VCOM 2020 Annual Report

The Future Of Primary Care In The Southeast

VCOM 2020 ANNUAL REPORT

The MISSION of the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) is to prepare globally-minded, community-focused physicians

to meet the needs of rural and medically underserved populations and promote research to improve human health.

THE FUTURE OF PRIMARY CARE

VCOM Building on the SUCCESS of the PAST, creating excellence in medical education TODAYand always moving forward to a FUTURE where access to primary care physicians will be available to all. This is the future of primary care in the southeast.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS VCOM2020 Annual Report

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THE FUTURE OF PRIMARY CARE

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Messages from the President, Chairman and Deans

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Students VCOM is Preparing Future Physicians with Medical Education and Caring

46

Outreach Here,Where We are Needed Most

76

Research Great Minds Advancing Medicine

112

Alumni The Future of Advancing Medicine Where it’s Most Needed

136

Your Gifts Investing in the Next Generation of Physicians

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66 % of VCOM Alumni PRACTICE in the

VCOM had over 7 , 400 applicants for the 485 students matriculated Class of 2023

APPALACHIAN or DELTA Regions* This is where primary care

is most needed! Classes of 2007-2013

48 % of VCOM students come from communities of

*based on number of graduates for whom we have practice data.

under 30,000 population. These areas are where there is a shortage of Primary Care Physicians. Classes of 2020-2023

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THE FUTURE OF PRIMARY CARE

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT AND PROVOST The Future of Primary Care in the Southeast DIXIE TOOKE-RAWLINS, DO, FACOFP

T his academic year has resulted in extraordinary successes as well as enormous challenges. The College completed the construction of a new campus in Louisiana with its first class of students starting in the fall of 2020. We are graduating more primary care physicians across the three existing campuses, and the College is becoming one of the most critical resources for

and ultimately their degrees without delaying their education. We are fortunate that our faculty and staff have always provided curricular resources online. To address this crisis, they developed an excellent plan and implemented the required curriculum to complete the 2019-2020 academic year and begin the 2020-2021 academic year. The College plans to return the third and fourth- year medical students to clinical training with scheduling

providing primary care physicians in the southeastern United States. We made great strides in medical research across our campuses and with our collaborative partners, which benefits people in this country and around the world. The current challenge facing us is the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic that has reached

and guidelines that include considerations for the safety and education of our students and the patients they care for. Medical education will be forever changed, but hopefully, for the better. Our national accrediting organizations are setting new guidelines, and the many faculty from our four

We have and will continue to make a significant difference in the future of primary care.

around the entire globe, which has changed medical education at VCOM and across the country. The College rapidly responded to guidelines made by the CDC, Department of Education, as well as state and local authorities, to safely protect our students and employees. The College closed its campus buildings, removed students from clinical rotations and implemented student online learning and testing. Additionally, students were brought home from international locations. VCOM already had the technology and programs implemented to supply our students with the online curriculum and educational resources they needed to complete their classwork, exams, board tests

campuses will collaborate to develop and deliver medical education in this new era that will follow.

This crisis has reinforced the need for more physicians and the availability of quality healthcare, whether one lives in a large city or the rural and often medically underserved areas of the country. The brave and dedicated Class of 2020 will be our first graduates to begin residencies in the midst of a global pandemic. As healthcare professionals and educators, VCOM focuses on contributing to the health of the people in this nation. We have and will continue to make a significant difference in the future of primary care. ■

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SPECIAL REPORT

T he key to equipping future physicians to respond to the unexpected is preparation. For many years, the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine has prepared students by holding annual disaster simulation events, partnering with state and local agencies to simulate emergency scenarios ranging from tornadoes, biochemical terrorism, accidental chemical spills or explosions and more. This training was tested by sponsoring disaster relief trips to communities ravaged by Hurricane Katrina, as well as areas damaged by floods and tornadoes. This year was different. The entire world was caught unprepared. The novel coronavirus COVID-19 global pandemic raced around the world, creating an unforeseen disruption of human life on our planet. As the contagion entered this country, VCOM rapidly took action to respond to the unexpected. well-being of the VCOM family, as well as that of the broader community, throughout Appalachia and the Delta region. The College has been proactive in taking all reasonable steps that are necessary to prevent the spread of the disease. Faculty, staff and students have joined together to gather or make personal protection equipment (PPE) to distribute and donate to healthcare workers on the frontlines of this pandemic. Health and Safety Measures • Formed a COVID-19 coronavirus task force across all four campuses • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations are continually monitored • Compliance with state and local authorities and regulations • Inform and educate students and staff for personal safety procedures established by the CDC • To slow the spread of the virus, all campus buildings closed access on March 13, 2020 to students and non-essential staff • VCOM had the resources to keep all of its dedicated staff employed; Non-essential personnel worked from home utilizing video conferences and other virtual connections • Hired outside firms to use a “misting” system designed to disinfect all surfaces in all the campus buildings How VCOM Responded VCOM has a profound responsibility for the health and

