WVSOM Magazine: 40 years • Spring 2012

a publication of the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine

SPRING 2012

YEARS

RECONNECT

Celebrate WVSOM MAGAZINE

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SPRING 2012

REMEMBER 1

WVSOM BOOKSTORE We now offer ONLINE book ordering! www.wvsom.edu/AboutWVSOM/ campus-store

NOW AVAILABLE Order new sportswear and 40th anniversary deep-etched crystal online while supplies last!

CONTACT: Cindi Knight 304.647.6299 cknight@osteo.wvsom.edu

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WVSOM MAGAZINE

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CONTENTS

Sections P. 26

This Issue: 40th Anniversary

SCHOOL NEWS

. WVSOM remembers staff . Open house . GMS reunion . Women & Children’s fair . Sept. 11 ceremony . Staff member honored

P. 28

STUDENTS

. Club Night . Kenova pumpkin house . Alzheimer walk . Coat drive . Emergency Medicine Club . Free health checks . Heart of the Holidays . Hope for Alex . Student fundraising

P. 32

FACULTY

. New faculty hired . Faculty news

P. 6 40 th Anniversary { featured story } P. 12 White Coat Ceremony

P. 36

P. 14 Largest endowment in WVSOM history

GIFTS TO WVSOM

. 2011 contributors

P. 15 WVSOM recognitions

P. 38

P. 16 Abracadabra

WVOMA

. New executive director, office . 2011 Fall CME . Fellowship in ACOI

P. 18 Grand Affair P. 20 Graduate designs survival map

P. 39

P. 21 Student fundraising

ALUMNI

. Birthday greeting . Alumni award . Community service . Alumni profile . Graduate achievement . New board members . Coolest board member . Mid-Winter seminar . Summer seminar . Farewell . Association Board of Directors . Class notes

P. 22 Research day P. 23 WVSOM supports cancer research P. 24 Capital Campaign

Advertising P. 2 Bookstore P. 4 40th Anniversary P. 21 Bricking the Alumni Walk P. 33 WVSOM Open Positions P. 35 Benchmarking Campus P. 37 Support the Foundation

P. 49

G.M.S.

. Blest Be the Tie that Binds

P. 54

FOUNDATION

. Executive Director message . Foundation news

WVSOM MAGAZINE

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TOP 5 REASONS

TO ATTEND WVSOM’s 40TH ANNIVERSARY

ALL CLASS REUNION August 23-26, 2012

. Relive the good times. More importantly, make new good times! . Purchase new sportswear. (Have you noticed how frayed your WVSOM sweatshirt is?) . You know someone at the event will do something outrageous. See it live before it reaches YouTube! . At a reunion, everyone shows up older, and then grows young again. How great is that? . And the No.1 reason to attend – it won’t be the same without you!

Anniversary WVSOM

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Have you RSVP’d yet?

Book now!

RECONNECT AND MAKE PLANS WITH CLASSMATES

@wvsom/events WVSOM MAGAZINE

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SPRING 2012

ROOMS HELD AT LOCAL HOTELS. ASK FOR “WVSOM 40TH ANNIVERSARY”

From the President Come join us as we celebrate WVSOM’s 40th Anniversary! a publication of the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine

Forty years ago, our founders had the vision and fortitude to open an osteopathic medical school in West

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Marilea Butcher

MANAGING EDITOR

Virginia. From a rocky beginning, the school has become nationally recognized as one of the best medical schools in

Denise Getson

the country. A recent article in Academic

DESIGNER/COORDINATOR

Medicine noted that WVSOM was the

PHOTOGRAPHERS

osteopathic, for graduating primary

Erica Bell

No. 1 medical school, allopathic or

Karen Ayers Pat Bauserman

care physicians who practice in rural

WRITER

Report ranks WVSOM No. 3 in the

CONTRIBUTOR

school graduates entering primary care

Tiffany Wright Scott Holstein, Photographer

Appalachia. U.S.News and World country for the percentage of medical specialties, and No. 12 in the nation for the percentage of graduates practicing rural medicine. Read more about the

and faculty, our alumni and our foundation.

You’ll also find an article on GMS history and info about our state osteopathic medical association.

Finally, please read about the new Capital Campaign. For the first time in the school’s history, you can be part of WVSOM’s future by putting your name or a loved one’s name on a room or building on campus. Plans include expansion of our Clinical Evaluation Center and construction of a new Student

history of our school in this issue.

Center. Your donations will help fund these

We have come a long way in 40 years

can memorialize your gift with the naming

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

and it is, in large measure, due to the

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 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 special health care needs of its residents, emphasizing primary care in rural areas.

efforts and commitment of WVSOM alumni. We are proud of all you do to serve your patients and your communities. To celebrate you – and this milestone anniversary – we are throwing the biggest party the school has ever seen. Join your fellow classmates August 23-26 for a “D.O.c-tacular” all-class reunion. Activities include 15 credits of 1A CME, a performance by the Dueling Fiddlers, a family barbeque, a golf outing,

important projects and, at the same time, you opportunity.

Cheryl and I continue to travel around the country, hosting WVSOM alumni at state and national meetings. We’ve been thrilled to spend time with you this year and have enjoyed getting to know many of you better.

We look forward to meeting more of our graduates through summer travels and at the 40th Anniversary event. Come join us!

Best regards,

a dinner/dance at The Greenbrier Resort and more. All of this is complementary to our alumni and a spouse or guest. Where else can you receive 15-1A CME credits for free? You’ll find more details in our anniversary article. Be sure to book your rooms early, as they are filling fast.

This issue is jam-packed with the latest news about the school, our students

WVSOM MAGAZINE

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Michael Adelman, D.O., D.P.M., J.D.

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CELEBRATIONS

Anniversary 40th

More than 2,300 alumni will receive a special invitation to celebrate four decades of the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine.

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WVSOM MAGAZINE

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The 40th Anniversary D.O.c-tacular event this August will be a

Representatives from each graduating class have been

way for alumni, new students, faculty and staff to reflect on

selected by the Alumni Association to encourage their

the school’s growth as well as celebrate its future.

classmates to attend the events.

“This is a milestone,” said Jim Nemitz, Ph.D., WVSOM vice

“WVSOM alumni are our greatest pride,” Warren said.

president of administration and external relations. “The

“They’re a powerful network who continue to demonstrate

institution goes through different development phases in its

service and leadership, an active and integral part of our

life. The school is out of its infancy and adolescence and is

WVSOM family.”

maturing, so this is something to celebrate.”

The D.O.c-tacular event will commemorate the history of a

Administrators are working to make the 40 celebration

medical school that persevered through initial tribulations to

one to remember with a full slate of events for graduates

become a national leader in training primary care physicians.

th

— all of which are complimentary. Aside from the annual Convocation and White Coat Ceremony that welcomes new

“We’re going to take this opportunity to recognize

students into the osteopathic medical profession, activities

the past and all the people who got us here and

guests can look forward to include a dinner and dance at The Greenbrier Resort; CME credit hour opportunities; performances by The Dueling Fiddlers and Ramp Supper Band; a barbeque dinner; golf tournament; a Sunday brunch;

look forward to the future, which is bright and exciting,” Nemitz said. “I think that’s something definitely worthy to celebrate.”

and activities for spouses, children and guests.

The school is also working to provide each graduate with a souvenir 40th anniversary video and coffee table book.

“With all the activities planned it’s going to be a great weekend,” said Shannon Warren, director of alumni relations. “We hope the alums will take advantage of seeing classmates and reminiscing. There’s a good feeling when alumni are on campus and I don’t think they truly appreciate it until they get here.”

Warren thinks that many alumni have not visited campus since they graduated, but this event will allow them to see the changes that have occurred to the institution over the years.

Administrators want graduates to feel good about the institution they graduated from, Nemitz said.

“When they do come back they’re incredibly amazed at the transformation of campus and all that’s going on at the institution,” he said. “An event like this also becomes an important opportunity to thank them and acknowledge them for all the work they’re doing. But bottom line, we want people to come here, have a good time and feel good about being part of WVSOM.”

Dinner and dance at The Greenbrier

SATURDAY

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WVSOM MAGAZINE

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DECEMBER

Early history

1972

Chartered under Greenbrier College of Osteopathic Medicine

The West Virginia School of Osteopathic

the rural hills of West Virginia

Medicine (WVSOM) has evolved into a

when the owners of the

nationally recognized osteopathic medical

Greenbrier Military School in

school that is a leader in primary care and

Lewisburg decided to close its

rural medicine. But the journey to obtain

doors and sell its facilities.

that recognition began more than 40 years

For the incredible sum of

ago, in the early 1970s, when a small

$350,000, the campus of the

group of Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine

former military school soon

(D.O.s) had a dream to form an institution

became a medical school.

whose primary goal would be to train rural

Founded with strong support

physicians to practice in West Virginia and Appalachia.

The school’s founders recognized the perfect

from the West Virginia Society of Osteopathic

opportunity to establish a medical school in

Medicine, Inc., the privately owned school

DUELING FIDDLERS

40th anniversary schedule of events

The Dueling Fiddlers is a two-member rock violin band that has garnered international success.

Two concert violinists, Adam DeGraff and Russell Fallstad, formed the band to give audiences a new

THURSDAY

sound. The duel is not between Adam and Russell,

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EVENING CME begins for alumni

FRIDAY

MORNING CME for alumni

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but between boundary and possibility, self-imposed limitations and their wildest dreams. They want people to know that rock violin is about inspiration, not fear. It’s about forgetting the plan and letting passion run the show. DeGraff is a concert violinist,

rock violinist and fiddle player who graduated from

AFTERNOON CME continues Spouse/guest events Children’s programs

Northwestern University. He spent many years as a first chair orchestral musician. Fallstad began violin lessons when he was 5 years old. His career has led him to be both a performer and recording artist.

EVENING 5:30 p.m. Barbeque dinner 7 p.m. Event under the tent including Ramp Supper Band, Dueling Fiddlers and 40th anniversary video

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WVSOM MAGAZINE

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OCTOBER

1974

First entering graduating class with 36 students and seven faculty members

was chartered in December 1972 as the

Apgar, D.O., of Huntington and Don Newell

“Greenbrier College of Osteopathic Medicine.”

Sr., D.O., of Oak Hill. These founders and other D.O.s in the state understood the need for doctors to stay in West Virginia and meet the rural health care needs of its residents.

Documents from that period indicate that West Virginia had ranked 49th in the country in the number of physicians in proportion to its population. Osteopathic physicians have a tradition of serving in primary care and in

The school’s founders and initial supporters

rural areas, and proponents of the school

were O.J. Bailes, D.O., of Princeton, Frank

believed an osteopathic medical school could

Wallington, D.O., of Moundsville, Carlton

provide a way for graduates to meet the

health care needs of the state.

In 1973, the newly created institution received a $1,300,000 grant from Hill-Burton, which helped renovate the former dormitories of the Greenbrier Military School into classrooms and labs for the new medical school. A year later in October 1974, with provisional accreditation from the American Osteopathic Association, the institution opened its doors to the first entering class of 36 students.

RAMP SUPPER BAND For more than three decades the Ramp Supper Band has entertained WVSOM faculty, staff and students with their eclectic mix of bluegrass and folk music. The band will make another appearance at the 40th anniversary celebration in August. The four original band members formed in 1979 were Bill Lemley, D.O., on rhythm guitar; Bob Foster, D.O., on upright bass; David Crandall, D.O., on lead guitar; and his wife, Henrietta Crandall, on mandolin. The banjo player has changed throughout the years, but Richard Hefner has most recently secured the spot. The band began playing Friday afternoons so people could wind down from the work and school week. They later performed at state parks and events around the region. After a five-year hiatus, the band reunited and now mostly performs at alumni events, reunions and picnics. Their

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JOIN THE CONVERSATION @wvsom/events

sound is unique — with a dash of a little bit of everything. Foster describes the sound as acoustic bluegrass instrumentation with a mix of traditional bluegrass and new grass, infused with each member’s individual backgrounds (including country, folk, ragtime and rock n’ roll). Think Rolling Stones and the Grateful Dead in a bluegrass style, Foster noted.

SATURDAY

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MORNING 9:30 a.m. Convocation/White Coat Ceremony Luncheon reception AFTERNOON CME continues Golf EVENING 6 p.m. Supervised children’s activities 6:30 p.m. Dinner and dance at The Greenbrier

SUNDAY

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WVSOM MAGAZINE

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MORNING Morning walk Farewell brunch

SPRING 2012

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JANUARY

1976

Became a state school and was renamed the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine

JUNE

1978 accreditation with the American Osteopathic

80 new students admitted each year. With

Association.

the addition of the PBL curricular track, an

The school faced political pressure in the 1980s, but these issues were satisfactorily resolved. West Virginia’s Higher Education Act of 1988 reorganized the structure of higher education in the state and brought WVSOM under the state’s Board of Trustees as a unit of the University System of West Virginia along with West Virginia University, Marshall University, West Virginia Graduate Functioning on a limited budget, small staff and seven faculty members, Roland P. Sharp, D.O., the institution’s first president, oversaw the first years of the new osteopathic medical school.

First class of 33 students graduated as D.O.s

additional 21 students were added for a total of 101 students for each new class. In fall 2006, WVSOM was approved to admit an expanded class size of 200 new students each year, which remains the current class size for a total of about 800 students enrolled at the institution.

Facilities

College, Potomac State College and

When WVSOM was founded in 1972 the

several other West Virginia state colleges.

campus consisted primarily of the main

Each institution of higher education,

building built in the 1920s. Decades later,

including WVSOM, was required to have an

in the 1990s, the campus had dramatically

Institutional Board of Advisors.

changed with new structures throughout

In the 2000 legislative session, the West

WVSOM’s story continues

Virginia Higher Education Board of Trustees

In January 1976, with strong support from

Education Policy Commission, which was

Gov. Arch Moore and state legislators from rural counties, the Greenbrier College of Osteopathic Medicine became a state supported institution under the governance of the West Virginia Board of Regents and was renamed the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine.

was replaced with the West Virginia Higher established to provide oversight for all public institutions of higher education, including WVSOM. As part of the new state statute each institution was to be overseen by an institutional Board of Governors. In July 2001, the WVSOM Board of Governors was established and continues to govern the

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institution.

