LECOM Link July2026

July 9, 2026 | Issue 24 LECOM Congratulations to the 1,110 LECOM Erie, Elmira, Seton Hill and Bradenton Graduates!

Commencement exercises for LECOM Erie, Elmira, and Seton Hill took place May 31, with a total of 645 degrees awarded to graduates in the College of Medicine, School of Pharmacy, School of Health Services Administration, and Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. On June 7, an additional 465 degrees were awarded to graduates in Bradenton. Congratulations to every graduate!

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LECOM Bradenton LECOM Celebrates Historic Year of Research with Over 340 Projects and 1,100 Student Researchers LECOM Bradenton proudly concludes a record-breaking year for academic inquiry, culminating in an Interprofessional Research Day 2026 that showcased immense talent across all its campuses. This year marked a historic milestone for the institution, with 340 research projects submitted, raising the total Research Day event project total to 1,965 since 2016. Research is one of the 4 Pillars of Excellence at LECOM, which includes Education, Community Service and Clinical Care.

This annual event demonstrated the scale of LECOM’s commitment to advancing medical science, healthcare delivery and community wellness. More than 100 faculty mentors provided expert research guidance and oversight, and 60+ served as official faculty judges evaluating the diverse range of investigative work.

The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Bonnie Brown, Director of the LECOM Masters in Public Health (MPH) and Master of Science in Medical Ethics (MSBE) programs. Dr. Brown’s address titled “From ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) to ICU: The Silent Pipeline Driving America’s Chronic Disease Crisis” highlighted a critical public health issue and strategies going forward for our next generation of healthcare leaders.

LECOM Defuniak Springs LECOM Honors Dr. Peaden’s Legacy with Clinic Expansion LECOM celebrated the expansion of the Dr. Durrell Peaden Jr. Dental Clinic in DeFuniak Springs — a milestone moment that strengthens access to affordable care and expands training opportunities for future dental providers in Northwest Florida. Community leaders, students, and LECOM partners gathered to honor Dr. Peaden’s legacy and highlight LECOM’s continued mission of educating compassionate, service-driven healthcare professionals.

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LECOM Health LECOM Health hosts its Fourth Annual Culture of Caring Event

This year’s Culture of Caring event on June 12 brought employees together to celebrate our continuum of care, and to focus on growth, collaboration, and teamwork.

Employees heard from Silvia M. Ferretti, D.O., Provost, Senior Vice President, and Dean of Academic Affairs for LECOM; Danielle Hansen, D.O., Regional President of LECOM Health; and James Y. Lin, D.O., President of LECOM Institute for Successful Living; Nik Wallenda, American acrobat, aerialist, and high-wire artist; PGA golfer Adam Long; and Easton Bazzoli, Gannon University Men’s Basketball Head Coach, and then received a Passport to Wellness to explore our family of entities and programs, enter for a chance to win prizes, receive a special gift, and play some fun activities.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this a successful event!

Colonial Family Pharmacy Cuts Ribbon on Albion Location

Dr. Becker Pioneers Revolutionary Peripheral Arterial Disease Treatment in Western Pennsylvania In a groundbreaking medical achievement, LECOM Health Interventional Cardiologist Matthew C. Becker, M.D., successfully performed the first SEISMIQ™ Intravascular Lithotripsy (IVL) system procedure in Western Pennsylvania on June 4. This marked a revolutionary advancement in treating Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD).

On June 10, LECOM Health held a ribboncutting ceremony for its third Colonial Family Pharmacy. Located at 210 E. State St., Suite 2, in Albion, this pharmacy is strategically placed next to Northwestern Area Health Center, reducing barriers, shortening the path from diagnosis to treatment, and strengthening continuity of care.

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LECOM Medical Center Dr. Babiak Participates in Healthcare Panel

LMC Recognizes EMS Agencies and Crews with Picnic To celebrate EMS Recognition Day on May 22, LECOM Medical Center and US Acute Care Solutions invited all EMS agencies and crews to stop by the hospital for a picnic and tours of the new Emergency Department. The picnicstyle lunch included hot dogs, hamburgers, sides, chips, cookies and drinks.

On June 12, Marcus Babiak, Pharm.D., Chief Operating Officer of LECOM Medical Center, participated in the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership’s Knowledge Breakfast on the Future of Healthcare.

Dr. Babiak joined Dr. Chris Clark, Brian Durniok, Dr. George Garrow and moderator Craig Ulmer, to discuss the current state of healthcare and evolving legislation to the growing role of AI. View photos from the event

Congratulations to our LMC Employee of the Month!

Dylan Garske, Emergency Department Technician, was praised for demonstrating professionalism, compassion, and a strong commitment to patient care in a fast-paced and high-pressure environment. He anticipates the needs of patients and clinical staff. Always one step ahead, he recognizes situations and communicates immediately with nursing or the doctor. Patients love him. He is quiet, smart, efficient. He has been great with assisting doctors with procedures, putting together anything needed without even being asked.

Emergency Team Receives Decontamination Training The LECOM Medical Center Emergency Department team participated in Decontamination Training in May and are ready to care for patients exposed to chemicals. The team learned how to safely gear up in personal protection equipment (PPE) and how to decontaminate a patient and manage medical concerns.

