Medical school dean selected for national AOF honor
Posted: July 28, 2011
Dixie Tooke-Rawlins, D.O., ’80
Each year, the American Osteopathic Foundation (AOF) recognizes an Educator of the Year to honor an individual who exemplifies the osteopathic medical profession’s highest standards of excellence in teaching and long-standing contributions to academic advancement. This year’s recipient was Dixie Tooke-Rawlins, D.O., ’80, dean and executive vice-president of the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM). Dr. Tooke-Rawlins is the founding dean of VCOM, which began enrolling medical students in 2003 in Blacksburg, Vir. Significantly, she will again serve as the founding dean in opening a branch campus of VCOM in Spartanburg, S.C., in August.
Dr. Rawlins was presented the Educator of the Year award by James Lally, D.O., president of the American Osteopathic Foundation, at the House of Delegates national meeting in Chicago in July. In introducing Dr. Rawlins, Dr. Lally stated, “What makes Dean Tooke-Rawlins special is her professionalism, integrity, duty, compassion, altruism, knowledge, and critical thinking. Throughout her professional and educational career, she has lived and modeled these words.”
In 1990, Dr. Tooke-Rawlins began an educational career that has advanced the osteopathic medical profession for more than two decades. As a faculty member in family medicine and emergency medicine at the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine — her alma mater — she has made a life-long commitment to educating students and to the advancement of the profession. Dr. Tooke-Rawlins has also served as a residency program director, as a national evaluator for medical school and residency accreditation, and serves on national and state committees, including two Governor’s workforce taskforces in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Dr. Tooke-Rawlins was instrumental in establishing the VCOM International Medical Missions program with a model of sustained medical care for those who are less fortunate. Programs in three countries provide extraordinary training opportunities for VCOM students. She has worked diligently to assure that healthcare in the Appalachian region is addressed and has developed many opportunities for students to serve the local underserved population in Southwest Virginia and similar communities.
Dr. Tooke-Rawlins has received many awards honoring her work locally, nationally, and internationally. Significantly, she was the recipient of the “Northrup Award” which is selected by medical students nationally in recognition of excellence in teaching. She is well respected in the medical profession and in her community, having held numerous appointments and having served on many committees as a member of the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM), and the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians (ACOFP) for more than 20 years.