THE
L | E | C |O | M
Fall 2011
ONNECTION
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine SUMMER 2011
New Beginnings Our Graduates page 6
page 5
www.LECOM.edu
Message from the President “We did not change as we grew older; we just became more clearly ourselves.” — Lynn Hall, Where Have All the Tigers Gone? 1989
John M. Ferretti, D.O. The Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine is a national leader in the field of medical education, specializing in student-centered learning through a collaborative curriculum and independent research. Its perspicacious history and its bold and innovative goals for the future provide the catalyst for this “Message from the President”. It gives me great pleasure to make the foregoing statement; and I am perpetually honored, as the President of the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, to see this grand institution thrive as a beacon of learning which, for over two decades, has been a source of educational advancement in medicine. Together with its students, LECOM represents the harmony between tradition and progress; prepared for sweeping change brought about by modernity and globalization, yet understanding the foundational principles, guiding tenets, and Providential hand that have carried it to each new beginning. It is such “New Beginnings” upon which this “LECOM Connection” focuses in this issue; for it is that
message, that theme, and that optimism which I hope to convey to a new class of LECOM scholars and to the campus as a whole. As we celebrate this “New Beginnings Issue”, we reflect for a moment to thank those whose commitments of time, expertise, energy, and funds have created the distinguished legacy that is LECOM. Eminent educator, Dennis E. Agostini, Ph.D., D.O., F.A.C.E.P., the Associate Dean of Clinical Education, leaves LECOM this year to find “new beginnings” in his retirement. As the well wishes of the LECOM family accompany him and as he departs the College to greet a fresh phase in his life, it is also a time to ponder and to plan for the decades yet to come at LECOM. Promoting science, research, and technology; reaching deeper into the communities; and building national and interdisciplinary studies underpin an ambitious agenda for the College. Exilarating change is ahead, and LECOM and its healthcare scholars and graduates will be in the forefront of that change. I am convinced that in order to move forward, there must be a sustained effort to carry the lamp of learning into decades yet to come; illuminating the way for intellectual enlightenment, innovation, and medical training as an integral part of a sound educational foundation.
To that end, LECOM eagerly anticipates the completion of its new School of Dental Medicine. With the opening of the School of Dental Medicine only months away, LECOM once again demonstrates its matchless and inimitable exceptionalism. LECOM’s commitment to constant betterment and to its visionary understanding of the way in which to address the needs of the communities in which it has set its cornerstone has been the bedrock of a solid and unremitting success across its sphere of influence. As you see, LECOM welcomes a great many new beginnings; and as they come into view in the 2011-2012 school years, I encourage you to find the power of “new beginnings” within yourselves. This is the moment… this “new beginning” that will become a time to send all of your doubts and demons on their way. Every endeavor that you have made in the past as students is about to become engaged in ways that you have yet to imagine. Your success awaits your determinative efforts to hone and to shape those labors into a future of medical triumphs. Yes, this is the moment; this is the time - when the momentum of your accomplishments and the hour of opportunity fuse in unison to afford each of you a precious chance to gather up your past
and to forge it into a meaningful purpose in a calling that well may prove to be the calling of our time. The year 2012 will bring with it momentous changes for all Americans. Our national horizons are redefining themselves. Our citizens are becoming aware and astute. Healthcare issues are looming before medical graduates with challenges unforeseen. Yet – for each of you, this “new beginning” is the moment, when all that you have accomplished – all of the dreaming, the planning, and the visions - become one. This is the year to make them sparkle and shine, so that all for which you have lived becomes your own finest achievement. This is the moment – perhaps not the final test – but the start of new and meaningful ones; in which the destiny that beckoned to you and that called to you, as it has to many a scholar, will define you as a person, as a medical student, and as an American. In the philosophic years, when you reflect upon these experiences, you will always recall that moment for moment - this was the beginning - and it was the greatest moment of them all. May you flourish in new and ever more purposeful ways as you serve your campus, your communities, your calling, and your Creator.
Mission Statement The mission of the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine is to prepare students to become osteopathic physicians, pharmacy practitioners and dentists through programs of excellence in education, research, clinical care and community service to enhance the quality of life through improved health for all humanity.
THE
L| E | C |O| M
CONNECTION
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine 1858 West Grandview Blvd. Erie, PA 16509 814-866-6641 www.lecom.edu
New Beginnings
John M. Ferretti, D.O. President
Michael J. Visnosky, Esq. Chairman of the Board of Trustees
Silvia M. Ferretti, D.O.
Provost, Senior Vice President and Dean of Academic Affairs
Hershey Bell, M.D., M.S. (Med.Ed.)
Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of School of Pharmacy
LECOM graduates embark on a new medical career journey. Page 6
Robert George, D.O.
Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, Bradenton
Sunil S. Jambhekar, Ph.D. Associate Dean for Bradenton Operations
Pierre Bellicini
Director of Communications
LECOM welcomes new students; new pathway. Page 14
Michael Polin
Assistant Director of Communications and Marketing, Bradenton
Rebecca DeSimone, J.D. Chief Writer
Eric Nicastro
Contributing Writer & Photographer
Carmen Miller Photographer
The LECOM Connection invites you to contribute to our publication. If you have news of alumni achievements, research or student activities, please contact the Communications Department, at (814) 866-6641, or e-mail communications@lecom.edu.
Beekeeper’s spirit inspires LECOM students at Seton Hill. Page 20
ON THE COVER
Student Designs LECOM Logo Second-year medical student Tom Doran saw the new beginnings for the College with the start of the School of Dental Medicine. He visualized a rising sun of possibilities for the future of LECOM and the start of health careers for new students. Doran incorporated symbols for medicine, pharmacy and dentistry in his design. Doran told writer Rebecca DeSimone how he made a new start by transitioning art to medicine. See page 5 for his story.
Contents Associate Dean serves second tour of duty in Iraq. Page 18
Auctions in Erie and Bradenton set records for Scholarship Fund. Page 22
Millcreek Community Hospital residents earn national honors. Page 33 Commencement Awards...................................................8 Dr. Katherine Tromp serves disaster relief program........19 LECOM thanks scholarship donors................................26 Dr. Thomas Quinn pens history of women D.O.’s...........28 Erie BayHawks and LECOM start new season..............29 Bridging the Gaps sets community service record.........30 Faculty, students, alumni at AOA OMED 2011................32 LECOM offers CME in Caribbean...................................34 The Community is Our Campus.....................................34
Research Day Page 31 4 | LECOM CONNECTION | Fall 2011
Art and Life – Not Imitations to Modern ‘Renaissance Man’ “…and over our heads will float the bluebird singing of beautiful and impossible things, of things that are lovely and that never happen, of things that are not and that should be.” ~ Oscar Wilde The tale that follows here is an interesting one that merges two worlds; not in the sense of a present day “Twilight”-style vampiremeets-human absurdity – but in a real and tangible intersection of two seemingly disparate paths that somehow fuse and meld to create a broader and more deeply developed result. The essence of art envisions the “possible” - phantasmagorias hoped to be realized, images of whirling color and form, of shape and texture - and the notion that the artist has the power, the skill – if you will, to create meaning and to bring those visions to life. Medicine too seeks envisioned possibilities – those of health – and a notion of a whole body unity, not unlike art – that derives from many and varied components with an end goal resulting in the betterment of life. So how does this “art-medicine merger” relate to Thomas Doran and how is it then that this son of a rural GP doctor came to seek the integration of those two worlds – that of the artist and that of the physician? Thomas Doran is a young man who hails from Western Pennsylvania; the son of a rural general practitioner who worked multiple clinics to fashion a solid living for his family and to allow himself the freedom to operate his private practice unburdened by an over-abundance of patients. The goal of Doran’s father (John G. Doran, D.O.) was to foster a meaningful doctor-patient experience and to retain an exceptional one-on-one exchange with each person who entered his office. That personalized and seemingly “smalltown approach” resonated with the young Thomas, whose love and respect for his father is evidenced both through his life’s work and career choices. Thomas Doran entered LECOM from a non-traditional path. As a teaching artist, he was a master in the fine arts. Doran’s work in the visual arts coupled with his immersion into the soul of such creativity brought forth a body of work that encouraged the full experience of art. Art affects the “being” – the whole person – moving the viewer to a state or a sense of the piece, and in some cases, to a larger, more encompassing experience. Such was the initial path of this Renaissance Man. The Renaissance era merged Greek classical humanism with Christian philosophy. Doran’s “merger” is a bit more unique. Yet, his roots – the interest in his father’s practice, the experiences that he had relished with patients and with the storied past of his visits to Peak‘n Peak medical conferences, reached out to him, pulling him toward a new beginning. Thomas ventured into many medical “assistant” positions that afforded to him valuable opportunities to experience real life health care situations. On one such occasion, Doran recalls that he was
“the staff member who assured a young boy that the medical team had done all that they could to save the boy’s cousin who had been ejected from a car seat”; another time, he calls to mind meaningful moments during which he would “just talk” with a chemotherapy patient who was experiencing the anxieties attendant to battling cancer. The power and meaning wrought in the connection between physician and patient echoed within Doran. The possibilities to help and to heal using that very approach underscores the type of physician that Doran seeks to become. Like his father, a man who found meaning in each life – like a brush stroke on canvas, Doran’s mission finds meaning in the whole of each patient. He has demonstrated that his art and his medicine have defined him in a fuller way. His direction toward osteopathic medicine solidified after the birth of his first child, Mason Koller Doran – born ten weeks premature. The critical stages of Mason’s care found Doran as a neonatal ICU advocate for his infant son and that experience illuminated Doran’s purpose. It is no surprise that Doran has combined his multi-faceted talents to design the new logo for LECOM. Always seeking an avenue into which he may contribute his skills, this unassuming artisan appeared in the office of the Provost some months ago to present a rendering of a proposed new logo that would include the new LECOM School of Dental Medicine. Doran’s offer to create a logo design reflective of the anticipated addition to the medical college resonated with Dr. Silvia Ferretti who notes that Doran’s “new shield and the rising sun theme form an apt metaphor for the positive and far-reaching influence of LECOM and of the excellence offered through a LECOM education”. Some many years ago, LECOM’s founders set out to create a symbol worthy of their educational institution with a dynamic imagery that culled its theme from medicine and mission. Doran’s thought to merge art in contribution of his mission has echoed that objective; with the expanding vision of LECOM to now include the opening of the School of Dental Medicine in 2012, the seal represents a widening purpose and an expanding initiative in education. Doran has depicted beautifully crafted representations of the staff of Aesculapius, the pharmacy bowl of Hygeia, and the Delta and Omicron of dental medicine to encompass the multiple disciplines offered by school. As a leader at LECOM, Doran possesses a wealth of aptitude in the creative arts as well as within his scholastic medical endeavors. The many and rich capacities that combine within the individual result in a broader ability to “see” in a deeper way. LECOM embraces this amalgam of talent as a way in which to inspire others and to cultivate a renaissance of well-versed and accomplished scholars. Doran is proof that a deeper fulfillment arises from within and it is such passion and spirit that underpinned his design of the new school crest. He has enthused joy and knowledge into creative expression as the new logo is “unveiled” in this “New Beginnings” edition of the “LECOM Connection”.
Fall 2011 | LECOM CONNECTION | 5
LECOM graduates embark on a new One cannot alter the direction of the wind, yet one can adjust one’s sails to reach a destination. So said Winston Churchill and so will a new class of LECOM graduates as they embark upon their next journey in their medical and pharmacy careers. This new beginning for more than 600 alumni now carries them into areas of health care as they become licensed to practice medicine and pharmacy. LECOM Erie held its 15th commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 29 at the Louis J. Tullio Arena in Erie, Pennsylvania. President, John M. Ferretti, D.O., conferred degrees upon 242 medical students, 124 pharmacy students, 18 Master of Science in Medical Education students, and four students in the Master of Science in Biomedical Science program. LECOM is proud to send its largest class of graduates to date into the calling of their lives as the Class of 2011 physicians will move into post-graduate medical training. Nearly two out of three new LECOM doctors of osteopathic medicine will pursue primary care medicine after completing internships and residencies while others will begin residencies within their medical specialties. These graduates competed for residency placement with thousands of fourth-year medical students from across the nation. Fifty-seven percent of the Class of 2011 medical graduates received post-graduate residency positions at their first choice of hospital and 76 percent garnered one of their top three choices. This noteworthy triumph in achievement is a tribute to LECOM’s commitment to excellence in education coupled with the inexorable dedication, perseverance, and enthusiasm of a truly motivated class of students. This new beginning now unites the passion found deep within the hearts and minds of a class collectively entering their health care careers with the very purpose of their training. The possibilities that each graduate will find in the “tomorrows” of their purpose-filled work will validate all of the sacrifices found in the “yesterdays” of their diligent training and rigorous study.
