VCOM View Magazine Vol. 14 | No. 1

FALL 2025 VOL. 14 l NO. 1

THE EDWARD VIA COLLEGE OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE

IN THIS ISSUE: VCOM-Carolinas Names Building in Honor of Transformational Gift 4 Mobilizing Compassion 8 · DOD Awards VCOM and the CHSR a $3.5 Million Grant 12 The Sound of Medicine 16 · Bringing Medicine to Life 19

A Day in the Life of a VCOM Student

Across its four campuses and throughout each academic year, VCOM hosts a variety of events that support the mind, body, and spirit of its students, including VCOM Olympics, Via Wellness Days, community-wide social events, and so much more. Melody Hahn, VCOM Virginia ’27, rides a bike during the VCOM Virginia Adventure Race at Claytor Lake State Park. This annual event—a triathlon-style challenge that features a 4-mile bike ride, 3-mile run, and 1-mile kayak and swim—is completed solo or with a 3-4 person team. The event raises funds for the J. Michael Bernardo Scholarship, honoring a beloved former student.

Table of Contents

FEATURES 4 8

SECTIONS

VCOM-Carolinas Names Building in Honor of Transformational Gift VCOM-Carolinas has named its main educational building in honor of a transformational $8 million gift from G. Gail Lott, MEd, and James R. Edinger, DO. Mobilizing Compassion VCOM’s mobile medical units deliver care to communities across the globe, while giving students meaningful, hands-on educational opportunities. DOD Awards VCOM and the CHSR a $3.5 Million Grant This significant Department of Defense grant will advance the development of a cutting-edge, AI-driven public health dashboard. The Sound of Medicine VCOM’s Via voice recognition technology is transforming how future doctors communicate. Bringing Medicine to Life Inside the VCOM Simulation and Technology Centers.

Student Spotlight 20 When Medicine Travels: How Serving Abroad Shaped Sydney’s Heart for International Service Faculty Spotlight 24 Empowering Students and Strengthening Communities Worldwide Academics 28 VCOM-Virginia and Bluefield University to Launch the First Anesthesiologist Assistant Program in the Commonwealth 30 VCOM-Auburn’s Sports Medicine Fellowship: The Next Generation of Athletic Health Leaders Research 32 Clearing the Air: VCOM-Auburn Students Lead Research on Teen Tobacco Awareness 34 From Curiosity to Clinical Impact: How Dr. Kumar Made Research Central to Her Journey Outreach 36 Enhancing Disaster Preparedness 38 Addressing Rural Healthcare at VCOM’s National Rural Medicine Conference Alumni Spotlight 40 From Sidelines to Surgery: How VCOM Helped Dr. Cris Mathew Find His Field News & Events 42 VCOM Leads Nation with 0% Student Loan Default Rate 43 Professor Honored with Innovation Award 44 Scotland’s Last Deadly Encounter with the Plague: Jenna Dittmar’s Genetic Breakthrough 45 Student Henry Knox Elected to Prominent National Leadership Positions 46 Sim Training Pays Off in Life-Saving Moment 46 Students Advocate at DO Day on the Hill 47 Black Physician Panel Inspires Future Medical Professionals at VCOM-Auburn 48 Class of 2025 Graduation 49 VCOM Recognized Nationally for Excellence in Mental Health and Well-Being 50 VCOM to Provide Care at 2027 World Military Games in Charlotte

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Maria Evola ’28 dances at the VCOM-Auburn talent show

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POINTS OF CONTACT Submit letters and editorial material to: MAIL: VCOM View Magazine c/o Amy Ostroth 2265 Kraft Drive Blacksburg, Virginia 24060 EDITOR EMAIL: Email the VCOM View editor at aostroth@vcom.edu ALUMNI NEWS EMAIL: Email the VCOM Alumni Association at alumni@vcom.edu

COMMUNICATIONS TEAM Cindy Shepard Rawlins , Vice President for Communications, Marketing, Website and Publications Amy Ostroth , Assistant Vice President for Communications Desi Hammett , Assistant Vice President for Marketing Elijah Bailey, Director of Web Applications Norm Miller , Director for Multimedia Projects Jenna Marquardt , Communications and Graphic Designer for Special Projects Brittany Lilla , Auburn Director for Communications, Marketing and Publications Kailey Ketter, Auburn Communications and Graphic Design Lily Collins , Carolinas Director for Communications, Marketing and Publications James Nichols , Carolinas Communications and Graphic Design Danielle Voumard, Louisiana Director for Communications, Marketing and Publications Caitlyn Wallace , Louisiana Communications and Graphic Design Caroline Bennett , Virginia Director for Communications, Marketing and Publications Mia Jimenez, Virginia Communications and Graphic Design THE VCOM MISSION The mission of the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) is to prepare globally minded, community focused osteopathic physicians to meet the needs of rural and medically underserved populations and advance research to improve human health. VCOM View magazine is produced by the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine to keep its faculty, staff, friends and supporters informed of the most recent news, events and changes at the College. ©2025 Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine. All rights reserved. Please see www.vcom.edu/outcomes for a copy of our Outcomes Reports.

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www.vcom.edu/intouch Stay informed and engaged with all of the exciting things happening at VCOM. Be among the first to find out about VCOM news, events and more.

ON THE COVER: G. Gail Lott, MEd, and James R. Edinger, DO, in front of the VCOM-Carolinas educational building that now bears their name. Photo by Elvia Resendiz Photography. ABOVE: Timothy Kowalski, DO, FACN, speaks about the impact of Lott's and Edinger’s generosity during the building naming ceremony.

