VCOM 2024 Annual Report

“This contract will further cement East Alabama’s place as a leader in the defense industry, and I am excited to see VCOM-Auburn continue to succeed.” – U.S. Representative Mike Rogers, Chair of the House

One of the standout features of the system is its use of advanced technologies in collaboration with the Alabama Artificial Intelligence Center (AAICE) and the AUBix data center. These partnerships enable the system to process vast amounts of data efficiently, providing continuous surveillance and insights that are especially valuable in military settings. The ability to track disease outbreaks around military installations will allow the Department of Defense to maintain operational readiness and ensure that any potential biothreats are detected early. Fred Rawlins II, DO, co-principal investigator on the project and chief medical officer for VLMS, noted the value of tracking student clinical experiences through VLMS, which provides crucial early health data from students across rural and underserved areas. While the system has significant implications for military healthcare, its application extends beyond military bases. The VCOM team is working to ensure that rural and underserved communities across Alabama also benefit from enhanced surveillance. By providing these areas with real-time data on disease trends, the system promises to improve health outcomes in regions that might otherwise be

left behind in terms of access to timely public health information. Tracey Perez Koehlmoos, PhD, MHA, director of the Center for Health Services Research at USU, highlighted the importance of the VCOM partnership in advancing this research, stating, “The work at VCOM-Auburn is a critical piece of our efforts to improve both military healthcare and the broader public health landscape.” U.S. Representative Mike Rogers, chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, also provided a statement about the significance of the project, particularly to Alabama. “I am incredibly proud to see VCOM-Auburn secure this contract,” Rep. Rogers said. “This contract will further cement East Alabama’s place as a leader in the defense industry, and I am excited to see VCOM-Auburn continue to succeed.” This project marks a significant milestone for VCOM-Auburn, positioning the campus as a leader in advancing biothreat surveillance and public health research. The development of this AI-driven surveillance system is set to play a pivotal role in shaping future responses to emerging health threats, ultimately improving both military and civilian healthcare delivery across the nation.

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RESEARCH