COVID-19 Moving Forward in a Time of Global Pandemic

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THE FUTURE OF PRIMARY CARE

Student Education • Online lectures and testing were immediately implemented as VCOM had these technologies already in place; Faculty recorded lectures as needed from home • For the health and safety of VCOM’s students, third- and fourth-year clinical rotations transitioned to include online coverage of all core learning objectives and supplemental materials, including cases and videos; Students completed these online core learning objectives to graduate as planned • Students on international clinical rotations were brought back to the United States and counseled on appropriate self- quarantine ahead of the global pandemic declaration • Large in-person events such as Match Day, Accepted Students Day and Graduation were changed for safety to an online platform to celebrate student experiences Prospective Student Recruitment • On-campus medical student interviews were replaced by video conference • Live recruitment events transitioned to online platforms and video tours of all four campuses were created and shared Facing the Future A ccording to the CDC, we don’t know how long the COVID-19 outbreak could last. The impact of this disease on individuals, households, communities, and society at large has yet to be determined. One thing is clear—the need for physicians in this country is tremendous, and the VCOM Mission is more important than ever. VCOM research scientists will continue to play a significant role in improving outcomes of diseases such as COVID-19, discovering or improving medical treatments, understanding genetics and new pharmaceutical breakthroughs to contribute to the health and well-being of all humans. The plans VCOM has put into effect, now and after this outbreak, will serve as a guide for the unexpected in the future. As medical educators, the College will continue to prepare its students to react, adjust and be successful as leaders in future healthcare efforts across the country. ■

Alumni on the Frontlines

Our brave healthcare workers are not able to stay at home during the crisis. See page 118 for reflections from VCOM alumni who are on the frontlines of battling the COVID-19 pandemic.

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MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN Providing Consistent and Financially Sustainable Medical Education JOHN G. ROCOVICH JR., JD, LLM I mproving the future of primary care in the southeast is a goal the Board of Directors at the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine has had in their sight since it was founded in 2001. The shortage of physicians in rural areas, such as southwest Virginia and the Appalachian region, fueled the need for this medical school. Over the years, the increased number of students from medically underserved populations across the southeastern United States led to the growth and expansion of VCOM. With that growth comes increased responsibility to maintain financial stability and consistent medical education. With four campuses under the VCOM umbrella, the Board of Directors has concentrated on providing an environment that equips our students with an affordable, state-of-the-art, high-quality education with excellent faculty and staff. The board of directors has concentrated on keeping a financially stable bottom line without high debt and without having to procure state funding for our campuses. This focus keeps the College operating during the COVID-19 crisis, allowing all our faculty and staff to continue providing services and ensuring our students are able to complete educational requirements. VCOM is among the top private medical schools in the United States with the most affordable tuition. This, combined with many scholarship opportunities, allows our students to concentrate on their studies instead of debt. This year VCOM has added new members to the College-wide Board and campus-specific Advisory Boards. We welcome the increased knowledge and input that all our board members contribute. The future of VCOM is in a great place. ■

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THE FUTURE OF PRIMARY CARE

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

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

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

W. Bruce Hanks Representative, College-wide Board; Board of Directors, CenturyLink, Inc.

Roy E. Heaton, DO Representative,Virginia Advisory Board; Virginia Osteopathic Medical Association

Bruce Holstien President and CEO, Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System

Gov. James C. Justice II, MBA Representative, College-wide Board; Governor of West Virginia

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

Jay Gouge, PhD Representative,Auburn Campus President,Auburn University

Elizabeth McClanahan, JD Representative, College-wide Board; Dean,Appalachian School of Law, retired Virginia Supreme Court Justice

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

Jimmy Sanford Representative,Auburn Advisory

Raymond D. Smoot, PhD Finance Representative for the Board

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

Board; Auburn University Research Advisory Board

Thank you!

