The Pulse September 2023

September 2023 p. 02

Congressman Mike Kelly Issues Official Proclamation

Honoring LECOM

In proud recognition of its Thirtieth Anniversary, the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) was honored recently by United States Representative, Mike Kelly. The Pennsylvania Congressman issued a formal Proclamation paying tribute to LECOM as a Pillar of the Community, and highlighting its “exceptional impact upon the communities it serves.” Specific attribution noted LECOM contributions to improving the health of all humanity.

LECOM takes great pride in receipt of this Proclamation as a tribute to mark its noteworthy accomplishments.

In the realm of the medical profession, the pledge to a cause beyond oneself underscores the essence of all that embodies the osteopathic philosophy.

The Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine ever endeavors to rise to this pledge each day in service of others as it educates its healthcare progeny.

LECOM is grateful to Representative Kelly, who throughout his political tenure, has championed the principles of American exceptionalism as a cornerstone of a strong and vibrant community.

Representative Kelly has distinguished himself as an esteemed LECOM stalwart, and he has helped to encourage and support the benefits of Osteopathic Medical Education.

With a multi-decade career championing the needs of the region, Representative Kelly has earned the trust of, and continued relationships with his constituency, and the respect and admiration of his colleagues.

For his dedication and determined attention to the cause of Liberty, and to the betterment of his fellow man, LECOM takes great satisfaction in receiving the full-throated support of this distinguished statesman.

Rep. Mike Kelly

p. 03

Pennsylvania Osteopathic Family Physicians Society (POFPS) Honors LECOM Educator

The Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) congratulates Frank Tursi, D.O., who received the Raymond J. Saloom, D.O. Memorial Award during the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Family Physicians Society (POFPS) Annual Business Meeting held via zoom on the weekend of August 12, 2023.

The Raymond J. Saloom, D.O. Memorial Award is presented to a distinguished physician in recognition of untiring efforts to promote the art of family practice and to preserve the integrity of the osteopathic profession.

The Award recipient must have served the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Profession at the state and/or local level and have proven himself or herself to be a model of a professional and caring Osteopathic Family Physician. The Awardee also must practice Family Medicine utilizing the principles of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM).

Indeed, Dr. Tursi has met and exceeded the bar. With 40 years of family practice, the capable and compassionate physician has seen and treated several generations of families.

The board-certified osteopathic family physician is a Professor of Family Medicine at LECOM, and he is a former Director of Medical Education at Millcreek Community Hospital in Erie. Previously, he served as Medical Director of Medical Associates of Erie.

In addition to his involvement in the AOA, Dr. Tursi is Past President of the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association (POMA) and a former member of the Pennsylvania State Board of Osteopathic Medicine.

LECOM takes great pride in recognizing and acknowledging the successes of its physicianeducators and pays tribute to the fine accomplishments of Dr. Frank Tursi in his receipt of this estimable honor.

Frank Tursi, D.O.

Get Ready to Dust Off Your Finery and Celebrate 30 Years at the Annual LECOM Galas

It is less than one month until the highlyawaited social event of the LECOM season! The dual Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) Student Scholarship Auction Gala and Dinner events will be underway beginning on October 14, 2023 at the Sarasota Hyatt Regency Grand Ballroom on beautiful Sarasota Bay in Florida. One month later, on November 11, 2023, Erie, Pennsylvania will host its auction event.

Community leaders, philanthropists, and supporters from across the nation are preparing now for the yearly gathering of spirited generosity hosted annually by LECOM.

All proceeds generated by the highly anticipated affairs benefit the Student Scholarship Fund in assisting deserving students to realize their dream of becoming a medical professional.

The shimmering and indulgent evenings of camaraderie and collegial bidding will welcome a plethora of LECOM allies seeking to provide their deepest support through lively bids as they vie for a vast assortment of donated prizes.

Behind the scenes, LECOM Vice President

of Marketing, Communications, and Organizational Culture and Dean of LECOM Health Services Administration, Dr. Timothy Novak are shepherding their Gala committees, whose tireless efforts, team coordination, and superlative attention to detail are sure to make the worthwhile events the most interesting to date.

John M. Ferretti, D.O., LECOM President and CEO, and Silvia M. Ferretti, D.O., LECOM Provost, Senior Vice President, and Dean of Academic Affairs host the fundraising festivities, welcoming guests first to the Hyatt Regency grand ballroom in Sarasota and then, one month later, to the Bayfront Convention Center in Erie.

