In celebration of collaboration and partnership -

As we all know, it takes a village. Certainly, in this time of trepidation and tumult, and in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, this sentiment rings true. Due to the immense professionalism and profound dedication of so many members of our community, Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine students have been able to provide excellent predoctoral education, including direct and indirect patient care throughout the pandemic, and we can’t thank our students, staff, preclinical faculty, and clinical training partners enough for making this possible.

Since opening our doors over a decade ago, RVUCOM has been providing excellent medical education in the Mountain West region, graduating more than 1,500 Osteopathic physicians. Approximately 26% of those graduates have trained in and continue to practice in the Mountain West. Additionally, 40% of RVUCOM alumni provide much needed primary care in rural and underserved areas. Each student is highly trained to become competent, skilled, and compassionate Osteopathic physicians with a drive to serve their communities.

With critical thinking and patient-care skills at the foundation of our rigorous and well-rounded preclinical curriculum, our students can confidently enter clinical training. The RVUCOM clinical network of more than 450 core rotation sites at hospitals and ambulatory centers—including over 1,200 outstanding preceptors— provides each student the opportunity to learn and grow in a dynamic and stimulating setting. This kind of training would not be possible without strong relationships. Our networks and collaborations have allowed RVUCOM students to expand and refine their skills and serve our communities with compassion, integrity, and excellence.

With our partners, it is incumbent on us to recognize the inequities that are endemic to the healthcare system in which our students will practice: a system that has been strained over the last year, pushed almost to its breaking point by the pandemic, which revealed so many cracks. Moving forward, it is imperative that we address these disparities to provide just, equitable, and quality medical care to our communities, but we cannot do it alone. As we work with our partners, colleagues, and communities, we recognize that it really does take a village, and we are grateful for that village.

Heather P. Ferrill DO, MS MEdL
Vice President of Faculty Affairs and Dean of Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine