WVSOM Magazine: Going Global, Roland P. Sharp • Summer 2013

a publication of the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine Summer 2013

Roland P. Sharp, D.O. 1907 - 2013 founding president

Inside:

GOING GLOBAL: How international rotations support rural care.

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New items this fall

WVSOM

CAMPUS STORE Order ONLINE: www.wvsom.edu/ aboutWVSOM/campus-store

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

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Sections P. 34

CONTENTS This Issue: How clinical rotations abroad support rural primary care at home

Hello

Hola Oi! HALLO CZESC!

Hodi

Ciao

WVSOM’s International Rotations have included: Bangladesh Bolivia Cambodia Dominican Republic Ecuador Republic of Georgia Ghana Guatemala India Mozambique Netherlands Poland Sierra Leone South Africa Uganda Zambia Germany military rotations Italy

STUDENTS

. Human Gift Registry memorial . PAX raises funds for trip . Mission trip . CMDA visits Nicaragua . Habitat for Humanity . Community Service . Murder Mystery Dinner . Student returns from Zambia . COM week . Mini-Medical School . Spring awards

P. 42

SCHOOL NEWS

. CEC hosts SSH . Board elects new officers . WVSOM is recognized . Sigma Xi hosts science fair . Governor proclaimed WVSOM Day . Annual Career Day . WVSOM provides HIV/AIDS education . Rural Health Workforce Day . Rural Health Conference . Library hosts two exhibits . Hail Caesar . Japanese students visit WVSOM . Health conference . Rural Practice Day . WVSOM Great College to Work For

P. 49

FACULTY & STAFF

. Retirees . Steele first licensed D.O. in South Africa . New hires and transition . Fogle returns from military duty . Dr. Chambers memoriam

P. 6

Tribute to a great man

P. 10

Going Global { featured story }

P. 13

Student diaries

P. 20

WVSOM celebrates 36 th commencement ceremony

P. 22

Graduate profiles

P. 26

Graduation awards

P. 28

Leadership award

P. 29

Summer camp

P. 30

Capital Campaign - Year one report

P. 58

ALUMNI

. D.O.s and international medicine . WVSOM alumna Mrs. W.Va. . Improvisation saves a life . Dr. Coyle first urogynecologist . Graduate named president of ACOEP . Dr. Hunter appointed president of ACOFP . Dr. Mann elected president of TOMA . Air Force alumni . Pelberg earns residency award . WVSOM Summer Seminar . Class Notes

P. 69

WVOMA

. Fall CME at The Greenbrier Resort

Advertising

P. 70

P. 2 Bookstore

FOUNDATION

. Letter from Heather Antolini . Dean’s Circle donor draws spotlight

P. 4 WVSOM faculty open positions P. 25 Minimalist running research survey

P. 73

P. 71 Foundation ad - Let’s get together

G.M.S.

. The transition years - Part 1

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From the President This summer, WVSOM suffered two great losses. Beloved pharmacology professor, Dr. John Chambers, passed away on June 22. One month later, on July 18, we lost Dr. Roland P. Sharp, WVSOM’s first president. Is it even possible to convey the a publication of the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine

profound impact these men have had on the school and on its graduates?

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Marilea Butcher

I knew Dr. Chambers by reputation – and through the wonderful stories shared with

in both the Clinical Evaluation Center and

me by alumni over the years. Dr. Sharp,

the new Student Center. These two building

Denise Getson

of course, was intricately connected to

projects represent once-in-a-lifetime

DESIGN MANAGER

the school until the end of his life. In the

opportunities to make a tangible imprint on

years I knew him, he never failed to lift my

this campus. Please don’t hesitate to contact

PHOTOGRAPHERS

spirits and inspire me to greater service. It

Heather or any of our leadership staff to

Karen Ayers Pat Bauserman

was one of his many gifts.

discuss your questions.

WRITER

I hope many of you will join us on campus

Within this issue, you’ll find stories that testify

Aug. 24 to remember Dr. Sharp and

to the transformative power of international

the extraordinary legacy he left to this

clinical rotations, medical mission trips and

school, to the students and to the men

outreach to patients in the farthest corners

and women who worked alongside him to

of the globe. Please do not think we have

develop the institution.

overlooked the importance of care here

MANAGING EDITOR

Erica Bell

Tiffany Wright

CONTRIBUTORS

Scott Holstein, Photographer Jennifer Spencer, Design Coordinator

Thankfully, the summer hasn’t brought only sad news. There is also much to celebrate. I am happy to congratulate Cheryl Schreiber, the new chair of WVSOM’s Board of Governors. Many of

OUR MISSION STATEMENT The mission of the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM) is to educate students from diverse backgrounds as lifelong learners in osteopathic medicine and complementary health related programs; to 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.

