VCOM 2023 Annual Report

Reflections from the VCOM Family and Partners

H ow do VCOM employees feel about working at the College? From feelings and opinions about the Mission, to teaching students and what they have learned. The College asked those from each of its four locations who had been with the College since their campus opened as well as hospital administrators who know our Mission and students.

I was in the right place at the right time. I met Dr. Dixie Tooke-Rawlins by chance through Roanoke’s Medical History Foundation and learned of the opening of VCOM, so I applied for the job of Librarian. Working at VCOM and in the Library is like play. There has never been a day I didn’t want to come to work. The best part of my job is connecting medical students and faculty with the resources they need for studying and teaching. Getting to know the medical students is the most exciting part of my job. Bumping into VCOM graduates who have returned to their rural hometowns to practice medicine is VCOM’s Mission accomplished! Elaine Powers, MSLS VCOM-Virginia Director for Library Services, hired in 2003

I would like to think I’m globally-minded, but I know in practice I’ve been community-focused, with my work with the SEE program, to the way I believe in representing VCOM in the community I live in, Spartanburg, SC. I think my proudest moment is really a series of daily moments when I represent VCOM in the Spartanburg community, and I realize how much this school means to Spartanburg. [Working at VCOM] is challenging yet fulfilling. Teaching difficult subject material to bright students will always keep you on your toes, but doing so does give you a sense of achievement. Joel Atance, PhD VCOM-Carolinas Discipline Chair for Anatomy Associate Professor for Anatomical Sciences and Physiology, hired in 2011

I love that I am able to actively recruit to our Mission first-hand! I get to go into the rural areas and schools and speak with prospective students. I see how passionate they are to practice “back home” and make a difference in their small community. I love the Delta and NELA regions, and I am

thrilled to be able to contribute to providing access to care in these areas. I love to see the excitement and passion of each student during their interview, and I love to see it come full circle when they walk in the door on Day 1 of school! I love knowing that I can be a part of seeing their dream come to fruition! I have never felt so fulfilled in a job as I do in Admissions and at VCOM. I see how hard each student works, knowing that someday they will be practicing. It’s extremely satisfying to watch it each year. Tara Etheridge, MHA VCOM-Louisiana Director for Admissions, hired in 2019

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