A group of first-year students is coming to Auburn, anxiously awaiting their first day of class.
However, these are not freshmen; they have in fact already graduated college.
These students are the inaugural class of the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Auburn Campus, and they are set to begin classes Thursday, July 30.
According to the VCOM website, doctors with degrees in osteopathic medicine often become primary care physicians in rural areas. Doctors of osteopathic medicine are licensed in every state to practice "the full scope of medicine." The college has two other campuses in Blacksburg, Virginia, and Spartanburg, South Carolina.
According to Danny Kibler, member of the first class of students, there are approximately 162 students, and they come from all over the country. Kibler said he is excited to start learning and meet new people. He said a group of 10 students recently went on a beach trip to begin forming a community.
Kibler said he is nervous about the coursework and said it is a "step up" from undergraduate classes.
"It's definitely a change of lifestyle," Kibler said.
Kibler said he liked the emphasis on sports medicine and the possibility of working with elite SEC athletes.
"I really like the tie they had to (Auburn)," Kibler said.
Ben Pare, originally from Massachusetts, said he liked Auburn's environment and the proximity to rural areas, which is where he is interested in working.
Pare said he does not know any of his classmates yet.
"I'm just really excited to get started," Pare said.
Bill Hamrick, who graduated from the University of Montevallo, is no stranger to Auburn, as most of his family attended.
"It's a great opportunity to get back down here," Hamrick said.
Hamrick said he is excited to be part of the first VCOM Auburn class.
"It's going to be whatever we make it," Hamrick said.
However, he said he is nervous because there are no upperclassmen to guide the new students.
Hamrick said medical school is a big undertaking, with two years of classroom instruction before two years at clinical sites, mostly locally.
Hamrick said he does not anticipate any major issues with the new facilities.
"Just going to have to hit the ground running," Hamrick said.
Kibler said he expects everything to go smoothly because VCOM is an established school for osteopathic medicine.
Pare said the new campus will draw attention to Auburn and help attract highly educated people from all over the country who can help provide care to people who live in rural areas.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
