VCOM - Virginia 2018 Yearbook

Appalachian Outreach

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 is at the center of VCOM’s Mission “to prepare globally- minded, community-focused physicians to meet the needs of rural and medically underserved populations.” Being in the local community enhances the medical skills of the students and gives them a chance to practice in the same settings they will soon be working in. Faculty are able to hone their patient-centered medicine teaching skills. Many VCOM students volunteer at outreach events such as health fairs and free clinics. Students are able to get hands-on experience

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.

164