Montgomery Chamber Selects VCOM Best

The Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine – Virginia Campus was the recipient of the area’s “Business of the Year” award by the Montgomery Chamber of Commerce at the December Annual Chamber Dinner. VCOM was one of nine organizations nominated for this award which recognizes community involvement; civic and charitable contributions; innovation: and economic impact to the Montgomery County, Virginia community.

Since its founding in 2002, VCOM, a not-for-profit business, has graduated over 600 physicians and employed hundreds of faculty and staff members. Currently enrollment is over 720 doctoral and 30 post-baccalaureate students. VCOM has grown from one to four buildings, including a research building and a simulation and technology building with state-of-the-art equipment for educational instruction and evaluation.

While much of the country is facing a physician workforce shortage, the addition of VCOM has guaranteed a medical student population that, along with the additional four medical schools should meet Virginias needs. The economic impact of the medical school to the local economy is noteworthy.

The total economic impact of VCOM’s operations is at over $210 million annually with direct expenditures in excess of $38 million. As a private, accredited college, VCOM has never required state funds for operations or construction, resulting in no cost to the taxpayer. In addition to academically preparing strong physician graduates, VCOM also contributes to the community by providing a summer enrichment program for high school students; health education to middle and high school students and other community groups ranging from free clinic patients to AARP members; by fundraising for those in need; and providing patient care as part of the clinical education program.

According to Dr. Jim Wolfe, VCOM’s president, “We were thrilled to hear we were selected by the Montgomery Chamber of Commerce for this Award, particularly knowing that there were many other quality organizations in this category. We are pleased to have had a positive impact on the region and we look forward to continued growth and additional contributions to the community”