Class expansion WVSOM has expanded its class size over the years, mainly in response to the increasing demand for D.O.s due to the national physician On June 11, 1978, four years after entering WVSOM, the first class of 33 students graduated as the institution’s first Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine. After graduating its first class, WVSOM received full accreditation status and has continuously maintained full 10

shortage. While the initial classes were composed of about 40 students, by the 1980s and into the late 1990s WVSOM had

the campus. The building expansion helped solidify the fact that WVSOM had become a growing institution that was accomplishing its mission to provide an outstanding education

an enrollment of about 66 new entering

in a rural setting.

osteopathic medical students. In the late

In 1991, the Fredric W. Smith Science

1990s the class size increased to about WVSOM MAGAZINE

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SPRING 2012

Building was completed, which was the

first new construction on the campus since

medicine wing, which also provides training

students enabling the institution to expand

the school became a public institution. The

for WVSOM interns and residents, was added

class size as well as increase its instructional

building includes a world-renowned anatomy

to the clinic.

space.

Older facilities were also renovated to

WVSOM’s state-of-the-art Clinical Evaluation

keep pace with the new buildings helping

Center (CEC) opened in summer 2009. As

make WVSOM one of the most state-of-

the newest facility on the WVSOM campus,

The quadrangle “quad” of the main building

the-art osteopathic schools in the country.

the CEC is used to train and evaluate

was renovated in 1992. The rooms were

The library, osteopathic skills laboratory

medical students as well as physicians. The

originally designed as dormitories for the

and bookstore were renovated in 1999. In

center is set up like a clinic and houses 24

male students attending the Greenbrier

2001, the auditorium in the main building

examination and six robot simulation rooms.

Military School. The newly designed area was

was turned into two classrooms, providing

The facility is equipped with an integrated,

enclosed and now provides faculty and staff

renovated instructional space for first- and

computerized digital recording system that

office space.

second-year students.

records students’ clinical encounters, and

In 1995, the Roland P. Sharp Alumni

In spring 2003, the Founders’ Activity Center

Conference Center was completed,

opened its doors and was expanded in 2009.

making it the second major building to

This recreational facility for students, faculty

be constructed on campus. In 2001, the

and staff includes a full-size basketball court,

center was doubled in size and included the

cardio and strength training areas.

lab as well as research labs. The facility was expanded in spring 2006 to accommodate the increased class size.

addition of the Greenbrier Military School Museum with major funding for the project from the Greenbrier Military School Alumni Association.

recently became equipped with technology for electronic health records. Clinical skills courses, the Osteopathic Principles and Practice Community Clinic and clinical encounters involving standardized patients and simulators take place in the center.

In 2005, an Admissions Center and a new

WVSOM’s campus has come a long way since

maintenance building were completed.

the early days in 1972. It not only is one of

The Admissions Center is the first stop

the most cutting-edge medical education 9

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In 1997, the Robert C. Byrd Clinic opened its

for prospective students and applicants

doors with Sen. Byrd attending the dedication

interviewing for admission to the school.

of the facility. The outpatient clinic was designed to offer medical care to residents in the community, as well as provide clinical training opportunities for WVSOM medical students. Four years later an internal

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campuses in the country, it is also one of the most beautiful. In the coming years a new student center will be added to the campus,

The Technology and Rural Medicine

which will become the “heart of the campus”

building was completed in 2006. This major

and its “life center.”

instructional facility has two state-of-the-art

WVSOM may be celebrating 40 years, but in

lecture halls, which each seat more than 200 WVSOM MAGAZINE

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many ways, we’ve only just begun.

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TRADITIONS

White Coat White Coat Ceremony recognized first-year students

First-year medical students were welcomed into the

1970s and how far it has come in being one of the world’s

osteopathic medical profession and donned with white coats

best medical schools.

during the 13th annual Convocation and White Coat Ceremony

on the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine’s campus

“This school is young and already has a glorious past,” he said.

Dr. Ballas also emphasized that students should not forget

on Aug. 27.

The Class of 2015 consists of 207 students — who represent West Virginia residents and out-of-state residents.

WVSOM President Dr. Michael Adelman began the ceremony

by telling students the white coat symbolizes the beginning of their four-year journey into the osteopathic medical profession.

“In many ways the white coat will grow with you. It starts out with its pockets empty and as you gain knowledge and skills as a physician the white coat pockets get filled,” Adelman told

what it is going to take for them to reach their dreams as well as help others reach theirs.

“How many of you are here because you have a dream?” he said. “ A dream to become a doctor, an osteopathic physician.

After what I’ve told you, you should realize that WVSOM is a place where dreams come true.

“This is your adventure. This is your dream. Make the most of it,” he added.

First-year student Christina Chen said she was excited to start

the class.

Dr. Manny Ballas, a graduate of the Class of 1993 and

her journey as a physician.

physician in Weirton, took the medical students and their

“Being coated by a D.O. — someone who is in the profession

families on a historical journey during his keynote speech.

— is just amazing and you feel like you’re a part of it now,” she

Dr. Ballas spoke of the four WVSOM founders, which included Frank Wallington, Carlton Apgar, Don Newell and O.J. Bailes.

“Their dream was realized when they started to build their vision,” he said. “To accomplish this it would take the work and help of many.”

said. “This is a lifelong dream that I’ve been working on for so long.”

A big screen projection was used during the ceremony so guests could have a better view of the stage. A live video stream on the Internet was available for those who could not attend the ceremony.

Dr. Ballas provided guests with a vision of what the school was like when the founders dreamed of the institution in the early

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WVSOM MAGAZINE

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Manuel “Manny” Ballas, D.O. keynote speaker at White Coat Ceremony Manuel “Manny” Ballas, D.O., Class of 1993, attended Weir High School in Weirton, W.Va., and graduated from West Liberty State College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in secondary education in 1974 and later West Virginia University with a master’s degree in human resources counseling in 1984. During his time at WVSOM, Ballas was student body president, class president, an alumni scholarship recipient and recipient of the Outstanding WVSOM Graduating Senior award. After graduation, he completed an

welcome

internship at Ohio Valley Medical Center in 1994 before his residency at Ohio University from 1994-1998. Currently he is an OB/GYN physician and serves as a medical director at Change Inc., Family Medical Center and Women’s Health Center located in Weirton.

Dr. Ballas received the Preceptor of the Year award in 2010 and is a WVSOM Alumni Board member. He and his wife, Darlene Ballas, have one daughter and three sons — one of which is a fourth-year student at WVSOM. Dr. Ballas and his wife have two grandchildren.

CLASS OF 2015

WVSOM MAGAZINE

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Fall 2011

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DONATION

$200,000 scholarship endowment largest in WVSOM history When Gary White’s daughter Jennifer was 6 months old, he and his wife, JoAnn, took her to a children’s hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio. A couple weeks later, the White family received grim news. Jennifer was only expected to live for two years due to a condition doctors most closely related to cerebral palsy.

Jennifer beat the odds stacked against her, continually, until Dec. 16, 2011, when she

for their generosity. The scholarship

forge a positive path in the future.

honors a WVSOM graduate who had a

“I believe in education strongly,” Harless

Gary said his daughter’s ability to fight the

profound impact on a patient and, by

said. “Education is our salvation and I

odds was attributed to the exceptional health

extension, her family. It demonstrates the

really believe that. I always try to help

care Jennifer received throughout her life —

highest form of service a physician can

those who can’t help themselves. It’s a joy

particularly the last 10 years she was under

provide.”

to me to see someone young be successful

the care of William Mullen, D.O., a WVSOM

Harless, who has been a long-time

and know that my actions may have done

passed away at the age of 39.

supporter of WVSOM and worked with

something for them.”

White for nearly 20 years, said there

The White family hopes the WVSOM

“My wife and I had a special needs daughter,

was no hesitation when it came to

medical students who are recognized by

and Dr. Mullen gave her exceptional care each

contributing part of the financial backing

the scholarship committee will emulate

year,” Gary White said. “I struggled with what

for the scholarship.

the characteristics and quality traits of

you can do for someone like Dr. Mullen. This

“Dr. Mullen did such a good job with

Dr. Mullen.

Jennifer that he almost became a

“Dr. Mullen is exceptionally tenacious,”

member of her family,” he said.

White said. “If his patient has a medical

White and Harless agreed that they would

problem, he does not rest until he has

like the scholarship recipient to be a

diagnosed the problem and found out what

The couple, along with the help of friend

student from Logan or Mingo counties.

is necessary to deal with the problem. He’s

James “Buck” Harless, did just that.

White said he would further hope the

also very compassionate, which is pretty

“I called Mr. Harless and explained the idea to

scholarship recipient would want to

him and he thought it was wonderful,” White

become a physician in either of those

personal interest in his patients.”

said.

counties.

Jennifer White experienced a decade of

The Logan natives formed the Dr. William

“If we, in some way, helped a local

outstanding care from Dr. Mullen. Even

B. Mullen & Jennifer White Scholarship with

student and continued the osteopathic

a $200,000 endowment. The scholarship

care that Dr. Mullen has provided to

endowment is the largest single donation

our family by having a graduate of the

received in the institution’s history.

program come to the Logan or Mingo

graduate and physician at Logan Regional Medical Center.

year, after my daughter’s death, my wife said, ‘Why don’t we fund a scholarship in his name?

It can be a memorial to Jennifer but also a thank you for all Dr. Mullen has done for us.’”

though she was limited in her ability to communicate, her family’s appreciation for Dr. Mullen is more than manifested in the generosity of the scholarship which bears

area, we would be very pleased with

his name.

that,” White said.

“We feel strongly that this is an appropriate

Michael Adelman, WVSOM President. “We are

Harless said he knows what scholarships

and lasting memorial gift to our daughter,”

grateful to the White family and to Mr. Harless

like these can do to inspire students to

“It’s hard to put into words what this endowment will mean for the school,” said Dr.

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unique. Billy just takes an exceptional

WVSOM MAGAZINE

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White said. “This is a special gift honoring two special people.”

RECOGNITIONS

New study shows WVSOM is a leader in contributing physician workforce for Appalachia The April 2012 issue of Academic Medicine

with economic challenges and inadequate

has recognized the West Virginia School

health care. According to the Appalachian

of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM) as the

Regional Commission, more than 24

No. 1 institution in the nation graduating

million people live in Appalachia, which

primary care physicians who practice in

encompasses 13 states. West Virginia is the

rural Appalachia.

only state in the region in which Appalachia

The school secured the top rank among

“During the period of this research,

graduating between 1991 and 2005 in

between 34 percent and 54 percent of

primary care, according to information

WVSOM graduates were practicing primary

released by the publication. Primary

care medicine in rural areas of Appalachia,”

care specialties include family medicine,

said Dr. James Nemitz, Vice President of

internal medicine, pediatrics and OB/GYN.

Administration and External Relations, and

The purpose of the journal’s report is to

one of the collaborators on the study. “This

identify U.S. medical schools with the most

region faces a growing need for primary

graduates practicing in rural, urban and

care physicians and there continues to

economically distressed areas of Appalachia.

be a large gap between the percentage

physicians practicing in Appalachia are largely graduates of medical schools in or near the region.

“As a state funded institution, we feel an enormous responsibility to serve the residents of West Virginia,” said Dr. Michael Adelman, WVSOM President. “In fact, the commitment to provide primary care in rural areas is expressly stated in our mission.

This commitment infuses our programs and curriculum from the moment a student

Visit the Academic Medicine website at http://journals.lww.com/academicmedicine/ pages/default.aspx

encompasses every county.

other U.S. medical schools for students

The report concluded that, overall,

TO SEE the entire report

of residents living in rural areas and the percentage of doctors who practice in those areas. WVSOM is working hard to reduce that gap, especially in West Virginia.”

Although more physicians have chosen to practice in Appalachia in recent years, the region continues to struggle with physician shortages. This is why, now more than ever, it is important that medical schools in those areas remain true to their core missions — to graduate physicians who will serve the health care needs of local communities.

WVSOM ranked by U.S.News as top medical school Once again the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine is recognized by U.S.News & World Report as one of the nation’s top medical schools.

The institution is ranked No. 12 in both rural medicine and family medicine by the “Best Graduate Schools” 2013 annual publication.

The rankings highlight the top programs in business, law, medicine, engineering and education, among other specialties. This is the 14th consecutive year WVSOM has been listed in

walks through our doors until the moment

For 40 years, WVSOM has worked to serve,

the rankings for its medical programs.

he or she graduates.”

first and foremost, the state of West Virginia and the special health care needs of its

The school also is No. 3 in the percentage

That commitment is paying dividends, as

(66.1 percent) of graduates who enter primary

the study also ranked WVSOM among the

residents.

top 10 medical schools for graduating

“The institution’s consistent appearance

non-primary care physicians in rural

among top 10 rankings for rural

and 2011 graduates.

Appalachia, and both primary and non-

medicine and primary care is a cause for

primary care physicians in Appalachia’s

celebration,” said Dr. Adelman, “but it’s also

“Our graduates continue to specialize in family

most economically distressed and at-risk

cause for reflection. Appalachia is a region

counties.

characterized by poor health and health

Historically, the Appalachian region of

disparities — our students and faculty still

the U.S. has been associated with rugged

care specialties among all U.S. medical schools.

have important work to do.”

The percentage is an average of 2009, 2010

medicine and practice in rural areas,” said Dr. Lorenzo Pence, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean. “This reinforces that WVSOM continues to meet its mission in training osteopathic physicians who serve rural areas.”

geography and scenic beauty, but also WVSOM MAGAZINE

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CHILDREN’S NUTRITION

West Virginia politician supports “Abracadabra” children’s show West Virginia House of Delegates member

White made an appearance during the

lifestyle choices in rural communities — the

Harry Keith White (D-Mingo) is one of the

show’s filming and will be featured as a

same goal WVSOM tries to portray in its

many local and state leaders supporting a

special guest in one of the episodes. He

mission statement.

television show that promotes children’s

said television shows like “Abracadabra” are

nutrition.

important to convey a healthy message to

The West Virginia School of Osteopathic

future generations.