6 | LECOM CONNECTION | Fall 2011
The next phase of their medical education takes the graduates to some of the foremost teaching hospitals in the nation. Shortly after commencement they began post-graduate training where they will be mentored by practicing physicians. There, they will spend three years or more learning new skills before beginning their own medical practices. Most of the new pharmacists will enter positions in community and retail pharmacies, hospitals and clinics, or in long-term care facilities. Other pharmacy graduates will focus upon specialized residency programs where they too will continue their learning experiences and practice the latest in pharmacological patient care. Provost, Silvia M. Ferretti, D.O., presented diplomas to the candidates as they received the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine and Master of Science degrees. In a simultaneously solemn and joyful moment, she led the new osteopathic physicians in the recitation of the professional oath as she called upon the graduates to be ever mindful of the great responsibility that they undertake to preserve the health and life of their patients. A sense of proud accomplishment coupled with solemn import was palpable across the auditorium.
medical career journey New graduate, Jessica Engle, D.O., spent one year in LECOM’s Post-Baccalaureate program before devoting four years to medical school training. “I am so excited and so proud,” she declared. “I am going to be the first doctor in my family and it is a momentous day for all of them,” she said pronouncing it to be “one of the happiest days of my life!” Dr. Engle is among many LECOM graduates who will be the first physicians in their families. Each year, Dr. Silvia Ferretti asks the graduating class if they are to be the first generation of physicians in their family and each year she is met with a sea of out-stretched hands raised in proud acknowledgement. Christine Haverkos, Pharm.D., a new graduate, reflected upon LECOM Erie’s accelerated three-year pharmacy program. “It has been three years of hard work,” she announced. “I couldn’t have made it without the friends that I met here and without my family support; I’m very proud; I’m proud that my friends made it, and proud of myself.” LECOM Bradenton held its fourth commencement ceremony on Sunday, June 5 at the Manatee County Convention and Civic Center in Palmetto, Florida. The Bradenton campus also graduated its first class of new pharmacists. The college awarded professional degrees to 145 medical students and to 77 pharmacy students. LECOM President, John M. Ferretti , D.O. made a special presentation of the President’s Distinguished Citizen Award to Wayne Krueger, Ph.D., who retired this year as Assistant Dean of Preclinical Education. Dr. Krueger had taught anatomy for more than 40 years at medical colleges in North Carolina, Iowa, Pennsylvania, and Florida. This year’s commencement ceremony held exceptional meaning for the inaugural graduating class from the School of Pharmacy. “This class has a special bond and our classmates became like family for many of us during pharmacy school,” said Alvana Nicaj, Pharm.D. Erika Olson, Pharm. D., did not have to travel far from her family in Bradenton to attend pharmacy school and to meet new colleagues. She is a graduate of Lakewood Ranch High School located only one block away from LECOM. “This was a great opportunity for me,” she affirmed, “since I watched the college grow near my home and I realized that this would be a great place to learn the skills I need to begin my new career.” Hershey S. Bell, M.D., M.S., LECOM Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of the School of Pharmacy, led the Oath of the Pharmacist, which calls upon the new Doctors of Pharmacy to apply
the knowledge that they have gained for the welfare of humanity, the relief of suffering, and to assure optimal outcomes for their patients. “On behalf of our superb faculty and staff, it is a great honor to graduate our first class of Doctors of Pharmacy in Bradenton,” said Dr. Bell. “These future leaders will impact their communities by providing high quality patient-centered care and by furthering the LECOM mission of providing care in the spirit of the osteopathic philosophy that serves as the foundation for all of LECOM’s activities.” LECOM stands proudly with the 2011 graduating class as they carry forth the purpose of their calling into the next generation of medicine. This new beginning for the Class of 2011 will be sustained by an optimism that leads to achievement, a faith that looks through challenges, and a strength that finds opportunity in every difficulty. LECOM physicians and pharmacists need not fear the challenges of the wind as they set their sails for a bright future in medicine.
Fall 2011 | LECOM CONNECTION | 7
Class of 2011 Comm LECOM Erie College of
LECOM Excellence in Surgery Award Jeffery D. Stahl, D.O.
8 | LECOM CONNECTION | Fall 2011
Dedication to Primary Care — Internal Medicine Torrey R. Schmidt, D.O.
mencement Awards Osteopathic Medicine
College of Medicine Student Leadership Award Catherine E. Boyle, D.O., & Robert B. Allison II, D.O.
Fall 2011 | LECOM CONNECTION | 9
Class of 2011 Comm
LECOM Erie Scho
Academic Achievement Award Kesha R. Bivens, Pharm.D.
Academic Achievement Award Lauren E. Hajdu, Pharm.D.
LECOM Academic Excellence Award Nathan J. Dahl, Pharm.D.
Academic Achievement Award Vanessa J. Lewis, Pharm.D
Award for Excellence in Pharmaceutical Sciences Shelby L. Gangloff, Pharm.D.
Academic Achievement Award Anna L. Lindahl, Pharm.D.
Award for Excellence in Pharmacy Practice Jesse J. Shilot, Pharm.D.
10 | LECOM CONNECTION | Fall 2011
Student Leadership Award Maria F. Chinikailo, Pharm.D.
Student Leadership Award Ashley M. Hartley, Pharm.D.
Natural Medicine Comprehensive Database Award Scott S. Nellis, Pharm.D.
mencement Awards
ool of Pharmacy
Lilly Achievement Award Haeri Park, Pharm.D.
Mylan Excellence in Pharmacy Award Christopher P. Bingham, Pharm.D.
American Institute of History Certificate of Recognition — Fallon E. Walker, Pharm.D.
Teva Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Study of Pharmacy — Zaina Assaf, Pharm.D.
Fall 2011 | LECOM CONNECTION | 11
Class of 2011 Comm
LECOM Bradenton College of Osteopathic Medicine
College of Medicine Academic Achievement Award Shaun Baker, D.O.
ACOFP Outstanding Senior Award Rose Appel, D.O.
Military Service Leadership Award Mary Arbuthnot Thorpe, D.O.
LECOM Excellence in Surgery Award David Miller, D.O.
LECOM Excellence in Emergency Medicine Michael Parrott, D.O.
College of Medicine Student Leadership Award Katie Messana, D.O.
Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine Award Josef Fields, D.O.
Dedication to Primary Care — Internal Medicine Eric Yoder, D.O.
College of Medicine Ambassadors Award — David Stuck, D.O., Anthony Silverio, D.O., Jonathan Epperson, D.O., Elysia Mallon, D.O.
Dedication to Primary Care — Pediatrics Brian Peppers, D.O.
Dedication to Primary Care — Family Medicine Rebecca Workman, D.O.
College of Medicine Award for Exceptional Community Service — Fatima Imtiaz, D.O.
Moritsugu Memorial Award Jennifer Menendez-Kotch, D.O.
12 | LECOM CONNECTION | Fall 2011
mencement Awards
LECOM Bradenton School of Pharmacy
Facts and Comparisons Excellence in Communications Janine Manning, Pharm.D.
Award for Excellence in Pharmaceutical Sciences Sara Elmunaier, Pharm.D.
LECOM Academic Excellence Award Khoi Nguyen, Pharm.D.
Award for Excellence in Pharmacy Practice Christine Murray, Pharm.D.
Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Graduation Award — Angel Yu, Pharm.D.
Lilly Achievement Award Huong-Thao Le, Pharm.D.
Teva Award Sabrina Shivji Kassam, Pharm.D.
Ambassadors Award — Yusef Kabbani, Pharm.D., Nathaly Grullon, Pharm.D., Matthew Antonopoulos, Pharm.D
Fall 2011 | LECOM CONNECTION | 13
LECOM welcomes new students; launches Accelerated Physician Assistant Pathway As the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine welcomed three new classes of medical students to its campuses in Erie, Pennsylvania; Bradenton, Florida; and Greensburg, Pennsylvania this July, new and innovative programs were already in place to expand the horizons for LECOM students. One of those programs, the Accelerated Physician Assistant Pathway (APAP), makes it possible for certified physician assistants to attend medical school and to complete their D.O. (doctor of osteopathic medicine) degree in three years instead of the expected four-year program – saving students one year of time, tuition, fees, and living expenses. As the Erie campus welcomed its 19th class of medical school students, Bradenton its eighth class, and Seton Hill its third LECOM leads the way nationally by offering its APAP curriculum to certified physician assistants who expressed a desire to practice independently. The cost of medical school and the time away from clinical practice posed concerns for some students who feared that their dream of pursuing the calling of medicine may be unattainable due to those factors. LECOM’s firm commitment to providing affordable and innovative medical education remains ever in the forefront as certified physician assistants now appreciate the opportunity to become physicians in three years. The APAP is available on the Erie and Seton Hill campuses and it “is the only accelerated medical school curriculum specifically designed to help PAs meet their self-identified need for increased medical knowledge and autonomy in their practice,” explained Mark Kauffman, D.O., M.S.,
14 | LECOM CONNECTION | Fall 2011
Director of the Accelerated Physician Assistant Pathway. “Their prior clinical experience and real world understanding of the practice of medicine allows for maturity and provides the opportunity to be leaders in their studies and among their peers,” Dr. Kauffman added. Six APAP students are attending classes in Erie and one is studying on the Seton Hill campus. Taylen Peaden, a certified physician assistant from Gainesville, Florida, is enrolled in APAP program in Erie. “You work as a team in medicine, but I reached a point where I was ready to step to the head of the table and lead the team,” Peaden explained. Peaden welcomes LECOM’s progressive teaching style and the variety of learning pathways attracted him to LECOM. “The APAP program is appealing to a person in my position who has already committed to over six college years studying science and medicine and then practicing for six years,” he affirmed. “Receiving credit for this experience, by shaving off some of the cost and time associated with becoming an osteopathic physician, is a wonderful opportunity.”
Along with the expanding innovations in program offerings in Erie and Greensburg, the Bradenton campus is enjoying equally exciting progress. “We are finding that LECOM’s innovative curriculum, high quality of educational programs, and affordable tuition attracts more applicants each year,” noted Robert J. George, D.O., LECOM Bradenton Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. “LECOM’s reputation as a top quality medical school continues to grow and medical school candidates are taking note of the student-centered pathways coupled with the low tuition.” To be sure, this year alone, LECOM Erie welcomed 250 medical students into its Class of 2015 with another 104 students matriculating at LECOM at Seton Hill. LECOM Bradenton registered 182 students in its Class of 2015 making it the largest class to enroll at the Bradenton campus since the school opened in 2004. Last year, the American Osteopathic Association Council on Osteopathic College Accrediation (AOACOCA) approved a class-size increase at the Bradenton campus from 150 students to 182 and the portent is clear for LECOM’s presence in Florida to grow at accelerated rates. Starting in 2012, Bradenton will continue to see higher enrollment numbers as the School of Dental Medicine opens with a class size of 100 students. With 57 percent of the incoming LECOM Bradenton class from the Sunshine State, Morgan Pyne of Bradenton, Florida has observed the growth of LECOM firsthand. She attended Lakewood Ranch High School, located only one block away from the College. Pyne was also among the first high
school students to attend yet another of LECOM’s inventive and original offerings – The Human Body Explored (HBE) program. The six-month session gives students a taste of a medical school curriculum. “My experience in the HBE program solidified what I wanted to do,” confirmed Pyne. “It’s great to be able to attend medical school just ten minutes from my home.” Brian Utz of Bradenton, Elizabeth Sedell, and David Wakeland of Sarasota, Florida also entered LECOM as “locals”. “With Florida being hit the hardest with the physician shortage it is our hope that by recruiting more students from Florida, we will be able to train them and to have them stay in-state for their postgraduate training,” Dr. George clarified. As the medical schools blossom and flourish both above and below the Mason Dixon line, so too does the LECOM School of Pharmacy. New pharmacy students arrived in Erie and Bradenton in mid-August. LECOM’s main campus in Erie welcomed its 10th class comprised of 147 students, while the Bradenton campus greeted 143 new pharmacy students - the largest number of students in the program’s five-year history. “These students, who are among the best and brightest in the country, begin studies that will enable them to practice pharmacy at the highest levels,” said Hershey S. Bell, MD, MS, Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of the LECOM School of the Pharmacy. Through its constantly innovative programs, regional opportunities, and unswerving visionary leadership, LECOM remains ever in the vanguard of excellence in health care education. With LECOM’s mission and purpose fixed and steadfast as it charges ahead of the curve, the anticipation of pioneering possibilities and scholastic achievement in health care is palpable across each of the campuses as the year of “New Beginnings” is fully underway.
Taylen Peaden finds a new career pathway at LECOM LECOM stalwart, former Senator Durell Peaden, Jr. must be very proud of his son. Taylen Peaden was welcomed as a medical student by LECOM Erie on July 25, 2011, entering the Lecture Discussion Pathway and becoming a member of the Class of 2015. As he joins the myriad scholars at the college, Taylen begins his foray into a field of a noble and focused calling. In this profile interview, a depth of humility was palpable in his discomfiture that he should garner recognition as he carries with him a history of family purpose and determination. Hailing from Gainesville, Florida where he makes his home, Taylen Peaden is the son of former Florida State Senator, Durell Peaden. The senior Peaden serves on the Board of Trustees at the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine and he has been integrally involved in aiding the advancement of osteopathic objectives through multi-faceted responsibilities, which include working with the academic leadership of LECOM Bradenton. Having previously served on the National Health Care Workforce Commission and as one of Florida’s preeminent leaders in addressing health policy and the needs of the health care workforce, it is no particular surprise that his son, Taylen has found his home as a student at LECOM. “My father has definitely influenced my desires to serve the community. Working within the field of medicine is the way in which I hope to continually make a difference to the people whom I encounter in this life and to create a ‘permanent positive’ in the ever-changing world around us” avers Taylen. While former Senator Peaden views himself an “ol’ country doctor” who, as a practicing physician, treated generations of the same families in rural areas of north Florida, he has been a tireless advocate for the health care community and he has spent the past two decades as a dynamic Florida physician-lawyer-legislator. It is no wonder that the apple, or - in this case the medical student - doesn’t fall far from the tree. “I can see myself following very closely in my father’s footsteps”, say Taylen. “It’s a time of new beginnings for our family; Dad’s taking up a new phase in his life with more time with family and I am venturing into a new area in which I hope to do great things as a physician. It is a very hopeful and exciting time.” LECOM is pleased to welcome the addition of Taylen Peaden to the College, applauding the continuing efforts of the Peaden family in the field of health care as reflective of their commitment to the betterment of an ever-changing health care system.
