Carolinas

ҹɫ��-Carolinas Celebrates Innovation and Discovery at Research Recognition Day 2025

ebailey — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 14:51:18 +0000

ҹɫ��-Carolinas Celebrates Innovation and Discovery at Research Recognition Day 2025 ebailey Wed, 04/09/2025 - 10:51

ҹɫ��-Carolinas Celebrates Innovation and Discovery at Research Recognition Day 2025

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ҹɫ��-Carolinas recently hosted its annual Via Research Recognition Day, an event that highlights the groundbreaking research conducted by students, faculty, and collaborators. This year’s gathering featured a diverse range of studies spanning clinical medicine, biomedical sciences, public health, and more, reinforcing ҹɫ��’s commitment to advancing medical knowledge for the benefit of patients and communities.

A highlight of the event was the keynote presentation by David Koerner, co-founder and owner of US PerformanceCenter(USPC). Koerner, a former Division I quarterback turned innovator in exercise science, shared insights from his journey bridging the gap between academic research and athletic performance. His work at USPC has redefined human performance, creating a space where science directly informs rehabilitation, sports training, and beyond. His address underscored the critical role of research in pushing the boundaries of healthcare, sports medicine, and patient outcomes.

The day also featured poster and podium presentations, showcasing the impressive research efforts of ҹɫ�� students and faculty. These projects not only contribute to scientific advancements but also prepare future physicians to incorporate evidence-based practices into their medical careers. On each campus, Via Research Recognition Day continues to be a cornerstone of ҹɫ��’s mission, fostering innovation and collaboration in the pursuit of better healthcare.

Research

Carolinas

By Lily Collins -

Simulation Training Pays Off in Life-Saving Moment

ebailey — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 19:36:25 +0000

Simulation Training Pays Off in Life-Saving Moment ebailey Mon, 04/07/2025 - 15:36

Simulation Training Pays Off in Life-Saving Moment

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On the very first day of his Emergency Medicine rotation, Jacob Nelson, ҹɫ��-Carolinas Class of 2026, found himself in the middle of a high-stakes emergency. A patient in cardiac arrest was rushed in, and Jacob was directed to stand at the head of the bed—out of the way, but close to the action. Within minutes, he was handed the glidescope and told to intubate.

I was on my first day of EM and within the first hour of the shift, there was a cardiac arrest that rolled in. Residents told me to stand at the head of bed and stay out of the way. It was only a couple minutes later the respiratory therapist handed me the glidescope to intubate, thinking I was a resident. The attending said go for it, and I successfully intubated on first try. I couldn't help but think of all those hours practicing in the sim center—it gave me the confidence and skills to intubate when it mattered most.

Jacob Nelson , ҹɫ��-Carolinas Class of 2026

ҹɫ��’s Simulation Center gives students the opportunity to gain real-world skills in a safe, controlled environment. Students like Jacob practice vital procedures—from suturing and IV placement to intubation and emergency response—under the guidance of experienced faculty and simulation professionals. These hands-on opportunities prepare ҹɫ�� students to step up when lives are on the line.

Learn more about the ҹɫ�� Simulation Center

Carolinas

By Lily Collins -

ҹɫ��-Carolinas Mobile Medical Unit Ribbon Cutting

ebailey — Thu, 03 Apr 2025 18:51:26 +0000

ҹɫ��-Carolinas Mobile Medical Unit Ribbon Cutting ebailey Thu, 04/03/2025 - 14:51

ҹɫ��-Carolinas Mobile Medical Unit Ribbon Cutting

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On March 13, 2025, ҹɫ��-Carolinas proudly launched a new Mobile Medical Unit, a state-of-the-art clinic on wheels designed to bring essential healthcare services to medically underserved and rural communities in Upstate South Carolina. The unveiling took place during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on the ҹɫ��-Carolinas campus with a crowd of over a hundred onlookers including local officials, healthcare partners, and ҹɫ�� leadership.

