Ross Excellence in Anatomy Awards presented | Schools

The following is a press release from William Carey University:

Jennifer Peacock of Braxton, who recently completed her first year of medical school at William Carey University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine, was presented the first The Randolph J. and Brenda H. Ross for Excellence in Anatomy Award at WCU Honors Day 2012. The award, established by Dr. Randy Ross, MD, and his wife, Brenda, is given to a first-year medical student who has the highest Grade Point Average in anatomy. Dr. Ross is Chairman of the Department of Surgery at Hattiesburg Clinic. The recipient of the award must be from Mississippi and plan to practice in Mississippi upon graduation. The award consists of an engraved medallion and a cash stipend which is credited to the student’s tuition for his or her second year of medical school.

Dr. Ross, a graduate of Tulane University School of Medicine,  currently serves on the WCUCOM Dean’s Advisory Committee, and was a key liaison in establishing the partnership between the WCUCOM and Hattiesburg Clinic. In the fall, Hattiesburg Clinic will serve as a clinical rotation site for third-year students from WCUCOM. As a local physician who understands the importance of retaining Mississippi medical students to practice in this state, Dr. Ross has been a strong advocate for the WCUCOM since its inception.

In 2007, the WCU Board of Trustees and Dr. Tommy King committed to open the COM to address the severe shortage of physicians in Mississippi and surrounding areas. It was recognized at that time that a medical school would positively impact the healthcare of rural Mississippians. In 2008, the COM was officially established, and in 2010, WCU welcomed the inaugural class. Holding provisional accreditation by the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation, the WCUCOM is the state’s second medical school and one of 29 institutions that offers a degree in osteopathic medicine in the U.S. Approximately 2,000 applications have been received for the incoming August class of 108 students at WCUCOM.