outreach

Faces of Care: VCOM Students Bring Healing and Hope to Punta Cana

ebailey — Thu, 30 Oct 2025 19:15:24 +0000

Faces of Care: VCOM Students Bring Healing and Hope to Punta Cana ebailey Thu, 10/30/2025 - 15:15

Faces of Care: VCOM Students Bring Healing and Hope to Punta Cana

1761825600

What happens when dozens of future physicians, guided by faculty and local partners, come together with one goal—to make healthcare accessible for all? The answer unfolded in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, where a VCOM team spent a week providing care, connection, and hope to hundreds of underserved residents.

The team included 40 second-year medical students from the Virginia and Carolinas campuses, several upper-level students from other VCOM campuses, six U.S. physicians, four Dominican physicians, a pharmacist, five staff members, and one volunteer.

The group provided care to residents in five underserved villages and at two clinics: the Veron Clinic and the Oscar de la Renta Pediatric Clinic. In total, the team served more than 650 patients, including a large Haitian population, and filled over 1,500 prescriptions. Clinical activities ranged from family medicine and pediatrics to obstetrics and osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM).

The outreach was coordinated through VCOM’s ongoing partnership with the Punta Cana Foundation, which managed local logistics and interpretation services. Medicines not used during the trip were donated to the Oscar de la Renta Clinic to support ongoing care for area residents. Ensuring sustainable and ongoing care for communities is a key part of VCOM’s international outreach efforts.

For the students, the trip provided both hands-on clinical training and a deeper sense of purpose. Alyssa Levien '28 described it as “one of the most humbling and transformative experiences of my life.” She said the patients’ resilience and gratitude “reminded me that medicine extends beyond medications and procedures, and how powerful it is just to be present, listen, and help in whatever way you can.” The experience, she added, strengthened her commitment to serving vulnerable populations and reinforced her belief that “healing is a shared journey.”

O'Neal Best ‘28, found the trip reaffirmed her commitment to pediatrics. After caring for a young boy during a clinic visit, she was struck by the mother’s gratitude for what seemed like a routine checkup. “It made me realize how much of an impact we can have, even through small acts,” she said, reflecting on the difference basic healthcare can make in underserved communities.

For Maile Carroll'28, one patient encounter underscored the human connection behind medicine. After treating a woman suffering from sciatica and diabetes, Carroll recalled, “When her visit was complete, she began to cry and gave me a heartfelt hug. That moment reminded me why I wanted to become a doctor in the first place—to help, to heal, and to connect.”

International outreach remains a cornerstone of VCOM’s mission to prepare globally minded, community-focused physicians who serve rural and medically underserved populations at home and abroad.

outreach

Carolinas

By James Nichols -

VCOM-Louisiana’s Mobile Medical Unit Brings Care and Connection to Local Seniors

ebailey — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 12:43:18 +0000

VCOM-Louisiana’s Mobile Medical Unit Brings Care and Connection to Local Seniors ebailey Thu, 10/16/2025 - 08:43

VCOM-Louisiana’s Mobile Medical Unit Brings Care and Connection to Local Seniors

1760616000

VCOM-Louisiana’s large mobile medical unit hit the road last month to deliver clinical care to local seniors. The unit, made possible through a collaborative partnership with the Ouachita Parish Police Jury, is fully equipped for patient care, featuring private exam rooms with diagnostic equipment, work and phlebotomy stations, and a lavatory. It includes a wheelchair-accessible door and lift. Wrapped in vibrant VCOM graphics showcasing local students, the bus serves as a rolling symbol of hope and compassion for the communities it visits.

The September visit to the West Ouachita Senior Center supported a health fair hosted by Communities Acting to Benefit Louisiana’s Elderly (CABLE). It was the first time the mobile unit was used to deliver clinical care. Two fourth-year students joined Jonah Flowers, DO, discipline chair and assistant professor for rural and medically underserved areas at VCOM-Louisiana, and a practicing family medicine physician.