For years, ҹɫ��-Carolinas has been committed to improving access to healthcare in rural areas through its mobile medical program, which provides primary care, health screenings, chronic disease management, vaccinations, and preventive health education to communities facing significant barriers to medical services. The new unit replaces the aging mobile clinic and allows for expanded outreach efforts in Spartanburg and Cherokee counties.

This new mobile medical unit represents a significant step forward in our mission to serve those who need care the most. We are meeting patients where they are, breaking down barriers to healthcare access, and training the next generation of physicians to work in rural and underserved areas.

Matt Cannon, DO , ҹɫ��-Carolinas Dean

A Lifeline for Rural Communities

The Upstate region of South Carolina experiences a critical shortage of healthcare providers, particularly in rural areas where transportation, financial limitations, and a lack of nearby medical facilities prevent residents from receiving timely care. By deploying the mobile medical unit for weekly clinics and quarterly medical mission trips, ҹɫ��-Carolinas ensures that more patients receive the care they need without the burden of travel.

The new unit is equipped with:

Two private exam rooms for patient consultations.
A waiting area and onboard restroom for patient convenience.
Advanced medical equipment to support diagnostic and preventive care.
ADA accessibility features, including a wheelchair lift.
Improved mobility to reach more remote areas without requiring a commercial driver’s license (CDL).

This program not only delivers healthcare but also shapes the future of medicine by providing hands-on training for our medical students. We are preparing compassionate, community-focused physicians who understand the challenges and rewards of rural medicine.

Lisa Carroll, MD , ҹɫ��-Carolinas faculty physician

Expanding Community Impact

Through partnerships with St. Luke’s Free Medical Clinic, the Free Medical Clinic of Cherokee County, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), AccessHealth Spartanburg, and Welvista, the mobile unit extends the reach of critical health services to patients who may otherwise go without care.

ҹɫ��-Carolinas’ mobile outreach has already made a significant impact, including:

1,386 vaccines administered through mobile clinics.
300+ individuals screened and treated for STIs.
2100+ meals provided in partnership with community organizations.
1000+ patients seen in recent medical mission trips.

outreach

Carolinas

By Lily Collins -

Rett Liles

ebailey — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 18:01:05 +0000

Rett Liles ebailey Tue, 04/01/2025 - 14:01

Rett Liles

Medical Education Specialist

Department/Discipline: Medical Education

Campus: Carolinas

Email: rliles@carolinas.vcom.edu

ҹɫ��-Carolinas Faculty Awards Dinner Honors Outstanding Educators and Researchers

ebailey — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 15:26:08 +0000

ҹɫ��-Carolinas Faculty Awards Dinner Honors Outstanding Educators and Researchers ebailey Mon, 03/24/2025 - 11:26

ҹɫ��-Carolinas Faculty Awards Dinner Honors Outstanding Educators and Researchers

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On Thursday, Feb. 21, ҹɫ��-Carolinas hosted its annual faculty awards dinner at the DuPre House. The event celebrated the achievements and dedication of faculty members in teaching, research, and service over the past year.

The evening began with opening remarks from Dean Matthew Cannon, DO, who acknowledged the exceptional contributions of the ҹɫ��-Carolinas faculty, highlighting their commitment to student success and community engagement.

Recognizing New Faculty
ҹɫ��-Carolinas welcomed several new faculty members in 2024. These individuals have already made significant contributions to the college and were recognized during the ceremony:

Adele Rawls, PharmD, BCPS
Amy Hicks, PhD, MPH
Kristopher Schock, DO

Faculty Achievements and Scholarly Contributions
Many faculty members were honored for their professional accomplishments, leadership roles, and scholarly activities. Notable recognitions included the leadership of Lisa Carroll, MD, at St. Luke’s Free Medical Clinic; the involvement of Alexis Stoner, PhD, MPH, in public health initiatives; and the international speaking engagements of Bidyut Mohanty, PhD. Faculty were also acknowledged for obtaining significant research grants and publishing groundbreaking studies in various medical and scientific journals.

