VCOM 2020 Annual Report

SCHOLARSHIPS & GIVING

JoBeth Bingham, ’21 “I learned firsthand what it is like to be two hours away from the closest medical specialist. I hope to try to eliminate at least a small bit of this healthcare shortage problem in rural areas by giving back to a community similar to where I spent my entire childhood. I will be well-equipped to understand my patients’ values, needs and concerns.”

Margaret and Jimmi Narong Palmieri Rural Health Scholarship

Hayley Lawrence, ’22 “My career plans include returning to Independence, Virginia, my hometown of 1,000 people, and serving the entire county of Grayson that has approximately 15,000 people. Currently, the community is severely lacking healthcare workers with only one part-time physician and one full-time physician serving the entire county. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to return home to serve my community that has given me so much and has helped shape the woman I have become.”

Per Yngve Brolinson, DO, Rural Family Medicine Scholarship

Megan Taylor, ’22 “Primary care physicians are often the only physician some patients in this area will see in their lifetime. I know how important these physicians are in bettering the health of Southwest Virginia because I have seen it firsthand. After medical school, I will not only have the education to help but as a resident of the area, I will also have the wisdom to help.”

Megan CornwellThomas, DO, andWilliam Thomas, DO, Endowed Medical Scholarship

Mitchell Horten, ’20 “The beauty of osteopathic medicine is that you get a chance to work with the complete person, not just one aspect. Though they may have physical ailments, deepening the healing scope to include mind and spirit allows me to comprehensively heal and connect with them.”

The Blake E. Fought Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Your generosity makes a difference... for these students and the communities they will serve. 141