VCOM 2021 Annual Report

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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