VCOM 2021 Annual Report

ONE COLLEGE, FOUR CAMPUSES

H ave you ever put together a jigsaw puzzle? What initially appeared to be a jumble of assorted pieces was expertly crafted to fit together as one complete image. At the Edward Via Collge of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM), every aspect of our medical education, outreach and research is carefully planned and coordinated to come together as

One College, with Four Campuses — Together We Can Make a Difference.

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Table of Contents VCOM 2021 Annual Report

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Messages From the President, Chairman and Deans

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Students Student recruitment and campuses working together to provide curriculum for student success

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Outreach Creating national and international leaders who are making a difference in our communities

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Research Making a difference in healthcare through innovative research

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Alumni Healthcare leaders continuing the Mission by serving in the areas of most need

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Giving Your gifts make a difference when students need it the most

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One College, Four Campuses— Together We are Making a Difference

strong public/private partnership similar to our other campuses. VCOM-Louisiana recently completed the first year of education for the inaugural class. Our campuses started a new academic year in July 2020, as students could return to the classroom with COVID-19 safety measures in place. New learning models for lectures, offering the same curriculum, whether on-campus or online, were implemented. In-person labs and clinical rotations at hospitals and clinics were conducted safely by rotating smaller groups of students in the learning environment. While applications for medical schools have risen across the nation, VCOM has seen a tremendous increase. The pandemic has fueled awareness of the need for new physicians, and VCOM’s recognition as an outstanding institution continues to grow. VCOM received over 18,000 total applications (an increase of 3,000 applications since last year) for over 600 seats across campuses for the incoming Class of 2025. Our Mission has attracted more students who want to serve and help bring healthcare access to their communities. 92% of the Classes of 2021-2024 matriculated from VCOM’s targeted states and adjoining states in the Appalachian and Delta region. 46% are from medically underserved communities with a population of less than 30,000, bringing hope to our smaller communities and rural areas. Making a difference in providing opportunities Making a difference in delivering healthcare With the commencement of the Class of 2021, VCOM added 474 new physicians to the physician workforce, and 78.5% started residencies in our target regions. This brings

DIXIE TOOKE-RAWLINS, DO, FACOFP PRESIDENT & PROVOST

T he past year has shown us that VCOM’s Mission and the need for physicians and access to healthcare has never been more critical. VCOM has the advantage of being one College with four campuses. We work together to make a difference in the lives of our students and the communities we serve, which has inspired us to innovate with creative new methods to educate our future physicians and advance medical research. Making a difference in how we educate When schools closed in-person classes in March of last year, VCOM rapidly addressed the issues and deployed new educational plans. Even though the College transitioned to remote learning, our students did not miss any academic requirements. VCOM was able to adapt to online materials using new and existing technology. In July 2020, VCOM opened its fourth branch campus on the University of Louisiana Monroe campus, another successful example of a

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ONE COLLEGE, FOUR CAMPUSES

Making a difference in our communities VCOM canceled all International Medical Outreach and Community Outreach programs this academic year due to the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and state and local health departments’ restrictions. With a heart for caring and a desire to help, VCOM students and faculty volunteered in COVID-19 vaccine clinics across all campuses. They also provided medical outreach to give routine vaccines to children who had missed them due to the pandemic. These efforts have benefited many thousands of people in the communities supported by our campuses. With these vaccination projects and other initiatives, our public/private partnerships with non-profit healthcare organizations, hospitals and community health departments have expanded as we joined together in helping to keep people in our communities safe. As one College with four campuses, VCOM works together every day to provide the best medical education and outreach experiences for its students. This results in the College training and graduating physicians who will be leaders with a heart for service. Our graduates

