Congressman Goodlatte tours medical school

U.S. Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-6th District) visited the Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine (LUCOM) on Friday, Jan. 23, touring its state-of-the art Center for Medical and Health Sciences.

Goodlatte was welcomed by President Jerry Falwell, as well as Eric Gish, D.O., associate dean for Clinical Affairs, and Timothy Leonard, Ph.D., associate dean for Biomedical Affairs and Research. The congressman had the opportunity to tour the 144,000-square-foot building, including the Anatomy Lab, Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) Lab, Medical Library, and Center for Standardized Patients and Simulation Lab, where Liberty’s medical students are being trained for their residencies. Goodlatte was very impressed with LUCOM, noting that it is yet another demonstration of Liberty’s commitment to excellence.

“It more than met my expectations,” Goodlatte said. “It is great to see what this (school) is going to do — the opportunity for students to have a very modern medical education and to be able to take that anywhere in the world.”

LUCOM welcomed its first student doctors last fall, who are scheduled to earn their Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degrees in Spring 2018. According to Goodlatte, Liberty’s moral foundation will impact the way in which its graduates practice medicine.

“There is no question about it … Liberty University is helping everyone in Central Virginia. It is a large creative engine that is going to result in economic growth and help provide a very healthy economy for Lynchburg and (create) a lot of jobs.”

Dr. Gish, who led the tour, said it was an honor to host “somebody who has provided such wonderful service to the 6th District.”

“It is just a privilege,” Gish said, “to be able to show him what we are trying to do for the community he represents. I am looking forward to … (telling him) about the opportunities we will have to serve the community (as we) continue to work with our partners to improve the health of the folks here in Lynchburg and beyond in Central Virginia. We (hope to) make for a better and healthier state.”

Goodlatte was presented with a special doctor’s bag, inscribed with LUCOM’s word mark and seal as a token of appreciation for his visit.