The Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) continues to strengthen its commitment to identifying and preparing students who are aligned with its mission to serve rural and medically underserved populations. A recent articulation agreement with Centenary College, a selective liberal arts college in Shreveport, Louisiana, enhances this effort by offering eligible Centenary students preferred admission to VCOM.
This new agreement builds on an existing partnership formed in 2021, which guaranteed interviews for qualified Centenary students. Under the expanded agreement, Centenary students who meet the criteria can receive preferred admission to VCOM as early as the end of their sophomore year. To be eligible, students must meet all technical and general admission requirements, complete a set of required prerequisite courses, and maintain an overall science and cumulative GPA of 3.7. They’re also required to perform community and volunteer service.
In addition, the new agreement allows Centenary pre-med students who have achieved a 3.7 GPA in the appropriate courses at Centenary to waive VCOM’s MCAT requirement. Students with a GPA above 3.4 who are recommended by the school will have the opportunity to interview, though the MCAT requirement remains.
Centenary alumnae Colbee Duke, Rose Deshler, and Cassandra Halford are current students at VCOM-Louisiana who entered under the previous agreement. Duke, who is on track to graduate with the Class of 2026, credits Centenary with preparing her for medical school. “Centenary was the perfect stepping stone for my journey to VCOM,” she said. “It helped me grow into an independent student capable of critical thinking and problem solving—essential qualities in medicine.”
Halford, a member of the Class of 2027, shared how both institutions helped shape her medical journey. “Centenary as well as the STEM professors prepared me for the fast-paced, intense nature of medical school. When I was looking into an osteopathic school, the principle of self-healing through osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) appealed to the holistic approach that I was interested in. OMM is absolutely my favorite part of an osteopathic education because we are taught techniques that facilitate the body's ability to maintain and regulate itself.”
Deshler, who will graduate from VCOM-Louisiana in 2028, added that VCOM’s mission played a major role in her decision to apply. “Early on, I was unsure if I wanted to pursue medical school. However, during my time at Centenary, VCOM was introduced to me more than once, and it played a significant role in shaping my decision to become a physician,” Deshler says. “VCOM stood out for its global outreach and commitment to service.”
Scott Chirhart, dean of the School of Health Sciences at Centenary, emphasized the urgent need for physicians in the region. “By 2030, Louisiana is projected to be among the top three states facing the most severe physician shortages,” he said. “This partnership helps recruit high-achieving students into a program designed to serve those who need care most, fulfilling not only personal ambition but a shared commitment to public impact.”
Dr. Tooke-Rawlins noted that: “At VCOM, our mission has always been to prepare community-focused physicians who will serve in rural and medically underserved areas. This partnership with Centenary College reflects that commitment. By identifying and mentoring students early in their academic journey, we’re creating a pathway for passionate future physicians to return to and serve the communities that need them most in Louisiana. Our Centenary alumni have proven to be high-achieving and successful medical students, and we look forward to welcoming more like them in the future.”
