LECOM Link Spring 2025

SPRING 2025

Issue 21

CONGRATULATIONS, LECOM CLASS OF 2025 GRADUATES! Commencement exercises for LECOM Erie, Elmira, and Seton Hill took place June 1, with a total of 617 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 8, an additional 467 degrees were awarded to graduates in Bradenton. Congratulations to every graduate!

PAGE 1

LECOM Erie

Annual SGA Volunteer Pinning Ceremony Takes Place

SGA Elects New Officers LECOM Erie’s new Student Government Association officers are ready to get to work. In back, from left, are Elman Madrio, Webmaster; Collin Standish, Secretary; Ethan Zelenke, Treasurer; and Christian Ciecierski, 1st Vice President. In front, from left, are Cinnamon Kiser, Mental Health Task Force; Trinity Nguyen, 2nd Vice President; and Sarah Wang, President.

Podiatry Students Participate in Hands-On Biopsy Workshop Guest speaker Javan Bass, DPM, FACFAS, presented an exclusive, hands-on biopsy and pathology workshop with podiatric medicine students at LECOM Erie. Students learned how to perform different types of biopsies using pigs’ feet.

LECOM Erie’s SGA held its annual volunteer pinning ceremony, recognizing the class of 2027’s nearly 4,000 hours of service. The three students with the most hours served were Connor Peoples (279 hours), Andrew Toader (177 hours), and Lindsey Cain (170.25 hours).

Family Medicine Residency Program Hosts Collaborative Educational Event LECOM’s Family Medicine Residency Program hosted a collaborative educational event March 12 with residents from Meadville Medical Center’s Family Medicine Residency Program.

LECOM Celebrates Match Day On March 21, students, faculty, and family members across all LECOM Campuses gathered to celebrate match day, a monumental day in the journey of our future healthcare professionals. Congratulations to all LECOM at Erie, Seton Hill, Elmira, and Bradenton students who matched!

PAGE 2

LECOM Erie

LECOM Students Received $360K in Scholarships from Pro Sports Teams

Annual Clinic Hosts All-Star ‘Cast’

The LECOM Erie Surgery and Orthopedics clubs recently welcomed Dr. Anthony Ferretti, Dr. Alec Grossman, and Dr. Stepan Shumyak from the Orthopedic Surgery Department at LECOM Medical Center to lead the Annual Casting Clinic. After a lecture on the basics of casting and splinting earlier in the day, students experienced a hands-on application of all they had learned.

Representatives from the Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Sabres, Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Cleveland Guardians collectively presented $360,000 in scholarships to 69 LECOM students at the LECOM Erie campus April 5.

Radiology Club Plays Bingo with Senior Living Center Residents

LECOM Dental Students Know How to ‘Bee’ of Service LECOM Dental Students competed in the Erie Corporate Spelling Bee to Benefit Hooked on Books.

Hooked on Books has donated over 600,000 books in its nearly 35 years of existence.

Erie students in the Radiology Club recently visited LECOM Senior Living Center residents for a lively game of Bingo! Thank you, Colton Smith, Calvin Chu, Adam Kelly, Maggie Means, and Cinnamon Kiser.

LECOM at Jacksonville University LECOM at Jacksonville University Breaks Ground LECOM at Jacksonville University broke ground March 26, becoming the region’s first medical school. The facility represents a major leap forward in healthcare education and demonstrates a promising future for medical training in Northeast Florida. The inaugural class will begin in 2026.

PAGE 3

LECOM Seton Hill Ahmed Nahian, OMS-III, Receives Scholarship

LECOM at Seton Hill Hosts ACOS Suture Workshop

AAhmed Nahian, OMS-III at LECOM at Seton Hill, was recently awarded the competitive American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) 2025 Travel Scholarship for medical students, which will allow him to attend the ASAM 56th Annual Conference.

LECOM at Seton Hill’s OMS-I and OMS-II students recently gathered for a suturing workshop that included a lecture from Jennifer Cummings, D.O., on key wound management concepts, such as irrigation and pain control.

Attendees practiced simple interrupted sutures with instrument ties. Some also learned additional suture techniques and one-handed knot tying.

LECOM Seton Hill Specialty Club Sponsors Get-Together for First-Year Students

Seton Hill Celebrates Accepted Students Day Fall 2025 incoming students kicked off their journey with a day filled with engaging activities, ensuring they felt both welcomed and wellprepared for the exciting academic chapter ahead!

After connecting with a Financial Aid Counselor and hearing from the Student Government Association, students dove into the world of the Problem-Based Learning Pathway. Students then enjoyed a delicious lunch and a campus tour and were fitted for White Coats!