Dr. Flowers not only provided care but also drove the large bus. She reflected on the experience, saying, “I’m excited for the opportunity to take VCOM’s mission beyond our campus and into the community. This outreach allows us to continue preparing community-focused osteopathic physicians who are dedicated to meeting the healthcare needs of rural and medically underserved patients in Northeast Louisiana. It is also a meaningful way to share some of VCOM’s core values—duty, altruism, and compassion—through direct engagement with those we are committed to serving.”

With supervision from Dr. Flowers, students performed blood pressure checks, blood sugar testing, height and weight measurements, temperature checks, lung and heart exams, and even HENT (head, eyes, ears, nose, throat) exams. For many senior citizens who stopped by, the visit was as much about connection and reassurance as it was about clinical care.

VCOM trains future doctors to make a difference in their communities—especially in rural areas where healthcare is limited—while contributing to research that improves lives around the world. The care provided on the mobile unit embodies this goal. “It shows the community that we want to be here and that we want to serve them,” says Holly. “Every time we come out with a smile and offer these screenings, it encourages more people to take part. It also helps us start conversations about when someone may need to see their primary care physician for a more thorough exam.”

Providing care in this setting for older adults is so important because many don’t always receive preventative care. Preventative care can help them live longer, healthier, and happier lives.

Holly Jarkzynka , VCOM-Louisiana Class of 2026

The impact was felt not only by seniors, but also by community partners working at the health fair. Tasha Williams, a client care supervisor at Leading Home Care, had her blood pressure and glucose screened during the event. “Such a great service to provide to the community,” she said. “I was feeling a little down this morning, and I feel better after visiting with the medical student. I’ve been concerned about my blood sugar levels because they tend to run low. This was a great reinforcement that I need to get checked regularly.”

Savannah Collins ‘26, a Tallulah native, understands firsthand how challenging it can be for rural residents to access care. “Many people really just wanted interaction and engagement,” she says. “It was great to listen to them, reassure them, and let them know that there are people who care and want to help.”

For patients like Monroe senior Cathy Trichell, the visit was both reassuring and convenient. Concerned about fluctuating blood pressure, she appreciated the time Savannah spent reviewing her readings. “It was a wonderful experience to speak with the medical student today,” Trichell says. “I track my blood pressure because I have several health conditions. She was so thorough in going over the log I keep. She was patient, knowledgeable, and truly made me feel cared for.”

Through the mobile medical unit, VCOM-Louisiana is extending its reach beyond the classroom and clinic walls, ensuring that rural and underserved communities have access to quality care. Each patient interaction reflects the College’s mission: preparing compassionate physicians who not only treat illness but also foster trust, prevention, and wellness in the communities they serve.

outreach

Louisiana

By Danielle Voumard -

VCOM-Virginia Symposium Highlights Collaboration in Tackling Regional Health Disparities

ebailey — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 14:47:17 +0000

VCOM-Virginia Symposium Highlights Collaboration in Tackling Regional Health Disparities ebailey Tue, 10/14/2025 - 10:47

VCOM-Virginia Symposium Highlights Collaboration in Tackling Regional Health Disparities

1760443200

VCOM-Virginia Symposium Highlights Collaboration in Tackling Regional Health Disparities

On Sept.24, the VCOM–Virginia hosted the inaugural event in its Community Outreach Research and Education (CORE) symposium series, “Expanding Holistic Health with Community Partnerships.” The symposium brought together healthcare providers, public officials, law enforcement, social service professionals, and community leaders to explore collaborative approaches to improving health outcomes across rural and underserved communities in Southwest Virginia.

The key to the symposium is osteopathic medicine’s emphasis on treating the whole patient. Health is impacted by a host of factors, including socioeconomic status, access to community support and transportation, stability of housing, food insecurity, and more. The work of the community partners who participated in the symposium is focused on many of these issues.

The event opened with remarks from Noelle Bissell, MD, director of the New River Valley Health District, whose presentation, “Our NRV Home and Community Impact,” set the tone for the day. Dr. Bissell emphasized that effective healthcare requires partnerships that extend beyond traditional medical settings. Physicians and community groups must meet people where they are—physically, culturally, and emotionally. She highlighted the importance of understanding how everyday circumstances affect health, investing in prevention, and creating lasting systems of support that help people make healthy decisions.