William G. Anderson, DO* (now serving on Auburn Advisory Board)

James R. Bohland, PhD

Tim Boosinger, DVM, PhD

Neal Castagnoli Jr., PhD*

Directors Emeritus The board wishes to thank its living past members for their valuable contributions to the success of the College. * Indicates founding member

Donald L. Large Jr., PhD

Steven Leath, PhD

Mark McNamee, PhD*

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VIRGINIA

MESSAGE FROM THE VIRGINIA DEAN Building the Future JAN M. WILLCOX, DO, FACOFP V COM-Virginia prides itself on helping to build the future of primary care in the southeast United States. Through each graduating class of new physicians, VCOM is meeting the healthcare needs of the rural and medically underserved areas of 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. Most VCOM-Virginia medical students come from at-risk, distressed or transitional counties in Appalachia, and 23 percent hail from communities with populations of less than 10,000. Nearly 50 percent of all VCOM students are from rural communities with populations under 30,000. As VCOM was established, we collaborated with hospitals in rural and underserved areas of southwest and southside Virginia to expand educational opportunities for physician training in areas of need. VCOM-Virginia has maintained and expanded additional relationships to provide the healthcare workforce for our communities. We have worked with many of these programs in developing postgraduate residency training opportunities. More than one hundred alumni have returned to our rural and underserved clinical sites as teaching faculty physicians for our current students. I am proud of VCOM-Virginia and the other campuses as we fulfill our mission of bringing physicians to those most in need and continue to build the future of primary care. ■

Over 55% of all VCOM graduates are practicing in a rural or medically underserved area and over 65% of VCOM alumni are practicing in the College’s target areas in an Appalachian county or city. 189 NEW PHYSICIANS graduated in the VCOM-Virginia Class of 2020 2 , 391 TOTAL PHYSICIANS (including the Class of 2020) graduated from VCOM-Virginia since 2007

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THE FUTURE OF PRIMARY CARE

Virginia Advisory Board

John G. Rocovich Jr., JD, LLM Chairman

Dixie Tooke-Rawlins, DO, FACOFP President and Provost

James F. Wolfe, PhD President Emeritus

Jan M. Willcox, DO, FACOFP Dean,VCOM-Virginia (ex officio)

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

Sterling Ellsworth, MD Vice President for Graduate Medical Education, Capital Division, HCA

Alan Fabian, CEO Chief Executive Officer at LewisGale Hospital - Montgomery (HCA, Inc.)

Bill Flattery, CEO Vice President Carilion Clinic Western Region, CEO of Carilion New River Valley Medical Center

Roy E. Heaton, DO Virginia Osteopathic Medical Association (VOMA)

Carole Pratt, DDS Senior Advisor Virginia Department of Health

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

The Advisory Board consists of individuals uniquely positioned to make a difference in the future of healthcare. Many of the members participate on the frontlines of healthcare, such as Dr. Carole Pratt, shown here volunteering her time to treat patients at the Remote Area Medical (RAM) clinic in Wise, VA.

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159 NEW PHYSICIANS graduated in the VCOM-Carolinas Class of 2020 929 TOTAL PHYSICIANS (including the Class of 2020) graduated from VCOM-Carolinas since 2015 CAROLINAS

MESSAGE FROM THE CAROLINAS DEAN Creating a Promising Future MATTHEW D. CANNON, DO W ith growth comes change. VCOM-Carolinas has certainly grown since its inception in 2010. With the Class of 2020, 929 physicians are now spreading their wings and making positive changes in the world, carrying the name of VCOM on their diplomas and in their hearts. Institutionally, change has occurred in leadership. Former VCOM-Carolinas Dean Timothy J. Kowalski, DO, D.FACN, has a new role as Vice Provost for Professional and Public Affairs. He has also been elected as Second Vice President to the American Osteopathic Association. Grateful for his dedicated service, I congratulate him on these accomplishments. Locally, VCOM-Carolinas has facilitated improvements in our home community. Across from campus, a mixed-use development is under construction. A component of this is the new Northside Medical Clinic, which we are excited to unveil later this year, in partnership with the Northside Development Group. Globally, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought many changes. VCOM-Carolinas has risen to this challenge, engaging our students in curriculum without delay while many of our faculty serve on the frontlines. I am honored to serve as Dean and lead this institution into a promising future, advancing our efforts to provide healthcare to those most in need. VCOM has a tremendous capacity to change lives and I humbly believe the best is yet to come. ■

Let’s all come together now and renew our commitment

to bringing quality healthcare to those who need it most!

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THE FUTURE OF PRIMARY CARE

Carolinas Advisory Board

John G. Rocovich Jr., JD, LLM Chairman

Dixie Tooke-Rawlins, DO, FACOFP President and Provost

Matthew D. Cannon, DO Dean,VCOM-Carolinas (ex officio)

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

Ingo Angermeier Retired President and CEO, Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System

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

Jimmy Gibbs Founder and Chairman of Gibbs International, Inc.

