VCOM 2023 Annual Report

Jan M. Willcox, DO, FACOFP-dist. Virginia Campus Dean, 2014-2023 Dr. Willcox is currently focusing on regional and international outreach programs for the VCOM campuses. Mission-Driven Physicians

I t is truly gratifying to look back over my two decades at VCOM and see everything we’ve accomplished. VCOM has always stayed true to its mission and that focused purpose is what makes VCOM special. The commitment to provide osteopathic physicians for medically underserved communities has led to the development of our

as clinical faculty, teaching our students in their clinical practices, 77 of which are at Virginia sites. At national meetings, I see our alumni taking on leadership roles. During the pandemic, our alumni stepped up to participate in virtual events related to their practice experiences regarding bias and health disparities, helping to ensure that our students were able to connect and grow despite the relative isolation of the time. It is a joy to see them achieving their goals and making a difference in their communities.

additional campuses, innovative research, and a host of outreach opportunities in the Appalachian region and international VCOM medical mission sites. Among my favorite things to do is outreach with students, whether that’s through rural Appalachian outreach

VCOM’s growth over the last 20 years is truly remarkable. We are proud to have educated over 5,000 physicians college-wide. Impressively, 2,894 of them have graduated from the Virginia campus. VCOM is engaging in meaningful

“We are proud to have educated over 5,000 physicians college-wide. Impressively, 2,894 of them have graduated from the Virginia campus.”

or our international clinics. On campus, students apply what they have learned in class through a multitude of experiences with their peers, the standardized patient program, simulations, interprofessional learning opportunities, outreach and learning communities. Our proctored outreach experiences give students a chance to see patients for the first time and experience genuine doctor-patient interactions. As a medical educator, it is a thrill to be part of those moments of connection that lead to positive health outcomes. VCOM alumni exemplify our mission. So often I see our alumni doing what they said they wanted to do in their personal statements. I see them teaching our students at our core sites and on our campuses. 157 VCOM alumni serve

research in topics as diverse as sports medicine, Alzheimer’s Disease and syndromic surveillance. Our faculty are exploring the potential of new and more effective treatments, and they are engaging our students in that work, providing even more opportunities for our students to excel and explore avenues within the osteopathic profession that spark their interest. I know that VCOM will continue to develop mission-driven physicians. We recruit students from our target regions with a passion for providing osteopathic medical care to rural and underserved communities, and our graduates are returning to their hometowns to make a difference in the health and well-being of their communities.

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