outreach

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

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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

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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

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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.51Ʒ��.edu — Fri, 14 Feb 2025 20:59:24 +0000

VCOM Community Makes the Holidays Brighter for Children in Honduras aostroth@vt.51Ʒ��.edu Fri, 02/14/2025 - 15:59

VCOM Community Makes the Holidays Brighter for Children in Honduras

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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 -

Driving Healthcare Access in Ouachita Parish: VCOM-Louisiana and the Ouachita Parish Police Jury Collaborate on Mobile Medical Units to Serve Northeast Louisiana

ebailey — Mon, 02 Dec 2024 15:56:12 +0000

Driving Healthcare Access in Ouachita Parish: VCOM-Louisiana and the Ouachita Parish Police Jury Collaborate on Mobile Medical Units to Serve Northeast Louisiana ebailey Mon, 12/02/2024 - 10:56

Driving Healthcare Access in Ouachita Parish: VCOM-Louisiana and the Ouachita Parish Police Jury Collaborate on Mobile Medical Units to Serve Northeast Louisiana

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Monday, Dec. 2, is a significant day for the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM)-Louisiana as the organization welcomes two mobile medical units, expanding healthcare access for citizens across Northeast Louisiana. Local and VCOM-Louisiana officials gathered to celebrate the mobile medical units’ arrival with a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Monroe and West Monroe-West Ouachita Chambers of Commerce. This momentous occasion has been over two years in the making.

The units are made possible through a collaborative endeavor with the Ouachita Parish Police Jury, the governing authority for Ouachita Parish in Louisiana. Shane Smiley, president of the Ouachita Parish Police Jury, conveyed the cooperative relationship between the two agencies: “The Ouachita Parish Police Jury and VCOM share a common bond. We are both dedicated to the advancement of improving the quality of life for all of our residents. VCOM’s mission of training future physicians to meet the healthcare needs in both rural and medically underserved populations is a testament to their desire to improve the lives of our residents.”

After a long journey from Wisconsin, where they were meticulously crafted, the two state-of-the-art mobile medical units finally arrived in Louisiana. Each unit is fully equipped for patient care, with private exam rooms outfitted with diagnostic equipment, work and phlebotomy stations, and lavatories. The largest unit is fitted with a wheelchair access door and lift. The units, adorned with vibrant VCOM-branded wraps featuring local students, are a symbol of hope for the community.

Mobile medical units are more than just vehicles—they are vital healthcare resources that provide a comprehensive range of services. These include preventative care, primary care, geriatric services, immunization clinics, and disaster relief assistance. Designed to serve underserved populations in Ouachita Parish and the surrounding areas, they will also play a key role in medical education. Through these units, VCOM-Louisiana medical students will gain hands-on experience in community engagement, participating in activities such as vaccination clinics and emergency response efforts for displaced populations.

As a leading institution committed to improving healthcare access and outcomes, VCOM-Louisiana will use the grant to foster stronger connections with underserved populations, enhance public health education, and improve preparedness for local emergencies. These efforts align with the VCOM’s mission to serve communities in need through innovation, collaboration, and impactful programs.

Mark Sanders, DO , Dean for VCOM-Louisiana

The benefits to Ouachita Parish are significant. VCOM's mobile medical units will travel to targeted populations within the parish, providing flexible and responsive care for isolated and vulnerable groups that face challenges in accessing and maintaining medical care. VCOM-Louisiana will establish and sustain working relationships with community health clinics, local medical facilities, and social service organizations, leveraging these partnerships to promote services effectively at a grassroots level. “The fact that our local university now has a medical school on its campus is just incredible. It is a win not only for our residents, but also for our students. The Ouachita Parish Police Jury’s partnership with VCOM to provide these two mobile medical units will not only advance the training of our medical students, but it is also exciting and rewarding for our residents,” explained Ouachita police juror for District C, Larry Bratton. “As a member of the Ouachita Parish Police Jury, I am grateful for the opportunity to assist VCOM in advancing our quality of life right here at home. These mobile medical units put us in a position to help the under-served and evacuees during a time of crisis.”

