a publication of the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine FALL 2018
Envision THE F U T UR E
Inside this issue Features
Departments
4 Envision the future
46 Research Researcher studies rotavirus replication
48 Faculty & Staff News New Faculty WVSOM celebrates employees, retirees Other faculty and staff news
53 Alumni Letter from the board president Alumni profile: Brian Yee, D.O. Mid-Winter Seminar Alumni Tower Campaign
14 Graduation
30 News
Summer seminar Class notes
66 Gifts to WVSOM 70 Foundation Letter from the director MAKO Medical Laboratories support
22 Graduate profiles
Advertising
Human Gift Registry
75 We’d like you to meet...
WVSOM Day
Jeff Dowdy
Follies raises funds
Rural Practice Day COM Week West Liberty University program
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Career opportunities
65
Middle school science fair
Back cover Upcoming events
AACOM awards Oracle Cloud for security
Spring Open House
Recognized by U.S. News
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National Prevention Week
CORRECTION
DOCARE in Peru
Loc Tran was incorrectly identified in the WVSOM Winter 2018 magazine. The summer extern program information on page 47 should have read: Loc Tran, OMS II. “Procalcitonin as a Marker of Sepsis and Bacterial Infections in Critically Ill Children.”
BLS/ACLS Recertification
“Just Say Know" camp
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Spring Awards
Campus Store
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Living our mission a publication of the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine
Editor-in-chief Marilea Butcher
Content manager Tiffany Wright
Design manager Jennifer Spencer
Photographers Karen Ayers Pat Bauserman Druann Dalton
Contributors Adam Goodcoff, Photographer Steve Shires, Photographer
Our mission statement The mission of the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM) is to educate students from diverse backgrounds as lifelong learners in osteopathic medicine and complementary health related programs; to support and develop graduate medical education training; to advance scientific knowledge through academic, clinical and basic science research; and to promote patient-centered, evidence based medicine. WVSOM is dedicated to serve, first and foremost, the state of West Virginia and the health care needs of its residents, emphasizing primary care in rural areas.
A message from the President
I am so excited to be writing you this letter in my new role as WVSOM’s president. I have served our school for more than 30 years, and I am truly humbled and filled with gratitude to serve as the seventh president. I look forward to working with all of you to move this great institution forward. The following feature focuses on the presidential transition. We highlight President Emeritus Michael Adelman, D.O., D.P.M., J.D., who has been an incredible leader for WVSOM and an invaluable mentor to me. The feature story also shares my vision for WVSOM, and hopefully gives you insight into my journey leading up to becoming your seventh president. As your new president, I’d like to announce a “Living Our Mission” initiative that encourages students, faculty, staff and alumni to get involved in their communities by serving others. I am asking everyone to help their neighbor by participating in community service. I encourage you to share your stories and photos of the great service you are providing to your neighbors, fellow citizens and patients. We want to see and hear about what you are doing. I challenge you to make a positive impact in your community. The rest of this issue contains stories about the amazing work and accomplishments by employees, students and alumni. We celebrated another class of graduates, we are working to create more awareness about the opioid epidemic, we were
recognized by U.S. News and World Report and the annual American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) awards for our print publications, we educated high school students through an annual “Just Say Know” camp, we celebrated many long-term employee retirements and much more. We can’t wait for what is next because there is always something exciting happening at WVSOM! I am always in awe of the great things we do here at WVSOM. I truly love this school and care for it deeply, which is why I love to see it succeed. And I know that wouldn’t be possible without the help and support from all of you. It takes an entire team, not just one single person, to make our school great and to make a difference in the lives of others! I am honored to step into the role of president with enthusiasm and encourage everyone to live our mission!
James W. Nemitz, Ph.D.
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Envision THE F U T UR E
“I’m not saying goodbye to the school and people I love. I’m just transitioning to a different role.” Michael Adelman, D.O., J.D., D.P.M.
“I look forward to stepping into this role with a lot of enthusiasm and energy for the purpose of making sure that this great institution continues to move forward and make a difference in the lives of others.” James W. Nemitz, Ph.D.
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A successful leader:
retired president offers insight into key attributes
Being knowledgeable, possessing people skills, being a good listener, showing empathy, encouraging a team environment and having a vision — these are all key characteristics of what it takes to be a successful leader.
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hose same qualities are necessary for one to be president of a medical school. Michael Adelman, D.O., J.D., D.P.M., retired as WVSOM’s sixth president, where he held the position for eight years. As he made the switch from president to president emeritus, it was easier for him to ponder what it takes to be a good medical school president. As the saying goes, hindsight is 20/20, and that means Adelman can offer insight to his colleague James W. Nemitz, Ph.D., the school’s seventh president, on what it takes to lead a nationallyranked medical school. “I think a good president needs to be an excellent listener. They have to have a passion for what they do and the school they represent. They have to be a good communicator. They need to understand the political climate and have to be a good ʻpeople person,ʼ which means working well with people and bringing out the best in individuals by recognizing their strengths and working with them. A good president has to be a good negotiator and have a lot of patience,” Adelman said.
“A successful president has to have a vision of where they’d like to take the organization they’re leading and they’ve got to be able to paint that vision so other people in the organization and the Board of Governors will want to follow them.”
Nemitz already laid the groundwork when it comes to envisioning WVSOM’s future. His vision, which he has shared with students, faculty, staff, alumni and members of the community, focuses on nine different areas for continuing WVSOM’s success. And while a good leader is able to handle dayto-day challenges in addition to focusing on the big picture, Adelman said, no matter how much one plans or how good one’s intentions are, mistakes are going to be made. “You have to accept that you’re going to unintentionally upset people, so patience is another attribute of a good leader,” he said. “As a president you want to get things done because you know exactly where you want to go and where you want to take people, but not everybody else wants to go there or even understands your vision, so you have to recognize that even if you think an idea is good there may be others who have better ideas.” Adelman said he is satisfied to have seen many of his ideas come to fruition during the last eight years. He is proud to remember the school’s accomplishments during his tenure as president. “We are leaving behind a good legacy,” he recalled. “We have amazing buildings, great faculty, we rebuilt the foundation, raised money and we have a great board. All of those things are what I wanted to accomplish and I’ve been able to do that. As a performer, they always tell you to leave when people want more, not when they want to pull the hook.”
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Feature story
At 68 years old, Adelman knew it was time to let another passionate leader take the reins in moving WVSOM forward. After accomplishing all he had envisioned alongside with the help of his wife, Cheryl, he was more than happy to relinquish his title of president to Nemitz, who he thinks is capable of being WVSOM’s next visionary. “You just keep doing your job until it’s not time to do it anymore,” he said. “But it’s not like I’m leaving. I’m not saying goodbye to the school
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and people I love. I’m just transitioning to a different role.” In the book The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, author Stephen Covey states one needs to “begin with the end in mind.” As WVSOM’s newest president, Nemitz has already envisioned the school’s future by reflecting on the heritage of the past and emphasizing living the school’s mission in the present.
Adelman recognized by local organizations
“He is a friend of education and steward of wellness.” - Jeff Bryant, Greenbrier County school superintendent
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resident Michael Adelman, D.O., J.D. was recognized by local groups for his outstanding leadership of WVSOM. Adelman was awarded the 2018 Business Leader of the Year distinction during the Greater Greenbrier Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner and Meeting. “Positive outcomes and good deeds do occur amidst a chaotic world landscape,” said Steve Sarver, WVSOM Board of Governors member, as he introduced Adelman as the honoree. “However, what seems increasingly rare are moralistic, humane motives propelling these wonderful end results. Dr. Michael Adelman, as one, should be held in the utmost esteem, for his motives ring as pure and good as his humane
results that benefit all the institutions and people he touches.”
the local businesses garner with the school.
Chamber President Donna Burns emphasized the accomplishments Adelman has made at WVSOM and within the community. On behalf of the chamber, she presented him with an original watercolor of the Student Center on WVSOM’s campus.
Another such partnership exists between educators at WVSOM and the Greenbrier County School system. School Superintendent Jeff Bryant recognized Adelman during a regular meeting for his contributions to education and the local community.
Adelman expressed his deep appreciation for all the support given to him and WVSOM during his 16-year tenure. “(Tonight) is about celebrating what we’ve achieved together,” he said.
“It is a wonderful opportunity and an honor for us to thank Dr. Adelman,” Bryant said. “He is a friend of education and steward of wellness.”
He emphasized that so much more is accomplished when people work together and he was proud to have played a role in the partnerships that
He commended Adelman for his leadership and achievements while at WVSOM and wished him well for his retirement. Adelman was presented with an honorary diploma from Greenbrier County Schools. WVSOM.edu
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energy • drive • pursuit of excellence
Community and state leaders, WVSOM community
offer kind words
during retirement reception WVSOM Board of Governors’ members, staff, students, alumni, the mayor of Lewisburg and the former West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission chancellor all shared fond memories and moving personal anecdotes of Dr. Michael Adelman during a retirement reception in June.
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accomplishments blew me away,” Nemitz said during the event.
“I remember interviewing Dr. Adelman more than 16 years ago when he applied as dean of WVSOM. He blew the committee away and his list of
“In the past 16 years, his energy, his drive and his pursuit of excellence has literally transformed this institution. He moved WVSOM to a position of prominence in the state and country. He moved the school from an institution that was fairly unknown to a school with national prominence — and he did it with humility and with grace.”
he event aimed to celebrate the president emeritus and outgoing sixth president of the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine. Adelman’s successor, James W. Nemitz, Ph.D., was the first to share a story.
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“
WVSOM Board of Governors’ chairman and alumnus Charles Davis, D.O., said the most important quality he has seen in Adelman is his passion for serving.
“His passion shows how he cares for students,” Davis said. “You don’t teach passion, or learn servant-hood — those are rooted in the soul. When you love what you do and are passionate in your life it’s obvious, it’s infectious.” Former West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission Chancellor Paul Hill reiterated the passion Adelman had for WVSOM.
“I see a highly intelligent and brilliant man, which is surely a prerequisite for running a state medical school. I have been struck by his humility and down-to-earth nature. I have never heard a single complaint about the osteopathic school during his tenure. I have only heard about his passion for this institution,” he said.
” Other remarks were shared by Sen. Joe Manchin via a written letter, student John Apgar, grandson of one of WVSOM’s founders, and Brian Huggins, a Class of 2011 graduate and former Student Government Association president, who shared a video message from Germany. WVSOM Foundation board member Robert Vass and WVSOM Foundation Director of Institutional Development Heather Antolini shared how Michael and Cheryl Adelman have always been supporters of major campaigns in the WVSOM Foundation. In appreciation of their constant support, the foundation donated $7,850 to
Lewisburg Mayor John Manchester spoke to the impact that WVSOM has on the community and the strengthened relationship between the two entities.
“I’m honored we have bridged the gap between the community and the city,” Manchester said. “In many communities in West Virginia and throughout the country there is a rivalry between higher education institutions and the community, but that isn’t the case here.” the Cheryl and Michael Adelman Leadership Scholarship. WVSOM faculty, staff and the Alumni Association donated two seats in the “Take a Seat” campaign in appreciation of the Adelmans. An institutional portrait of Adelman was also painted to hang in the president’s parlor inside the WVSOM Student Center.
serious note. “It’s very difficult to find the words to just say ’thank you’ because thank you is not enough. Thank you for everything. I look forward to continuing to work with you all and seeing this family grow and thrive.”
Adelman joked that he would “pay you all later” for those who shared kind words about him and his tenure as president. “On behalf of Cheryl and myself, I will tell you it’s a true honor and privilege to work beside every one of you in this town, community and school,” he said on a more
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Nemitz begins serving as next WVSOM president
The WVSOM Board of Governors appointed James W. Nemitz, Ph.D., as the medical school’s seventh president.
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emitz, who has been employed with WVSOM for the past 31 years and recently served as the school’s vice president for administration and external relations, began his role on July 1.
“I am truly honored to be selected as the next president of WVSOM. This is a place that I’ve devoted a majority of my career, it’s a place that I love with all my heart and it’s a place that I deeply care about,” Nemitz said after his announcement. “I have been overwhelmed by the amount of support I received during the process and since the announcement has been made. I look forward to stepping into this role with a lot of enthusiasm and energy for the purpose of making sure that this great institution continues to move forward and make a difference in the lives of others.” Nemitz succeeds Michael Adelman, D.O., D.P.M., J.D., who has served as WVSOM’s president the past eight years and, who Nemitz said, has acted as a mentor to him throughout his time in a leadership position. “Dr. Adelman has been a great mentor to me. I couldn’t have asked for a more caring and thoughtful person to help me understand what it takes to be a president,” Nemitz said. Adelman said he is confident that Nemitz’s professional qualifications and passion for WVSOM will help lead the school forward. “I can’t think of a more deserving person to lead WVSOM as the next president,” Adelman said. “Jim has worked at WVSOM for more than three decades and that alone shows his commitment to our school. He began as an anatomy professor, and over the years, has been successful in his leadership roles.” Charles Davis, D.O., WVSOM’s Board of Governors’ chairman, said he was honored to announce the appointment of Nemitz as the next president.
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“Jim has worked at WVSOM for more than three decades and that alone shows his commitment to our school.” - Michael Adelman, D.O., D.P.M., J.D.
From anatomist to president
30-plus years at WVSOM
FACULTY MEMBER: TENURED FULL PROFESSOR ►►
Anatomy course director
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Neuroscience research
ASSOCIATE DEAN FOR PRECLINICAL EDUCATION Students in the Class of 2020 showed their support of James W. Nemitz, ►► Oversaw Years 1 and 2 Ph.D., as the school’s newest president by providing a framed photo of campus with their The photo was presented to Nemitz by ►► Expanded classsignatures. size Dimitri Foko Tito, Class of 2020 president, and now hangs in the president’s ►► Creation of the Patient suite. Presentation Curriculum VICE PRESIDENT FOR ADMINISTRATION AND EXTERNAL RELATIONS ►►
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Accreditation: Three successful evaluations in six years Continuous Quality Improvement Initiative
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Research and grants
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Policies and procedures
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Legislative and West Virginia higher education Fundraising: donor and event Media: Interviews and Professor Science for Abracadabra National affiliations: AOA, AACOM and NBOME
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Envision the FUTURE
Students in the Class of 2020 showed their support of James W. Nemitz, Ph.D., as the school’s newest president by providing a framed photo of campus with their signatures. The photo was presented to Nemitz by Dimitri Foko Tito, Class of 2020 president, and now hangs in the president’s suite.
“As a Board of Governors, we believe Dr. Nemitz is the best candidate to continue the indelible legacy Dr. Adelman has created during his tenure, as well as lead the school. Transitions always have challenges; however, I anticipate this changing of the guard to be virtually seamless,” Davis said. Nemitz has been working to establish himself as president in the months leading up to July by reinforcing relationships with faculty, staff and students at the school and Statewide Campus, alumni, community members, legislators, hospital and clinic leaders, and West Virginia university and college presidents. “I’m excited to get started. As I told the board, you don’t take lightly the fact that you’re protecting the jobs of almost 300 employees and overseeing 800-plus students,” he said. “I truly feel in my heart this is what I’m supposed to do and I look forward to leading the school.” During his time at WVSOM, Nemitz oversaw the accreditation and institutional effectiveness processes; research and grants; community outreach; government relations at the local, state and national levels; and managed special events such as graduation, Grand Affair and Convocation/White Coat Ceremony. He has also been WVSOM’s associate dean for preclinical education, director of the Office of Rural Recruitment and Retention and has served as an anatomy professor. He has provided service to the national osteopathic profession and West Virginia higher education.
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Nemitz’s
VISION J
ames W. Nemitz, Ph.D., grew up in New York City. He later was living in Richmond, Va., working as a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Physiology and Biophysics at the Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University. More than 30 years ago, he decided to move to his wife’s hometown of Lewisburg. When he arrived, he was an anatomist trying to establish a career for himself at a school that wasn’t even offering him a full-time position. He used the opportunity to prove himself valuable as a WVSOM professor and researcher. After years of teaching medical students about the intricacies of the human body, Nemitz took on leadership roles, first as associate dean for preclinical education and later as the vice president for administration and external relations. During his time at WVSOM, Nemitz climbed the ladder from part-time anatomist to now president of WVSOM.
Working his way from the bottom to the top has left Nemitz humbled and extremely appreciative of all the people who make WVSOM the success story that it is. He knows that it’s not just a school’s president that moves a school forward, but every person who works for it and supports it.
1. LEADER IN OSTEOPATHIC MEDICAL EDUCATION
5. INCREASE INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
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Outcomes Accreditation
2. QUALITY CLINICAL ROTATIONS IN ALL SPECIALTIES ►►
Relationships with hospitals and clinics
“I can’t tell you how humbled, honored and excited I am to be elected your next president,” he told a group of alumni shortly after he officially became president. “But this isn’t about me. It’s about the institution and moving it forward in a positive way.” Nemitz has already started envisioning the future for the medical school where he has spent most of his career. He has invested so much of his time to WVSOM that it’s no surprise he wants to witness
6. EXPAND WVSOM’S FOOTPRINT
Complimentary programs Additional location ►► Collaborations with other institutions ►► ►►
3. 100 PERCENT RESIDENCY PLACEMENT
7. STATE/NATIONAL LEADER IN COMMUNITY OUTREACH
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Focus on our students Increasing number of residency opportunities ►► Legislative ►►
4. INCREASE STUDENT SCHOLARLY/RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES ►► ►►
Research office Center for Rural and Community Health
Outreach programs: CRCH, RHI, HCI ►► External funding
its continued success under his leadership as the school’s seventh president. He has laid out a plan for the future and shared it with the community and WVSOM staff during his interview process and with alumni during a continuing medical education conference. The plan addresses nine areas of focus. Many of the visions Nemitz has for WVSOM will be ongoing and long-term work, but he has already proved he is invested in the osteopathic school after his more than three decades of work. “I’ve always seen my job as a gift because I walked away from my previous life, but I’m deeply grateful to be part of this WVSOM family,” he said. As WVSOM’s newest leader, Nemitz will need to lean on his WVSOM family to continue the school’s success and carry out his vision for the future.