the College’s graduate totals to over 4,100 alumni, with 67% practicing in the Appalachian and Delta regions where the physician primary care shortage is substantial. Over 99% of graduates who matched to a residency demonstrated an ongoing commitment to the mission, with 62% matching to a residency in our target region and 69% entering primary care residencies. We are proud of all of our graduates, especially those committed to our region and mission. VCOM has a tradition of graduating from 30 to 50 new physicians to serve our country in the military each year. In the past year, our world has witnessed the importance of medical research to bring new treatments, pharmaceuticals and vaccines to help COVID-19 patients. Our faculty, students and alumni have rapidly expanded existing research projects and launched new ones to address the global pandemic’s challenges and unknown factors. One project at the forefront of safety, research and technology is MyHealthTracer.com. VCOM researchers developed an online screening application to track the spread of the virus during the pandemic. All students and employees answer questions daily for signs, symptoms or exposure to COVID-19 or weekly if they are fully vaccinated. The reports of COVID-19 symptoms dropped dramatically across all campuses since early February 2021. Medical research is making a difference across the globe

go into the communities they serve, prepared to make a difference. ■

Our Mission has attracted more students who want to serve and help bring healthcare access to their communities.

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SPECIAL REPORT ON VCOM’S COVID-19 RESPONSE

Educational Excellence and Safety The History of VCOM’s Response to COVID-19 I n the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the medical education of VCOM students was a primary following the appropriate precautions. Protective equipment was provided and the facilities staff followed cleaning and disinfecting procedures for the buildings each night.

Control (CDC) for higher education institutions. Students, faculty and staff wore face masks, followed good hygiene, social distanced and the buildings were cleaned several times per day. VCOM implemented an asynchronous learning model to deliver the same classroom curriculum whether the student was attending in-person on the campus or online. throughout the year through rotating schedules between classes. First-year classes were held in the morning and second-year classes in the afternoon. Students were spread across two or three classrooms to allow for social distancing with 50 to 55 per classroom. Required in-person laboratory hours were also alternated with first-year students working in the laboratories in the afternoon and second- year students working in the morning. Classrooms were cleaned and wiped down with disinfectants between classes. Medical simulations were taught through telemedicine and in-person. The number of people in a simulation room was limited to three or fewer students. The College altered the classroom schedules

concern. This was balanced with the critically important value placed on wellness and safety for students, faculty and staff. In March 2020, VCOM closed all campus buildings and removed all students from in-person education to an online curriculum. Accrediting organizations issued guidance statements allowing changes to the The College’s ability to be flexible in this situation is a result from years of having technology already in place, such as VCOM TV and other online resources to support the curriculum. Dedicated faculty and staff provided creative educational models for virtual education and many excellent models that will be used long after the COVID-19 pandemic is over. Faculty and staff with essential duties that could not be performed at home continued to work on campus while practicing social distancing and curriculum, including offering online learning during the crisis.

VCOM held a virtual commencement for the Class of 2020 on all campuses. The virtual events were a success with students and their families. Over 9,700 viewers played videos a total of 31,869 times and downloaded videos over 800 times. Campuses re-opened in late summer of 2020 E ssential faculty and staff began a staggered return in July based on duties. The campus buildings remained closed except for essential personnel and students through much of the fall. Students returned to the Auburn and Louisiana campuses on July 13, 2020, and the Virginia and Carolinas campuses on July 22, 2020. Due to COVID-19, the first two weeks of instruction were provided online while students were self-quarantined. Information for avoiding COVID-19 was provided by the Centers for Disease

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ONE COLLEGE, FOUR CAMPUSES

VCOM students returned to clinical education (including clinical rotations) beginning in August 2020. The majority of VCOM’s core hospital clinical learning environments reopened to medical student education and ambulatory educational experiences. Due to the number of COVID-19 patients still presenting in certain environments, VCOM students were restricted from emergency rooms, urgent care centers, nursing homes, COVID-19 ICUs and other wards where COVID-19 patients were treated. The Geriatric clinical education rotation was moved online for third and fourth-year students. Personal protective

equipment (PPE) was purchased and made available to students.

