VCOM Auburn Yearbook 2020

THE FUTURE OF PRIMARY CARE

MESSAGE FROM THE AUBURN DEAN A Primary Care Shortage ELIZABETH A. PALMAROZZI, DO, FACOFP W ith little need to elaborate, 2020 might certainly be remembered as one of the most interesting and challenging years in our lifetimes. Despite the difficulty that has been thrown at us, the faculty, staff and students of VCOM-Auburn have risen to the challenge. This past academic year started like any other, however, the global pandemic forced us to rethink and retool our educational process. Though our methods have temporarily changed, our focus on alleviating the physician shortage in Alabama and beyond remains. We continually work to recruit students from rural and underserved areas with the hope that they will one day return to those areas with critical need. Due to COVID-19 guidelines, we were unable to hold a group graduation ceremony for the VCOM-Auburn Class of 2020. For the first time in VCOM history, a virtual graduation ceremony was held and shared through our website to recognize these resilient students. We are excited to have been a part of the training of 156 more Osteopathic physicians that will go on to make a positive impact in the lives of thousands of patients. Despite the year’s challenges, the 2019-20 academic year brought a number of successes and achievements. We were proud to exercise our way to besting the Auburn University Pharmacy and Nursing Schools to win the Deans’ Fit Family Challenge! Additionally, this year saw another successful Match Day for the VCOM-Auburn campus with essentially 100 percent placement. The campus was honored to be recognized by the community with a permanent beautification award. Lastly, it makes me proud to recognize how hard our student organizations work throughout the year to serve the local community, as well as their fellow students. ■

AUBURN

ALABAMA’S PHYSICIAN SHORTAGE There are 4 . 1 Primary Care Physicians per 10,000 residents in RURAL COUNTIES compared to 7.9 in URBAN COUNTIES 156 NEW PHYSICIANS graduated in the VCOM-Auburn Class of 2020

With little need to elaborate, 2020 might certainly be remembered as one of the most interesting and challenging years in our lifetimes.

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