Inspiring the Next Generation: Inside VCOM-Virginia’s K–12 School Outreach Programs

In many communities across Southwest Virginia, a career in medicine can feel like a distant dream. Rural school districts often face resource constraints, particularly in funding Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education. For many young people, opportunities to meet medical professionals who share their background or understand their communities are limited.

The Virginia campus of the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM-Virginia) in Blacksburg is working to change that. As part of its mission to prepare physicians to serve medically underserved regions, VCOM-Virginia offers programs that give local students the opportunity to experience the medical profession and see that a career in healthcare is within their reach.

The College’s youth outreach programs provide interactive, hands-on learning experiences for students while giving VCOM medical students opportunities to serve and engage with their communities.

Anatomy Academy

For elementary school students, VCOM-Virginia offers an after-school program at area schools called Anatomy Academy. Administered by Tiffany Carpenetti, PhD, associate professor of anatomical sciences, the program pairs first- and second-year VCOM medical students with younger students for lessons and activities introducing human anatomy, physiology, nutrition and healthy living. The goal is to encourage interest in STEM, the human body and higher education.

According to Dr. Carpenetti, “One of the program’s most rewarding aspects is that all involved benefit. Our school students get to discover the human body through hands-on activities, ask questions of medical students, and experience science in a way that is approachable and exciting. And, our medical students learn how to communicate complex ideas clearly, connect with young learners, and serve as mentors in their community. And, it has been rewarding for me to see how much the medical students enjoy the experience—you can see them light up as they work with the children.”

Campus Visits for Local High School Students

Throughout the school year, VCOM-Virginia welcomes area high school groups for daylong campus visits that provide a firsthand look at medical education. Students participate in interactive modules in the anatomy lab and Simulation and Technology Center, led by second-year VCOM medical students who earn critical early clinical experience (ECE). In the anatomy lab, students study plastinated organs, while the Simulation and Technology Center offers activities including intubation instruction, a CPR competition and demonstrations of state-of-the-art simulation manikins.
 

Mini Med School

VCOM-Virginia also brings its Mini Med School program directly into local high schools. The program introduces students to healthcare careers and post-secondary educational opportunities while addressing topics relevant to their age group, including mental health, infectious disease awareness, addiction prevention, basic life support and primary care.

Administered by Ed Magalhaes, PhD, LPC, director of Counseling Services at VCOM-Virginia, the program meets a true need. “I have had the privilege of leading the VCOM-Virginia Mini-Med School (MMS) program for 15 years and have enjoyed building relationships with our high schools and engaging with their students,” he says. “Our program provides VCOM students with valuable early opportunities to promote health education and awareness within the community, which is consistently appreciated by our school partners. And, we’ve seen our MMS come full circle as VCOM students return to participate in MMS events at their former high schools.”