As the Class of 2021 students returned to

their final year of clinical rotations, the Associate Deans for the fourth-year students counseled them on interviewing for residency positions. This resulted in an excellent match, with all campuses matching greater than 92% on the first match and greater than 99% on the final match. ■

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MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN

New Opportunities are Making a Difference This past year, the Harvey W. Peters Research Foundation brought Bluefield College and the Appalachian College of Pharmacy into the Foundation’s educational consortium as sister institutions to VCOM. The new alliance will further support the needs of Southwest Virginia. The addition of these institutions preserves their existence in this region and allows us to offer combined programs. The current Masters in Biomedical Sciences program offered through VCOM and Bluefield College gives students

knowledge that prepares them for medical school or other healthcare programs. This program is completed in only one year, while other schools have a two-year program. The Appalachian College of Pharmacy (ACP) offers a traditional pharmacy school program condensed into three years by having its students attend summer sessions to save them significant time and expense. ACP plans to collaborate with VCOM to offer doctoral programs in research and public health. We remain proud to offer VCOM’s Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program at an affordable tuition, with VCOM being ranked fifth in the “10 Least Expensive Private Medical Schools” by U.S. News & World Report. With our growing scholarship opportunities, VCOM’s students will be able to meet the Mission with fewer challenges. As chairman of VCOM’s board of directors, I want to thank all our members for sharing their expertise and working together on all four campuses to make a difference in medical education in the Southeast. ■

JOHN G. ROCOVICH JR., JD, LLM CHAIRMAN

W ith an increasing shortage of physicians and a record number of rural hospitals closing, the VCOM vision has continued to expand. Bringing with it a proven record of success, VCOM has opened its fourth campus in Monroe, Louisiana, to help bring physicians to rural areas in Louisiana and the Delta region. Consistent with the VCOM Mission, our graduates continue to bring quality healthcare to underserved populations and the deserving patients who reside there. With over 4,100 graduates to date and nearly 500 new graduates each year, the College is the largest source for primary care physicians in the Southeastern United States.

About 60 million people — nearly one in five Americans — live in rural areas and depend on their local hospitals for care. 20 rural hospitals closed in 2020. 13 of those were in the South, making it a record year for closures.

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ONE COLLEGE, FOUR CAMPUSES

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

Bruce Holstien President and CEO, Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System

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

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

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

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

Elizabeth McClanahan, JD Representative, College-wide Board; Dean, Appalachian School of Law (until 2021), retired Virginia Supreme Court Justice

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

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

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

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

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

Raymond D. Smoot, PhD Finance Representative for the Board

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MESSAGE FROM THE VIRGINIA CAMPUS DEAN

Contributing to the Health of Our Communities

Amid the pandemic, VCOM-Virginia truly made a difference through their volunteer efforts, donations and participation in outreach programs. For example, students delivered face masks and personal care items to senior living communities and essential items and groceries to military veterans. Many volunteered with the Medical Reserve Corp to help our community stay informed about the pandemic. Additionally, several student and faculty volunteers administered COVID-19 vaccinations with the New River Valley Health Department to combat the spread of the disease. Students in third and fourth-year core training sites supported their hospitals and communities with similar outreach. Despite the challenges of entering medical school in the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing, the Class of 2024 united to make a difference in their community. In a student-led effort, noting the alarming rise in overdose deaths during the pandemic, 100% of the class participated in naloxone training. Naloxone is the only medication available to treat opioid overdose. Fully encapsulating the student-centered aspect, all of their trainers were members of the Classes of 2022 and 2023. I find it particularly notable that it was entirely voluntary and student-driven. I am continuously inspired by the faculty, staff, alumni and students at VCOM as we work together to improve the lives of our communities. ■

JAN M. WILLCOX, DO, FACOFP

S ince its inception, the Virginia campus has always strived to make a difference in our community. While the COVID-19 pandemic has affected every aspect of our lives, that did not deter the faculty, staff or students of VCOM- Virginia from meeting the healthcare needs of the rural and medically underserved areas of Southwest Virginia and the Appalachian region. The united efforts of each of our campuses proved that no matter the challenge, VCOM will overcome it. In the brief ten years since the inaugural VCOM-Virginia graduates began completing residencies, over 150 alumni have returned to core VCOM training sites and serve as clinical teaching faculty. They contribute to the health and welfare of their communities and positively impact our future physicians.

