VCOM 2024 Annual Report

A Year of Service, Growth, and Community Impact Ron Januchowski, DO, FACOFP Dean for the Virginia Campus

R eflecting on the past year as dean of the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM)–Virginia, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude. Our mission goes far beyond medical education—it is about building lasting connections, strengthening communities, and ensuring that quality healthcare reaches those who need it most. At VCOM–Virginia, engagement is not just an initiative; it is the foundation of who we are and what we do. From the very first day of medical school, our students embrace the responsibility of serving others. This commitment was evident as we welcomed the 178 students of the Class of 2028 at their White Coat Ceremony in October. Demonstrating a deep dedication to public health, within the first block, every student voluntarily participated in overdose prevention training, learning to administer Narcan to help respond to an overdose emergency. Led by the Class of 2027, this training not only equipped them with essential life-saving skills but also reinforced the power of peer-led service in creating a safer, healthier community. We celebrated the achievements of 176 graduates in the Class of 2024 on May 19, marking another milestone in VCOM’s mission to supply rural and underserved areas with dedicated physicians. Their 100% residency match rate, with more than 60% entering primary care and 75% choosing to serve in an Appalachian state, speaks to their unwavering commitment to community health. Additionally, more than 15% graduated with research distinction, further advancing medical knowledge to benefit the populations we serve.

VCOM–Virginia thrives on meaningful engagement, and 2024 was a testament to the profound impact of our outreach efforts. Through community health initiatives in Southwest Virginia, our Summer Enrichment Experience (SEE), and our volunteer efforts at local events, we have strengthened connections and expanded access to health education. “Every outreach event, every patient served, and every student inspired strengthens the foundation of a healthier, more connected world.” Our commitment to engagement extends across the world. In 2024, VCOM students and faculty embarked on life-changing medical mission trips to Honduras and the Dominican Republic, providing essential care to over 3,500 patients. Additionally, our VCOM international continuous care clinics have now served more than 100,000 patients and administered 10,600 childhood vaccinations. These efforts reinforce VCOM’s role as a global leader in healthcare access and community-driven medicine. Every outreach event, every patient served, and every student inspired strengthens the foundation of a healthier, more connected world. Together, we are building a healthier, more compassionate future—one community at a time.

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