9. ENHANCE WVSOM’S REPUTATION AT STATE/ NATIONAL LEVELS
Media presence Faculty, staff, student and alumni accomplishments ►► Publications ►► Outcomes ►► Presence at state and national meetings ►► Leadership in state and national organizations ►► ►►
8. SECURE THE FUNDING TO ACCOMPLISH THE VISION
Legislature Grants and contracts ►► Fundraising: Individual donors, corporate, campaigns, event, philanthropy ►► ►►
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Student milestones: Graduation
graduation,
Governor delivers keynote speech at receives honorary degree
A student’s four-year commitment to medical school can be a rigorous one. In that period of time medical students immerse themselves in lectures that educate them about different body systems, they learn to communicate effectively with others through team-based learning group exercises, they work in hospitals and clinics throughout the country under the guidance of physician mentors, and above all they study for countless hours.
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“You may go off for awhile, but we want you back right here in West Virginia.” - West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice
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ll that dedication eventually pays off the moment medical students receive their Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degrees. This year, 189 participating graduates in the Class of 2018 received their medical degrees from WVSOM at the school’s 41st annual commencement ceremony that took place on May 26. West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice delivered the keynote speech to graduates, their families and friends, and WVSOM faculty and guests at the school’s campus in Lewisburg. He acknowledged that the medical students were an elite group of graduates, but life’s journey is long and there is always room to be better. “I would tell you that this life is now going to take you on a journey,” he told the graduates. “What do you have to do in life to get better? I would bet you would say study harder, or be more focused, be more determined, communicate better or try harder, but I would tell you just this. If you want to get better in this life the first thing you need to do is admit you’re doing something wrong. It’s the foundation of everything around us. We often times forget that.” Justice said that after medical school there may be times when life will be tough, but being a graduate of WVSOM will have great rewards. “You graduates have been prepared by these great people and this great institution,” he said. “You may go off for awhile, but we want you back right here in West Virginia. We are really truly moving, and now this state is going to provide you with opportunities. Go on your way in life and do greatness, but you’ve got to come back, because I’m taking names.”
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Student milestones: Graduation
After his speech, Justice was bestowed an honorary degree in recognition for his invaluable contributions, strong support and generosity to WVSOM, the community and the state. “See I got my degree before you guys,” the governor joked. Class of 2018 President Lauren Wackerman then provided a speech to her classmates during the Class Address. She acknowledged how her classmates were selfless in choosing to give up their “golden years” when many others are establishing careers, building homes and families and traveling the world. “Nearly four years ago, this same group of individuals sat under this same tent waiting for their white coat,” she said in part of her speech, stating the class was not the same group of people. “Some time in the past four years we matured from scared student doctors pulling all nighters to sympathetic, competent physicians eager to walk across the stage today.” She encouraged her classmates to remember the late Austin Lutz, a former classmate who valued humanity. “Remember to always strive for empathy and compassion,” she shared.
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This was Michael Adelman’s, D.O., D.P.M., J.D., last commencement ceremony as WVSOM’s president. Moments before the graduates were conferred their degrees he shared how proud he was of the class. “You are about to become graduates of one of the finest schools in the country. I’m proud of what you and what those who have come before you have accomplished,” he said. “Remember quality, excellence, commitment and caring — that’s what makes an excellent osteopathic physician.” Adelman and Craig Boisvert, D.O., FACOFP, vice president for academic affairs and dean, led the ceremony and awarded the degrees. The WVSOM Board of Governors Vice Chair Robert Holstein, D.O.; WVSOM Alumni Association President Robert Olexo, D.O.; and the President of the West Virginia Osteopathic Medicine Association Arthur Rubin, D.O.; provided brief messages to guests. The ceremony concluded with the graduates reciting the osteopathic oath, which officially acknowledges their transition from student to physician.
“Remember to always strive for empathy and compassion.” - Class of 2018 President Lauren Wackerman
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Student milestones: Graduation awards
Awards ceremony recognized graduating WVSOM students
PSI SIGMA ALPHA
Students in the graduating Class of 2018 were recognized for their achievements in medical school during an annual Graduation Awards Ceremony at WVSOM on May 25. Graduation awards totaled $31,200. This year’s class consisted of 189 participating graduates, with 128 graduates entering primary care residency programs and a 97 percent residency match rate for the class.
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The event recognized 20 students who graduated with honors. In addition, 33 Psi Sigma Alpha students were recognized. Psi Sigma Alpha is a National Osteopathic Scholastic Honor Society. Ten students were recognized with the American Medical Women Association Glasgow-Rubin Achievement Award. Forty-four students in Sigma Sigma Phi, a national osteopathic medicine fraternity that supports medical scholastic excellence, received cords reflecting their membership in the organization. Eight graduates were recognized with special coins for their military service.
SIGMA SIGMA PHI STATEWIDE CAMPUS AWARDS Two students from each of the seven Statewide Campus regions received awards for their third- and fourth-year clinical rotations. NORTHERN: Corissa Culichia and Rayan El-Zein MILITARY SERVICE RECOGNITION EASTERN: Taylor Hockman and Landon McKinley
CENTRAL EAST: Zane Dennison and Lauren Wackerman
CENTRAL WEST: Sarah Abla and Tammy Turner
HONORS
SOUTH EAST: Catherine Batz and Shaun Raganyi
AMERICAN MEDICAL WOMEN ASSOCIATION GLASGOW-RUBIN ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Danielle Stankus John and Nancy Chambers Memorial Scholarship Fund
SOUTH CENTRAL: Lucas Hamrick and Elizabeth Hoover
Sana Ahmad and Anne Taylor National Health Service Corps Scholarship
SOUTH WEST: Heidi Henson and Taylor Webb
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Student milestones: Graduation awards
Congratulations Alexandra Huy Olivia Claire Obrokta Pediatric Award
Anne Taylor Gwen Clingman Memorial Scholarship
Alyssa Beda Stephanie Dawn Barragy Memorial Scholarship
Kemper Steffe Dr. William R. Holmes Scholarship
Lucas Hamrick Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield West Virginia FarsonSmith-Earley Award
Elizabeth White Opal Price Sharp Memorial Award
Gabriel Gomez West Virginia Chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians Award
Elizabeth Hoover Olen E. Jones WVSOM Foundation Academic Achievement Award
Zane Dennison WVSOM Alumni Association Roland P. Sharp Graduate Award
Kristina Lim Donald Newell Sr. Memorial Award for Outstanding Graduating Senior
Christopher Carls and Randy Province
Aleka Smith, spouse of Matthew Smith Donna Jones Moritsugu Award
Morgan Scarpellini Dr. Catherine A. Bishop Scholarship Award 20
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Order of the Vesalius Award
Taylor Hockman, Landon McKinley, Hannah Economos and Lauren Wackerman Merck Manual Award for Academic Excellence
Catherine Batz and Christine (CJ) Hart RAMS Head Award
Shaun Raganyi Clinical Science Award
RURAL HEALTH INITIATIVE PARTICIPANTS
Amber Hedgecock and
WVSOM’s Rural Health Initiative recognized 11 graduates who participated in the program this year. The RHI program is designed to enhance the rural primary care curriculum at WVSOM and produce graduates uniquely qualified to practice medicine in underserved communities within rural West Virginia.
Zane Dennison MSOPTI Rural Scholars
D i s co v
Gabrielle LaFata West Virginia State Medical Association (WVSMA) Alliance Scholarship Fund
e r a w o r k p l a c e w h e re
POSE, PASSION PUR R IDE ALIG N P D . AN
EXPLORE YOUR CAREER OPPORTUNITIES: Anatomy Faculty
Family Medicine Faculty Pharmacology Faculty Psychiatry Faculty Physiology Faculty
Assistant Dean for Assessment and Educational Development APPLY
WVSOM.edu /employment Leslie Bicksler, Vice President of Human Resources 304.647.6279
WVSOM is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to enhancing diversity among its faculty and staff. WVSOM.edu
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Graduate Profile
Dr.TOM KASHIWAGI Graduate combines medicine, magic for patients
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om Kashiwagi, D.O., has been dabbling with magic tricks since he was a little kid, but it wasn’t until high school when he received one-on-one training with a magician in the Philippines that he fell in love with the craft.
“People start smiling. It creates wonder and it’s such a beautiful art.”
“The thing I loved about it was the guy who trained me, Jun Suzuki, used the analogy that whatever you’re trying to accomplish and no matter the goal, magic allows you to look at things in different ways because you may have an idea of something, but there are so many ways to achieve it,” Kashiwagi said. “I use it as a metaphor in life. It’s the art of transformation and it reminds us that things are changing all the time.”
“With kids I use a different style of magic where I ask them what they want to be when they grow up and I incorporate magic tricks that might inspire kids to go toward their dream,” Kashiwagi said. “With an elderly population I started doing magic with a lot of puzzles. With stroke patients I’ve twisted balloons because it helps with their motor skills. I’ve used origami or card tricks and coin tricks for cancer patients when they’re receiving chemo.”
Kashiwagi moved to the U.S. when he was 18 years old from Japan. Magic performances were a way for him to make money, but he later traded in Las Vegas and New York shows for ones at hospitals. He continued to showcase his magic tricks throughout medical school, especially to entertain patients during his third- and fourth-year rotations. “What I love about magic — especially with patients, who might be suffering from a terrible disease — is it will make people forget about the pain,” he said.
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The Class of 2018 graduate uses any prop he can get his sleight of hand on, whether that is a Rubik’s Cube, coin or deck of cards.
Kashiwagi said that sharing magic with patients has provided him with a purpose and more fulfilling medical school experience. It has been a way for him to combine his two passions in life, which he said is his advice to students just beginning medical school. “This gave me a purpose. A lot of the doctors I have met have hobbies outside of medicine. I think that gives you a break. I would suggest for future students to find a hobby that they love and incorporate it in any way they can into their profession. There is no useless skill,” he said. “It’ll open
more doors. It’ll make you unique. People definitely won’t forget you.” During his time on WVSOM’s campus, Kashiwagi performed magic shows during the International Festival and Follies. He tested out new tricks for the school’s housekeeping crew and provided entertainment to classmates in order to ease tension before exams. He plans to continue providing entertainment to patients during his internal medicine residency at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. The trick he enjoys sharing the most with others is one he created about four years ago after working in a nephrology department at a pediatric hospital. He was talking to a child receiving dialysis who said he wished he could become a magician. That gave Kashiwagi the idea to start incorporating messages on the cards along with a person’s name. At the end of the trick, they are left with a souvenir. “Some people who have seen me back in New York said they still have the card and it’s framed. Someone even used the trick to propose. To me, that’s the most rewarding thing. I’m always learning every day and there is always a new trick or concept, but that is my favorite trick to show people.”
“There is no useless skill. It’ll open more doors.
It’ll make you unique. People definitely won’t forget you.”
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Graduate Profile
Dr.BREANN POLING W.Va. native sets sights on medical career after being exposed to it her entire life
B
reann Poling, D.O., grew up always exposed to medicine, so it’s no surprise that the Class of 2018 graduate would one day be a physician. Poling’s father is a family physician and his enthusiasm and passion for his career ultimately trickled down to her.
“I always wanted to do something I was passionate about and something I loved that my heart was in,” the Beckley, W.Va., native said. “Seeing my dad so happy with his career choice, and always having an interest myself in science and medicine is why I wanted to be a physician. I’ve seen how medicine and being a family physician positively impacts lives.” Poling’s interest in science is a result of her fascination with the human body, which she admits she is in awe of. “If you think about everything that has to go right with the body just so you can wake up and breathe — it’s amazing,” she said. “Some people complain about their ailments or what is wrong with them, but they
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don’t really realize all the simple things that have to go right for you to be able to simply wake up and breathe on your own.”
said that she knew WVSOM would provide her the education and experiences she needed to carry through to her work as a physician.
Another aspect of a career in health care that Poling is looking forward to as a new physician is building relationships with patients. It’s also a reason why she was drawn to a primary care specialty.
“I got that gut feeling that this was the place for me,” she said. “WVSOM has an excellent reputation of providing good physicians. I was very fortunate to have one of the best medical schools so close to home.”
“You get to do a little bit of everything. You can see babies or geriatric patients. You can take care of a person from the time they are born until they die if you choose. You get to build a rapport with patients,” she said. Poling likes the idea how primary care physicians can provide for a patient in such a substantial way their entire life. She knows that family physicians have to rely on the services of specialists as well, but being a primary care physician means she will be “the quarterback” of a patient’s health care team. Being able to coordinate the patient’s care results in building a lifelong rapport. Spending her entire life in West Virginia Poling knew she had the opportunity to attend a medical school that provided a quality education right in her backyard. She
Now that Poling has made the transition from medical student to physician she has started on a new path in her life. She is completing a family medicine residency at Wake Forest Baptist Health in Winston-Salem, N.C. She may have left West Virginia, but Poling will take with her all the years of being exposed to medicine and being a compassionate physician. “I just want to be a good person, a good doctor and take the extra time to talk with my patients,” she said. “The part of the osteopathic profession that really stands out to me is that you can emphasize that the body is a unit, that thoughts, feelings and emotions are all tied to a person’s physical health and well-being. I will do my best to try and be a good friend, good person, and overall good physician to my patients and fellow colleagues.”
“I was very fortunate to have one of the best medical schools
so close to home.”
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Graduate Profile
Dr.ROBERT TAVARES From nurse to physician, WVSOM grad now calls W.Va. home
R
obert Tavares, D.O., wasn’t born in West Virginia, nor did he grow up in the state. But since he moved to West Virginia in 2011 he has built a life for himself, his wife and seven kids in a state he now calls home. The Boston, Mass., native worked as a nurse’s aid for eight years before becoming a registered nurse on the medical/surgical floor at Greenbrier Valley Medical Center (GVMC). Most recently, he was a registered nurse in the operating room at GVMC. While he loved his jobs as a nurse, Tavares didn’t think it was challenging enough so he decided to attend medical school. Tavares drove by WVSOM every day during his commute to GVMC, but didn’t know he would end up attending medical school there, until one day when he realized he needed to take the next, more challenging step in his medical career. “A defining moment for me was when I got my bachelor’s degree in nursing I wrote an entire paper on anticoagulants. I did an enormous amount of research for it. But Dr. [Patrick] Ryan, who ran the clinic’s residency program, debunked my entire paper, so I thought, ’I guess I do need to go to medical school,” he said. Tavares began medical school in 2014, but that didn’t mean he
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gave up his job at the Greenbrier Valley Medical Center. Having to support seven kids meant he needed to continue to bring in money in addition to studying to be a physician. Medical school alone can place strict demands on one’s schedule, but Tavares said, he managed to swing both with the help of his wife and kids, who range in age from 3 to 16. “It wouldn’t have worked without teamwork. My kids would help me study. My 7-year-old is able to draw a nephron,” he recalled. “Working during medical school did provide me with certain opportunities to reinforce what I was learning or be able to debate it. For instance, one of my kids was born during my first year, which was also the same time as our reproductive test.” Tavares also took advantage of the opportunity to be involved in WVSOM’s Rural Health Initiative program in order to understand industry-related experiences common in the state and the workpersonal life dynamic of various cultures. Tavares and his mother, who is a nurse, worked closely with the Seneca natives in western New York, and the Penobscot and Apache natives in central Maine. The experience was a mixture of health education and learning a group’s culture and way of life. It was only natural for Tavares to mimic that altruistic characteristic
when he moved to West Virginia. During his work at GVMC, he said he was interested in helping the Hispanic population, who may fear a stigma that discourages them from receiving medical help. Tavares recounts one story where he helped a Hispanic patient with Bell’s palsy, or a temporary weakness in the facial muscles, under the supervision of a clinician, get the care he needed.
“Through community, church and other groups we have set up Englishspeaking classes and are teaching the population how to cook healthy,” he said. “I think there is this fear of immigration that causes a problem where this population thinks everybody is out to get them, but we just want to provide positive resources to the community.” The Class of 2018 graduate will continue to serve community members in the Greenbrier Valley. He is completing a family medicine residency at Greenbrier Valley Medical Center, where he started as a nurse seven years ago.
“ It
wouldn’t have worked without teamwork.
My kids would help me study. My 7-year-old is able to draw a nephron.”