2 , 561 TOTAL PHYSICIANS (including the Class of 2021) graduated from VCOM-Virginia since 2007

170 NEW PHYSICIANS graduated in the VCOM-Virginia Class of 2021

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ONE COLLEGE, FOUR CAMPUSES

Virginia Advisory Board 2020-2021

John G. Rocovich Jr., JD, LLM Chairman

Dixie Tooke-Rawlins, DO, FACOFP President and Provost

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

James F. Wolfe, PhD President Emeritus

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

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

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

Carole Pratt, DDS Senior Advisor Virginia Department of Health

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

VCOM recognizes retiring Virginia Advisory Board member, Sterling Ellsworth, MD for his support in cultivating educational excellence for our students. Thank you, Sterling!

Sterling Ellsworth, MD Vice President for Graduate Medical Education, Capital Division, HCA Retired from advisory board in 2021

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MESSAGE FROM THE CAROLINAS DEAN Success Came from Working Together

The name VCOM represents a high-quality medical education, a leader in the osteopathic profession and a standard of excellence. It also represents family. In challenging times, a family’s true character is conveyed. VCOM- Carolinas displayed a level of resilience and true grit that was admired by many. From donating PPE to hospitals to administering COVID-19 vaccines in our Northside clinic to traveling the state of South Carolina in our mobile medical unit delivering standard childhood vaccines to numerous rural communities that otherwise would not have received immunizations, VCOM-Carolinas made a difference. Regarding truly being community- focused and caring for rural and medically underserved populations, VCOM-Carolinas’ students learned from the high standards of service set by the College. Every individual who is a part of the VCOM-Carolinas family serves a vital role in educating future physicians. Despite the trials, tribulations and uncertainties of this past year, VCOM- Carolinas’ future is exceptionally bright. Our commitment to excellence, collaborative spirit and drive to educate the best of tomorrow’s physicians is paramount to our success. With confidence and conviction, I still believe the best is yet to come. ■

MATTHEW D. CANNON, DO

T his past year has been one unlike any other. From the country at large to every state in this nation, down to nearly every individual family, we all nestled into our respective homes, offices and areas of refuge. Medical students were temporarily removed from the classroom and from patient care. It was certainly a year that changed us. But with change comes opportunity. VCOM- Carolinas consistently rose to every challenge it faced throughout the pandemic. We were successful for many reasons, but one that resonates is the way we worked together.

1 , 080 TOTAL PHYSICIANS (including the Class of 2021) graduated from VCOM-Carolinas since 2015

150 NEW PHYSICIANS graduated in the VCOM-Carolinas Class of 2021

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ONE COLLEGE, FOUR CAMPUSES

Carolinas Advisory Board 2020-2021

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

Bruce Holstien President and CEO, Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System

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.

Marlon Hunter CEO of ReGenesis Health Care

A. Alan Turfe, MBA Consultant to Thomas H. Lee Partners

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MESSAGE FROM THE AUBURN CAMPUS DEAN

Volunteers Respond to Critical Needs

HEATH PARKER, DO, VCOM-Auburn Dean (6/1/2021)

JOHN LUCAS, DO (Interim Dean)

D espite the ongoing pandemic, the VCOM- Auburn campus has seen many positive changes over the past year. John Lucas, DO, took the helm as interim campus Dean while the College transitioned from at-home to in- person instruction and activities. Heath Parker, DO, became campus Dean on June 1, 2021. This past spring, the Auburn campus was blessed to be able to conduct several in-person events for students, including a Stethoscope Ceremony, the White Coat Ceremony and the Class of 2021 Graduation Ceremony in May. These events are important milestones for students and their families, and we are so happy to see their return.

family. East Alabama Medical Center (EAMC), the local hospital, opened a mass COVID-19 vaccination clinic in February. The goal of this clinic was to vaccinate as many citizens in the local community as possible in the shortest amount of time. An immediate need presented itself as volunteers were critically needed to give hundreds of vaccinations each day. VCOM students and faculty volunteered to assist with patient screening, dose reconstitution and preparation, administering injections and monitoring patients. VCOM volunteers also assisted with mobile clinics in Auburn and neighboring Opelika schools. This effort allowed students to receive their vaccinations while serving as good citizens, responding to a critical medical need in our community. We’re exceptionally proud of our students and faculty for working alongside other community medical volunteers on this herculean effort. ■