Bruce Holstien President and CEO, Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System

Marlon Hunter CEO of ReGenesis Health Care

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

The Carolinas Advisory Board is united in supporting improved healthcare outcomes to the areas where physicians and healthcare are needed most. The Board consists of community- minded individuals from business, healthcare and medicine who support the success of VCOM in educating physicians that bring healthcare to the region’s underserved communities. The VCOM Mobile Medical Unit was made possible through a grant from ReGenesis Health Care.

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AUBURN

MESSAGE FROM THE AUBURN DEAN A Primary Care Shortage ELIZABETH A. PALMAROZZI, DO, FACOFP R ecent worldwide events have highlighted the critical importance of a robust healthcare system. That system starts at the community level with the hope of leaving no one behind. Unfortunately, critical shortcomings continue within the state of Alabama. Thousands of Alabamians lack access to primary care doctors. VCOM-Auburn was established in 2015 by a forward-looking group of individuals to address this critical need in Alabama and the Southeast. These leaders recognized the need for primary care physicians, who are on the forefront of care. VCOM’s partnership with Auburn University is important to mention as it strengthens research and training opportunities for our students and staff. Another major partnership occurred this past year with the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama and VCOM Scholarship Program. This $3.2 million scholarship initiative will have a profound impact on future healthcare availability as it will produce 42 new physicians to serve in Alabama. These future physicians will serve to improve the quality of life and improve health outcomes across the state (see page 142) . VCOM-Auburn saw its inaugural class of 152 physicians graduate in 2019, and recently, 154 members of the class of 2020 graduated as well. We are constantly reminded of the future and of fulfilling our mission at VCOM-Auburn, especially on prospective student interview days. We continually work to recruit students from rural and underserved areas with the hope that they will one day return to those areas with critical need. ■

ALABAMA’S PHYSICIAN SHORTAGE There are 4 . 1 Primary Care Physicians per 10,000 residents in RURAL COUNTIES compared to 7.9 in URBAN COUNTIES 156 NEW PHYSICIANS graduated in the VCOM-Auburn Class of 2020

We are constantly reminded of the future and of fulfilling our mission at VCOM-Auburn, especially on prospective student interview days.

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THE FUTURE OF PRIMARY CARE

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 (ex officio)

William G. Anderson, DO Founding Board Member-VCOM

Mark Baker CEO, Jack Hughston Memorial Hospital

Martin J. Bonick CEO, PhyMed Healthcare Group

Thom Gossum Jr. Chair of the Auburn University Foundation Board

Laura Grill President and CEO East Alabama Medical Center

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

Bill Hardgrave, PhD Provost,Auburn University

Jimmy Sanford Auburn University Trustee

One of the top goals of the Auburn Advisory Board is to provide physicians for Alabama’s medically underserved communities.

Auburn Advisory Board members are longtime experts in the fields of education, business, communications, research, medicine, hospitals and healthcare. They are committed to improving the quality of healthcare in their local communities and across the state of Alabama. Dr. Bill Hardgrave is shown here awarding the 2019 Deans’ Fit Family Challenge trophy to VCOM-Auburn.

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MEET THE STUDENTS Class of 2024 23 % underrepresented minorities 55 % female 38 % from Louisiana 81 % of Louisiana has been designated as a HEALTH PROFESSIONS SHORTAGE AREA 150 STUDENTS accepted to the VCOM-Louisiana Inaugural Class LOUISIANA

O ver the past year, VCOM-Louisiana’s campus has been completed. Faculty and staff have moved into this beautiful building on the campus of the University of Louisiana Monroe (ULM) where “the best is on the bayou.” The inaugural class of students will arrive soon, and we look forward to welcoming them. The new building contains state-of- the-art technology and educational facilities to bring excellence in osteopathic medical education. The state of Louisiana has been designated to have a 19 percent deficit of primary care physicians in a national workforce study. Concomitant with our school’s mission, VCOM-Louisiana will be a major contributor to growing primary care by recruiting students from our region, training them in these areas and in four years will begin to return physicians to the most medically underserved areas of Louisiana and the Delta region. Our public/private partnership with ULM includes collaboration with teaching, faculty research and inter-professional education opportunities for both VCOM and ULM health sciences students. VCOM will also provide a state-of-the-art primary care sports medicine program for ULM athletes. We are committed to the mission of VCOM, educating our students and growing healthcare where it’s needed most with the next generation of primary care physicians. ■ MESSAGE FROM THE LOUISIANA DEAN Contributing to the Future Growth of Primary Care in the Delta RAY L. MORRISON, DO, FACOS

VCOM-Louisiana will be a major contributor to growing primary care.