Teachers of the Year
Selected by student vote, the ҹɫ��-Carolinas Teachers of the Year awards recognize outstanding dedication to medical education. The 2024 recipients were:

Christina Beattie, DO, Clinical Affairs Teacher of the Year
Adele Rawls, PharmD, BCPS, Biomedical Affairs Teacher of the Year

Students praised these faculty members for their engaging teaching styles, commitment to mentorship, and unwavering support inside and outside the classroom.

Researcher of the Year and Outstanding Faculty Awards
The Researcher of the Year award was presented to Alexis Stoner, for her contributions to public health research and student mentorship.

Each year, the prestigious Outstanding Faculty of the Year awards honor two faculty members who have demonstrated excellence in teaching, mentorship, and scholarly activity. This year’s recipients were:

Bidyut Mohanty, PhD, Outstanding Biomedical Faculty of the Year
Bethany Powers, DO, Outstanding Clinical Faculty of the Year

Celebrating Excellence
The evening concluded with expressions of gratitude to all faculty members for their dedication to advancing medical education and improving healthcare outcomes. As attendees enjoyed dessert, they reflected on another year of excellence at ҹɫ��-Carolinas.

Outstanding Clinical Faculty of the Year, Bethany Powers, DO

2024 Researcher of the Year, Alexis Stoner, PhD

Clinical Teacher of the Year, Christina Beattie, DO

Outstanding Biomedical Faculty of the Year, Bidyut Mohanty, PhD

awards

Carolinas

By Lily Collins -

Carl Barrick

ebailey — Fri, 14 Mar 2025 15:50:32 +0000

Carl Barrick ebailey Fri, 03/14/2025 - 11:50

Was there anything or anyone at ҹɫ�� that inspired you to become the physician you are today?

The admissions staff at ҹɫ�� took a chance on me and gave me an opportunity to become a leader at ҹɫ�� and graduate at the top of my class with strong board scores. For that, I will be forever grateful.

How has the ҹɫ�� mission inspired you during residency or in your practice?

As an alumnus of ҹɫ��, I seek to provide the best care that I can to my community, which serves an underserved area. I also worked to train the next generation of medical students; medical students from several institutions rotate with me throughout the year to learn more about dermatology.

What is the best advice you can give a medical student to help them in their path towards being a physician?

Go into every day with an open mind and willingness to learn. I continue to learn every day from my colleagues, patients, and students.

What are your fondest memories of your time at ҹɫ��?

I enjoyed serving as the founding president of the pediatrics club of ҹɫ�� Carolinas. We went on to win organization of the year under the direction of Dr. Hanah Sahar.

What career accomplishment are you most proud of?

I am most proud of listening to my patients, continuing to find answers, and providing treatment when everyone else has given up.

When not working, what activities do you enjoy?

I enjoy spending time with my wife and two daughters. We enjoy the Ohio summers at the pool and in the garden. I enjoy finding new life in old treasures. We enjoy taking long walks with our standard poodle, Charlotte.

Carl Barrick, DO

Graduated: Class of 2015

Campus: Carolinas

Hometown: Minerva, OH

Alumni

Residency: Lehigh Valley Health Network, Allentown PA.

Specialty: Dermatology 2019

Dermatology, Surgery and Cosmetics of Northeast Ohio

Jonas Rawlins

ebailey — Wed, 12 Mar 2025 14:25:00 +0000

Jonas Rawlins ebailey Wed, 03/12/2025 - 10:25

Jonas Rawlins, DO, FACP

Associate Vice President for International Education and Outreach and Associate Professor for Internal Medicine

Department/Disciplines: International and Appalachian Outreach, Internal Medicine

Campuses: Virginia, Auburn, Carolinas, Louisiana

Email: jrawlins@vt.vcom.edu

ҹɫ��-Carolinas Student Henry Knox Elected to Prominent National Leadership Positions

ebailey — Wed, 12 Mar 2025 13:48:50 +0000

ҹɫ��-Carolinas Student Henry Knox Elected to Prominent National Leadership Positions ebailey Wed, 03/12/2025 - 09:48

ҹɫ��-Carolinas Student Henry Knox Elected to Prominent National Leadership Positions

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ҹɫ��-Carolinas is proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of Henry Knox, Class of 2027, who has recently been elected to serve on the American Osteopathic Foundation (AOF) Board of Directors. This prestigious appointment places him among influential leaders dedicated to advancing osteopathic medicine, advocating for students, and expanding the foundation's mission of supporting the profession through education, research, and community service.

