VCOM View Magazine Vol. 14 | No. 1

“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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