The keynote address was delivered by Michael R. Kramer, PhD, professor of social epidemiology and director of the Center for Rural Health at Mercer University School of Medicine. His work employs data visualization and spatial analysis tools to identify regions of greatest need and inform targeted interventions that reduce chronic and complex health conditions. In his address, Dr. Kramer discussed the importance of understanding how early life experiences and community conditions shape long-term health outcomes. The heart of the symposium, however, was the student research showcase. Second-year VCOM medical students presented findings from their period of service and group research projects conducted through the CORE Program, which connected students with 18 community-based organizations (CBOs) across Southwest Virginia. The student posters highlighted innovative, evidence-based approaches to pressing local challenges such as food insecurity, homelessness, trauma and addiction recovery, maternal and child health, fundraising, and access to care.

These projects not only provided valuable insights for community partners, but also fostered opportunities for collaboration among organizations working toward shared goals. As one student reflected, “Serving in the community has changed the way I see medicine—it’s not just about treating illness, it’s about being present and understanding people’s lives.”

The CORE Program—co-directed by Bernard Kadio, MD, PhD, MPH, VCOM-Virginia’s chair of preventive medicine, and Jess Nicholson, MAT, MPH(c), VCOM’s director of community outreach and public health—is part of VCOM’s commitment to community-engaged learning. Each CORE team of students partners with a local organization to co-develop research questions, collect and analyze data, and translate findings into actionable solutions that will directly benefit the community.

This was the first year of the CORE model, part of VCOM’s preventative medicine curriculum. In future years, new cohorts of student doctors will continue and expand upon the work of previous teams—creating sustained partnerships and long-term impact with the CBOs.

Reflecting on the day’s success, Nicholson shared, “Opportunities like this matter because they shape our students into the kind of physicians we all hope for: compassionate, community-minded, and aware of the bigger picture of health.”

Blacksburg councilman Liam Watson echoed the sentiment: “The symposium was fantastic—I only wish more people could have experienced it. I’m excited to share the incredible work being done by [VCOM] students and these organizations.”

Through CORE, VCOM continues to strengthen its role as both an educational institution and a community partner—building bridges between medicine, public health, and local organizations to create healthier, more resilient communities.

View the students’ research

If you would like more information on the program, please visit /core.

outreach Research

Virginia

By Caroline Bennett -

When Medicine Travels: How Serving Abroad Shaped Sydney’s Heart for International Service

ebailey — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 16:38:52 +0000

When Medicine Travels: How Serving Abroad Shaped Sydney’s Heart for International Service ebailey Wed, 09/24/2025 - 12:38

When Medicine Travels: How Serving Abroad Shaped Sydney’s Heart for International Service

1758715200

In the quiet morning hours in Verón, a town in the eastern region of the Dominican Republic, Sydney Boudreaux, VCOM-Louisiana Class of 2026, was already setting up for clinic. The air was heavy with heat, and a line of patients had begun to form outside the VCOM Verón Rural Clinic. Many had walked long distances, some for hours, just for a chance to be seen by a doctor.

At the Centro de Atención Pediátrica Oscar de la Renta, a clinic offering pediatric services from preventive medicine to dentistry and emergency care, Sydney gently held the hand of a young boy receiving his vaccinations. Although they did not share a language, her calm presence and kind touch helped ease his fear, making the moment a little less overwhelming.

Sydney was there as part of her international rotation through VCOM-Louisiana. For several weeks, she worked in clinics across rural parts of the Dominican Republic, including Verón and Punta Cana. Each day brought unfamiliar challenges, but also a sense of purpose that reaffirmed her commitment to medicine.

VCOM international outreach offers a comprehensive program to address the healthcare needs of communities in the Dominican Republic and Honduras. There are two year-round international clinics where students and residents can attend a rotation that lasts between two and four weeks. Additionally, students can participate in a one-week mission trip during their second year. Medical students have the opportunity to provide public health, community health, and primary care services to the communities surrounding these clinics. The international outreach programs, which include follow-up care in year-round international clinics, provide a comprehensive approach to improving global health. As a leader in global health outreach, VCOM reaches thousands of patients in need annually, provides immunizations for children where access was nonexistent or inadequate, and has developed prenatal care where it was previously unavailable.

