VCOM View Magazine Vol. 14 | No. 1

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.

fall 2025 | VCOM V iew M agazine 27