Fall 2011 | LECOM CONNECTION | 15
There’s no place like home for Morgan Pyne
First-year LECOM medical student, Morgan Pyne did not have to venture far from home to pursue her dream of becoming an osteopathic physician. The 21-year-old from Bradenton, Florida attended Lakewood Ranch High School located only one block from LECOM’s Florida campus. Her interest in medicine brimmed with intensity while as a high school junior she participated in LECOM’s Human Body Explored Before first-year Bradenton medical student Morgan Pyne (HBE) program. was accepted to LECOM, Pyne (center, second row) attended “Participating in LECOM’s HBE program truly solidified LECOM’s first Human Body Explored (HBE) program as a my career choice,” says junior in high school. Pyne. “As I reflect upon that particular experience, I can say unreservedly With an attitude suggesting a constant that it actually prepared me for that which readiness, Pyne knows that a life full of I am studying today. I plainly remember steady enthusiasm, evolving optimism, and how much (HBE coordinator) Dr. (Russell) dedication will not permit the importunate Sexton enjoyed teaching the class. He and his rigors exacted by study to be an obstacle to a staff demonstrated an unmistakable passion noble achievement. Even though her medical school education for their work and for every lesson that they has just begun, Pyne has her sights set upon presented to us,” recollects Pyne. HBE is a monthly comparative anatomy a dermatology specialization. She embraces and physiology course designed for high the osteopathic philosophy with confidence school students. The program encourages noting that the human being is made in a students to pursue careers in medicine and in way that recognizes the body’s ability to heal the biological sciences with an emphasis upon without medications. “Osteopathic medical the neurosciences. Now in its sixth year, over training provides a healthier approach to 200 high school students have participated in medicine that makes complete sense to me,” Pyne affirms. HBE. “The way one feels about oneself can affect “I recall crossing the threshold of this ones attitude and overall health. I have always college for the start of the HBE program and sought to help people; and I have continually thinking how exciting it would be to attend LECOM,” muses Pyne, who graduated observed the powerful impact that physicians from the University of South Florida with a have upon improving one’s quality of life. Biomedical Sciences degree. “Of course, the It is something that cannot be matched” fact that this campus is so close to home is a states Pyne with ebullience evocative of her enthusiasm and commitment to her calling. tremendous benefit.” Pyne is not the only one in her family who As the unofficial “tour guide” for the Class of 2015, Pyne is pleased to note that there is has found her purpose within the medical something to be said for home-cooked meals, field. Her twin sister, Kristen is interested in knowing your way around town, and not dentistry and she has begun the application having to pay rent. Certainly, those home- process to the LECOM School of Dental style comforts do not make the demands of Medicine that is scheduled to open in July of 2012. medical school any less difficult. LECOM is pleased to recognize Pyne and “I set the alarm for 6:30 every morning; to note the “local” aspect of a college with I head to school; and I study,” she said. “My broad and far reaching impact both to national sisters often come home from college on the weekends and while they are playing tennis and regional communities. Excellence in or going out, I am home studying. However, education and a decisive distinction of worldmy father reminds me that there are sacrifices class medical training indeed can be found unlike any other that are attendant to a in one’s own backyard - the experiences of medical school education - and I know that Morgan Pyne are just such an exemplar. it will be worth it in the end” realizes Pyne. 16 | LECOM CONNECTION | Fall 2011
Osteopathic me calling for electr “What appears to be the end may be instead - a new beginning.” Chinese proverb Few can epitomize the central theme of this “new beginnings” issue better than Bryan Sweeney, a former electrician who found his medical calling in a most unusual way. It can be said that one does not change as one grows older, one simply becomes a clearer vision of oneself and perhaps that is the case with Bryan. Bryan admits that until 2007, while suffering from the chronic pain of herniated discs and attendant injuries associated with his then work as an electrician, he had “never even heard of osteopathic medicine”. Bryan was graduated from high school and he had quickly entered the “trade” working for five years as an apprentice and seven years as an electrical foreman with the International Brotherhood of Electrical workers in the Chicago area. The demanding physical environment associated with exacting rigors of electrical work placed intense stress upon Bryan’s body. He sought the treatment of allopathic physicians who were quick to prescribe medication that failed to remedy the underlying causes of his injuries. Along the way, he was referred to an osteopathic physician who “treated the patient and not the malady,” and Bryan was enveloped with the now, somewhat clichéd “aha” moment. Decidedly, Bryan explains that he had felt a stirring toward medicine in 2007, after the birth of his second daughter, yet he suppressed the desire to take up the charge until he experienced the relief that the osteopathic physicians afforded him from his cumulative job-related injuries. His mission was clarified and his desire whetted – osteopathic medicine. “If a physician could restore my health after all of the painful suffering that I had experienced, I wanted to be a part of that mission” avers Bryan. His obvious empathetic understanding of those afflicted with chronic pain proves a motivating force. In August 2008, Bryan had his rotator cuff repaired and he took the opportunity to shadow both an allopathic and osteopathic physician. When he returned to work, he engaged in several conversations with co-workers who echoed similar complaints about the everyday aches and pains of construction work. As he continued to research schools, he found himself delving more deeply
edicine sparks Pharmacy school par for the course for golf champion rician into osteopathic medicine. Emerging from the work-weary construction industry, Bryan became committed to providing patients a great service by understanding and performing osteopathic manipulation. “The body is capable of healing itself, albeit with a little help sometimes; and I like the idea that the osteopathic philosophy stresses natural healing,” explains Bryan. LECOM was quick to recognize that Bryan Sweeney’s history coupled with his life experience, while not traditional in the sense of pre-med schooling, provided the necessary spark to ignite a passion that had long been inside of him. With an indefatigable spirit Bryan transformed his Waubonsee Community College degree into a Bachelor of Science degree from Aurora University. He attended college at night while his wife, Kate worked with him as a true partner in his “new beginning”. Graduating with honors, in 2010, Bryan entered the LECOM Class of 2014 and he is presently a second-year medical student. Bryan is the first to admit that while he had no opportunities to tutor or to conduct research, he is confident that having worked as a foreman on multi-million dollar electrical projects afforded him the critical thinking skills that will underpin a capable and thorough physician. “On paper, all electrical designs work. In reality, many things go wrong and it is up to the installer to identify and to correct the problems that arise,” explains Bryan. “In the same way, the practice of medicine is similar,” he continues. “Textbooks identify the perfect anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and so on; however, very few cases are going to be textbook perfect.” “It is up to the practitioner to use his or her critical thinking skills to diagnose the problem and to develop a course of treatment,” Bryan concludes. LECOM is equally confident that the skills and proficiencies gained through life experience coupled with his pre-med requisites will translate into training an effective leader of the medical team. LECOM supports the enthusiastic spirit, the dogged determination and the willingness to “take a risk” that brought Bryan to this “new beginning” in his life. And, while on the topic of “new beginnings”, Bryan is quick to note that two more “new beginnings” are paramount in his life. He and his wife, Kate have just welcomed twins into their family of four children. The Sweeney family intends to call Greensburg their new home. Teeming with “new beginnings” – a new profession, new additions to his family, and a new home in Western Pennsylvania, it is no surprise that LECOM has chosen to highlight and to recognize Bryan Sweeney with this tribute.
For Samantha Formeck, she wanted to work in healthcare like her mother. Now she’s studying with the best. For some students, the decision to enroll in the LECOM School of Pharmacy is an easy one. Raised in a rural Pennsylvania town under the watchful eye of her mother - a nurse, Samantha Formeck was one of those students. Yet, Formeck was also an avid golfer; winning numerous championships before taking her skills to Youngstown State University where she excelled in her pre-pharmacy studies while amassing numerous golf victories. So successful was Formeck that she tied for second place among all YSU women golfers with six triumphant firstplace awards. Formeck was named “Youngstown State University Scholar Athlete of the Year” in 2010 achieving one of the highest honors bestowed by the university. However, golf was not Formeck’s only passion. Since her junior year of high school, Formeck realized that she planned to become a pharmacist. “I heard my mother speak to the changing role of pharmacy practice and the way in which it was becoming more clinical,” recalls Formeck. “That aspect truly moved
me and it attracted my attention,” she concludes. “I knew that I would fit well into that kind of practice,” affirms Formeck. Throughout high school and into college, chemistry and science classes appealed to Formeck. After completing her pre-pharmacy courses at Youngstown State, her decision to attend LECOM was effortless. Being close with her family, Formeck knew she wished to remain near her hometown of Northern Cambria, Pennsylvania. The three-year pharmacy program coupled with the professional environment of LECOM drew Formeck to a contented decision. Formeck was well aware that pharmacy school would be challenging, however she admits that she did not realize just how difficult the rigors of a pharmacy program would be until her classes were actually underway. Fortuitously for Formeck, the skills gained through her experiences with golf taught her some very effective lessons. “Golf truly prepared me to better manage my time since I was required to travel so frequently for tournaments,” explains Formeck. “My participation in the sport of golf taught me to effectively balance my time to fit in everything that was required of me.” Formeck also accepted a leadership role during her final year at Youngstown State by becoming a captain on the golf team. She believes that the strong leadership skills merged with the effective time management proficiencies that she gained as ‘captain’ will serve her well in becoming a successful pharmacist. With such a strenuous class schedule, Formeck makes it clear that golf will “take a back seat to her studies”. For the next three years, golf will become her part-time hobby rather than a full-time sport. If opportunities arise in the future to play in tournaments during breaks, she may take them, she admits; but for now, she is committed to full-time scholarship – and for her – that is a hole-in-one.
Fall 2011 | LECOM CONNECTION | 17
Associate Dean of Clinical Education deployed to Iraq for second tour Army lieutenant colonel provides medical care as U.S. military involvement winds down
The ability to employ adeptly the intellect one possesses, to combine a
sound knowledge of the past with a constructive vision for the future and to seek a way in which to serve others form the comprehensive underpinnings and the most vital elements that any education may produce. Such a concept is an unassailable tenet and a formative principle at LECOM and such practice is exuberantly and energetically demonstrated by one of LECOM’s most revered instructors. LECOM Associate Dean of Clinical Education, Regan Shabloski, D.O., is an exemplar of this standard and he has spent his career in countless demonstrative efforts to bring together both knowledge and service. It was the simple notion of neighbor helping neighbor that inspired Dr. Shabloski to join the U.S. Army National Guard more than a decade ago. “I had just finished my residency when I decided that I wanted to give something back to my community,” recalls Dr. Shabloski. “This concept of helping my neighbor was something that I followed.” Dr. Shabloski, now an Army lieutenant colonel, was proclaimed a local hero as he recently deployed for his second tour of duty in Iraq. Prior
to receiving his official orders, he observed his peers being summoned for assignment. “I was aware that my time was approaching; it was just a matter of when the request would come,” recalls the doctor. Dr. Shabloski’s intuition was validated as his 15th anniversary year in the military approached. He was informed that his call for duty would last at least four months but came home early as the Iraq war wound down. At the time of deployment, Dr. Shabloski knew only that he was being sent to the Iraq war zone. He did not expect his official orders to provide specificity as to his assignment until he arrived at the government base in Iraq. Upon arrival, Dr. Shabloski’s practice spent time “in getting to know those within his unit and in learning about their backgrounds,” as he assessed the assignments that awaited them. Each physician possesses a diverse background and when the team of doctors is assembled on the front, the unit functions as would a well-oiled machine. The multidisciplinary skills coupled with the multi-faceted training gathers together an extraordinary band of doctors. “We are well-trained, we have a system to follow, and every-
18 | LECOM CONNECTION | Fall 2011
one has a specific task,” explains Dr. Shabloski. The substantial volume of patients seen in the midst of a conflict area mandates the need for all of the medical professionals to work in unison. The situation and the circumstances require teamwork blended with an efficient use of available resources as these physicians work in a war zone environment. In the wake of leaving his family and LECOM, he was comforted with the knowledge that Dr. Christine Kell; Dr. Carmine D’Amico; Provost, Dr. Silvia Ferretti; and Dr. Cheryl Moore (Dr. Shabloski’s wife) would address his day-to day operations and tend to the various needs on the home front in his absence. Dr. Shabloski remained in close contact with those at home. “The last time that I was in Iraq, it was 2006,” he stated “and Internet was dial-up in my neighborhood; no
chats, no video – so we relied upon e-mails and phone calls.” With current technology, Dr. Shabloski stayed in touch with family and friends with more frequency during this tour of duty. While many may find dispatch to the far reaches of a battle weary area across the globe to be a negative experience, Dr. Shabloski sees the great hope and purpose in his mission. “I am doing that which I am trained to do” explains Dr. Shabloski, “caring for the sick and the injured, relieving suffering, and helping to save lives”. Dr. Shabloski has shown that attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference and one through which difficulties mastered are opportunities won. LECOM is proud to recognize the inexorable effort, the devoted commitment, and the passionate service offered by Dr. Shabloski.
Dr. Regan Shabloski helps a U.S. soldier recover by applying osteopathic medical treatment. Dr. Shabloski spent six weeks in an army hospital in Iraq just before the U.S. troop withdrawal began.
Katherine Tromp, Pharm.D. Modern Healthcare article joins Medical Reserves Corps overlooks osteopathic medicine – the vigilant never rest LECOM has been received 8,487 apWith the tenth anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attack against our nation fresh in our collective memory, Americans remain vigilant against many threats - be they man-made or natural. No other segment of our country is more prepared for the devastation potentially wrought by a natural catastrophe than is Southwest Florida, home of LECOM Bradenton.