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COLLEGE LEADERSHIP AND BOARDS

A Note from the President

W ith each initiative, and outreach effort, I see the VCOM mission in action. I also see the incredible community of physicians, faculty, staff, students, donors, and friends who carry out that mission every day. In this issue, we highlight the naming of a VCOM graduating class, research

PRESIDENT Dixie Tooke-Rawlins, DO, FACOFP

PROVOST Deborah West, EdD

CAMPUS DEANS

AUBURN Heath Parker, DO, FACP CAROLINAS Matthew Cannon, DO, FACOFP, Senior Dean

LOUISIANA Ray Morrison, DO, FACOS, DFACOS VIRGINIA Ron Januchowski, DO, FACOFP

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

John G. Rocovich Jr., JD, LLM, Chair Thomas R. Brock Jr., MBA Nick J. Bruno, PhD

Sue Ellen B. Rocovich, DO, PhD James (Jimmy) H. Sanford Raymond D. Smoot, PhD Daniel A. Wubah, PhD Ex-Officio Members: Dixie Tooke-Rawlins, DO, FACOFP, President

Dixie Tooke-Rawlins, DO, FACOFP

Sandra Davis Jimmy Gibbs W. Bruce Hanks Roy E. Heaton, DO Bruce Holstein Randal J. Kirk, JD

Carolinas building in honor of a transformational gift, which is a powerful reminder that our donors and friends are helping to shape the future of osteopathic medicine. Their support allows us to enhance facilities, expand programs, and deepen our commitment to the mission by providing scholarship funding that our students need to make their medical dreams into reality. I am incredibly grateful to every donor who makes our work possible. You’ll learn about the Class of 2025: more than 600 new physicians who graduated from our four campuses this spring. These exceptional individuals are now entering residency programs across the country with an impressive match rate of 99.6 percent—far exceeding the national average. Each graduate represents a new opportunity to bring compassionate, community-focused care to the places that need it most. This issue also includes several stories about how innovation is thriving at VCOM. Our faculty are leading groundbreaking research in syndromic surveillance in partnership with the Department of Defense—a project that will strengthen public health systems and ensure better preparedness for future biothreats. Our simulation centers are using voice recognition and 3D printing to enrich student learning in real time. Whether it’s equipping students with disaster response training or bringing healthcare to rural areas through our Mobile Medical Units, VCOM is staying true to its purpose: preparing physicians who are called to serve.

Deborah West, EdD, Provost Charles Swaha, CPA, CGMA

Elizabeth McClanahan, JD Christopher Roberts, PhD

AUBURN ADVISORY BOARD

Ex-Officio Members: Heath Parker, DO, Dean Dixie Tooke-Rawlins, DO, FACOFP, President

John G. Rocovich Jr., JD, LLM, Chair Mark Baker

Martin J. Bonick L. Keith Granger Laura Grill James (Jimmy) H. Sanford David Thrasher, MD

Deborah West, EdD, Provost Charles Swaha, CPA, CGMA

CAROLINAS ADVISORY BOARD

Ex-Officio Members: Matthew D. Cannon, DO, Dean Dixie Tooke-Rawlins, DO, FACOFP, President

John G. Rocovich Jr., JD, LLM, Chair Graham Adams, PhD Ingo Angermeier William Barnet III Jason Hill, DO, Alumni Association

Deborah West, EdD, Provost Charles Swaha, CPA, CGMA

Representative Bruce Holstien Lee Sowell Steve Trakas A. Alan Turfe, MBA

LOUISIANA ADVISORY BOARD

Ex-Officio Members: Ray L. Morrison, DO, FACOS, DFACOS, Dean Dixie Tooke-Rawlins, DO, FACOFP, President

John G. Rocovich Jr., JD, LLM, Chair Nick J. Bruno, PhD W. Bruce Hanks Carrie Castille, PhD Thomas J. Gullat, MD Lester Wayne Johnson, MD P. Gary Jones, MD Scott McDonald Randy Morris Ed Williams, PhD John G. Rocovich Jr., JD, LLM, Chair H. Pat Artis, PhD, AF(AIAA), S(SFTE) Thomas R. Brock Jr., MBA Larry Carpio, DO, Alumni Association Representative Bret Danilowicz, PhD Bill Flattery

Deborah West, EdD, Provost Charles Swaha, CPA, CGMA

VIRGINIA ADVISORY BOARD

Frank Shushok Jr., PhD AF(AIAA) S(SFTE) Jeanne Stosser

Ex-Officio Members: Ronald Januchowski, DO, FACOFP, Dean Dixie Tooke-Rawlins, DO, FACOFP, President

Roy E. Heaton, DO Steve Peterson, EdD Carole Pratt, DDS

Deborah West, EdD, Provost Charles Swaha, CPA, CGMA

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VCOM-Carolinas Names Building in Honor of Transformational Gift by Tammy Whaley V COM-Carolinas has named its main educational building in honor of a transformational $8 million gift from G. Gail Lott, MEd, and James R. Edinger, DO. G. Rocovich Jr., chairman of the VCOM Board of Directors, during the June naming ceremony. The couple had esteemed careers at Orangeburg Regional Hospital, where they met in 1981. Today, that hospital is one of VCOM’s core sites. Lott—a native of Blackville, South Carolina, a small, rural agricultural

The gift, made possible by the donation of the couple’s beachfront home, marks the largest gift in the college’s history. Their generosity will significantly enhance the college’s ability to provide high-quality medical education at its Carolinas campus. “This gift of their beachfront house is not just a property donation; it’s an investment in people, education, and healthier communities,” said John

community—had a remarkable 40-year career at the hospital, where she served as supervisor of the Blood Bank, Donor Center, and Transfusion Services. During her time there, she demonstrated unwavering commitment to patient care and clinical excellence.