At both of the Auction Galas, Scholarship recipients will be in attendance revealing a depth of sincere gratitude to those assembled.

A delightful cocktail reception will precede a silent and a live auction at the black-tie optional affair, complemented by a toothsome dinner.

Guests bid on items in Sarasota, FL.

Celebrating thirty years of excellence in medical education, a treasure trove of donated items will await the Gala attendees this year, including tickets to various theater productions and to professional sporting events, original artwork, custom-designed jewelry, autographed sports memorabilia, dinners, hotel packages, a spate of get-away trips, and a variety of appealing baskets to entice the all and sundry tastes of every participant.

The benefit and fundraiser for the future LECOM doctors, pharmacists, dentists, and podiatrists is a keenly anticipated autumn event that provides monies raised to assist the financial needs of matriculating students. The encompassing theme and character of the evenings is that of sincere support of the students as each attendee, sponsor and contributor, supporter and bidder understands the importance of events such as these - focused upon building futures.

To readers of the Pulse, LECOM extends a warm and welcoming invitation to attend

the Gala of their choice, to sponsor a table, to donate a gift, or simply to participate in a manner one most prefers - noting well that outstanding contributions of the medical community and of the greater community as a whole make the yearly occasion an unquestioned success.

As the largest medical school in the country (and as the only osteopathic academic health center in the nation) with campuses in Erie and Greensburg, Pennsylvania, Bradenton, Florida and Elmira, New York, LECOM extends to generations of medical practitioners a dedicated commitment to exceptionalism and to educational distinction.

The dual Auction Gala events are evocative of that charge as administrator and attendee alike join in the support of the future of medicinethe LECOM scholars.

The delight found in being part of the program is priceless as each attendee champions a cause that will surely transform lives for generations to come.

Auction Gala, Erie, PA.

A variety of items are displayed.

LECOM 2023 MHSA Graduate Serves as Operations Lead at Boca Grande, Florida Health Clinic

Kelsey Chavarria, a Class of 2023 Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) MHSA graduate, has a very salient observation to proffer.

She notes, “My experience in the LECOM Master of Health Services Administration (MHSA) Program has been a remarkable journey of growth, learning, and success.”

The recent LECOM alumna expounded upon the fact that the Program provided her with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in the field of healthcare administration.

The vicissitudes and harm inflicted upon the globe by the Covid-19 Pandemic and the devastation caused regionally by Hurricane Ian left her home and community in need. Chavarria detailed the way in which her LECOM Program leaders and peers provided her with the strength and support to persevere.

“The foundation of my success in the MHSA Program can be attributed to the comprehensive and well-structured curriculum that emphasized both theoretical concepts and practical application,” avers the LECOM graduate.

The LECOM MHSA Program is a first-rate one, covering various essential aspects of healthcare management, including health economics, policy analysis, strategic planning, healthcare informatics, and quality improvement methodologies.

“One of the most valuable aspects of the MHSA Program was the opportunity to collaborate with outstanding faculty members and fellow students,” comments Chavarria.

Kelsey Chavarria

Continued from page 07

The varied backgrounds and experiences of her peers enriched class discussions, fostering an environment of creativity and innovation.

The interdisciplinary approach utilized by LECOM focuses upon teamwork - and that approach instilled in Chavarria a deep appreciation for collective problem-solving, a vital skill in the healthcare industry.

Affirms the assiduous scholar, “I have been able to apply my experience and highly-developed skills gained from the Program to my daily responsibilities at the Boca Grande Health Clinic, where I serve as the Operations Lead.”

Looking ahead, Chavarria is eager to apply her MHSA knowledge and expertise to the field of Healthcare Administration.

Whether it be optimizing operational efficiency in her current role in one of the most sought after zip codes in Florida, or in future healthcare facilities implementing patient-centered care models or contributing to policy development for equitable healthcare access, there is little doubt that Kelsey Chavarria is committed to making a difference.

“The MHSA Program has been an exceptional and transformative experience that has shaped me into a well-rounded, confident, and proficient healthcare administrator,” concludes Chavarria.

LECOM lauds the success of its scholars, those such as Kelsey Chavarria, who have been enriched by the LECOM Lamp of Learning with the skills and passion to embrace the challenges and opportunities to come.

Your

support of the LECOM Student Scholarship Fund will help deserving students fulfill their dreams of becoming physicians, pharmacists, dentists, and podiatrists.