Since that tragic day in 2001, individuals such as Katherine Tromp, Pharm.D, assistant professor at the LECOM School of Pharmacy, have served in the vanguard to combat directly the prospective of such disasters. As an active member of the Manatee County Medical Reserves Corps (MRC), Tromp is an integral part of a team of preidentified, trained, and credentialed volunteers who augment the local community health and medical services during disasters or other public health calamities. These volunteers include physicians, nurses, dentists, veterinarians, pharmacists, and other health and medical professionals. “The reason that I entered the field of healthcare is to help others,” states Tromp. “When I learned that the MRC was starting here in Manatee County, I had to join; I love being a part of serving
the community and it is especially important to me,.” Tromp’s dedication moved her to complete all of the required training necessary to become the very first member of the local MRC. From there, she was elected to serve as the MRC Advisory Board President. “My goal is to draw together people from different facets of healthcare,” she explains. “It is important that we identify those areas of potential need should a disaster strike.” Tromp has received support from her colleagues at LECOM as Thomas Quinn, DO, Robert Fernandez, DO, Ryan Wargo, Pharm.D., and pharmacy student, Toloupe Akinbo are active MRC members. “There is no better way to help others than by becoming a disaster responder,” avers Dr. Fernandez. That sentiment is echoed by Dr. Quinn who adds: “As a physician it is my responsibility to be active within the community in which I live”. Each of the members concur that the group is comprised of magnificent individuals who are willing and well-prepared to assist others in times of need. It is this inter-disciplinary approach that unites the College of Osteopathic Medicine, the School of Pharmacy, and in due course, the future School of Dental Medicine; and it is the principle of sound and dedicated community service that underscores the charge of LECOM. “For us - it is about working together to help our community” Tromp proclaims. “Our LECOM students have demonstrated a great commitment to service,” she continues, “and once they are shown the areas in which help is needed, our students are instantly ready to volunteer and to participate fully.” The Medical Reserve Corps is a national organization. Those wishing to learn more about this purposeful group are invited to visit: www.medicalreservecorps.gov.
recognized as the largest medical college in the country by U.S. News and World Report Best Medical Colleges edition for several years. Yet, many times articles appear listing other schools as the largest. Most recently, Modern Healthcare magazine published a chart of the largest medical schools and nowhere in the list could anyone find a college of osteopathic medicine. Communications and Marketing Director Pierre Bellicini contacted the magazine editor and learned that the writer looked only to the Association of American Medical Colleges, the association for M.D. schools. The editor invited Bellicini to write a response to the article, which the magazine published in the September 12 edition as “Don’t forget the osteopaths (sic).” Your magazine does its readers a disservice when it ignores the fastest growing sector of the medical profession, osteopathic medicine. In the August 22 issue of Modern Healthcare, you display a chart listing the largest medical schools ranked by total active enrollment for the 2010 school year. The list only shows the allopathic, M.D., schools and ignores the 26 colleges of osteopathic medicine (D.O.), with 34 locations in 25 states. For 2010-2011, these 26 colleges enrolled 20 percent of all medical students, more than 19,000 future physicians. The Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine had the largest enrollment of any medical school in the country, 1,836, surpassing the 1,409 at the University of Illinois in your chart on page 32. The College enrolled 542 first-year medical students for 2010-2011. We
plications for medical school in 20102011 to fill spots. In 2011, we graduated 387 doctors of osteopathic medicine. With the addition of a third LECOM campus, enrollment has grown by 30% since the class of 2011 enrolled. Colleges of osteopathic medicine are graduating more and more students each year. More than 4,000 new osteopathic physicians enter the workforce each year. The nation’s approximately 63,000 fully licensed osteopathic physicians practice the entire scope of modern medicine, bringing a patient-centered, holistic, hands-on approach to diagnosing and treating illness and injury. Osteopathic physicians can choose any specialty, prescribe drugs, perform surgeries, and practice medicine anywhere in the United States. They bring the additional benefits of osteopathic manipulative techniques to diagnose and treat patients; and they work in partnership with patients to help them achieve a high level of wellness by focusing on health education, injury prevention, and disease prevention. The Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, LECOM School of Dental Medicine and LECOM School of Pharmacy offer innovative and affordable education in osteopathic medicine, dentistry and pharmacy. From campuses in Erie, Pennsylvania, Greensburg, Pennsylvania and Bradenton, Florida, LECOM provides student-centered pathways to prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals.
US News & World Report Rankings
Not only does U.S. News and World Report Best Medical College addition recognize LECOM as the largest medical school in the country, the publication also rates the college high in primary care graduates, applications received, and lowest private medical school tuition. LECOM is number three in the country for the most graduates who go into primary care and the college’s overall ranking for primary care stands at No. 63. We have the second lowest tuition for private medical schools. Just recently, US News and World Report issued its latest short list ranking LECOM in the top ten most popular medical schools. The college received the eighth highest number of applications of all 140 medical colleges that reported their numbers.
Fall 2011 | LECOM CONNECTION | 19
‘The Beekeeper’s Spirit,’ Dr. Daniel
LECOM at Seton Hill Class of 2015 marks new begi During the 2015 White Coat Ceremony at Seton Hill earlier this year, one of the many successful graduates of LECOM, Danielle J. Stanko Godinez, D.O., offered a spirited and inspirational keynote speech to those in attendance. As LECOM highlights its “new beginnings” message to community and to campus alike, it is fitting that Dr. Godinez’ story finds its way to these pages. Dr. Danielle Godinez exemplifies the personal and the professional qualities that LECOM so highly esteems, both in its students and in its graduates. Companioned with impeccable moral standards proved by her devotion to her family and demonstrated by her commitment to the practice of medicine, to educating others, and to dedication to her community, Dr. Godinez described her decision to pursue a career in medicine as an “evolutionary process”. A native Pennsylvanian, Dr. Godinez received a Bachelors of Science degree in Biology from Allegheny College after which, she was accepted to LECOM for the Class of 2000. She completed her internship and residency training in family medicine at Western Pennsylvania Hospital, and she is currently affiliated with West Penn/Allegheny Health System while concurrently, maintaining a family practice office in Saxonburg, Pennsylvania. It was during her years at LECOM that Danielle met, and later married, her husband and medical colleague, Lucas J. Godinez, D.O., [LECOM ‘00]. Together they have three children: Joseph, Isabel and Alexander. Early in her undergraduate program, she embraced the philosophy of osteopathic medicine and she likens many of the necessary skills and personal disciplines to some interesting sources of inspiration – bees…to be clear – honey bees. Dr. Godinez takes great pride in her LECOM roots. She attended the college in its early years – at a time during which the school was comprised of a single campus situated on the near shores of Lake Erie. The new beginnings for her and for the college alike were developed in those memorable years; and like all experiences, from those beginnings, a remarkable amount of growth, training, and education blossomed within a short period of time. So, how does all of this relate to bees? More specifically, how does any of it relate to bees – or to beekeeping? In her keynote, Dr. Godinez explained that she became interested in beekeeping after learning about the declining population of the important flower and vegetable pollinators – bees. She learned that honeybees are
First year medical students Sarah Giguere, Elizabeth Gordon, Stephan Goupil receive their first white coats.
20 | LECOM CONNECTION | Fall 2011
responsible for at least one third of the food supply. Since she and her husband own many acres of land, she believed that she could make a positive impact upon the community with an undertaking of “beekeeping”. Thus began her foray into a beekeeping class, and two-plus years later, her experiences with the bees has led to some enlightening and inspirational observances. During the seasons in which she worked in this field, she gained an understanding of the crucial importance of communication, cooperation, and a disciplined work ethic. Dr. Godinez explained that honeybees constitute a complex civilization among insects. A single colony of honeybees can range anywhere from 20,000 to 60,000 bees, all working in concert. “There is one queen honeybee, and she is the heart of the beehive. By producing and transmitting pheromones, she is the glue that keeps the colony from falling apart. In turn, the worker bees let the queen know conditions in and outside of the hive. The worker bees cannot live without the queen bee, and the queen cannot live without the worker bees. Simply put, communication is essential within the hive,” explains Dr. Godinez. All of this very intricate communication among the bees sustains one purpose – survival through the winter. Bees must work together to store enough honey and pollen to withstand several months of a Pennsylvania winter season. Dr. Godinez affirms that the bees are instructive in demonstrating the importance of communication. Likewise, she carries that understanding
Priya Kholwadwala, Ashley Klingensmith
Catherine Caponero, Lauren Kraics, Furkhan Ahmed
lle Godinez inspires new students
inning with early October White Coat Ceremony Marc Serve, Amy Hausner and Brian Wlosinski proudly show off their new white coats and stethoscopes. With half of their first semester behind them, 100 LECOM at Seton Hill students were anxious to begin their first clinical experiences. About 700 family members enjoyed the excitement as these students experienced this proud moment when they truly become student doctors. The ceremony is an important rite of passage for medical students. As they approach the completion of their first semester of medical school, the students are moving from pre-clinical education to more clinical, hands-on training. excuse could be tolerated, for the success of the hive was at stake – an invaluable lesson from the small creatures of Providence. With a season of “new beginnings” bright upon the LECOM horizon, Dr. Godinez reminds us through her tale of the bees and with her inimitable beekeeper’s spirit, that proficient communication, effective cooperation, and an impassioned and disciplined work ethic result in unparalleled triumph…and a fair amount of toothsome honey.
of communication into her practice as a family physician. She emphasizes that making a connection with patients and with their families is elemental, and so too is communication between disciplines, providers, radiologists, surgeons, and all within the medical community, which she terms “our own medical hive”. Dr. Godinez was eager to explain that honeybees are social creatures – a honeybee cannot survive in a solitary environment. She noted that it requires 500 bees, flying a total of approximately 55,000 miles with almost two-million “flowers stops” to create one pound of honey. While some of the worker bees forage for food, others tend to the young, some clean the hive for the next bee to develop and grow, and still others remove dead bees. During such time, the queen bee can be busy herself, laying up to 2,500 eggs in a single day. It is in this vein that Dr. Godinez encourages the same cooperation within the medical profession as a cooperative spirit is indispensable to advance any purposeful objective. She notes that there is not one single honeybee that takes the credit for the success of the entire colony. In a marked parallel, physicians share a common purpose and they do not practice within a solitary environment. The final aspect of this analogous subject that impressed Dr. Godinez centered upon that of a dedicated, disciplined, and determined work ethic. Discipline is as important for physicians, pharmacists, and health care providers as it is for honeybees. Dr. Godinez noted that within the span of just three weeks last year (and within only six months from the time that she had installed the two hives) the resident bees had made 65 pounds of excess honey. Dr. Godinez further underscored the fact that those 65 pounds represented a surplus that the bees had collected after they already had stored enough for themselves for the approaching winter. The lesson from the bees is both humbling and inspiring. No indolence overtook them and no
Dr. Frank Tursi, 100th president of the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association presents a stethoscope to Seth Banever at the White Coat Ceremony. POMA provided the white coats and stethoscopes.
Fall 2011 | LECOM CONNECTION | 21
18th Annual Erie Auction Gala eclipse
LECOM President and CEO, John Ferretti, D.O. echoed the sentiment of Aristotle’s message as he spoke to the gathering in attendance at the LECOM Erie Student Scholarship Fund Dinner and Auction Gala on November 5, 2011. “The purpose of this event is to raise dollars that will lift the weight of economic burden from the shoulders of our hardworking scholars,” said Dr. Ferretti. In addition, Employees and guests of PNC Bank, the major sponsor who donated this fabulous occasion af$25,000 to the LECOM Scholarship Auction. fords LECOM the opportunity to showcase itself to the community and to attendance who bid upon continue to be tabulated, the auction proceeds are expected to reach a $900,000 total for the bring to the larger regions more than 600 items. Former Pittsburgh Steelers star an important awareness of Each year, the LECOM 2011 gala. “This was the largest participation in the the purpose and potential Dwayne Woodruff, a guest of Karl auction attracts communiof this magnificent institu- Falk, D.O., signed autographs ty leaders, LECOM alum- history of the auction, which I feel demonfor delighted fans and got the ni, and businesses who strates the profound degree of influence that tion,” he concluded. The expenditure for crowd ready for the live auction by view LECOM as a major LECOM has upon the community,” commented Dr. Ferretti. “This overwhelming rea medical school educa- relating tales of the Superbowl XIV community asset. tion for a future health championship won by the Steelers. One special guest for sponse aids us greatly in our student scholarcare professional can surLECOM Auction 2011 ships.” The 2011 auction provided the pinnacle pass $150,000. The pressure upon students to included former Pittsburgh Steeler cornermeet this financial burden while simultaneously back, Dwayne Woodruff. Known as one of the event culminating all of the scholarship fundmanaging the rigors of a demanding and exact- toughest defensive players in the NFL, Wood- raising efforts that LECOM holds throughout ing medical program is onerous. This auction ruff is now “Judge Woodruff”, a member of the year among its three campus locations in supplies crucial support and assistance to the the Juvenile Court Judges Commission in Al- Erie, Pennsylvania; Bradenton, Florida; and in scholarship recipients; and the delight that they legheny County. The Judge graciously signed Seton Hill in Greensburg, Pennsylvania. There is great worth in service; and with found in being involved in the program was un- autographs for delighted fans and warmed the mistakable. gathering for the live auction by relating tales of a genuine keenness and preparedness to serve As Erie community leaders, donors, and the Superbowl XIV championship secured by others one can make equally great victories patrons of all ages enjoyed an extraordinary in- the triumphant Steelers. Judge Woodruff was within any group or community. LECOM dulgence at the eighteenth annual gala event, the guest of Karl Falk, D.O., a LECOM fac- has demonstrated that the very eagerness to few could ignore the offerings of the silent and ulty member and of Erie County Court Judge serve others, as evidenced by the altruistic bidding of the enthusiastic attendees at its live auction that ranged from household goods, Stephanie Domitrovich. artwork, and sports memorabilia to vacations, All proceeds from the auction benefited 2011 auction, will endow so many young sporting event tickets and even a private Lake the LECOM Scholarship Fund and all items men and women with a power and skill necErie sunset cruise. The night was a resounding available for bidding were donated by individ- essary for the required service in the calling success; the affair this year boasted 900 guests in uals and businesses. While final contributions of medicine. 22 | LECOM CONNECTION | Fall 2011
LECOM Student Scholarship Fund
es record
Todd Fogelsong Class of 2013
Judge Dwayne Woodruff presents Dr. John Ferretti a signed photograph of the judge when he played with the Steelers.
