From a distance – driving the interstate, walking the dog on The Roanoke River Greenway, or in an occasional news piece – I have seen the VTC, the partnership of Virginia Tech and Carilion Clinic , sprout in Roanoke.
I saw an invitation on Facebook from The Roanoke Valley Chapter of the Virginia Tech Alumni Association for a presentation and tour June 17, 2014 of the VTC. (Officially, tongue-tying-ly, The Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine and Research Institute.)
I don’t normally make time for extra meetings, and I already had another commitment scheduled at 7 PM the same night, but intense curiosity got the best of me and I (and my wife) decided to go.
After Google-Maps street-viewing my way into this unexplored new area in a previous-life explored one, we found a very nice event hosted by VA Tech alumni from the Roanoke and Smith Mountain Lake chapters (and the university), and the VTC.
The presentation was excellent – very impressive presentations, by very impressive people leading the charge. (Engaging, informative presentations by Mrs. Ellen Wade, Dr. Cynda Johnson, and Dr. Michael Friedlander.)
My summary – VTC is:
• Working in these major areas:
- Neuroscience
- Cardiovascular
- Cancer and immunology
• Bringing extraordinarily-gifted people in from around the country, and the world.
• Merging Medical, Technology, and Patient care.
• Studying, solving by problem/project , rather than by discipline – bringing several disciplines to bear to solving a problem, together.
• Studying and determining how to deliver and distribute healthcare solutions.
• A public-private partnership of excellence among Virginia Tech, Carilion, and very bright people coming in to work on the challenges of medical research, technology and healthcare delivery.
• Funded by Carilion, VA Tech, philanthropic individuals and now from research grants and private donors.
On its website, VTC describes itself as (my cliff-notes summary):
A bridge created from Virginia Tech’s world-class strength in basic sciences and engineering, with Carilion Clinic’s highly experienced medical staff and rich history in medical education.
This is of great benefit to:
• Roanoke, Southwestern Virginia, and the Commonwealth of Virginia for the economic impact.
• More importantly, for healthcare, and for patients – locally, in Virginia, and the U.S. Worldwide, really.
Because of my previous commitment, I had to rush out after the presentation portion, and skip the detailed tour. Perhaps another time.
For me, this was a real (non-driving, non-dog-walking) eye-opener.
VTC is a magnificent endeavor in healthcare.
Glad I went. Glad they came.
-Jerry Guzi
Jerry Guzi is Founder and President of 411US.info and Burris Computer Forms
Brief panoramic view:
