VCOM Auburn Yearbook 2019

MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN Fulfilling Our Purpose ELIZABETH A. PALMAROZZI, DO, FACOFP T his past year has been amazing, especially considering that we have finally fulfilled our purpose by graduating the first class of VCOM-Auburn physicians. This Auburn campus was established as a result of our commencement ceremony speaker, Auburn University President Jay Gogue, PhD, and others to address a shortfall of primary care physicians in the state. Our first graduation day on May 18, 2019 was a magical experience and an important milestone for this campus and the College. An almost 100 percent placement rate for class of 2019 students on match day is another great accomplishment this year that we are extremely proud of. After four years of everyone’s hard work, more than 150 physician graduates will be making the difference in the lives of patients, as well as alleviating the physician shortage in Alabama and beyond. I am infinitely proud of our inaugural class of 2019 graduates. Every year, I am impressed by our students and their efforts to assist local charitable organizations and causes. Especially uplifting this past year were the quick efforts by our students to assist Lee County tornado victims after the storms of March 3, 2019. Our various student organizations work diligently each year to provide community service and to develop future healthcare leaders. Members of the class of 2023 arrived on campus in July of 2019. We welcome these students to the VCOM-Auburn campus family. It is exciting to get to know this new group of students, and we look forward to their future accomplishments.

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LETTERS FROM THE PRESIDENT AND DEAN