Thursday, October 6, 2016

LUCOM educates future physicians at annual fall Open House

Thu, 06 Oct 2016Asa Keimig, LUCOM Marketing and PR Coordinator

Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine (LUCOM) hosted its annual fall Open House this past Saturday, Oct. 1, at the Center for Medical and Health Sciences. LUCOM welcomed guests from several states who shared a similar interest in pursuing osteopathic medicine. Prospective students and their families were welcomed by members of LUCOM’s Office of Admissions, faculty, and student-ambassadors.

The Open House began with breakfast, which allowed visitors to meet LUCOM faculty as well as other attendees, and then to come together for opening presentations. Speakers from LUCOM included: David F. Klink, D.O., Interim Dean; Timothy O. Leonard, M.D., Ph.D., Senior Associate Dean for Medical Education; Joseph W. Brewer, Ph.D., Associate Dean for Research; Gary L. Patton, Ph.D., Assistant Dean for Admissions and Student Services; and Ray L. Morrison, D.O., Assistant Dean of Clinical Education and Chair of Surgery. Following the presentations, guests were able to tour the Center for Medical and Health Sciences building, attend a student-doctor led panel on what it is like in medical school and view demonstrations of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM).

Students potentially interested in applying to LUCOM got first-hand information about the admission process, admission requirements, the curriculum and the culture of faith. “We hear that our culture, both of faith and collegiality, are very unique, sincere, and refreshing,” said Dr. Patton. “It seems that to really understand the energy, depth, and culture of LUCOM, people have to come and see and talk to us because there is something engaging about visiting with the student-doctors, administrators, and faculty that helps people really understand and appreciate the mission and vision of LUCOM.”

The Open House was a chance to build relationships with potential applicants months and even years before they apply to LUCOM. The Office of Ad

missions talked to freshmen and sophomores in college and even high school students with an interest in medicine and encouraged them to make good decisions in preparation for medical school.

The Open House welcomed over 70 guests including 35 potential applicants. Visitors traveled from Kentucky, Maryland, North and South Carolina, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and from Liberty University’s main campus.