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THE FUTURE OF PRIMARY CARE

Louisiana Advisory Board

John G. Rocovich Jr., JD, LLM Chairman

Dixie Tooke-Rawlins, DO, FACOFP President and Provost

Ray Morrison, DO, FACOS Dean,VCOM-Louisiana (ex officio)

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

W. Bruce Hanks Representative, College-wide Board; Board of Directors, CenturyLink, Inc.

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

Randy Morris Administrator/Owner,West Carroll Health Systems; Chairman of the Board, Rural Hospital Coalition

Ed Williams Executive Director, Louisiana Osteopathic Medical Association

Kristin Wolkart President and CEO, St. Francis Medical Center

VCOM-Louisiana will provide the next generation of primary care physicians for the Louisiana and Delta region. These board members have unique positions in the community, healthcare and hospitals that give them insight to the region’s needs and will guide VCOM in the best direction moving forward. Board member Randy Morris is shown here speaking to journalists outside of the West Carroll Community Hospital about the urgent needs in rural Louisiana.

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History andTimeline of the College

2003

2006

2015

2019

The first year-round permanent VCOM Clinic opens in Verón, Dominican Republic in 2006. Partnerships in El Salvador and Honduras are established. VCOM-Virginia Tech Sports Medicine Fellowship begins. VCOM-Virginia Class of 2007 graduates.

Inaugural class begins at VCOM-Carolinas, built on the site of the historic Spartan Mill. VCOM-Virginia’s Inaugural Class of 2007 completes their residencies.

First VCOM campus opens to the Inaugural Class of 2007 in the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center under a public/private partnership between VCOM and Virginia Tech.

2004

2010

2001

2003

2006-2007

2011

Charter established for the College. VCOM is founded in Blacksburg, Virginia.

College adds research facilities in a new building in the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center. VCOM is recognized by the Virginia Governor as a Public/ Private Partnership Success.

Second campus VCOM-Carolinas in Spartanburg, South Carolina, breaks ground. VCOM collaborates with Spartanburg Regional Health System including research partnership with Gibbs Cancer Center. First Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Medical Program class is accepted at VCOM-Virginia.

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THE FUTURE OF PRIMARY CARE

A Plan for the Future of Primary Care

A 2002 national study estimated a shortage of more than 100,000 physicians by 2020. After the leaders of the Harvey W. Peters Research Foundation studied the healthcare needs of Virginia 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. Plans to establish the College moved forward under the leadership of John G. Rocovich Jr., JD, LLM and his wife, Sue Ellen B. Rocovich, DO, PhD. 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. VCOM’s initial vision was to provide healthcare for the southwest and other medically underserved regions of Virginia and the greater Appalachian Region and to promote joint biomedical research with

Virginia Tech. As the need for physicians in North and South Carolina, Alabama and Louisiana became evident, the College started to grow to increase the numbers of osteopathic physicians who would someday become the primary care or specialists that were needed in the rural and medically underserved areas of the southeastern United States, especially the Appalachian and the Delta regions. The timeline below highlights some of the progress and expansion of VCOM. With 66% of graduates going into primary care residencies and specialties, the plan for the future of primary care is becoming a reality.

The first class at VCOM- Auburn matriculates to its campus in Auburn Research Park. The Inaugural class at VCOM-Carolinas graduates 154 physicians.

66% of VCOM graduates have entered primary care residencies and most will return to practice in areas where the need is greatest.

First class graduates 154 students at VCOM-Auburn.

2012

2018

2020

Future

2015

2019

Auburn University administration learned of the success of the VCOM/VT collaboration and formed a public/private collaboration with VCOM to open a medical school campus at Auburn University.

A collaborative public/private partnership agreement with University of Louisiana Monroe is signed. Ground broken for VCOM-Louisiana site.

VCOM-Louisiana accepts 150 students and is set to open to inaugural class of students. First virtual graduation is held across three campuses due to COVID-19 restrictions.

VCOM-Carolinas alumni are beginning to establish medical practices in the state.

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PROGRAMS OF STUDY

Students & Academics Preparing Future

T he Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine is dedicated to providing the best medical education to its students. The College stays true to its Mission by giving its students the tools they need to learn state-of- the-art medicine, along with a curriculum designed to bring out the compassion and caring in their hearts. In this section of the report, you will learn about the VCOM student body and background of students at our campuses, as well as their successes in preparing to be future physicians. We highlight our curriculum, clinical partners and educational opportunities beyond the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree. In the following section, you will see some of the outreach programs that VCOM provides to introduce its students to caring in healthcare in the real world. It’s not just about better medical education, it’s also about a better medical education experience. Physicians withMedical Education and Caring

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Selecting the Best to Meet theMission W e look for students who have an attitude of altruism and compassion and a desire to serve those who are most in need. A high percentage

of our students come from rural or medically underserved communities and intend to return there to work upon graduation.

