Edwin Polverino, VCOM faculty member from Salem PCA medical office (third from right) visits with the six Chinese delegates during their visit to observe family medicine and medical education. / Photo courtesy of William King.

Six physicians from the Sichuan province of China spent the morning at the PCA West Salem Medical Center and the afternoon at the PCA Lee Hi Medical Center on September 12.

The Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) – Virginia Campus in Blacksburg hosted the delegation of physicians during their week in the area. The delegation’s visit to VCOM was part of a U.S. tour in which Chinese physicians observed family medicine practices and residency programs in the specialty of family medicine. The delegates also toured at LewisGale Hospital at Montgomery, APCA physicians and Carilion Clinic in Roanoke.

Edwin Polverino, D.O., who is the president of PCA, said that the Chinese physicians wanted to see a large independent private group, so they visited his group as part of their tour. Private medicine is rare in China and they are very interested in how our model works. Dr. Polverino said, “PCA physicians and staff had an outstanding time interacting with the Chinese physicians.” He said “the exchange of ideas was rewarding for both PCA physician groups.” John Priddy, M.D. said he was “thrilled by the opportunity and so where his patients.” Clement Binnings, Jr., M.D. stated that “the interaction was extremely rewarding.”

Dr.  Polverino said the overall experience was wonderful. He made some great friends and was actually invited to be a guest of the Chinese physicians to visit a medical center in China and speak on private practice medicine. He is considering planning a trip to China based on the warm invention he received.

Submitted by Bill King.