you know Cheryl and know her husband, Joe, who graduated with the Class of 1978. She brings to this role not only a thorough knowledge of the school and its

at home. On the contrary, we know global health experience can reinforce a physician’s commitment to rural primary care while honing medical judgment and clinical skills. As many of you can attest, global outreach adds a powerful dimension to physician lives and is one more manifestation of the extraordinary commitment and compassion of WVSOM students.

history, but also 20 years of successful

Finally, I want to thank all the alumni who

business experience, which will no

spent time with Cheryl and me in recent

doubt contribute to WVSOM’s continued

months. We’ve been fortunate to attend many

success.

induction ceremonies for alumni assuming

I’m also excited to welcome Heather Antolini to her new role as director of institutional development for WVSOM. Heather brings passion and a marvelous sense of possibility to everything she does. She has hit the ground running and has already had conversations with several of you regarding your Capital Campaign plans. Although many rooms

leadership positions at the state and national level. We are proud of all you are doing to advance osteopathic medicine in your areas.

For those of you who will be attending OMED in Las Vegas next month, please stop by the booth and say hello. We have a special reception planned for WVSOM alumni that you won’t want to miss!

Warm regards,

have been secured, there is still time to take advantage of naming opportunities Michael Adelman, D.O., D.P.M., J.D. WVSOM MAGAZINE

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GOODBYES

Tribute to a Great Man On the morning of July 18, 2013, Roland Paul Sharp, D.O., passed away peacefully. Upon learning the news, the entire WVSOM community, near and far, began to grieve.

It is rare to find someone as universally loved and respected as Dr. Sharp, the founding president of the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine. For many West Virginians, he was a beloved friend, family physician and educator who provided a model of service leadership.

He was 105 years old at his passing.

During a July 3 visit by WVSOM faculty, staff and students to his White Sulphur Springs residence, Dr. Sharp’s mind was alert and memories of the early days of the school were as clear and bright as if they’d just happened.

He led a simple life — an extraordinary life — which he chronicled with warmth and humor in a series of audio taped interviews for Allegheny Mountain Radio. His personal recollections were then published in book form by the Pocahontas Communications Cooperative: Roland Sharp – Country Doctor: Memories of a Life Well Lived.

“Dr. Sharp was an extraordinary man. His values and vision shaped this institution. His compassionate mentorship of the school’s first graduates transformed them into role models of patient-centered care.

And his unwavering commitment to rural primary care defined who we are today. He will be greatly missed.”

Born in 1907 on a small farm in Frost, W.Va., Sharp taught in one-room schoolhouses for more than a decade in order to earn the money to pay for college, graduating from Concord State Normal School (now Concord University) at age 28. Subsequently, he earned

MICHAEL ADELMAN, D.O., J.D., D.P.M.

a master’s degree from the biology department at WVU.

PRESIDENT

It took him another six years to complete his medical school education and residency requirements at the

“Dr. Sharp was one of the best storytellers I ever had the pleasure of hearing. I loved to hear about his life. Through the years, I came to learn that Dr. Sharp faced some real challenges, just as we all do.

There was hardship and personal loss. Once when we were talking, he ended a story about himself with a comment I’ve never forgotten.

‘Nothing in life turned out as I had planned. It turned out better.’ That was the essence of the man.”

Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (now A.T. Still

SALLY COOPER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, WVSOM FOUNDATION,

professor said ‘We’ve taken 50 students. We have 50

2005-2013

places. We can take 50 students in our second year. If

University) in Missouri. To help make ends meet, he worked as the school’s histology-embryology instructor, then as acting chair of pathology and, finally, assistant professor of anatomy.

The culture of Kirksville had a profound impact on Sharp.

In his memoir he recalls “When I went to Kirksville, the

you do not reach the second year, your background will

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be poor, your attitude toward your studies will be poor, or you

“We hold dear the fond memories of our esteemed friend and mentor, Dr. Roland P. Sharp, WVSOM’s first president. His legacy as an osteopathic family physician, educator, husband, father and friend will long be remembered.

will just be plain no good. In other words, we’re prepared to take care of every one of you who comes in here if you are dedicated students and you show a social attitude to take care of patients.

Today, you became our colleagues. Come to us anytime you want

Upon completion of his medical education, Dr. Sharp practiced

The WVSOM Alumni Association Board of Directors and Membership applaud him for his personal sacrifices, which afforded each of us the opportunity to enjoy our professional experience. We proudly serve our patients and families in the great state of West Virginia, in Appalachia and across the globe utilizing the philosophy and professional skills in osteopathic medicine as demonstrated by Dr. Roland P. Sharp. We hold him in high regard for mentoring us and leading us through his own personal example of humility and professional excellence.

for 17 years as a coal company doctor in Mullens, W.Va., serving

He is loved!”

help. If it’s in class, out of class, if you need tutoring or if you feel that you’re poorly trained in one field of your premed, tell us so we can give you help.’”