The clinics where she worked didn’t have access to some advanced technology. Without the option to order imaging or run labs on the spot, she learned to lean on her physical exam skills and clinical reasoning. It was a shift from what she was used to, but one that taught her something valuable. “Great care doesn’t always mean having the best machines,” she said. “Sometimes it’s about being creative and using what you have wisely. Empathy and resourcefulness go a long way.”

Sydney and her peers, under licensed supervision, treated patients with a wide range of needs, from children with infections to older adults with unmanaged chronic conditions. Many were experiencing health care for the first time in a long while, and their gratitude left a lasting impression. “You could feel how much it meant to people,” she said. “It reminded me why VCOM puts so much emphasis on working in rural and underserved areas. We weren’t just learning. We were helping.”

Through international outreach, students develop cultural sensitivity and skills to address significant health challenges that span borders and continents, working with VCOM faculty and local physicians in these regions. Cultural understanding played a major role in her day-to-day work. Each community she served had different customs, beliefs, and expectations regarding healthcare. Sydney found that being respectful and open made all the difference. “You’re in someone else’s space. It’s important to listen and try to understand what matters most to them,” she said. “That’s how you build trust. That’s how you give better care.”

Some moments stand out more than others. Sydney remembered one patient in particular who was quiet and hesitant at the beginning of the visit. “She didn’t say much, and I could tell she was nervous,” Sydney recalled. “But by the end, she reached out and held my hand. I didn’t need a translator to know that she felt safe. That moment will stay with me.”

For students considering an international rotation, Sydney encourages them to take the leap. Her advice is simple: go with the mindset of serving others, not just learning for yourself. “Be ready to adapt. Be flexible. You’ll face challenges, but you’ll also grow in ways you don’t expect. And if you stay open and respectful, you’ll make a real difference.”

As Sydney wrapped up her time in the Dominican Republic, she returned with much more than clinical knowledge. She carried home a deeper understanding of the people she served and a renewed commitment to VCOM’s mission of care, compassion, and service. It is the kind of lesson that cannot be taught in a classroom; it can only be experienced face-to-face.

For more information on VCOM's international outreach program, visit /academics/outreach/international

outreach

Louisiana

By Danielle Voumard -

A New Vehicle for Healthcare Access in Rural South Carolina

ebailey — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 19:33:07 +0000

A New Vehicle for Healthcare Access in Rural South Carolina ebailey Thu, 09/18/2025 - 15:33

A New Vehicle for Healthcare Access in Rural South Carolina

1758196800

��TV (VCOM)–Carolinas campus has taken another major step forward in its mission to serve rural and medically underserved populations across South Carolina. This week, the campus welcomed a second mobile medical unit (MMU), a smaller clinic-on-wheels that expands the reach and impact of VCOM’s domestic outreach program.

Over the past year, VCOM-Carolinas’ domestic outreach program has expanded exponentially. In 2024 alone, VCOM physicians and medical students provided primary care services to more than 1,000 patients at satellite clinics and mobile clinic sites. With new community-based partnerships in place, VCOM has added service locations in Moore and Pickens, South Carolina, alongside existing outreach sites.

The new MMU will allow the College to:

Provide care at two locations simultaneously
Increase patient volume at existing sites by operating alongside the larger unit, “Lola”
Navigate narrow rural roads where larger vehicles cannot travel
Expand services to include Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) in the community

A second mobile medical unit represents expanding hope and access. For me, this milestone reflects years of work in communities where we have seen firsthand the challenges people face in reaching care. A second unit means we can be in more places at once, shorten wait times, and bring services to people who otherwise might never see a doctor. It symbolizes our commitment to meet patients where they are, whether that’s a church parking lot, a school, or a rural neighborhood with few resources.