ҹɫ�� has been an advocate for, and partner of, the AOF for many years. We applaud their depth and breadth, serving students across the entire nation. Student Doctor Knox’s empathy for others, dedication to his studies, and global view on medicine bode well for his position on AOF’s Board. On behalf of ҹɫ��’s four campuses, we wish him great success in advancing the Foundation’s mission.

Matthew D. Cannon, DO, FACOFP , Dean, ҹɫ��-Carolinas

In addition to his role with the AOF, Knox has also been elected as the vice chairperson of the National Student Osteopathic Medical Association Foundation (SOMAF) for an upcoming two-year term. In this leadership capacity, he will work to promote student engagement, develop initiatives that support future osteopathic physicians, and enhance the reach of SOMA’s mission across the nation.

A native of Evans, Georgia, Knox earned both his Bachelor of Science in biology and Master of Science in biomolecular science from Augusta University. His dedication to medical education extends beyond the classroom—he actively contributes as President of the SOMA chapter at ҹɫ��-Carolinas planning campus-wide events such as DO Day at the Dome, the annual SOMA Gala, and Leadership Symposium. In addition, he serves as an education and technology simulation center intern, an anatomy lab tutor, and a ҹɫ�� Ambassador, helping to foster a collaborative and enriching environment for his peers.

Beyond his academic and leadership endeavors, Knox enjoys a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, endurance sports, golf, and travel. His passion for health and wellness aligns with his commitment to osteopathic medicine and holistic patient care.

ҹɫ��-Carolinas congratulates Henry Knox on these well-earned leadership positions and looks forward to witnessing the impact of his contributions to the osteopathic medical community.

award

Carolinas

By Lily Collins -

Jennifer Frady

ebailey — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 15:03:48 +0000

Jennifer Frady ebailey Tue, 03/11/2025 - 11:03

Jennifer Frady

Administrative Assistant for Associate Dean for Simulation and Technology & Ultrasound Coordinator

Department/Discipline: Center for Simulation and Technology

Campus: Carolinas

Email: jfrady@carolinas.vcom.edu

Dani Gonzalez

ebailey — Fri, 21 Feb 2025 20:11:54 +0000

Dani Gonzalez ebailey Fri, 02/21/2025 - 15:11

Who or what has inspired you while at ҹɫ��?

My fellow classmates have been my greatest source of inspiration. We come from diverse backgrounds and walks of life, yet we are united by a shared commitment to serving the underserved. Beyond excelling academically, many of my peers are deeply involved in research, volunteering, leadership roles, and unique personal pursuits. Balancing all these responsibilities is no small feat, and every day, I am reminded of how truly inspiring they are.

What stands out the most is the unwavering support we have for one another, especially during difficult times. When a classmate faces hardship, our community comes together—whether through organizing donations, sending messages of encouragement, or simply being there for one another. This sense of camaraderie and compassion is a defining aspect of ҹɫ��, and I am incredibly grateful to be part of such a caring and driven group of future physicians.

How has the ҹɫ�� mission inspired you as a medical student?

As a child of immigrants, ҹɫ��’s mission deeply resonates with me. I have personally witnessed the healthcare disparities faced by underserved communities, particularly within the Hispanic community. ҹɫ��’s commitment to serving these populations is not just a statement—it is actively reflected in the school’s initiatives.

ҹɫ�� encourages students to learn from different cultures and backgrounds, fostering a more inclusive and understanding medical community. Additionally, ҹɫ�� ensures that we uphold its mission by engaging us in meaningful community involvement. Whether through medical outreach or educational initiatives like the Mini Medical School for local middle and high school students, we are given opportunities to both educate and learn from the communities we serve. These experiences have reinforced my passion for addressing healthcare disparities and have shaped me into a more compassionate and culturally competent future physician.