This partnership between VCOM and the Ouachita Parish Police Jury will build trust and strengthen relationships among the College, the police jury, and other community partners, establishing a foundation for lasting, positive impact. As we enter the holiday season, the arrival of these two mobile medical units stands as a valuable gift to the people of Northeast Louisiana, enhancing access to healthcare and fostering the well-being of our community for years to come.

outreach

Louisiana

By Danielle Voumard -

Partnership to Enhance Community Health and Medical Education

ebailey — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 14:01:05 +0000

Partnership to Enhance Community Health and Medical Education ebailey Wed, 11/13/2024 - 09:01

Partnership to Enhance Community Health and Medical Education

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VCOM Partners with Samaritan Health Clinic to Provide Expanded Primary Care Services in Pickens County, SC

51Ʒ�� (VCOM)-Carolinas and the Samaritan Health Clinic of Pickens County are pleased to announce a formal partnership designed to enhance healthcare access for underserved residents of Pickens County, South Carolina. This collaboration will deploy VCOM’s Mobile Medical Unit (MMU) as an extension of the Samaritan Health Clinic, increasing healthcare reach and removing transportation barriers for eligible, medically underserved individuals in the region.

Located in Easley, SC, the Samaritan Health Clinic has been providing outpatient healthcare to residents in Pickens County for over three decades. The clinic is dedicated to serving those who are uninsured and face difficulties accessing regular healthcare. VCOM-Carolinas, an osteopathic medical school in Spartanburg, SC, with a mission to serve rural and underserved communities, will join efforts to expand these essential healthcare services. The partnership aligns with VCOM’s mission to train community-focused physicians and address healthcare disparities by deploying the MMU to reach individuals in rural areas.

Through the MMU domestic outreach program, VCOM aims to assist Samaritan Health Clinic in delivering primary care, preventive health screenings, routine immunizations and health education to new and existing patients. This mobile initiative will support all individuals who seek care by establishing a reliable medical home, focusing on preventive care, connecting them to necessary social and health resources, and expanding their access to essential health services.

“By partnering with the Samaritan Health Clinic, we hope to ensure that every resident of Pickens County, regardless of location or circumstance, has access to quality healthcare,” said Alexis M. Stoner, PhD, MPH, VCOM-Carolinas associate professor, discipline chair for preventive medicine and public health. “This program not only benefits patients but also provides invaluable, hands-on learning experiences for our osteopathic medical students, training them to meet the healthcare needs of South Carolina’s rural communities.”

Monthly clinics are anticipated to begin by the end of 2024, with locations and schedules to be announced soon. Both VCOM and Samaritan Health Clinic look forward to this collaboration and the positive impact it will have on the health and well-being of Pickens County.

For additional information about this partnership and the upcoming clinic schedule, please contact Erica Rutledge, Samaritan Health Clinic Assistant Director at (864) 855-0853 x1025 or email erutledge@samaritanhealthclinic.org

outreach

Carolinas

By Lily Collins -

A VCOM Family's Role in Rural Hurricane Recovery

ebailey — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 17:44:55 +0000

A VCOM Family's Role in Rural Hurricane Recovery ebailey Wed, 10/30/2024 - 13:44

A VCOM Family's Role in Rural Hurricane Recovery

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When Hurricane Helene ravaged the southeastern United States, media attention and relief efforts largely focused on the devastation in major cities like Asheville, North Carolina. But for the small, rural town of Burnsville, less than an hour away, the damage was just as severe, if not worse. Isolated and underserved, Burnsville struggled in the aftermath of the hurricane, with its residents facing widespread flooding, mudslides and ongoing challenges as temperatures dropped.

In the face of these overwhelming circumstances, Amna Khan, a first-year medical student at VCOM-Carolinas, stepped up to make a difference. Her hometown of Burnsville was left in dire need, with minimal outside help. Bodies were still being recovered from mudslides and the damage caused by fallen trees. With homes destroyed and essential services knocked offline, the community found itself largely forgotten. But Amna refused to let Burnsville be overlooked.

