VCOM 2021 Annual Report

Making a Difference through Innovative Research

T he Research Division supports VCOM’s mission to promote research to improve human health by advancing research collaboration and opportunities to develop and disseminate knowledge. Carrying out research in the COVID-19 environment has been challenging. In the past six months, the majority of VCOM research activities have restarted, however, many continued even under COVID-19 safety restrictions. A shift work strategy was employed as restrictions were placed on the number of individuals allowed in labs. The need for creative solutions also impacted faculty research time. A silver lining is clear: the research community is seeing the federal government dedicate more funding for COVID-19 research. VCOM has seen many new research projects funded from these efforts, and the VCOM Research Division is pleased with the success of its members. DO with Research Distinction VCOM’s successful program to encourage student research, the DO with Research Distinction Program, has completed its second cycle and continues to grow rapidly. This program provides resources and training to encourage students to become clinician- researchers. Students accepted into the program complete a designated curriculum and design and conduct a research project with a faculty mentor. They must publish a peer-reviewed publication or mini paper- modeled thesis. Upon completion, students are awarded the Research Distinction degree designation at graduation. VCOM awarded the degree to two graduates in 2020 and 12 graduates in 2021. There are now 56 students enrolled in the current program. ■

2020 RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS

Over $ 1 million in seed funding available to faculty

Success rate of extramural

applications is nearly 25 % (24.5%)

Over 200 VCOM students involved in research projects

104 peer-reviewed publications

More than 120 ACTIVE RESEARCH projects at VCOM

More than 50 VCOM students were listed as contributing authors on publications in peer- reviewed journals.

Over 250 VCOM students listed as co-authors on posters presented at local, regional, national and international conferences.

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