center Jacksonville, Florida

Wellington Regional Medical Center Wellington, Florida

Helen Keller Hospital Sheffield, Alabama

Additional VCOMAffiliated VA and Military Training Sites

Naval Medical Center Portsmouth Portsmouth, Virginia

Womack Army Medical Center Fayetteville, North Carolina

633rd Medical Group, Joint Base Langley-Eustis Hampton, Virginia

Kenner Army Health Clinic Fort Lee, Virginia

Martin Army Community Hospital Fort Benning, Georgia

William Jennings Bryan Dorn VA Medical Center Columbia, South Carolina

Keesler Medical Center Biloxi, Mississippi

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VCOMClass of 2019 Residency Match Celebrations I n March, Match Day brings together fourth-year students to celebrate and reconnect with fellow-classmates after two strenuous years of clinical rotations. In 2019, each campus hosted its own events, with VCOM-Auburn celebrating for the first time. VCOM graduates are among the top in the nation with 93% receiving their first choice of residency specialty. Between 64-70% of VCOM alumni enter primary care residencies after they

graduate, in keeping with the College Mission. Find out more about VCOM alumni and

Keeping with the “March Matchness” theme, students, faculty and staff at each campus enjoyed themselves at festive basketball- oriented events. After commencement, all medical school graduates in the United States are required to enter residency in a hospital for three to seven years, depending on the specialty.

where they practice in the Alumni & Friends section of this report.

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“ Success demands singleness of purpose. ” Vince Lombardi

The program provides state-of-the-art

Sports Medicine Care for Virginia Tech, Auburn University, Radford University and other athletes.

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T he VCOM Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship Program was established in 2004 to provide fellows with training to diagnose and manage medical illnesses and injuries of athletes in a Division I university setting as well as to serve all levels of athletes and patients with sports-related injuries. VCOM partners with Virginia Tech and Auburn University to offer hands-on experiences to fellows on the Virginia and Auburn campuses. VCOM has established a new Sports Medicine Clinic at Radford University (RU) where VCOM physicians and Radford athletic trainers provide state-of-the-art care for RU athletes. This fellowship program includes educational experiences necessary for participants to achieve the knowledge, motor skills, interpersonal skills, professional attitudes and practical experience required to successfully practice sports medicine. Working directly under sports medicine trained physicians, fellows have educational and clinical opportunities that include osteopathic manipulative medicine focused on athletes, ultrasound imaging for diagnosis of injuries, Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy and more. Sports Medicine Fellowships VCOM/Virginia Tech and VCOM/Auburn University Sports Medicine Fellowship Programs

VCOM’s fellows work with sports teams on a wide variety of levels including those at Virginia Tech, Radford University, Auburn University,

high school programs, club level teams and minor league teams as well. This access to players as patients gives fellows unrivaled hands-on experience.

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GRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION

T he VCOM–Virginia Osteopathic Neuromusculoskeletal ONMM2 Residency Program was initiated in response to the growing population of patients in need of osteopathic medical care. The ONMM program provides training in the development of osteopathic clinical skills needed to diagnose and manage illnesses and injuries. The ONMM program implements educational experiences necessary for the resident to achieve the knowledge, psychomotor skills, interpersonal skills, professional attitudes and practical experience required of the ONMM specialist physician. VCOM faculty provide educational and clinical opportunities designed to allow the resident to assume progressive responsibility for patient care. ONMM2 Residency VCOM-Virginia residency created in response to growing need for care

This program emphasizes osteopathic medicine as a philosophy to be applied to medical practice along with a strong knowledge of anatomy and physiology – making students all around better physicians. The program fosters both academic and research growth to develop physicians who can confidently serve as program directors and researchers in osteopathic neuromusculoskeletal medicine.

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GRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION

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Outreach “ The important thing is that one should have a purpose in life. It should be something useful, something good. ” Dalai Lama

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“ Having a purpose

makes it impossible to merely exist . ”

Lydia Sweatt

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The Purpose of Rural Outreach A n important part of VCOM’s purpose and Mission is ensuring that its students are “globally-minded [and] community-focused.” For students who hope to someday return to rural areas as physicians, the outreach programs built into the curriculum provide them with rewarding service

From the time they commence their medical education, VCOM students gain skills in patient-centered medicine through outreach activities in the communities around the campuses as well as regionally. Beginning in their first year, VCOM students are actively involved in public health, participating in local health fairs, free screening events, community health clinics, prevention education programs, mini-medical schools at rural high schools and other learning opportunities within the community, all while receiving instruction from experienced faculty and staff. Throughout their second year of medical school, VCOM students take part in weekly Interprofessional Early Clinical Experiences (IECEs), during which they work alongside faculty mentors and allied healthcare professionals including nurses, pharmacists, EMS personnel, athletic trainers and others. This practical experience helps to prepare second-year medical students for their third- year core clinical rotations, when a team approach to medical care is key. Collectively, these programs and clinics provide preventive services and health programs to hundreds of patients in areas where access to care is limited.

experiences in surrounding communities. These programs are designed to address healthcare disparities including those related to rural locations, minority populations, poverty and access to primary care. While teaching preventive care through outreach experiences, VCOM faculty seek not just to treat patients, but to guide students in improving the overall health of rural and underserved populations, reinforcing the VCOM Mission. Community Outreach Medical outreach experiences are a key component in educating students to meet

the healthcare needs in challenging environments. Through community

outreach, VCOM students experience the impact of providing care for patients who live in poor socioeconomic conditions.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

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