Mike Knipfing Class of 2014
Student Carrie Nolan displays a necklace as auctioneer Tim Rocco works the crowd for the highest bid.
Cathy Luc Class of 2014
As a recipient of the LECOM Academic Excellence Scholarship, I thank you both for your dedication to students in making available scholarship opportunities such as this. It is an honor to be awarded for academic success, and I am continually motivated to pursue excellence through my LECOM education. Most sincere thanks. I am writing this Thank You note to express my utmost appreciation for receiving the LECOM Academic Excellence Scholarship. This unbelievably generous scholarship literally surpassed my hopes by ten-fold — My fiancée and I are truly grateful. I promise to continue the hard work in my quest to one day become an osteopathic physician that LECOM will be proud of. I would like to thank you dearly for continuing to support LECOM’s Annual Scholarship program. The money I have been awarded will help my finances greatly. I really appreciate all that you have done to help students like myself succeed. Your generosity has encouraged me to do good deeds around my community. Thank you once more for everything.
Fall 2011 | LECOM CONNECTION | 23
2011 LECOM Auction Gala — Brade
Triumphs in its seventh year on Suncoast benefactors, area leaders, and supporters turned out for the yearly gathering of lively generosity on the evening of October 15, 2011 as the LECOM Bradenton Student Scholarship Fund Dinner and Auction Gala hosted its seventh annual event. This year’s extraordinary and indulgent affair welcomed a plethora of LECOM allies seeking to provide their deepest support through their spirited bids as they vied for a vast assortment of donated prizes. Chaired by LECOM Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, Dr. Robert George and by Assistant Director of Communication and Marketing, Michael Polin - whose indefatigable efforts, team coordination, and superlative attention to detail was unmistakable the evening welcomed LECOM notables including President John M. Ferretti, D.O., and Provost Silvia M. Ferretti, D.O., who hosted the fundraising festivity at the Sarasota Hyatt Grand Ballroom. Scholarship recipient and LECOM Bradenton Class of 2010 Medical Student, Andrea Apple, provided the evening’s invocation offering a depth of sincere gratitude to God and echoed to those assembled as she expressed profound appreciation for the scholarship fund. Her prayer-filled words were earnest as she reminded the donors that the scholarship was more than financial support, it was also their Pharmacy students Sydnie Eberhardt (P2) and Jessica Baldwin gift of vision and belief in the community of osteopathy and their desire (P2) served as hosts at the Gala. to advance that vision. Al Ruechel, Bay News 9 Newscaster, launched the festivities with a supportive boost to the LECOM objectives and to the far reaching value of the College. senior administration. Several interesting bidding episodes peppered An opulent cocktail reception was followed by a silent and a live the night with one such moment occurring in an affable bidding auction at the black tie gala as Gershwin, Porter, and a selection of battle for a patented “marine life” original artwork painted that very beautiful standards expertly performed by classical pianist and donor, evening on-site by St. Petersburg artist, Bill Correira. Mr. Correira Eleonora Lvov stylishly wafted above the gentle din of the surveying survived a cancerous brain tumor and a 49-day coma after which guests. Auctioneers, Jeff Burchard and Elizabeth Flower of Auctions he dedicated himself to his artwork. His presence and his painting Unlimited, encouraged the willing live-auction donation brought the ballroom to humming bidders as the spirit of philanthropy gripped the anticipation as the bid climbed by the hundreds. dedicated attendees and ultimately resulted in The item - a canvas-sized carroty-orange carp, several friendly bidding skirmishes. was the desirable prize successfully captured by The benefit and fundraiser for LECOM’s LECOM’s President at the conclusion of a paddle future doctors and pharmacists is a keenly battle with Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, anticipated event that provides monies raised to Dr. Robert George. Likewise, LECOM’s Provost assist the financial needs of matriculating medical bid upon, and successfully won, a Therapeutic students. The encompassing theme and character Pool Bicycle that presents a humorous twist – she of the evening was that of immense “pride” in the does not have a pool. students. As the largest medical school in the country Noticeably spilling forth from each sponsor with partner campuses in Erie and Greensburg, and contributor, supporter and bidder, whether Pennsylvania, LECOM’s facility, located in winning or not, was the passionate sense that Lakewood Ranch, Florida extends to generations the evening was comprised of merriment with of medical practitioners a dedicated commitment a mission. The annual event has raised millions to exceptionalism and to educational distinction. and with each passing year, it proves to be even The auction event is evocative of that charge as more enlivening. The room boasted many administrator and attendee alike join in the fund distinguished individuals, political leaders, raising bidding. and organization sponsors whose outstanding The night was a resounding success. Thirty contributions to the medical community and one sponsored tables accommodated 310 guests to the community as a whole make this yearly as they dined and tendered their bids. Some of occasion a success. the more interesting items on the auction block The bountiful generosity and devoted included Home Plate Club Tickets to the Tampa readiness to advance the scholarship fund indeed Andrea Apple (’10) gives the invocation Bay Rays, Golf at the Ritz, a Longboat Key Club proved the mission of the moment, and nowhere at the LECOM Student Scholarship Fund package; a week-long stay at the Vail Run Resort was it more evident than at the heart of the Dinner and Auction Gala in Sarasota, FL. Lodge in Vail, Colorado; stunning jewelry - among 24 | LECOM CONNECTION | Fall 2011
enton Campus
LECOM Student Scholarship Fund
the suncoast which included a fabulous .24 carat Movado pendant and customdesigned topaz-and-diamond white gold earrings; autographed sports memorabilia; dinner, massage, and hotel packages; a spate of get-away trips; and a variety of appealing baskets to entice the all and sundry tastes of every attendee. Eclipsing the gleam of the gemstones, the delight of the sumptuous dinner graciously provided by the Hyatt, and the imaginings of enthralling vacation destinations was the palpable purpose of the affair‌that of the future of medicine and the quality of the doctors and pharmacists being fostered by those present in the audience. The continuing commitment to excellence advanced and advocated by LECOM remains steadfast. Perhaps even if, at the close of the gala, those in attendance headed home with a less weighty pocket-book or with a slimmer billfold, it is without question that they left in their wake more than dollars as they championed a cause that will surely transform lives for generations to come.
Stephanie Wallman Class of 2014
Aaron L. Leininger Class of 2015 Dr. Robert George presents the proceeds from the auction in Florida to Dr. John Ferretti.
Merawi S. Abebe Class of 2012
Auction guests watched as artist Bill Correira created a masterpiece that the guests bid on.
It is truly an honor to have my hard work recognized, and I appreciate the generosity that allows awards like this one to be granted. I hope to show my gratitude to the donors by applying the knowledge I receive at LECOM to not only improving the lives of my future patients, but those of the community, as well.
This scholarship means a great deal to me and I assure you that I will honor this award with continued diligence to my studies, my profession and my college. I plan to work in the area of indigent care; I cannot express enough the impact that this scholarship has on my ability to work in such a field. I am very proud to say that I am a LECOM student.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support of the LECOM Academic Excellence Scholarship. As one of this year’s recipients, I am grateful for the opportunity this award will provide me. I rely on student loans to help finance my education. Receiving this scholarship will help reduce my financial burdens and provide assistance for me as I continue pursuing my education.
Fall 2011 | LECOM CONNECTION | 25
2011 LECOM Student Scholarship Fund Sponsors We gratefully acknowledge contributions made to the LECOM Scholarship Fund by our sponsors.
MAJOR SPONSOR ($25,000) PNC Bank EMERALD SPONSORS ($20,000) Mary L. Eckert John M. Ferretti, D.O. Silvia M. Ferretti, D.O. First National Bank Esther J. Fucci Hakel Fabrizio Financial Group — UBS Vantage RUBY SPONSORS ($12,000) Hubbard Bert Karle Weber, Inc. PLATINUM SPONSORS ($10,000) Durell & Nancy Peaden Vincent S. Fierro Jr., D.O. Millcreek Community Hospital Seton Hill University Walgreens VelocityNet
26 | LECOM CONNECTION | Fall 2011
GOLD SPONSORS ($7,500) Hershey Bell, M.D., & Marianne Bell Church & Murdock Electric, Inc. Highmark Power Wellness SILVER SPONSORS ($5,000) Antique Gallery Ashton & Palotas Flooring Gallery Bianchi Honda, Lou & Debra Porreco Building Systems, Inc. Coffee Culture Eatery & Cafe Cogdell Spencer Erdman CVS Caremark Hagan Business Machines Howard Hanna Real Estate Services LECOM John M. and Silvia Ferretti Medical Fitness and Wellness Center LECOM Pharmacy Faculty & Staff Lilly Broadcasting —WICU, WSEE & CW LORD Corporation LM Wander and Sons Landscaping Louis D. Leone, D.O., Inc. Marquette Savings Bank Richard P. Olinger, C.P.A. Rabe Environmental Systems, Inc. William Swagler III, D.O., & Marianell Swagler WJET-TV & FOX 66 BRONZE SPONSORS ($2,500) Arent Fox LLP George H. Althof, Inc. Bialosky + Partners Architects Darlene Carr Carlo DiMarco, D.O. & Maria DiMarco Steve Demetriou Erie Elite Basketball
John Kalata, D.O. Mark Kauffman, D.O., & Michele Roth Kauffman, J.D. Knox McLaughlin Gornall & Sennett Dolores Kutzer, Pharm.D. LECOM SGA Paul Martin MCH Psychiatrists Joseph McCormick Construction Medical Associates of Erie Morgan Stanley Networking Technologies Northshore Clinical Associates Northshore Neuroscience Northwest Savings Bank Penn State Erie - The Behrend College Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association William Phelps, M.D. Saint Vincent Health System Joyce Savocchio Scott Enterprises Schultz Furniture Superstore Spartansburg Regional Health Center Stairways Behavioral Health Silvia & John Stewart Mark Terrell, Ed.D. Tiny Tim’s Fishing Charters Turner Dairy Farms Village Surgicenter
Ronald A. Esper, D.O. Karl Falk, D.O. Anthony Ferretti, D.O., & Paola Ferretti First Energy Shawn & Julie Liebel Mercyhurst College Richard Ortoski, D.O. Printing Concepts, Inc. Dennis & Sandy Styn Scott Enterprises Frank Tursi, D.O. UPS Foundation Judy Zboyovski PATRONS ($1,500) A. Anthony & Sons & Gresh General Contractors Arent Fox Ranko Barac, D.O., & Melissa Barac Sarah Breon, D.O. Carrara Steel Garrett Clark, D.O., & Marie Clark Thomas Czarnecki, D.O. Erie Federal Credit Union Edinboro University of Pennsylvania Engel O’Neil Advertising ENT Specialists of NWPA Erie Bank Eric Milie, D.O. & Christina Milie Irving Freeman, Ph.D., J.D., & Julie Freeman Robert George, D.O., & Goldie George Giant Eagle Paul & Debbie Hakel Danielle Hansen, D.O., & Corey Hansen Insurance Management Company Patrick Leary, D.O., Greg Coppola, D.O. James Lin, D.O., & Emma Lin
Fall 2011 | LECOM CONNECTION | 27
Bradenton faculty member writes the ‘History of Osteopathic Women’
Welcoming new LECOM deans
In 1892, Andrew Taylor Still did the unimaginable when he accepted women and men equally in his newly opened American School Osteopathy. In The Feminine Touch, History of Women in Osteopathic Medicine, Thomas A. Quinn, DO, chronicles the valiant women who rose above adversity to become osteopathic doctors in those early years. “This story covers the early struggle to get into medicine alongside men,” Dr. Quinn recounts. “The only other option was to attend a women only medical school to get an MD degree.” By the early years of the 20th century, more than 100 women were enrolled in the co-educational osteopathic medical schools. Dr. Quinn, who teaches osteopathic history and heritage at LECOM Bradenton, was doing research at the Museum of Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville, Mo. “While visiting the museum, I noticed that the walls were lined with multiple pictures of the early osteopathic classes going back to the 19th century,” he explains. “I was surprised at the large female representation in these early classes. From there, I researched the female connection to early osteopathic medicine and was surprised to find that the American School of Osteopathy was the very first medical school in America to accept women on a completely equal basis with men. This was a part of the osteopathic history that had been virtually ignored. It was a story that needed to be told.” He continues the story until the present time. Among the leaders in contemporary osteopathic medicine that he writes about is LECOM Provost Silvia M. Ferretti, D.O. When LECOM opened in 1993, Dr. Ferretti became the first woman dean of an osteopathic medical college. “With significant changes in healthcare facing 21st-century physicians, women stand in the Thomas Quinn, D.O. vanguard of a new era in osteopathic medicine,” says Dr. Ferretti. Dr. Quinn is donating all royalties from sales through the publisher to osteopathic student scholarships. To order a copy of The Feminine Touch, please visit the Truman State University Press web site: http://tsup.truman.edu/item.asp?itemId=444.