“We live in such a fast world that we don’t

Broadcasting filmed 13 episodes of

think about eating healthy. But health care

“Abracadabra,” a series that incorporates

costs are going to be out of sight if we don’t

magic and ventriloquism to encourage

do something,” he said.

and lifestyles choices.

younger population will help promote healthy

WVSOM MAGAZINE

hopefully live a long and enjoyable life.”

The PBS series will include musical videos, science experiments, healthy snack lessons and magic tricks.

The politician said that educating the state’s

Dr. Adelman visited schools to introduce children to fun activities about how to make healthy food choices. The children responded with touching letters of appreciation. Many included drawings about what they had learned.

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White said. “Each of us has a responsibility to take care of our own bodies and by doing so

Medicine and West Virginia Public

children in the state to make healthier food

“It’s all about preventative medicine now,”

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White said he thinks incorporating magic into

the series will help to echo the message of healthy behaviors to children.

“The magic will hold the children’s attention and really resonate the message. When you do this in a series with 13 episodes it’s like repeat, repeat, repeat, which after awhile, a larger percentage of people will get the message about living healthy lifestyles,” he said.

West Virginia Public Broadcasting is in the editing process and hopes to air the series in late spring or early summer 2012.

WVSOM President Michael Adelman said support from state politicians like White will help garner support for the show.

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SCHOLARSHIPS

Grand Affair: Event funds scholarships Dave said the Grand Affair raised about $15,000 this year with a record of 523 attendees.

Jim Nemitz, Ph.D., WVSOM’s Vice President of Administration and External Relations, said the Grand Affair gave members of the institution and school supporters a way to come together and celebrate WVSOM. “People in the community and around the state attend the Grand Affair because it

November 12 was a night of dinner, dancing and donations to WVSOM students.

The school’s annual Grand Affair was presented by the WVSOM Student Government Association with dinner at The Greenbrier Resort. The event helped raise money for student scholarship funds.

“Students really enjoy interacting with the community in all sorts of events, so this was just one more enjoyable way to do that,” said SGA President Soham Dave. “And the money helps a good cause.”

Grand Affair proceeds fund scholarships for students who demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities and community service.

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THANK YOU!

Generous sponsors throughout the state helped make the Grand Affair a success.

• Bailey & Wyant, P.L.L.C. Attorneys at Law is a fundraiser for student scholarships

“The Grand Affair from its inception has

and is a way for the community to show

been a sophisticated, elegant event

support and appreciation for WVSOM and

so there is no better setting than The

its students,” he said.

Greenbrier to hold this special occasion.

• First National Bank

The aim is to create a memorable evening

• Gillespie’s Flowers & Productions

that celebrates WVSOM and its students,”

• Ohio Valley Medical Center

A silent auction was available with entertainment provided by Jukebox Entertainment.

he said.

• Cathy Dailey, D.O. • Charleston Area Medical Center

• The Greenbrier

Nemitz said The Greenbrier has always

• Raleigh General Hospital

been the perfect location to host the event.

• The WVSOM Alumni Association • Camden Clark Medical Center • Davis Memorial Hospital • Heritage Valley • Gail Feinberg, D.O., FACOP • Plateau Medical Center • WVSOM Foundation A number of individuals and businesses also donated silent auction items for the event.

They were Allyson and Mark Liebendorfer, The Country Vintner; Bella Casa; Bella, The Corner Gourmet; Drs. Cheryl and Michael Adelman; Irish Pub; Jeff Diehl; Jessica Smith; Karen Steele; Lewisburg Elks Country Club; Raleigh General Hospital; Sally Cooper; Stardust Café; Shirley Runyon and Jennifer Runyon Miller, The American Beer Company; Sue Holvey, Jim Peterson and Mike Bee, owners of Falcor Winery; The Bakery; The Crazy Baker; Watts Roost Vineyard; and Whitetail Pro Archery.

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SURVIVAL MAP

WVSOM graduate produces map to help students navigate through biochemistry Jeff Mann, D.O., wanted to find a way to make sense of biochemistry, and in helping himself understand the material, he was able to help students understand it as well.

Mann, a 1981 graduate of WVSOM, developed “The Biochemistry Survival Map,” which serves as an aid to interconnect biochemistry with other elements of medicine. His goal was to take complex biochemical concepts and problems and present them in a way that was easy to comprehend.

“Medical students shouldn’t have to go on a scavenger hunt through textbooks to find the answers to the questions they’re looking for,” he said. “A lot of the textbooks aren’t written well or in an integrated fashion. I essentially needed a road map, so I sat down and made one.”

the map’s image to the size of a poster and presented it to President Michael Adelman and WVSOM.

current students.

“I left here a scared young graduate wondering if I was going to be able to make my way into medicine and do anything worthwhile,” Mann said. “I

The poster map was a gift to the

came back and said, ‘I did alright. And by

institution that helped him begin his

the way, I created this that you can use

career as a physician.

to teach your students.’”

“This was home for my medical

The physician has also published a book

education, so I wanted to offer it to

that includes a collection of notes that

my home,” he said. “I thought that

he has written titled “The Mann Notes.”

the school I graduated from would

The book is a compilation of notes he

“I took a map and created it for use by

appreciate the fact that one of its

has taken throughout his career in

medical students, nurses, physician

graduates, who had no specific

medicine.

assistants, nurse practitioners and

biochemistry training, could create this

practicing physicians — so they can

and offer it as a teaching tool.”

It took nine years for Mann to gather the information and formulate it into a sensible piece of study material.

But students are not the only people who can benefit from the information, Mann said.

sit down and see how this all comes together,” he said. “It’s geared toward anyone studying medicine and trying to find out the relevance of biochemistry to

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practicing medicine.”

In August, Mann enlarged

Mann said that he has come a long way since he graduated from WVSOM and is pleased to provide an educational tool to

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Mann was raised in Bluefield but currently resides in Paris, Tenn.

The map is sold in the WVSOM bookstore.

BUY at bookstore

WVSOM Bookstore is located in the main building.

STUDENT FUNDRAISING

Follies

The WVSOM Student American Academy

the professional quality of all the

of Osteopathy (SAAO) helped raise money

acts, and some people are even

for a local church from Follies sales in

going as far as to call it the best Follies

February.

yet,” he said.

About $4,000 was raised from the talent

Organizer Christian Greco

show event, and 20 percent of those

agrees the event truly showcased talents.

funds were donated to Monroe County Outreach, a charity of the St. Catherine’s Church in Ronceverte.

a magnificent production with

“I thought it was hands down the best Follies that I have ever seen here at

extreme poise and professionalism.”

Greco said the event’s success was also due to Jackson, who he compared to a cornerstone of the event.

WVSOM – on stage and behind the

“Jason’s experience in the field of theater

Jason Jackson, one of the event’s main

scenes,” he said. “The stage crew and

served as a bright light that all the

organizers, said he was pleased with the

directors of the performance, including

performers and technicians rallied behind.

performers and their enthusiasm to bring

Walter Cohen, vice president of SAAO,

Without his assistance Follies would not

their “A-game.”

Jason Smith, Kristin Wahlberg, Brenna

have been possible,” Greco said.

Keane and Jenny Bohrman, held it

About 300 people attended Follies.

“I am still getting comments about

together back stage and championed

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STUDENT PRESENTATION

Research Day Third Annual

The third annual Student Research Day gave students the opportunity to showcase poster presentations about research they performed with faculty mentors.

There were 11 posters on display in the hallway outside of the main building classrooms. After presenters provided attendees with information about their research some participants gave lightening talk presentations, which allowed them to showcase their research and discuss their results.

Dr. Lorenzo Pence announced a People’s Choice Award by Mountain State OPTI. The People’s Choice poster winner was for the Health Index Score (HIS) and Health Enhancement Response (HER) Score Card Campaign: Improving Health in Rural Appalachia. The campaign is part of the Center for Rural and Community Health.

The students involved in the poster were Ross Brubaker, OMS II; Beth Jacobson, OMS II; Bethany Lehman, OMS II; Lamar Hardy, OMS II; and Soham Dave, OMS II. Their faculty mentors were Gretchen Lovett, Ph.D.; Jill Cochran, Ph.D.; Tim

“Many times students work diligently in labs and their work is not seen or heard,” Modrzakowski said. “We want to make sure they get properly acknowledged.”

Leonard, M.D., Ph.D.; Wayne Miller, Ph.D.; and Brian Griffith, Ph.D. Malcolm Modrzakowski, one of the event’s organizers, said research day helps showcase students’ work.

Modrzakowski said describing their work to others gives students practice to present at conferences across the U.S., such as the West Virginia Rural Health Conference and American Osteopathic Association conference.

In addition to WVSOM, Student Research Day was sponsored by the Greenbrier Valley Chapter of Sigma Xi, WVSOM Office of Affiliated and Sponsored Programs and Mountain State OPTI.

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Left to right: Hans Watson, OMSIV; William Fredericks, OMSIII; Steven Sorci, OMSII; Christopher Williams, OMSII; William Jackson, OMSII; Izabela Robel, OMSII; Zachary Grimes, Shepherd University senior; Beth Jacobson, OMSII and Ross Brubaker, OMSII. WVSOM MAGAZINE

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CANCER RESEARCH

WVSOM was first institution in West Virginia to feature the pink treadmill Logging miles on the West Virginia School of Osteopathic

the most team miles of 331.8 and Vy Phan, a second-year

Medicine’s pink treadmill helped rack up money for breast

student, logged 155 individual miles.

cancer research this October.

WVSOM President Michael Adelman, D.O., J.D., said he was

WVSOM was the first facility in the state of West Virginia to

pleased that the medical school was involved in the third

support breast cancer research with the treadmill, which was

annual Pink Ribbon Run campaign.

purchased from Cybex, a leading manufacturer in exercise

“WVSOM was excited to be the first in the state to have the

equipment.

pink treadmill and participate in the annual Pink Ribbon Run

Cybex donated 10 cents for every mile logged on the treadmill

campaign,” he said. “It is always important to support breast

to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation during October.

cancer research and work toward finding a cure.”

Teams of students, faculty, staff and the Robert C. Byrd Clinic

The campaign garnered recognition outside of WVSOM. Two

staff were formed.

local television stations featured the story on their newscasts

During the month, participants logged a total of 1,805 miles

and local papers published the story in October, which is also

on the pink treadmill. The Oriental Express team logged

breast cancer awareness month.

Money was also raised for Susan G. Komen for the Cure by raffling a gift basket filled with breast cancer awareness items, which was won by Joni Surgeon, a WVSOM employee in the purchasing department. Pink arm bracelets were also sold.

Organizers were happy about the school’s contributions to cancer research. Those involved said that it made sense for a medical school to participate and support research efforts to find a cure for breast cancer.

1,805 MILES LOGGED

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CAPITAL CAMPAIGN

Great things are happening!

Since its founding in 1972, WVSOM has provided more than 2,000 individuals with the opportunity to become osteopathic physicians and contribute to the health and wellness of the communities in which they live and work. Now, through our capital campaign, we are offering you a chance to be a part of WVSOM’s future success.

Naming opportunities

For the first time ever, you can have your name on a room or building on campus. Imagine students working together in the “Hunter” ACLS lab or staff relaxing in the “Rubin” lounge. You can designate where you would like to leave your mark, knowing your donation will help expand the capabilities of the Clinical Evaluation Center or create a new Student Center to serve future generations of student doctors.

For other naming opportunities please contact the Office of the President 304-647-6200.

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Clinical Evaluation Center expansion

New Student Center

Currently, the Clinical Evaluation Center contains

campus. Graced with a soaring clock tower, the center

19,000 square feet of space. It houses 24

will feature both open and covered decks on the first and

standardized patient labs, six robot simulation labs,

second floors along with a rooftop terrace. It will house a

six ACLS labs, medium and large classrooms, and a

cafĂŠ and a 1,000-seat meeting hall, plus a media center

variety of smaller conference rooms and offices. Our

that can be divided into smaller rooms. There will be

expansion will add more than 17,000 square feet of

open space, as well as smaller, quiet areas, with natural

space and include a robotic birthing center, a robotic

light designed to provide students with an enhanced

emergency simulation lab, six new robot simulation

study environment.

labs, a new simulation control room, nursing offices

Naming opportunities for the new Student Center will

The new Student Center will be the focal point of the

and a grand meeting hall.

be available soon.

Grand Conference Hall ............................. $50,000 Robotic Birthing Center ............................ $40,000 Emergency Simulation Lab ...................... $40,000 Robot Lab .................................................. $35,000 Reception Area ......................................... $35,000 Standardized Patient Lab ........................ $25,000 Large Classroom ....................................... $25,000 Task Trainer Room .................................... $20,000 ACLS Lab ................................................... $15,000 Medium Classroom .................................. $15,000 Nurses Treatment Area ............................ $10,000 Small Group Conference Room ............... $10,000 Standardized Patient Control Room ........ $10,000 Robot Control Room ................................. $10,000 Robot Viewing Room ..................................$5,000 Office Space .............................................. $5,000 Office Suite ................................................ $10,000 Staff Lounge ............................................. $5,000 ADDITIONAL NAMING OPPORTUNITIES 1st Year Lecture Hall ........................................ $250,000 2nd Year Lecture Hall ....................................... $250,000 Main Building Lecture Hall 1 .......................... $100,000 Main Building Lecture Hall 2 .......................... $100,000

We welcome everyone who has a love for WVSOM and a vision of its future impact to be a part of the construction of these two important facilities.

Gifts of every amount are valued, and there are many prestigious naming opportunities for organizations and individuals who desire to leave a lasting legacy in health care education or to honor the memory of a loved one.

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SCHOOL NEWS

WVSOM remembers Showalter, Barfield The West Virginia

husband, Chris

School of Osteopathic

Hollandsworth,

Medicine remembered

is also a WVSOM

two employees who

employee.

passed away. The WVSOM family lost faculty member Dr. Kelly Showalter and long-time employee Valeria Barfield in the fall.

