VCOM 2022 Annual Report

Meeting Challenges Head-On Matthew D. Cannon, DO Carolinas Campus Dean T here is a common phrase “the days are long, but the years are short.” Back in 2010, VCOM chose to open a second campus in Spartanburg, South Carolina, because of the dire need for primary care physicians in the Carolinas. The problem was not only very real at the time but also getting progressively worse. VCOM’s mission to train globally minded, community-focused physicians to meet the needs of rural and medically underserved areas was precisely what the Carolinas needed. It seems like just yesterday that this plan was set into motion. Some of the days have been long as it takes a band of dedicated, passionate team members who are “all-in” on this process

the epitome of “bringing healthcare home.” This outstanding success is achieved not by words, but rather by action. During the COVID pandemic, VCOM-Carolinas accepted the challenges we faced and met them head-on. The College mobile medical unit, equipped with COVID vaccines as well as all standard vaccines for school-aged children, took these potentially life-saving immunizations to where those in need were: in rural towns, underserved communities and any of the other locations where a need arose. We also set up a COVID vaccine clinic across from campus and administered thousands of vaccines to those who desired them. In addition to COVID efforts, we partnered with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental

to achieve the results that VCOM has accomplished. But through it all, the years have been short as VCOM graduated its first class in 2015 and has since celebrated eight graduation ceremonies.

VCOM has more alumni in South Carolina primary care residencies than all three other South Carolina medical schools combined.

Currently, VCOM-Carolinas has 333 board certified physicians practicing in South Carolina and 84 practicing in North Carolina. Considering that three years is the minimum amount of time a graduate must spend in residency, these numbers are even more impressive. And it doesn’t stop there; VCOM has more alumni in South Carolina primary care residencies than all three other South Carolina medical schools combined. This is

Services to address numerous other medical issues threatening the well-being of rural and medically underserved communities, earning VCOM the state’s “Community Hero Award.” Our passion never rests as we continually seek the next task, the next challenge, the next victory. It is with confidence and conviction that I truly believe the best is yet to come.

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