VCOM 2025 Annual Report

25

EDUCATION

From the Dean of VCOM-Louisiana Ray Morrison, DO, FACOS, DFACOS

2 025 was marked by both transition and significant achievement at the Louisiana campus. Near the end of the academic year, I was able to return to serve as dean, following my role as dean emeritus and founding dean of VCOM-Louisiana. It is an honor to serve in this capacity and to continue advancing our mission. For the second consecutive year, VCOM-Louisiana excelled in the residency match. The Class of 2025 achieved a 100% match rate through proportion of our graduates entered primary care specialties, reinforcing our institutional mission to address healthcare disparities and physician shortages across Louisiana and the Delta region. Our Mobile Medical Units (MMUs), awarded through a collaborative partnership with the Ouachita Parish Police Jury, served communities throughout Ouachita Parish and Region 8, delivering meaningful outreach and hands-on clinical education. Discussions have begun with the Louisiana Governor’s Office of Homeland Security on how our mobile medical units will help to expand regional emergency response capabilities. Additionally, grant funding was secured to build protective housing for the MMUs, along with disaster debriefing and storage facilities on the University of Louisiana Monroe campus. the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). A significant

Student and faculty volunteerism has reached an all-time high. The Louisiana campus is widely recognized as a valued and trusted community partner. Our presence across social, healthcare, and civic settings continues to strengthen public perception and reinforce our commitment to service. New articulation agreements and pathway programs with regional institutions of higher education are strengthening access to medical education for VCOM-Louisiana students. Our mission remains central to every partnership and initiative across the state and throughout the Delta region. We also look ahead with great anticipation to our first graduating class completing residency training in 2027. Their return to practice will mark a significant step toward meeting the physician workforce needs of Louisiana and the surrounding region. VCOM-Louisiana stands on solid ground as a leader in medical education—enriching the communities we serve and advancing our mission with excellence. We remain deeply grateful for the continued support of our partners, faculty, students, alumni, and community leaders, whose commitment strengthens and sustains our college.