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Graduate Profile
Dr.HOLLY BERG Graduate dubbed “Most Likely to Cure Cancer” after her son’s diagnosis
H
olly Berg, D.O., could have never imagined that the material she was learning in medical school was what she would experience first-hand in her personal life. The Class of 2018 graduate’s youngest child, Titus, who was 5 years old at the time, was diagnosed with lymphoma her second year of medical school, right before she was set to start rotations in WVSOM’s Statewide Campus Northern region. She explained that T-cell acute lymphoblastic lymphoma is the lymphoma version of pediatric leukemia. “The diagnosis didn’t change my career path, but it did emphasize my perception of WVSOM and how we are a family,” the Montana native said. “During our first-year orientation, the faculty talked a lot about how students are part of the WVSOM family and how they wanted us to succeed and bond together. When my son was diagnosed I felt the WVSOM community embraced us in our difficulty. We were offered meals and gifts to make it easier during my son’s hospitalization and a shoulder to cry on whenever needed. Throughout the two years of my clinical rotations, I was offered a lot of support from my region. They emphasized to me that I was a mom first and a medical student second.”
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Berg said that with the help of her immediate family, as well as the WVSOM family, she was able to stay on track with her medical school rotations and provide care and support to her son. Because of her experience, she hopes to one day create a useful program as a physician that will help other families dealing with pediatric cancer. “I have a passion to some day create a program for new families in the pediatric cancer world,” Berg said. “My knowledge as a physician and the mother of a pediatric cancer patient could provide useful information for others on this journey as well.” Her drive to bring light to a personal situation didn’t go unnoticed by her classmates. During the Class of 2018’s match celebration in May, Berg received the superlative of “Most Likely to Cure Cancer.” Long before she received her medical degree, Berg spent eight years as a medical laboratory scientist in Spokane, Wash., and then in Anchorage, Alaska. She is now completing an anatomic and clinical pathology residency at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. Berg said that with pathology, there is a sense of fulfillment she gains from
behind the scenes of patient care. “In pathology, we are the liaison between the data that is gathered through patient testing and the physician using that information to treat the patient. Taking all of those pieces — lab tests, biopsies, molecular genetic results, etc. — and putting them into one cohesive picture allows us to more fully characterize the diagnosis. As more targeted therapies are being developed, the more specific diagnosis we can give the physician, the better the patient can be treated,” she said. The graduate said as in any specialty, especially pathology, there is an academic and clinical track, and she hopes to balance the line between both. “I hope to stay in a good mix of both because I have a heart for research and academics, but want to continue with patient care. I’m excited about the opportunity to use my gifts as a natural teacher in my career as a physician to further the field academically and in research as well.” The wife and mother of two has a full plate if she is going to be the physician who is “Most Likely to Cure Cancer.” But for now, she is happy to have her son’s final chemotherapy treatment as a milestone to look forward to after their years’ long battle with cancer.
“I’m excited about the opportunity to use my gifts as a natural teacher in my career as a physician to further
the field academically and in research as well.”
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NEWS
WVSOM news and events
$380
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to help students attend the American Academy of Osteopathy convocation
Follies raises funds The Student American Academy of Osteopathy (SAAO) hosted the annual WVSOM Follies in March. Thirteen students showcased their talent ranging from singing, fiddling and Bollywood dancing. Dr. Michael Adelman, who entertained the audience with his magic tricks, emceed the event. SAAO raised $380 to help students attend the American Academy of Osteopathy Convocation. The seminars teach the history of osteopathic medicine and current advances in the medical field.
Human Gift Registry Ceremony honored donors WVSOM first-year medical students honored 58 people who donated their bodies to the medical school for teaching and research during the annual Human Gift Registry ceremony in May. Students in the Class of 2021 and the donors’ family members were invited to the memorial and were given an opportunity to share memories and stories of loved ones. Karen Wines, director of the Human Gift Registry, said
this year’s event was one of the largest gatherings the school has had with family, friends and students sharing their memories and gratefulness. During the memorial, students often express their appreciation to the families for their loved one’s generosity. “The students spoke about how their experience with their donor allowed for deeper understanding that is much greater than anything that they could
learn from a textbook or lecture,” Wines said. “It is a gift with a ripple effect that can reach more than 30 million patients through the hands of our future graduates. These donors have become invaluable teachers to the students of WVSOM. Through the loss of a loved one, the gift of donation will return in the form of greater understanding for future physicians and patients in our communities.”
“It is a gift with a ripple effect that can reach more than 30 million patients through the hands of our future graduates.” 30
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- Karen Wines, director of the Human Gift Registry
NEWS
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► WVSOM faculty, staff and a handful of students in the Statewide Campus filled the House of Delegates and Senate halls at the state Capitol on Feb. 8, 2018 — a day West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice declared “WVSOM Day” in the state. A proclamation was presented to WVSOM President Dr. Michael Adelman along with other leadership, students and employees to take part in the official recognition. The school was also presented with a Resolution from Senate and a Citation from the House of Delegates.
This was the sixth annual WVSOM Day at the Capitol. The following information was available at booths: free blood pressure readings by students, admissions, marketing, Statewide Campus, alumni, human resources, foundation, a human-patient simulator, Rural Health Initiative, Center for Rural and Community Health, Healthy Children’s Initiative, research, AHEC and MSOPTI.
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WVSOM makes presence at Capitol during WVSOM Day
RHI sponsors seventh annual Rural Practice Day The seventh annual Rural Practice Day provided the opportunity for medical students to learn more about practicing medicine in rural areas. The Rural Health Initiative sponsored the daylong event in February. A panel discussion of WVSOM alumni shared success stories with students about practicing in rural areas. The panel included Derek Harmon, D.O., Lorenzo Pence, D.O., Joni Stepp, D.O. and Tom Takubo, D.O. Students also heard from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) concerning opioid abuse in communities. Robert Otero, diversion investigator and Amanda Lacy, outreach coordinator, discussed how the DEA and physicians are working together to address the opioid crisis in West Virginia. The day concluded with breakout sessions with case studies with rural physicians and residents with the human-patient simulators. Participants also had an overview of telemedicine in rural areas and financial incentives offered to remain in West Virginia after graduation. Undergraduate students from Concord University and high school students from Greater Beckley Christian school also attended Rural Practice Day to learn about WVSOM and rural medicine. WVSOM.edu
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WOMEN
ARMED FORCES
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OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE
COM Week presentations focused on women, armed forces WVSOM’s annual Celebrate Osteopathic Medicine (COM) Week focused on the evolution of women and the armed forces in osteopathic medicine, which took place March 12-15. The week began March 12 with Karen Steele, D.O., professor emerita, presenting the lunchtime lecture “The Value and Evolution of Women in Osteopathic Medicine.” Steele spoke about women’s role in medicine and how it has changed over time. She discussed several women who were pioneers in the osteopathic profession, as well as the medical world. The following evening, Steele expanded on women’s roles in osteopathic medicine during the last 100 years. She acknowledged the women who were in the first class at the American School of Osteopathy,
Karen Steele, D.O.
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the first osteopathic college. These women were actively recruited and taught the same curriculum as men. At the time, other medical schools provided women different course work. Steele also examined the advances women made in society throughout the last century. Col. David Romine, D.O., MPH, discussed the role of osteopathic medicine in the armed forced during a lunchtime lecture on Wednesday, March 14. The Class of 1992 graduate shared his perspective on osteopathic medicine’s place in the military and provided insight into his career. Romine stressed to students the importance of being a “10-fingered D.O.” and to be mindful of the Tenets of Osteopathic Medicine. COM Week presentations wrapped up on March 15 with a Class of 1981
graduate. Kendall Wilson, D.O., demonstrating the complex workings of a vintage McManis osteopathic manipulative treatment table. Wilson explained the use of a harness fastened to the table to stretch and relax the spine prior to manipulation. He also instructed students and faculty about techniques used for injection in the L5-S1 joint space, or Marcellus triangle. WVSOM’s COM Week supports the National Osteopathic (NOM) Week recognized by the American Osteopathic Association. This year, NOM week took place April 15-21. NOM Week brings the osteopathic medical profession together to focus on increasing awareness of osteopathic medicine and D.O.s in the communities across the country.
Col. David Romine, D.O., MPH
Kendall Wilson, D.O.
West Liberty University established bridge program with WVSOM
“This is a huge benefit to any student seeking to become a physician and we are pleased to offer it to the entire region,” said Dr. Stephen Greiner, WLU president. “WVSOM is excited to work with West Liberty to offer this unique opportunity to students,” stated Michael Adelman, D.O., J.D., WVSOM president. “We want to see students succeed and train them to become great osteopathic physicians.”
Students who choose, or are referred to, the new bridge program will then enroll in a two-semester, accelerated graduate degree program at WLU, the Master of Arts in Biology (MAB) with a major in biomedical sciences. “By succeeding in our new bridge program, these students will then demonstrate they are capable of overcoming the educational rigors of
SCIENTIFIC WORKSHOP
MAB students will take graduate level courses with a biomedical focus to improve their overall academic credentials consisting of a minimum of 30 credit hours in any of the following disciplines: anatomy, histology, neuroanatomy, biochemistry, microbiology, physiology, pathology, cell biology and/or genetics. “Many of our graduates have completed their undergraduate course work at West Liberty University and we feel this degree program will be an excellent preparation for admission to medical school,” said Craig Boisvert, D.O., WVSOM vice president for academic affairs and dean. “We look forward to working with West Liberty University on the Masters of Arts in Biology program with a medical school emphasis.” Students who successfully complete the MAB with the specified GPA and MCAT score will be guaranteed admission to WVSOM. WVSOM’s typical class size is around 200 students.
EXPERIMENTAL WINNERS
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NON-EXPERIMENTAL WINNERS
WVSOM, which is currently completing interviews for next year’s class, welcomes this new bridge program as a tool to assist potential candidates for admissions that may still need some academic work.
WVSOM,” Horzempa explained.
Middle school students recognized at science fair WVSOM hosted the sixth annual Southern West Virginia Regional Middle School Science Fair. WVSOM’s Affiliated and Sponsored Programs partnered with the Greenbrier Valley Chapter of Sigma Xi to offer the fair. This year, 60 students participated in the event from Pocahontas, Greenbrier and Monroe counties. The schools represented were Marlinton Middle School, Green Bank Middle School, Eastern Greenbrier Middle School and Mountain View Elementary and Middle School.
The science fair was open to entries in the experimental and nonexperimental categories. WVSOM medical students judged the event based on scientific thought, creativity, understanding, clarity, dramatic value and technical skills. Four scientific workshops were offered including lessons in splinting, forensics lab, X-ray imaging and an area to evaluate microscope slides. The winners in the non-experimental category included first place winner “Melanoma,” by Lillian Jackson; second
place winner “HIV-Aids,” by Bogi Szalai; and third place winner “How Blood Velocity Affects Flow Rate,” by Lauren Ballard. The winners in the experimental category included first place winner “Lemur See, Lemur Do,” by Willie O’Ganian; second place winner “Friction and Motor Oil,” by Peyton Baru; and third place winner “Sticky Situation,” by Max O’Ganian and Mason Soliday. WVSOM.edu
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West Liberty University (WLU) and WVSOM signed a Memorandum of Understanding to facilitate a bridge program designed for students seeking to become physicians. The program, which is the only guaranteed bridge program to medical school in the Mountain State, assures admission to WVSOM upon successful completion.
“The College of Sciences has been working on this new bridge program for a while. It is perfect for graduates who interview at WVSOM and don’t get accepted immediately. Also, college students can come directly to us as they work toward medical school and we can get them into the program,” said Dr. Joseph Horzempa, associate professor of biology and director of the bridge program.
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NEWS
WVSOM wins osteopathic awards WVSOM received five “Excellence in Communications Awards” at the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine’s (AACOM) 2018 annual conference in Washington D.C. in April. The Marketing and Communications department, the Media Services department and the Center for Rural and Community Health (CRCH) collaborated on a prescription opioid campaign that was awarded first place in the advertising category. The Marketing and Communications department was awarded four additional recognitions including second place in the advertising category for the presidential search materials; first place in the magazine category for the 2017 summer magazine “The building blocks of a healthy state;” second place in the recruitment category for the admissions viewbook; and third place in the annual report category for the 2016-2017 Annual Report. AACOM’s “Excellence in Communications Awards” are presented in honor of the outstanding marketing media relations, public education, writing and design efforts of the nation’s colleges of osteopathic medicine.
WVSOM chooses Oracle Cloud for security, to lower costs One may not associate advanced technology with the rolling hills and rural environment of southern West Virginia, but for a medical school that sits nestled among those hills technology plays an important role in educating future physicians. That is why WVSOM made the decision to switch to the Oracle Platform and Infrastructure Services in the Cloud in order to beef up security and substantially lower costs. “It’s really important for our students that we have this advanced technology because we are now in a generation that has grown up with phones and computers since grade school,” said Kim Ransom, WVSOM’s director of information technology. “There are certain expectations of having technology that is modern and current, and to be part of the cutting edge. In the medical profession you don’t want to be technologically behind the curve.” Oracle is the underlying database that the recently rolled out Banner 9, 34
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also referred to as Banner XE, sits on, according to Ransom. That database is used in higher education institutions for registration, financial aid, finance and human resources departments. Moving to a cloud-based system means WVSOM’s information technology department could also eliminate physical servers, relying now on a complete virtual environment. Ransom said WVSOM was the first higher education institution in North America to make a complete transition to Oracle Cloud. The decision to make the switch began a little more than a year ago, with work beginning in July 2017 and culminating on May 30. Oracle, a worldwide multinational technology corporation with headquarters in California, not only provided services at about one third of the cost of other companies, but they offered added security. “Oracle is a solid industry leader and offered a very secure platform with the encryption of the data in transit and at
rest. From a technical aspect that’s very important,” Ransom said. She said the medical school is privileged to have the support from administrators to fund these projects. “We’ve been fortunate, not just on this project but projects in the last eight years. Technology is not cheap. It can be expensive for the latest and greatest and most robust,” she said. Larry Ware, WVSOM’s vice president for finance and facilities, said it’s important for WVSOM to stay ahead of the technology curve. “To remain one of the top medical schools in the country, WVSOM must use its resources strategically,” he said. “Costeffective investment in technology assists us in meeting our mission.”
NEWS
2
WVSOM recognized by U.S. News for
“Our mission really focuses on primary care; so to be recognized for two decades as a top medical school proves that WVSOM is delivering in its mission.”
- President Michael Adelman, D.O., J.D.
th
WVSOM has once again been recognized as one of the nation’s top medical schools. For the 20th consecutive year, WVSOM has received recognition by the U.S. News & World Report “America’s Best Graduate Schools” annual publication. This distinction solidifies WVSOM’s reputation among all allopathic and osteopathic medical schools nationwide. WVSOM is No. 4 in the percentage of graduates entering primary care specialties, based on 2015-2017 residency data. Specifically, 69.2 percent of WVSOM graduates entered primary care residencies. “A main component of WVSOM’s mission is to educate students as lifelong learners
year
who will later serve in rural areas. Our mission really focuses on primary care; so to be recognized for two decades as a top medical school proves that WVSOM is delivering in its mission,” said President Michael Adelman, D.O., J.D. Medical school deans and senior faculty from across the U.S. determined the rankings based on educational programs. Results were calculated from a survey of accredited M.D. and D.O. medical schools across the country. The U.S. News & World Report recognizes institutions that offer top programs spanning specialties like business, law, medicine, engineering and education. WVSOM.edu
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Mini-Med School examines prevention and detection First- and second-year students led the ninth annual Mini-Med School for members of the community Jan. 22 and 23. Eight student groups presented the two-night program that focused on prevention and detection. The students provided informational sessions and utilized interactive activities to cover topics such as vaccines, the opioid epidemic and detection of diseases
such as breast cancer. Attendees were able to look at breast exam models and review the breast cancer risk calculator. Mini-Med School also gives students the opportunity to engage closely with community members. “I think that Mini-Medical School is one of the best opportunities for WVSOM’s students to interact with the community and one another while teaching about relevant health topics at the same time,” Langley Salyers said. She is also the Student Government Association’s T.O.U.C.H. coordinator. For the last nine years, Mini-Med School has become a favorite activity for the community. Salyers noted that one attendee said they would participate in Mini-Med School every week if it was offered. Salyers assisted in planning Mini-Med School with fellow students and faculty advisors Andrea Nazar, D.O. and Hilary Hamric, D.O.
“I think that Mini-Medical School is one of the best opportunities for WVSOM’s students to interact with the community and one another while teaching about relevant health topics at the same time.” - Langley Salyers, Student Government Association’s T.O.U.C.H. coordinator
WVSOM promoted opioid toolkit amidst National Prevention Week National Prevention Week is an annual health observance dedicated to increasing public awareness of mental and/or substance use disorders. The observance, which took place May 13 to 19, was hosted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), a federal funding agency for substance abuse. Throughout the week, communities and organizations across the country try to raise awareness about the importance of substance use prevention and positive mental health, according to SAMHSA. WVSOM’s Center for Rural and Community Health (CRCH) has maintained a close relationship with SAMHSA in the past year. WVSOM’s CRCH helps serve the needs of West Virginians in conjunction with assisting and working with community-based organizations. The CRCH is a resource center designed to help improve 36
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the health and well-being of West Virginians. The two organizations worked closely through the creation and development of an opioid toolkit, designed to bring awareness to the rising epidemic in the state and offer resources for those trying to recover. After months of discussion to create a useful resource, the “Prescription Opioid and Heroin Awareness Toolkit” came to be, in collaboration with the Community Addressing Prescription Drug Epidemic (CARxE) Coalition, according to Haylee Heinsberg, a CRCH health education coordinator who helped oversee the creation of the toolkit. “We are trying to make people more aware of this disease, community resources and the places to get help and to at least start a conversation about how to improve this epidemic,” Heinsberg said of the resource tool.