Seton Hill’s Student Government Association plans events each month to bring students together, boost wellness, and strengthen friendships. Everyone was all smiles for doughnuts and coffee, hosted by the Specialty Club.

PAGE 4

LECOM Elmira LECOM at Elmira Students Step Up for Heart Walk

LECOM Elmira Hosts Casino Night

LECOM at Elmira students were full of heart at the 2025 American Heart Association Heart Walk in Binghamton.

From CPR demos alongside mascots from the Rumble Ponies, Mirabito, and more — students showed up in full force to promote heart health awareness, making learning CPR fun, interactive, and unforgettable!

At this year’s Casino Night, several LECOM at Elmira students took the mic to reflect on their journeys through medical school — and the incredible impact donations have made along the way. The support raised through Casino Night doesn’t just fund education — it fuels dreams, eases burdens, and reminds our students that their community believes in them. From royal flushes to flashy fits, the night was full of fun, laughter and unforgettable memories.

Dr. Gus Lambroussis Provides BLS Training

Dr. Gus Lambroussis, Assistant Director of Osteopathic Principles and Practices at LECOM Elmira, equips students with essential life-saving skills through comprehensive Basic Life Support (BLS) Training.

Dr. Richard Terry Discusses how LECOM’s Curriculum Minimizes Student Debt During Dr. Richard Terry’s Medical Mini-Series, he explained that while many students start medical school already burdened by debt, LECOM at Elmira’s innovative curriculum helps keep overall indebtedness at about $100,000 less than other schools, proving that a quality education doesn’t have to come with an overwhelming financial burden.

PAGE 5

LECOM Bradenton Dr. Roger G. Biringer Gets Published Congratulations to Dr. Roger G. Biringer, Professor of Biochemistry at LECOM Bradenton, for his new publication, “Indirect Regulation of Na+, K+-ATPase by Neurotransmitters: Participation of Neurotransmitters in the Sodium Theory for Migraine” in the journal Medical Research Archives (Volume 13, Issue 2, 2025) published by the European Society of Medicine.

Students and Staff Published in Cureus Journal of Medical Science

Bayfront Hospital Receives Daisy Award in Compassionate Policy Dr. Barnett of LECOM’s School of Health Services Administration, leads Pinellas Matters.

Under his leadership, Bayfront Hospital earned the International Health Impact Daisy Award. The program screens patients for substance use, offers medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), and connects them with peer recovery specialists for continued support.

2025 Research Day ‘Student Choice’ Poster Award Winners

LECOM Bradenton students Stephan Miser, Kyle O’Connor, Carter Bedinghaus, and Gabrielle Tomeo, along with Drs. Lee, Badawy, and Millner, recently published "Changes in Plasma Levels of Prestin and Otolin-1 in Dental Students" in the Cureus Journal of Medical Science.

Student Daniel Araujo and Drs. Barboza, Panariello, and Manibo published a case report, "Recurrent Pyogenic Granuloma Progressing to Calcifying Fibroblastic Granuloma in Adolescent Male Athlete.”

Lexi Garber, OMS-III, John Grossi, OMS-III, and Dr. Seth Gardner published “Bell’s Palsy: Description, Diagnosis, and Current Management.”

Enroll in a LECOM Dual Master’s Program The LECOM School of Health Services Administration offers four accredited master’s programs for medical, pharmacy, dental, and podiatry students in their final two years: Master’s in Public Health (MPH) Master of Science in Biomedical Ethics (MSBE) Master’s in Health Services Administration (MHSA) Master of Science in Medical Cannabinoid Therapeutics Courses are fully online, with a 50% tuition discount for eligible LECOM students.

PAGE 6

LECOM Bradenton Amanda Penn Presents Research at AMSA Conference Congratulations to LECOM Bradenton student doctor Amanda Penn, OMS3, for presenting her poster, “Food-based approach for oral cancer prevention and treatment: Lessons learned from in vivo and clinical studies” during the American Medical Student Association (AMSA) Future Physicians for Change conference in, Washington, D.C.

Madeline Spettel presents at AACOM Annual Meeting Madeline Spettel, OMS3, presented “Impact of Access to Mental Health Support for Student Leaders in Osteopathic Medicine” during a poster competition of the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) annual conference, “Educating Leaders 2025” in Arlington, Texas.

Madeline led this multi-institutional research under the guidance of Anupam Bishayee, Ph.D., Professor of Pharmacology and Director of Research, LECOM Bradenton.

