Congressman Hurt tours Center for Medical and Health Sciences

During a visit to Liberty University’s Center for Medical and Health Sciences, Rep. Robert Hurt enjoys a view from the facility’s library.

U.S. Rep. Robert Hurt (5th District, Virginia) toured Liberty University’s Center for Medical and Health Sciences on Monday afternoon. The center, home to the Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine (LUCOM), which will soon welcome its inaugural class, rests in Campbell County, part of Hurt’s district.

While the center is still in the final stages of construction, in preparation for the first day of classes on Aug. 4, the congressman was able to view a number of the innovative spaces in the building. The $40 million facility includes a spacious research library, a 5,300-square-foot Anatomy Lab, a 5,000-square-foot Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) Lab, and a Center for Standardized Patients and Simulation that provides hands-on, active learning opportunities in fully-functional simulated environments. These environments include high fidelity simulation rooms that mirror real-life settings, including operating rooms, emergency rooms, an intensive care unit (ICU), and birthing suites.

“This is unbelievable,” Hurt said of the facility. “It’s absolutely gorgeous and I think it is a very beautiful expression of what I think is so important about Liberty and the role it plays in our community and the good things that are going to take place in this building for not just our community but … for patients all over the country.

“We really have enjoyed watching this building come up. … It is just great for healthcare in Southside and Central Virginia.”

Hurt and Dr. Ronnie B. Martin, dean of Liberty’s College of Osteopathic Medicine, visit the center’s Anatomy Lab.

Hurt was guided through the building by Dr. Ronnie B. Martin, dean of LUCOM. Martin said that the 162-member inaugural class includes more than 30 students from Central and Southside Virginia.

“Having a strong base of local medical students will allow an early impact on health care services available to our citizens in the not-so-distant future, and the college will make a significant economic impact on the region today and for decades into the future as well,” Dr. Martin said. “Engineering a system that features an emphasis on primary care and community-based practices, service, and the servant’s heart desired by patients and society will advance the mission and vision of Liberty University and the college.”