Middle: Dr Cody Blackwelder, general Surgeon
Right: Morgan Kelley, clinical coordinator, VCOM Ruston
Special to the LPJ
The Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) has recognized Dr. Cody G. Blackwelder, a general surgeon with Green Clinic in Ruston, Louisiana, as Preceptor of the Year for the second year in a row. The award recognizes physicians who demonstrate exceptional dedication to mentoring medical students, fostering professional growth, and preparing the next generation of physicians through hands-on clinical education.
Dr. Blackwelder’s commitment to medicine is reflected in his extensive educational journey. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Cell and Molecular Biology from Tulane University before completing a Master of Science in Modern Human Anatomy at the University of Colorado. He then received his Doctor of Medicine from the Louisiana State University School of Medicine and completed his General Surgery Residency at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. Today, Dr. Blackwelder practices general surgery at Green Clinic in Ruston, where he specializes in minimally invasive surgery, gastrointestinal surgery, robotic surgery, emergency general surgery, and endoscopy while serving as a mentor to VCOM medical students.
A preceptor is a practicing physician who teaches and mentors medical students during their clinical rotations. Rather than learning exclusively in classrooms, third- and fourth-year medical students spend the majority of their training working alongside physicians in hospitals and clinics, caring for real patients under supervision.
The Preceptor of the Year award recognizes physicians who consistently demonstrate excellence in teaching, mentorship, professionalism, and patient care. The honor is especially meaningful because it is based on feedback from the students themselves. Throughout their rotations, students evaluate their clinical experiences and nominate physicians who have made the greatest impact on their education. Being selected by those you teach is a testament to the lasting influence a physician has on the next generation of healthcare providers.
Ruston plays an important role in VCOM’s clinical education program. During their third- and fourth-year training, VCOM students complete clinical rotations in hospitals, physician offices, and specialty practices throughout the community. These experiences allow students to transition from classroom learning to hands-on patient care while working directly with experienced physicians.
For the Ruston community, the partnership offers significant benefits. Patients receive care in a teaching environment where students work closely with attending physicians, local physicians contribute to the education of future doctors, and many students develop lasting connections to the region. These relationships often encourage graduates to return to practice in rural and underserved communities, helping address physician shortages throughout Louisiana and the South. VCOM’s mission is centered on preparing physicians to serve communities with the greatest healthcare needs, making partnerships with communities like Ruston very valuable.
The success of VCOM’s clinical rotations in Ruston is made possible through the collaboration of dedicated physicians and administrative leaders.
Dr. Navneet Sharma serves as the Director of Student Medical Education (DSME) for VCOM in Ruston. As DSME, he provides physician leadership for the clinical education program, overseeing the quality of student training, supporting and mentoring preceptors, ensuring VCOM’s educational standards are met, and serving as a key liaison between the medical school and the local healthcare community. His leadership helps provide VCOM students with a well-rounded, high-quality clinical experience while maintaining strong partnerships throughout Ruston’s medical community.
Supporting those efforts is Morgan Talbert, the Clinical Site Coordinator for Ruston. She coordinates student schedules, works with clinical sites and physician offices, facilitates orientation, manages communication between VCOM and local healthcare facilities, and helps ensure each rotation runs smoothly for both students and preceptors.
Together, the DSME, Clinical Site Coordinator, physician preceptors, and healthcare partners create a collaborative learning environment that benefits students, physicians, healthcare organizations, and the Ruston community.
Dr. Cody Blackwelder’s recognition as VCOM Preceptor of the Year highlights the strength of the clinical education program in Ruston. His commitment to teaching extends beyond the operating room, helping shape the knowledge, confidence, and professionalism of future physicians.
As VCOM continues its mission of training doctors who will serve rural and medically underserved communities, physicians like Dr. Blackwelder exemplify the impact that exceptional mentorship can have. His dedication not only enriches the education of medical students but also strengthens healthcare in Ruston and across Louisiana for years to come