VCOM received Over 7400 applicants for the 485 students matriculated

Class of 2023

VCOM matriculants had an average GPA of 3.62 and ranged from 3.4 to 4.08

and an average science GPA of 3.56 with a range of 3.4 to 4.0

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MEET THE STUDENTS

Top Virginia Colleges and Universities of VCOM-Virginia Matriculants Classes of 2020-2023

51

51

51

7

122

7

7

122

122

Liberty University - 15

Virginia Tech -122

66

James Madison University - 24

Virginia Commonwealth University - 51

66

66

George Mason University - 34

University of Richmond - 7

College of William and Mary - 18

University of Virginia - 66

11

32

8 11

11

32

32

Christopher Newport University - 24

8

Roanoke College - 11

8

15

15

15

15

24

Other - 32

Radford University - 8

15

24

15

24

24 24

18

24

18

34 18

Old Dominion University - 15

34

34

31

31

31

Top North Carolina Colleges and Universities of VCOM-Carolinas Matriculants Classes of 2020-2023

6

6

6

16

16

16

17

17

17

3

3

3

Elon University - 6

Western Carolina University - 6

East Carolina University - 14

14

Wake Forest University - 16

14

14

Campbell University - 3

University of North Carolina - 53

6

6

53

53

6

53

Appalachian State University - 17

Pfeiffer University - 5

19

19

19

Other - 31

North Carolina State University - 19

5

5

5

21

21

21

36

36

Top South Carolina Colleges and Universities of VCOM-Carolinas Matriculants Classes of 2020-2023

36

9

9

9

University of South Carolina - 49

Clemson University - 36

9

9

9

Wofford College - 9

Carolina Coastal University - 9

Other - 21

12

College of Charleston - 12

12

12

49

49

3

3

49

Presbyterian College - 3

3

Top Alabama Colleges and Universities of VCOM-Auburn Matriculants Classes of 2020-2023

14

14

14 6

6

6

9

9

9

5

5

5

4

4

4

University of Alabama - Huntsville - 4

Auburn University - 82

23

23

23

82

82

82

Jacksonville State University - 11

University of North Alabama - 5

Samford University - 5

University of South Alabama - 5

Troy University - 20

25

25

Alabama State University - 6

25

University of Alabama - 25

Other - 14

11

11

11

20

20

5

5

20

5

University of Alabama - Birmingham - 23

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VCOM’sTarget Recruitment Region Selecting Students with a Passion for Medically Underserved and Rural Areas A s 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, the Delta region and the southeastern United States. With four campuses, VCOM is the largest source providing physicians to these regions.

New York

Pennsylvania

Ohio

72 % of VCOM students are from Target States

Maryland

Illinois

Indiana

West Virginia

Missouri

Virginia

Blacksburg

Kentucky

North Carolina

Tennessee

Oklahoma

Spartanburg

Arkansas

South Carolina

Alabama

Mississippi

Georgia

Auburn

Monroe

Louisiana

Texas

Florida

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

The target Appalachian region

Target states with primary and rural medicine shortages

The target Delta region

Our campus locations

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MEET THE STUDENTS

Matriculated Students by Target State Classes of 2020-2023

k

Alabama - 198 (9.6%)

Arkansas - 5 (0.2%)

Florida - 206 (10%)

Georgia - 103 (5%)

Kentucky - 17 (0.8%)

Louisiana - 39 (1.9%)

Mississippi - 29 (1.4%)

Missouri - 18 (0.87%)

North Carolina - 172 (8.3%)

South Carolina - 114 (5.5%)

Tennessee - 86 (4.1%)

Texas - 74 (3.6%)

Virginia - 416 (20%)

West Virginia - 6 (2.9%)

0

100

200

300

400

500

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Recruiting for Diversity, AddressingMedically Underserved Communities 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. We believe diversity initiatives must also include regions that are medically underserved in order to provide the care these areas need and deserve.

VCOM students are  52 % FEMALE  48 % MALE

Recognized NINE years in a row by Minority Access, Inc. as an Institutional Role Model for Diversity Recipient of Insight into Diversity’s Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) award in 2019

14 % average for under-represented minorities across all campuses 2007-2023

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MEET THE STUDENTS

An Answer toTomorrow’s Rural Physician Needs M any of VCOM’s students come from rural and small- size Appalachian and Delta communities. Forty-eight percent of VCOM students are from populations of less than 30,000 residents, with 23% of those coming from rural communities of less than 10,000 residents.

