VCOM - Virginia 2016 Yearbook

Introduction to International & Appalachian Outreach

I nternational and Appalachian outreach programs at VCOM provide medical students with practical, hands-on experience through field training, mentorship and a deep commitment to developing healthy communities. The College’s pledge to reach rural and medically underserved communities has been core to the VCOM mission since the beginning. Outreach programs are key to addressing the needs

of underserved populations in rural Appalachia and abroad. In order to provide sustainable care for international communities, VCOM has established full-time medical clinics in the Dominican Republic, El Salvador and Honduras. During the 2015- 2016 year, a record number of medical students, alumni and college faculty were able to participate in week-long international medical outreach

trips to these clinics.

An impressive number of students and faculty also

volunteered their time closer to home, working in free clinics, sponsoring fundraisers and donation drives, hosting and participating in community health fairs, and educating the community in order to improve quality of life for future generations.

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