VCOM 2021 Annual Report

GIVING

Jordan Saunders, VCOM Class of 2022 (center), joined members of the Tazewell Community Foundation on March 2, 2021, to express his enthusiasm and appreciation for the scholarship that will enable him to return to practice Family Care Medicine in Tazewell County after graduation.

In commenting about the scholarship program, VCOM President and Provost Dixie Tooke-Rawlins said, “Access to high- quality healthcare is crucial. Partnering with the Tazewell Community Foundation will help the College provide primary care services to more people living there. This generous commitment by the Foundation will greatly enrich VCOM’s scholarship program, decrease student debt and enable many of our students to fulfill the College’s mission of returning our graduates to rural and medically underserved areas like Tazewell County.”

Tooke-Rawlins also added, “From the College’s earliest beginning, VCOM has recruited students from, provided training in, and returned qualified graduates to the southern Appalachian states. More than 46% of our students are from rural communities of less than 30,000, with 21% coming from communities of less than 10,000. Students like Mr. Saunders have an attitude of altruism and compassion and a desire to serve those who are most in need. We are excited for Mr. Saunders and the Tazwell Community. We know that he will serve the families living there well throughout his medical career.”

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