VCOM 2024 Annual Report

A Year of Firsts and Milestones Graduating Our Inaugural Class Mark Sanders, DO, JD, MPH, LLM, MS, FACOFP, FCLM Dean for the Louisiana Campus

T his past year was one of extraordinary milestones and growth for VCOM-Louisiana. Our campus continues to fulfill its mission of bringing exceptional osteopathic medical education to the Delta Region and Louisiana’s underserved communities. With each new achievement, we are further cementing our role as a driving force in improving access to healthcare in this unique and vital region. The crowning moment of 2024 came in May with the graduation of VCOM-Louisiana’s inaugural class. These trailblazers entered medical school during unprecedented times and rose to every challenge with resilience and determination. Their success is a testament to the strength of our mission-driven curriculum and the unwavering dedication of our faculty and staff. Our inaugural class achieved a perfect residency match rate, with many graduates choosing primary care specialties and rural practice sites. Another meaningful moment in 2024 was the delivery of our mobile health units. These state of-the-art clinics on wheels will bring critical healthcare services to rural and underserved areas. With them, we will provide screenings, preventive care, and health education to thousands of residents across Louisiana. From disaster training to rural health fairs, our students, faculty, and staff provided essential services to the community. The partnership we established in 2021 with Louisiana’s Region 8 Disaster Relief continued to evolve further in 2024, allowing us to expand the Volunteer Medical Reserve Corps and enhance our disaster-response capabilities.

VCOM-Louisiana remains the first and only osteopathic medical school in the state, and our presence continues to foster greater awareness of osteopathic principles and their life-changing potential.

In 2024, our students’ commitment to service was unparalleled. Whether providing aid during natural disasters or leading initiatives to address social determinants of health, they exemplified the heart of our mission. Their compassion and leadership have strengthened trust within our communities and demonstrated the power of osteopathic medicine in action. With a strong foundation of academic excellence, community engagement, and innovation, our campus is poised to make an even greater impact on the health and wellness of Louisiana and the Delta region. “VCOM-Louisiana remains the first and only osteopathic medical school in the state, and our presence continues to foster greater awareness of osteopathic principles and their life-changing potential.”

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