outreach

SWAG��ƵCommunity Makes the Holidays Brighter for Children in Honduras

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

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

SWAG��ƵCommunity 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 SWAG��Ƶcampuses, 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 SWAG��Ƶstudents took those gifts to Honduras during their mission trip in December.

The generosity of the SWAG��Ƶcommunity 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

1733140800

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 SWAG��Ƶshare 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 SWAG��Ƶto 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 SWAG��Ƶin 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 SWAG��Ƶand 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

1731499200

SWAG��ƵPartners with Samaritan Health Clinic to Provide Expanded Primary Care Services in Pickens County, SC

The Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (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, SWAG��Ƶaims 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 SWAG��Ƶand 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 SWAG��ƵFamily's Role in Rural Hurricane Recovery

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

A SWAG��ƵFamily's Role in Rural Hurricane Recovery ebailey Wed, 10/30/2024 - 13:44

A SWAG��ƵFamily's Role in Rural Hurricane Recovery

1730289600

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 SWAG��Ƶstudents 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 SWAG��Ƶcommunity, 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

1728648000

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 SWAG��Ƶfamily 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 SWAG��Ƶdomestic 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 SWAG��ƵMobile 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 SWAG��Ƶto 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. SWAG��Ƶremains 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

1724241600

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 SWAG��Ƶcommunity, St. Luke’s and beyond joined forces for a morning of fun, fitness and philanthropy. The event successfully brought together not only SWAG��Ƶand 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.

SWAG��Ƶfaculty 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

1721390400

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 SWAG��Ƶfaculty, 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 SWAG��Ƶcolleagues 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 -

VCOM-Virginia Alumni Are Paying It Forward

ebailey — Wed, 17 Apr 2024 20:29:26 +0000

VCOM-Virginia Alumni Are Paying It Forward ebailey Wed, 04/17/2024 - 16:29

VCOM-Virginia Alumni Are Paying It Forward

1713355200

Both Amar Mukhtar, DO, and Sonul Gulati, DO, are first-generation medical students whose families hail from different parts of the globe: Dr. Mukhtar’s family is from Sudan, and Dr. Gulati’s family is from India. VCOM’s commitment to international outreach was a key part of their experience as students, and now they are paying that commitment forward through their MedDreams Foundation.

SWAG��Ƶwas the only medical school Dr. Mukhtar applied to, even though he’d never heard of osteopathic medicine until he was introduced to it while an honors student at nearby Virginia Tech.

The more I learned about it, and asked questions, the more SWAG��Ƶmade sense with everything that I was planning to do in my career, with a real focus on underserved communities.

Amar Mukhtar, DO

Dr. Mukhtar recalls having a vision to return to Sudan to start a clinic, and before his College interview, he’d never heard of a medical school having an international program quite like VCOM’s. That piqued his interest in attending.

Before heading to George Mason University as a freshman, Dr. Gulati didn’t know that he wanted to attend medical school. But once he did decide that was his future, he began attending medical school open houses. That’s how he found VCOM. “Something stood out about it, immediately,” Dr. Gulati recalls. “I remember telling my mom, ‘This is the place. This place is awesome.’” For Dr. Gulati, VCOM’s dedication to providing care to the medically underserved, both in this country and abroad, was a key factor in his decision to choose VCOM. “I respected the fact that not only did they go on a mission trip, but they also had a clinic,” Dr. Gulati notes. “The patients get ongoing care, not just when SWAG��Ƶis there.”

VCOM-Virginia’s international trips gave them a chance to interact with patients and put into practice what they had learned in the classroom. Obviously, the experience was one where there was a lot of personal satisfaction from making a difference in the life of the patients, but Dr. Mukhtar notes that the ability to interact with their faculty was also important. “You get to see their human side and picture your life after training. They’re normal and having fun,” he chuckles. That was a meaningful realization for a first-generation medical student who didn’t have a complete understanding of life as a doctor.

Dr. Gulati remembers taking baseball cards to give as gifts during his trip to the Dominican Republic. “I remember an 8-year-old kid who was playing with his cards and opening and showing them to everyone,” Dr. Gulati recalls. “I asked him, ‘Do you even know who these people are?’ He said no, but he smiled big and ran away. I realized that it wasn't about the gifts. It was just that he felt loved. Someone gave him something, and he felt gratitude for it, and that's what it's all about.”

