VCOM 2021 Annual Report

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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