2025 Research Day FacultyEvaluated Poster Award Winners Nawfal Saleem & Jonathan Tran, Class of 2027 Research Mentor: Dr. Eduardo Rodriguez Zarate Poster: COM25-540 Pre-Transplant Steroid Use in Liver Transplant Recipients

Per Poster

Jacob Ball Presents at ACOS Annual Meeting Second-year student doctor Jacob Ball delivered the presentation “Clinical Predictors of Increased Post-Operative Hospital Utilization in Liver Transplant Recipients” at the Annual Clinical Assembly of the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons in Orlando.

Jacob Foster Presents at the American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Annual Conference Congratulations to LECOM Bradenton student doctor Jacob Foster, OMS4, for the presentation of his poster, “The Frontal Flap: An Alternative to the Paramedian Forehead Flap for Nasal Reconstruction” at the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery annual conference in Miami.

Victoria Young, Class of 2026 Research Mentor: Dr. Rebecca Steiner Poster: COM25-545 Investigation of Breast Implant Illness Outcomes after Explant Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort Study Hannah Jenkins, Class of 2027 Research Mentor: Dr. Marcia Ballantyne Poster: COM25-601 The Role of Placental Tissue-Derived Allografts in Optimizing Mohs Micrographic Surgery

PAGE 7

LECOM Health

LECOM Health hosted its 3rd annual Culture of Caring event May 12.

Attendees heard from #1 New York Times bestselling author and senior health policy advisor to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the Trump administration Calley Means, and PGA Tour Champion Michael Thompson, following updates from LECOM Provost Silvia Ferretti, D.O., LECOM Institute for Successful Living President James Lin, D.O., and LECOM Health Regional President Danielle Hansen, D.O.

LECOM Health Celebrates with Heart

Three ‘Doctors of the Year’ Honored for Doctors’ Day

LECOM Health Interventional Cardiologist Matthew C. Becker, M.D., served as this year’s Erie Heart Ball Chair. The event, benefiting the American Heart Association, took place in the historic Warner Theatre with support from LECOM Health as the "Live Fierce, Be Well" sponsor.

While we celebrate our providers every day, this year we paid special acknowledgement to three outstanding physicians for Doctors’ Day: Micalyn Baney, D.O. (Medical Associates of Erie), James Lin, D.O. (LECOM Medical Center and Behavioral Health Pavilion), and Bryan Colligan, D.O. (Corry Memorial Hospital). We thank these doctors and all others for caring for one another, for our patients, and for our community.

PAGE 8

LECOM Health LECOM Health Partners with Jefferson Educational Society for Lecture Series

Dr. Seth Carter Receives ACOFP 2025 New Osteopathic Family Physician of the Year Award

James Lin, D.O., Anthony Colonna, D.P.M., Joshua Tuck, D.O., and Lori Dulabon, D.O., are the most recent lecturers for the Jefferson Educational Society. Conversations have been engaging.

Congratulations to Seth H. Carter, D.O., MSMEd, for being named the ACOFP New Osteopathic Family Physician of the Year Award recipient!

The New Osteopathic Family Physician of the Year Award honors physicians who have made significant contributions to family medicine between two and five years after completion of a family medicine residency program and demonstrated exemplary leadership qualities that would honor the memory of Michael F. Avallone, D.O., FACOFP dist., after whom the award is named.

Dixon and DiTonto Travel to Harrisburg for JES Civic Leadership Academy

LECOM Health Eye Care Center Expands to Second Erie Location

As part of the 2025 Jefferson Civic Leadership Academy, Melissa J. Dixon, Director of Communications and Marketing for LECOM Health, and Nathan DiTonto, Admissions Representative at LECOM Erie, met with policy experts, lobbyists, and elected officials from every branch of government in Pennsylvania’s Capitol building in June to begin research on Erie County’s population decline.

(814) 836-0543

(814) 864-4078

PAGE 9

LECOM Medical Center Congratulations to LMC’s Employees of the Month

Nominate a LMCBHP Employee

Kelsey Huddleson Appointed Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory Supervisor

Kelsey Huddleson, RT, was recently appointed Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory Supervisor. A Gannon University graduate in radiologic science, she brings nine years of experience in diagnostic and invasive radiologic technology, has been American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certified since 2016, and also has experience as a peripheral clinical specialist. Kelsey oversees daily operations, collaborates with cardiologists and staff, and manages preand post-patient care.

February

Mariam Al-Haraz LPN, Unit 5

LECOM Medical Center Opens On April 9, LECOM Medical Center held its ribbon-cutting ceremony with guided tours afterward. The 34,000square-foot addition marks a significant step forward in expanding access to top-of-the-line healthcare in the Erie community.