Who or what inspired you to study medicine?

My mother instilled in me the belief that “anything is possible,” especially with the opportunities available in the United States. Her unwavering hard work and dedication to ensuring my brother and I could live the American dream have always been evident. Although she hoped at least one of us would become an engineer, we both found our calling in healthcare.

Growing up, I often served as my family’s interpreter at medical appointments, a role I continue to play today. This experience sparked my curiosity about the "whys" of medicine and deepened my awareness of the healthcare disparities faced by underserved communities. While pursuing medicine once felt like an impossible task, my mother has always been there to remind me how far we’ve come—and how much more we can and will achieve.

Why did you choose ҹɫ��?

My alma mater, Wake Forest University, provided me with an incredible education, but it also had a highly competitive environment where shared resources among classmates were limited. During my interview at ҹɫ��, the importance of collaboration was emphasized, and when I arrived, I immediately noticed a stark contrast. On my very first day, multiple speakers, including our Dean, reinforced the idea that our goal was to ensure that we all reach the finish line together. This was not just a sentiment—it was a promise that has been upheld throughout my time here.

At ҹɫ��, my classmates actively share resources and support one another, creating an environment where everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed. This culture of teamwork has allowed me to thrive, reinforcing the importance of collaboration in medicine. It has also shown me that by lifting each other up, we can all become the best physicians for our future patients.

What do you enjoy most about living in the area around your campus?

At the Carolinas campus, we get the best of both worlds—a close-knit, small-town feel that allows us to truly connect with the community we serve while still being within easy reach of larger cities like Charlotte and Greenville. Many of my friends and I enjoy taking short trips to these cities, whether to study at coffee shops or explore new places. This balance between a supportive local community and access to vibrant city life makes living here a truly enriching experience.

What do you like to do in your free time?

Although free time is limited in medical school, I make it a priority to unwind through activities like running, painting, and stargazing. These hobbies not only bring me joy but also serve as a much-needed outlet for stress. I also love trying new experiences and foods, which my friends and I make a point to do at least once a month. Exploring different cuisines and activities keeps life exciting and provides a great way to take a break from studying.

Are you interested in a particular practice or specialty once you graduate? What has inspired your interest in this specialty?

I’m really interested in internal medicine and hope to specialize in medical oncology. Unfortunately, cancer has impacted my family in a deeply personal way, and losing loved ones to it opened my eyes to the challenges that patients and their families face. It also made me realize how important representation is in oncology—and how much it’s still lacking. I want to be there for patients during one of the hardest times in their lives, not just as a doctor but as someone who understands their struggles and makes them feel seen, heard, and supported.

Dani Gonzalez

Graduated: Class of 2027

Campus: Carolinas

Prior School: Wake Forest University

Degree: Honors degree in Biology with a minor in studio art and chemistry

Hometown: Winston Salem, NC

This sense of camaraderie and compassion is a defining aspect of ҹɫ��, and I am incredibly grateful to be part of such a caring and driven group of future physicians.

Student

Carolinas

ҹɫ����-Carolinas Celebrates Innovation and Discovery at Research Recognition Day 2025

Simulation Training Pays Off in Life-Saving Moment

ҹɫ����-Carolinas Mobile Medical Unit Ribbon Cutting

A Lifeline for Rural Communities

Rett Liles

ҹɫ����-Carolinas Faculty Awards Dinner Honors Outstanding Educators and Researchers

Carl Barrick

Carl Barrick, DO

Jonas Rawlins

ҹɫ����-Carolinas Student Henry Knox Elected to Prominent National Leadership Positions

Jennifer Frady

Dani Gonzalez

Dani Gonzalez

ҹɫ��-Carolinas Celebrates Innovation and Discovery at Research Recognition Day 2025

ҹɫ��-Carolinas Mobile Medical Unit Ribbon Cutting

ҹɫ��-Carolinas Faculty Awards Dinner Honors Outstanding Educators and Researchers

ҹɫ��-Carolinas Student Henry Knox Elected to Prominent National Leadership Positions