VCOM 2023 Annual Report

John G. Rocovich Jr., JD, LLM Chairman, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine A Message from the Chairman

O ne of the greatest honors my wife, Sue Ellen, and I have had in our lives was to found the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM). More than 20 years ago, we had a vision to build an osteopathic medical school that would produce globally minded, community-focused physicians who would return to the areas of greatest need in Southwest Virginia. Since then, our vision has multiplied into four campuses across the Southeastern United States. Because of the efforts of our VCOM community, more than 5,000 physicians have been educated and entered the healthcare workforce. VCOM has also developed numerous partnerships and collaborations in vital biomedical, clinical and educational research areas, solidifying its impact on the communities it serves. In 2001, studies showed that the United States faced a shortage of over 100,000 physicians by 2025. Those predictions have come to pass as many members of the current physician workforce, born during the Baby Boom following World War II, are retiring. Rural America is facing severe economic challenges. The need for physicians in underserved communities has grown significantly in the last two decades.

The board of directors, the College administration and I are amazed at the impact our alumni are having on the health of the underserved communities in the United States. They provide exemplary healthcare to patients, and VCOM graduates are responsible for contributing $53.8 billion in economic impact in their communities. We have made real progress in our vision in only 20 years. Faculty and student researchers at VCOM have produced numerous projects, ideas and innovations that protect our citizens, athletes, and soldiers. They have achieved significant research in COVID-19 and diseases such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease and others that affect people worldwide. Our researchers have contributed to innovations and technology for educating medical students and other healthcare personnel in the private and military sectors. Our task going forward is to ensure that VCOM prospers and continues to educate some of the nation’s finest physicians for another 20 years.

VCOM’s founding board members

Left to right, standing: James Wolfe, Raymond Smoot, John Cifala, John Rocovich Jr., Roy Heaton, James Bohland, Eugene Zachary. Seated: Dixie Tooke Rawlins, Sue Ellen Rocovich. Not shown: William G. Anderson.

2003

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