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Left: The G. Gail Lott, MEd, and James R. Edinger, DO, Educational Building. Photo by Elvia Resendiz Photography.

“ “This investment reflects our belief in the transformative power of education and our dedication to empowering health care professionals to serve our community with excellence.”

— James R. Edinger, DO

Dr. Edinger, originally from Reading, Pennsylvania,

He also served for 10 years on the South Carolina Board of

earned his undergraduate degree from Albright College in 1973 and his medical degree from Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1976. He completed a rotating osteopathic internship at Metropolitan Hospital in Philadelphia and a four-year residency in diagnostic radiology at Duke University Medical Center, becoming the first DO to train at Duke in any specialty. Certified by the American Board of Radiology, Edinger practiced as a diagnostic radiologist at Orangeburg Regional Hospital from 1981 to 1998, reading a lifetime of images during those 17 years.

Medical Examiners, contributing to the advancement of medical standards and professional oversight in the state. The couple shares a deep commitment to rural health care and underserved communities in South Carolina. Though now retired, they remain passionate about improving medical education and health outcomes in the state. This remarkable couple approaches everything they do with passion and purpose—their love of the outdoors and hiking, their devotion to animals and nature, and their enthusiastic pursuit of building an

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Left: Attendees at the building naming ceremony listen to Dean Matthew Cannon speak. Photo by Elvia Resendiz Photography. Right: The G. Gail Lott, MEd, and James R. Edinger, DO, Educational Building. Photo by Elvia Resendiz Photography.

extensive collection of bronze sculptures. Their home reflects their love of art and antiques, and their gift reflects their belief in accessible healthcare. “We are thrilled to support VCOM-Carolinas in its mission to educate future physicians,” said Edinger. “This investment reflects our belief in the transformative power of education and our dedication to empowering health care professionals to serve our community with excellence.” Their donation will establish: • The G. Gail Lott, MEd, and James R. Edinger, DO Educational Building , a 70,000-square-foot facility on VCOM’s 20-acre campus in downtown Spartanburg. The building includes lecture halls, a state-of-the-art anatomy lab, physical exam and osteopathic manipulative medicine training labs, a library, and student study and lounge spaces. The Simulation and Technology Center features high-fidelity human simulators, standardized patient rooms, surgical and ICU suites, radiology

simulation, and more. • The G. Gail Lott, MEd, and James R. Edinger, DO Endowed Scholarship Fund , which will provide four need-based scholarships annually to South Carolina students committed to practicing in rural or medically underserved areas. • The G. Gail Lott, MEd, and James R. Edinger, DO Educational Building and Campus Beautification Endowment Fund , which will support ongoing maintenance and aesthetic improvements to the campus. • The G. Gail Lott, MEd, and James R. Edinger, DO Nutrition Endowed Fund , which will support nutrition education, research, and public health initiatives addressing issues such as obesity and diabetes. Lott and Edinger are dedicated philanthropists, making significant gifts to other communities that matter to them. They established a scholarship fund for medical students affiliated with Park Road

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Presbyterian Church in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania, and contributed to the Dr. Reed P. Rice Fund at Duke University in honor of the former head of gastrointestinal radiology. “Giving back to others has been ingrained in my husband and me by our parents,” said Lott. “Jim and I have been deeply blessed, and we believe in giving back while we are still living. “We are both very frugal and conservative, which has allowed us to be generous with our blessings.” “This gift is more than a financial contribution,” said Dr. Matthew Cannon, dean of VCOM-Carolinas. “It is a profound investment in our medical students, in our graduates who practice medicine in South Carolina, and in improving access to health care across the state.”

Dr. Dixie Tooke-Rawlins, president of VCOM, also expressed her gratitude: “Your names will forever be woven into the identity of our medical school—on the building that bears your names, in the lives of students who otherwise may not have had a path to a medical degree, and in the countless patients who will one day be cared for by the doctors trained in these halls.” The couple’s legacy of leadership, education, and service will inspire future generations of health care professionals. Their generosity will help VCOM Carolinas continue its mission to educate physicians who serve in rural and underserved communities across South Carolina.

Below: James R. Edinger, DO (left) and G. Gail Lott, MEd (right).

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by Amy Ostroth Mobilizing Compassion S tudents often choose VCOM because of the College’s rural mission and the opportunity to serve. But, they don’t have to wait until equipment. It is nimble enough to reach remote areas, and drivers do not need a commercial driver’s license to operate it. “By meeting patients where they are, we’re VCOM’s Mobile Medical Units Deliver Care and Training Across Communities

after graduation to make a difference. The VCOM Carolinas and VCOM-Louisiana mobile medical units (MMUs) are transforming healthcare access while simultaneously shaping the next generation of osteopathic physicians. Similarly, a new unit in Honduras has allowed VCOM’s international outreach team to expand beyond the walls of their permanent clinics. A Clinic on Wheels in the Carolinas VCOM-Carolinas has been operating a mobile medical program since 2020, and in March 2025, the campus unveiled a new state-of-the-art unit. Designed to bring essential healthcare services to the underserved areas of Upstate South Carolina, the upgraded MMU includes two private exam rooms, a waiting area, a restroom, and advanced diagnostic