There is no ending that fails to carry with it, a new beginning. So it is with two of LECOM’s distinguished luminaries in medical education. This year, both Dennis E. Agostini Ph.D., D.O., F.A.C.E.P., the Associate Dean of Clinical Education at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Erie, Pennsylvania and Dr. Wayne A. Krueger, Assistant Dean of Preclinical Education at LECOM Bradenton campus take their respective departures to enjoy new phases in their lives. As the optimist sees possibilities in every change, so too does LECOM - as a new beginning in excellence in education beams brightly upon the horizon with the welcoming of two new Deans. LECOM is proud to recognize Mark E. Coty, Ph.D. who will replace Dr. Krueger as Assistant Dean of Preclinical Education at LECOM Bradenton and Dr. Regan Shabloski, who has stepped into the position previously held by Dr. Agostini. Dr. Mark Coty takes the helm after formerly serving the college in dual capacities as Director of Student Assessment and Test Management and as Assistant Professor of Anatomy. A Florida native, Dr. Coty received both his Doctor of Philosophy in Medical Sciences and his Masters in Biomedical Engineering at the University of South Florida. He brings to the college almost two decades of practiced training and instruction. Assisting Dr. Coty in the rigors and responsibilities of his new position is Ross E. Longley, Ph.D. whose experience as Associate Professor of Microbiology and Immunology and as Coordinator of Research Programs at LECOM compliments the effective leadership demands of the position. Dr. Longley received his B.S. in Microbiology in 1975 from the University of Oklahoma where he also received his M.S. in Micro-Immunology and his Ph.D. in Cancer Biology. LECOM is confident that both physician educators will thrive and excel in their new roles. So too with Dr. Regan Shabloski who moves into the vanguard to replace one of LECOM’s visionary “founders” – Dr. Dennis E. Agostini. Dr. Shabloski’s vast wealth of knowledge, coupled with his expert management skills, makes him the ideal leader to serve in his new capacity as Associate Dean of Clinical Education. Having served as LECOM’s Director of Clinical Education, Regan Shabloski, D.O. carries with him the administrative proficiencies and the understanding of comprehensive department operations attendant to the proper functioning of his new charge. It is with justifiable pride and well-placed confidence that Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine welcomes a new beginning in leadership buoyed by its mission-driven direction for the next generation in excellence in medical education.
28 | LECOM CONNECTION | Fall 2011
BayHawks and LECOM continue partnership into new season Wearing the LECOM name on their jerseys, the Erie BayHawks have brought recognition to the college as they played before thousands of basketball fans over the past three seasons. The 2011 season brings fresh opportunities to a team that’s made it to the playoffs in two of those seasons. This year, the BayHawks have joined forces with the New York Knicks, one of the legendary teams of the NBA. It’s a new era for the Development League franchise. The Knicks and the Erie team have entered into a single affiliation partnership. The Knicks will be the BayHawks’ sole NBA affiliate and will have control over the team’s basketball operations. Members of the LECOM Sports Medicine group meet with BayHawks team officials as they That means fans will be seeing welcomed Allan Houston to Erie. a lot of former NBA star Allan Houston who became the general prior to games. They demonstrated manger of basketball operations for how Osteopathic Manipulation the BayHawks while still serving as techniques prior to games can benefit assistant general manager for the player performance. New York team. He helped draft “The medical care we receive the BayHawks new players, worked from LECOM continues to exceed out with the team in preparation for our expectations,” said Coach the new season, and will help coach Larranaga. “Each year, the doctors Jay Larranaga turn his players into present more methods for our guys champions. that not only prevent injury and “He wants to win, we want to illness, but actually enhance players’ win,” Houston explained. “We want performance, which only leads to to develop our players on and off the a greater chance of success for our court. Our players are looking for team.” exposure and the opportunity to get “This has been an exciting better by getting the chance to play partnership,” said Dr. Anthony with the Knicks.” Dr. Silvia Ferretti takes center court to help present the Ferretti on behalf of LECOM The team introduced Houston to game ball at the start of the BayHawks home opener. NBA Erie fans during a news conference Development League President Dan Reed, New York Knicks President John M. Ferretti, DO. at the LECOM Medical Fitness and VP Allan Houston, Erie Mayor Joe Sinnott, and team owner “As we watched the team make the playoffs, LECOM has been Wellness Center. He was impressed Owen McCormick applaud as the announcer recognizes developing a young team of future with the center where the BayHawks sports medicine stars.” Physicians, workout and practice. “LECOM LECOM as the team’s major sponsor. residents and students from the has provided a wonderful place for college have the chance to learn team training,” he told reporters. “I don’t want to go home yet, because how to put their skills to work building a playoff caliber team. It’s I want to enjoy some of the facilities.” Prior to the news conference, Houston met with LECOM Sports also given the sports medicine team the chance to build the highest Medicine physicians who serve as team doctors. Director Patrick quality educational and healthcare programs while providing care to Leary, DO says they discussed plans to introduce safe and healthy athletes at all levels of sports: amateur, youth, high school, college and supplements that enhance nutritional drinks customized to each players professional. LECOM is proud to be part of this great team and we wish the needs that they can consume after practices and games. With Anthony BayHawks much success this season. We hope to see them in the Ferretti, DO and Greg Coppola, DO, Dr. Leary explained the use championship game. of the CORE X® System to stretch and excite muscle firing patterns
Fall 2011 | LECOM CONNECTION | 29
Record number of students participate in summer Without community service, a vibrant quality of life is diminished and eventually, it is wholly undermined. Service is as essential to the person who serves as it is to the recipient of the service. It is the way in which one finds purpose and it underpins the spirit of societal growth and development. The mission of community service and of its attendant commitment to serve comprises the structural groundwork of the very foundation of the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. None of the foregoing comes as any surprise to those involved in LECOM’s “Bridging the Gaps” program. Troubled youth, homeless veterans, abused women, senior citizens, and other under-served groups throughout the Erie area receive help and encouragement from the program. Twenty-eight dedicated and caring medical students from the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine spent seven weeks in June and July working throughout 18 various community sites. “Twenty-eight students is the largest number that have participated since the inception of the program 16 years ago,” noted Raeann Carrier, Ph.D., who is now in her third year as the “Bridging the Gaps” Director at LECOM. In fact, some of the LECOM students had possessed first-hand experience with the organizations to which they now have provided assistance. “We have one student parent in the program and we have someone who suffers from juvenile diabetes,” Dr. Carrier explained. Those students in particular were able to relate directly to the groups in which they worked because they once had been “in their shoes” and they have had the “real life” experiences from which to cull a wealth of empathy. Indeed, Jason Black was such an individual; he became a father at the age of 17 and he understands the struggles associated with teen parenthood. Presently, Black is a second-year LECOM medical student. He and his wife have a seven-year-old daughter and a two-year-old son. As a counselor with the Erie School District’s Student Parenting Program, Black worked with forty adolescent parents. “It was not until they found out that I had been a teen father that they would even
30 | LECOM CONNECTION | Fall 2011
The Bridging the Gaps summer community service program saw a record number of students who spent their only summer break helping local agencies.
begin to talk with me,” Black explained. “It was always interesting to see their demeanor toward me change when they learned that I once walked and that I continue to walk in their shoes,” muses Black. Black, along with LECOM student Kelly Lyons, compiled an informational booklet and they taught a seminar outlining proper nutrition for adolescent parents and their babies. With the BTG Program support, these determined and committed LECOM students actively aided community teens to make healthy nutrition and lifestyle choices. In addition, the services provided by these students further benefited the family of these parenting adolescents. Black continued to explain that he and Lyons convinced one of the grandmothers to stop smoking in the presence of her minor granddaughter. Black is a positive role model for the young men and women that he so endeavored to aid, noting that many seemed encouraged knowing his past and observing his present success as a LECOM medical student.. They found possibility and optimism in Black’s accomplishments and the experience became dually instructive. The internship was a rewarding experience for Black, offering him an opportunity to encourage others to better their circumstances and to take an active and constructive direction in their life choices. LECOM student Shawna Kubasky worked with the Children’s Miracle Network of Saint
Vincent Health Center. She reintroduced “Scrubby Bear” – a character that encourages hand washing to prevent infection – and she traveled to day care centers and to pre-schools throughout Erie. Kubasky’s goal was to teach children about the danger of germs and to demonstrate correct hand washing methods to youngsters. “I was delighted that my work had such an impact,” Kubasky said. “Both children and adults asked when I could make a return visit.” Kubasky explained that the program afforded her a true appreciation for the dedication and determination involved in becoming a physician. “Bridging the Gaps” has helped me to recognize that even the simplest tasks that I perform truly have an affect upon so many,” affirms Kubasky. LECOM students, Mark Bialas and Cameron Smith created and distributed a needs assessment questionnaire to homeless veterans. The students worked with the Homeless Care Team at the Erie Veterans Affairs Medical Center. The survey gathered information from each homeless veteran detailing medical, employment, and housing history; personal habits; and certain needs that were not previously addressed through Veterans Affairs. Bialas said that the veterans were effusive and willing to express their opinions. He was surprised to learn that many of the homeless veterans led nomadic lifestyles and
service projects that they were simply passing through the Erie area. Bialas found it especially difficult to address the homeless problem since such individuals are not permanently residing in a particular area. “Conversations with veterans participating in the Homeless Care Program and visiting them in temporary housing were, in many ways, the most educational aspects of my summer experience,” commented Bialas. “A simple site visit can often teach one aspects of a life that a conversation never could” he concluded. Bialas explained that the experience will make him a more complete osteopathic physician. “I was able to develop a better sense of the holistic approach to health care to which we all aspire to practice” he noted. LECOM students Elizabeth Kermis and Dawn Deike worked with Voices for Independence, a non-profit agency that serves the disability community. Kermis developed a “Buddy Fitness Program” for members of the group by employing the offerings of the new fitness center at the Voices for Independence building. Kermis watched as group members became energized and enthusiastic about exercising and she noted that many continue to use the fitness center once each week. “I hope that in the long term they not only use the fitness center, but that they participate in activities in the community where they can partake of regular exercise,” Kermis stated. Noting her work with the disability community as an “eye-opening experience”, Kermis explained that she learned that some physicians treat only the patient’s disability and tend not at all to the entirely of the person themselves. “As a LECOM trained physician, I hope always to listen to my patients and always to take into consideration their concerns, not only when treating those in the disability community, but when treating all patients,” she commented. Program director, Dr. Carrier additionally expounded that each of the students worked forty hours each week with thirtytwo hours spent at their community sites. The remaining eight hours were spent “shadowing” physicians in various specialties and in listening to presentations offered by speakers within the medical profession. “The students enter their second year with a different perspective upon the way in which they plan to interact in the practice of medicine once they graduate,” Dr. Carrier explained. “They spend the school year learning about medicine and about the science behind it - but the best physician is going to care for the patient as a whole. For many of the LECOM students who choose
to participate in BTG, the hands-on personal experience of truly affecting the life of someone in need of care constitutes a significant manifestation of “making a difference”. The classroom, though flush with the latest innovations in modern medical education cannot produce the soulful response of an elderly man receiving desperately needed care or of the grateful eyes of a disadvantaged adolescent mother as she learns the way in which to care for her child. The LECOM students, as future health care professionals, learn about the way in which to be tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the struggling, and tolerant of both weak and strong alike as they encounter daily challenges
throughout the under-served community. They learn that lifting the burden of someone else comprises the essence of what it means to be part of a larger society; and they begin to understand the undeniable truth in the link of humanity. LECOM understands that the moral test of this age turns upon the way in which institutions view their role in reaching out to those who are in the dawn of life - the children; those who are in the twilight of life - the elderly; and those who are in the shadow of life - the sick, the disadvantaged, and the handicapped. The Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine encourages and supports this program as it brings clarity to the practice of real life medicine – and as the students told Dr. Carrier, “the experience changed their lives”.
Research Day 2011
The Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine held its annual research day in October. The event culminates months of medical research conducted by students and medical residents and emphasizes the important research conducted at the college. Bertalan Dudas, M.D., Ph.D., director of research, said it is important for students and residents to conduct research and write about their findings. “If they are applying for competitive residencies, they need to do research,” Dr. Dudas said. “It helps them tremendously.” David Klair and Nailaih Ochai earned top honors for their research projects.