LECOM Alumna to Lead Pennsylvania Osteopathic Family Physicians Society

College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) in 2002.

Anticipating the Annual LECOM Student Scholarship Auction Galas: Fanning the Winds of Fortune for Scholars and Scholarship

Dr. Jacqueline WeaverAgostoni recently has been appointed as the President of the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Family Physicians Society (POFPS), a divisional society of the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians. The POFPS represents more than 1,000 licensed osteopathic family physicians, plus residents and interns, in Pennsylvania.

Dr. Jackie Weaver-Agostoni is the Family Medicine Residency Program Director at UPMC Shadyside in Pittsburgh, PA, an ACGME-accredited, osteopathicallyrecognized program, and Associate Professor for the University of Pittsburgh. She also co-chairs the UPMC Graduate Medical Education Accreditation, Reviews, and Quality Committee.

Dr. Weaver-Agostoni earned her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Degree from Lake Erie

Following Residency in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, she completed a two-year Faculty Development Fellowship with the University of Pittsburgh Department of Family Medicine, during which time she also earned her Masters of Public Health from the University of Pittsburgh.

The skilled physician became a Diplomat of the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine in 2020. She continues to provide outpatient clinical care at the UPMC Shadyside Family Health Center, inpatient care at UPMC Shadyside Hospital, and rounds at a local nursing home with the residency.

In addition to her demonstrated credence that a solid osteopathic foundation is her priority, Dr. Weaver-Agostoni is an individual who does not believe in limits, a principle that she employed every day in her studies at LECOM.

Proving Winston Churchill’s adage that an optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty, Dr. Jacqueline Weaver-Agostoni welcomes the challenge to lead the estimable POFPS organization.

Dr. Weaver-Agostoni’s alma mater - LECOM - has ever sought exceptionalism for the betterment of its students, never forgetting about service to, and prosperity for, its community. The estimable work that this fine alumna has undertaken throughout the many communities in which she has served affirms assuredly the LECOM imprimatur of achievement.

Jacqueline Weaver-Agostoni, D.O.

LECOM In the Community

The Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) partnered with the Salvation Army of Buffalo, New York; the Buffalo Bills; and Bills Safety, Micah Hyde’s Achieve for Youth Foundation, to host a Back to School Bash for 75 Buffalo-area youth.

LECOM College of Medicine third-year students, Brian Niland and Nicholas Kaiser, and fourth-year scholar, Baltazar Osorio, helped fill backpacks with school supplies and the trio served lunch. The scholasticallycharged event also included musical merriment offered by a DJ, hairstylists who provided trims and styling, and the special appearance of local favorite, Billy the Buffalo. Buffalo Bills Safety, Micah Hyde was on hand to meet the gathering. “It’s awesome to see the faces of the kids, how excited they get. Music’s playing, eating pizza, getting backpacks for school,” the talented footballer beamed.

The August 28, 2023 event highlights yet another community-focused endeavor undertaken by LECOM, reflecting one of the four pillars central to the College mission: Community Service, Educational Excellence, Clinical Training, and Research blend with this key element of Community to underscore the fullness and robustness of an exceptional LECOM medical education.

Guests attend LECOM Erie 2022 Auction.

Photo (Top): Micah Hyde poses with children.

Photo (Middle): From left to right - Nicholas Kaiser, Brian Niland, & Baltazar Osorio pose with Micah. (Bottom): Students assist in packing supplies.

Continued from page 10

LECOM Scholar Accepted into CDC Epidemiology Elective Program

Fourth-year Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) scholar, Olena Mahneva, recently was accepted into a highly selective Epidemiology Elective Program at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Georgia. This year, the CDC chose 46 medical and veterinary students from across the United States for 6- and 8-week rotations to provide more than 13,000 hours of public health service to the CDC.

For two months, Mahneva will be at the One Health Office at the CDC Headquarters in Atlanta where she will receive training in applied epidemiology, public health, and global health. The One Health Office integrates human health with animals, plants, and the shared environment; and it focuses upon initiatives to prepare and respond to outbreaks and public health emergencies such as Ebola, Zika, and COVID-19.

Mahneva’s responsibilities may include disease surveillance, health data analysis, assisting in field investigations of zoonotic and emerging infectious disease outbreaks, and contributing to CDC publications and guidelines.

LECOM takes great pride in the comprehensive and probative educational journey that awaits scholars such as Olena Mahneva, those who have found the calling of their lives.

Olena Mahneva

September 2023 p. 12

LECOM Scholars Receive APOMA Scholarships

The Advocates for the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Association (APOMA) recently returned from the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Family Physicians Society (POFPS) event in Hershey, Pennsylvania, held August 4-6, 2023.

During that time, the organization awarded its annual scholarships to deserving osteopathic medical students.

LECOM third-year scholars, Khin Oo, Student Government President; Cassandra E. Holub, SOMA President; Daniela Garzon-Aljure, LECOM at Seton Hill Student Government President; and Kyle Hamilton, LECOM at Seton Hill SOMA President received the noteworthy honors.

These four osteopathic medicine leaders also received a one-year membership to APOMA.

LECOM heartily extends its enthusiastic congratulations to each of them.

Khin Oo

Cassandra Holub

Daniela Garzon-Aljure

Kyle Hamilton

LECOM Scholars Successfully Complete 2023

Tampa General Hospital Transplant Summer Research Program

Scholars from the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) in Bradenton have undertaken a profoundly educational endeavor: The Tampa General Hospital Transplant Institute Summer Research Program.

As a part of the 10-week, full-time summer internship, each student was engaged in transplant-related clinical research, under the guidance of a skilled physician. During a closing event on July 31, 2023, LECOM students presented the following research projects:

Progression/Non-progression of Potential Organ Donors After Withdrawal of Life-Sustaining Measures

Incidence of Neutropenia and Rejection in Setting of Weight-Based Alemtuzumab Induction Strategy in Kidney Transplantation

• The Role of Screening EGD for Anticoagulation in Patients with Cirrhosis

• Surveillance for Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Liver Transplant Patients with Post-Transplant Fibrosis or Cirrhosis

• Patient Factors in Responders and NonResponders Treated with Steroids for Acute Alcohol Associated Hepatitis

• Behavioral Therapy Utilization in the Treatment of Alcohol-Associated Liver Disorders

Prajna

Vootukuri

OMS2 Michael Wallace

OMS2 Victoria Young

OMS2

• The Incidence of Primary CMV Infection in PostHeart Transplant Recipients

• The Impacts of SGLT2i in Heart Transplant Recipients After Three Months of Therapy

• Rates of Medically Unsuitable Potential Kidney Transplant Recipients

• The Hidden Impact of Race-Based eGFR Calculation and Waiting Time Policy in Access to Kidney Transplantation

• Rates of Medically Unsuitable Potential Kidney Transplant Recipients

• The Hidden Impact of Race-Based eGFR Calculation and Waiting Time Policy in Access to Kidney Transplantation

LECOM lauds the exceptionally probative work undertaken by this accomplished team of scholars and extends congratulations to them on the completion of this important Program.

LECOM students from the Bradenton Campus completed research projects during the Tampa General Hospital Transplant Summer Research Program (left to right): Kent Sabatose, Marina Ibrahim, Yael Levy, Michael Wallace, Prajna Vootukuri, Victoria Young, and Joachim Kavalakatt.

September 2023 p. 15

LECOM Stands Out at Pennsylvania Osteopathic Family Physicians Society (POFPS) Conference

In recognition of services, both professional and educational, Ashley Kunselman, D.O. was honored with the Frederick J. Solomon, D.O. Award of Merit, an Award that was presented to her at the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Family Physicians Society (POFPS) Conference.

The Conference, held in early August of 2023, recognized Dr. Kunselman as a physician whose efforts have had a positive and noticeable effect upon the life of the residents she leads.

Ashley Kunselman, D.O.

Dr. Kunselman is a 2010 graduate of the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) and she is Board Certified in Family Medicine, serving as the Residency Director at Butler Health System in Clarion, Pennsylvania.

As the Program Director for the Family Medicine Residency at Clarion Hospital, she is known for her commitment to delivering high-quality care, and for her willingness to share her expertise and knowledge with others in the field.

As a mentor to residents, she provides guidance and support, helping them navigate the challenges of training and practice.

Her compassionate and empathetic approach to patient care is a hallmark of her work, translating into her interactions with residents as well.

LECOM takes great pride in Dr. Kunselman’s success and enthusiastically praises her receipt of this Award.

Continued from page 15

The LECOM family of physician- educators was met with several triumphs during the Conference as the POFPS also honored Jessica Masser, D.O. as its Family Physician of the Year.

From the very start, during her first days in medical school, Dr. Masser actively served the profession and the community, a personal mission that has continued to this day.

The skilled physician received a Masters in Medical Education from LECOM and she is a fellow in the American College of Family Physicians (ACOFP) and a POFPS Past President.

Dr. Masser is an inspiration to students, residents, and colleagues at the local, state, and national levels, exhibiting all of the qualities required for this Award.

She personifies the best of Osteopathic education as her work with students and residents advances their education and deepens the indelible imprimatur of Osteopathic Family Medicine.

Leadership is at the heart of Dr. Masser’s mission. She created a student and resident committee and symposium at the Annual POFPS Convention that continues to expand.

As a wife, mother, coach, volunteer, physician, and part-time farmer, Dr. Masser’s contribution to the community is evident, evincing her as the embodiment of a leader among family physicians.

It is with great pride that LECOM congratulates Dr. Jessica Masser.

Jessica Masser, D.O.

2023 p. 17

LECOM Student Completes Prestigious Oncology Summer Research Program

The Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) leadership extends its congratulations to second-year scholar, Adam Bobak, upon his successful completion of a Summer Research Program in Oncology at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo, New York.

As part of the eight-week Program, Bobak worked on a project related to novel therapeutic options for treating acute myeloid leukemia, the most common type of acute leukemia in adults.

Bobak was awarded the Outstanding Scientific Talk Award for his presentation at the conclusion of the Program.

The dedicated scholar attended multiple didactic lectures focused upon oncology research and he was involved in many networking opportunities in the Buffalo area. The research was personally meaningful for Bobak based upon a family experience with leukemia; and since his youth, he has been an advocate for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

At LECOM Bradenton, Bobek is serving as Vice-President of the Student Research Association (SRA). Currently, Bobek is working under the supervision of Dr. Anupam Bishayee, LECOM Professor of Pharmacology, on a project evaluating the potential of natural compounds in glioblastoma treatment.

The whole of the administration wishes Adam Bobek all the best in his personal and professional endeavors.

September 2023 p. 18

LECOM School of Podiatric Medicine

Welcomes Inaugural Class

Classes are underway at the new Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) School of Podiatric Medicine (SPM) - establishing its inaugural cohort.

As the eleventh podiatric medical school in the United States, the four-year program began in July at the LECOM main campus in Erie, Pennsylvania, offering a curricular collaboration with the LECOM College of Osteopathic Medicine.

This first class boasts 24 students with an age range of 22-46 years and hailing from across the nation.

Currently, the scholars are engaged in pre-clinical coursework with the College of Medicine students, taking Histology, Embryology, and Gross Anatomy, while also taking a Podiatric Medicine Course - Foundations in Podiatric Medicine - which is an introduction to Podiatric Medicine.

“There is a growing need for podiatric doctors throughout the United States and LECOM is committed to meeting this national healthcare need through the creation of this new school,” noted LECOM President and

Jason Lee, DPM, MSMEd, FACFAS with the inaugural Podiatric Medicine class.

Continued from page 18

CEO, John M. Ferretti, D.O. “LECOM is uniquely positioned to provide podiatric students the opportunity to be trained alongside medical students and receive extensive clinical learning within our regional academic health system,” the LECOM President explained.

Podiatric students will receive much of the same training as osteopathic medical students while also undertaking studies specific to the podiatric physician. This focused teaching opportunity will better prepare graduates for entrance into podiatric residency programs. The LECOM Erie campus is integrated with LECOM Health - the only osteopathic academic health system in the nation - which provides students with clinical learning opportunities in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and in a range of specialized medical practices.

Jason Lee, DPM, MSMEd, FACFAS leads the Podiatric School as Dean. Dr. Lee is Board Certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery and by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine. He also serves as a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Dr. Lee has been affiliated with LECOM Health since 2012, and he served as the Podiatry Residency Director for the Health System since 2015. He also has appointments as Head of Podiatry and Chief of Podiatric Surgery at Millcreek Community Hospital. Dr. Lee received his degree in podiatric medicine from Des Moines University College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery.

Podiatric physicians are the leading providers of medical and surgical management of foot and ankle disorders. Many conditions treated by podiatric physicians are related to underlying diseases such as diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, obesity, and disorders of bones and joints. The LECOM-SPM curriculum is designed to educate students in these, and many other, chronic disease states as well as conditions associated with the aging process.

As the population and longevity in the United States are increasing, the ability to maintain an active lifestyle is essential for one’s overall health and well-being. Podiatric physicians are key healthcare team members, essential to helping people to remain active and in good health.

