VCOM 2024 Annual Report

The DO Program L earning to be a physician is not easy. From learning the many systems of the human body and what can go wrong, to how to interact effectively with patients, and everything in between, there’s a lot to learn. So how do VCOM students learn to be effective physicians? Years 1 and 2 T he first two years at VCOM are divided into blocks and students generally spend most of their time in classrooms and laboratories. The blocks cover topics such as foundations of medicine, professional ethics, anatomy and physiology, the musculoskeletal system, psychiatry, pharmacology, neuroscience, preventative medicine, pathology, dermatology, reproductive and endocrine systems and more. At the end of their second year, students do a comprehensive review of what they have learned to prepare for the COMLEX exam, which is required before they can begin their rotations in year 3. First-and second-year students must also begin learning clinical skills in order to prepare for their rotations. During these Early Clinical Experiences (ECEs), students are carefully supervised by VCOM faculty. For example, students may go on pharmacology rounds, observe geriatric assessments, spend a day with an ICU nurse or an athletic trainer, or complete internal medicine rounds with a resident. In addition, service-based learning experiences at VCOM enable the College and its students to provide medical care to patients through health fairs, free clinics and other community outreach programs.

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