This has been an important year for community service by members of the VCOM-Auburn

457 TOTAL PHYSICIANS (including the Class of 2021) graduated from VCOM-Auburn since 2019

149 NEW PHYSICIANS graduated in the VCOM-Auburn Class of 2021

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ONE COLLEGE, FOUR CAMPUSES

Auburn Advisory Board 2020-2021

John G. Rocovich Jr., JD, LLM Chairman

Dixie Tooke-Rawlins, DO, FACOFP President and Provost

John Lucas, DO Interim Dean, VCOM-Auburn (ex officio)

Heath Parker, DO Dean, VCOM-Auburn 6/1/2021 (ex officio)

William G. Anderson, DO Founding Board Member-VCOM

Mark Baker CEO, Jack Hughston Memorial Hospital

Martin J. Bonick CEO, PhyMed Healthcare Group

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

VCOM recognizes retiring Auburn Advisory Board member, Thom Gossum Jr., for his support in bringing VCOM to Auburn and serving on the board

since its founding. Thank you, Thom!

Thom Gossum Jr. Retired from VCOM Advisory Board in 2021. Past Chair of the Auburn University Foundation Board

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MESSAGE FROM THE LOUISIANA CAMPUS DEAN

Making a Difference in the Community

Mark Sanders, DO, JD, MPH, LLM, MS, FACOFP — Interim Dean

RAY L. MORRISON, DO, FACOS Dean Emeritus

O ver the last three years, this campus has grown from a field on the Bayou Desiard to the phenomenal building we occupy. We have braved many challenges, including two hurricanes, two tornadoes, an ice storm and most significantly, the inaugural class matriculated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Memories were made and milestones reached as the campus and its first class of students experienced orientation, classes and labs, socials on the patio along the bayou, Mardi Gras, a crawfish boil, the first White Coat Ceremony and so much more.

with the Northeast Louisiana workforce in helping to administer COVID-19 vaccines in the Louisiana Department of Health’s Region 8, with over 330,000 people living in this region. Dean Emeritus, Ray Morrison, DO, transitioned to Vice President for College Advancement at VCOM-Louisiana and will continue to serve on the Louisiana Advisory Board. Mark Sanders, DO, will be leading as Interim Dean. The administration is proud of the fact that VCOM-Louisiana is already working together with state, parish and local healthcare initiatives to make a difference in the lives of the community members in the Louisiana and Delta regions. ■

As the pandemic continued throughout the year, VCOM-Louisiana students volunteered

147 INAUGURAL STUDENTS in VCOM-Louisiana’s Class of 2024 completed their first year

161 STUDENTS matriculated into VCOM-Louisiana’s Class of 2025

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ONE COLLEGE, FOUR CAMPUSES

Louisiana Advisory Board 2020-2021

John G. Rocovich Jr., JD, LLM Chairman

Dixie Tooke-Rawlins, DO, FACOFP President and Provost

Ray Morrison, DO, FACOS Dean Emeritus VP for College Advancement

Mark Sanders, DO Interim Dean, VCOM-Louisiana

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

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

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

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VCOM HISTORY & TIMELINE

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 Inaugural Class of 2007 graduates.

Inaugural class begins at VCOM- Carolinas, built on the site of the historic Spartan Mill.

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.

VCOM-Virginia’s Inaugural Class of 2007 completes their residencies.

2001

2003

2004

2006-07

2010

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.

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

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ONE COLLEGE, FOUR CAMPUSES

Making a Difference in the Physician Shortage

A national study in 2002 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

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 providers 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 69% of graduates going into primary care residencies and specialties, the plan for making a difference in the

future of primary care is becoming a reality.

the late Marion Bradley Via to benefit Virginia Tech and

474 new Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine entered their residencies with many in VCOM’s target states of greatest need for physicians.