Fall 2011 | LECOM CONNECTION | 31
LECOM shines at OMED 2011 Conference The Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine was well represented in Orlando, Fla. for OMED 2011, the American Osteopathic Association’s annual convention. While there was time to visit Disney World, Epcot Center, Sea World and Universal Studios, members of the College’s administration, faculty, alumni, students and staff took full advantage of the many speeches, seminars and events offered at OMED. The culmination was LECOM’s annual alumni dinner, hosted by President John M. Ferretti, D.O. and Provost Silvia M. Ferretti, D.O. Alumni from the Erie, Pa. and Bradenton, Fla. campuses gathered together to renew acquaintances and hear about the new and exciting programs that are taking place at LECOM, including the current construction and July opening of the LECOM School of Dental Medicine. Inside the Orange County Convention Center, Patrick Leary, D.O., LECOM’s Director of Sports Medicine coordinated the American Osteopathic Academy of Sports Medicine’s program. Sports Medicine lecturers included: LECOM faculty member Carlo DiMarco, D.O., LECOM sports medicine fellow Melissa Knutson, D.O., LECOM sports medicine faculty member Gregory Coppola, D.O. and Steve Burke, RPT, director of physical therapy at Millcreek Community Hospital and LECOM Medical Fitness and Wellness Center in Erie. Andrew Kusienski D.O. (’01) drew a large crowd to his lecture on Traumatic Brain Injuries in the Young Athlete at the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians (ACOFP) lecture hall. Under the guidance of LECOM Research Director Bertalan Dudas, M.D., third-year medical students Jaclyn Olsen, Matthew Kiczek and Paul Modelewski with first year student Michael Stephen Peroski presented posters. LECOM alumnus Kristina Semeniken, D.O. presented a poster in the Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine/Osteopathic Principles and Practice category.
32 | LECOM CONNECTION | Fall 2011
TOP: Dr. Silvia Ferretti (second from left) welcomes LECOM alumni Drs. Michael Rowe Sarah Lumley, Richard Goodrich,Brian McCleary, Chastity McCleary, Kelli Deese, James Gahagan,and Christopher Scuderi to the alumni dinner in Orlando, Fla. Clockwise from bottom left: LECOM Wellness Center Physical Therapy Director Steve Burke lectures; student Paul Modelewski talks with judges about his presentation. Sports Medicine Director Dr. Patrick Leary and LECOM alumnus Dr. Andrew Kusienski presenting at conference and LECOM Regional Dean Dr. Carlo DiMarco lectured on treating eye injuries in sports.
LECOM, MCH take pride in distinguished AOF Outstanding Residents as Orlando hosts key events Millcreek Community Hosthe Master of Science in Medical pital (MCH) boasts two of only Education (M.S. Med. Ed.), he has four osteopathic physicians chosen developed a surgical training course throughout the entire nation by the for first- and second-year orthopedic American Osteopathic Foundation surgery residents. The next step in (AOF) as Outstanding Residents his career takes Dr. Tuck to the Uniof the Year. Both physicians are versity of Massachusetts School of enrolled in postgraduate medical Medicine Sports Medicine and Areducation programs at the teaching throscopy Fellowship. hospital that established LECOM. After earning his degree at the It is with a sense of immeasurOhio University College of Osteoable satisfaction that LECOM and pathic Medicine, Dr. Weippert, MCH recognize Joshua A. Tuck, likewise, has set the bar high for D.O., a fifth-year orthopedic surpostgraduate education. He’s recoggery Chief Resident, and John L. nized for extraordinary clinical skills. Weippert, D.O., a Gastroenterology Before coming to MCH, he introFellow, for their exceptional achieveduced the concept of evidence-based ments. medicine to faculty members at St. According to the AOF, “outJoseph Health Center in Warren, standing” describes residents who Mich., where he also served as Chief continually demonstrate their dediResident. Dr. Weippert helped cation to the osteopathic profesrestructure the residency training sion through leadership and patient program, which resulted in dramatiadvocacy. Their commitment sets cally improved results on the internal them apart from the majority. medicine in-service exam scores. After graduating from Notre He also enjoys research in mulDame University and the New Engtiple specialties and has served as a land College of Osteopathic Medi- Drs. Joshua Tuck and John Weippert receive the AOF Outstanding Clerkship Facilitator for the Cencine, Dr. Tuck has been on a path of Resident Awards during the American Osteopathic Foundation ters for Osteopathic Research and high achievement, not only as a phy- program at Epcot Center in Orlando. Education. Studying the benefits sician, but as a member of the U.S. of ultrasounds, Dr. Weippert was Navy. He served six months in the Middle East as a flight surgeon and instrumental in obtaining bedside machines and training residents to use became a member of the NASA Shuttle Medical Support Team. the equipment for placing central lines and performing bedside testing at As an accomplished researcher and writer, he has published articles St. Joseph Health Center. while in the Navy and as a resident. The Pennsylvania Osteopathic MediNow with the MCH Gastroenterology program, he is continuing his cal Association recognized Dr. Tuck with a second place essay writing research and training as he pursues the M.S. Med. Ed. degree at LECOM. award in 2010 and third place in 2011. As a candidate at LECOM for
The next LECOM CME conference is scheduled for August 12-17, 2012 in Las Vegas. Details will be available at lecom.edu/phys_cme.php.
Fall 2011 | LECOM CONNECTION | 33
LECOM hosts 2011 Primary Care The Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine was the enthusiastic host of the 2011 Primary Care Update Seminar that was convened on September 12th through the 15th at the Paradisus Palma Real Resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. The event featured a bevy of notable physicians, medical educators, and experts who offered their time, proficiency, and advanced knowledge to an audience of eager, interested, and convivial attendees. The Primary Care Update 2011 objectives focused upon health problems commonly encountered by primary care physicians within their office practices. The multifaceted purpose of the four-day seminar was to provide participating physicians with information about new medical advancements that increase the scope of treatment options available to primary care physicians; to enhance the existing knowledge of physicians of the seminar topics; and to facilitate an engaged and open dialogue among health care practitioners. Armed with the information and knowledge presented at the Primary Care Update 2011, participating physicians are able to improve patient care by incorporating their newly acquired medical information into diagnosis and treatment.
Millcreek Community Hospital residents Brian Jarvis, D.O., Daniel Cowley, D.O., and Nicole Cowley, D.O., join Dr. John Ferretti to discuss primary care topics at the conference.
LECOM actively sponsors the program for educational purposes with the expectation that the authors and presenters may assist,
The Community
Students participate More than 60 medical and pharmacy students volunteered during two evenings at the annual Achievement Center/Sarah Reed Children’s Center Trail of Treats in October. LECOM students passed out small toys, Mr. Yuk stickers and balloons to elementary schoolaged children and their parents. LECOM students also interacted with the children using the Poison Prevention kit, as they passed out information about poison prevention, disease prevention and vaccination information. Mascots from the Erie BayHawks, and the Erie SeaWolves entertained the children and passed out free passes to basketball and baseball games.
34 | LECOM CONNECTION | Fall 2011
Update Seminar Punta Cana style advance, and promote the objectives of fellow practitioners. Physicians in attendance enjoyed the lush and lively resort atmosphere while they attended LECOM meetings to discuss topic issues openly with lecturers not only during the scheduled day lectures, but also during the popular evening seaside chats. Each attendee was issued a convenient USB Drive containing a PDF file of all speaker presentations; however no remote technology surpasses the actual experience and benefit of the live program of seminar speakers. The unparalleled faculty who participated in the popular event this year included: the program moderator: Robert J. George, D.O., the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs for LECOM; Rizwan Aslam, D.O., M.S., a graduate of LECOM and a member of the Tulane University School of Medicine Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery; Orthopedic Surgeon and LECOM graduate, Ghassan Boghosian, D.O., who specializes in joint replacement with the S.T.A.R. Orthopaedics team and Eisenhower Hospital In Palm Springs, California; Carmine D’Amico, D.O., clinical associate professor of internal medicine and cardiology at LECOM; Patrick Leary, D.O., Sports Medicine specialist and Director of the Sports Medicine
Fellowship Program at LECOM; James Lin, D.O., clinical professor of Geriatric Medicine for LECOM who is also an alumnus and Director of LECOM’s Institute of Successful Aging; Steven Bell, D.O., a LECOM graduate and the President of Newport Internal Medicine in Newport, Michigan; and Jeffrey Myers, J.D., LECOM’s Associate Legal Counsel and a specialist in labor, employment, and corporate compliance law. He is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania Law School. LECOM was pleased to welcome 40 physicians and health care professionals in attendance at the symposium and to highlight its many alumni speakers. This is the second year in which LECOM sponsored a conference outside of the Erie region with the first such conference being held in Maui, Hawaii. The 2011 program offered 20 CME credits. Physicians require continuing medical education credits to renew their licenses. LECOM also hosts the Primary Care Conference in Clymer, New York at the Peek’n Peak Resort. It is with vast pride and enthusiastic sponsorship that LECOM continually stands in the vanguard of medical instruction through expert and innovative advocacy of knowledge as it seeks ever to broaden, deepen, advance, and encourage excellence, both in education and in practice.
is our Campus
te in annual Trail of Treats
Fall 2011 | LECOM CONNECTION | 35
The Community Pharmacist Month provides service opportunities Pharmacy and medical students collaborated with Palmiero Toyota and Scion in Meadville, Pa. They provided information on diabetes and hypertension; geriatric health; and poison prevention. Students screened visitors for blood pressure, body mass index and diabetes (glucose). Held as one of 35 activities during Pharmacist Month, the students talked about medication adherence and compliance in following their doctor’s orders. City of Bradenton Mayor Wayne Poston proclaimed October American Pharmacy Month. Pictured with the proclamation are from left: Katherine Tromp, Pharm.D, Fallon Enfinger, Pharm.D, Natasha Patel (P3), Jessica Baldwin (P2), Lucas Reinhartz (P3), Monica Yu (P2), Matthew Curran (P3), Henry Tsang (P2) and Ezinne Anumudu (P3).
LECOM helps raise funds for Erie public radio LECOM hosted WQLN Public Radio at Coffee Culture Cafe and Eatery, and along with other local colleges helped raise $95,321 for the station. Blake Hoppe, D.O., (‘03) talks with radio host Wally Faas abut new programs at LECOM.
36 | LECOM CONNECTION | Fall 2011
is our Campus LECOM healthy workplace picnic Kim Moscatello, Ph.D., left, and Raeann Carrier, Ph.D., (not pictured) organized a LECOM picnic for employees to start the new academic year on a healthy note. LECOM employees gathered at Picnicana Park in Summit Township. After enjoying a variety of healthy foods, the employees participated in a softball game, bocce and beanbag games. On the right is LECOM Medical Fitness and Wellness Center Director Travis Tyler and center is David Seastone, D.O. (‘09).
Greensburg Heart Walk LECOM at Seton Hill often join with the Seton Hill University students to raise funds and awareness for local charities. Led by the SHU Griffin mascot, the students marched for the American Heart Association. Benjamin Miner, OMS1 takes blood pressure for Kai Schlingmann, OMS2 following the walk. The medical students also participated in the annual Run for Hope 5K Run and Walk to help raise funds for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Laurel Region in Greensburg.
Fall 2011 | LECOM CONNECTION | 37
The Community Alzheimer’s Walk ABOVE: LECOM students and assistant professor Danielle DeBias, Pharm.D., volunteered to walk as representatives of LECOM at the annual Alzheimer’s Walk at Frontier Park in Erie, Pa. RIGHT: James Lin, D.O., director of the LECOM Institute for Successful Aging, was one of the speakers at the walk.
Tribute to veterans
LEFT: Associate Professor of Biochemistry and Neuroscience, Thomas Corso, Ph.D., played TAPS while students who are currently serving in the military paid tribute the memory and honor of U.S. veterans. 38 | LECOM CONNECTION | Fall 2011
is our Campus Happy 183rd Birthday, A.T. Still, D.O. At LECOM’s three campuses, faculty, students and staff celebrated the 183rd birthday of the founding father of osteopathic medicine, Andrew Taylor Still, D.O. Dr. Still was born on Aug. 6, 1828. ABOVE: LECOM at Seton Hill displayed a famous portrait of Still on the cake they had made for the occasion. LEFT: Robert Evans, D.O., and Jan Hendryx, D.O., relate to the story of Dr. Still when they teach Osteopathic Principles and Practice. BELOW: Theresa Rose (OMS2), Thomas Quinn, D.O., Yasmeen Hashimie (OMS2) and Kaylan Pustover (OMS2) celebrate at LECOM Bradenton.
Fall 2011 | LECOM CONNECTION | 39
The Community Seton Hill SAAO wins award The Student American Academy of Osteopathy (SAAO) at Seton Hill was named the most improved chapter for 2011, based on increased membership and club activities. This is the second award won by the club since its formation in 2009. Pictured are: (L-R) Karl Falk, D.O.; Mallory Wauthier, OMS3; Ruba Katrajian, OMS3; Mark Massak, OMS3; and Philip Miller, D.O.
Fashion Show supports LECOM Student Scholarships As part of the efforts to raise funds for the LECOM Scholarship Fund, Bradenton hosted the Future Physicians in Fashion Show at Saks Fifth Avenue in Sarasota, Fla. The fashion show made more than $1,500!
|O|M C | L|E nts
prese
sicians in y h P e r u ut
F
1
, 201
g. 12
y, Au
Frida
5:30
p.m.
Fashion
Saks
Fifth
ue
Aven
The Women’s Health Club in Erie raised $450 for the Fistula Foundation, which supports hospitals in Africa, Afghanistan and Bangladesh. The donation will pay for one woman’s reconstructive surgery, after care, new clothes and transportation to and from the hospital. Pictured are: (L-R) Kelly Lyons, OMS2; Elizabeth Verrico, OMS2; Elizabeth Kermis, OMS2; Jill Eysaman, OMS2; Allison Welch, OMS3; Jessica Varga, OMS3; Anastasia Stenyakina, OMS3; and Hannah Tripp, OMS3. 40 | LECOM CONNECTION | Fall 2011
Women’s club gives to foundation
is our Campus Teaching the importance of sun safety
Kappa Epsilon raises funds
Summer Moon (OMS3) volunteered with the American Cancer Society to teach Suncoast Residents about the dangers of skin cancer. During the health fair at Stetson University in St. Petersburg, she reminded participants on the importance of skin exams, proper use of sunscreen and the danger signs of skin cancer.