Amna organized a massive relief effort, working in coordination with VCOM students from all four campuses, including VCOM-Carolinas student Faith Baxter and VCOM-Louisiana’s Christine Le, president of the Student Osteopathic Medical Association (SOMA) student organization. Their work became a beacon of hope for Burnsville’s residents, as the donations and funds they raised enabled Amna to directly deliver much-needed supplies to her rural community.

With much of Burnsville lacking WiFi or cell service, the town set up a hotspot in the town square, allowing residents to communicate their needs through Facebook and other social media. Amna, her brother Omar Khan (a fellow medical student), her father Aman Khan and volunteers like nurse Ayshunti Patterson used this digital lifeline to gather requests for essential supplies. They delivered everything from food and water to blankets and medical equipment. Residents who could reach the town square picked up their supplies, while those isolated by the storm had donations delivered by local citizens and volunteers, often using four-wheelers and off-road vehicles to navigate blocked roads.

“We’d drive where we could, where there were still roads left,” Amna explained, “and we’d hike and meet families that were stuck at what was left of their residences.”

But Amna’s efforts didn’t stop there. Her mother, Dr. Shehla Khan, an MD working at Blue Ridge Medical Center under HCA Healthcare, took the initiative to open a temporary walk-in clinic to address the urgent medical needs of Burnsville’s residents. With help from HCA, FEMA and local authorities, the clinic became a critical lifeline for those in the area.

Many people had gone days without necessary medications, and we saw a rise in health emergencies like anaphylactic reactions from bees washed up by the flooding. The clinic has been crucial in providing care to people who would have otherwise gone without.

Amna Khan , VCOM-Carolinas Class of 2028

While some assistance from FEMA and other organizations began to trickle in, it was the collective efforts of local residents like Amna and her family that truly began to turn the tide.

The work isn’t over, however. With temperatures rapidly dropping in the mountains, the need for warm clothing and shelter remains critical. Amna continues to balance her medical education with her commitment to her hometown, taking trips back to Burnsville during breaks from school to ensure the flow of supplies continues.

As Burnsville’s recovery stretches on, Amna’s work is a reminder of the often-overlooked rural communities that are equally affected by natural disasters. Her dedication, along with the contributions of the VCOM community, highlights the importance of grassroots relief efforts in providing hope to underserved areas in times of crisis.

outreach

Carolinas

By Lily Collins -

VCOM’s Relief Efforts and the Power of Community

ebailey — Fri, 11 Oct 2024 19:28:55 +0000

VCOM’s Relief Efforts and the Power of Community ebailey Fri, 10/11/2024 - 15:28

VCOM’s Relief Efforts and the Power of Community

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In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, our community has been left reeling. The storm's destruction has been far-reaching, with lives tragically lost and thousands of homes and businesses severely damaged. The road to recovery will be long and filled with challenges, as we confront the reality of rebuilding both physical spaces and the spirits of those affected. Amidst the devastation, the VCOM family is humbled and deeply grateful for the ways we have been able to assist, providing relief in the face of such overwhelming loss.

As medical facilities and homes across Upstate South Carolina and Western North Carolina were forced offline due to flooding, fallen trees and widespread power outages, the need for alternative spaces to care for patients quickly became evident. Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System (SRHS) transformed a conference room into a ward for patients who were no longer in critical condition but still required medical care. Simultaneously, the University of South Carolina Upstate (USCU) graciously transformed their college basketball gym into a temporary ward for home-bound community members left without access to essential medical devices during the outage.

VCOM-Carolinas medical students volunteered in shifts around the clock to assist in the newly established wards. With compassion and dedication, they stepped forward to help those recovering from the storm's aftermath, even as they themselves faced damaged homes and power outages. Many of the patients, though stable, were still in vulnerable health, needing monitoring day and night, assistance with basic care and emotional support as they coped with the disaster. The work was challenging, but our students rose to the occasion, offering not only their skills but also their empathy to those who needed it most.