The first class at VCOM-Auburn matriculates to its campus in Auburn Research Park. The inaugural class at VCOM-Carolinas graduates, resulting in 154 new physicians.

VCOM-Auburn graduates its first class of 154 students.

2012

2015

2018

2019

2020

2021

Auburn University administration learned of the success of the VCOM/Virginia Tech 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-Carolinas alumni are beginning to establish medical practices in the state.

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

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The Harvey W. Peters Research Foundation Expands Its Educational Consortium T he Harvey W. Peters Research Foundation

Appalachian College of Pharmacy On June 30, 2020, the Appalachian College of Pharmacy (ACP) and the Foundation finalized their agreement. Under the terms of the agreement, the Harvey W. Peters Research Foundation will provide funds to ACP to establish a new Doctor of Public Health program and two other new programs, as well as build a new laboratory at Oakwood. Over the past year, ACP’S accrediting bodies, the Accreditation Committee for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), the Southern Association of Colleges and Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV), have approved the agreement. Appalachian College of Pharmacy has a traditional pharmacy school program, which has been condensed into three years by having its students attend summer sessions in order to save them significant time and expense. ACP currently offers Virginia’s only three-year Doctor of Pharmacy program. Bluefield College (now Bluefield University) On January 12, 2021, Bluefield University president David Olive, JD, and the Bluefield University Board of Trustees set the stage for the next 100 years with a significant decision to join the Harvey W. Peters Research Foundation educational consortium. Approvals for the agreement were granted by the accrediting body for Bluefield University, the Southern Association of Colleges and Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). In addition to Bluefield University’s collaboration with VCOM for the Master of Arts in Biomedical Sciences (MABS) degree program, the college offers both RN and BSN degrees in its Nursing progam. “In order for us to expand in healthcare, it is important to have partners like Bluefield University, who we already partner with, in our Master of Arts in Biomedical Sciences (MABS) degree program,” said John Rocovich Jr, LLM. ■

has announced that Bluefield University and the Appalachian College of Pharmacy have received approval from their accrediting bodies to finalize the process of becoming part of the Foundation’s educational consortium. The two colleges will join the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) as sister institutions under the Foundation. This alignment will further support each organization’s shared mission—to bring quality healthcare to the Appalachian region’s underserved populations by developing resources of the highest quality for patients who reside there. This alliance will also allow for increased learning opportunities and interprofessional education options for the students from each school. By facilitating increased collaboration, these institutions will strengthen the framework by which healthcare will be provided in the future. Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine A fter researching the physician shortage in the United States and seeing how significant the shortage was in rural and medically underserved areas like southwest Virginia, the Harvey W. Peters Research Foundation established the first Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) campus in Blacksburg, Virginia, founded in 2001, with its first class of medical students starting in 2003. Physician shortages in the Appalachian and Delta regions, along with rising student application rates, have led to the addition of added campuses in Spartanburg, South Carolina, Auburn, Alabama and, most recently, Monroe, Louisiana. Partnerships with state and local government, as well as associated higher education institutions, have been key to this effort.

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ONE COLLEGE, FOUR CAMPUSES

We look forward to developing many more programs to create opportunities and serve the people in our communities. — John G. Rocovich Jr., JD, LLM

Bluefield University Below left: John G. Rocovich Jr., JD, LLM, Chairman of the Board of the Harvey W. Peters Research Foundation and of VCOM with David Olive, JD, Bluefield University President.

Appalachian College of Pharmacy Below – Back row, left to right: Susan L. Mayhew, PharmD – ACP Dean, A. Franklin Kilgore, Esq. – ACP Founder, Lucius F. Ellsworth, PhD. – Chairman, ACP Board of Trustees, Dixie Tooke-Rawlins, DO, VCOM President and Provost. Sitting, left to right: Michael G. McGlothlin, JD – ACP President and John G. Rocovich Jr., JD, LLM, Chairman of the Harvey W. Peters Foundation and VCOM.