There are currently 490 students enrolled from rural communities of less than 10,000

Current VCOM students’ home communities by population Classes of 2020-2023

23 %

23 %

23% 23%

 48 % total students are from rural communities of less than 30,000

<10,000

10,000- 29,999

30,000-49,999

15 %

25 %

50,000-99,999

15%

14 %

25%

>100,000

14%

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Students Serving Our Country Students in the Military Health Professions Scholarship Program

T he Military Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) pays for tuition, fees, books, some equipment, and also provides a monthly living stipend for recipients that serve a minimum of one year for each year the scholarship

is received. The graduate’s Active Duty Obligation, in conjunction

with HPSP, is four years, regardless of the length of HPSP participation.

275 of VCOM graduates have served the U.S. Armed Forces since 2007

HPSP Recipients By Class

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MEET THE STUDENTS

98 - 99 % of VCOM third-year students passed

93 - 99 % of VCOM students across all campuses have passed the

COMLEX Level 1 VCOM students in the Classes of 2018-2021 across all campuses performed ABOVE the national mean

COMLEX Level 2 CE on their FIRST attempt over the past four years

COMLEX PE following their third year

Attrition Rate 3.7 % Classes of 2007 to 2021

COMLEX Level 1 First Attempt Pass Rate Percentage

100

99 97 95

97

96 98 93

95

95

20 10 30 40 50 60 70 80 90

93

93 94 94

91

87

0

2018

2019

2020

2021 (In Progress)

National Mean VCOM-Virginia

VCOM-Carolinas

VCOM-Auburn

ACurriculumDesigned for Success V COM’s carefully curated block-style curriculum explores each body system to highlight the core areas of medicine. Students are introduced to and led through clinical experiences by faculty. Hands-on training helps students become fully aware of the communities they will affect developing valuable communication skills. In the third

year, students move through 10 core clinical rotations at College-affiliated hospitals and practices. This gives them a close up look at 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 future career paths.

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Left to right: VCOM Chairman of the Board John G. Rocovich Jr., VCOM President and Provost Dixie-Tooke-Rawlins, DO, FACOFP, and Averett University President Tiffany M. Franks, PhD. VCOMand Averett University Join Together for Masters Program in Applied Healthcare Data Analytics

VCOMand Bluefield College offer a one-year Master of Arts degree in Biomedical Sciences.

VCOMoffers a four-year Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree at its four campuses.

30

PROGRAMS OF STUDY

VCOMPrograms of Study Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Degree V COM is an innovative, four-year private, non-profit medical school with four campuses offering the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree (DO). Osteopathic medicine offers a whole-person approach to treatment and care. DOs are trained to listen and partner with their patients to help them get healthy and stay well. Osteopathic physicians are licensed in every state to practice the full scope of medicine, including examining patients, diagnosing illness, writing prescriptions and performing surgery. DOs receive specialized training in the musculoskeletal system, the body’s interconnected system of nerves, muscles and bones. By combining this knowledge with the latest advances in medical technology, they offer patients the most comprehensive care available in medicine today. Osteopathic physicians focus on prevention by tuning into how a patient’s lifestyle and environment can impact their wellbeing. DOs strive to help patients be healthy in mind, body and spirit. Master of Arts Degree in Biomedical Sciences A partnership between Bluefield College and VCOM offers a one- year Master of Arts degree in Biomedical Sciences (MABS) on the VCOM-Virginia campus. The program curriculum will emphasize the biomedical sciences with a strong emphasis on human medicine and clinical applications. Its purpose is to enhance academics to gain acceptance into a medical school or other healthcare program through a nine-month, 35-credit hour, face-to-face delivery with emphasis on biomedical coursework, research experience, field study, as well as seminars in professional development. One of the most important features of the MABS is its benchmarks. that allow a successful student to gain guaranteed acceptance into the VCOM D.O. program. A student who is successful in meeting all benchmarks is provided with a priority interview leading to priority acceptance into the VCOM D.O. program when meeting all academic benchmarks and positive recommendations by all VCOM faculty. Master of Science in Applied Healthcare Data Analytics A verett University, in collaboration with VCOM, offers an exclusive Master of Science degree in applied healthcare data analytics. Averett began offering the online program in January 2020. Averett’s applied healthcare data analytics program will help prepare students to use data and analytics to solve significant problems facing the healthcare industry, creating more stable workplaces for both hospital personnel and patients. The program is designed for working professionals. The flexible online format teaches students how to organize and manage medical information as an essential part of the efficiency and delivery of quality healthcare.

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GraduateMedical Education Programs Sports Med - images include Auburn, VT, Radford

Graduate Medical Education Sports Medicine Fellowships 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. This fellowship program includes educational experiences necessary for participants to achieve the knowledge, motor skills, interpersonal

skills, professional attitudes, and practical experience required to practice sports medicine successfully. Working directly under sports medicine trained physicians,

fellows have educational and clinical opportunities that include osteopathic manipulative medicine focused on athletes, ultrasound imaging for the diagnosis of injuries, Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy and more.