The toolkit was presented at the West Virginia Rural Health Conference last fall, and as a result, neighboring counties started expressing an interest in the toolkit. During that time, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration also started using it as a model for other areas of the state — hoping to replicate the toolkit in all 55 counties. This educational effort also gained national exposure. Heinsberg and Drema Mace, Ph.D., the executive director of the CRCH, presented “An Opioid Toolkit: A Rural Community Education Project” at the National Rural Health Association’s annual conference on May 11 in New Orleans, La. The toolkit, along with a provider packet and a series of public service announcements, all come together as one, a synergistic effort for people to see there are others dealing with the same situation, Heinsberg said.
ineteen students, two faculty advisors and a group of WVSOM alumni spent spring break providing health care to underserved patients in parts of Peru. Overall, the DOCARE student chapter served 1,350 patients over the course of a week in March. The first part of the week, students served in Iquitos, Peru. They then traveled by boat to the Ceiba Tops lodge and later hosted a clinic from a large boat, called the Amazon Queen, where the group served small villages in remote areas of the rainforest. Students ended the week with a day spent in Lima for a cultural experience before returning to the U.S.
under 18 was treated with dental fluoride varnish. DOCARE members had to rely heavily on fundraising efforts this year, since Peru was one of the priciest mission trips taken by the group, according to advisor Kathleen Martin, M.D. “I’m extremely proud of our students,” she said. “Because of their work, we were able to provide for a much larger number of patients than we have in previous years. Not only did they do individual fundraising, they also solicited donations of things like toothbrushes and toothpaste to decrease how much we had to purchase.”
NEWS
DOCARE students, faculty advisors serve 1,350 patients in Peru Though the International Festival was the group’s largest fundraiser of the year, the smaller fundraisers were also necessary to meet the organization’s goal. DOCARE received a matching donation from the WVSOM Foundation. Dr. Kathleen Martin and Dr. Maple Landvoigt served as the advisors. Alumni included Dr. James Deering, Dr. Caytlin Deering, Dr. Miles Medina and Dr. Angela Pendleton. Dr. Jodi Flanders, wife of James Deering and mother of Caytlin Deering, was instrumental in organizing trip arrangements. A handful of other clinicians and non-clinicians also provided service on the trip.
The group offered patients antiparasitics and provided health education using interpreters and local volunteers. The pharmacy was stocked with vitamins, NSAIDs, acetaminophen, asthma medicines, allergy medicines, cough medicines, antibiotics, antifungals and steroids. Through fundraising efforts, toothbrushes, toothpaste and reading glasses were also distributed. Additionally, every child “I’m extremely proud of our students,” she said. “Because of their work, we were able to provide for a much larger number of patients than we have in previous years.” - Kathleen Martin, M.D.
1,350 PATIENTS in one week
WVSOM PROVIDED:
medical aid health education medication dental hygiene reading glasses WVSOM.edu
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High school students learn about infectious diseases during summer camp
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-Allie Douglas, camp participant
The camp, now in its sixth year, has grown into the Just Say KNOW Scholars Program, which will focus on a different science topic every year as opposed to pharmacology each year. Essentially, this will give the opportunity for students to return to the camp with a fresh topic to learn, and thus build his or her interest. This year, the camp focused on infectious diseases. “Learning about prominent infectious viral agents, both past and present, is important to understanding current outbreaks,” said Crystal Boudreaux, Ph.D., this year’s camp organizer. “Also, the team of professionals it takes to treat and combat infectious diseases goes far beyond the treating physician.” Boudreaux said the 10 students who participated in the camp — some of whom came from as far as North Carolina, Ohio and Virginia — had the opportunity to bring infectious disease topics to life through biochemistry experimentation and solving outbreaks with team-based learning, which is the same learning style heavily implemented in WVSOM’s curriculum. The camp focused on the acronym VIRUSES, where attendees were able to visualize virus structures, interact to solve outbreaks, research experimental ideas, understand vaccine impacts, simulate infectious disease cases, explore WVSOM and showcase what they learned. This was the first year Allie Douglas, of Elkview, W.Va., attended the camp. She is a sophomore at Herbert Hoover High School and takes an interest in science and math classes. She said she thinks the camp provides additional perspective to students who like science or are interested in becoming a doctor. “In high school you don’t learn about virology much or see anatomy labs. Being here and experiencing those things gives you a jumpstart on what you are going to learn as an undergrad or if you plan on going to
medical school,” she said. “It’s a whole new exposure that most people don’t get and I’m fortunate to have this close enough for me to participate.”
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For one week every summer, high school students interested in science have the opportunity to completely immerse themselves in a “Just Say KNOW” camp at the WVSOM campus.
Lindsey Ray was so impressed with her experience at the Just Say KNOW camp four years ago that she decided to return as an undergraduate intern and mentor to the current campers. This was her second year in the role. “I took an anatomy class my junior year of high school and fell in love with anatomy — I just thought it was the coolest thing,” the West Virginia University Institute of Technology student said. “We took part in an anatomy tour during the Just Say KNOW camp and it opened my eyes to the medical field.” Raeann Carrier, Ph.D. was the creator of the first part of the series, Just Say KNOW to Drugs! and still serves as the director for the entire series at WVSOM. She said the program gives high school students the opportunity to experience the special uniqueness of WVSOM, the campus and what the school has to offer. “The campers are immersed in the anatomy lab, research labs, the Clinical Evaluation Center and the practice of osteopathic medicine,” she said. “One of the goals of the camp is to expose students to the health professions field, specifically osteopathic medicine.” Providing opportunities for young adults to explore science and health-related fields through programs at WVSOM helps people like Ray gain more knowledge of health care and the medical profession. The Asbury, W.Va., native will graduate in December and has already applied to medical school. “I like the alternative ways to treat, so I just thought the OMT [osteopathic manipulative treatment] was the coolest thing,” she said. “It’s an added skill to a toolbox.” The camp also provides WVSOM students who have an interest in education the chance to mentor the high school students and communicate medicine effectively. This year’s medical student camp interns were Heather Farr and Samantha Braun. Next year the camp, which takes place the last full week of June, will focus on anatomy. For now, camp organizers hope the topic of infectious diseases was contagious enough to make participants want to continue their science education. WVSOM.edu
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WVSOM students, faculty receive scholarships at Spring Awards ceremony The West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM) recognized medical students for their academic and community achievements during the annual Spring Awards ceremony. WVSOM employees were also recognized by students for their commitment to helping educate future physicians. This year’s event, which took place March 21, offered recipients a total of $158,500 through 27 scholarships and certificates of appreciation.
Student scholarships STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS awards were: ANDand AWARDS WERE:
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ROLAND P. SHARP PRESIDENT’S AWARD AND FOUNDATION AWARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT is given to a student
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Natan Harel (Not pictured)
Chris Gauthier 2
WVSOM ALUMNI ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIPS were given to two
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Reina Lopez and Vincent Morra THE GREENBRIER MILITARY SCHOOL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP
is presented to two students who excel academically and show strong leadership, determination and discipline.
THE CHERYL AND MICHAEL ADELMAN WVSOM LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP
is awarded to students who have demonstrated character and leadership during their time at WVSOM and who have the potential to be future leaders in the osteopathic profession.
students who exemplify scholarship, osteopathic professional interest, leadership and citizenship. 3
THE FREDRIC W. SMITH MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP is awarded to a student
completing his or her first year of medical school. The student must plan to practice family medicine and have a strong interest in the school and community.
based on academic performance, osteopathic professional interest, leadership and citizenship to a firstyear student.
Jubel Puthusseril and Evan Tyree 40
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John Apgar, Ethan Stephens, Reina Lopez and Loc Tran 6
THE JAMES R. STOOKEY, D.O., MANIPULATIVE MEDICINE SCHOLARSHIP was created in honor
of James Stookey, vice president for academic affairs and dean from 1988
Nicholas Bowers THE DR. WILLIAM B. MULLEN AND JENNIFER WHITE SCHOLARSHIP was
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created in recognition of Dr. William B. Mullen of Logan, W.Va., who cared for patient, Jennifer White, who passed away in 2011.
by the Osteopathic Principles and Practice (OPP) department in 2008 to recognize a second-year student with outstanding skills in osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT). Candidates are nominated and voted by classmates. The winner has his or her name engraved on a plaque that is displayed in the osteopathic clinical skills lab.
BRICKSTREET SCHOLARSHIPS
are donated by the BrickStreet Foundation. Megan Farley, Jordan Allen, Lucas Goodwin, Hannah Economos (Young), Danielle Stankus, Zane Dennison, Ashley Blake, Trey Furby and Karlee Moyer
Vincent Morra
THE MOSS SCHOLARSHIPS are in
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honor of the late Marlene Wager, D.O., and are presented to students who are not West Virginia residents. This year, 16 students received the scholarship.
Allison Daniel 12
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THE PAUL KLEMAN, D.O., FAMILY PRACTICE STUDENT AWARD
recognizes a student who plans to use osteopathic manipulation in treatment of their patients and is
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THE WVSOM FAMILY PRACTICE SCHOLARSHIP is awarded to a
second-year West Virginia resident who has intentions of practicing family medicine upon graduation.
THE MARLENE WAGER 10-FINGERED 10 OPP SCHOLARSHIP was created
Megan Farley, Joshua Botkin and Haven (Clay) Price 8
willing to instill the importance of osteopathic principles and practice in the next generation of WVSOM students.
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THE RONALD P. BILLIPS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP was estabilshed by
a 2002 WVSOM graduate to honor his friend and classmate killed in a car accident. The award is given to a first-year student who is a graduate of Big Creek, Iaeger, Mount View, Princeton or Bluefield high schools in West Virginia or Graham, Tazewell, Richlands or Pocahontas high schools in Virginia. Daniel Williamson
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Amanda Byers, Zachary Dickman, Kelsi Evans, Heather Farr, Caleb Glover, Tyler Glover, Daniel Guzman, Stephanie Haddad, Kathleen Herman, Joshua McDonald, Nicholas Ralston, Obaid Rehman, Jose Roberts, Jordan Smith, Anthony Strobolakos and Steven Veselsky
to 2002. The scholarship is given to a student who has demonstrated proficiency in manipulative medicine.
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THE RANDY DAILEY MEMORIAL AWARD is given to a second-year
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student from West Virginia who demonstrates a commitment to academic excellence and service. THE LORETTA MOORE MEMORIAL AWARD recipient is chosen by first-
year students to a classmate who has overcome obstacles in order to succeed. THE SAMANTHA KETCHEM MUNCY PRIMARY CARE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP was established to
honor Muncy, a student killed in a car accident. The scholarship is awarded to a third-year medical student from Barbour, McDowell, Taylor, Preston or Harrison counties in West Virginia who plans to remain in the state to practice in a primary care specialty. Ondrea Moore (Not pictured) WVSOM’S DIVERSITY TASK FORCE – EVA TETER HAMMER AWARD is given
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to a student who demonstrates an interest in osteopathic medicine and eliminating the inequities of individuals.
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THE STUDENT D.O. OF THE YEAR
award acknowledges a student’s commitment to his or her school, community and the osteopathic profession. THE U.S. PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE EXCELLENCE IN PUBLIC HEALTH AWARD is given to a student who
has developed and implemented a program advancing the overarching goals and achieving the objects of Health People 2020. The student has also developed and implemented a program that addresses the priorities of the National Prevention Strategy. Rohini Singh (Not pictured)
Amanda Buzzetta
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First place Chris Gauthier, second place Optimum Robinson and third place Chloe Saba (Class of 2021); first place Paige Harry, second place Mariam Gheissari and third place Lucy Chisler (Class of 2020); first place Lisa Smith, second place Philip Su and third place Anna Malysz (Class of 2019)
Ashley Rubin 20
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THE STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP is presented to first-,
second- and third-year students who have mentored fellow students, shared their own resources to facilitate the learning of others, have founded clubs or organized events and have brought students together in new and creative ways.
Ashley Blake and Amanda Johns
Jose Roberts (Not pictured) 16
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established in 2016 and named after Olen E. Jones Jr., Ph.D., who served as president of WVSOM from 1987 to 2009. The scholarship is awarded to West Virginia students based on literary and scholastic attainments, morality, leadership and physical vigor.
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THE WEST VIRGINIA EMULATION ENDOWMENT TRUST/DR. OLEN E. JONES JR. SCHOLARSHIP was
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THE STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION STUDENT CHARACTER SCHOLARSHIP is presented to first-,
second- and third-year students who possess and demonstrate characteristics that may sometimes go generally unnoticed but are noted by peers. Noah Jordan, Caroline Gormley and Benjamin Kastenbauer (Class of 2021); JessieAnn Flowers, Alaric Gee and Amanda Connolly (Class of 2020); and Ashley Rubin,
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Sepeedeh Araghiniknam and Philip Su (Class of 2019) 23
Student Government Association President Reina Lopez and Vice President Loc Tran
THE FREDRIC W. SMITH COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD recognizes a
campus organization or club that demonstrates a commitment to the Lewisburg community, the WVSOM community and classmates.
WVSOM faculty and staff who were recognized by students were:
The Student Osteopathic Medical Association (SOMA) 24
THE COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND RELIEF EFFORT (C.O.R.E.) recognized
members for their service. This year, six students received the honor. Raji Akileh, Joshua Fleming, Samantha Nibert, Kayle Smith, Zachary Tilley and Patricia Wilt
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WVSOM PRESIDENT MICHAEL ADELMAN recognizes service and
leadership to WVSOM and the student body.
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THE OSTEOPATHIC PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE (OPP) Integration Teaching
Awards are given to faculty members recognized for their efforts in teaching, as well as those who have excelled in integrating OPP in their classes. Abigail Frank, D.O. (clinical science), Rebecca Scopa Kelso, Ph.D. (biomedical science), and Jim Wright, D.O. (adjunct clinical science preceptor)
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THE ATLAS CLUB GOLDEN KEY AWARDS are given to a biomedical
science faculty member and clinical science faculty member selected by students. Tuoen Liu, M.D., Ph.D., and Jeremy Proctor, D.O. (Not
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THE STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION APPRECIATION RECOGNITION is given to employees
by SGA members for their work and support on behalf of medical students.
David Webb, M.D., Jandy Hanna, Ph.D., Elizabeth Ziner, D.O., Robert Pepper, D.O., Georgette Morton and Belinda Evans
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11,900 HOURS
Students volunteer throughout the area during WVSOM Day of
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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT is an important component to a medical student’s experience at WVSOM.
That’s why at the beginning of each new academic year the school hosts a WVSOM Day of Service in partnership with the United Way of Greenbrier Valley. The event is where first- and second-year students volunteer at businesses and organizations in the area — offering time and physical labor for the betterment of the community.
This year, 130 students spent the first Saturday of their school year at eight sites across Greenbrier, Monroe and Pocahontas counties to assist in beautification projects. “The WVSOM/United Way Day of Service is a way for WVSOM students to interact with community members and each other,” said Kristy Farmer, a second-year student and the Student Government Association Translating Osteopathic Understanding into Community Health (T.O.U.C.H.) coordinator. “As a diverse group of students from across the country, volunteering locally is a way to give back to the communities that support us throughout our medical education. These opportunities also allow us to enhance our communication, leadership and teamwork skills.” FALL 2018
Belinda Evans, WVSOM’s director of student life, said the Day of Service event is a good way to start the school year and instill in students the importance of engaging with community members. “Even though students are only on the Lewisburg campus for two years, WVSOM really encourages our students to be active participants in the community and community involvement,” she said. “Of course, the curriculum and classroom learning is primary, but it is also important that our students be engaged with community members because they could be their future patients. We always strive to have our students make a positive impact on the area.” Last year, WVSOM students volunteered 11,900 hours of service to organizations in the area. This year, locations that benefited from Day of Service volunteers included the Child and Youth Advocacy Center, Greenbrier Episcopal School, Davis Stuart, Frankford Elementary School, Eastern Greenbrier Middle School, CASE WV in Union, Rock Camp/Wikel Ruritan Club and the Pocahontas County Family Resource Network – Harvest Food Pantry.
NEWS
“As a diverse group of students from across the country, volunteering locally is a way to give back to the communities that support us throughout our medical education.” -Kristy Farmer, Student Government Association T.O.U.C.H. coordinator
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RESEARCH
Researcher studies host factors in
ROTAVIRUS REPLICATION Crystal Boudreaux, Ph.D. has worked at WVSOM for about a year and a half, but she has spent the last six years in the lab researching rotavirus replication in order to find a solution to reducing the risk of childhood diarrheal deaths worldwide.
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Ever since her graduate school training at Mississippi State University and her postdoctoral training at Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine and Research Institute in Roanoke, Va., Boudreaux said she has always been fascinated and intrigued by viruses because they require a host to survive.
“The spread of rotavirus is based on cleanliness and hygiene. Norovirus is also popular, but we don’t have a vaccine for that virus. Rotavirus is its close cousin and answering questions about it can also answer questions about Norovirus,” she said.
“It’s not a symbiotic relationship. We don’t want a virus. I’ve always been intrigued by how viruses are the maestro of the orchestra in our body. They redirect immune function and they usurp our own proteins. There is a lot that we still don’t know about these processes and it’s intriguing to me,” she said.
