VCOM View Vol 11 No 1

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

needles to pillows and blankets, it was obvious that someone needed to go shopping. The generosity of VCOM faculty, staff and students was shown when supplies arrived quickly. Gloves, diapers, blankets, pillows, diabetic products, socks, clothes and much more were brought in as soon as messages were sent out about the supplies needed. The team left around midnight that night, gearing up for a much longer day upcoming. The following day, Monday, August 30, looked much different. From 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., 30 students arrived every two hours, with many choosing to stay all day. With help from the ULM School of Nursing, VCOM students had an incredible opportunity to provide assistance to a diverse population. Some patients needed assistance with baths, some needed their blood pressure taken, but almost everyone needed their prescriptions written and filled. For many students, this experience became personal. “I look out there and see my family. I see my aunt and uncle,” said Stephanie Koplitz, second-year medical student and

By Labor Day, Monday, September 5, all evacuees had been transported home to South Louisiana. More than an opportunity for the College’s medical students, the Civic Center experience allowed VCOM to show the Monroe community, and state of Louisiana, that it is serious about its mission. “The work done in the Civic Center, by VCOM, will never be forgotten,” said Mayor Ellis. ■

member of the Class of 2024. Having lived in South Louisiana and with family in that area, Koplitz was one of many VCOM students personally affected by Hurricane Ida. Emotions ran high in such a tense setting, but every student handled themselves with professionalism as VCOM stabilized those in the Civic Center. As Andy Langley, DO, associate dean for clinical affairs, told the students, “this is what it is all about.”

winter 2021 | VCOM V iew M agazine 25