breaking down barriers to healthcare access,” said Matt Cannon, DO, dean of VCOM-Carolinas. “This new unit also enhances our ability to prepare future physicians to practice in rural and medically underserved areas.” The Carolinas MMU offers weekly clinics, quarterly medical mission trips, and pop-up services in partnership with organizations like St. Luke’s Free Medical Clinic, the Free Medical Clinic of Cherokee County and the Samaritan Health Clinic. With the unit, the College has helped deliver more than 1,300 vaccines, screened over 300 individuals for STIs, and facilitated wellness outreach including free meals and preventive health education for thousands of individuals. In 2024, VCOM-Carolinas medical outreach provided primary care services to just over 1,000 patients.

Celebrating the new mobile medical units at VCOM-Louisiana.

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In 2024, VCOM-Carolinas launched a new partnership with the Samaritan Health Clinic of Pickens County, expanding primary care access to uninsured and underserved residents of rural South Carolina and using the MMU to eliminate transportation barriers and build long-term medical homes for patients. In addition to routine outreach, the MMU in the Carolinas has played a crucial role in disaster response. After Hurricane Helene devastated the region in 2024, VCOM-Carolinas deployed the unit as a temporary clinic site while local facilities remained offline. Students, faculty, and volunteers provided care from the St. Luke’s Free Medical Clinic parking lot, offering basic medical services, groceries, and emotional support in a time of crisis. “The compassion our students demonstrated was overwhelming,” said Lisa Carroll, MD, chair for clinical sciences and rural primary care. “They showed up not just as future doctors, but as healers and neighbors.” Louisiana’s Launch: A New Chapter in Community Health While VCOM-Carolinas’ outreach is well established, VCOM-Louisiana is just beginning its mobile outreach journey. In December 2024, the campus received two custom-built mobile medical units as part of a partnership with the Ouachita Parish Police Jury. The new MMUs are equipped with

exam rooms, clinical workspaces, and wheelchair-accessible features. They are mobile clinics and catalysts for medical education,

offering VCOM students opportunities to practice preventive care, disaster response, and primary medicine in real-world community settings.

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“These mobile medical units are a powerful tool for fulfilling our mission,” said Ray L. Morrison, DO, FACOS, DFACOS, dean of VCOM-Louisiana. “They allow our students to learn while making a tangible difference in the lives of others.” Before the units could serve the public, a rigorous training program prepared team members to manage clinical systems and navigate the units on rural roads enabling them to deliver high-quality care in nontraditional settings. As VCOM-Louisiana rolls out clinics across the region later this year, the groundwork is set for a sustained impact. “These units will advance our quality of life,” said Ouachita Parish Police Juror Larry Bratton. “They are a win for our students and our communities alike.” Global Reach: Building Infrastructure Abroad VCOM has expanded its mobile outreach beyond the borders of the United States. After two years working with Joe Hughes, president and founder of the Just Writing Another Chapter Foundation (JWAC) in Seattle, Washington, VCOM’s Office of International Outreach facilitated the donation of a mobile unit to the Baxter Clinic, a VCOM-affiliated continuous care clinic in Tegucigalpa, Honduras.

The unit was renovated by JWAC with a new motor, transmission, and a generator to support clinic procedures, as well as other repairs and fresh paint. VCOM and Baxter Institute each contributed funds toward renovation and fuel to drive the vehicle from Seattle to the Baxter Clinic. It contains a patient waiting area, standard exam room, dental examination area, and office space. JWAC will continue their support by providing training, technical support, and other consultations as needed. Getting the unit to the Baxter Clinic was no small task. A team of nine drivers flew to various locations to drive the vehicle to the next stop along the 4,100 mile route. The trip began on Oct. 9, 2024, and the unit

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the collaboration of many, including JWAC; the Baxter Institute; volunteer drivers across U.S., Mexico, and Central America; permits and clearances by each country; the Ministry of Health in Honduras; and others, along with VCOM sponsorship.” Training Tomorrow’s Physicians Through Service Today Mobile medical outreach is not only about delivering care—it’s about preparing osteopathic physicians who are ready to lead in rural and underserved areas. By embedding mobile outreach into the educational experience, VCOM ensures that students are not only clinically prepared, but also community-focused and compassionate. This hands-on training is central to the College’s mission. “ “These mobile medical units are a powerful tool for fulfilling our mission. They allow our students to learn while making a tangible difference in the lives of others.” — Ray L. Morrison, DO, FACOS, DFACOS , Dean of VCOM-Louisiana

finally made it to Tegucigalpa, Honduras, on Nov. 13. This required significant coordination, approvals, and arrangements to cross Mexico and Central America. The MMU will increase the amount and scope of care that can be provided via outreach around Tegucigalpa. In January 2025, a VCOM medical mission team of students, physicians and staff from VCOM-Virginia and VCOM-Carolinas utilized the unit for the first time. On its first day in action, more than a dozen women were seen for well-women exams and pap smear testing in the privacy of the onboard exam room and air-conditioned exam area. Melba Zuniga, MD, director of Baxter Institute Clinic, observed: “Women in remote villages are receiving pap smears and related care they would not otherwise receive in the prevention and treatment of cancer.” The mobile unit will be used in remote villages and public schools by VCOM students on rotations and one-week medical outreach trips, providing women’s health care including pap smears, ultrasounds, and other medical procedures requiring the privacy and equipment that would not be available otherwise. When necessary, patients will receive follow-up care at the Baxter Clinic and referrals to hospitals in Honduras. “The MMU offers a new level of care to remote villages, referrals to hospital, and follow up continuous care at Baxter Clinic,” says VCOM’s Vice Provost for International and Appalachian Outreach Dean Sutphin, who facilitated the donor connections that made the unit possible. “It was made possible through

Mobile units at VCOM-Louisiana (left page) and in Honduras (right page).

