VCOM - Auburn 2017 Yearbook

Local Outreach

The Appalachian Mountains form a picturesque region known for culture, heritage and rural communities with strong bonds.

M edical students and faculty at VCOM enhance their skills in providing patient- centered medicine through many different community outreach activities Second-year students at VCOM–Auburn have been actively involved in community outreach experiences through Interprofessional Early Clinical Experiences (IECEs), Early Clinical Experiences (ECEs) and volunteer outreach at local

area health fairs, free clinics, and other services, all while receiving instruction from experienced faculty and staff. At an IECE event at the Auburn Senior Center, VCOM- Auburn medical students were part of a team of five that evaluated the well-being of several senior residents. Teams were made up of a VCOM- Auburn medical student, a pharmacy student from the Auburn University Harrison School of Pharmacy, a nursing student from School of Nursing, a social work student from the College of Liberal Arts and a nutrition student from the College of Human Sciences. Students enjoyed working

together as a healthcare team, learning what each discipline brought to the table. VCOM- Auburn students also assisted faculty in hosting “Mini-Medical Schools,” promoting healthy behaviors and providing a glimpse at what it is like to be a medical student for rural high school students. Through Appalachian outreach, VCOM students gain experience in public and environmental health, as well as providing care for patients who live in poor socioeconomic conditions. Medical outreach experiences are a key component in educating students to provide healthcare in challenging environments.

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