Rotaviruses are the leading cause of childhood diarrheal death worldwide due to dehydration, Boudreaux said. That is why her lab is focused on cellular host factors that assist in rotavirus replication and why her team is working to develop improvements to vaccination efforts and new antiviral treatments. “Research remains important because we want to study how host factors help the virus replicate. Host factors play a significant role in response to not only rotavirus infections but all viral infections and that makes what we do here in the lab applicable to the virus community as a whole,” she said. “What we do in terms of host factor studies and multiple virus infections is two-fold — it’s a model for other viruses to elucidate host factor involvement and it correlates the new external selective pressures in a population.” As is the case with most research, finding a solution can be a long process and one that requires patience. “The topic we are studying could last my entire career,” Boudreaux said. “I always tell my students that 362 days of the year you will get a negative result and just those three days you will have an aha moment. Patience is a virtue in science, and something that drew me to it is curiosity. It’s new questions and new curiosities that keep you waking up every day to do this. It’s a challenge to figure out a successful outcome.”
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n West Virginia, enteric illnesses are the second most common type of disease outbreak, and rotaviruses fall into that category, according to Boudreaux, who is an assistant professor of microbiology at WVSOM. Rurally populated areas in the state may be one attribute to increased outbreaks.
She knows that the success of research is rarely dependent on one person, which is why the contributions of her lab team — consisting of three medical students and two technicians — are so invaluable. Research opportunities have always been attractive to medical students as well. “In the medical profession it takes a team of people to be successful. I may be teaching but my lab still needs to run day to day and the technicians are the ones who run the labs in the building. They keep the day-to-day operations going. My team, technicians and students, are the ones who have all hands on deck and carrying out the experiments,” she said. “Students gain an understanding of vaccine development and drug mechanisms. It gives students a good perspective from bench to bedside. The care they give in their clinics really stems back to research, ideas and findings of a scientific community as a whole.” Boudreaux and her team’s research is funded by a West Virginia Idea Network for Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) NIH grant. Last year, she received $30,000, which was pivotal in purchasing research equipment for protein purification that allows the team to isolate particular proteins and study their function.
“It gives students a good perspective from bench to bedside. The care they give in their clinics really stems back to research, ideas and findings of a scientific community as a whole.”
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FACULTY & STAFF
Faculty hires
Tracey Anderson, Ed.D.
Josalyn Mann, D.O.
Anderson began working in the Assessment and Educational Development Office Feb. 3. Anderson is responsible for organizing, overseeing and developing accreditation documentation, visits and reports required by regional and national accreditation agencies. This also includes collaborating/ assisting WVSOM colleagues on all matters relating to accreditation and Continuous Quality Improvement, among other related tasks. Anderson has a Doctor of Education degree in educational leadership and a Master of Arts in educational leadership, both from West Virginia University. She joins WVSOM from Bluefield State University where she was the director of institutional research and effectiveness, overseeing accreditation, institutional research and assessment for more than a decade.
Dr. Mann began working at WVSOM Jan. 31. Mann will monitor the progress and performance of students based within the Statewide Campus Central East Region. Before being an osteopathic principles and practice graduate teaching assistant and graduating from WVSOM, Mann graduated magna cum laude from Wheeling Jesuit University. Since completing residency at Doctor’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, she has worked as a family practice physician in the Bridgeport area and has been a preceptor for medical students and nurse practitioner students since 2010.
Transitions
Director of accreditation
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Edward Bridges, Ph.D.
Raeann Carrier, Ph.D.
Marilea Butcher
became the vice president for administration and external relations. In this role, Bridges is responsible for institutional accreditation, research, affiliated and sponsored programs, external relations, government relations, media services, space allocation, special projects and strategic planning. Bridges will also play an instrumental role as the school explores new degree programs. He served as the associate dean of preclinical education since 2016 and served as the chair of the Department of Biomedical Sciences for three years prior to being promoted to the assistant dean of preclinical education in 2015.
became the director of National Boards Office and Exam Center. Carrier served as assistant director of the department since October. Carrier will also retain her status as tenured assistant professor in the Department of Biomedical Sciences, where she has been teaching pharmacology since 2012. Prior to WVSOM, she taught at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine after she received her Ph.D. from The Ohio State University.
became the vice president of communications and administrative affairs. In addition to her current responsibilities in administrative affairs, Butcher assumes direct supervision and responsibilities of the Office of Marketing and Communications in lieu of replacing the vacated position of director of marketing and public relations.
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FACULTY & STAFF
Lisa Hrutkay, D.O.
Marla Haller, D.O.
Dr. Hrutkay began working at WVSOM Dec. 19. Hrutkay will monitor the progress and performance of students based within the Statewide Campus Northern Region. She is a graduate of West Liberty State College and WVSOM, and has been an emergency medicine physician in the Wheeling area for more than 20 years. Hrutkay has been a preceptor for WVSOM’s predoctoral students, and is the founder and director of WVSOM’s Wilderness Medicine rotation.
Dr. Haller began working at WVSOM Jan. 8. Haller will monitor the progress and performance of students based within the Statewide Campus Central West Region. She is a graduate of Marshall University and WVSOM, has been a visiting lecturer for WVSOM and a preceptor for several universities and programs. Haller serves as the corporate medical director for the Post-Acute Division of Holzer Health System, while also serving as medical director and attending physician for several assisted living and senior care centers in Southeast Ohio.
Statewide Campus regional assistant dean Northern Region
Statewide Campus regional assistant dean Central West Region
Leslie Bicksler
Jandy Hanna, Ph.D., MSB
Kristie Bridges , Ph.D.
became the vice president of human resources, following a thorough review of her overall job responsibilities and the complexities of her position as chief human resources officer of WVSOM.
became the associate dean for research and sponsored programs. Hanna will serve as the chief research officer of WVSOM and provide leadership and oversight to support research innovation, grants management and research compliance. She has worked at WVSOM for more than 12 years as a biomedical sciences faculty member and recently served as the biomedical sciences department chair.
became the biomedical sciences department chair in July. In this role, Bridges will provide leadership and vision to the department and institution with osteopathic medical education and the recruitment of new faculty. The chair also assures faculty excellence through recruitment, faculty development and evaluation of faculty for recommendation for promotion and tenure. Bridges has been a biomedical sciences faculty member at WVSOM since 2007. WVSOM.edu
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WVSOM celebrates employees, retirees WVSOM celebrated employee achievements by honoring retirees, recognizing employees for years of service and acknowledging outstanding work among faculty and staff with the announcement of the “President’s Awards of Excellence for Employee Achievement” awards.
This year, the Employee Celebration began by recognizing 10 retirees who had a combined service to WVSOM of 243 years. Retirees were Dr. Michael Adelman, Dr. Elaine Soper, Patricia Cruse, Patricia Crawford, Michele Vallandingham, Angie Bowyer (Hellms), Milletta Burns, Dr. Bob Fisk, Dr. George Boxwell and Cheryl Baker.
“It’s no accident that WVSOM has become the institution it is today,” Leslie Bicksler, WVSOM’s vice president of human resources told the audience. “There are a score of great employees like each of you who have come before us and have ensured that WVSOM not only existed but thrived over the years. Employees who paid the power bill, rewrote the curriculum, rewrote the curriculum again, recruited students, taught students, moved a wall and then moved the wall back the next year, they conducted research, they ran graduation, they made sure we got paid. Of course I’m referring to our WVSOM retirees. We can’t thank you enough for all you have done and
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continue to do for WVSOM.” The Office of Human Resources also presented the President’s Award of Excellence for Employee Achievement to individuals whose job performance has demonstrated sustained creativity, resourcefulness and dedication. These individuals have made significant contributions to WVSOM through their professional specialty and achievement of the school’s goals and objectives. Winners in the administrative/ managerial category were Edward Bridges, Ph.D.; Jeff Dowdy; and Mary Essig. Winners in the professional/non-faculty category were Angie Amick; Kathy Hoke; Carrie Lawrence; Alicia Luckton; Scott Maxwell; Sherri Miller; Randy Saunders; and Todd Trent. Winners in the paraprofessional/ clerical category were Milletta Burns; Rebekah McDowell; and Jill Trent. Winners in the maintenance/ service category were Gina Griffin; Lisa Howard; and Eddie Miller. Two faculty members, Andrea Nazar, D.O., clinical sciences, and Kristie Bridges, Ph.D.,
biomedical sciences, received this year’s President’s Outstanding Faculty Awards. The awards are presented each year to members of the faculty in recognition of their excellence in teaching and commitment to osteopathic medical education. The President’s Outstanding Employee Award is given annually to selected employees who are identified to the president by a vote of WVSOM faculty and staff as overall outstanding employees for the current academic year. The award recognizes exceptional and dedicated service to WVSOM. The goal of the award is to raise awareness in the campus community about the indispensable contributions that have been made by the outstanding employee to the quality, diversity and overall mission of WVSOM. Eleven employees were nominated. They were Suzanne Adkins, Edward Bridges, Ph.D., Marietta Chaney, Susan Griffith, Jandy Hanna, Ph.D., Alicia Luckton, Sherri Miller, Andrea Nazar, D.O., Karla Pauley, Deborah Schmidt, D.O., and Leah Stone. The
“We want you to know as your colleagues how much we appreciate you and the work that you do at WVSOM,” Bicksler said.
“We recognize the dedication, the time, the commitment, the extra effort and the passion that you show to not only ensuring WVSOM’s success but the success of those around you.
You make WVSOM what it is — a special place to many of us and we thank you.”
Diana Bird and Robert Foster, D.O., for 35 years; and Elayne Brown and Ernest Piercy for 40 years.
The celebration also recognizes employees for reaching milestones in five-year increments of service at WVSOM. In addition to recognizing a number of employees who have reached milestones of service, WVSOM recognized eight employees who achieved 20 or more years of service to WVSOM as of June 2018. Paul Boothe and Patricia Crawford have worked at WVSOM for 20 years; William Alder for 25 years; Craig Boisvert, D.O., for 30 years;
“We want each and every one of you to know how much we appreciate your time, energy, talents and passion for making WVSOM successful. Your contributions are essential to WVSOM’s ongoing and continued success,” Bicksler said.
FACULTY & STAFF
two winners this year were Susan Griffith and Andrea Nazar, D.O.
WVSOM employs 286 people.
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Jackson honored as professor emeritus
Johnson received fellow award
Kelly Jackson, Ph.D. has been honored as professor emeritus at WVSOM. Jackson taught immunology for more than 20 years at WVSOM. While at WVSOM, he aided in developing new curriculum and was the vice chair of biomedical sciences. Jackson has been recognized as a dedicated teacher as the recipient of several awards at WVSOM including Osteopathic Principles and Practice Integration Teaching award, Outstanding Teacher and the Golden Key Award for Excellence. He also received a nomination for the West Virginia Professor of the Year award in 2000.
Rachel Johnson, D.O., received the award of fellow on March 22, at the ACOFP spring conference that took place in Austin, Texas. Her sponsor was Victoria Shuman, D.O. Her scientific paper was titled, “Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Anal Canal: The Importance of the Digital Rectal Examination.”
Carrier inducted as fellow Raeann Carrier, Ph.D., co-organized and presented, in a Division of Pharmacology Education symposium entitled Assessing Pharmacology in Integrated Curricula. Her presentation was “Utilizing Outcomes and Objectives to Improve Student Learning and Exam Development.” Additionally, Carrier was inducted as a fellow in the Academy of Pharmacology Educators at the annual American Society of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics meeting.
Hanna named 2017 Item Writer of the Year Jandy Hanna, Ph.D., MSB, was chosen as the 2017 COMAT Foundational Biomedical Sciences Item Writer of the Year by the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME). Hanna authored several published papers on locomotion and functional morphology, biomechanics, and energetics of movement in a 3-D environment, enhancing her contribution to the NBOME national faculty. She also wrote items for the COMAT Foundational Biomedical Sciences examinations. The award is based on leadership skills, commitment to hard work and unwavering support of the NBOME mission of protecting the public.
Neumann collaborated on award Jacob Neumann, Ph.D., assistant professor of pharmacology, is serving as the collaborator for a $50,000 Equipment Award from West Virginia IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (WV INBRE). This funding will allow for the purchase of a patch clamp system, thus expanding biomedical research capabilities at WVSOM.
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ALUMNI
From Alumni Association Board President
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hat’s not to love about WVSOM? A school with a beautiful campus, friendly people, located in a cool small town, that offers a strong education, and of course, remarkable alumni. I am excited to be elected the next president of the WVSOM Alumni Association and for the opportunity to hear from you, the elite group of WVSOM alumni. As I take the reins of leadership for an association you are proud of, I will need your voice. It is important to me that every alumnus and alumna be involved, share your story, and speak up about what you would like from your alumni association. While we all have the same diploma on the wall, we all have different experiences from WVSOM, often determined by when we attended. I shared a personal story of wisdom during the graduation ceremony of meeting one of my first ill, almost blind patients following my own graduation. The patient quickly said to me, “Who are you?” I quickly responded, “Dr. Olexo, I am your doctor.” She said, “Well, you are half right.” Now, this was early in my career and I had a lot to learn but I thought I knew who I was. She then proceeded to tell me, “While I am sure you worked very hard at it, a doctor is your title. A doctor is what you are.” I learned from this nearly blind patient over the next month that who you are goes much deeper. Who you are becomes a passion you strive to complete the rest of your life. This passion changes the way you think and changes the way you act. As osteopathic physicians we find ourselves taking interest in others, often times perfect strangers, and truly caring if they get better. Some problems keep us up all night and they are not even our own problems. As often, we find ourselves putting others’ needs ahead of our own and constantly looking for ways to comfort our patients and learning becomes a lifelong goal. With times of change in leadership at the school, leadership in the alumni association and the profession changing with M.D. and D.O. residencies combining, it is important to know who we are, what we are passionate about doing, where we came from and where we are headed. Change is often an opportunity for growth and to learn just how much we are capable of achieving with everyone’s help. As health care professionals, this also provides us with the opportunity to be lifelong learners in an ever-changing profession. Continued growth and knowledge may come from the unseen vision of a patient, building on the strong medical education each of us received from WVSOM. Let’s be an example to the students currently attending WVSOM to show that their future alumni association is something they want to join. Let’s impact their experiences at WVSOM in a positive manner. Let’s join, let’s mentor, let’s educate and let’s give back! As always, please feel free to reach out to me with any spectacular ideas for your association.
Rob Olexo, D.O. Class of 2001 WVSOM Alumni Association President Dr. Olexo is board certified in family medicine. He works as a family physician at a rural Federally Qualified Health Center through Rainelle Medical Center in White Sulphur Springs, W.Va. WVSOM.edu
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Alumni profile
Alumnus aims to manage opioid use among patients Brian Yee, D.O., Class of 2006
“It’s a re-education process for both the referring physicians, as well as the patients themselves.”
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VSOM groups have been working closely with national organizations in order to combat the opioid problem in West Virginia. For example, the school’s Center for Rural and Community Health worked with other organizations to create and develop an opioid toolkit, designed to bring awareness to the rising epidemic in the state and offer resources for those trying to recover. The toolkit has been presented at the West Virginia Rural Health Conference and the National Rural Health Association’s annual conference, and as a result, has been used as a model for other areas of the state, slowly being replicated in all 55 counties. One WVSOM alumnus is also trying to do his part in managing opioid use and chronic pain. Brian Yee, D.O., Class of 2006, is board certified in anesthesiology and pain management. He previously worked at the Center for Pain Relief in Beckley. Now practicing at Tidelands Health in Murrells Inlet, S.C., Yee said it’s fulfilling finding nonnarcotic options to treat pain. “I initially liked the idea of helping to take care of patients in the peri-operative period and subsequently ended up liking the interventional pain management aspects of anesthesiology,” he said. “The challenges I run into with pain management is patients often have expectations as to how they were treated before, with pain medication being the first and only option given to them.
As a pain consultant, I try to educate medical providers and patients to let them know there are other options out there other than addictive medications that have side effects that could be life threatening.” Aside from low-dose medication, other suggestions for managing pain can include physical therapy and acupuncture. In some surgeries, for instance with orthopedic
ALTERNATIVES ARE AVAILABLE
surgeries, spine blocks and nerve blocks can be used to help with joint pain or postoperative pain, Yee said. “As an interventional pain physician, I try to find modalities such as injections, spinal cord stimulation or pump therapies, rather than opioid pain medications. These treatment options are interventional in nature and focused toward treating the pain in a safer manner. It’s a re-education process for both the referring physicians, as well as the patients themselves." Yee said that it can be difficult to appropriately offer pain management to patients when many factors are stacked against an interventional physician, including incentives for pharmaceutical reps, the misconception that pain medication and the correlated risk of addiction are low, and hospital reimbursement being effected based on patient satisfaction. However, during the past few years, West Virginia legislative efforts to curb opioid use have been implemented with this year having some of the strictest anti-opioid laws to date passed in the U.S., Yee said. Though there is still work to be done in raising awareness about the opioid problems in West Virginia, alternative interventional pain management by doctors like Yee, and education from resources such as WVSOM’s toolkit, may help to work toward alleviating those problems. WVSOM.edu
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Alumni Association hosted slew of events during annual Mid-Winter CME WVSOM alumni and faculty converged in Charleston, W.Va., to attend the WVSOM Alumni Association’s annual Mid-Winter Osteopathic Seminar. The event, which took place Jan. 26-28 at the Embassy Suites, provided 18 sessions for more than 280 physicians, one of which was titled “Opioid Prescribing: Safe Practice, Changing Lives.”