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Department of Defense Awards VCOM and the Center for Health Services Research

By Brittany Lilla and Amy Ostroth a $3.5 Million Grant I n February 2025, VCOM, in partnership with the Center for Health Services Research (CHSR) at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU), launched a transformative project aimed at enhancing surveillance of biothreats. This project is supported by a $3.5 million grant from the Department of Defense (DoD), which will advance the development of a cutting-edge, AI-driven public health dashboard. The dashboard will enable real-time monitoring and response to emerging biothreats, strengthening both military and civilian public health systems.

The project focuses on expanding syndromic surveillance capabilities—an early warning system designed to detect emerging health threats before clinical or laboratory confirmation. During the COVID-19 pandemic, syndromic surveillance systems played a vital role in early detection and response, helping to mitigate the spread of the virus. The new system developed by VCOM promises to provide even faster, more efficient responses, offering immediate insights into potential public health threats. P. Gunnar Brolinson, DO, FAOASM, FACOFP, FAAFP, the vice president for research at VCOM,

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“ “This contract will further cement East Alabama’s place as a leader in the defense industry, and I am excited to see VCOM-Auburn continue to succeed.” — U.S. Representative Mike Rogers, Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee

emphasized the groundbreaking nature of the new surveillance system. “Unlike traditional public health monitoring that takes years to provide data, this system delivers actionable insights instantly,” he observed. “By using real-time data, we can detect emerging biothreats before they escalate, providing critical advantages in public health preparedness.”

The innovative system will integrate data from the Via Learning Management System (VLMS) at VCOM, a HIPAA-compliant database with more than 4.8 million diagnostic entries. This data, combined with real-time surveillance insights, will help track a wide range of diseases, from flu-like illnesses to chronic conditions such as

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Representatives from VCOM and CHSR at the announcement of the $3.5 million grant.

asthma and cancer. By correlating health trends with environmental factors, the system can uncover hidden drivers of illness and predict future health challenges. One of the standout features of the system is its use of advanced technologies in collaboration with the Alabama Artificial Intelligence Center (AAICE) and the AUBix data center. These partnerships enable the system to process vast amounts of data efficiently, providing continuous surveillance and insights that are especially valuable in military settings. The ability to track disease outbreaks around military installations will allow the Department of Defense to maintain operational readiness and ensure that any potential biothreats are detected early. Fred Rawlins II, DO, co-principal investigator on the project and chief medical officer for VLMS, noted the value of tracking student clinical experiences through VLMS, which provides crucial early health data from students across rural, underserved areas.

“What makes VLMS unique is that VCOM operates a distributed network of students in rural communities, providing critical early data on emerging health trends,” Dr. Rawlins said. “Our students in the field played a key role in tracking illness patterns, helping us respond quickly to what we now know was the beginning of the pandemic.” Per Gunnar Brolinson, DO, vice president for research (left), and Fred Rawlins, II, DO, senior associate dean for simulation and technology (right)

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While the system has significant implications for military healthcare, its application extends beyond military bases. The VCOM team is working to ensure that rural and underserved communities across Alabama also benefit from enhanced surveillance. By providing these areas with real-time data on disease trends, the system promises to improve health outcomes in regions that might otherwise be left behind in terms of access to timely public health information. Tracey Perez Koehlmoos, PhD, MHA, director of the CHSR at USU, highlighted the importance of the VCOM partnership in advancing this research, stating, “The work at VCOM-Auburn is a critical piece of our efforts to improve both military healthcare and the broader public health landscape.”

U.S. Representative Mike Rogers, chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, also provided a statement about the significance of the project, particularly to Alabama. “I am incredibly proud to see VCOM-Auburn secure this contract,” Rep. Rogers said. “This contract will further cement East Alabama’s place as a leader in the defense industry, and I am excited to see VCOM-Auburn continue to succeed.” This project marks a significant milestone for VCOM-Auburn, positioning the campus as a leader in advancing biothreat surveillance and public health research. The development of this AI-driven surveillance system is set to play a pivotal role in shaping future responses to emerging health threats, ultimately improving both military and civilian healthcare delivery across the nation.

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VCOM’s Via Voice Recognition Technology Is Transforming How Future Doctors Communicate The Sound of Medıcine By Caroline Bennett

O ne of the most important aspects of patients, colleagues, and interdisciplinary teams. At VCOM, communication isn’t just a soft skill—it’s a clinical tool. And now, thanks to cutting-edge voice recognition technology, called Via Voice Recognition Technology (VVRT) , it’s being taught and assessed in an innovative way. VCOM has long emphasized mastery in medical knowledge, compassionate patient care, and effective communication. Recognizing that communication is at the core of accurate medical decision-making (MDM), preparing future physicians is teaching them how to communicate clearly—with