Kelly Showalter, M.D., 32, died Oct. 2. She was the course coordinator for Clinical Skills II and presented lectures on pediatrics during second-year systems. In addition to being a pediatrics professor on campus, Dr. Showalter maintained a pediatrics practice at the Robert C. Byrd Clinic.

Valeria Barfield, 62, died Oct. 4.

She lost her life after battling four years of cancer. She worked at WVSOM for nearly two decades where her most recent role was as a library technical assistant.

Throughout her career, Barfield was an active member of a variety of committees. Some of her work-related involvement included classified employee chairperson, Board of Governors representative for classified employees, representative for the Secretarial Constituency Council, member of the Professional Enrichment Seminar, member of the Wellness Committee and multiple-year recipient of the President’s

Dr. Showalter graduated from James Madison University in

Award of Excellence. Outside of WVSOM, Barfield was a member of the

Harrisonburg, Va., in 2001. She received her medical degree in 2005

Friends of Greenbrier County Library and Greenbrier Greeters.

from the West Virginia University School of Medicine in Morgantown.

She completed her pediatrics residency at WVU Hospitals. Showalter’s

Open House

Barfield left behind her husband, Criss Haynes, her parents, four children and their families.

an opportunity to speak to current WVSOM students, admissions and financial aid staff and faculty,” Seams said.

More than 100 potential applicants attended WVSOM’s fall open house on Nov. 19.

As with other open houses, potential students were provided with presentations in the Clinical Evaluation Center, anatomy labs and OPP

Admissions counselor Danny Seams said the objective of each open

facility. A “networking break” in the Technology Center lobby took the

house is to give prospective applicants the chance to visit the school’s

place of a student panel. The break was an opportunity for potential

campus and to provide them with pertinent information that will help

applicants to have one on one time with current students and staff.

in the admissions process.

The open house also included a welcome by Dr. Michael Adelman and

“We make sure that they see all our state-of-the-art facilities and have

an overview of the 2012-2013 curriculum given by Jim Nemitz, Ph.D.

GMS reunion Greenbrier Military School alumni returned to Lewisburg Oct. 13-16 for an annual reunion. Weekend events included leadership classes for students in Greenbrier County schools, a flag ceremony in front of the main building, dinner/dance at the alumni center and a Sunday service at Old Stone Presbyterian Church.

About 125 alumni and their guests attended the reunion activities throughout the weekend.

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SCHOOL NEWS

Teddy bear fair for children Dr. Michael Adelman and Joey performed at the Women & Children’s Teddy Bear Fair on Oct. 1 in Charleston, W.Va. More than 750 children registered for the annual event held in the parking lot of Women & Children’s Hospital. The purpose of the fair is to give children and their families a chance to see that the hospital can be a fun and safe place to visit. A multitude of exhibitors each year also provide children with interactive health prevention strategies centered around nutrition, exercise and safety. Education was well represented by the Kanawha County Bookmobile, the Kanawha County Ambulance Authority and by various CAMC hospital departments. The entire fair was free to the public including lunch and was underwritten by Carelink Health Insurance, the CAMC Foundation, the CAMC Auxiliary and several private sources. Each child also helps to stuff and take home a teddy bear.

WVSOM recognized September 11

Tree ceremony honored staff member

About 55 people representing students, faculty, staff,

A tree-planting ceremony in October honored the life of Vada Sharp, a

administration and children gathered in front of WVSOM’s main

long-time WVSOM employee who passed away last year.

building on Sept. 11 to remember the events that occurred and

Dr. Michael Adelman said Vada put her heart and soul into WVSOM and

the lives that were lost a decade ago.

deeply cared for her fellow co-workers. Other employees shared personal

The Student Government Association, Emergency Medicine

memories and stories about Vada.

Club and the Association of Military Osteopathic Physicians and

A pink dogwood tree was planted outside of the main building with a stone

Surgeons (AMOPS) organized the remembrance.

plaque in her name.

Four people spoke during the event including Chief Petty Officer Curtis Lamar Hardy, OMS II; Soham Dave, OMS II; Jeanne Wahl, D.O.; and Meg McKeon, Ed.D. Hardy and Dave shared personal memories of the event and spoke about how renewing the sense of community, family and country is something people should try to do as part of the 10year anniversary. Drs. Wahl and McKeon shared reflective pieces that gave spiritual dimension to the event.

Others who spoke during the open microphone time shared prayers, how they were personally affected and their general thoughts about the attacks 10 years ago. At the end of the remembrance, those who attended the event placed roses on the flagpole to pay respects to the lives that were lost.

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STUDENTS

New members sought during Club Night

Alzheimer walk

WVSOM clubs and organizations sought membership from

WVSOM received an award for having the most participants at

first-year medical students during the annual Club Night in

the Alzheimer’s Association’s walk on Oct. 22 in Lewisburg. The

October.

Geriatrics Club was part of the efforts to encourage people to participate. Geriatrics Club officers Vy Phan, Terry Nguyen and

The event took place at the alumni center. Club officers and

Sarah Nasir accepted the award on the school’s behalf.

members provided information about their organizations to WVSOM’s newest class of students.

Eric Schweller, vice president for the Student Government Association, organized the event. He said it is important to give students the opportunity to be part of groups that will help them network in the medical profession as well as become active members in the community.

“The clubs really open the door to a lot of students who may not have had an interest in a field,” he said. “Being a member of a club allows you to go to conferences where you can network with doctors, hospitals and learn about residency programs. It also helps you get involved with community events and lets you know what’s going on around campus.”

Clubs vary from specific fields of study, such as family medicine, pediatrics and surgery, to international organizations, such as PAX club, and also a club for spouses and significant others.

Coat drive On Nov. 4, Emergency Medicine Club officers presented the United Way with coats and other warm items that were donated from

Kenova Pumpkin House

WVSOM.

Students in the Statewide Campus Southwest region assisted Ric Griffith, Kenova’s mayor and owner of the nationally known “Kenova Pumpkin House,” with carving and creating the 2011 autumn festival house this year. Griffith accepted a prepared WVSOM logo pumpkin,

WVSOM joined the United Way of the Greenbrier Valley for the annual coat drive. During the collection period, the organization collected 160 coats, 10 hats, six sets of gloves and one set of snow pants.

which he placed on his front porch in the “Medicine Themed Section” of his display. Students worked at gutting pumpkins, carving designs and placing the pumpkins on display. There were more than 3,100 pumpkins in the overall display.

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STUDENTS

Navy team provided helicopter tour The Emergency Medicine Club and the Association of Military Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons (AMOPS) organized an event that allowed WVSOM students, faculty, staff and family members to get an inside look at a Navy helicopter.

The event took place at the Greenbrier Valley Airport. Those in attendance learned about the helicopter, which can be used in search and rescue efforts. People were allowed to sit in the pilot and copilot’s seats and see some of the equipment used in rescues.

The open helicopter tour was followed by a brief informational speech from Lt. Commander Joseph Kotora. Kotora is a chief resident for emergency medicine at Naval Medical Center

State Fair visitors receive important health information

Portsmouth in Virginia.

He said he wanted to share his experiences of life as a physician in the Navy with medical students. He said many students find that being part of a military program while in medical school is

Nurses and second-year osteopathic medical students provided free

appealing.

blood pressure checks throughout the week at the West Virginia State Fair in August. A total of 2,283 people received a blood

“There are a lot of challenges unique to the military that are

pressure check and 94 people had their cholesterol checked during

attractive,” he said. “Specifically combat medicine is appealing

the nine days of the fair.

to many students as well as the financial support piece. An expensive education can be paid for by the government in return

The WVSOM Center for Rural and Community Health CRCH also

for their service.”

provided educational material to West Virginia residents about the HIS/HER program. The program brings awareness to residents who

Travel, a sense of duty to one’s country, and the camaraderie

believe they lead healthy lifestyles when studies actually show they

with fellow service men and women are also appealing factors for

are at risk. Fair attendees who visited the blood pressure booth

students, he said.

were asked to fill out a health survey, conducted by the CRCH.

Free blood pressure check WVSOM’s Student Association of American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians (ACOFP) hosted a free blood pressure check booth at the annual Taste of Our Towns festival in Lewisburg on Oct. 8.

Club President Ryan Shingler said 134 people had their blood pressure checked during the festival. Medical students were also available to check thyroids, measure height and weight, provide eye exams and offer a coloring and face painting area for children.

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STUDENTS

Heart of the Holidays The WVSOM community helped make 25 families and nearly 50 children in the area have a better holiday season this past Christmas.

The Heart of the Holidays event helped families in the area by donating toys to children, hams for a Christmas meal and clothing items to keep families warm. Students in Sigma Sigma Phi, Pediatrics Club and the Family Medicine Club organized the

Luminaria event brought out supporters

event.

In September, WVSOM faculty, staff and students gathered for a hope

The Pediatrics Club had a diaper drive, so each family in

and life ceremony for Alex Mazzochetti, a second-year student. Alex

attendance could receive two packages of diapers.

was seriously injured in a car accident during the Labor Day holiday.

During the event, children were occupied with activities, families

The event allowed the WVSOM community to share stories about Alex

were treated to a holiday meal and Santa Claus visited the

and offer words of encouragement for his recovery efforts. The event

campus to distribute toys to the children. Each child was given a

raised $5,000 for the Mazzochetti family and Alex’s care.

toy to open from Santa, along with two toys to take home.

About six months after Alex Mazzochetti’s car accident that left him

“Our first goal is to have a Christmas party with a proper Santa

seriously injured, he returned to his home in New York. The first six

and dinner for the families,” said Sumona Kabir, Sigma Sigma Phi president. “We also want the children to have something to open on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning.”

Kabir said that she was happy the event could help reach out to children less fortunate.

Linda Bernard, vice president of Sigma Sigma Phi, said events like Heart of the Holidays help make the school’s presence felt in the community.

months was the most important for advanced recovery in hospitals and rehabilitation centers. Now that he is home, the next six months are a critical time for Alex to develop daily functions, mental planning and multi-tasking.

Alex’s parents, Mike and Nancy, provide email updates about their son’s progress. Some recent emails note that Alex is holding regular conversations and is speaking more clearly. He is also trying to perform more household duties including cooking meals, cleaning up the kitchen, vacuuming, helping to grocery shop, visiting libraries and

“This shows the community that the school cares about helping

banks and performing minor exercises like playing catch and walking

everybody in the community, not just the people who are

his dog.

associated with the school,” she said. “Especially this time of year it’s a great thing to do for the kids and their families who can’t afford to do something like this.”

The Children’s Home Society also took part in the event.

He continues to attend therapy sessions three times a week for physical, occupational and cognitive refinement. He also spends an hour a week with a chiropractor to work his muscles and joints.

Physicians have noted that Alex will need to maintain life-long daily tuning to keep his brain, nerves and muscles coordinated for full functionality and balance of his body.

While some of his character traits have stayed the same — including his quick wit, funny remarks and sarcasm — some of his personality traits have changed. The Mazzochettis say he is more reflective on life and has embraced his religion. Alex enjoys weekday and Sunday mass as well as Bible study. He also says daily prayers for others.

In April, Alex and his family traveled to West Virginia to visit WVU, friends at WVSOM and the ICU staff who helped him after his accident.

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STUDENTS

CMDA dinner auction raised more than $8,000 CMDA members hosted the annual Thanksgiving dinner auction on Nov. 9 and raised $8,640 for their spring break mission trip.

Some of the highest paid items were a Snowshoe getaway, a country oil painting, histology paintings donated by Dr. Christine Eckel and homemade cocoa bourbon balls prepared by Amber Cobb.

More than 250 people attended the event. The money raised helped bring the students, doctors and medicine to the people of Guatemala.

CMDA President Joel Guerin said he is thankful for the generosity of the WVSOM community.

“I watched the auction last year and thought the amount of money we raised was a fluke,” he said. “Then this year’s auction raised about the same amount proving the generosity of our community.”

Guerin said the students going on the trip were touched by the support that was shown.

“I ask that everyone keep praying for us as we touch the hearts and bodies of the people of Guatemala,” he said.

WVSOM students raise

$10,340

Fall festival helps organizations Sigma Sigma Phi’s first-ever fall festival on Nov. 19 raised about $1,250. With subtracted expenses, the organization donated $500,

Country rodeo raises funds

which goes toward the Greenbrier County Humane Society and two

About 150 people attended the annual Country Rodeo on

elementary schools — Lewisburg Elementary School and White Sulphur

Oct. 1 at Valley View Farms.

Springs Elementary School.

The event, which was co-sponsored by WVSOM’s Delta

Two unlucky students and one faculty member had the misfortune of

Omega and Pediatrics clubs, was organized to help raise

being voted by their peers to kiss a pig. Andrew White, Class of 2015;

money for two local groups — the Child and Youth Advocacy

Adam Sadowski, Class of 2014; and Mary Hamra, Ph.D., puckered up

Center and the Family Refuge Center.

to kiss the pig. Dr. Hamra raised the most of money ($97) to kiss the four-legged animal.

The event raised more than $1,200 just from the silent

Baked goods were for sale and activities included a jumping castle,

Jackson.

auction, according to Pediatrics Club President Jason

pumpkin painting, face painting, balloon animals, two magic shows by Dr. Adelman and a variety of field games.

“I feel that it is extremely important to continue to raise

Sumona Kabir, Sigma Sigma Phi president, said she thought the

Advocacy Center and the Family Refuge Center in order to

money for organizations such as the Child and Youth

event was successful and looks forward to continuing the festival in

recognize these organizations for the tremendous work they

upcoming years.

do for those, not just in Lewisburg, but in the surrounding

“Everyone who attended, including students, faculty and families of

areas advocating for people who may not have a voice of

children greatly enjoyed the event,” she said. “Due to the unanimous

their own,” Jackson said of the organizations.

positive feedback, we are inspired and look forward to continue this

The event included dinner, music, dancing, games and door

event and strive to make this a WVSOM tradition.”

prizes. Those in attendance included students, faculty and directors of each organization.