One staff member, reflecting on the students' involvement, shared, "We saw our students not just as future doctors, but as healers and community members. They were there in a moment of crisis, standing alongside experienced healthcare professionals, ready to give their all. It was a reminder that medicine is about more than knowledge—it's about being present for people in their time of need."

Beyond the temporary wards at SRHS and USCU, the VCOM domestic outreach team continued efforts elsewhere in the community. St. Luke’s Free Medical Clinic, a long-time partner of VCOM, was among the facilities affected, as flooding rendered the clinic inoperable. The VCOM Mobile Medical Unit was deployed to St. Luke’s parking lot, where medical students, faculty and local volunteers provided free medical care and screenings to those affected by the storm. The team worked tirelessly, ensuring that basic healthcare needs were met even as many homes remained without power and clean water.

Seeing the outpouring of support from our students during this time has been inspiring and so heartwarming to witness. They are truly such compassionate and selfless individuals with servants’ hearts, and I feel deeply honored to get to work with them.

Lisa Carroll, MD , VCOM-Carolinas Chair for Clinical Sciences and Rural Primary Care and Professor of Family Medicine

The clinic’s temporary setup also featured an on-site pharmacy and distributed free groceries—items specifically chosen for their ease of preparation without electricity. Local food trucks joined the effort, providing over 400 hot meals, offering some small comfort to those facing the uncertainties of recovery. The atmosphere was somber but full of quiet gratitude as neighbors came together to share meals and help one another through the crisis.

These efforts were made possible not only by the work of VCOM’s students and faculty locally but by the generosity of the larger community. Glenn and Michelle Cobb of Blacksburg, Virginia, reached out to friends and neighbors, gathering donations of bottled water, electrolyte drinks, fresh produce, batteries, cleaning supplies and more. VCOM-Virginia assisted by delivering some of these supplies via two flights to a core clinical rotation site in one of the hardest-hit areas. Their selfless act of kindness allowed VCOM to extend its reach and provide crucial resources to those who otherwise might have gone without.

While we are proud of the work that has been done, we remain deeply humbled by the community response. It is clear that no one can navigate this recovery alone. The efforts we have been a part of are just one small piece of a much larger picture—one painted by the compassion and resilience of people coming together in a time of unimaginable hardship.

As power is restored and the cleanup begins, the reality of the damage becomes clearer. VCOM remains committed to serving these communities as they recover and rebuild, standing alongside them as more needs arise. Rebuilding will take time, and the scars left by Hurricane Helene will not be easily healed. Yet, in the midst of this destruction, we have witnessed the best of humanity: neighbors helping neighbors, strangers extending a hand to those in need, and communities uniting in the face of adversity. For that, we are profoundly grateful.

outreach

Carolinas

By Lily Collins -

VCOM-Carolinas Supports Clinic with Colorful Run

ebailey — Wed, 21 Aug 2024 15:16:24 +0000

VCOM-Carolinas Supports Clinic with Colorful Run ebailey Wed, 08/21/2024 - 11:16

VCOM-Carolinas Supports Clinic with Colorful Run

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The VCOM-Carolinas campus was filled with excitement and vibrant colors as 151 participants rallied for the VIVA! Color Run 2024 on Saturday, August 17! Runners, walkers and dancers of all ages and fitness levels from the VCOM community, St. Luke’s and beyond joined forces for a morning of fun, fitness and philanthropy. The event successfully brought together not only VCOM and St. Luke’s members but also participants from the broader Spartanburg community.

Proceeds from the event will benefit St. Luke's Free Medical Clinic, ensuring access to high-quality healthcare for uninsured, low-income residents of Spartanburg County. The turnout and support were truly heartwarming, with people coming together for such a meaningful cause.

A very special thanks to:

The MOVE Exec Board—Smit Patel, Benjamin Cutler, Katylyn Harms and Sayesha Reddi— for their outstanding organization and dedication to making this event a success.

