Community Partnership Brings Medical Education to Indian River County

The Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) and the Indian River County Hospital District, in collaboration with Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital, have reached an agreement that will bring a VCOM educational facility to Indian River County.

The educational facility will be located on the Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital campus in an existing building on land owned by the Indian River County Hospital District. Third and fourth-year medical students from VCOM will receive training at Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital.

The three-way collaboration has been in the works. Currently, some third- and fourth-year medical students already receive medical education as they observe clinical interactions and are mentored by Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital physicians. 

“Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital currently serves as the primary core teaching hospital for VCOM medical students on the Treasure Coast,” said Rick Rothman, MD, Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital. “We are excited about this collaboration between partners who are passionate about improving access to healthcare for the residents of Indian River County.”

VCOM enrolls between 50 and 60 students from Florida each year at their Carolinas and Auburn University campuses. Medical students often seek residency positions where they complete their clinical education. The location of residency significantly impacts where physicians, particularly in primary care specialties, will practice in the future.

“We are thrilled to partner with Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital to bring VCOM to Vero Beach,” said Frank Isele, FACHE, Executive Director of the Indian River County Hospital District. “This strategic initiative will not only support the growth of medical education in our area but will also strengthen the local healthcare workforce, ultimately benefiting the entire community.”

The Indian River County Hospital District has a pivotal role in bringing both medical services and medical education to the community. As part of this agreement, it would begin leasing space to VCOM in an existing building. The hospital district currently leases the space in which Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital provides services.

“Our partnership with Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital and VCOM reflects our shared vision of transforming healthcare access in our community,” said Marybeth Cunningham, Chairman of the Indian River County Hospital District. “By bringing an educational facility from a renowned medical school to Vero Beach, we are investing in the future of our healthcare system and ensuring that our community has access to top-tier medical care for generations to come.”

The presence of medical students from VCOM in the area is expected to help advance medical education not only for physicians, but other medical professionals including nurses, respiratory therapists, pharmacists – and add opportunities for more medical conferences and research.

“The partnership between Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital, the hospital district and VCOM brings a new wave of physicians to Indian River County and enhances medical education opportunities for existing healthcare professionals,” said Dr. Rothman.

VCOM is ranked in the top 15 medical schools in the United States according to U.S. News and World Report for graduates practicing in primary care. Currently 416 VCOM alumni are practicing in the state of Florida.

“We have built a good relationship with Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital and their mentorship gives students exposure to the community, advanced medical education and opportunities to explore the cutting-edge technology and research that already exists at Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital,” said Matthew Cannon, DO, FACOFP, Campus Dean, Carolinas Campus and Senior Dean for all four VCOM campuses.