WVSOM MAGAZINE

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SPRING 2012

31

FACULTY

New Faculty Hired at WVSOM

Victoria (Vicki) Shuman, D.O., FACOFP

Celia McLay, D.O.

Associate Dean for Graduate Medical Education/ Associate Professor

Assistant Professor of osteopathic principles and practice

Dr. Shuman is a 1996 WVSOM graduate and has a Bachelor

Dr. McLay teaches osteopathic principles and practice to first-

of Science degree in nursing from the University of Alaska.

and second-year students. She is also involved with the third-

For the past 12 years, Dr. Shuman has been the Osteopathic

and fourth-year curriculum and helps with OPP for interns and

Residency Director and Director of Medical Education at

residents through MSOPTI. She is a graduate of the College of

United Hospital Center. She is an active member of the

Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University in East Lansing,

Mountain State OPTI board, member of the United Hospital

Mich. She also completed her Bachelor of Science degree

Center Board of Directors and president of United Hospital

at Michigan State University. She has worked for many years

Center Medical staff. Dr. Shuman is a 10-year member of

as a physiatrist at Eastern Maine Medical Center of Bangor,

the ACOFP House of Delegates, a member of the AOA House

Maine, and has most recently served as the medical director of

of Delegates and a member of the ACOFP Committee on

the Rehabilitation Institute at Maine General Medical Center.

Residency Standards and Inspections.

Dr. McLay will provide physiatrist services at RCBC as well as osteopathic manual medical care. She will see patients for their management after stroke, spinal cord injury, brain injury, amputation, or any debilitating disease that has interfered with gait or daily living performance. She will treat spasticity, doing wheelchair evaluations and performing EMG studies among a host of other services.

Heather Ratliff, D.O. Assistant Professor of internal medicine and nephrology Dr. Ratliff obtained her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from WVSOM in 2004 after graduating from Concord College with a Bachelor of Science degree. Dr. Ratliff will practice internal medicine and nephrology at the Robert C. Byrd Clinic, where she will take WVSOM students through elective nephrology rotations. She is also the director of Medical Education at Greenbrier Valley Medical Center.

32

WVSOM MAGAZINE

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SPRING 2012

WVSOM MAGAZINE

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SPRING 2012

33

FACULTY

Eckel recognized by anatomists Christine Eckel, Ph.D., associate professor of anatomy, has been an active member of the American Association of Anatomists (AAA) in 2011-12. In August, Dr. Eckel was invited to Washington, D.C., to serve on the Strategic Thinking for Undergraduate Recruitment and Programs (STURP) task force for the AAA; a productive meeting in which members brainstormed ways to further involve undergraduate anatomy instructors and students in the association.

As a member of the Educational Affairs Committee (EAC) for the AAA, Dr. Eckel currently chairs the Course Director’s Needs Survey subcommittee and serves on the Anatomy Training Program subcommittee, evaluating applications for an international training program for anatomists. At the Experimental Biology Meeting in San Diego, Calif.,

Staff member receives certification

(April 2012) Dr. Eckel will chair the Educational Research Platform Award Session and the Anatomy Education Breakfast Roundtables. She will also participate in the association’s Meet the Author program at the AAA booth.

Barbara Sanders received notification from

Dr. Eckel is excited and honored to

the American Association for Laboratory

host the Anatomy Education Breakfast

Animal Science (AALAS) that she is now a

Roundtables because of the opportunity

certified Laboratory Animal Technologist (LATG). Sanders took the certification exam on Aug. 27, after a weeklong LATG study course in Greensboro, N.C. The LATG exam tests competencies in animal husbandry, health, welfare and facility administration and management.

to present with Dr. Bridget O’Brien, advancement of laboratory animal

Ph.D., of the University of California,

science, and was developed to recognize

San Francisco School of Medicine. Dr.

professional achievement and provide

O’Brien was a co-investigator in the

an authoritative endorsement of an

2010 Carnegie Foundation follow-up

individual’s level of knowledge in

study of the ground-breaking, 1910

laboratory animal science.

Flexner Report, and is co-author of the book “Educating Physicians: A

The LATG certification is AALAS’ highest

Call for Reform of Medical School and

level of technician competence. The

Residency.”

AALAS Technician Certification Program sets professional standards for the 34

WVSOM MAGAZINE

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SPRING 2012

FACULTY

Faculty member gets work published Peter Ward, Ph.D., associate professor of biomedical sciences, had two separate pieces of work published.

One of the articles, “Influence of study approaches on academic outcomes during pre-clinical medical education,” was featured in Medical Teacher.

Professor publishes blog

His other work, which is co-authored with third-year student Kourosh Kahkeshani, is titled “Connection between the spinal dura mater and suboccipital musculature: evidence for the myodural bridge and a route for its dissection – a review.” It was featured in Clinical Anatomy.

Dr. David Beatty published a blog called Herbal Remedies at Home. The series of seasonal posts will later be compiled into a book by the same name after a year of recipes for home remedies. Dr. Beatty’s previous publications include Manipulation at Home (WVSOM

Professor earns degree

2003), Manipulation in Motion (WVSOM 2008), The Pocket

Lisa Ryan, assistant professor, graduated from Marshall

and A Tale of Two Boxes (lulu.com 2011). In addition to

University with a Doctor of Psychology degree. She

his professorship in osteopathic principles and practice

completed the doctorate program on July 8.

at WVSOM, he is a member of the West Virginia Herb

Manual of OMT (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins 2011)

Association and the American Herbalists Guild.

WVSOM MAGAZINE

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SPRING 2012

35

GIFTS TO WVSOM

in 2011 PRESIDENT’S COUNCIL ($100,000+)

Abdul M. Orra, D.O.

Bank of Monroe

FRIENDS ($500-$999)

Drs. Michael & Cheryl Adelman

Dr. & Mrs. Arthur B. Rubin

Cartledge Foundation, Inc.

Kenneth C. Adkins, D.O.

Mr. & Mrs. James Harless

Dr. & Mrs. Joseph E. Schreiber

Riverbend Nursery

Mac G. Bailes, D.O.

Dr. & Mrs. Roland P. Sharp

Ronald K. Smith, D.O.

The American Beer Company

Jeffery T. Braham, D.O.

Mr. & Mrs. Gary White

Drs. Thomas & Karen Steele

Businesses

Andy R. Tanner, D.O.

ASSOCIATE ($1,000-$2,499)

Drs. Shawn & Heidi Clark

Pittsburgh Foundation, The

Dr. & Mrs. Daniel R. Trent

Leif Adams, D.O.

Paul J. Conley, D.O.

George R. Triplett, D.O.

Rob Aliff, J.D.

FOUNDER’S ($50,000-$99,999)

Businesses

David A. Apgar, D.O.

Mrs. John Tirpak

American Chemical Society

Lois J. Bosley D.O.

Businesses

Carmel-Greenfield Charitable Trust

Drs. William M. Jr. & Patricia

The National Osteopathic Foundation

First National Bank

The Greenbrier Hotel Corporation

Greenbrier Real Estate Services

PATRON ($25,000-$49,999)

SPONSOR ($2,500-$4,999)

Drs. J.T. & Darcy Conner

Marlene Wager, D.O.

David P. Allen, D.O.

Mr. & Mrs. Charles D. Cornell

Businesses

David A. Apgar, D.O.

Anthony R. Flaim, D.O.

City National Bank

Manuel W. Ballas, D.O.

Drs. Rick & Carol Greco

David R. Barger, D.O.

A.S. Ghiathi, D.O.

DEAN’S CIRCLE ($10,000-$24,999)

Elizabeth K. Blatt, Ph.D.

Marla G. Haller, D.O.

Drs. Hal W. Armistead & Amelia

Drs. William Blue & Christine Blue

David Hambrick, J.D.

Drs. Edward & Kristie G. Bridges

Dr. & Mrs. Charles D. Hanshaw

J.P. Blake Casher, D.O.

Sharon Howard

Craig A. Chambers, D.O.

Mark A. Hrko, D.O.

David Crandall, D.O.

Daniel S. Hurd, D.O.

Dr. Robert Foster & Mary Leb

Kelly Jackson, Ph.D.

Ronald W. Green, D.O.

Rachel L. Johnson, D.O.

David T. Harrison, D.O.

Afeworki O. Kidane, D.O.

Ralph C. Hess III, D.O.

Timothy D. Kleman, D.O.

J. Stephen Howell, D.O.

James R. Lebolt, D.O.

Buddy L. Hurt, D.O.

David Leech, D.O.

Gregory M. Jarrell, D.O.

Judith Maloney, Ph.D.

Lawrence Kelley

Philip McLaughlin

Jamie Lampros-Shenefelt

Richard D. Meadows, D.O.

Dr. & Mrs. William Lemley

Ernest E. Miller Jr., D.O.

Matthew W. Lively, D.O.

Edwin J. Morris, D.O.

Pat Bauserman

Drs. Russell & Sally Stewart

Kathleen E. Maley, D.O.

John B. Myer

Diana K. Bird

Margaret McKeon, Ed.D.

Kara A. O’Karma, D.O.

Dr. & Mrs. Joseph Hayes Calvert

BENEFACTOR ($5,000-$9,999)

Dominick H. McLain, D.O.

Susan G. Painter, D.O.

Roxann C. Cook, D.O.

Malcolm C. Modrzakowski, Ph.D.

G. Kevin Perdue, D.O.

Abigail R. Durden, D.O.

William D. Moore, D.O.

Bonita J. Portier, D.O.

Roger D. Edwards, D.O.

Drs. Andrea Nazar & David Maki

Joseph R. Reyes, D.O.

Pamela P. Faulkner, D.O.

Pete J. Palko III, D.O.

Randall L. Short, D.O.

Mitchell S. Fuscardo, D.O.

Charles M. Paroda, D.O.

Michael B. Shrock, D.O.

Carl F. Hoyng, D.O.

Lorenzo L. Pence, D.O.

Albert Smith Jr., D.O.

Jeffrey A. Hunt, D.O.

Jeffory J. Prylinski, D.O.

Gary G. Waters, D.O.

John W. Lewis Jr., D.O.

Drs. Angelo & Melinda Ratini

Lydia E. Weisser, D.O.

Gretchen Lovett, Ph.D.

Shirley Runyon & Jennifer R. Miller

George R. Woodward, D.O.

Janice J. Miller, D.O.

Dr. & Mrs. William Seifer

Businesses

G. Todd Moore, D.O.

Jan Silverman, D.O.

American Medical Association

Cynthia M. Osborne, D.O.

Gregory K. Burnette, D.O.

Browning Cynthia L. Butler, D.O. Elizabeth C. Clark, D.O.

Roush Catherine Bishop, D.O. George Boxwell, D.O. Richard C. Carey, D.O. Cathy A. Dailey, D.O. Charles H. Davis, D.O. Drs. Allen Finkelstein & Carmen R. Damiani Robert Holmes Jr., D.D.S. Robert B. Holstein, D.O. Mrs. Paul G. Kleman Samuel A. Muscari Jr., D.O. Drs. Bruce & Millie Petersen Richard Rafes, Ph.D., J.D. Larry S. Sidaway, D.O.

Greg and Jill Allman Craig Boisvert, D.O. David Brown, Ph.D. Linda A. Eakle, D.O. Robert L. Flowers, D.O. Thomas L. Gilligan, D.O. Jandy Hanna, Ph.D. Dr. & Mrs. Howard Hunt Dr. & Mrs. Robert L. Hunter Cynthia A. Mayer, D.O. Dr. & Mrs. Michael A. Muscari Stephen A. Naymick, D.O. James Nemitz, Ph.D. 36

Foundation

Ralph E. Wood, D.O.

Drs. Gene & Claudia Duncan Judith L. Evans, D.O. Edward W. & Jacqueline L. Gallaher John M. Garlitz, D.O. Stephen Goykovich, D.O. Curran L. Jones, D.O. Dr. & Mrs. Thomas Karrs Michael Krasnow, D.O. Marshall C. Long, D.O. Kevin J. Mason, D.O. Dallas E. Petrey, D.O. Sherry E. Phillips Roland Powers Jr., D.O. M. Bryan Reynolds, D.O. Ryan T. Runyon, D.O. Drs. Andrew & Tiffany Thymius Nelson Velazquez, D.O. Philip G. Veres, D.O. Jeanne M. Wahl, D.O. Marvin L. Wells, D.O. Thomas White II, D.O. Kaye & Allen Withrow Businesses John W. Eye Company MedExpress Urgent Care

Marilyn D. Perry, D.O. Jane-Marie Raley, D.O.

Businesses

Judy Danik, D.O.

WVSOM MAGAZINE

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SPRING 2012

Leslie Bicksler

Robert & Barbara Hoffmann

Stephanie Schuler

Joel B. Rose, D.O.

Patricia Bond

Stephen G. & Donna Jean Hydu

Victoria L. Shuman, D.O.

William T. Shultz, D.O.

Larry & Shelia Burns

Larry S. & Rosemary Hydu

Michael D. & Donna J. Smith

James E. Stollings, D.O.

Fred C. & Carolyn B. Burns Jr.

S. Kent Jameson, D.O.

Jean O. Srodes

Maria N. Tranto, D.O.

Lacy E. Cochran

H. Bruce & Emma Jeffries

Emma L. & Mark Stewart

Shannon D. Warren

P.J. & K.A. Cornell

Madeline J. Kleman

Lisa A. Zaleski, D.O.

Robyn Weyand, Ph.D.

David & Mary Curtis

Karl F. Kleman

Businesses

Businesses

John J. DeBarbadillo II

Cindi Knight

Rose’s Excavating

Michigan Osteopathic Association

Bonny L. Dickinson, Ph.D.

Khan M. Matin, M.D.

Roderick H. Doss, D.O.

Michael & Patricia McNaull

Gail Faulkner & Karen Faulkner

Mary E. Meyer

CADUCEUS ($50-$249)

Nicholas G. Bagnoli, D.O.

J.W. & Carla J. Musgrave

Sands

Cheryl Baker

Jason A. Genin, D.O.

David A. Patriquin, D.O.