Dolores Muro , VCOM-Carolinas director for domestic outreach

By strengthening its mobile medical fleet, VCOM-Carolinas ensures the sustainability of its outreach program and reaffirms its commitment to training physicians who care with skill, compassion, and community focus.

outreach

Carolinas

By Lily Collins -

Gearing Up to Serve: VCOM-Louisiana Prepares to Launch Mobile Medical Units Across Northeast Louisiana by Completing Hands-On Training

ebailey — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 13:52:25 +0000

Gearing Up to Serve: VCOM-Louisiana Prepares to Launch Mobile Medical Units Across Northeast Louisiana by Completing Hands-On Training ebailey Wed, 08/13/2025 - 09:52

Gearing Up to Serve: VCOM-Louisiana Prepares to Launch Mobile Medical Units Across Northeast Louisiana by Completing Hands-On Training

1755086400

This past December, the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM)-Louisiana received a gift with long-term impact, two mobile medical units designed to expand healthcare access throughout Northeast Louisiana. Delivered in partnership with the Ouachita Parish Police Jury, these units represent a major step toward bringing medical services directly to rural and underserved communities. But like any meaningful gift, the true value comes not just from unwrapping it, but from learning how to use it.

To ensure the units can be safely and effectively used for future community care, a team of faculty and staff participated in hands-on training this July, learning every detail necessary to roll out these clinics for service.

The two custom-built units are equipped for real-world healthcare delivery. Each features private exam rooms with diagnostic equipment, clinical workspaces, phlebotomy stations, lavatories, and, in the larger unit, a wheelchair-accessible lift. Adorned with bold VCOM-Louisiana branding and images of local students, the mobile clinics stand as a visual promise of outreach and opportunity.

These mobile medical units are a powerful extension of our mission. They not only help bring care to areas that often go without, but they also give our students vital, hands-on experience in real-world outreach. This recent training was an important step to ensure we're ready to take these clinics into the field. When our students learn to serve with both skill and compassion, it’s our communities that benefit—with care that meets them right where they are.

Ray L. Morrison, DO, FACOS, DFACOS , Dean for VCOM-Louisiana

While they have not yet been deployed for patient care, the mobile units are intended to offer services such as preventative screenings, primary and geriatric care, immunizations, and disaster relief. They will also serve as an essential extension of VCOM’s educational mission, providing students with the opportunity to engage directly with the community through hands-on outreach once operations are fully underway.

To prepare for that next step, VCOM-Louisiana collaborated with Mission Mobile Medical, The Mobile Healthcare Company, for a comprehensive two-day training session led by instructor Troy Watson. Participants received a comprehensive introduction to the clinics, both inside and out. They explored generators, electronic systems, and clinical equipment and learned to safely drive, maneuver, and park the large vehicles, including techniques for navigating tight spaces and practicing defensive driving.

Reflecting on the training at VCOM-Louisiana, Watson added, “What stood out most to me during the training was how committed your team was to understanding every part of the mobile clinic, not just the ‘how,’ but the ‘why’ behind each step. Y’all came in with the right mindset: curious, focused, and ready to get hands-on. That kind of attitude makes a big difference, especially in mobile healthcare, where flexibility and attention to detail really matter. It was clear your team takes pride in doing things right and serving others well.”

Darryl Dozier, director for facilities at VCOM-Louisiana, remarked, "This training gave me the hands-on skills to set up and transport mobile medical units safely. If they don't reach the communities that need them, they can't make an impact. I'm now better prepared to help deliver care where it's needed most. I would especially like to assist in disaster-affected areas in the future.”

Additional participants highlighted the value of the training. Dr. Christopher Clark, an assistant professor of family medicine and osteopathic manipulative medicine, shared, “The most valuable part of the experience was being trained by a professional who lives and breathes mobile medical units. It was great to hear the insight from the professional instructor as well as the one-on-one training he provided when operating the large vehicles. This has given me the confidence to drive the vehicles out into the community. The training allowed me not only to see inside the vehicles but also to explore areas that I might have missed during my first observation outside the vehicle. I hope the mobile medical units help provide students with real-life medical experience by interacting with patients in the community.”

Ethan Terral, application services specialist and admission recruiter, also appreciated the opportunity to get behind the wheel. “Since I am not a doctor, I will not be using most of the features of the mobile units, but it's nice to know that I can help our doctors and community by being able to drive our mobile units safely. Getting VCOM’s name into our community with the mobile units will be an exciting achievement that I look forward to assisting with.”

As VCOM-Louisiana looks ahead, the mobile medical units stand ready, poised to become a powerful tool for community health, student education, and regional connection. When the wheels hit the road this fall for patient care, the training will have laid a strong foundation for future outreach. With preparation, purpose, and a deep commitment to service, VCOM is poised to deliver compassionate, high-quality care directly to those who need it most, one mile, one community, and one patient at a time.

outreach

Louisiana

By Danielle Voumard -

Empowering Alabama’s Youth: VCOM-Auburn’s First Summer Enrichment Experience Inspires Future Careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

ebailey — Fri, 27 Jun 2025 13:34:20 +0000

Empowering Alabama’s Youth: VCOM-Auburn’s First Summer Enrichment Experience Inspires Future Careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics ebailey Fri, 06/27/2025 - 09:34

Empowering Alabama’s Youth: VCOM-Auburn’s First Summer Enrichment Experience Inspires Future Careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

1751025600

During the first week of May, in collaboration with Auburn University, proudly hosted the inaugural Summer Enrichment Experience (SEE)a dynamic and immersive program designed to inspire high school students across Alabama to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

The program was funded by a special presidential award presented by Dr. Dixie Tooke-Rawlins, president of VCOM, to the anatomy faculty at campus. This award provided critical support to launch the program, which aligns with VCOM-Auburn’s mission to foster community engagement and education.

Leadership for the program was provided by Mary Piscura, Ph.D., faculty member in anatomy within the Department of Biomedical Affairs and Research, along with Kristie Floyd, administrative assistant for anatomy faculty and assistant anatomy lab director. Both played essential roles in coordinating the academic and operational components of the program, ensuring a successful and enriching experience for participants.

Throughout the week, students participated in interactive learning experiences, including anatomy laboratory explorations, clinical simulation scenarios, discussions on public health, and exposure to biomedical research. These activities provided a comprehensive introduction to healthcare and STEM fields, emphasizing both the intellectual challenges and exciting opportunities available.

A key component of the program was connecting students with healthcare professionals and faculty who shared personal career journeys and provided mentorship. This approach helped break down medical and scientific career paths and inspired students to consider future opportunities in these fields.

This program is exactly the kind of outreach that aligns with our mission. We’re not only educating future physicians—we’re also investing in the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and changemakers.

Mary Piscura, Ph.D. , Assistant Professor for Anatomical Sciences

The event was an overwhelming success. Students expressed enthusiasm and motivation to pursue higher education and healthcare careers. Feedback from participants and families highlighted the program’s role in providing valuable early exposure to advanced scientific concepts and professional environments.

The success of this inaugural program lays a foundation for future growth. VCOM-Auburn plans to expand SEE to reach more students and provide further opportunities for hands-on learning and career exploration.

By fostering curiosity and providing quality educational experiences, VCOM-Auburn and Auburn University are collaboratively building a brighter, healthier future for Alabama and beyond.

community outreach

Auburn

By Brittany Lilla -

VCOM-Louisiana and ULM Kitty DeGree School of Nursing Students Participate in CERT Training: An Interdisciplinary Collaborative Event Enhancing Disaster Preparedness

ebailey — Fri, 11 Apr 2025 17:45:55 +0000

VCOM-Louisiana and ULM Kitty DeGree School of Nursing Students Participate in CERT Training: An Interdisciplinary Collaborative Event Enhancing Disaster Preparedness ebailey Fri, 04/11/2025 - 13:45

VCOM-Louisiana and ULM Kitty DeGree School of Nursing Students Participate in CERT Training: An Interdisciplinary Collaborative Event Enhancing Disaster Preparedness

1744372800

On April 8, 2025, VCOM-Louisiana's second-year medical students participated in a two-day Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program training. This event, aimed at preparing future healthcare professionals for disaster response, was made possible through a remarkable collaboration of several agencies, each contributing their expertise to create a comprehensive and interdisciplinary learning experience.