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WVSOM faculty and alumni provided information for a majority of the sessions.
THIS YEAR’S PRESENTERS: Kelly Dunavant, D.O. Sally Stewart, D.O. James Berry, D.O. Catherine Feaga, D.O. Derek Ballas, D.O. Chris Terpening, Ph.D., Pharm.D. Herbert Oye, D.O. Susan Leatherman, MPT Andrea Nazar, D.O. Todd Jamrose, D.O. Jim Wright, D.O. Tracy Wilkerson, D.D.S. Rob Aliff, J.D. Andrew Petersen, D.O. Robert Otero
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Other event lectures addressed medical topics such as medical marijuana, medication assisted treatment, osteopathic approaches to pregnancy and labor, hormone replacement therapy, new drugs, limb salvage strategies, evaluating vertigo, unusual case studies, antidepressants, outpatient OMT, oral health, medical liability, medical and surgical options for patients with sinus disease and a DEA presentation. An Alumni Luncheon/Annual Meeting was part of the weekend’s events. During the luncheon, the “Take a Seat” campaign was introduced. At the beginning of each school year, WVSOM students choose a seat in the classroom where they remain until the end of that academic year. This setup is unique to WVSOM. Typically students move from classroom to classroom throughout their education. At the luncheon, Michael Adelman, D.O., D.P.M., J.D., joked that in years’ past students have been creative in taking ownership of their seat, with one student even bringing in a mini refrigerator to the classroom. Adelman also
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reminded alumni that students are graduating with a large amount of debt. To help students, he announced the launch of the “Take a Seat” campaign. Alumni can purchase a seat in the classrooms on campus with all proceeds going toward student scholarships. The selection of seats will be on a first-come, first-serve basis. Wrapping up the weekend’s events was the drawing for a Yeti cooler. Those who made a contribution to a scholarship campaign, or made a minimum donation of $50 to the Alumni Association, was entered in the drawing. Faith Payne, D.O., Class of 2007, won the cooler for her donation to the Take a Seat campaign.
RESEARCH POSTERS RECOGNIZED AT MID-WINTER CME MSOPTI’s Research Day Poster Competition also took place during the Mid-Winter Osteopathic Seminar. Students and residents presented their research on Jan. 27. Lance Ridpath, coordinator of institutional research, announced poster winners during the alumni luncheon. Thirty-one posters were divided into two categories: research and case study. An award also went to People’s Choice.
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RESEARCH CATEGORY:
CASE STUDY CATEGORY:
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1ST
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ALLISON REMO, D.O. CHRISTOPHER SIKES, D.O. VINCENT LINBERG, D.O. ADAM HEINEMANN, D.O. “Adverse Events Related to Elimination of Neuromuscular Blockade During Transplant.” ADAM GOODCOFF, OMS III DELANEY KEANE, OMS III ANGELICA BIALCZAK, OMS II “Ultrasound: A History of Use and Point of Care Integration Within Medicine and Undergraduate Medical Education.” ABIGAIL FRANK, D.O., ET AL. “Diabetes Mellitus Type 2: A Quality Improvement Project.”
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LAURA MCCOURT, OMS III “Hip Pain: Iliopsoas Hematoma in the Absence of Risk Factors.” KAITLIN MCDADE, OMS III “Migration of Surgical Staple Result in Bladder Calculus.” CHRISTOPHER KENNEDY, D.O. “Back Pain Response to OMT with Underlying Herpes Zoster: A Case Study.”
People ’ s choice
ANASTASIA YI, D.O. SETH LARSON, D.O. “Acute Bilateral Temporal Occipital Ischemic Infarct: A Unique Case Study of Sudden Bilateral Blindness.”
The WVSOM Alumni Association is ending its ongoing Alumni Tower campaign at the end of the year. The campaign began as an all-class challenge seeking financial support from alumni to reach a goal of $250,000 in order to offset the purchase of the tower on the WVSOM Student Center. The association still needs $120,000 in order to complete the campaign. By supporting the commitment to fund the tower, alumni were encouraged to support the campaign in order to increase the Alumni Association’s ability to provide scholarships and programs to WVSOM students. Additionally, every dollar raised helped free funds to enhance the medical training of students.
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Alumni Tower campaign coming to a close There are only a few months left for alumni to give a donation to this campaign before it officially closes. The class with the largest total donation as a class and the largest percentage of each class giving will each receive a WVSOM bench to be placed on campus. Winners will be announced during the annual MidWinter Osteopathic Seminar taking place Jan. 25-27, in Charleston, W.Va. The Alumni Association would like to thank all those who have donated to this campaign during the last few years. As always, the support is much appreciated.
Winners will be announced during the Mid-Winter Osteopathic Seminar.
ONLY A FEW MONTHS LEFT
GIVING IS EASY: https://my.wvsom.edu/Alumni/Forms/Tower 304.647.6257 alumni@osteo.wvsom.edu
As a 501(c)(3) corporation, your gifts made payable to the WVSOM Alumni Association are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. Plus, your support is making a difference and is much appreciated!
Increase the Alumni Association’s ability to provide
SCHOLARSHIPS AND PROGRAMS to WVSOM students
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Alumni, families head to the beach for annual Summer Seminar
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hysicians and their families headed south to Myrtle Beach, S.C., to take part in the annual Summer Seminar CME. The seminar, sponsored by the WVSOM Alumni Association, allows alumni and other health care professionals to attend continuing medical education sessions on a variety of medical topics. This year, 168 alumni and speakers attended the event, which took place June 13-16, at the Kingston Plantation. The event is designed to help physicians acquire the required continuing medical education credits necessary by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA). It is also an event that provides a relaxed schedule and family-friendly environment. Nineteen presentations were offered to seminar attendees. Presentation topics included physician wellness and burnout, osteopathic approaches to patients with shoulder pain, abnormal uterine bleeding, acne identification, prostate cancer, bullying and Internet safety, chronic cough evaluation, update on airway clearance, what will physicians look like in 50 years, and youth contact
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and speakers
ALUMNI sports and pediatric concussions. James Nemitz, Ph.D., WVSOM’s incoming president, also presented a session titled “Conversation and Updates with the President.” He explained his vision for WVSOM with alumni and addressed the importance of working with alumni. The Family Picnic Reception, hosted by the WVSOM Foundation, took place June 13 at the Palmettos Pavilion where alumni and their families enjoyed a buffet and games such as a hula-hoop contest and limbo. There was also a towel origami (Toweligami) contest where children made a fish and fishing rod, stingrays, a monkey and a swan out of beach towels.
PHYSICIAN AND WVSOM FACULTY PRESENTERS WERE: Michael Brackman, D.O. Ginger Conley Julianna Quick Ginamarie Foglia, D.O. Jessica Smith-Kelly, D.O. James Nemitz, Ph.D. Andy Naymick, D.O. Faith Payne, D.O. Jillian Rogers Douglas, D.O. Jami Reaves, D.O.
Cathy Dailey, D.O. Elizabeth Ziner, D.O. Robert Pepper, D.O. Maple Landvoigt, M.D. Andrea Nazar, D.O. Tyler Cymet, D.O. Michael Nicholas, D.O. Hilary Hamric, D.O. Elaine Soper, Ph.D.
Next year’s Summer Seminar will take place
JUNE 12-15, 2019.
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Class notes 1978 David Allen, D.O., was honored with the Outstanding Primary Care Preceptor Award for the South East region of WVSOM’s Statewide Campus system for the 2017-18 academic year.
1979 Russ Stewart, D.O., and Sally Stewart, D.O., celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary on April 28.
1986 John Glover, D.O., had the honor of being selected to give the Harold A. Blood, D.O., FAAO Memorial Lecture to students at the 2018 American Academy of Osteopathy Convocation in Dallas on March 24. The title of his lecture was, “Is Osteopathy Still Relevant?” Glover also gave another lecture at the AAO Convocation of the Legacies of Lawrence H. Jones, D.O., FAAO and David A. Patriquin, D.O., FAAO as part of the AAO Convocation program.
1987 Norman Cottrill, D.O., was honored with the Outstanding Primary Care Preceptor Award for the South West region of WVSOM’s Statewide Campus system for the 2017-18 academic year.
1990 Roland L. Boyd, D.O., was promoted to president and CEO of Neonatal Services in Meridian, Miss. Boyd was also elected to the Board of Directors of the Southern Association of Neonatologists. Cindy Poff Butler, D.O., accepted a new position with Lifebrite Family Medicine of Pine Hall in Pine Hall, N.C., in January.
1991 Jerry Russell Robinson, D.O., joined Huntsville Hospital Palliative Care Services on Aug. 1. Huntsville Hospital is a 971-bed regional referral center in North Alabama and the second largest hospital in the state.
1992 Lydia Weisser, D.O., MBA, and her husband, Roland J. Weisser, M.D., wanted to share that their son, Cadet Alex M. Weisser, graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point on May 26 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 62
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the infantry. Following completion of the Infantry Officer Basic Course, Ranger School and Airborne School at Ft. Benning, Alex will then be assigned to Vilseck, Germany, as his first permanent station.
1993 George Moses, D.O., M.A., F.A.P.A., presented a three-hour lecture, “Overview of Psychiatry” to the physician assistant (PA) students at Emory University in Atlanta and will return to teach basic psychiatry to the incoming PA class in December. He was also named medical director of Dover Community Mental Health Center in Dover, Ohio.
1997 Jennifer L. Ravenscroft, D.O., was elected president elect at the annual meeting of the Association of Military Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons (AMOPS) in March. At the ACOFP 2018 meeting, she was inducted as a fellow in the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians. On April 13, she was inducted into the Legion of Honor, an organization for distinguished graduates of Keyser High School in Keyser, W.Va.
1998 Hunter Sharp, D.O., accepted a new position at The University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine as an associate clinical professor and medical student clinical education advisor. Karen T. Snider, D.O., FAAO, FNAOME, was elected to the Board of Trustees of the American Academy of Osteopathy (AAO) on March 22 at the AAO’s annual meeting during its Convocation in Dallas. Snider was one of two osteopathic physicians to be newly elected as a trustee of the AAO, the largest medical society in the U.S. devoted to fostering osteopathic manipulative medicine and neuromusculoskeletal medicine (NMM/OMM). She will serve a three-year term. Snider also had an article featured in the March 2018 edition of the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association (JAOA). She was one of five co-authors of the article entitled, “Ultrasonographic Evaluation of the Effect of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment on Sacral Base Asymmetry.”
1999 Eric Snider, D.O., had an article featured in the March 2018 edition of the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association (JAOA). He was one of four co-authors of the article entitled, “Influence of Transverse Process Landmark Localization on Palpation Accuracy of Lumbar Spine Models.”
2000 Christopher Beckett, D.O., was honored with the Outstanding Primary Care Preceptor Award for the South Central region of WVSOM’s Statewide Campus system for the 2017-18 academic year. Angela Phipps, D.O., became the medical advisor to Hair Club. Hair Club is the largest provider of all-proven hair loss solutions in North America, including the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. Phipps is a board certified physician with Hair Club’s affiliate, Bosley Medical Group. She is a diplomat of the American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery, a member of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery and the American Osteopathic Association.
2001 Rob Snuffer, D.O., suffered the loss of his wife, Cathy, to a long battle with cancer. They have three boys still at home.
2001 and 2004 Adrienne Coopey, D.O., 2001, and Dave Pucci, D.O., 2004, moved to Billings, Mont., to join the Billings Clinic this fall.
2002 April (English) Tweedt, D.O., is the new vice president for medical staff for MedStar Montgomery Medical Center in Olney, Md. She also serves as facility medical director for MedStar Medical Group’s Family Practice in Olney and the chair of the EMR optimization committee. She is a member of MedStar Montgomery Medical Center’s quality, safety, and peer review committee; medical executive board; and credentials committee. She also is a member of MedStar’s Primary Care Council and Physician Wellness committee. She was also selected for MedStar’s inaugural 25-physician leader cohort for an intensive, 18-month leadership program through Healthy Companies and Wharton’s Aresty Institute of Executive Education.
2003
2005 Maria Tranto, D.O., was honored with the Outstanding Primary Care Preceptor Award for the Northern region of WVSOM’s Statewide Campus system for the 2017-18 academic year.
2006 Mailien Reed Rogers, D.O., was asked to participate in “Dancing with the Tri-Cities Stars 2018.”
2007 Carrie Litke-Wager, D.O., moved to Okinawa, Japan, in June with her husband Jim and two children, Olivia and Zachary. She will be stationed there as a neonatologist for the Air Force. Litke-Wager also passed her board certification for neonatal-perinatal medicine.
2010 Michael Cheshire, D.O., was honored with the Outstanding Primary Care Preceptor Award for the Central West region of WVSOM’s Statewide Campus system for the 2017-18 academic year. Jamie (Munnis) Overbey, D.O., is on active duty with the U.S. Navy. Overbey completed her pediatric residency in 2013 at Naval Medical Center San Diego (NMCSD), then served as chief of residents. She completed a neonatology fellowship at the University of California San Diego in 2017 and is stationed at NMCSD, where she is a staff neonatologist and serves as the division head of newborn medicine. Overbey is board certified in pediatrics and recently took her neonatology boards.
2011 Adam Overbey, D.O., is on active duty with the U.S. Navy. Overbey completed his internal medicine residency in 2014 and
Jonathan Taylor, D.O., was named codirector of ultrasound for his group, Emergency Services, Inc., in Columbus, Ohio. Colin Zhu, D.O., was featured in four separate media outlets for his advocacy for teaching healthier eating, exercise and stress management to patients.
Kenneth Klein, D.O., accepted a hospitalist position at Banner University Medical Center- Phoenix and began work there in July after he graduated from residency.
2017 Michael Adashek, D.O., had an article published in the American Journal of Medicine. The article is entitled, “The Hyperlipidemia Effect: Pseudohyponatremia in Pancreatic Cancer.” Timothy Cobb, D.O., was named chief resident of the Reid Health Family Medicine Program for next year.
2012 Brandon Lingenfelter, D.O., was honored with the Outstanding Specialty Preceptor Award for the South East region of WVSOM’s Statewide Campus system for the 2017-18 academic year. Lingenfelter practices OB-GYN at Princeton Community Hospital in Princeton, W.Va. Jenna Steele, D.O., graduated from the Medical University of South Carolina’s Child and Adolescent Psychiatry fellowship in 2017 and started working in Charlotte, N.C., at Atrium Health Care System. In June 2017, she and her husband Sean welcomed a daughter, Quinn, who joins big brother Corbin. Michael Switzer, D.O., graduated from his pulmonary/critical care fellowship at Walter Reed in July and was promoted to major in June.
2013 Jennifer Lee, D.O., graduated from a global health fellowship at the University of South Carolina in the department of family and preventive medicine and from the Arnold School of Public Health with a master’s degree in public health in the summer. She will be working as an assistant professor at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, in fall 2018 and continues to be involved in global health education for medical students and residents.
2015 Jordan Beckett, D.O., received the 2017 Outstanding Pediatric Resident of the Year Award from the American Osteopathic Foundation. Beckett is completing her pediatric residency at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, and upon completion will become a pediatric hospitalist in Parkersburg. She was recently in Cambodia working in a pediatric clinic and has an interest in addressing opioid addiction in pediatrics.
ENGAGEMENTS/ MARRIAGES
1999 Claire Sanger Dillingham, D.O., is celebrating her marriage to Capt. Derek Dillingham. He is an international captain with United Airlines. She was also promoted to associate professor at Wake Forest University Medical School in plastic and reconstructive surgery.
2010 Zakiat Darojat, D.O., married Daniel Jalilvand. She also opened her own private practice, Rancho Santa Margarita Osteopathic and Internal Medicine. Sarah Volz, D.O., married Sam Claussen on May 26 in Alaska. Claussen is a history professor and Volz works with Alaska Neonatology Associates.
2015 and 2018 John Diefenderfer, D.O., 2015, and Catherine Batz, D.O., 2018, were married in Pittsburgh, Pa., on May 12. Diefenderfer will be pursuing a fellowship in primary care sports medicine following graduation from his family medicine residency in July. Batz will be pursuing a career in family medicine with an emphasis on integrative medicine and women’s health.
2016 Melanie Ezra, D.O., married Sunny Patel, D.O., on Feb. 3, in Parsippany, N.J.
2017 Michael Adashek, D.O., and Nicole Larkin, D.O., were married last year. The couple matched to Sinai Hospital of Baltimore where they are both internal medicine residents. WVSOM.edu
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Waid McMillion, D.O., became the medical director of emergency medicine/hospitalist group at Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital in April. He is also president and medical education director of Aberrant, Inc., a specialty trauma training company for military and civilian health care professionals. As one of the four founding members, McMillion and the remaining members of Aberrant are attempting to improve the education and training across military and civilian service lines. McMillion was also named the medical director of Alderson Broaddus University’s Physician Assistant Master’s Program.
completed a cardiology fellowship in 2017 at Naval Medical Center San Diego (NMCSD). He is stationed at Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton, where he is a staff cardiologist and serves as the internal medicine department head. Overbey is board certified in internal medicine and cardiology.
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BIRTHS
2007 Jennifer Ladd, D.O., and her husband Mark Richards, M.D. welcomed a new girl into their lives on March 27. Hannah Elise Richards was born weighing 6 pounds, 12 ounces.
