VCOM View Vol 10 No 1

DONOR SPOTLIGHT

Gary and Laura Cornwell — A Long Tradition of Giving Back by Thimothy Corvin

E ven before VCOM opened its doors to students in 2003, Gary Cornwell helped the College identify regional clinical hospital sites for future students to conduct rotations. Having served on the Board of Bluefield Regional Hospital, Gary was very familiar with and had a unique appreciation for the education a student pursuing the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Since the very beginning, Gary and his wife, Laura, have been two of the College’s most ardent supporters. Their long-term involvement has had a profound and lasting impact on the College and its students. One of the Cornwells’ earliest contributions was the enrollment of their daughter, Megan, who graduated with the VCOM-Virginia inaugural Class of 2007. Megan C. Thomas, DO now serves as Chair for Internal Medicine on the VCOM- Virginia campus and serves as a practicing pediatric physician with Christiansburg Family Medicine. In talking with Gary and Laura about VCOM, they expressed concern over the region’s healthcare needs. “We’re concerned for the future of healthcare in southwest Virginia, particularly for receives in treating the person as a whole, and not just fixing the symptoms.

When asked about the scholarship, Gary acknowledged that while medical education remained an excellent investment for students, scholarships helped recruit students who are more likely to return to and practice in underserved areas. In commenting on the Cornwells’ philanthropy, VCOM President and Provost Dixie Tooke-Rawlins, DO emphasized VCOM’s appreciation for their long-term support and its impact on attracting and training the next generation of physicians. “Financial concerns deter many new medical school graduates from practicing in rural communities, and physicians have become scarce in many rural areas,” said Dr. Tooke-Rawlins. “The Cornwells’ investment in our students is so important, very needed and appreciated. We know if there is access to good primary care, the clinical outcomes are better, people live longer and the state experiences a rise in overall health as a result. Gary and Laura are making a tremendous and positive impact on our students’ lives and the many families these students will serve in the future as physicians.” ■

our hometown of Bluefield. Rural areas have unique health needs that are best served by doctors trained in broad-based primary care skills with a focus on community health.” Gary added, “If you are thinking about regional economic development, access to medical care is both critical and essential.” The Cornwells’ philanthropy touches all aspects of the campus community. They give generously each year to help high school students attend the College’s Summer Enrichment Experience (SEE) program, designed to promote science and medicine to regional high school students. According to Laura, a former school teacher, “We hope our gifts help encourage young people to pursue careers in science and medicine and help them gain a better appreciation of behaviors that are fundamental to healthy lifestyles.” Concerned that young doctors are being driven away from practicing in rural areas, the Cornwells, along with Megan and son-in-law, Dr. William Thomas, also Class of 2007, endowed a permanent scholarship at VCOM. This scholarship encourages students from small communities to become physicians and return to practice in rural and medically underserved areas.

summer/fall 2020 | VCOM V iew M agazine 35