VCOM 2023 Annual Report

funds for VCOM-Carolinas' state-of-the-art simulation center.

• Train future osteopathic physicians (DOs) who will remain in South Carolina to practice primary care, especially in rural and medically underserved areas to help combat the looming primary care physician shortage. • Train the next generation of physicians to be familiar with and aware of the ethnic differences in treating patients of all backgrounds. VCOM-Carolinas is committed to develop a robust training program, including incorporating state-of the-art, high-tech simulation manikins of different skin tones. • Fund 20 hand-held ultrasound machines and the LAP Mentor Simulator, a sophisticated virtual reality system that replicates the experience of performing laparoscopic surgery. “We are dedicated to educating the next generation of primary care providers and to bringing access to care to rural and medically underserved populations,” said Dr. Cannon. “With a focus on educating patients on disease prevention, health literacy, patient compliance, disease management and patient-physician communication, we can empower patients with knowledge, awareness and confidence to effectively manage their disease processes.” Additional obstacles to healthcare access include high rates of uninsured and underinsured patients, cultural differences that pose barriers to accessing care, having more than 20% of the population with incomes below poverty level and an aging population with more chronic disease. The new grant—“Addressing Health Inequity in South Carolina by Increasing Access to Primary Care”—will support the College's mobile health unit, which allows VCOM's faculty and staff to address healthcare needs by going into communities who most need assistance. In addition, the grant provides

To equip VCOM’s faculty and staff to serve patients, VCOM’s Mobile Medical Unit will receive funding for materials, supplies, personnel and medical equipment to support faculty-led patient encounters and rural student medical outreach programs in medically underserved communities. In South Carolina, the lack of access to primary care often means healthcare barriers for particularly disadvantaged populations. A big part of VCOM’s initiative with this grant is to provide training opportunities designed to ensure racial diversity for student doctors through practicing techniques in simulation.

VCOM GIVING 225

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