Alan Bartell

Ernest F. & Linda L. Gravely

Fred J. Quarto

Robert D. Beasley, D.O.

Tommy & Sharon Higdon

Victoria Roane

GIFTS TO WVSOM

Roi O. Reed, D.O.

Oops!

Apologies to the Class of 1989: the percentage of gifts from the Class of 1989 is 41% and not the 24% as reported in the Spring 2011 issue.

SUPPORT FUTURE D.O.s BY GIVING TODAY Every Gift, no matter the size makes an impact on today’s WVSOM students.

Consider a donation to the WVSOM Fund: call Sally Cooper at 304-647-6374

WVSOM MAGAZINE

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SPRING 2012

37

WVOMA

WVOMA has new executive director

2011 Fall CME

The West Virginia Osteopathic Medicine Association has an office in the Roland P. Sharp Alumni Center at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine and a new executive director.

The WVOMA held its 2011 annual Fall CME

Patient, with Richard Markwood, D.O.;

Conference at the Greenbrier

Improving Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

Nov. 11-13, 2011.

Treatment Outcomes: Tailoring Strategies

Lectures included topics like Atrial Fibrillation and New Anti-Coagulants, with Martin Burke, D.O.; Preparing and Protecting Your Patient for Surgery, with John Bulger, D.O.; Obesity and Nutrition

for Remission, with J. Sloan Manning, D.O.; Chronic Kidney Disease for Primary Care, with Heather Ratliff, D.O.; and Cervical Cancer Screening and New Treatment Options, with Stephen A. Naymick, D.O. In addition, three hours of OMT were

Penny Fioravante has joined the organization as

Pre- and Post-Bariatric Surgery, with

executive director. She moved to Lewisburg from

Jack Bragg, D.O.; The Opioid Crisis in

Charleston. Fioravante has extensive experience

West Virginia, with Bradley Miller, D.O.;

in nonprofit management, both as an executive

Concussions and the Athlete: A Historical

staff and board member. Most recently, she was

Perspective, with Jason Genin, D.O.; Heart

At the general membership meeting, the

the vice president of development for the West

Disease in Women, with Kate Galluzzi,

transition was made between outgoing

Virginia Symphony Orchestra and a community

D.O.; Protecting Children and Families

President Michael Adelman, D.O., D.P.M.,

director for the March of Dimes in West Virginia.

from Tobacco, with Michele Neff-Bulger,

and incoming President Ernest Miller, D.O.,

Her specialties include public relations, event

D.O.; Important Changes in the Approach

with an installation of officers by Mike

planning and fundraising.

to the HIV-Infected Patient that Every PCP

Murphy, a member of the AOA Board of

A lover of all things artistic, she is a costume

Should Know, with Gerald Blackburn,

Governors. Other officers are Treasurer

D.O.; Rheumatology: DMARDS for the PCP,

Lorenzo Pence, D.O.; Secretary Joseph

with Robert DiGiovanni, D.O.; Metabolic

Dougherty, D.O.; and President-elect

Syndrome & Diabetes, with Jack Snitzer,

Ralph Wood, D.O.

designer and milliner whose whimsical creations are featured at Tamarack: the Best of West Virginia, as well as in many local theatrical productions.

led by Karen Steele, D.O., with Ray Quintero giving the members an update on legislative issues.

D.O.; PCOS and the Obese Gynecology

Three osteopathic physicians achieve fellowship in ACOI Rick Greco, D.O., FACOI, is pictured congratulating three of his previous residents as they achieve their fellowship in the American College of Osteopathic Internists (ACOI). Tom Waltz, D.O., FACOI; Andy Etzel, D.O., FACOI; and Rodney Jarrell, D.O., FACOI; join fellow Ohio Valley Medical Center internal medicine alumni Sandra Brannin, D.O.; Jessica Lucas, D.O.; Jamie Etzel, D.O.; and James Lawlor, D.O.; who are all now fellows in the ACOI. Dr. Greco has lead the internal medicine residency at OVMC since its inception in 1997. Dr. Greco, an ACOI board member, served as the program chairman for the ACOI’s 2011 annual convention and scientific session in San Antonio, Texas.

This year’s program, hosting nearly 1,000 attendees, took on the theme of “A multi-disciplinary approach to understanding obesity and its widespread health consequences and the treatment challenges.”

38

WVSOM MAGAZINE

•

SPRING 2012

Your memoir so poignantly penned in, Roland

TO: Dr. Roland P. Sharp

Sharp Country Doctor – Memories of a Life Well

FROM: Robert B. Holstein, D.O., ‘79

Lived, further enlightened us. We felt privileged

President, WVSOM Alumni Association

to enjoy snapshots of your private life as you

December 30, 2011

shared personal stories about Opal, Paul, Kit and Willow Lane Farm.

Dear Dr. Sharp,

Your leadership and steady hand at the helm

On behalf of the WVSOM Alumni Association may

provided the needed guidance for a medical

I extend to you a warm and happy 104 birthday

school that some thought only an unrealistic

on this Dec. 30, 2011.

dream, but your faith in your fellow D.O.s, the

th

Our hearts celebrate with yours on this special occasion. We want you to know that we fondly think of you often. You are our mentor, friend and fellow osteopathic physician. You are the founding father of our WVSOM family and we love you deeply.

osteopathic profession and the citizens of West Virginia proved the cynics wrong. The founders knew you were the man who could best lead us through the darkness of uncharted territory into the healing light of humble service.

West Virginia will never be the same. Her kind and special folks will never again be as lacking

Aortic Right

in access to quality health care services because

Pulmonic Left Tricuspid ‘neath the sternum The apex gets the Mitral beat And that’s the way we learn ‘um

of your vision, courage and steadfast love for people. You have led us by example. We have watched your dedication and have dared to attempt to emulate it. We have learned the value of listening to patients and using a commonsense approach to properly diagnose and treat the infirmed.

On this special occasion, as you reflect on your life and many accomplishments, know that you can only see glimpses of your true impact on the lives of countless others. Your lifelong legacy of service and healing are far reaching.

Thank you for your perseverance in the face of adversity, during times of uncertainty and in moments of despair. Thanks for your uplifting words of encouragement and wry humor that always made us laugh and maintain hope.

I was once asked to identify the one outstanding characteristic that makes a great leader great.

After a period of reflection, I concluded:

DR. HOLSTEIN IS A BOARD CERTIFIED

One of many mnemonics representative of

“A great leader is one who maximizes the

your wit and wisdom as you guided us through

potential of those whom he/she leads.”

the maze of learning and brought us to a point

Dr. Sharp, thank you for your great leadership

FAMILY PHYSICIAN RESIDING WITH HIS

of understanding the science and the art of

WIFE, JEAN, IN INVERNESS, FLA. HE IS

osteopathic medicine.

IN PRIVATE PRACTICE AND PARTICIPATES IN

SHORT-TERM

MEDICAL

MISSIONS

NATIONALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY.

are forever indebted to you.

We love hearing your stories and real-life experiences as a school teacher, medical student, medical educator, coal mine physician and country doctor.

WVSOM MAGAZINE

and thank you for maximizing our potential. We

•

SPRING 2012

Happy Birthday!

39

ALUMNI

Birthday greeting

ALUMNI

Distinguished Alumni Award The WVSOM Alumni Association’s annual luncheon on Feb. 4, 2012, was a great time to celebrate WVSOM accomplishments and honor one outstanding graduate.

Victoria Shuman, D.O., was presented with the 2012 Distinguished Alumni Award during the event.

A 1996 graduate of WVSOM, Dr. Shuman joined the WVSOM faculty as Associate Dean for Graduate Medical Education. Previously, Dr. Shuman was the Osteopathic Residency Director and DME at United Hospital Center.

Angela Mills, D.O., Dr. Shuman and Jennifer Beverage, D.O.

She is ACOFP and AAFP board certified.

Dr. Shuman is described as having a desire to learn and improve the quality of health care for the residents of West Virginia. Her enthusiasm for the philosophy of osteopathy has helped her grow and develop into a physician who consistently incorporates manipulative therapy into almost every patient encounter — both for in-patient and outpatient settings.

Along with her patient commitment, Dr. Shuman shows a commitment toward teaching medical students, residents, faculty and anyone with a passion for medicine.

She is a mentor, cheerleader and friend whom many seek out for advice. Outside the compound of her commitment to patient care and teaching, Dr. Shuman is involved with many volunteer organizations and is a past president of the West Virginia Society of Osteopathic Medicine.

Jennifer Beverage, D.O., Class of 2009, nominated Dr. Shuman for this year’s award.

She and Angela Mills, D.O., Class of 2009, made a special presentation to Shuman during the luncheon.

40

Board members Manny Ballas, D.O.; Dave Butler, D.O.; Faith Payne, D.O.; Roger Edwards, D.O.; Bob Holstein, D.O.; Susan Painter, D.O.; Cathy Dailey, D.O.

Alumni Association Community Service The WVSOM Alumni Association made an effort to provide community service while in town for Alumni Weekend 2011. Since food banks in West Virginia have been low in their supply, the Alumni Association Board collected non-perishable food items that were donated to food pantries in Lewisburg and Fairlea.

WVSOM MAGAZINE

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SPRING 2012

ALUMNI

ALUMNI PROFILE

Graduate Kelli Ward vies for Arizona Senate

Association, and became actively engaged with the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians.

After completing her residency, Dr. Ward moved to Lake Havasu City, Ariz., in 1999 where she was in private practice with her mother, Dr. Lorraine Byrd, a 1990 WVSOM graduate. Dr. Ward currently

Service to the community is a core

said. Her grandmother repeatedly

value of the West Virginia School of

petitioned local leaders and state

Osteopathic Medicine and this tenet

representatives to improve mine safety

is exemplified by Kelli Ward, D.O. A

and was instrumental in getting the

graduate of the Class of 1996, she is

1969 Coal Mine Safety and Health Act

currently competing for a seat in the

passed. Her political activity did not

Arizona state senate, to replace term-

stop there. Ward said she remembers

which airs on a local television station.

limited Sen. Ron Gould.

her grandmother interacting with

She has served on the board of trustees

Sowing seeds of political change is in her genes. She credits her grandmother

government leaders throughout her childhood.

practices medicine at Kingman Regional Medical Center, where she is the Director of Graduate Medical Education, and Havasu Regional Medical Center. She promotes health and wellness to the community through her show “Ask Dr. Kelli,”

and as president for the Arizona Osteopathic Medical Association and the Arizona Society of the American College of Osteopathic Family

with setting the example for passionate

She also remembers frequent trips

engagement in community affairs.

to the local VFW with her brother and

Physicians.

concerts the two would perform for

She believes her background makes her well-

A native of West Virginia, Dr. Ward’s grandfather was killed in the 1968

veterans during the holidays.

No. 9 Mine explosion near Farmington,

“We were taught to be involved in

W.Va. Seventy-eight miners were killed

politics and to be patriotic,” Ward said.

in the mine that day. The cause of the explosion was never determined.

She carried these lessons to her medical education at WVSOM, where

“My grandmother, who had always been

she was involved in student government

active in social groups, really became

and served as national president of

active in politics after he died,” Ward

SOMA, the Student Osteopathic Medical

WVSOM MAGAZINE

•

SPRING 2012

suited for budgetary matters at the state level.

“As a practicing physician, I believe I can help the legislature make good decisions concerning the future of health care funding in the state,” she said, expressing a desire to balance fiscal responsibility with improved community health models.

41

ALUMNI

WVSOM graduate recognized for lifetime achievement John Glover, D.O., a 1986 West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine graduate, received one of the most prestigious awards bestowed by the osteopathic profession.

In March 2011, the Vallejo, Calif., resident was the recipient of the Andrew Taylor Still Medallion of Honor awarded by the American Academy of Osteopathy. The awards banquet took place in Colorado Springs, Colo. He is the first and only WVSOM graduate to ever receive the award, which recognizes lifetime achievements in osteopathic medicine and a commitment to moving the profession forward.

“It’s always an honor to have an award given

prevalent, making up 20 percent of the

At this point in his career Glover can look

to you, and this is the highest honor I’ve

physician workforce. Later Glover was

back at WVSOM with pride after witnessing

received,” Glover said. “You don’t really go

searching for more information about

the decades of accomplishments at the

through your life and think ‘how can I win

alternative health during his teaching

school.

awards?’ You go through your life and just do

career in Virginia.

things — and sometimes you get recognized for it.”

“It was such an intimate place when I

“I really liked the philosophy of osteopathy,”

was there and I’m proud to be a graduate

Glover said. “The part that truly interests

of WVSOM,” he said. “The school has

Glover has many accomplishments, which

me is embracing the techniques of

always done an excellent job of training

could have brought him to the attention of

osteopathic medicine.”

physicians.”

Glover decided to apply to medical school

He said that the school helped forge his

and after an interview with WVSOM, he

career and he feels the need to serve

said, he felt part of an intimate family.

others by helping them better understand

the AAO Board of Trustees. He has been a preceptor to medical students, lectured extensively throughout the country, taught CME programs, been involved with the American Osteopathic Association and has

“It was one of those things that was meant

been an active member of the WVSOM

to be,” he said.

Alumni Association.

“Being a physician is also about teaching

Glover was considered a non-traditional

Glover’s involvement with medicine

medical student — enrolling in the school

didn’t start out so positively — he went

when he was 30 years old.

from disliking the way many physicians treated patients to becoming fascinated by osteopathy and alternative medicine.

After briefly attending college in California,

“Medicine was never on my radar until I read about osteopathic medicine and

“A big part of that is teaching people to make healthy decisions in their own lives.”

“You don’t really go through your life and think ‘how can I win awards?’

You go through your life and just

a physician,” he said.

do things — and sometimes you get recognized for it.”

a state where osteopathic physicians were

patients or a patient’s family,” Glover said.

that’s what changed my mind about being

Glover transferred to a school in Michigan,

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osteopathic principles.

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ALUMNI

New members join the Alumni Association Board of Directors

“Coolest Board Member” fundraiser The Alumni Association Board is still cool. So cool that during the 2012 Mid-Winter Osteopathic Seminar “Coolest Board Member” fundraiser the results showed that there is a “Coolest Male Board Member” and a “Coolest Female Board Member.”

