VCOM 2020 Annual Report

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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