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LECOM Behavioral Health

LECOM Behavioral Health Welcomes Former Barber National Institute Employees Former employees of the Barber National Institute in Intensive Behavioral Health Services, Family-Based Mental Health, Outpatient Therapy, and Blended Case Management joined the LECOM Behavioral Health team as a part of a ‘coordinated realignment’ between LECOM Behavioral Health and the Barber National Institute. Under this agreement, LECOM Behavioral Health took on the staff and clients involved in each of the four services listed above.

We’re thrilled to welcome these dedicated employees to our team!

Dr. Song Named to Erie Reader’s 40 Under 40 Congratulations to Brenton Song, D.O., on being named to the Erie Reader's 40 Under 40 class of 2026! Dr. Song serves as Program Director for the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship Assistant Program, Director for the General Psychiatry Residency, and as a Psychiatrist at Corry Counseling of LECOM Health.

Corry Counseling of LECOM Health Wins ‘Loving Giving Local’ Corry Counseling of LECOM Behavioral Health received a $250 donation from Auto Express is part of the ongoing Loving Giving Local campaign, aimed at supporting local nonprofits!

Family Medicine Available at Achievement Center of LECOM Health Elizabeth Williams, D.O., now sees patients for Family Medicine at the Achievement Center of LECOM Health every Tuesday and Thursday!

Schedule with her at 814-860-8765.

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LECOM Senior Services LECOM Institute for Successful Living hosts 5th Annual HERO LongTerm Care Conference We were grateful to connect with so many dedicated professionals, gain valuable insights from our knowledgeable speakers, and engage in meaningful conversations about the future of long-term care. Thank you to everyone who joined us — we're looking forward to another inspiring day!

IHI Age-Friendly Recognition All LECOM Skilled Nursing Facilities are proud to be recognized by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) Age-Friendly Health Systems initiative as Level 2: Committed to Care Excellence facilities. This recognition highlights our commitment to delivering evidencebased, age-friendly care centered around the 4Ms Framework.

Visiting Nurse Assocation provided Community Education in Corry CMS 5 Star Quality Rating Announcement We are proud to share that LECOM Elwmood Gardens, LECOM Senior Living Center and St. Mary’s at Asbury Ridge have all been recognized by the CMS Quality Standard as 5 Star Communities. This rating is provided to those with excellence in staffing, quality measures, resident care, and annual inspections.

CMS QUALITY 5 STAR RATINGS

Stefanie Irwin MS OTR/L COS-C

Stefanie Irwin is an experienced Occupational Therapist at the VNA. She spoke at the JES Satellite location in Corry, Pa., on June 23. She provided education on maintaining independence and quality of life within one’s home and community.

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Corry Memorial Hospital New Wound Clinic Set to Open at CMH in July

Congratulations to the CMH DAISY and BEE Honorees

Specializing in the treatment of non-healing, chronic wounds and their comorbidities, LECOM Institute for Advanced Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine is expanding its services to a second location this July!

Congratulations to Ethan Masiker, L.P.N., for winning this year's DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, and to Olivia Jaworski for winning this year's BEE Award for Beyond Exceptional Expectations! Read more here.

The new wound clinic located inside Corry Memorial Hospital will offer treatment for diabetic ulcers, neuropathic ulcers, pressure ulcers, Ischemic ulcers, venous insufficiency, traumatic wounds, surgical wounds, vasculitis, burns, peristomal skin irritations, and other chronic, non-healing wounds. (814) 868-3999

CMH Celebrates Hospital Week

CMH Sports Red, White and Blue at CorryFest

Corry Memorial Hospital employees celebrated Hospital Week, May 10-16, by participating in several games and activities including spirit events, guessing games, a sundae bar, outdoor games, an employee appreciation picnic, a benefits fair, and a service awards ceremony recognizing service milestones of 5, 10, 15, 20, 35 and 45 years!

Thank you to everyone who celebrated America's 250th and Corry's 160th with Corry Memorial Hospital and its float during the June 13 CorryFest Parade!

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Resources Providers and Procedures Access a list of LECOM Health Providers by Location as well as procedures and services here.

LECOM and LECOM Health Apparel LECOM Bookstore: https://bookstore.lecom.edu/ LECOM Health Apparel: https://shop.lecomhealth.com/index.php

Follow LECOM Health on Social Media Stay up to date with events and news.

Facebook: LECOMHealth YouTube: LECOMHealth LinkedIn: LECOM Health

Employee BenefitHub 1. Go to Home | LECOM Perks (benefithub.com) 2. Use Referral Code: 56SYD2 3. Complete Registration

TIAA Discover resources from TIAA regarding investments, retirement planning, and more.

Mark Your Calendars July Social Wellness Month Independence Day (July 4) CMH Wound Clinic Opening (July 10) International Self-Care Day (July 24)

August National Immunization Awareness Month Summer Sun Safety Month Visiting Nurses Association Butterfly Release (Aug. 1) LECOM 5K - Erie (Aug. 8) LECOM Health Golf Scholarship Classic (Aug. 16)

EAP: Emotional Wellbeing and Work-Life Balance SupportLinc offers employees expert guidance to help you and your family address and resolve everyday issues. Inthe-moment support, financial expertise, legal consultation, short-term counseling, and more!

1-888-236-6709 supportlinc.com group code: lecomhealth

Marketing Project Request Form Patient and Resident Satisfaction Survey

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