Southwest Virginia has a slower pace of life than many big cities.. but that doesn’t mean that it isn’t constantly evolving… and part of that evolution includes changes to our medical community and part of that change has been the addition of not just one but two medical schools.

First, Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Blacksburg and now Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine. 

There was a time when the Virginia Medical School we heard the most about what University of Virginia.. and that is of course an excellent medical school and university.. but I was slightly amused today when one of VTC’s new students mentioned her undergraduate degree is from UVA and that she now has season tickets to see the Hokies.

I have no doubt that a “tuition free” first year was a big lure for the inaugural class… but I also noticed there was an excitement among the students about being a part of a new beginning.

But I would like to think another draw for students attending VTC was the community that houses it and those that surround it. 

I grew up in Blacksburg and have been with WSLS for more than 12 years now.  Yes there are bigger television markets and cities that I could try to work in but I love this part of Virginia so much that I joke with my news director that I will stay here as long “as they will have me.”

I am hoping that the 42 students who showed so much enthusiasm in our stories tonight for being a part of the new VTC will fall in love with the area too. 

We have great doctors in our area but with a physician shortage that affects so many people… there is no doubt that we need more and especially in our rural areas. 

I hope that the medical school is as successful as it expects to be… because in my opinion that is a winning situation for everyone involved.

Link to more about the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine

Link to more about the Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine