VCOM - Auburn 2017 Yearbook

Introduction to International & Appalachian Outreach

I nternational and Appalachian outreach programs at VCOM provide medical students with practical, hands-on experience through field training, mentorship and a deep commitment to developing healthy communities. The College’s pledge to reach rural and medically underserved communities has been core to the VCOM mission since the beginning. Outreach programs are key to addressing the needs of underserved populations in rural Appalachia and abroad. In order to provide sustainable care for international communities, VCOM has established full- time medical clinics in the

Dominican Republic, El Salvador and Honduras. During the 2015-2016 year, a record number of medical students, alumni and college faculty were able to participate in week-long international medical outreach trips to these clinics. An impressive number of students and faculty also volunteered their time closer to home, working in free clinics, sponsoring fundraisers and donation drives, hosting and participating in community health fairs and educating the community in order to improve quality of life for future generations. J.J. White, DO, PhD, VCOM-Auburn Chair for Emergency Medicine, remarked about how he had

seen VCOM’s involvement with the clinics and local healthcare infrastructure flourish over the years thanks to many committed individuals and entities. “Looking back at the last 10 years, it is remarkable how things have improved,” said White. “Everything has improved, including equipment, infrastructure, funding, personnel, training opportunities for local healthcare providers and better ability to connect patients between the clinics and larger hospitals in the areas,” White added. White said that the efforts of so many at VCOM have created an unparalleled global health presence.

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