Their coolness and creativity were reflected in the items they donated to the silent auction, which included a “Ski West Virginia basket,” a handmade West Virginia quilt, artwork from the Tamarack and Pittsburgh fan memorabilia to name a few items.

The fundraiser earned $1,366 for the Alumni Association. A big thank you goes out to the board members and to all who bid on the items.

1 1. Linda Eakle, D.O., ’79

Congratulations to Dr. Susan Painter, the 2012 Coolest Female

2

Board Member, and Dr. George “Jeep” Naum, the 2012 Coolest Male Board Member.

3

2. Chrissy Hendricks, D.O., ’10 (resident member) 3. Faith Payne, D.O., ’07 moved from resident member to a Member at Large position on the board.

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ALUMNI

Mid-Winter Osteopathic Seminar The Mid-Winter Osteopathic Seminar continues to grow each year. This year, 225 registered attendees took part in the annual seminar at the Embassy Suites in Charleston, W.Va. On Feb. 4, about 125 residents joined the seminar as part of MSOPTI House Staff Day.

A variety of topics were offered with several hands-on opportunities for learning as well as resident poster presentations. Two robotic simulators made the trip for the first-ever SIM Challenge. The Oral Health Training Program that was offered was also well received. The following WVSOM alumni gave presentations and demonstrations: Charles “Chuck” Davis, D.O.; Scott Jerome, D.O.; Jim Blume, D.O.; Tim Darnell, D.O.; Lori Tucker, D.O.; Abigail Frank, D.O.; Vicki Shuman, D.O.; John Garlitz, D.O.; and Deb Schmidt, D.O.

The WVSOM Alumni Association, Inc. sponsored this year’s Mid-Winter Osteopathic Seminar and would like to thank the many WVSOM faculty, staff and alumni who made the CME a success. Save the dates for next year’s meeting: Feb. 1-3, 2013.

WVSOM Summer Seminar The WVSOM Summer Seminar will be June 13-16, at the Kingston Plantation in Myrtle Beach, S.C. It is sponsored by WVSOM and WVSOM Alumni Association, Inc. The program anticipates being approved for 20 hours of Category 1-A CME credit pending approval by the AOA CME.

For best selection, make reservations early as the block fills quickly. To make reservations at the Kingston Plantation, call 1-800-876-0010 and use group code WVO.

Contact the CME office at 1-800-356-7836, ext. 358 or email acarey@osteo.wvsom.edu or visit www.wvsom.edu/Alumni/alumni-

info

home for program updates and to register online for early registration fees.

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ALUMNI

Farewell Dr. Edwards and Dr. Waddell The Alumni Association Board of Directors said goodbye to two board members this year whose terms had expired. Dr. Roger Edwards (’84) has served as a Member at Large since 2006 and Dr. Mark Waddell (’90) has served in several capacities on the board for 18 years. During the annual Alumni Luncheon, Dr. Bob Holstein, Alumni Association President, made a special presentation to them for their years of service on the board. Dr. Edwards and Dr. Waddell are currently both emergency medicine physicians in West Virginia.

Current Alumni Association Board of Directors and Members at Large:

Robert Holstein, D.O., President David Butler, D.O., Vice President Abigail Winters, D.O., Secretary-Treasurer

Members at Large: Faith Payne, D.O. Linda Eakle, D.O. Cathy Dailey, D.O. Jonathan Stanley, D.O. Susan Painter, D.O. Manny Ballas, D.O. Chrissy Hendricks, D.O. George “Jeep” Naum III, D.O., Immediate Past President

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ALUMNI

Hospital for the next year.

Thomas Gilligan, D.O., is the Health Officer for two county health departments and the Medical Director for Hospice that covers four counties.

John Glover, D.O., was awarded the Andrew Taylor Still Medallion of Honor from the American Academy of Osteopathy at the AAO Convocation in March 2011.

Sally Stewart, D.O., received subspecialty certification in Hospice and Palliative Medicine. Dr. Stewart has served as Regional Medical Director for Hospice Care Corporation in Braxton, Gilmer and Calhoun counties for the past several years.

Glen Daughtry, D.O., is one of three physicians at the Holy Spirit Health System’s Devonshire Family Health Center in Harrisburg, Pa., which was named 2011 “Simply the Best” Family Doctor in Harrisburg Magazine’s readers’ poll.

Anthony Johnson, D.O., has joined the Texas Center for Maternal and Fetal Treatment at the University of Texas Health

Maryann Cater, D.O., was elected president of the West Virginia

Science Center at Houston (UT Health) Medical School, in

State Medical Association. Dr. Cater practices in Wheeling,

collaboration with Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital. The

W.Va.

Texas Center for Maternal and Fetal Treatment brings together specialists with expertise in high-risk pregnancies, focusing on the care and unique treatment for the mothers and their

Mark Mitchell, D.O., was nominated as president-elect for

unborn children.

the American College of Osteopathic Emergency Physicians

Charles Vance, D.O., is in his 11th year as a Lincoln County

(ACOEP) in October 2011. He will begin serving a two-year term

Commissioner in West Virginia and has also been appointed

as president in October 2013.

to the W.Va. Drivers Licensure Advisory Board by Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin.

Maurice Nida, D.O., was awarded the first LMU-DCOM Preceptor of the Year award at Lincoln Memorial University – DeBusk Ernest Miller, D.O., was elected president of the West Virginia Osteopathic Medical Association (WVOMA). Dr. Miller is in practice in Vienna, W.Va.

College of Osteopathic Medicine. The award recognizes a preceptor who displays a passion for teaching, a commitment to service and a dedication to the highest ethical standards.

Abdul Orra, D.O., received honorary recognition from St. John Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio, for 25 years of dedicated service.

Mitch Cook, D.O., is currently Treasurer and Finance Committee Chairperson for the Georgia Academy of Family Physicians and became president-elect in November 2011.

Dan Wilson, D.O., received the Clinical Medicine Lecturer of the Year for 2010 from Franklin Pierce University in Vermont.

Dr. Wilson is also the Medical Director for Vermont EMS District No. 6, overseeing 14 agencies and more than 300 EMTs, including 14 paramedics.

Department of Pediatrics and Family Practice at Doylestown

with Newport News Health Families Initiative, Family Focus Community Advisory Committee, Eastern Virginia Breastfeeding Taskforce and is on the board for Big Brothers and Big Sisters.

Will Moore, D.O., is currently in charge of CME for the

46

Deena Obrokta, D.O., has been involved in her community

Michael Dellinger, D.O., was named Secretary/Treasurer at

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Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology. Dr. Ratzlaff is currently completing

certified in anesthesiology.

a Critical Care Fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital in

ALUMNI

Hilton Head Hospital in Hilton Head, S.C. Dr. Dellinger is board

Boston for one year.

Kelli Ward, D.O., is running for Arizona State Senate.

Hayes Calvert, D.O., was selected as clinical instructor at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center in the EM Department, as well as being selected as the Emergency

Charles Leckie, D.O., has been serving as a short assignment

Medicine Attending and Assistant Medical Director for Wilkes

missionary in Central America for two years with the past year

Regional Medical Center.

spent in Toledo district, Belize, training community health workers.

Christi Hughart, D.O., joined Halifax Urology Associates which opened in the Physicians Pavilion at Halifax Regional Health System hospital campus in September 2011.

Thomas Lackey, D.O., has been named top surgeon two years in a row for Highlands County in Florida.

Kristy Grubb, D.O., has finished training in OB/GYN at

Maria Merzouk, D.O., has returned to her hometown of

Cooper University Hospital in Camden, N.J., and has joined a

Martinsburg, W.Va., and joined Dr. James Brown’s

private practice, Mountain View OB/GYN, in Hanover, P.a. with

OB/GYN practice in December 2011. Dr. Merzouk is a certified

WVSOM graduates Andy Naymick, D.O., (’88) and Steve Sheppard,

obstetrician/gynecologist and a member of the medical staff at

D.O., (’83).

City Hospital and an assistant professor for the WVU School of Medicine Eastern Division.

Ty Robinson, D.O., has joined the faculty of the Edward Via

Philip Cox, D.O., will be a fellow for the Pulmonary and Critical

College of Osteopathic Medicine in Spartansburg, S.C., as an

Care Fellowship from 2012-2015 at Penn State in Hershey, P.a.

assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology.

Joseph Surber, D.O., was chosen as a 2010 Rising Star in Columbus and the Valley Magazine, a business and lifestyle

Jarrod Curry, D.O., will be Co-Chief Resident at Grandview Medical

publication covering the Columbus, Ga., area. The annual salute

Center Radiology Residency for the 2012-2013 academic year.

to young citizens who are making a difference through their leadership and dedication was published in the July/August issue

Tyler Evans, D.O., will be Co-Chief Resident at Grandview Medical

of the magazine. Dr. Surber is engaged in clinical research as the

Center Radiology Residency for the 2012-2013 year.

Chief Medical Officer of Southeast Regional Research Group.

Toni Muncy, D.O., was selected as Chief Resident of Family Practice at Bluefield Regional Medical Center from 2010-2011.

Richard Truxillo, D.O., graduated from family medicine residency

G. Michael Gould, D.O., has been elected to a three-year term for

in June 2011 and is currently in a part-time fellowship in medical

the Burke County Board of Health in Morganton, N.C. Dr. Gould

informatics and part-time teaching faculty at the Carilion Clinic

is currently a Community Practitioner Program recipient from the

Family Medicine Residency in Roanoke, Va.

North Carolina Medical Society Foundation.

Lauren Kelly Smith, D.O., has been appointed Chief Resident at

Heather Ratliff, D.O., accepted the faculty position of assistant

Memorial Hospital in York, P.a.

professor in Clinical Sciences at WVSOM, as well as the Director of Medical Education. Dr. Ratliff also has opened a practice in Lewisburg in the internal medicine/nephrology specialty where she takes WVSOM students through elective nephrology rotations.

Robert Ratzlaff, D.O., received the Clinical Scholar Award for

Dana Pauley, D.O., won Intern of the Year at Doctors Hospital training program, 2010-2011.

Donald Pyle II, D.O., is currently Chief Resident for the

2011-2012 from the Cleveland Clinic, Department of

Department of Psychiatry at the Nova Southeastern University and the Florida Department of Corrections.

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ALUMNI

3 ounces and was 21 inches long.

Marriages

Richard Donaldson, D.O., and his wife, Jennifer, welcomed a son, Anders Erik, on October 4, 2011. He joins older brother John and sister Lila.

Melanie Ann Crites, D.O., and Richard Bachert were united in marriage on October 8, 2011 at the Nemacolin Woodland

Matthew Erck, D.O., and his wife, Stefanie, welcomed twin boys on

Resort in Farmington, P.a.

May 10, 2011. Ashton Thijs VonErck, born at 11:19 a.m., weighed 5 pounds, 14 ounces, and Luke Kristoffer VonErck born at 11:22 a.m., weighed 6 pounds, 6 ounces.

Amanda Sink, D.O., married Lance Maynard, D.O., on October 9, 2011.

Lydia Roberts, D.O., and Matthew Roberts, D.O., welcomed the birth of their first child Lucas Steven, on October 12, 2011. Lucas Jillian Rogers, D.O., married Justin Douglas, M.D., on

weighed 6 pounds, 12 ounces and was 20 inches long.

February 19, 2011 at The Greenbrier Resort.

Teah Bayless, D.O., and her husband, Charlie, announced the birth Jessica Dennison, D.O., married Jacob McColley on

of triplets. Paige Elizabeth, Jonathan Charles and Madison Nicole

September 29, 2011 in Newport News, Va.

were born on September 7, 2011.

Kristin Mack, D.O., and her husband, Dr. Evan Mack, welcomed

Births

their second son, Henry Barrett, on November 21, 2011. He weighed 8 pounds, 2 ounces and was 22 inches. Henry Barrett joins big brother Carter Edward Mack.

Ryan Runyon, D.O., and his wife, Heather, announced the birth of their son, Thomas Anderson, born on November 1, 2011. Thomas joins big brother Rylan.

WELCOME Stacey Applegate, D.O., and her husband, Dr. Matt Ledoux,

New Life Members

welcomed a son, Jack Matthew, on February 24, 2012, weighing 8 pounds, 3 ounces. He joins big sister Alice.

Samuel Deem, D.O., and his wife, Emily, welcomed a baby boy,

David Ofsa, D.O.

1980

Brandon Webb, D.O.

2006

Jessica Harvey, D.O.

2007

Jennifer Ladd, D.O.

2007

Elias, on September 30, 2011. Elias joins older brother Lukas.

DEATH Dave Butler, D.O., and his wife, Rochelle, welcomed a daughter,

Walter Patterson, D.O., died October 25, 2011 in Bush Kill, P.a.

Sydney Noelle, on November 23, 2011, weighing 7 pounds,

Dr. Patterson was WVSOM’s first African-American graduate.

7 ounces. Sydney joins big sister Brooke.

Dr. Patterson had been a practicing physician in San Diego for many

Tara Mitchell, D.O., and her husband, Ryan, welcomed their first

years but was teaching at Sussex County Community College at

child, Reid Ezra, on March 5, 2012. He weighed 6 pounds,

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the time of his death. He is survived by his wife and two teenage daughters. •

SPRING 2012

G.M.S.

GREENBRIER MILITARY SCHOOL

Legacy of leadership

councilmen to members of Congress; Greenbrier men were leaders, committed to the values of truth, duty and honor.

