To help alleviate the need for primary care physicians in the region, the Tazewell Community Foundation has partnered with the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) to make available a scholarship to a student who agrees to practice as a primary care physician and return to the region after graduation and residency.
“Providing access to high-quality healthcare for the citizens of Tazewell County is one of our top priorities,” said Chris Wearmouth, President of the Tazewell Community Foundation. “Having access to primary healthcare results in lower healthcare spending and improved health outcomes. Partnering with VCOM further confirms the Community Foundation’s long-term commitment to the citizens of Tazewell County in providing access to the quality healthcare that they need and deserve,” added Wearmouth.
The Tazewell Community Foundation scholarship pays a portion of a student’s tuition and other living expenses while enrolled at VCOM. In return, the scholarship recipient commits to returning to practice primary care medicine in the Tazewell Carilion Community Hospital service area for a period of four years. The first recipient of the scholarship, Jordan Saunders, is a third-year medical student selected through an application and committee review process. Mr. Saunders grew up in Roanoke, Virginia, attended Virginia Tech, and he and his wife have many family ties to southwest Virginia.
In accepting the award, Jordan commented, “This is an excellent opportunity to make a difference in a medically underserved community and lessen some of the debt that accompanies a medical education. Throughout Southwest Virginia, there are many small towns and counties without easy access to medical care. During my clinical rotations, I witness first-hand many patients who drive an hour or longer to come to a clinic. My desire to practice rural medicine is to fulfill a real need in the community and educate the public about the importance of preventive medicine.”
In commenting about the scholarship program, VCOM President and Provost Dixie Tooke-Rawlins said, “Access to high-quality healthcare is crucial. Partnering with the Tazewell Community Foundation will help the College provide primary care services to more people living in the region. This generous commitment by the Foundation will greatly enrich VCOM’s scholarship program, decrease student debt and enable many of our students to fulfill the College’s mission of returning our graduates to rural and medically underserved areas like Tazewell.”
Tooke-Rawlins also added, “From the College’s earliest beginning, VCOM has recruited students from, provided training in, and returned qualified graduates to the southern Appalachian states. More than 48% of our students are from rural communities of less than 30,000, with 23% coming from communities of less than 10,000. Students like Mr. Saunders have an attitude of altruism and compassion and a desire to serve those most in need. We are excited for Mr. Saunders and the Tazewell Community. We know that he will serve the families living there well throughout his medical career.”
Scholarship ensures physicians return to region