The LECOM Podiatric School underscores yet another undertaking that has propelled LECOM to the forefront of osteopathic health care as the force of a new age.

Jason Lee, DPM, MSMEd, FACFAS

Surgery Club Holds International Trauma Life Support Class

From July 28 - 30, 2023, the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) Surgery Club held a formal International Trauma Life Support Class at the College. The Club, operating under the auspices of Brian Risavi, D.O., LECOM Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine, frequently conducts such meaningful programs and seminars to advance medical knowledge and procedural understanding.

Every minute counts in trauma care. With this concern in mind, Trauma Life Support provides immediate management of injured patients. Injury is precipitous and indiscriminate; and the medical professional who first attends to the injured patient has the greatest opportunity to impact the outcome in a favorable manner.

A host of second-year School of Medicine scholars participated in the intensive 16-hour class focusing upon trauma management. The International Trauma Life Support Course consists of lecture and hands-on skill stations to address the rapid and organized assessment of criticallyinjured patients. Students learned appropriate interventions and identification of immediate life threats.

LECOM Surgery Club pictured during the International Trauma Life Support Course.

Continued from page 20

International Trauma Life Support (ITLS) is a global not-for-profit organization dedicated to preventing death and disability from trauma through education and emergency trauma care. Founded in 1985 as Basic Trauma Life Support International, ITLS adopted a new name in 2005 to better reflect its global role and impact.

Today, ITLS has more than 90 chapters and training centers in more than 35 countries around the world. ITLS is the only prehospital trauma program endorsed by the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP).

ITLS is accepted internationally as the standard training course for pre-hospital trauma care. Not only are courses taught as a continuing education option, but they also are used as essential curricula in many paramedic, EMT, and first responder training programs.

Trauma Life Support measures provide the student with the knowledge and hands-on skills to take better care of trauma patients.

The key objectives of Trauma Life Support education include, assessment of the patient’s condition in a rapid and accurate fashion; resuscitation and stabilizing of the patient according the way in which he or she presents; determination if the patient’s needs exceed the present treatment method or capability; appropriate arrangements for the patient’s definitive care and to ensure that optimum care is provided.

Prodigious purpose in the arena of trauma care demands commitment and involvement; it demands an understanding and thorough working knowledge of techniques and medical procedures that save lives.

LECOM stalwartly supports the efforts of the Surgery Club and its focused mission to deepen and broaden knowledge in these life-saving measures.

Brian Risavi, D.O.

September 2023 p. 22

We are Family! Tenth Annual LECOM 5K6,000 Steps For Success Triumphs

The 10th Annual Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) 5K was held on Saturday, August 5, 2023 beginning at 9 AM at the LECOM Medical Fitness and Wellness Center in Erie, Pennsylvania.

The event proved to be resoundingly triumphant, as more than 370 people participated in what proved to be a truly familial outing.

From first-year LECOM scholars, to faculty and alumni, from department leadership to the information technology team, cafeteria personnel, and campus police, the cross section of LECOM participants in the 5K evinced the collegiality of the familial nature of the event and the closeness of LECOM ties.

Running and brisk walking can be effective exercises to help one stay healthy. This event was a source of great joy and inspiration of the day.

The LECOM Medical Fitness and Wellness Center is ever pleased to host the annual fitness event that enables registrants to walk or run either a 3.1-mile course or a one-mile course.

All proceeds from the 5K event benefit the LECOM Student Scholarship Fund, helping to defray the educational costs of future healthcare providers from LECOM.

Those interested were able to choose to participate in the Live Event on August 5, 2023; or to partake of the Virtual Event anytime from now until September 29, 2023.

Participants used timing devices and bibs, so they were able to compete for a place medal, or

LECOM Students prepare for the 5k.

simply to aim for a personal best.

All who undertake the 5K have the option of posting their times on the registration site to compare their individual time with that of others from around the country.

The enduring community presence and commitment of LECOM and its progeny underscore the success of events such as the LECOM 5K 6,000Steps For Success.

LECOM congratulates all who joined in the event as the College hails the athleticism of competition, the health benefits, and the genuine camaraderie, of all who join closer to building success for shared goals and for the future of the community and region - truly a family affair.

LECOM Students enjoy food and beverages after the 5k.

LECOM Students stand proudly after their successful run.

October 6-8, 2023

October 14, 2023

November 11, 2023

February 16-18, 2024

March 1-3, 2024

March 23, 2024

May 1-4, 2024

July