March

Tracy Roth RN, ACE unit

April

Brean Brown Environmental Services

May Laurie Mahoney Medical Education Coordinator PAGE 10

LECOM Medical Center LECOM Medical Center Celebrates Hospital Week LECOM Medical Center celebrated employee milestones (5, 10, 15, 20, 25 years of service) with a special luncheon and activities throughout the week as part of National Hospital Week.

Jared Boxes Bring the Gift of Play for Young Patients

Kiwanis Kids in the Fort LeBoeuf School District donated Jared Boxes to LECOM Medical Center on May 15. This student organization collected items to complete 30 boxes that were graciously donated to the pediatric patient population of LECOM Medical Center. Each box contains small gifts, toys, crayons, coloring books and fun activities selected for a specific age and goal.

Brian Schwarz Highlighted for Nurses’ Week LMC Recognizes National Osteopathic Medicine Week LECOM Medical Center celebrated NOM Week 2025 with donuts for all staff. This year’s theme, “Honoring our Past, Building our Future,” recognized the 150th anniversary of osteopathic medicine.

LECOM Medical Center Granted Accreditations

The Erie TimesNews Nurses’ Week supplement highlighted Brian Schwarz, RN, ADN, clinical supervisor of the new cardiac catheterization lab at LECOM Medical Center, on page 16.

LECOM Medical Center’s Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) program and Clinical Lab have been granted accreditation.

PAGE 11

LECOM Behavioral Health Achievement Center of LECOM Health a ‘Best Place to Work’ The Achievement Center of LECOM Health was selected as the 'Best Place to Work' by The Nonprofit Partnership. ACLH will be recognized for the honor at the Nonprofit Excellence Awards Luncheon held June 24 at the Erie SeaWolves Stadium Club.

LECOM Behavioral Health Honors John DiMattio with Breakthrough Award

LECOM Behavioral Health hosted the 3rd Annual Breakthrough Awards on June 18 at the Yehl Ballroom at Gannon University. Erie County Director of Human Services John DiMattio was the recipient of this year's Breakthrough Hero Award for his 40 years of service in the field.

LECOM staff, community members and political figures were on hand to celebrate and recognize John for his excellent leadership.

Ellen Kehl Named 2025 Women Making History Nominee

View the video presentation

Achievement Center of LECOM Health Walks for Autism

Ellen Kehl, Director of Marketing and Development for the Achievement Center of LECOM Health, was named a 2025 Women Making History Nominee. Guided by her belief that showing genuine human nature is key in building meaningful relationships, Ellen exemplifies leadership rooted in authenticity and compassion. Ellen is part of a group of 14 nominees who were honored at the 32nd Women Making History event at the Mercyhurst University Performing Arts Center.

It was cold, wet, and windy, but Team Achieve still showed out! The Achievement Center of LECOM Health team, wearing shirts designed

by Noah, was well represented at the Walk for Autism on April 26 at Lake Erie Speedway.

PAGE 12

Medical Associates of Erie Congratulations to the MAE Employees of the Quarter

Dena Al Mosawi Front desk staff Southeast Family Practice Employee of the Quarter, Q4 2024

Cristy Miller Patient Care Coordinator Shoreline Primary Care Employee of the Quarter, Q1 2025

Dr. Baney and Team Receive Praise Micalyn Baney, D.O., and her team of rotating students received praise from the family of Irene Janice Kondzielski in a recent obituary.

Physician Offices Receive 5 Stars

“It’s so refreshing to go to a Doctor’s office and be treated by the staff with genuine friendliness and caring and willing to answer all your questions with concerns you might have. Dr. Melaragno’s staff is exceptional and so helpful. I’m so glad I chose this Doctor and his staff to guide me through my health in the future!” - Lorel “Dr Lynch and all of his staff were friendly and made me feel very comfortable.” - Dawn

Nominate an MAE Employee

“The nurse, resident, and doctor were very respectful and friendly. The receptionist scheduling the appointments was also very helpful. Dr. Baker reviews my health and keeps informed regarding my family and work.” - Wendy

Bunny Bowl Raises $25K for LECOM Student Scholarship Fund

“Dr. Ricci is wonderful to have as a Doctor. They really care and so do the staff; would highly recommend them.” - Robin

Nearly 100 people rolled out for the 2nd Annual Bowl-a-Thon with strikes, smiles and spares to raise roughly $25,000 for the LECOM Student Scholarship Fund.

“[Kippy] is the friendliest and kindest soul you’ll ever meet. She has always made sure my health is in the right for as long as i can remember.” - Maddox “I've been with Dr. Bojewski for years and he's been the best Dr I've had in 22 years. Cares about your needs and spends the time with you to make sure you're good to go. Even when Dr. Bojewski isn't around Dr. Esper is there to help in anyway he can.