2008 Kevin Silver, D.O., and Sara (Prupas) Silver, D.O., had a healthy baby girl on March 23. Her name is Sage Hartley Silver. Kevin recently became board certified in pain medicine through the AOA.
2010 Ashley Bainbridge, D.O., announced that Aiden Robert Bainbridge was born on March 1. Aiden joins big brother Casen (age 8) and sisters, Reilyn (age 6) and Aubryn (age 3). Kristina (McGraw) Harvell, D.O., and her family welcomed daughter Hava Eliora Harvell on June 1.
2010 and 2011 Mike Brackman, D.O., 2010, and Marri Brackman, D.O., 2011, welcomed their third child on April 14. Their baby joins big sister Ryan (age 5) and big brother Andrew (age 3).
Andrew Petersen, D.O., and his wife Kayla welcomed their first child, Evelyn Marie Petersen, into the family on March 25. Kayla (anesthesia) and Andrew (ENT) accepted jobs and will be starting work in Fayetteville, W.Va., this fall. Phillip Saunders, D.O., and Angela (Rivers) Saunders, D.O., welcomed their first child, Andrew James Saunders, on April 23. Phillip graduated from Nassau University Medical Center (NUMC) in New York from the hematology and oncology fellowship in June. Jessica Smith-Kelly, D.O., and her husband welcomed a son, John Kevin Kelly III, on April 11.
2013 Jeremy Parsons, D.O., welcomed his first child, Jack Robert Parsons, on March 1.
2014 Krystal (Fillingame) Fett, D.O., had a baby boy in May 2017, Owen Charles Fett, and will be graduating from her residency as an OB-GYN with her first U.S. Army duty station as staff at Ft. Hood, Texas. Adele (Plazak) Schweller, D.O., and Eric Schweller, D.O., welcomed their first child, Jacob William, on March 19.
Jamie Overbey, D.O., 2010, and Adam Overbey, D.O., 2011, welcomed their second son, Ryan, on Nov. 8, 2017. Ryan joins his brother Isaiah.
RETIREMENTS
2011
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Colton Copley, D.O., and his wife Bethany welcomed their fifth child on April 18. His name is Kip Werner Copley.
James A. Halley, D.O., retired and his second granddaughter was just born. His two granddaughters are Joy and Addison. He lives in Florida.
Jesamyn Fuscardo Marshall, D.O., and her husband Bruce welcomed their second child, Casen Bruce Marshall, on Jan. 19.
2011 and 2012 Dave Williams, D.O., 2011, and Natalie (Portela) Williams, D.O., 2012, welcomed their second son, Colin Declan Williams, on Jan. 16. Colin joins big brother Connor. Dave is in his second year of an emergency medicine residency and Natalie is in her second year as an emergency medicine attending. She also received an EM:RAP Challenge Coin in September 2017.
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1983 Gregory Burnette, D.O., retired as a residency-trained board certified emergency physician after 30 years of practice in West Virginia. Steve Sheppard, D.O., retired from practicing OB-GYN. He was a founder of Mt. View OB-GYN in Hanover, Pa., and practiced there until 2013. He then joined Agnesian Health Care in Ripon, Wis., to help reinstitute women’s health care after a 10-year hiatus without a provider. Sheppard and his wife Nancy are living in Ripon, Wis., in the summer and in Rio Verde, Ariz., in the winter.
IN MEMORY OF
1980 Larry Allen Baker, D.O., passed away Feb. 15. He was a private family practice doctor for more than 35 years in West Virginia and Georgia. He worked at the council of Boy Scouts, worked in medical missions, set up a clinic at an orphanage in India, and was a U.S. Army and Air Force veteran.
1984 Louise Elizabeth Frazee, D.O., passed away Nov. 2, 2017. Frazee graduated from Chatham College in Pittsburgh, Pa., and practiced in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, until early 2000.
1985 Steven Arthur Smith, D.O., passed away at his residence. Smith graduated from the University of Mississippi in 1978 with a Bachelor of Science degree in pharmacy. After graduating from WVSOM, he completed his internship in Largo, Fla., and residency in emergency medical care at Mt. Clemons, Mich. He received his fellowship from the American Academy in emergency medicine. Smith worked at United Hospital Center’s emergency department. He later would work on the medical staffs at West Virginia University Hospitals, Ruby Memorial and Grafton City Hospital.
1990 William Royce “Rick” Graves, D.O., passed away April 19. Graves earned an associate’s degree from Lord Fairfax Community College in Middletown, Va, and attended Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, W.Va. He served with the U.S. Air Force. Graves worked in the Urgent Care Center at Morgan County (W.Va.) War Memorial Hospital until he established his own family practice.
1993 Libby Kokott, D.O., passed away Dec. 19, 2017. She opened a mission-driven private practice in Lucasville that offered high quality, attentive care for all, regardless of whether they used private insurance or Medicaid. She loved being a “country doctor” and was touched when her patients occasionally brought her gifts of garden vegetables, homemade birdhouses and embroidery. “Dr. Libby” is survived by her four children, seven grandchildren, brother, sister, two nieces and four nephews.
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WVSOM Alumni Association
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2007
Ruloff “Rudy” Turner, D.O., passed away Feb. 24. Turner’s residency training included hospitals in Detroit, Mich.; Chicago, Ill.; Dayton, Ohio; and Tupelo, Miss. His career included family practice clinics in Fordyce and Monticello, Ark. He was a physician for the Arkansas Correctional Facilities. He staffed many emergency departments in Arkansas, Mississippi and Missouri, most recently Lawrence Memorial Hospital in Walnut Ridge, Ark., and North Mississippi Medical Center in Pontotoc and Iuka, Miss. He also served in the U.S. Navy.
Michael McMahon, D.O., passed away March 19. Originally from Shepherdstown, W.Va., McMahon completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Florida and completed his residency at Howard University School of Medicine after graduating from WVSOM. He was the founder of Rock Creek Medical in Washington, D.C., and was selected as one of 10 physicians from across the country to be on the advisory board for the global discussion of HIV prevention.
NEW LIFE MEMBERS as of Sept. 20, 2018
1983 George Lambros Jr., D.O. 1990 William Harris, D.O. 1996 Douglas Rutledge Taylor, D.O. 2004 Josalyn Mann, D.O. 2006 Amanda Sherman, D.O. 2008 Jason Fincham, D.O. Ryan Waddell, D.O.
2009 T. Lane Holbrook II, D.O. Thomas Stauffer, D.O.
2012 Christine Hall, D.O. 2014 Jana Ebbert, D.O.
Hilary Hamric, D.O. Katharine Whitfield, D.O.
2005 Beverly JeffsSteele, D.O., passed away. She specialized in family medicine at Harrison Medical Center in Salem, Ore.
2018 Holly Berg, D.O.
Chad Brady, D.O. Zane Dennison, D.O. Lauren Mayle, D.O.
We look forward to your visit during admissions'
Spring Open House Saturday, April 27
REGISTER
WVSOM.edu /OpenHouse No. 1 in rural primary care
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GIFTS TO WVSOM
Gifts to WVSOM Donations from 2015-2018 listed by lifetime giving category
Lifetime giving leaders
Jan. 1, 2015 - June 30, 2018
President’s council donors $100,000+
Patron donors $25,000-$49,999
Dean’s council donors $10,000-$24,999
Drs. Michael and Cheryl Adelman* James “Buck” Harless Roland Sharp, D.O. Marlene Wager, D.O. Gary White Ray Harron, M.D./The Harron Foundation
Manuel Ballas, D.O.* Christopher Beckett, D.O.* Catherine Bishop, D.O. Jeffery Braham, D.O.* Clyde Brooks, D.O. Cathy Dailey, D.O.* James H. Deering, D.O. and Jodi Flanders, D.O.* Lawson W. Hamilton J. Robert Holmes, D.D.S. Drs. Robert and Rachel Hunter* Samuel Muscari Jr., D.O. James Nemitz, Ph.D.* Mr. and Mrs. David Rader* Dr. and Mrs. Arthur B. Rubin/ The Carmel-Greenfield Charitable Trust* Rosa Stone, D.O.* Lori Tucker, D.O.* Drs. Rafael and Letetia Villalobos* Lydia Weisser, D.O.* Lewis Whaley, D.O.*
David Allen, D.O.* Greg and Jill Allman/ Greenbrier Real Estate Service Heather Antolini* Hal Armistead, D.O. and Amelia Roush, D.O.* Richard Blackburn, D.O., MBA* Craig Boisvert, D.O. George Boxwell, D.O. Michael and Matthew Chambers Melanie Crites-Bachert, D.O.* Samuel Deem, D.O.* Dr. Steven and Lori Eshenaur/ Haven, Ltd. Clifford Evans, D.O.*/** Allen Finkelstein, D.O.* Robert Flowers, D.O. John Garlitz, D.O. Abdollatif Ghiathi, D.O.* John Glover, D.O.* Jandy Hanna, Ph.D. John Hibler, D.O. Robert Holstein, D.O. Susan Ketchem Cynthia Mayer, D.O. Richard McClung, D.D.S. Stephen Naymick, D.O. Deena Obrokta, D.O./ Liberty Pediatrics Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Obrokta Abdul Orra, D.O.** Susan Painter, D.O.* Lorenzo Pence, D.O.* Drs. Bruce and Millie Petersen** Ronald Smith, D.O.** Alan Snider, D.O. R. Spencer, D.O.* Robert Stanley, D.O. Drs. Thomas and Karen Steele Sally Stewart, D.O. Peter Stracci, D.O.* Daniel Trent, D.O.** Thomas White II, D.O.*
Businesses BrickStreet Foundation, Inc. The Greenbrier Hotel, Corp. Hildegard P. Swick Estate Hollowell Foundation, Inc. WVSOM Alumni Assciation*
Founder’s club donors $50,000-$99,999 Charles Davis, D.O./ Davis Eye Center* John Manchin II, D.O./ Manchin Clinic* William McLaughlin, D.O. Michael Nicholas, D.O.* Patrick Pagur, D.O. and Billie Wright, D.O.* Carole Stookey Drs. Andrew and Tiffany Thymius* Mrs. John Tirpak Harold Ward, D.O. Dr. and Mrs. Badshah Wazir/ Spring Hill Cardiology* Businesses The National Osteopathic Foundation The Pittsburgh Foundation West Virginia Osteopathic Medical Association*
Businesses BB&T City National Bank Humana Foundation, Inc. Robert C. Byrd Clinic, Inc. Smith Kline & French Laboratories WV State Medical Association Alliance
Businesses Greenbrier Valley Medical Center Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, LLC Premier Bank Raleigh General Hospital Woolpert, Inc. WVSOM OPP Department
*Capital Campaign Donor 66
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**Class of 1982, 1983, 1990, 2003 Capital Campaign Donors
Benefactor Donors $5,000-$9,999 Michael Antolini, D.O.* David Barger, D.O.** Michael Bess, D.O. Walter Boardwine, D.O. Patrick Bonasso, M.D. Lois Bosley, D.O.** Drs. Edward and Kristie Bridges David Brown, Ph.D. Paul Conley, D.O.* Curtis Cornella-Carlson, D.O. Raymond Crosby, D.O.** Linda Eakle, D.O. Robert Foster, D.O. Richard Foutch, D.O. Jon Furbee, D.O.** Thomas Gilligan, D.O. Ray Greco II, D.O. Drs. Rick and Carol Greco Donald Gullickson II, D.O.** Marla Haller, D.O.* Eloise Hayes, D.O.* Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Karrs/ Dermatology Centers, Inc. Barbara Kleman John Lackey, D.O.* David Leech, D.O. Paul Lomeo, D.O. Kathleen Maley, D.O.** Malcolm Modrzakowski, Ph.D. Donald Newell, D.O. Susan G. Painter Pete Palko, D.O.** Karen MontgomeryReagan, D.O. Dr. and Mrs. Joseph Schreiber Stephen Shy, D.O.** Jan Silverman, D.O. Drs. James and Nancy Tierney* George Triplett, D.O. Phillip Triplett Jr., D.O. Ralph Wood, D.O.** Naomi Wriston, D.O.* Businesses Bailey, Joseph & Slotnick, PLLC CAMC Health Education and Research Institute Community Health Systems, Inc. Little General Stores Mason & Barry, Inc. MedExpress Urgent Care
Sponsor donors $2,500-$4,999 William Alford, D.O. David Apgar, D.O. William Armstrong, D.O. Patricia Arnett, D.O. Robert Blok Jr., D.O. Cynthia Butler, D.O.** J.P. Casher, D.O. Craig Chambers, D.O. Christi Cooper-Lehki, D.O.
Businesses Bank of Monroe Cabell Huntington Hospital Fairmont Regional Medical Center Jackson Kelly, PLLC Marietta Memorial Hospital Meritus Health Radford & Radford Ream Interests, Inc. The HealthPlan The Regional Healthcare Foundation West Virginia Emulation Endowment Trust ZMM Architects & Engineers
Associate donors $1,000-$2,499 Robby Aliff, J.D. Joan Allman, D.O. David Applegate, D.O. Kimberly Ballard, D.O.
Pat Bauserman Leslie Bicksler Diana Bird Thomas Brandt Jr., D.O. Faisal Bukeirat, M.D. Joseph Calvert, D.O. John Carey, D.O.** Brande Carpenter John Carvalho James Chambers, D.O. Joseph Cincinnati, D.O. Elizabeth Clark, D.O. H. Lawrence Clark Drs. Shawn and Heidi Clark Carl Colombo, D.O. Jason Dees, D.O. Mark Dodd, D.O. Richard Durham, D.O. John Ellison, D.O.** John Facinoli, D.O. Christopher Flanagan, D.O.* Troy Foster, D.O. Charles Hanshaw, D.O. Ryan Harris, D.O. Ray Hayes, D.O.** James Hill, D.O. Mark Hrko, D.O. Randal Huff, D.O. Kristy Huffman, D.O. Brandon Johnson, J.D. Thomas Johnson, D.O. Leonard Kamen, D.O.** Charles Kirkland, D.O. Clay Lee, D.O. William Martin, Ph.D. T.A. Mashburn, Ph.D. Virgil McGrady, D.O. Satish Menon, D.O. Mark Mitchell, D.O. Rebecca Morrow, Ph.D. George Naum III, D.O. Catherine Noone Stephen and Cynthia Olson Rebecca Perry, D.O. Dallas Petrey, D.O. Bonita Portier, D.O. Mary Pozega, D.O. Angelo Ratini, D.O. Melinda Ratini, D.O. Katherine Redding, D.O. Roi Reed, D.O. Steve Richman, D.O. Madonna Ringswald, D.O. Ty Robinson, D.O. Curt Rosner Gary Sajko, D.O. Francis Saldanha, M.D. Alice and Steven Sarver Steven Sheppard, D.O. John Sheridan, D.O. Randall Short, D.O. Victoria Shuman, D.O. Linda Smith, D.O. Scott Spradlin, D.O. Julia Spradlin, D.O. Jane Tallman, D.O. Robert Thiele, D.O. Cynthia Thomas, D.O. John Todorczuk, D.O. Maria Tranto, D.O. Leah Triplett, D.O.
Mark Waddell, D.O. Sarah and John Wade Jeanne Wahl, D.O. Mancel Wakham, D.O.** James Walker, D.O. Marvin Wells, D.O. Kendall Wilson Jr., D.O. Winter Wilson, D.O. Samuel Yates, Ph.D.
Thomas Richardson, D.O. Deborah Schmidt, D.O. Jay Singleton, D.O. Emily Thomas, D.O. Sue Volarich, D.O. James Wallace Waris Waris, M.D. Lee Weisberger, D.O. Thomas Westenberger Jr., D.O.
Businesses Charleston Area Medical Center Florida Osteopathic Medical Association Highland Hospital Jefferies, LLC Ohio Valley Medical Center Rainelle Medical Center Summit Health West Virginia Society of the ACOFP
Businesses Appalachian Regional Hospital Country Road Realty, LLC Neathawk Lumber ProGrowth Bank
Friend donors $500-$999 Diane Anderson, D.O.** Jennifer Bailey, D.O. Derek Ballas, D.O. Beth Been, D.O. Richard Benson II, D.O. Leslie Buchanan, D.O. Richard Burdeaux Sr., D.O. Michael Burton John Cavell, D.O. Benjamin Chopski, D.O. Roselia Conrad, D.O. Edward Corkran, D.O. Suzanne Courtney, D.O.* * Joseph Dawson, D.O. Carla DiPiero, D.O. Gail Dudley, D.O. Stephanie Frame, D.O. Kathy Fry Mitchell Fuscardo, D.O. Katherine Galluzzi, D.O. Rae Godsey, D.O. Kathy Goodman, D.O. Francine Greco, D.O. Michael Grillis, D.O. Michael Harron, D.O. Bradley Hendricks, D.O. Mary Hendricks, D.O. Tim Holbrook Carl Hoyng, D.O. Leah Jones, D.O. Marguerite Jurkovic, D.O. Robin King-Thiele, D.O. Howard Lafferty Jr., D.O. Larry Leone, D.O. Drema Mace, Ph.D. Don McFarland, D.O. Janice Miller, D.O. Bradley Miller, D.O. Ryan Newell, D.O. James Paugh II, D.O. Angela Pendleton, D.O. Connie Perkins, D.O. Jana Peters, D.O. Roland Powers Jr., D.O. Donald Pyle II, D.O. Michael Pyles, D.O.
