VCOM 2019 Annual Report

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