VCOM - Virginia 2017 Yearbook

Appalachian Outreach

Mini-Medical School at Hidden Valley High School, December 2016.

G etting to the very core of VCOM’s mission to prepare globally-minded, community- focused physicians to meet the needs of rural and medically

Interpersonal Early Clinical Experiences (IECEs) and many volunteer outreach events such as health fairs and free clinics. Students are able to get hands- on experience under close supervision from faculty and staff. Students help to host “Mini- Medical Schools” at rural high schools that promote healthy habits and show students what it is like to be a medical student. The Summer Enrichment Experience (SEE) offers two one-week summer camps for local, underserved high school students to learn about the

healthcare field. From anatomy labs and lectures to fun outings and games this program is a huge hit and has grown every year thanks to help from VCOM students. Appalachian outreach opportunities provide more than the chance to practice hands-on medicine, they also educate students in how to take care of patients in difficult environments and situations. Through this, patients also get necessary medical care that they might not otherwise receive.

underserved populations, Appalachian outreach is a priority.

Going out into the community enhances the medical skills of the students and gives them a chance to practice in the same settings they will soon be going into and for faculty, allows them to hone their patient-centered medicine teaching skills. During their second year, VCOM students are involved with community outreach like

166