VCOM Faculty Handbook

Mission and Objectives of the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine

The MISSION of the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) is to prepare globally-minded, community-focused physicians to meet the needs of rural and medically underserved populations and promote research to improve human health. Goal 1: To provide education in the art and science of osteopathic medicine. Priorities • To provide osteopathic medical education and research focused on evidence-based medicine, patient centered care, the body’s innate ability to heal, the relationship of structure to function, and the clinical application of osteopathic manipulation. • To prepare students and measure their performance in the osteopathic medical competencies. • To prepare students to successfully pass all levels of COMLEX USA examinations. • To prepare students to successfully match into accredited residency programs. • To foster a culture of faculty growth and institutional excellence through: o CME and faculty development; o Continuous examination, review and update of curriculum and recognition for excellence in teaching; o Annual review and research on new developments in medical education, new delivery models and technology; and o Support for faculty research, innovation, and scholarly work in the areas of biomedical, clinical, educational, public health and health policy research. • To support the osteopathic medical education continuum, including on campus preclinical education and high quality, structured community based clinical graduate medical education. Goal 2: To recruit and graduate students who will address health care disparities including those related to rural locations, minority populations, poverty status, and primary care. Priorities • Recruit students from, and educates students in, the socioeconomically depressed regions of the southern states including southern Appalachia, the former tobacco and cotton regions, and the Delta. • Recruit students with a strong desire to care for medically underserved populations. • To foster medical students with a desire and demonstrated commitment to an enhanced understanding of global healthcare and disaster medicine. • To foster primary care, and healthcare for all medically underserved populations. • To foster education addressing healthcare disparities related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Goal 3: To generate, promote, and disseminate medical knowledge in disease prevention, chronic disease management, community health, and public health practices through Appalachian, former tobacco and cotton regions, Delta, and International outreach programs.

2