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PROGRAMS OF STUDY

VCOMand Radford University Partner to Open Sports Medicine Center Left to right: Chairman John G. Rocovich Jr., President and Provost Dixie Tooke-Rawlins, Radford University President Brian O. Hemphill, and Radford University’s Director of Athletics Robert Lineburg at the center’s grand opening.

Radford University Partnership Expands R adford University Athletics and VCOM entered a partnership to provide Highlander student- athletes a state-of-the-art 4,300 square foot sports medicine facility. In addition, Radford University Athletics will continue to be a training ground for young physicians in the VCOM Sports Medicine Fellowship. For several years, VCOM has provided the team physicians and medical director for Radford University Athletics. With this partnership, VCOM and Radford University ensure high-quality medical care for student-athletes for years to come.

The new VCOM Sports Medicine Center is the starting point for all of Radford University’s student-athletes’ health care needs. The clinic provides a positive setting for student- athletes, as well as an attraction for the recruitment of prospective student-athletes. With the new facility, all Sports Medicine providers (athletic trainers, team physicians, physical therapists and nutritionists) will be able to operate out of one central facility, helping to ensure enhanced communication and consistent care to all student-athletes.

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Graduate Medical Education ONMM3 Residency T he VCOM–Virginia Osteopathic Neuromusculoskeletal ONMM3 Residency Program was initiated in response to the growing population of patients in need of osteopathic medical care. The ONMM3 program provides training in the development of osteopathic clinical skills needed to diagnose and manage illnesses and injuries. The ONMM3 program implements educational experiences necessary for the resident to achieve the knowledge, psychomotor skills, interpersonal skills, professional attitudes, and practical experience required of the ONMM3 specialist physician. VCOM faculty provide educational and clinical opportunities designed T he Southwest Virginia AHEC recruits and retains a highly-skilled healthcare workforce for the counties and cities that comprise the region. Housed at VCOM- Virginia in Blacksburg, the SWVA AHEC offers a variety of pipeline programs aimed at exposing high school students to healthcare careers and multi-disciplinary CMEs on current medical topics. The SWVA AHEC collaborates with higher education institutions in Southwest Virginia that offer healthcare professions degree programs.

to allow the resident to assume progressive responsibility for patient 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.

Rural HealthWorkforce Programs

adolescents to a multitude of healthcare professions. Approximately 500 high school students per year participate. • Virginia Scholars is a statewide program designed to increase the number of skilled health professions prepared to practice in rural and underserved areas. As part of the program, students engage in practical, hands-on training, professional mentoring, and networking opportunities. During the Fiscal Year 2019-2020, the SWVA AHEC had 169 Scholars. • The Scholars Immersion Program provides 20 students with an experience of the interdisciplinary view of rural medicine. The Health Sciences Fair provides information on healthcare professions to approximately 150 high school students. CME provides multi-disciplinary, physician- driven classes on opioids that emphasize a team-based approach for treating patients in rural and underserved areas.

SWVA AHEC offers several programs including: • High School Outreach Pipeline Program Tours at VCOM-Virginia

are designed to expose

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PROGRAMS OF STUDY

Virtual Match Day and Commencement

F ourth-year medical Matching Program ® (NRMP ® ) to discover where they will complete their residency. This year, due to rules for COVID-19 distancing, a virtual Match Day brought together fourth- year students to celebrate and reconnect with fellow- classmates after two strenuous years of clinical rotations. A robust online commencement celebration was presented, including a Military Promotion Ceremony, Commencement Ceremony and video messages from faculty and staff. Each graduate received a framed diploma. The Class of 2020 will always be remembered as the first to celebrate remotely, and to students in the U.S. enter the National Resident

be commended for their resilience and perseverance.

  96 % Class of 2020 MATCHED

to their first specialty choice for RESIDENCY

The highest rate since VCOM began reporting in 2013!

99.8 % Class of 2020 made a final MATCH

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2019-2020 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

27

20

15

4

5

11

26

3

6

7

28

2

18

17

North Carolina

25

22

24 23 29

41

30

46

42

44

32 31

33

38

47

36

34

40

37

48

35

Alabama

South Carolina

Georgia

51

45

39

VCOM–Virginia VCOM–Carolinas VCOM–Auburn

43 49

50

52

53

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

Welcome to VCOM-Louisiana’s New Clinical Hospital Partners! The College’s newest clinical hospital partners in the Louisiana and Delta regions can be found on page 43. 

Welcome to VCOM-Louisiana’s New Clinical Hospital Partners!

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