About VCOM- Meet the Students: Recruitment

In August 2009, VCOM admitted its seventh class, the Class of 2013.

This class adopted the motto:

Building on the past. Adapting to the present. Inspiring the future.

Unique and united we humbly embrace our roles as leaders in our local and global communities striving to provide compassionate care for the mind body and spirit.

VCOM actively recruits a diverse student body to meet the health care needs of a multicultural society and the mission of the College. VCOM has focused on recruitment of students from the Appalachian region and from other rural areas with special emphasis on attracting minority and mission-minded candidates.

Appalachian Students

VCOM recruits students from southern Appalachian states and particularly the rural areas of Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina. In addition, many VCOM students come from West Virginia, Kentucky, Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee. Students from Virginia and the Appalachian region receive first priority throughout the admissions process for reviewing and interviewing. The admissions committee and faculty from VCOM work with regional high schools and colleges to promote both osteopathic medicine and VCOM.

Rural Students

VCOM has a commitment to recruiting students from all rural areas in order to meet the primary care physician shortage that exists across the country. Students from non-metropolitan areas are more likely to practice in rural areas because of their familiarity with the quality of life found in these regions.

Appalachian Students as a
Percentage of Total Student Body

VCOM Student Diversity

URM= African American, Hispanic, Native American
OM= Other minorities including Eastern Indian, Filipino, Vietnamese,
and other first generation Americans

Minority Students

VCOM recognizes the deficiencies that exist across the United States in health care. One of the gaps that VCOM seeks to fill is the lack of medical care available to minority populations, both under-represented minorities and the new minority populations created through increased immigration. The population of the United States is growing significantly in diversity, and to meet those needs, VCOM seeks a diverse student body. VCOM minority students include both under-represented minorities as well as many first generation Americans. In 2005, VCOM was recognized as one of the top medical schools for Hispanic students. In 2006, VCOM hosted the Student National Medical Association’s (SNMA) Region VI Conference. SNMA is the oldest and largest student organization for medical students of color.

Mission-Minded Students

VCOM is committed to a mission medicine program, which is evident throughout the curriculum and the College. We seek students who are committed to mission medicine, for a full or part time practice. The mission programs were developed to train students in compassionate and altruistic care; and all students have the opportunity to participate. We recruit students who share a personal mission of altruistic and compassionate care.

About VCOM