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STUDENTS 23

One College, Four Campuses - Together, We are Making a Difference

New York

Pennsylvania

Ohio

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:

Target Appalachian region Target Delta region

Target states with primary and rural medicine shortages VCOM campus locations

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STUDENTS AND ACADEMICS

Making a Difference at VCOM

T he Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) is one college with four campuses across the southeastern United States. With the recent addition of the Louisiana campus, VCOM has become one of the largest medical schools in the country. Yet, VCOM maintains the nurturing small private college feel for the student. The VCOM Mission The entire VCOM family has one common mission: to graduate community-focused, globally-minded osteopathic physicians to meet the needs of rural and medically underserved areas and to provide research to improve human health. This Mission is the heart and soul of VCOM, and is seen in all of our students and our Appalachian and International outreach programs. VCOM provides students many opportunities to "make a difference,"starting on the first day of their four years of medical education. Many of VCOM's alumni have continued by volunteering to serve in the community and international outreach programs after graduation. High-Quality Standardized Curriculum Each of the four VCOM campuses works together to provide the same state-of-the-art high-quality standardized curriculum, policies and educational opportunities to provide the best medical education for all of its students at any campus. Making sure VCOM students are academically successful is one of the College’s highest concerns. Educating in Our Communities The College is positioned to educate and train students in the regions where they may someday practice; some of the greatest physician shortages are in the South. The College partners with many community-based hospitals throughout the target regions. The clinical program of VCOM is highly structured with core hospitals and a standardized curriculum. Students have a well-developed clinical training program for a continuum of medical education. In addition, VCOM works with hospitals to ensure our graduates have many options for their residency programs. ■

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Top Recruitment Regions

Top VIRGINIA Colleges and Universities VCOM-Virginia Matriculants Classes of 2021-2024

Top ALABAMA Colleges and Universities VCOM-Auburn Matriculants Classes of 2021-2024

Top NORTH CAROLINA Colleges and Universities VCOM-Carolinas Matriculants Classes of 2021-2024

College

Number of Students

College

Number of Students

College

Number of Students

Christopher Newport University 24 College of William and Mary 24 George Mason University 34 James Madison University 28 Liberty University 11 Old Dominion University 12 Radford University 5 Roanoke College 7 University of Virginia 58 University of Richmond 7 Virginia Commonwealth University 48 Virginia Tech 110 Other 31

Alabama State University

5

Appalachian State University

18

Auburn University

77

Campbell University

2

Jacksonville State University

9

East Carolina University

14

Samford University

10

Elon University 4 North Carolina State University 20 Pfeiffer University 1 University of North Carolina 53 Wake Forest University 12 Western Carolina University 7 Other 32

Troy University

19

University of Alabama

17

University of Alabama - Birmingham University of Alabama - Huntsville

28

5

University of North Alabama

3

University of South Alabama

6

Other

13

Matriculated Students by Community Size Classes of 2021-2024

21%

<10,000

46 % of current VCOM students are from comunities under 30,000

25%

10,000-29,999

14%

30,000-49,999

16%

50,000-99,999

24%

>100,000

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Top SOUTH CAROLINA Colleges and Universities VCOM-Carolinas Matriculants Classes of 2021-2024

Top LOUISIANA Colleges and Universities VCOM-Louisiana Matriculants Classes of 2021-2024

Matriculated Students by TARGET STATE Classes of 2021-2024

State

Students

%

College

Number of Students

College

Number of Students

Alabama

188

9%

Clemson University

44

Louisiana State University

12

Arkansas

2

.1%

Coastal Carolina University

6

Louisiana Tech University

10

Florida

218

10%

College of Charleston

11

McNeese State University

4

Georgia

122

6%

Presbyterian College

3

Tulane University 7 University of Louisiana Monroe 15 Other 3

Illinois

23

1%

University of South Carolina

52

Kentucky

14

1%

Wofford College

9

Louisiana

81

4%

Other

17

Maryland

83

4%

Mississippi

36

2%

Missouri

24

2%

North Carolina

173

8%

Pennsylvania

121

6%

South Carolina

126

6%

Tennessee

80

4%

Texas

87

4%

Student Home Locations Classes of 2021-2024 92 % from the combined Target Region 83 % from an Appalachian State 45 % from a Medically Underserved Area 9 % from a Rural Area