Overall the entire staff is excellent. Highly recommend Shoreline Primary Care!” - Joshua PAGE 13

LECOM Senior Services LECOM Health Makes History Offering Erie’s First Treatment for Dementia LECOM Health is making history in Erie by being the region’s first healthcare provider to offer amyloid-targeting therapies (ATT). “Amyloid-targeting therapies represent a groundbreaking advancement in the fight against mild Alzheimer’s disease dementia, offering renewed hope to affected individuals and their families,” said James Lin, D.O., President of the LECOM Institute for Successful Living.

LECOM Adult Day Center Now Accepting Clients The new LECOM Adult Day Center offers daytime care for older adults with physical and cognitive challenges, providing a communitybased alternative to long-term care. Open weekdays 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., the program was designed to accommodate busy caregivers.

Institute for Successful Living Celebrates Employee Appreciation Day

On March 7, LECOM Institute for Successful Living celebrated Employee Appreciation Day with breakfast at each facility to thank staff for their hard work and dedication.

Congratulations to Thumbs Up Winners You’re Invited: Wings of Hope Butterfly Release This year’s Wings of Hope Butterfly Release is scheduled for Aug. 2, at LECOM’s Parkside Regency at South Shore. Music begins at noon, with service following at 1 p.m.

Congratulations to LECOM Institute for Successful Living’s Thumbs Up Winners.

Nominate an Employee January February March April

Purchase a Butterfly

PAGE 14

Corry Memorial Hospital

Tim McGahen Named Administrator/CFO

CMH Recognizes Dietary Staff During Food Service Week Dietary staff at Corry Memorial Hospital celebrated Food Service Week with puzzles, games, and a drawing for a free meal gift certificate.

“The caring staff provide a great variety of delicious foods to our hospital patients, staff, Parkside residents, as well as outside customers in our cafeteria every day. We celebrate them and the pride they take in their work!”

Timothy McGahen, LECOM Health Corry Memorial Hospital’s Chief Financial Officer, has been named the hospital's new Administrator in addition to CFO.

CMH Recognizes DAISY and BEE Award Winners During Hospital Week Congratulations to Ellen Eiss, RN, for winning this year's DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, and to Angie Mitchell for winning this year's BEE Award for Beyond Exceptional Expectations!

Kayla Hawley Makes History as First Female Fire Chief of Union City Volunteer Fire Department History is being made as Union City Volunteer Fire Department welcomes their first female fire chief. Kayla Hawley became involved in the volunteer fire department’s junior program when she was fourteen years old. Now she’s beginning a new journey as chief. Kayla is a per diem certified occupational therapy assistant (COPA) at CMH.

CMH Celebrates NOM Week

CMH celebrated National Osteopathic Medicine (NOM) Week with cake and punch for staff.

PAGE 15

Corry Memorial Hospital

CMH Celebrates Hospital Week

Nurses Highlighted in Erie TimesNews The Erie Times-News Nurses’ Week supplement highlighted Tracy Long, RN, of Corry Memorial Hospital (pages 16 and 17), and Abagail Proctor, LPN, of Union City Rural Health Clinic (page 17).

CMH staff enjoyed a silly tie day, silly sock day, Hawaiian day, outdoor games, scavenger hunt, and more for Hospital Week.

LECOM Health Represented at CorryFest 2025

Congratulations to Cathy Nichols CMH’s Employee of the Quarter

Staff and residents at CMH and Parkside at Corry shared information regarding services and providers during CorryFest 2025. Guests were invited to enter a drawing for a 65-inch Samsung TV.

Cathy Nichols was selected as Employee of the Quarter for Q1 2025. She works in Emergency Registration, and has worked for the hospital since 1992.

Nominate a CMH Employee!

Register for CMH Golf Classic 9/10 Join us for the 9th annual Corry Memorial Hospital Golf Classic on Sept. 10, at North Hills Golf Course in Corry.

Register Here

PAGE 16

Resources July Social Wellness Month Independence Day (July 4) International Self-Care Day (July 24)

Follow LECOM Health on Social Media Follow LECOM Health on social media to stay up to date with events and news.

Facebook: LECOMHealth YouTube: LECOMHealth LinkedIn: LECOM Health

August National Immunization Awareness Month LECOM Summer Primary Care Conference (Aug. 18-21) Visiting Nurses Association Butterfly Release (Aug. 2) National Night Out (Aug. 5) LECOM 5K - Erie (Aug. 9) Golf Scholarship Classic (Aug. 14)

Register for the 2025 LECOM 5K

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.

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

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 Provider Service / Procedure Sheets Find printable materials here.

Patient and Resident Satisfaction Survey PAGE 17