VCOM View Vol 11 No 1

El Salvadoran Ambassador Opens Doors for VCOM

T he El Salvadoran welcomed representatives from the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) for a meeting at the embassy in Washington, D.C. on October 18, 2021. Attendees included Dean Sutphin, VCOM vice provost for international, appalachian and delta outreach; Teri Benner, president of AMILAT, VCOM’s affiliated base of operations in El Salvador; and Dr. Jeffrey Davenport, AMILAT board member. A strong working relationship with the new government in El Salvador and in particular the Ministry of Health is essential to continue and advance program activities. Through discussions at this meeting, Ambassador Mayorga expressed support of VCOM international programs and the Shalom Family Medical Center. The Ambassador arranged a meeting with VCOM and the minister of health in El Salavador. Plans were made for the Ambassador to visit VCOM’s Virginia and Carolina campuses to learn about international programs. Ambassador to the United States, Melina Mayorga,

Left to Right: Dr. Jeffrey Davenport and Teri Benner representing AMILAT, Ambassador Melina Mayorga and Dean Sutphin representing VCOM.

relationships abroad. These include connections with international non-profit host organizations, ministries of health, colleges of medicine, U.S. embassies, embassies of foreign governments in the United States and many other affiliated agencies and organizations. ■

Ambassador Mayorga will also visit the Shalom Family Medical Center in El Salvador. Ambassador Mayorga remarked that she would maintain an open door to advance VCOM projects and programs in El Salvador. The Ambassador’s assistance is appreciated since the VCOM international program depends on strong and highly effective

winter 2021 | VCOM V iew M agazine 33