VCOM faculty members Dr. Alexis Stoner and Dr. Lisa Carroll, whose leadership and enthusiasm were felt by everyone throughout the event.

Chet Cantrell and Marc Rivera from St. Luke’s who worked tirelessly to ensure the event's mission was front and center.

With 151 tickets sold, this event was a vibrant celebration of community spirit and support. Thank you to all participants, volunteers and sponsors for making VIVA! Color Run 2024 a success. We look forward to doing it again next year!

community events outreach

Carolinas

By Lily Collins -

Healing Hands in Chembolet: Dr. Gwenn Jackson's Transformative Medical Mission in Kenya

ebailey — Fri, 19 Jul 2024 17:21:06 +0000

Healing Hands in Chembolet: Dr. Gwenn Jackson's Transformative Medical Mission in Kenya ebailey Fri, 07/19/2024 - 13:21

Healing Hands in Chembolet: Dr. Gwenn Jackson's Transformative Medical Mission in Kenya

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Gwenn Jackson, MD, VCOM-Louisiana's OB/GYN discipline chair, recently returned from a transformative medical mission trip to Chembolet, Kenya. This community of 6,000 in northwest Kenya welcomed Dr. Jackson and her medical team as they provided crucial medical care over the course of a week.

The goals of the mission were to strengthen the relationship with the Chembolet community and organizer, 410 Bridge, and to promote self-sufficiency in the community. “The community leadership believes the strength of the community is dependent upon proper medical care for the people," Dr. Jackson explains. In addition to medical care, the mission also focused on water purification, economic development, education and spiritual support.

Dr. Jackson served as the mission’s medical director, and she was the only physician on the eight-person team from the United States. She coordinated resources, provided general medicine evaluations and consulted on cervical and breast cancer screenings. The team also included members from the Kenyan Health Service and provided care to more than 800 individuals, addressing issues like uncontrolled hypertension, pediatric respiratory illnesses and musculoskeletal complaints.

Each day began with a 40-minute drive to the community clinic, where patients were already waiting. After a prayer, the team treated patients from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., with only a 15-minute break for a simple lunch. An emergency medical technician triaged patient, directing the most serious cases to Dr. Jackson. Hundreds of Kenyans with a variety of health concerns waited under tents, with those not seen one day prioritized on the next. Counseling and prayer were also provided. After the clinic, the team returned to the city, secured supplies and debriefed over a meal.

For Dr. Jackson, the ability to utilize her Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) skills was a highlight. "As an MD trained in OMT when I joined the VCOM faculty, on this trip, I was able for the first time to utilize my new skills to help women with musculoskeletal pain. " One memorable case involved a woman who had suffered from knee pain for two months. She was diagnosed with an ACL tear, and when treated with a simple knee compression wrap, could walk without pain. She thanked Dr. Jackson with a heartfelt hug.

Language barriers and economic limitations posed challenges, but the team's dedication and use of interpreters helped bridge gaps. Despite limited resources, the team identified and addressed medical conditions and assisted patients in providing life-transforming care. The experience profoundly impacted Dr. Jackson’s perspective as an OB/GYN physician and instructor.

Even though I have a specialty within medicine, the need for skills in general medicine never goes away. There are opportunities everywhere to use [these skills], and I want to encourage students to always be prepared.

Gwenn Jackson, MD, FACOG, CPE , Discipline Chair for Obstetrics and Gynecology

Looking ahead, Dr. Jackson is eager to continue her mission work. Not long after returning from Kenya she participated in an international outreach trip to the Dominican Republic in July with VCOM colleagues and students. If the opportunity presents itself to return to Kenya, she would love to do so.

"By the grace of God, I had a terrific career in medicine,” she shares, reflecting on her journey. “Answering the call to go and provide for others who have so little allows me to honor God using my skills and experience. It’s a small gift in return for all the blessings medicine has provided me."

Dr. Jackson’s dedication and compassion exemplify the spirit of VCOM, and her mission work continues to inspire and uplift the communities she serves.

outreach

Louisiana

By Danielle Voumard -