VCOM ensures students are prepared to collaborate confidently from their very first clinical rotations. Traditionally, students demonstrated their grasp of medical terminology and critical thinking through oral presentations and written self-assessments following simulated patient encounters. That process, while valuable, left room for innovation. Fred Rawlins II, DO, senior associate dean for simulation and technology, visualized an opportunity to improve both the teaching and evaluation of these skills using advancements in speech-to-text (STT) technology. Dr. Rawlins challenged the VCOM–Virginia Simulation and Technology Center to reimagine

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how medical communication is taught. He turned to Taylor Daniels, director of data science, to lead a team of student researchers in evaluating the accuracy of large language models (LLMs) in transcribing and analyzing medically complex speech. Their findings led to a breakthrough: VCOM’s proprietary VVRT, powered by Deepgram’s Nova-2 model and a custom lexical analysis framework developed in-house. VVRT is a game-changer. “Medical students only use medical terminology that they understand,” Dr. Rawlins says. “VVRT provides the most accurate assessment of their medical knowledge.”The system records and analyzes students’ oral presentations across their clinical coursework, evaluating them in 13 specific categories and assesses 700 five-minute medical presentations in less than a minute and provides student feedback. It cross-references student speech with the medical terminology, acronyms, abbreviations, and sequencing expected in each of 24 known clinical cases. The result? Targeted, non-graded feedback that shows students exactly where they can improve their communication—whether it’s clarifying terminology, improving logical flow, or addressing key elements of medical decision making. VVRT isn’t just confined to classroom exercises. It’s being used in standardized patient programs and simulated encounters across all four VCOM campuses and it’s resonating with students who feel more confident speaking up and contributing confidently in clinical scenario outside of the classroom.

Dr. Rawlins explains why this matters: “Excellent communication skills and fluency in universal medical terminology are among the most valuable tools we can give our students. VVRT provides consistent, high-quality feedback that allows them to walk into their clinical settings with confidence and clarity— something that can impact their match success and long-term effectiveness as physicians.” What’s more, the tool’s ability to detect and reduce transcription errors in clinical communication is a vital patient safety benefit. By reinforcing best practices in real-time, VVRT helps students form habits that will serve them—and their patients—for life.

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“ “VVRT provides consistent, high-quality feedback that allows them to walk into their clinical settings with confidence and clarity— something that can impact their match success and long-term effectiveness as physicians.”

Beyond education, the project represents the heart of VCOM’s research mission: students, faculty, and staff working side-by-side to solve real-world problems. As a standalone application, VVRT already delivers powerful feedback—but future plans include integration with VCOM’s existing Virtual Learning Management System (VLMS), enabling large-scale pattern recognition and trend analysis that could support everything from quality assurance to early diagnosis tracking. As the team at VCOM-Virginia’s Center for Simulation and Technology continues to refine the system, their hope is that what began as a classroom innovation will ultimately shape broader applications in clinical practice, health education, and beyond.

— Fred Rawlins II, DO, Senior Associate Dean for Simulation and Technology

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Bringing Medicine to Life Inside the Simulation and Technology Centers at VCOM

By Caroline Bennett

T he Simulation and Technology Centers— known as Sim Centers—at each of VCOM’s four campuses are bustling places. The hands-on experiences they provide help VCOM students build confidence and clinical skills that are critical for addressing healthcare needs, especially of rural communities. At the heart of the Sim Centers’ excellence is the willingness and ability of the staff to find inventive ways to enhance the VCOM students’ experiences with real life clinical scenarios. “Our team is encouraged to think outside of the box and when we see a way to improve our educational approach, we are given the support we need to explore technology and our medical knowledge to do just that,” says Ryan Martin, BAE, the director for high-fidelity manikin and virtual-based simulation and clinical procedural skills at VCOM-Virginia. Among the innovations that set VCOM apart are their in-house production of wearable trainers. The first was a wearable lumbar injection unit, and the VCOM staff has also created a prototype of a wearable knee

trainer. These trainers allow medical students to engage in realistic, patient-centered encounters that blend technical practice with essential communication skills. These proprietary wearable trainers give VCOM students the chance to practice patient communication skills and more realistic clinical skills because the trainers are placed on a patient’s body in its natural position and use soft, flexible materials to simulate the feel of human tissue. They also offer significant savings for VCOM.

To learn more about how innovation is fueling our VCOM staff to enhance education in our Sim Centers, visit: www.vcom.edu/simcenter

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Student Spotlight When Medicine Travels: How Serving Abroad Shaped Sydney’s Heart for International Service

by Danielle Voumard

I n the quiet morning hours in Verón, a town in the eastern region of the Dominican Republic, Sydney Boudreaux, VCOM-Louisiana Class of 2026, was already setting up for clinic. The air was heavy with heat, and a line of patients had begun to form outside the VCOM Verón Rural Clinic. Many had walked long distances, some for hours, just for a chance to be seen by a doctor. At the Centro de Atención Pediátrica Oscar de la Renta, a clinic offering pediatric services from preventive medicine to dentistry and emergency care, Sydney gently held the hand of a young boy receiving medical care. Although they did not share a language, her calm presence and kind touch helped ease his fear, making the moment a little less overwhelming.

Sydney was there as part of her international rotation through VCOM-Louisiana. For several weeks, she worked in clinics across rural parts of the Dominican Republic, including Verón and Punta Cana. Each day brought unfamiliar challenges, but also a sense of purpose that reaffirmed her commitment to medicine. VCOM international outreach offers a comprehensive program to address the healthcare needs of communities in the Dominican Republic and Honduras. There are two year-round international clinics where students and residents can attend a rotation that lasts between two and four weeks. Additionally, students can participate in a one week mission trip during their second year. Medical students have the opportunity to provide public

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Scenes from Sydney’s rotation in the Dominican Republic.