Leadership skills were incorporated into the wide-ranging experiences at GMS; skill sets that some feel are overlooked in the

I read somewhere that

current educational system. Consequently, in 2008, the Greenbrier

WVSOM was the only

Military School Alumni Association launched The Greenbrier

medical school that

Leadership Institute (GLI). For the last four years, during annual

had a pair of cannons

reunions in October, GLI has offered principle-based leadership

on its campus. The

programs for more than 200 high school students in Greenbrier

explanation for such

County. Recently, the program expanded to faculty and staff to

armament would be

encourage mentoring relationships.

hard to explain unless

GLI, through the direction of the alumni association, provides

you knew the special

programs and resources that promote the core values of truth,

relationship between the Greenbrier Military School and WVSOM.

duty and honor we learned as Greenbrier cadets. In addition to

I dare say most current students and alumni of WVSOM know that

its leadership programs, GLI will offer online instruction and

relationship. It was 40 years ago that one storied history ended and

packaged educational materials, including DVDs, to schools and

the other began. Where once there was a proud military school,

libraries throughout West Virginia. The program is administered by

there now exists a highly regarded medical school; and so the

GMS alumni who have had real-life leadership positions, both in

legacy of education continues in Lewisburg, W.Va.

the private sector and in the military, and who volunteer their

This year marks the 200 anniversary of education in Lewisburg,

time and talent.

th

an achievement that will be noted and celebrated throughout 2012

GLI has received high praise from the staff and administration of

with parades, reunions, speeches and other special events.

Greenbrier County schools and recently caught the attention of

Greenbrier Military

Jim Justice, owner of The Greenbrier Hotel and Resort. Through

School traces its

a generous grant, Jim will match our $75,000 per year over the

history back to Dr.

next three years allowing us to add instructors and expand the GLI

John McElhenney.

leadership curriculum in Greenbrier County. We are proud to have

Head minister at what

Jim Justice as a partner in our efforts.

is now known as The

Although the Greenbrier Military School closed 40 years ago and

Old Stone Presbyterian

our Battalion of Cadets is dwindling, the Greenbrier Leadership

Church; Dr. McElhenney

Institute will continue to extend the school’s legacy of leadership

established in 1812 a

to the youth of West Virginia and beyond. Dr. McElhenney would be

regimented system of

proud to know his efforts and vision of a quality education in the

higher education known as the Lewisburg Academy. Over the years

Greenbrier Valley has continued all these years.

the academy prospered and, in the early 20th century under the guidance of the H.B. Moore family, it became known as Greenbrier

Grey Webb

Military School.

President, GMSAA

Graduates of Greenbrier Military School became prominent in the professions, business and politics. From lawyers to judges,

info

small town business leaders to captains of industry, local town

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G.M.S.

Blest Be the Tie That Binds Story by Herb Pearis, 1956, Secretary Greenbrier Military School Alumni Association (EDITED FOR SPACE)

The hymn “Blest Be the Tie That Binds” was

class educational opportunities were needed

continue to thrive in these parts. Although

a staple at the Highland Avenue Baptist

if the community were to prosper, at first,

many considered the GMS property to be

Church in Mullens, W.Va., where I was

the pastor held classes in his parlor. Then in

a “white elephant,” four physicians (Drs.

born and reared. I still hear it often. It is

1812, he founded a coeducational academy

Apgar, Bailes, Newell and Wallington) saw

easily recognizable and encourages me to

chartered by the Commonwealth of Virginia.

something more. They purchased the school

remember close relationships. One such ‘tie that binds’ exists between the Greenbrier Military School Alumni Association (GMSAA) and the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM).

Beginning in 1906, Greenbrier Military School operated under the guidance of the Moore family when H.B. Moore was hired as principal. He brought his family to Lewisburg and, when the opportunity arose, H.B., with brothers Joe and D.T., purchased the school and brought it to national prominence, shaping outstanding young boys into men of promise.

Greenbrier spirit, which is at work in the hallowed halls of the school and in this unique community. This spirit resonates through the ties that have bound GMS and WVSOM for generations and which predates

itself the “School of Achievement,” tracing its history 160 years to the Old Stone

osteopathic medical school. After two years of planning and preparation, the Greenbrier College of Osteopathic Medicine opened its doors for the first class of 36 students in fall 1974. Under the direction of the four founders and Dr. Roland P. Sharp, the first president, the school flourished. These men of vision began the journey that continues to grow in scope and impact year after year,

There is something I like to call the

Greenbrier Military School (GMS) called

and its holdings with the intent of starting an

both schools … going all the way back to the intellectual discourse that swirled around Dr. McElhenney’s parlor.

standing as a monument to their foresight.

One of the best early decisions was hiring the first president – a country doctor who had practiced in rural West Virginia, treating miners, farmers and country folks from the Depression years through the turbulent times of the Vietnam era. Under Dr. Sharp’s leadership, the school attracted new students — individuals of maturity and

Presbyterian Church and its pastor,

With the closing of GMS, individuals of vision

commitment who had learned some life

Dr. John McElhenney. Believing that first-

were needed to ensure education would

lessons and understood what was important

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the students their noon meal.

where they

For some, this may have

wanted to

been their only meal of the

serve. The

day. Later, when the school’s

school hired

survival was threatened by

instructors

the state legislature, the town

who were

strongly supported the fight

teachers first,

to maintain the school, even

who came to

as the school earned the

this area and

public’s trust by meeting the

evolved into

medical needs of so many

a stabilizing

West Virginians.

faculty core, producing doctors who served even in the most hard to reach areas of West Virginia, bringing medical care to communities that had never known a family doctor.

It is to the credit of the new administration, faculty and students that they appeared to understand and appreciate the traditions they had inherited and strove diligently to see that it was not entirely lost. As new arrivals moved onto the campus in the fall of 1974, they discovered a variety of historical items, indicative of the cadets and life at

Lewisburg residents, having had both GMS

GMS. Sensitive to their historical value, they

and the Greenbrier College for Women

began to store these items. Books, plaques,

within the community for the majority of

lecterns, tables and more were saved and

their lives, were introduced to this new group

later donated to our association.

G.M.S.

to them and

Today, one of the most visible reminders of GMS and our shared history with the medical school is the museum rotunda adjacent to the Roland P. Sharp Alumni Center. Photos, notes, trophies, uniforms, original desks and more are housed within its walls. A table purchased for use in the boardroom of the H.B. Moore Memorial Gymnasium constructed in 1954 is prominently displayed in the museum.

of students and their families. The town’s acceptance of the new arrivals is embodied

by Gwen and Clingman’s Market, which fed

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G.M.S.

For those of us who grew up

treated like beloved family

been forced to take a break in order to earn

at GMS, those items are a

members when they return each

tuition and housing money before re-entering

poignant reminder. It took

year for their reunions. These are

his medical education. He understood the

time to come to terms with

ties that bind in the very best way.

financial demands the students undertook to

the shock of the military

This is why, at the first meeting

school’s closing, for those ties were strong also. As years passed, alumni of GMS realized they were eager to get together with others who had shared similar experiences during this formative period of

of GMS alumni, recognition of the

Dr. Sharp is one connection. There are

mutual support was expressed

others. Paul Sharp (1952), the president’s

through a financial gift to the

son, was a GMS graduate. Of the four

osteopathic school, then to the

founders, Dr. Newell’s son, Don, graduated

WVSOM Foundation and now through

with the GMS class of 1965. Don’s older

scholarships provided to two first-year

sister and Dr. Newell’s daughter, Jackie,

students each year.

married Ed Gallaher, a member of the GMS

The GMS Alumni Association is ever

their lives.

mindful of its past and, with an eye

So in the fall of 1982, a newly formed Greenbrier Military School Alumni Association held its first reunion. This October, the group will mark 30 consecutive years of annual homecoming.

fulfill their dreams.

toward the future, committed to ensuring that WVSOM and Lewisburg will be better for their efforts.

Class of 1950. Then there’s Lloyd Kurth, (GMS 1966), a member of the very first class at the newly formed medical school, who now is a leading orthopedist in Morgantown, W.Va.

I have been both a witness and a participant

David Trenton, (GMS 1968), was a member

to this history and the connections between

of the second class at the medical school,

I never forget that the WVSOM students

the two institutions. As a young boy, I

and after a successful practice in (OB/GYN)

walk the same halls and fields as the

delivered newspapers. One of my customers

students who attended GMS from its

was Dr. Sharp. He provided medical

earliest days until its closing in 1972. We

treatment to me in Mullens and also in

are connected. The medical school staff has

Lewisburg after he became president of the

assisted our association in many ways, when

school. He was a perfect fit for the leadership

and wherever possible. GMS alumni are

position. At one point in his education, he’d

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G.M.S.

in Pennsylvania, has now retired. Michael

I attended Greenbrier Military School after

to celebrate 200 years of GMS history or

Crews, (GMS 1972), was in school at GMS

high school and completed the requirements

40 years of WVSOM history, I hope you are

through his sophomore year before GMS

for a junior college degree. After six years

imbued with the spirit of fellowship and

closed, is now a family physician in Mercer

and a degree from Marshall, I returned to

higher calling that is still alive and well within

County, W.Va. There are multiple examples

GMS in 1961 to teach junior school math

these walls.

of the children of GMS graduates becoming

and science and later served as school

graduates of WVSOM.

counselor upon completion of training at

The ties that bind the two schools also bind my family to both. My wife, JoAnn Freeman Pearis, was secretary to Col. John Moore, superintendent at GMS, for 11 years prior to the birth of our son, Bill. Upon returning to work, JoAnn was hired as a faculty secretary

WVU. I became the secretary of the alumni association in the late 1980s and have had the pleasure of being near this campus, seeing a lot, knowing most of the players, and having a wonderful time being a part of

When we asunder part, it gives us inward pain; but we shall still be joined in heart, and hope to meet again.

this community of educators and leaders.

at Greenbrier College of Osteopathic

Those of you who know the hymn know the

Medicine and later became secretary to

lyrics speak of the fellowship of kindred

the academic dean when the position was

minds. And it is the hearts and minds of

established, staying for 30 years and serving

those who have walked the halls of GMS and

every dean through Dr. James Stookey.

WVSOM who will be celebrated momentously this year. Whether you come to Lewisburg

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FOUNDATION

meeting students to go over that last bit of information before exams; I see staff baking, crocheting, quilting and otherwise creating items for student fundraisers; and I see spouses and partners bringing food and comfort to study places on campus.

I see our alumni return to be table trainers, becoming preceptors, taking our students into their practices to “shadow” them. I talk to alumni spouses and partners who are also concerned and dedicated to give back to WVSOM because they too have seen lives changed.

And I see even in the short six years I have been here, how WVSOM has grown and changed to meet challenges of the 21st century’s health needs, rural and otherwise. In a nutshell, I have seen how WVSOM is not waiting a single moment to improve the world.

There are almost as many ways to “change the world” as there are

Thoughts from the WVSOM Foundation Executive Director: “How wonderful it is that nobody needs to wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” Sometimes there are those people among us who utter such

individuals who can dream it. The rub, if you will, is in the phrase “wait a single moment.”

You knew it was coming and here it is: the foundation, no, the world, needs you to think about WVSOM and the difference it has made in your life, the lives of the ones you love and the lives of patients.

Don’t wait a moment longer. There are many opportunities to make specific contributions to the school but right now I am talking about a more abstract gift; a gift which is probably the easiest one you’ll ever make, remembering WVSOM in your will or bequest.

profoundness that a single statement can

We are a young school, 40 years old this year, and have yet to receive

propel them into immortality, as this one of

the support older schools have through bequest gifts. Bequest gifts

many, from Anne Frank (19291945).

If you will allow me the

form the “bedrock” of schools and, it is realistic to

“The time is always

believe bequest gifts from alumni and community friends will exceed any other gift forms.

right to do what

mordacity to paraphrase her

is right.” ~ Martin

Controlling what bequest gifts are easy, simple and

statement, I could say: how

Luther King, Jr.

painless. All you have to do is inform me, Sally Cooper

wonderful it is that we, at

at 304-647-6374, of your intention to name WVSOM in

WVSOM, do not have to wait a single moment

your will and I can help direct you to online forms. Doing so will get you

before starting to improve the world. This is

listed in our “Roland P. Sharp, D.O., Legacy Leaders” group, always

because I feel it is a privilege to work with so

included in our donor lists.

many people who are dedicated to a life of

Again to quote 16-year-old Anne Frank, “No one has ever become

helping others – improving our world health.

How can I make such an audacious statement? I see it every day. I see it in the

poor by giving.”

With much gratitude,

students who have determined to set aside “X” number of years to learn a profession to help the needs of others; I see professors holding extra classes and exam reviews and

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Sally A. Cooper WVSOM Foundation, Inc.

WVSOM MAGAZINE

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SPRING 2012

FOUNDATION

A gift of music Bryan Fletcher, OMS I, enjoys the six-foot Baldwin Grand piano located in the main hall of the Roland P. Sharp Alumni and Conference Center. The piano is available to students, faculty and staff for impromptu concerts and a musical interlude in their day. The piano is a gift and was presented to WVSOM

by Dr. Roland P. and Thelma K. Sharp in memory of Roland P. Sharp Jr., KCOM 1958, and Charles Warren Neal, B.S., M.S., WVU 1952.

School purchases alumni building from foundation In December, the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine purchased the Roland P. Sharp Alumni and Conference Center from the WVSOM Foundation, Inc. Dr. Michael Adelman presented a check to David Hambrick, president of the WVSOM Foundation, for the building.

Prior to the sale, the building was the only one on campus that the institution did not own; however, the land was being leased by the foundation.

Sally Cooper, executive director of the foundation, said both parties are looking forward to continue to work closely.

“The mission of the foundation remains the same: to support the school through its students, faculty and staff,” she said.

The alumni center will continue to be used for events and functions and all arrangements should still be made through Cooper.

WVSOM MAGAZINE

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SPRING 2012

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West Virginia School of OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE

400 North Lee Street Lewisburg, WV 24901

Did you know that WVSOM is:

No. 1

No. 3

No. 12

No. 12

in the nation graduating

in the nation for percentage

in the nation for percentage

in the nation for percentage

primary care physicians who

of medical school graduates

of graduates entering rural

of graduates entering family

practice in rural Appalachia

entering primary care specialties

medicine (U.S.News & World

medicine (U.S.News & World

(Academic Medicine

(U.S.News & World Report)

Report)

Report)

April 2012)

2012 IMPORTANT DATES

May 26

June 13-16

Graduation

CME Summer Seminar

June 29 Summer Open House

All class reunion

CELEBRATION August 23-26

Anniversary WVSOM