BLACKSBURG, Va. <\/p>\n
The Osteopathic Medical School in Blacksburg now has two campuses and a record number of graduates, and some of them are about to head to a small town near you. <\/p>\n
Your future doctor could be in a Blacksburg classroom, but it won't be without some blood, sweat, and tears. <\/p>\n
\"At first I came in really excited. I'm still very excited but it has been overwhelming. They told me it was like drinking out of a fire hose and it really is,\" student Jazma Phelps said. <\/p>\n
The Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, or VCOM for short, was the 20th. It's located in the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center and it was founded a decade ago. <\/p>\n
\"Ten years ago, some people in the state of Virginia said what is osteopathic medicine? And now they realize it's the full practice of medicine,\" said Dixie Tooke-Rawlins, the school's executive vice president. <\/p>\n
Osteopathic physicians can choose any specialty, prescribe drugs, perform surgeries, and practice medicine anywhere in the United States. <\/p>\n
The school in Blacksburg is about to graduate its 933rd physician, and VCOM has had one main mission since day one. <\/p>\n
\"Our mission is to recruit from and train in and hopefully come back to southwest Virginia and Western North Carolina,\" said Jan Wilcox, the school's vice dean. <\/p>\n
The school's first graduating class is just completing their residencies. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Read more:<\/p>\n
Once unknown Blacksburg medical school celebrates its 10th anniversary, success<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" BLACKSBURG, Va. The Osteopathic Medical School in Blacksburg now has two campuses and a record number of graduates, and some of them are about to head to a small town near you. Your future doctor could be in a Blacksburg classroom, but it won't be without some blood, sweat, and tears. Continue reading