The CERT program, established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), educates volunteers on the fundamentals of disaster preparedness and teaches vital response skills such as fire safety, light search and rescue, disaster medical operations, and team organization. This training empowers CERT-trained individuals—including physicians—to provide immediate assistance, organize volunteers, and support emergency services during a crisis. The ultimate goal is to train individuals who can support their families and communities when professional responders may be delayed or overwhelmed.

The CERT training of VCOM-Louisiana students is the result of a unique partnership between the College and Volunteer Louisiana within the Office of Louisiana Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser. The objective is to educate future doctors about disaster readiness and response, ensuring that these medical professionals are equipped to serve as volunteers during a disaster so they can respond effectively when needed. This is the third year CERT training has been integrated into the VCOM-Louisiana curriculum.

Day one was skills training for all eight units of CERT. Day two of the training featured an interdisciplinary exercise showcasing the power of collaboration. Nursing students from the University of Louisiana Monroe (ULM) Kitty DeGree School of Nursing played the role of “tornado victims” in a mass casualty scenario, providing valuable practice for VCOM students in rescuing victims and managing disaster-related injuries. Serving as simulated “tornado victims” was more than just role-playing for the nursing students—it was a valuable experiential learning opportunity. By participating in the mass casualty exercise, the nursing students could observe emergency response protocols firsthand and gain insight into the coordination and communication during high-stress, multi-agency situations. It also offered a chance to experience patient care from a different perspective, deepening their empathy and understanding of trauma-informed care. This collaboration allowed osteopathic medical and nursing students to appreciate each other's vital role in disaster response.

Disaster Day helps prepare our students for the unfortunate reality that they may one day be involved in a disaster. It gives them a deeper understanding of the many professionals involved in pre-hospital care and what it takes to get someone to the hospital. That awareness makes them more compassionate and informed when patients arrive for care. It also prepares them to act. They’ll have the skills to step in and help if they encounter a disaster.

John Lipka, MD , Associate Dean for Simulation and Technology Discipline Co-Chair and Assistant Professor for Surgery

Numerous local agencies played a key role in ensuring the success of this training. The ULM Police Department provided critical instruction on responding to active shooter scenarios, terrorism, cybersecurity, and workplace violence. The Ouachita Parish Fire Department shared expertise on fire safety, utility controls, and using CERT backpacks—essential disaster response kits provided by Volunteer Louisiana’s Volunteer Generation Fund (VGF) grant The West Monroe Police Department (WMPD) led training on light search and rescue, ensuring students were prepared to assist in locating and rescuing survivors during emergencies.

VCOM-Louisiana’s two mobile medical units—made possible through a partnership with the Ouachita Parish Police Jury—were integrated into the exercises, giving students hands-on experience in triaging patients as it served to house necessary triage supplies. Additionally, the American Red Cross, in collaboration with Volunteer America, ran shelter simulation exercises to prepare students for managing shelter operations during a disaster. “VCOM-Louisiana medical students are likely to serve in a shelter in disaster relief, which is why the Red Cross shelter exercises are so important,” Dr. Lipka explained. “After this training, they’re certified and eligible to be activated through the hospital where they’re completing their rotation, should a disaster occur in that area.”

A special note of gratitude is extended to MKay Bonner, PhD, of the ULM psychology department and Mark Johnson, PhD, of the ULM criminal justice department. Johnson planned and executed the day-two mass casualty incident simulation with support from West Monroe CERT team leader Jim Addison and ULM’s campus CERT team members. Also, WMPD Captain CJ Beck and community members from the West Monroe CERT team planned and executed the light search and rescue simulation exercise on day one.

Special thanks are also extended to the Louisiana Baptists Disaster Relief, who provided meals for all participants throughout the two-day event. These contributions were invaluable in ensuring the success of the training and the students' readiness to serve their communities in the face of a disaster.