“ “You could feel how much it meant to people. It reminded me why VCOM puts so much emphasis on working in rural and underserved areas. We weren’t just learning. We were helping.”

thousands of patients in need annually where access was nonexistent or inadequate and has developed prenatal care where it was previously unavailable. “This experience gave me a deeper appreciation for what it means to truly care for patients, no matter where they are,” Sydney said. “You learn to listen differently. You rely on your hands and your instincts. And you remember why you chose medicine in the first place.” The clinics where she worked didn’t have access to some advanced technology. Without the option to order imaging or run labs on the spot, she learned to lean on her physical exam skills and clinical reasoning. It was a shift from what she was used to, but one that taught her something valuable. “Great care doesn’t always mean having the best machines,” she said. “Sometimes it’s about being creative and using what you have wisely. Empathy and resourcefulness go a long way.”

— Sydney Boudreaux , VCOM-Louisiana Class of 2026

health, community health, and primary care services to the communities surrounding these clinics. The international outreach programs, which include follow up care in year-round international clinics, provide a comprehensive approach to improving global health. As a leader in global health outreach, VCOM reaches

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regarding healthcare. Sydney found that being respectful and open made all the difference. “You’re in someone else’s space. It’s important to listen and try to understand what matters most to them,” she “ “You’re in someone else’s space. It’s important to listen and try to understand what matters most to them. That’s how you build trust. That’s how you give better care.” — Sydney Boudreaux , VCOM-Louisiana Class of 2026

Sydney and her peers, under licensed supervision by physicians, treated patients with a wide range of needs, from children with infections to older adults with unmanaged chronic conditions. Many were experiencing health care for the first time in a long while, and their gratitude left a lasting impression. “You could feel how much it meant to people,” she said. “It reminded me why VCOM puts so much emphasis on working in rural and underserved areas. We weren’t just learning. We were helping.” Through international outreach, students develop cultural sensitivity and skills to address significant health challenges that span borders and continents, working with VCOM faculty and local physicians in these regions. Cultural understanding played a major role in her day-to-day work. Each community she served had different customs, beliefs, and expectations

Sydney Boudreaux at work during her rotation in the Dominican Republic.

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said. “That’s how you build trust. That’s how you give better care.” Some moments stand out more than others. Sydney remembered one patient in particular who was quiet and hesitant at the beginning of the visit. “She didn’t say much, and I could tell she was nervous,” Sydney recalled. “But by the end, she reached out and held my hand. I didn’t need a translator to know that she felt safe. That moment will stay with me.” For students considering an international rotation, Sydney encourages them to take the leap. Her advice is simple: go with the mindset of serving others, not just learning for yourself. “Be ready to adapt. Be flexible. You’ll face challenges, but you’ll also grow in ways you don’t expect. And if you stay open and respectful, you’ll make a real difference.”

As Sydney wrapped up her time in the Dominican Republic, she returned with much more than clinical knowledge. She also carried home a deeper understanding of the people she served and a renewed commitment to VCOM’s mission of care, compassion, and service. It is the kind of lesson that cannot be taught in a classroom; it can only be experienced face to-face.

For more information on VCOM’s international outreach program, visit www.vcom.edu/academics/outreach/international

Sydney Boudreaux (second from right) with her VCOM classmates during their rotation in the Dominican Republic.

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Faculty Spotlight Empowering Students and Strengthening Communities Worldwide F or Jonas Rawlins, DO, medicine is more than a career—it’s a calling that blends service, teaching, and a passion for global health. Now serving as the assistant vice president for international medical outreach at VCOM, Dr. Rawlins brings full circle the personal and professional values that first led him to osteopathic medicine. Growing up, Dr. Rawlins was surrounded by symptoms—they were treating people. As I got older and started thinking about my own career, I knew I wanted to do the same.” Playing football during his undergraduate years reinforced that vision of his future. Gunnar Brolinson, DO, and Delmas Bolin, MD, who have both been with VCOM for more than 20 years, treated him several times with osteopathic manipulative treatment. “Their treatment helped me recover quickly and get back on the field,” he recalls. That experience, combined with by Amy Ostroth role models in healthcare. “All the physicians I knew were DOs,” he reflects. “They weren’t just treating

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Left: Inside the Oscar de la Renta Pediatric Clinic in Verón, Dominican Republic; Center: Dr. Rawlins works with a patient; Right: Patients outside the Verón clinic. “

a little over three years taking care of wonderfully grateful patients who really needed good medical care,” he says. While caring for patients in Madison Heights, Dr. Rawlins also began precepting medical students from the Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine and later transitioned into teaching, including a leadership role at LewisGale Medical Center in Salem, Virginia. That was followed by a faculty position at Carilion Clinic’s Internal Medicine residency. But a different kind of service kept calling to him—international medical outreach. “Mission trips had been a passion of mine for some time,” he says. “As a student at VCOM, I was fortunate to be able to go on two mission trips to El Salvador and Honduras. Those were life-changing experiences that married the enthusiasm I had for missions with my future career in medicine.” “All the physicians I knew were DOs. They weren’t just treating symptoms—they were treating people. As I got older and started thinking about my own career, I knew I wanted to do the same.” — Jonas Rawlins, DO , Assistant Vice President for International Medical Outreach, VCOM