Supporter donors $250-$499 Ali Aburahma, M.D. W. Anderson, D.O. Dan Breece, D.O. Ronald Brownfield, D.O. Earl Bundy, D.O., M.P.H. Lorraine Byrd, D.O. Cathy Comerci, D.O. PJ and KA Cornell Christopher Daniel, D.O. Marian Delmore M. Dillard, D.O. Roderick Doss, D.O. Joseph Dougherty, D.O. Ken Dravis Abigail Durden, D.O. Abdi and Manijeh Ghodsi Amanda Goins, D.O. Paula Gregory, D.O. Brian Griffith, Ph.D. Jessica Harvey, D.O. Shea Humphrey, D.O. Tharon Jack Dainty Jackson, D.O. Todd Jamrose, D.O. Scott Keller, D.O. Cindi Knight Carolyn Komar, Ph.D. Maple Landvoigt, M.D. Charles Levy, M.D. Alan and Janet Lintala Wesley Lockhart, D.O. Jesamyn Marshall, D.O. Michael Menefee George Moses, D.O. Reginald Motley, D.O. Marshall Newbern, D.O. Pedro Ottaviano, D.O. Ray and Linda Pittman David Rainey, M.D. Victoria Roane Glenn Roberts, D.O. Sandra Robinson, D.O. Wayne Spiggle, M.D. Derek Stone, D.O. Lisa Stone, D.O. Brandon Webb, D.O. Colleen Wells, D.O. David Whitmore, D.O. Tracy Wilkerson, D.D.S. James Wright, D.O. Sherri Young, D.O.**
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GIFTS TO WVSOM
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Cornell David Cummings, D.O. Jerry Edwards, D.O.** Edward Eskew, D.O. Allison Evans-Wood, D.O. Gail Feinberg, D.O. Monte Finch, D.O.** C. Gallops, D.O. Richard Girardi, D.O. Jeffrey Harris, D.O., J.D. Raymond Harron, D.O. Milton Herndon, D.O. Sharon Howard Lisa Hrutkay, D.O. Vernon Hughes Jr., D.O. Buddy Hurt, D.O. Kelly Jackson, Ph.D. Gregory Kelly, D.O. Afeworki Kidane, D.O. Forrest Lane Jr., D.O. James Lebolt, D.O. Michael Lee, D.O. Gretchen Lovett, Ph.D. Stephen Mascio, D.O. Dominick McLain, D.O. Richard Meadows, D.O. William Minor, D.O. Andrea Nazar, D.O. Kara O’Karma, D.O. Charles Paroda, D.O. Sherry Phillips Jeffory Prylinski, D.O. David Ray, D.O. Ryan Runyon, D.O. Michael Shrock, D.O. Sophia Sibold, D.O.* Albert Smith Jr., D.O. Julius Speed, D.O. Russell Stewart, D.O. Tamejiro Takubo Jr., D.O. Robert Vass Shannon Warren Noel Weigel, D.O. Danny Westmoreland, D.O. Jennifer Wildpret, D.O. Mary Williams, D.O. Gregory Wood, D.O. George Woodward, D.O.**
GIFTS TO WVSOM
Caduceus donors $50-$249
Thomas Kleman Jaclyn Kolosky, D.O. Michael Kolosky, D.O. Michael Krease, D.O. Thomas Lackey II, D.O. Lisa and Don Lavender Jaclyn Lazaro, D.O. Laura Lockwood, D.O. Jon and Christine MacQuilken Cynthia Martinsen, D.O. Dennis Mays II, D.O. Jeffrey McCormick, D.O. Brian McDevitt, D.O. Mark Metzler Roy and Dianne Milam Serge and Cindy Molinari Stephen Naymick II, D.O. Jilian Nicholas, D.O. Robert Olexo, D.O. Jason Oreskovich, D.O.** Nunzio Pagano II, D.O. Benjamin Palmer, D.O. Jennifer Pritchett, D.O. David Pucci, D.O. Heather Ratliff, D.O. Randall and Sandra Rhodes Gilbert Rice III, D.O.
Janice Rice, D.O. Lydia Roberts, D.O. Matthew Roberts, D.O. Lawrence Rogina, D.O. Dina Schaper, D.O. James Scott, D.O. Brahma Sharma, M.D. Christopher and Martha Simpson Karen Snider, D.O. Rodney and Emily Stacy Thea Stewart Chris and Renee Swalm Carol and Steve Szer James and Nancy Toy Lisa Trent-Newell, D.O. Johnny Watts, D.O. Eric Weidert, D.O. Nina Yokochi-Funkhouser, D.O. David and Paula Zorn Businesses Dana Foundation Department of Pathology, WVU Healthcare Potomac Valley Hospital Texas Instruments Foundation WVSOM Office of Business Affairs
G.M.S.
Wandell and Laurie Adkins William Alder Carl Antolini Jr. Kelly Apgar, D.O. Thomas Asher, D.O. Betty Baker Gregory Barnett Catherine Bauer Dianna Bearse, D.O. Zachary Bosley, D.O. Kristina Brown, D.O. Scott Brown, D.O. Kaitlyn Brunner, D.O. Marilea Butcher Stephen Cafferty, D.O. Jennifer Calafato, D.O. Connie Calvert, D.O. Richard Capito, M.D. Aaron Chantrill Ronald Chattin, D.O. Adrienne Coopey, D.O. Tom Corman Michael Coyle, D.O. Cerisia Cummings, D.O. Ronda Davis
Russell DeMicco, D.O. Penny DiVita, D.O. Robert Eaton, D.O. Lynn and George Ebbert Asa Elsea James and Elaine Endicott Philip Eskew, D.O. Carlos and Estrella Estrada Graham Fisher Michael Fulbert Stephen Funkhouser, D.O. Mark Gloth, D.O. Amy Goetz Lynette Gogol, D.O. Jim Graeca Sherral Hanshaw Kathy Harvey, D.O. Kim Hauser Holly Hill, D.O. Taylor Hockman, D.O. Tasi Hogan-Dorsett Marilyn Horacek, D.O. Larry Hurtubise John Johnson III, D.O. Kimberly Kasow, D.O. Maria Khan, D.O. Natalie King, D.O.
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Greenbrier Military School (GMS) alumni hosted their annual reunion at WVSOM Oct. 19-21.
HEALTH CARE PROVIDER RECERTIFICATION BLS and ACLS
at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine
CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS AVAILABLE
MAXIMUM OF SIX PARTICIPANTS PER CLASS Contact us to request special trainings for larger groups
BLS
ACLS
$55 PER PERSON
Basic Life Support REGISTER OR MORE INFORMATION: Amy Crickenberger acrickenberger@osteo.wvsom.edu 304.793.6895
1 - 5 p.m. • Tuesdays Nov. 20
Dec. 18
Jan. 29
$125 PER PERSON
Advanced Cardiac Life Support REGISTER OR MORE INFORMATION: Angie Amick aamick@osteo.wvsom.edu 304.647.6408
1 - 5 p.m. • Tuesdays Feb. 11
WVSOM.edu
400 Lee Street North • Lewisburg, WV 24901 WVSOM.edu
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FOUNDATION
“Doing the right thing for someone else was like a tonic for me; it was like some magic ointment that made a wound disappear.” -Susie Bright
Do
something for the future
D.O.
O
ur campus is once again alive with the energy and excitement of ambitious medical students. While they are no doubt a bit anxious, many of them are eager to learn the art and science of medicine, hopeful that they can change the world … or at least a small part of it. Many of these students aspire to provide care to those in remote and underserved areas; they want to deliver health and healing to those who need it most. They are the future of health care.
received the news of this incredible surprise gift as they donned their freshly pressed white coats. How did NYU achieve this monumental goal? They did it with the help of many generous donors who understood the health care crisis. They know that the growing physician shortage and the everincreasing burden of student debt is dissuading many smart, talented people away from the practice of medicine. It was important enough to them to do something about it.
However, most of them are burdened with worry about what that future may hold. The sad reality is that the cost of their education may lead many of them away from their altruistic endeavors. More and more, the enormous debt associated with becoming a practicing physician is determining where our students work and live, and what they select as their areas of specialty.
TOGETHER WE CAN TOO, right here in West Virginia.
Wow, what will happen to the future of our health care system if every graduate bases their choice of practice area on money rather than medicine? On their debt rather than their dream? This has already begun to create a crisis in health care, but it doesn’t have to be this way. We can do something about it … with your help. You may have heard the recent announcement by New York University that their medical school is now tuition free. That’s right — FREE. Their students
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Several years ago, the WVSOM Foundation set a long-term goal to build a scholarship endowment that could eventually make WVSOM a tuition-free school. We know that is a very ambitious goal that may take many years, but we are not afraid to dream big. NYU’s success is proof that it can be done. We have been working quietly the last few years to build the framework and infrastructure needed to accomplish this worthwhile task. Right now we need you. The WVSOM Foundation is inviting you to help us make this dream a reality for our students. We are asking that you begin by making a gift to the newly established Legacy Scholarship Endowment in 2018. This fund has
If you would like more information about how you can give to the Legacy Scholarship Endowment or any of the programs that support WVSOM’s mission, contact Heather Antolini at hantolini@osteo.wvsom.edu or 304-647-6374.
►►
MAKE A GIFT TODAY Whether it’s a one-time gift by check, credit card, IRA distribution or marketable securities, gifts in any amount make a difference. We can accept monthly sustaining gifts through electronic funds transfer or credit card payments, too. (Hey, you can also build up rewards points this way.)
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DESIGNATE A GIFT AS PART OF YOUR ESTATE PLAN Want to know more about options for planned giving? Call the WVSOM Foundation and we can explain how.
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The future of health care for our children, grandchildren and future generations is in jeopardy right now in many parts of America. You can make a difference. Support the Legacy Scholarship Endowment and help us deliver financial support and encouragement to students at WVSOM, so they will be able to provide care to those who need it most. Remember, small or large, ALL the gifts add up to something greater than any of us could do alone. We need your help. Will you do something for a future D.O.? Let’s do this together!
Heather Antolini, Director of Institutional Development
CHALLENGE OTHERS TO CONTRIBUTE Lead the way by encouraging your friends and classmates to participate by matching your gift.
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MATCHING GIFT PROGRAMS Fully leverage the matching gift programs of employers or organizations in which you are a member.
LET’S KEEP GROWING! Your ongoing contribution to the Annual Fund supports our students by providing unrestricted funds for areas of greatest need at WVSOM. Thank you to our annual fund partners:
Give today: Contact Heather Antolini 304.647.6374 hantolini@osteo.wvsom.edu www.wvsomfoundation.org
FOUNDATION
been created to provide on-growing, transformational scholarship dollars to ensure a successful future for students at WVSOM. You can support the Legacy Scholarship Endowment in any or all of the following ways:
FOUNDATION
►
MAKO Medical Laboratories is WVSOM’s newest financial supporter
THIS STORY IS PART OF A SERIES THAT HIGHLIGHTS BUSINESSES AND ORGANIZATIONS THAT HAVE PROVIDED FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS AND SUPPORT TO WVSOM.
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Mako Medical Laboratories is the WVSOM Foundation’s newest annual fund partner. Company representatives have made a five-year commitment to WVSOM. Pictured are Jonathan Tucker; Chad Price, Mako’s president and founder; James W. Nemitz, Ph.D., WVSOM’s president; Jerry Bynum, Mako’s executive vice president; Ryan Nibert; and Heather Antolini, WVSOM’s director of institutional development.
Chad Price, president and founder of the company, was born in West Virginia and said he knows schools like WVSOM that are often a hidden gem can make a big difference in the health of a community, which is why he decided to become WVSOM’s newest financial supporter.
Mako Medical Laboratories has made a five-year commitment to the WVSOM Foundation as an Annual Fund Partner, an initiative that supports our students by providing unrestricted funds for areas of greatest need at WVSOM. Businesses that wish to become Annual Fund Partners make a minimum commitment of $2,500 per year. “We really want to make an impact by providing better patient care and innovative ideas in this area,” Price said. “The thing about this school and Mako is we are plugged into the local community. The feel of this campus, the size, the age of the school and the number of students emulates Mako in a lot of ways. The more we learn about WVSOM, the more we want to get more involved.” The company, which is just under 4 years old, operates out of 12 states, but has only had a presence in the West Virginia market for about a year. Mako has a relationship with many medical schools, Price said, but he continues to be impressed with the innovation from WVSOM, which sits in such a rural community in a mostly underserved state.
FOUNDATION
Mako Medical Laboratories is a regional laboratory headquartered in North Carolina that is passionate about making an impact in the state of West Virginia.
“There is a lot of innovation here that there isn’t at other schools,” he said. “The simulation lab is state of the art and the clinic where students immediately experience patient encounters is something that other universities do later in a program. These are examples of why you have so many students finishing the program at WVSOM.” Price has other long-term ideas in mind for how Mako can support WVSOM. Those include funding WVSOM scholarships and helping to purchase equipment used by medical students. “I’d like to donate laptops that the students use,” he said. “The laptops for students, a new simulator or medical device in the market — those are the strategic things we could help fund in addition to donating to the WVSOM Foundation and offsetting in-state tuition. That is Mako’s ultimate goal. If someone is willing to sacrifice so much of their life to go to medical school then the community should take more of a vested interest.” Price is hoping that Mako can help draw more attention, and possibly more contributions and support from other companies in surrounding states, to WVSOM. “WVSOM is making a huge impact in the local community so we want to gain support and continue to support this school because it is in line with our cause,” he said. Heather Antolini, director of institutional development at WVSOM, said it is always exciting when a new business makes a commitment to support the school. “Mako Medical Laboratories is an award-winning leader in the health care industry, and one of the fastest growing companies in the eastern United States. They are especially known for their commitment to making a difference through giving back,” she said. “As they expand their reach into West Virginia, we are excited that they have chosen to give to WVSOM as our newest Annual Fund Partner. We are pleased to welcome them as a part of our team, and hope that they will be actively involved in the continued growth of the WVSOM Foundation.”
“WVSOM is making a huge impact in the local community so we want to gain support and continue to support this school because it is in line with our cause.” - Chad Price, Mako’s president and founder
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RESEARCH
NEWS
SERVING THE WVSOM COMMUNITY
M E RC H A N D I S E • A P PA R E L • T E X T B O O K S • M E D I C A L S C H O O L E Q U I P M E N T Visit us at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine’s 74
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STUDENT CENTER • WWW.WVSOM.EDU/STORE
FALL 2018
WE’D LIKE YOU TO MEET
JEFF
DOWDY Assistant Director of Physical Plant 1 Institutional Services
W H AT I S I T A B O U T W V S O M ( A S A N I N S T I T U T I O N O R A S A N E M P L O Y E R ) T H AT H A S M A D E Y O U WA N T T O W O R K H E R E FOR SO LONG?
The benefits, the friendships between staff, students and administration. Overall WVSOM is a great place to work. T E L L U S S O M E T H I N G W E M AY N O T K N O W A B O U T Y O U O R A N I N T E R E S T I N G FA C T. H O W L O N G H AV E Y O U W O R K E D AT W V S O M ?
November 2018 will make 32 years full-time. I was parttime from Nov. 1985 to Nov. 1986.
On my second day after being hired, I couldn’t make it to work because of the flood of ’85. Roads were closed and I started here at age 18 — my one and only place of employment. For six months, my dad brought me to and from work until I could drive.
W H AT C I T Y/ T O W N A R E Y O U O R I G I N A L LY F R O M ?
Ronceverte, W.Va. W H AT I S Y O U R FAV O R I T E S P O T ON CAMPUS?
The circle outside and the break room before work. (Solving the world’s problems with a laugh.) W H AT I S O N E O F Y O U R FAV O R I T E O R F U N N Y M E M O R I E S AT W V S O M ?
Back in the ’90s when they fired the cannon during graduation week people could hear it up on Muddy Creek Mountain. H OW D O YO U, I N YO U R RO L E H E R E AT W V S O M , S U P P O R T T H E S C H O O L’ S M I S S I O N ?
Make sure the buildings are nice and clean for everyone who enters our campus.
JEFF DOWDY TIDBITS: ►►
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He supervises 18 men and women in the “blue crew” He has a wife of 17 years, Michele, a 16-year-old daughter, Haley, and a 13-yearold son, Kaden
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He likes to golf and garden in his free time
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He is an avid Mountaineer fan
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He used to enjoy playing basketball on Sundays with staff and students In 1989, he cleaned the old gross anatomy room two to three times a week for about six months to earn extra money. His hours were midnight to 3 a.m.
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West Virginia School of OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE
400 Lee Street North Lewisburg, WV 24901
WVSOM POINTS OF
PRIDE
20TH
Consecutive Year
WVSOM was ranked one of the nation’s top medical schools for the 20th consecutive year. U.S. News & World Report
1
No.
WVSOM is No. 1 in providing primary care physicians for West Virginia. W.Va. HEPC Health Sciences Report Card
1
No.
1
No.
WVSOM is No. 1 in the nation graduating primary care physicians who practice in rural Appalachia. Academic Medicine
WVSOM is No. 1 in the nation among all medical schools graduating physicians who practice in rural areas. Academic Medicine
IMPORTANT DATES WINTER
SPRING
January 25-27
March 4
April 27
May 25
MID-WINTER CME
WVSOM DAY IN CHARLESTON
ADMISSIONS' SPRING OPEN HOUSE
GRADUATION