Mitchelle Rodriguez (P3), Cierra Harden (P3) and Shinelle Pierre (P3) worked the concession stand at a Tampa Bay Rays game to help raise money for Kappa Epsilon.
Serving the Suncoast community LEFT: Samantha Mousset (OMS2) participates in the Health and Wellness Fair at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. RIGHT: Kelly Rosborough (OMS2) and Kimberly Feltner (OMS2) at the Health and Wellness Fair.
Fall 2011 | LECOM CONNECTION | 41
Student Notes Class of 2012 Kelsey Laks, P3 & Arpit Mehta, P3, both have been appointed to be on the American Society of Health-Systems Pharmacist (ASHP) Student Advisory Groups. Laks is on the Policy and Legislative Advocacy Advisory Group; and Mehta is on the Community and eCommunications Advisory Group (CeCAG). Arpit Mehta, P3, received the Pennsylvania Society of Health-Systems Pharmacist (PSHP) student of the year award, which will be presented to him at the PSHP annual assembly (meeting) in Atlantic City, N.J. Mary Ray, Pharm.D., will be presenting this award at the meeting along with PSHP officers. Brooke Spino, P3 & Arpit Mehta, P3, participated in the achieving independence competition at the PPA national meeting On Sept. 24, presenting an oral and poster presentation. Nicole Burns OMS4, & Igor Tatarintsev OMS4, welcomed the birth of their son Nathan Tatarintsev born on June 7, 2011, at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC. Elise Schmidt, OMS4, participated in Operation Safety Net, a model for national and global programs that provide medical care for the homeless.
Dominick Trapani, OMS4, received a $500 scholarship from District 8 of the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association. Class of 2014 Simranjit S. Bedi, OMS2, co-authored an article published in the February issue of Frontiers in Microbiology. The article was titled, “Asc-dependent and independent mechanisms contribute to restriction of Legionella pneumophila infection in murine macrophages.” Adam Glover, OMS2, at LECOM Seton Hill, published an article in Student American Academy of Osteopathy: The Still Point. The article was titled “What is a DO?” Brian Nguyen, OMS2, at LECOM Seton Hill, received a Special Olympic Research grant to pursue research on “Growth Status in Children and Adolescents with Down Syndrome: The Relationship of Socio-demographic Factors, Maternal BMI, and Feeding Problems.” Addressing these influences may improve growth and health outcomes for children with down syndrome. His research was conducted through the Non-traditional Research Personnel (NTP) Program at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute.
Vinny Sharma, OMS2, was published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology as the third author. The article was titled: “A Phase 2, Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled trial of a Novel Nutritional supplement Product to Promote Healthy Skin.” Manu Varma, OMS2, was awarded the Isabelle Christenson Memorial Scholarship by the Izzie’s Gifts of Hope Foundation. He was appointed to the American Society of Nephrology Workforce Committee (only medical student member; one other D.O.). He also wrote an article for the American Academy of Pediatrics medical student newsletter on pediatric nephrology and participated in Advocacy Day programs for the American Academy of Pediatrics (in May) and the Nephcure Foundation. Class of 2015 Will Bianchi, OMS1, traveled to the 2011 American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) scientific assembly to represent LECOM and the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Bianchi was the primary author on the abstract, “Revitalizing a Vital Sign: Measurement of Respiratory Rate with a Thoracic Belt.” And he is currently in the process of finalizing a manuscript for submission to the Annals of Emergency Medicine.
Faculty Notes The Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine has promoted the following faculty members: College of Medicine Mathew Bateman, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Anatomy to Assistant Dean, Faculty Evaluation and Assessment. Jon Kalmey, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Anatomy, Director: Lecture Discussion Pathway, Director: Willed Body Program to Assistant Dean of PreClinical Education. Mark Kauffman, D.O., Director Accelerated Physician Assistant Pathway, Director of History and Physical Examination, to Assistant Dean of Graduate Studies. Randy Kulesza, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Anatomy, Director of the Post Baccalaureate Program to Assistant Dean, Post Baccalaureate and Masters of Biomedical Science Program.
Ross Longley, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Microbiology, Coordinator of Research Programs to Director of PBL.
Jacqueline Jourjy, Pharm.D., Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice to Director of the ASP Committee.
Mark Coty, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Anatomy, to Assistant Dean of Preclinical Education.
Laura Stevenson, Pharm.D., Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice to Director of Experiential Education.
Cheryl Sellers, D.O., to full time Assistant Clinical Professor of Family Medicine. Mary Ann Clark, Ph.D., to Full Time Assistant Professor of Psychology. School of Pharmacy Mary E. Ray, B.S. Pharm., Pharm.D., Assistant Professor to Associate Professor. Sachin S. Devi, B. Pharm., Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences to Director of Curriculum. Rachel R. Ogden, B.S. Pharm., Pharm.D., Director of Curriculum to Associate Dean for Faculty.
Regan Shabloski, D.O., Director of Clinical Education to Assistant Dean, Clinical Education.
Teresa Schweiger, Pharm.D., Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice to Assistant Dean for Assessment.
Mark A. W. Andrews, director and professor of physiology at LECOM, Seton Hill, had his reply published in Scientific American Mind. He commented on the article, “How does background noise affect our concentration.”
Larry Bunnell, D.O., was an examiner for the American Board of Osteopathic Family Practice at OMED 2011, the American Osteopathic Association’s annual convention.
Michael W. Bradbury, Ph.D., and his colleagues recently had a paper published in the Journal of Molecular Biology titled, “Modeling and confirmation of a predicted fatty acid binding site of mitochondrial aspartate aminotransferase.”
42 | LECOM CONNECTION | Fall 2011
Raeann L. Carrier, Ph.D., presented a poster with Jamie Skrove (MS 2014) detailing the LECOM Bridging the Gaps Program in Philadelphia at the Bridging the Gaps Symposium September 16.
Stephanie Peshek, Pharm.D., Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice to Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice. Julie Wilkinson, Pharm.D., Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice to Associate Dean for Curriculum. Lakhu Keshvara, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences to Director of Faculty. Sunil Jambhekar, Pharm.D., Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences to Associate Dean for Bradenton Operations and Distance Education. School of Dental Medicine Francis M. Curd, D.D.S., D.M.D., to Assistant Dean of Clinical Education.
Bertalan Dudas, M.D., Walter Hu and students Giorgio Rotoli, Class of 2011, and George Gringol had their paper “Catecholaminergic axonal varicosities appear to innervate growth hormonereleasing hormone-immunoreactive neurons in the human hypothalamus: the possible moorphological substrate of the stress-suppressed growth” accepted in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. The journal has a high Impact Factor of 6.202 and is ranked 10th out of 105 journals in the category
of Endocrinology and Metabolism. Among the journals that published LECOM’s research so far, JCEM has the highest impact factor. Authors of the paper were: Giorgio Rotoli, George Grignol, Walter Hu, Istvan Merchenthaler and Bertalan Dudas. Chet Evans, D.P.M. M.S., Vice President of Medical Education and Program Development for LECOM, spoke at the Florida Capitol during World Diabetes Day on Nov. 14, 2011. Dr. Evans is the chair of the Florida Diabetes Advisory Council, a governor-appointed group that advises the Governor and the Department of Health Secretary on emerging diabetes issues effecting care, treatment and quality of life.
Randy Kulesza, Ph.D., will present “The effects of neonatal conductive hearing loss on neuronal morphology and development of perineuronal nets in the rat auditory brainstem” at the Society for Neuroscience meeting in Washington D.C. He also received a LECOMT grant for a collaborative project with the Barber National Institute entitled: “Brainstem Auditory Processing in Children with Autism.” He completed the Erie Marathon on Sept. 18, 2011, and ran the Oil Creek Trail 100 marathon 50K (31.1 mile) race on Oct. 8.
Mark A. Terrell, Ed.D, published an article in a top-rated journal in the field of forestry. This article was competitively selected to be the “feature article” for the journal. The article was titled, “Comparison of Growth-Climate Relationships between Northern Red Oak and White Oak across Eastern North America,” Canadian Journal of Forest Research 41: 19361947.
Alumni Notes Class of 2000 Liam C. Holtzman, D.O., was appointed this past July as Medical Director of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). He trains Special Response Team medics nationwide, provides on- and offline command, and hands on operational support to high threat federal law enforcement operations. Dr. Holtzman serves full time in academic and clinical roles as faculty in the Division of Special Operations of the Johns Hopkins University, Department of Emergency Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland. Class of 2001 Matthew Zaccheo, D.O., completed fellowship training in critical care medicine at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and accepted a position as an Intensivist physician in Adult Critical Care Services at Bronson Methodist Hospital. He was appointed an Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine where he received a faculty teaching award. William Wright, D.O., MPH, has recently been appointed as the section editor for the new JAOA clinical images section. Class of 2003 Jon Lepley D.O., earned his board certification by the American Board of Addiction Medicine. He recently accepted the position as full time medical director at The Retreat of Lancaster County, a 120 bed, fully licensed inpatient drug and alcohol treatment facility located in Ephrata, Pa. Class of 2004 Jonathan M. Ricker, D.O., recently returned from a deployment to Afghanistan. While stationed there, Ricker acted as the Gastroenterology consultant to Afghanistan. Currently, Ricker is the Chief of Gastroenterology at Mike O Callaghan Federal Hospital at Nellis AFB, Nev. Shaila Bhatt Gupta, D.O., is working at Northwest Indiana Neurological Associates in Munster, Ind. She is board certified in neurology and psychiatry. She completed her neurophysiology fellowship at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Mich.
Class of 2005 Lori Dulabon, D.O., graduated from the New York University Langone Medical Center’s Urology residency program. She has authored over 15 publications and has gained exceptional interest and skill in robotic-assisted surgery, urologic oncology, urogynecology/female pelvic reconstruction, prosthetics, endourology and gereral urology. Keith Sharf, D.O. & Shivani Reddy Scharf, D.O. Keith completed a general surgery residency and is now a Bariatric fellow at Stanford University in Palo, Alto, Ca. Shivani completed an internal medicine residency and has been in academic medicine for two years. Both are teaching at Loma Linda University as associate professors. They have two children, Jacob and Meera. Class of 2006 David Frate, D.O., was Board Certified in 2010 in Internal Medicine and Family Medicine. He joined the medical staff at Stewart Memorial Community Hospital, in Lake City, Iowa. Currently, he is Director of ICU, Emergency Services, Cardiac Rehab and Cardiology.
Bret Jacobs, D.O., completed his Family Medicine Residency at York Hospital in York, Pa. and started Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship at Moses Cone Hospital in Greensboro, N.C. Yelena Kier, D.O., has completed an Internal Medicine residency at University of Massachusetts and has moved to Cleveland for a Fellowship in Transfusion Medicine/ Blood Banking. Matthew Wilson, D.O., has begun a Sports Medicine Fellowship at Pinnacle Health in Harrisburg, Pa. Class of 2009 Amanda Elliott, D.O., is finishing her second year of psychiatry residency at University of Iowa. In July 2012, she will be joining the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry fellowship at University of Iowa.
Jacob B. Smith, D.O., has started a Spine Fellowship at the Florida Spine Institute in Clearwater, Fla. after completing an Orthopedic Surgery Residency at Summa Western Reserve Hospital in Cuyahoga Falls, Oh. Sundeep Ram, D.O. has joined the Memorial Hospital Medical Staff. in Gulfport, Miss. as a Hospitalist/ Internal Medicine physician. Dr. Ram is Board Certified in Internal Medicine.
Class of 2010 Rich Ernst, D.O., just completed an intern year in psychiatry at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. before it closed and continues his residency at the New Walter Reed in Bethesda, Md. Scott Kunkel, D.O., just finished his transitional year and is continuing with flight medicine training with the Navy at the National Navy Medical Center. He has also worked at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.
Class of 2007 Nicole (Walters) Bernatowicz, D.O., is in her fourth year of serving as a flight surgeon in the USAF. She plans to continue with a family medicine residency in hopes of eventually studying in a sports medicine fellowship. Zeeshan Qureshi, D.O., became Chief Resident of the Diagnostic Radiology Residency at JPS Health Network at Fort Worth, Texas.
Class of 2008 Ariane Palmasani Conaboy, D.O., completed her internal medicine residency at The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education, formerly Scranton Temple Residency Program. In conjunction with Physicians Health Alliance, began an outpatient internal medicine practice in Scranton, Pa. He also serves as clinical faculty at The Commonwealth Medical College, Scranton, PA and is a member of the board of directors of the Lackawanna Medical Society.
Haipeng Zhang, D.O., was awarded “Outstanding Categorical Intern Award” (intern of the year) at Allegheny General Hospital.
Fall 2011 | LECOM CONNECTION | 43
1858 West Grandview Blvd. Erie, Pennsylvania 16509 (814) 866-6641 www.lecom.edu
Upcoming Events January 28
White Coat Ceremony Bradenton, Harvest Center
February 11
White Coat Ceremony Erie College of Medicine, Warner Theatre
February 18
White Coat Ceremony Erie School of Pharmacy, Ambassador Conference Center
March 2 to 4
Primary Care 2012, Peek’n Peak Conference Center, Findley Lake, N.Y.
April 16 to 20
National Osteopathic Medicine Week
May 2 to 4
Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association Annual Assembly
June 3
LECOM Erie Commencement, Bayfront Convention Center
June 10
LECOM Bradenton Commencement, Manatee Convention Center
August 13 to 16 Primary Care Update, Las Vegas, Nev.
