New Possibilities in Roanoke, VA

So far in the Roanoke Valley, 2009 has been a landmark year with wonderful infusions to the economy. The beautiful new Carilion Clinic building is set to open in September, 2009--just three months away. It will be so wonderful to have the specialties and sub-specialties available to the people of Southwestern Virginia and surrounding states. Folks in our part of the state have had to travel many hours to other medical centers such as NIH, Duke, Emory, Cleveland Clinic, Mayo, Geisinger--to get excellent specialty medical care. With the fabulous staff being assembled at Carilion Clinic that will not longer be necessay.

Additionally, about a month ago, the new Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine received preliminary accreditation. What a red letter day! Students will now be accepted for the first VTC School of Medicine class to begin their medical education for becoming physician/researchers. This means that young men and women in this part of Viriginia will have the opportunity to apply to a fine medical school close to home.

A few weeks ago, Virginia Tech University announced the first seed grants for the Medical Research Center (housed with the VTC School of Medicine). It was so exciting to hear the pairing of researchers with physicians and what their research focus will be. What happens here will positively affect the world!