Despite having met during orientation, Drs. Gulati and Mukhtar did not know each other particularly well until just prior to their graduation from SWAG��Ƶin 2016, when a group had planned a European vacation. In the end, it was just the two of them, and it was a pivotal moment in their relationship where they truly came to know each other and understand all they had in common.

Several years later, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Gulati reached out to Dr. Mukhtar and asked him to go on another trip through VCOM, but the trips were so popular that there was a waiting list to attend. That inspired them to think about how they might offer additional opportunities for physicians and students—from SWAG��Ƶand other medical schools—to participate in international outreach. Thus, the MedDreams Foundation was born. “Seeing SWAG��Ƶput together these impactful trips in South America gave us the confidence to say, ‘Hey, we think we can make an impact here as well,’” says Dr. Mukhtar.

For Dr. Gulati, his international work is a way to give back. “SWAG��Ƶtook a risk on me,” he observes. “I might have not been the strongest candidate, but they saw something in me. So, I feel like it’s my job to give back. I can do that using what they taught me to become a physician and helping the underserved community.” He goes on to say that leaving the United States and going to places like Monterrey, Mexico—where the MedDreams Foundation will host its first trip this summer—is particularly gratifying. “Certainly, working in the hospital makes a difference. I feel like I am making a difference in the world, but I think if I wasn't working there, there'd be another doctor there. In Monterrey, if we don't go, there are no other doctors who are going. I feel like I’m making an even bigger difference.”

You get to learn about their cultures. You make lasting relationships with the other medical students. And then after that, you also get a chance to go and experience the city. It doesn't get better than that.

Sonul Gulati, DO

Their vision of the future for the MedDreams Foundation is to help build or grow a facility in Monterrey—and anywhere else they might go. “We want to help in whatever way we can and make sure that our presence is sustained,” Dr. Mukhtar says. “Eventually, we want to have a layered platform where residents are teaching med students, the med students are helping undergrads, and the attending providers are helping them all.”

Both acknowledge that if they didn’t have the blueprint from VCOM, they wouldn’t be sure they could make these trips happen. Dean Sutphin, VCOM’s vice provost for international and Appalachian outreach, has given them guidance and expertise that has been key to getting the work of the foundation going. When they recently hit a speed bump getting insurance, for example, they reached out to Sutphin, who is extremely passionate about this kind of work, and he replied very quickly to help them through it.

They say there is nothing quite like the feeling of helping others on international trips. “You learn so much about other people in the world and different cultures and different perspectives,” Dr. Mukhtar observes. “And you learn to have an open mind when you see something that you're not used to. It is really important to get out of your locality and see something different and understand that people have different ways of doing things.”

Learn more about the MedDreams Foundation at www.meddreamsfoundation.org.

outreach

Virginia

By Amy Ostroth -

Bringing Comfort and Hope

ebailey — Thu, 13 Apr 2023 17:15:07 +0000

Bringing Comfort and Hope ebailey Thu, 04/13/2023 - 13:15

Bringing Comfort and Hope

1681387200

You might be able to imagine how it feels to see the USNS Comfort anchored in a harbor, especially if you live in a part of the world that requires the services it provides.

With a length of 894 feet, the ship is only a few feet shorter than the R.M.S. Queen Elizabeth 2. Stood on its end, the ship would tower over the Golden Gate Bridge and the Space Needle. In short: It’s big. Painted white, with large red crosses, it certainly makes an impression.

The 1,000-bed hospital ship has 15 wards and 12 operating rooms and provides medical services that support U.S. disaster relief and humanitarian efforts across the globe. This fall, it traveled to Guatemala, Honduras, Columbia, Dominican Republic and Haiti as part of its Continuing Promise 2022 mission and 12 SWAG��Ƶstudents were able to spend time on the ship—nine went to the Dominican Republic and three to Honduras.

We often think of VCOM’s mission as providing medical care to underserved communities in the Delta and Appalachian areas of the United States. But international outreach has long been part of the College’s work. A new memorandum of understanding with the U.S. Southern Command—SOUTHCOM, for short—has added further opportunities for SWAG��Ƶand its students. Trips on the Comfort are part of the MOU, but it also allows for joint activities with U.S. and in-country military related to humanitarian efforts as well as joint educational and health care outreach.

“SWAG��Ƶbuilt a relationship with SOUTHCOM that is good for both organizations,” says Dean Sutphin, vice provost for international and Appalachian outreach at VCOM. “Our permanent clinics abroad and relationships with commanders and agencies around the world made us a logical and attractive partner. We’re already providing continuous care in many of the countries that SOUTHCOM is supporting through their missions.”

Of course, the relationship with SOUTHCOM is also a natural fit for SWAG��Ƶgiven how many of its students participate in the Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP). HPSP is a scholarship program that helps students pay for their medical degrees and prepares them to serve in the United States Army, Navy or Air Force. Currently, there are more than 140 HPSP students across VCOM’s four campuses.

VCOM’s commitment to international outreach is a powerful recruiting tool. “We’re attracting students with a humanitarian interest and our international program enriches the students’ medical experiences,” Sutphin says. “We are a leader in global health opportunities and prospective students know it.”

Merwan Faraj, a member of the Class of 2023 at VCOM-Carolinas who spent a week on the Comfort, says VCOM’s international outreach was a big factor in his decision to attend. “The way SWAG��Ƶdoes international outreach is different than other schools,” he explains.

“It’s year-round support. To me that says something about the type of people who run the College. SWAG��Ƶis not doing quick mission trips where they get in and get out. I wanted to be part of that kind of family.” Despite their desire for medical care, patients can be overwhelmed when they come to the Comfort, Merwan says. There are people everywhere, many in military uniforms, and it can be loud and disorienting for people who need help. He remembers a scenario that happened several times while he was on the Comfort. “A mother would come into the tent with her kids, and you could tell that they wanted help,” he remembers. “I learned to take care of the kids first and with the language barrier, I had to use nonverbal communication to gain trust. I’d give the kids a stethoscope so they could try it on me. When they could hear my heartbeat, their eyes would light up.” Merwan learned quickly that if he could help the children, it was easier to help their mothers.

Jacob Harrison, Class of 2023 at VCOM’s Auburn campus, was also inspired to choose SWAG��Ƶbecause of its international outreach program. When he stepped aboard the Comfort this fall, it turned out to be an unexpected opportunity for him to get into the operating room. “We performed primarily laparoscopic cholecystectomies and open inguinal hernia repairs,” Jacob says. “These procedures have a relatively quick recovery time and substantially impact the patient’s health and ability to get back to work, thus benefiting the economy. Being able to perform several of the same cases in a row enhanced my knowledge of the procedures, anatomy and anatomical variations that may be seen.”

Just as important as getting into the operating room was the chance to get to know patients. Unlike in the U.S., patients on the Comfort completed the process of prescreening, pre-operation, surgery and post-operation on three consecutive days. “On the first day, we were all strangers, but after seeing them three days in a row, we were all very familiar with each other,” Jacob recalls. “You could tell a dramatic shift from timid and nervous, to excited and appreciative. I think their time on the Comfort was just as much of an experience for them as it was for me.”

Jacob says such an experience is one way to set yourself apart if you’re planning to apply for military residencies. But it is a unique and valuable experience for any medical student. “Experiencing a new culture, in addition to military culture, while learning how to navigate patient care in light of limited resources and a language barrier is truly invaluable,” he observes.

“Don’t be afraid to go,” Merwan offers. “It is truly an honor and a privilege to do things like this for other people. It’s also humbling. It’s easy to get bogged down in grades and tests and this will remind you how amazing the career is that we chose and will push you to keep moving forward.”

Ron Januchowski, DO, who serves as associate dean for curriculum, assessment and medical education at VCOM-Carolinas, was in the United States Army and retired as a colonel after 31 years of active and reserve status. He accompanied SWAG��Ƶstudents on the Comfort and knows what a valuable experience it was for them. He notes that meeting the military personnel is helpful in the residency match process because students are able to directly interact with program faculty from different military residency programs. But more than that, the trip is an opportunity for personal growth. “The students were able to function in an austere environment, seamlessly involve interpreters in patient care and function as a part of the military medical team,” Dr. Januchowski says.

Fred Rawlins III, DO, is co-chair for internal medicine and co-director clinical medicine course at VCOM-Virginia. He is a member of the VCOM-Virginia Class of 2010 and served for 10 years in the Air Force and was an instructor for Critical Care Air Transport (CCAT) while overseas. He agrees with Dr. Januchowski that the experience on the Comfort is a meaningful opportunity for VCOM’s students. Dr. Rawlins participated in the trip to the Dominican Republic and says that the experience reinforces good physical exam skills in a resource-limited environment. For example, his students were able to hear and diagnose abdominal bruits in suspected aortic aneurysms. They also saw a patient exhibiting early diastolic decrescendo murmurs with de Musset’s sign, suggesting severe aortic insufficiency. It’s meaningful for the students to not only see these issues outside of a classroom, but also to help improve the quality of life for patients in the real world.

Clearly, trips like these are valuable experiences for doctors and patients alike. Sutphin gets emotional talking about the work he and the SWAG��Ƶstudents are doing. “Many of the people in-country lack water, electricity and live on less than $1 a day,” he says. “We’re here to be of service where the host country says they need the help. Patients tell us that we bring them hope.”

outreach

By Amy Ostroth -

VCOM-Carolinas alum Patrick Bearden, DO Gives Back Through Caring for Underserved Communities

ebailey — Mon, 13 Mar 2023 18:49:28 +0000

VCOM-Carolinas alum Patrick Bearden, DO Gives Back Through Caring for Underserved Communities ebailey Mon, 03/13/2023 - 14:49

VCOM-Carolinas alum Patrick Bearden, DO Gives Back Through Caring for Underserved Communities

1678708800

Growing up in Rutherfordton, North Carolina, Dr. Patrick Bearden’s family was hit hard by the 2008 recession.

A graduate of the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM), Dr. Bearden spends time volunteering at St. Luke’s Free Medical Clinic in downtown Spartanburg to give back.

“I grew up in an underserved community. After the recession in 2008, my family got hit by that pretty hard, and I kind of relate to being in an underserved population and not having access to certain things,” Dr. Bearden said. “So, if I can help volunteer in places to help alleviate that, it’s my way of giving back.”

Dr. Bearden recently joined Medical Group of the Carolinas – Family Medical Center at Spartanburg Medical Center — Mary Black Campus. He was drawn to family medicine during clinical rotations at VCOM, where he helped patients with a variety of health issues and ages.

“I think it was just the exposure to everything and then wanting to do everything. I just wanted to be able to do a variety of things rather than specializing in one thing,” Dr. Bearden said. “I really enjoy interacting with my patients and helping them be as healthy as they can be and living their lives to the fullest."

Gardening and healthcare

Outside of medicine, Dr. Bearden enjoys hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, being outdoors, cooking and gardening at home.

“We’re just starting out. We have two raised vegetable gardens, and we have an herb garden. And then we have annuals and perennials,” Dr. Bearden said.

Tending to a vegetable or flower garden is an investment and a process, much like working on the health of a patient, he said.

“I like investment in terms of just doing the research on something. If it’s diabetes or if it’s ‘How do I make sure my peonies grow really well?’ and then actually doing it and investing your time in it and then seeing the results of that,” Dr. Bearden said. “With both things, sometimes it takes time.”

‘A shared decision’

Dr. Bearden and his wife live in Spartanburg with their 8-month-old daughter. His recent experience on the patient side of things, with his wife going through the labor and delivery process, helped fuel his desire to work with patients and take a shared decision-making approach.

He said so much of working with patients is learning how to be an effective communicator.

“In the end, it’s their decision,” Dr. Bearden said. “I can’t force them to do anything, so I try my best to be a good educator so they’re able to make the best decision for their health and for themselves.”

Link to the original story by Daniel Gross, published September 2022

community outreach

Carolinas