This two-day training was more than just an educational opportunity—it demonstrated the power of interagency collaboration. The combined efforts of each organization have ensured that VCOM-Louisiana students are prepared and equipped to step up in times of crisis. With this knowledge and hands-on experience, they are ready to make a difference in their communities when disaster strikes.

outreach

Louisiana

By Danielle Voumard -

VCOM-Carolinas Mobile Medical Unit Ribbon Cutting

ebailey — Thu, 03 Apr 2025 18:51:26 +0000

VCOM-Carolinas Mobile Medical Unit Ribbon Cutting ebailey Thu, 04/03/2025 - 14:51

VCOM-Carolinas Mobile Medical Unit Ribbon Cutting

1743681600

On March 13, 2025, VCOM-Carolinas proudly launched a new Mobile Medical Unit, a state-of-the-art clinic on wheels designed to bring essential healthcare services to medically underserved and rural communities in Upstate South Carolina. The unveiling took place during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on the VCOM-Carolinas campus with a crowd of over a hundred onlookers including local officials, healthcare partners, and VCOM leadership.

For years, VCOM-Carolinas has been committed to improving access to healthcare in rural areas through its mobile medical program, which provides primary care, health screenings, chronic disease management, vaccinations, and preventive health education to communities facing significant barriers to medical services. The new unit replaces the aging mobile clinic and allows for expanded outreach efforts in Spartanburg and Cherokee counties.

This new mobile medical unit represents a significant step forward in our mission to serve those who need care the most. We are meeting patients where they are, breaking down barriers to healthcare access, and training the next generation of physicians to work in rural and underserved areas.

Matt Cannon, DO , VCOM-Carolinas Dean

A Lifeline for Rural Communities

The Upstate region of South Carolina experiences a critical shortage of healthcare providers, particularly in rural areas where transportation, financial limitations, and a lack of nearby medical facilities prevent residents from receiving timely care. By deploying the mobile medical unit for weekly clinics and quarterly medical mission trips, VCOM-Carolinas ensures that more patients receive the care they need without the burden of travel.

The new unit is equipped with:

Two private exam rooms for patient consultations.
A waiting area and onboard restroom for patient convenience.
Advanced medical equipment to support diagnostic and preventive care.
ADA accessibility features, including a wheelchair lift.
Improved mobility to reach more remote areas without requiring a commercial driver’s license (CDL).

This program not only delivers healthcare but also shapes the future of medicine by providing hands-on training for our medical students. We are preparing compassionate, community-focused physicians who understand the challenges and rewards of rural medicine.

Lisa Carroll, MD , VCOM-Carolinas faculty physician

Expanding Community Impact

Through partnerships with St. Luke’s Free Medical Clinic, the Free Medical Clinic of Cherokee County, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), AccessHealth Spartanburg, and Welvista, the mobile unit extends the reach of critical health services to patients who may otherwise go without care.

VCOM-Carolinas’ mobile outreach has already made a significant impact, including:

1,386 vaccines administered through mobile clinics.
300+ individuals screened and treated for STIs.
2100+ meals provided in partnership with community organizations.
1000+ patients seen in recent medical mission trips.

outreach

Carolinas

By Lily Collins -

VCOM Community Makes the Holidays Brighter for Children in Honduras

aostroth@vt.vcom.edu — Fri, 14 Feb 2025 20:59:24 +0000

VCOM Community Makes the Holidays Brighter for Children in Honduras aostroth@vt.vcom.edu Fri, 02/14/2025 - 15:59

VCOM Community Makes the Holidays Brighter for Children in Honduras

1739534400

The spirit of giving was alive and well during the 2024 Christmas fundraiser for the children who are part of the malnutrition program at the VCOM-affiliated Baxter clinic in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Thanks to the generosity and compassion of students, staff and faculty across all four VCOM campuses, the College successfully raised $5,600 to bring holiday joy to 116 children.

Members of VCOM’s Hispanic Community Medical Outreach (HCMO) clubs across all four campuses worked tirelessly to make this fundraiser a success.

In addition, students from VCOM-Louisiana and the VCOM-Auburn student chapter of the American College of Osteopathic Pediatricians (ACOP) helped provide Christmas gifts for 36 girls at the Orphanage Hogar de Niñas San Antonio in Santa Rosa, Honduras. The VCOM students took those gifts to Honduras during their mission trip in December.

The generosity of the VCOM community to support these children reaffirms the incredible impact we can make when we come together for a common cause.

outreach

Auburn

Carolinas

Louisiana

By Amy Ostroth -