VCOM View Magazine Vol. 14 | No. 1

Simulation Training Pays Off in Life-Saving Moment only a couple minutes later the respiratory therapist handed me the glidescope to intubate, under the supervision of an attending. I successfully intubated on first O n the very first day of his Emergency Medicine rotation, Jacob Nelson, VCOM Carolinas Class of 2026, found himself in the

VCOM’s Simulation Center gives students the opportunity to gain real-world skills in a safe, controlled environment. Students like Jacob practice vital procedures—from suturing and IV placement to intubation and emergency response—under the guidance of experienced faculty and simulation professionals. These hands-on opportunities prepare VCOM students to step up when lives are on the line.

middle of a high stakes emergency. “I was on my first day of EM and within the first hour of the shift, there was a

try. I couldn’t help but think of all those hours practicing in the sim center—that gave me the confidence and skills to intubate when it mattered most.”

patient with a cardiac arrest that rolled in,” recalls Jacob. “It was

VCOM-Auburn Students Advocate for the Future of Healthcare at “DO Day on the Hill”

I n March, medical students and physicians from across the country convened in Washington, D.C., for “DO Day on the Hill”—an annual event that brings together members of the osteopathic medical community to engage in advocacy efforts for bipartisan healthcare legislation. Students from VCOM-Auburn participated, representing the next generation of osteopathic physicians. “DO Day on the Hill” provides a unique opportunity for medical students and practicing osteopathic physicians to meet with members of Congress and discuss key healthcare policy issues. Topics addressed during the event included student

loan reform, graduate medical education funding, access to healthcare in rural and underserved areas, and support for public health initiatives. These conversations play a critical role in shaping legislative priorities that directly impact medical education and patient care. For VCOM-Auburn students who attended, the event served as a learning experience and a chance to contribute meaningfully to the future of healthcare. Students shared personal stories and professional insights, advocating for policies that reflect the values of osteopathic medicine: holistic, patient-centered care and a commitment to service.

46 News & Events