watching his parents—both osteopathic physicians and leaders at VCOM—confirmed what he already knew: He wanted to become a DO. It’s no surprise that when it came time for him to choose a medical school, VCOM stood out. Initially, Dr. Rawlins imagined a path in family medicine with a sports medicine fellowship. But during his third-year rotation in internal medicine, something clicked. “I fell in love with the inquisitive and investigative nature of internal medicine,” he recalls. That led to a fascination with diagnostic reasoning and medical decision-making. Mentorship from respected physicians like William Cox, DO, Peter Recupero, DO, and his brother, Frederic Rawlins III, DO, helped him chart a new course. He matched into the Virginia Tech Carilion Internal Medicine Residency in Roanoke, Virginia, where he found a rigorous and rewarding training environment. “I received top-notch training there,” he says. “I spent long hours at the hospital admitting patients, taking care of critically ill patients in the ICU, learned and became proficient in procedures performed by internal medicine physicians like central lines, arterial lines, paracentesis, thoracentesis, lumbar punctures, and arthrocentesis. I honestly loved every minute of it.” He was invited to stay on for a year as chief resident but had made a commitment to the National Health Service Corps that took him to Madison Heights, Virginia, where he served patients at a federally qualified health center. “I worked there for

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When the opportunity arose in March 2025 to join VCOM’s leadership in international medical outreach, Dr. Rawlins didn’t hesitate. “I saw the perfect opportunity to do the three things I loved most: practice medicine, teach others, and serve on medical mission trips.” As the assistant vice president, he coordinates and leads VCOM’s medical mission trips, ensuring they are both impactful and sustainable. This commitment to long-term service is reflected in VCOM’s partnerships with local nonprofits and the establishment of permanent clinics in countries like Honduras and the Dominican Republic. The clinics are staffed by in-country physicians and supported by VCOM with equipment, funding, and student rotations. The sustainability piece is critical. “It allows us to have access to the local healthcare system,” Dr. Rawlins

emphasizes. “That’s important both for one-week mission trips and also in case a patient’s medical needs exceed our capabilities on that day in the village clinic or if they are diagnosed with something that will need chronic medication management and follow-up.” Dr. Rawlins has already seen how important this continuity of care really is. One of his most memorable experiences involved a 12-year-old girl with asthma in Honduras. He saw her in March 2025 when she was having a flare up of her asthma and required transport from the clinic to the emergency department. “I saw her again in June when she was doing much better and had good control of her asthma, in part thanks to our efforts and care,” he says. “This was a wonderful experience for me and our team to see firsthand the impact of what we do.”

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During his international outreach trips with VCOM, Dr. Jonas Rawlins sees patients while also providing guidance and support to VCOM students.

The clinical work on these trips often mirrors what students will see in their future practices: chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension, as well as acute conditions like asthma, headaches, and infections. But the exposure to diseases less common in the U.S.—such as dengue, Zika, and chikungunya—adds a unique educational layer. The experience is transformative not only for the patients, but also for students. “Practicing medicine can be quite complicated with metrics and quality quotas, electronic medical records, documentation standards, and insurance requirements,” Dr. Rawlins observes. “The international medical missions allow the students and physicians to be removed from the regular noise and complexity of our healthcare system and see medicine for what it should always be: sitting across from a patient and having them trust you with their health and well-being, while trying to help them heal, recover from illness, or lead a healthier life.”

These values align directly with VCOM’s mission: to prepare physicians who are both community focused and globally minded. As he looks ahead, Dr. Rawlins is excited to deepen the College’s global impact while mentoring the next generation of DOs. “VCOM has made a name for itself as a medical school of choice for those interested in international missions given the strong history and opportunities that we have,” he says. Dr. Rawlins’ time at VCOM has also been an excellent opportunity for him to learn directly from Dean Sutphin, PhD, VCOM’s current vice provost for international and Appalachian outreach. Returning to VCOM isn’t just coming back to where his medical journey began. It’s a chance to guide others on their path—to serve, to teach, and to heal, both at home and across the globe.

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Academics VCOM-Virginia and Bluefield University to Launch the First Anesthesiologist Assistant Program in the Commonwealth T he Virginia campus of the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) has announced that the College has plans to accreditation approval to launch a second program on the VCOM-Carolinas campus; its first students arrived on campus in September 2025. Students in the MHSA programs engage in comprehensive training that includes patient assessment, anesthesia planning by Amy Ostroth launch a new Master of Health Science in Anesthesia (MHSA) program in 2027—which would make it the first such program in the state of Virginia. Developed in partnership

“ “There has been a national shortage in the anesthesia workforce for decades, which is only projected to get worse in future years.” — Mike Nichols, Dean of the Anesthesiology Assistant Programs at VCOM

and delivery, and real-time evaluation of anesthesia care, while always working under the supervision of the anesthesiologist. The clinical rotations in the program expose students to a wide range of anesthetic techniques and scenarios, ensuring a broad and practical foundation. Historically, 100% of program

with Bluefield University, the graduate level program is 28 months following graduation from an undergraduate program, and it prepares graduates to become highly skilled in anesthesia care, while working under the medical direction of a physician anesthesiologist.

graduates across the country secure employment within six months—a reflection of what has become an urgent demand for well-trained anesthesia assistant professionals. “There has been a national shortage in the anesthesia workforce for decades, which is only

VCOM and Bluefield launched a program on the VCOM-Auburn campus in 2023. Its first class graduated in September 2025, significantly increasing the number of CAAs in the state. The program has been a great success and resulted in the

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