Virginia

417

20%

West Virginia

5

.3%

Recruiting for the Mission

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About Our Students

Matriculated Students by GENDER Classes of 2021-2024 53 % FEMALE students

47 % MALE students

Diversity

VCOM Applicant and Matriculant GPA Averages Classes of 2021-2024 Average GPA 3.64 Overall 60% ranged from 3.6-4.0 Average Science GPA 3.39 48% ranged from 3.6-4.0 ___________________________ Applicants to VCOM Campuses Class of 2024 Combined total applications to the four campuses 15,079 ___________________________

Matriculated Students by RACE Classes of 2021-2024

16 % AVERAGE for under-represented MINORITIES Classes of 2007-2024

Race

Students

%

White

1441 68%

Asian

370 17%

Hispanic

148

7%

African American144

7%

American Indian / Alaskan Native 13

.7%

Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander

Attrition Rate Classes of 2007-2020

6

.3%

3.9%

VCOM is a recipient of Insight into Diversity’s Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) award in 2020 The College has been recognized for 9 years in a row by

VCOM has over 2,000 CURRENT STUDENTS at all four campus locations

Minority Access, Inc. as an Institutional Role Model for Diversity

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STUDENTS AND ACADEMICS

Graduates and Residencies

474 Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine graduated in the Class of 2021 and went on to begin residencies

VCOM was named again in 2021 by U.S. News & World Report in “Which schools turn out the most primary care residents?”

Find out more about VCOM Graduates and Residencies in the Alumni section on page 110.

Students Serving Our Country

Current Students in the Military Health Professions Scholarship Program

299 VCOM graduates have served in the U.S. ARMED FORCES since 2007

24 Class of 2021 31 Class of 2022

18 Class of 2023 24 Class of 2024

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Residency Match Day Class of 2021

All campuses matched greater than 92 % on the first match and greater than 99 % on the final match

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STUDENTS AND ACADEMICS

Congratulations!

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Programs of Study and Educational Partnerships

DO with Research Distinction

Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Degree

M any students at VCOM have a desire to conduct research as part of their medical education experience. Faculty and students also recognize the importance of continuous advancement in medical practice through cutting-edge research findings. Students are encouraged to actively conduct a research project to gain experience in basic and applied research and advance scientific knowledge. This will enable DO clinicians to

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 to and to

partner with their patients to help them get healthy and stay well. Osteopathic physicians are licensed in every state to practice the full scope

474 new Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine graduated from VCOM in 2021 and entered their residencies

understand how their profession is evolving and can contribute to the effort for the advancement of medical research. Students will complete a research project designed and conducted with a faculty research

TWELVE DO with Research Distinction degrees were awarded in 2021 There are currently 56 students enrolled in the program

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 in to how a patient’s lifestyle and environment can impact their wellbeing. DOs strive to help patients be healthy in mind, body and spirit.

mentor. After successfully completing the project, the student will be awarded a DO with Research Distinction degree designation at graduation.

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STUDENTS AND ACADEMICS

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. The first class in this new program is expected to complete the program in May of 2022. Averett’s applied healthcare data analytics program will help

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 emphasizes 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.

prepare students to use data and analytics to solve significant problems facing the healthcare industry, creating more stable

The online Master of Science degree in applied healthcare data analytics program began in 2021

Meeting the benchmarks in the master’s program can provide acceptance into the VCOM DO

109 students earned their Masters in Biomedical Sciences in 2021 71 of them were accepted into VCOM

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.

program on one of the four VCOM campuses, unlike similar programs that only provide an interview. The MABS program can also eliminate the lag or glide year that is mandatory in most other programs.

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Graduate Medical Education

Sports Medicine Fellowships

ONMM3 Residency

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

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 to allow the resident to assume progressive responsibility for patient care. In 2021, THREE ONMM3 Fellows completed their VCOM fellowship 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. This program emphasizes

FIVE Sports Medicine Fellows completed their VCOM fellowship program in 2021

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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