It was a lesson that he would remember years later when he was tasked with shaping a new college of osteopathic medicine in West Virginia.

miners and their families. He enjoyed delivering babies and he

ROBERT B. HOLSTEIN, D.O., ‘79

delivered a lot of them, at least 1,500 in his lifetime, traveling

PRESIDENT, WVSOM ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

to remote cabins down a valley or over a mountain and even performing one delivery completely in the dark.

“Dr. Sharp was my first president. He was also my family physician when I was growing up in Pocahontas County. Working together in the early years of WVSOM was a team effort. Everybody worked hard and everyone was very hands-on. Dr. Sharp used to stay in and have lunch with the office staff each day. He never stopped looking after people, even when he became president of WVSOM. He never wanted to hurt anyone’s feelings, but he would definitely speak up if he thought someone wasn’t taking care of themselves.”

At age 54, he returned to his home county of Pocahontas and worked in Green Bank as a rural family doctor for another four decades, interrupted briefly by his term as president of WVSOM.

CHERYL BAKER, SECRETARY TO PRESIDENT SHARP, 1976-1978

He was 67 years old when he was approached in 1972 by four osteopathic physicians – Drs. Apgar, Bailes, Newell and Wallington – about starting an osteopathic medical school in West Virginia. The Greenbrier Military School campus in Lewisburg was up for sale, along with all its contents, and they wanted to buy it. They needed someone with experience on a medical school faculty to be dean of the new college. Thanks to his years teaching at Kirksville, Sharp fit the bill. His values, his work ethic, an extensive background in education and his years of experience in rural primary care were exactly what the new institution needed.

The four gentlemen persuaded Dr. Sharp to take the helm of the newly-established Greenbrier College of Osteopathic Medicine.

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“Dr. Sharp hired me in May 1978 just as he was preparing to leave the school. We’ve had many conversations over the years, including the last month of his life when I would go over to visit him and take some of the students to hear his stories.

“With a small leadership team, he began the process

His medical education was always very important to him. He talked a lot about ‘being at Kirksville.’ When he was attending medical school, he was involved with some of Andrew Taylor Still’s descendants, including the eldest son, Dr. Charley Still. It was like the ‘hands that touched the hands’ kind of thing, learning from the source of osteopathic medicine.

during their four years of instruction until their graduation

of putting together provisional accreditation, preparing a curriculum and staffing the school. He welcomed the first class of entering students in 1974 and guided them in 1978.

After graduating its first class, the American Osteopathic Association granted full accreditation to the college, now operating as the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine under the auspices of the West Virginia Board

He also loved to reminisce about his time working as a coal doctor.

He was proud of the fact that the coal companies never ‘owned’ him.

He was very much his own man. He was for the miners and supported the miners. He said, ‘I’m going to do it the way I do it.’ His patients would pay him with moonshine, quilts and produce out of their gardens.

of Regents. Confident the school was on the right course, Dr. Sharp determined to leave the institution – not to retire, but to continue practicing medicine. He would not retire, truly, until he was 94.

Many people may not know that Dr. Sharp and Gwen Clingman were cousins. They grew up together. Gwen once told me ‘Roland and I climbed every tree in Pocahontas County.’ From 1972 to 1974, the four founders plus Dr. Sharp and Fred Smith would get together to strategize about the school, work on the curriculum or plan their politicking visits to Charleston — ­­­ a lot of those planning meetings took place in the little back room behind Gwen’s kitchen, what is now the Stardust Café.

He wasn’t one of the founders of the school, people sometimes get confused about that, but his vision touched every part of it.”

ROBERT W. FOSTER, D.O., ASSOCIATE DEAN/FACULTY MEMBER, 1978 – PRESENT

“My husband, Joe, graduated with the Class of 1978, so Dr. Sharp was our president when we arrived at the school.

I remember him as always being such an advocate for the school and for osteopathic medicine. From the very beginning, he really put his stamp on the place. The school wouldn’t be what it is today without his guidance and direction shaping the institution. The last time I spoke with him was at Kate’s Mountain and even then he was still promoting WVSOM and rural primary care.”

CHERYL SCHREIBER, CHAIR, BOARD OF GOVERNORS

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“I loved and appreciated him. He wrote a letter of recommendation for me for WVSOM and took care of my father’s family. There are not enough words of appreciation for what that did for me, my family and my patients. I love my job and my osteopathic family because of mentors like Dr. Sharp.”

MADONNA (ABSHIRE) RINGSWALD, D.O., ‘79

“Dr. Sharp was a mentor and role model to many, the likes of which will not be seen again. He was the author of the blueprint that allowed many of us West Virginians the opportunity to enter into medicine; a pathway that otherwise may not have been made available to us.”

LARRY SIDAWAY, D.O., ‘80

“I am saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. Roland P. Sharp. I wouldn’t be an osteopathic physician today if it weren’t for Dr. Sharp. Learning to become a physician at WVSOM and then practicing osteopathic medicine has been a transformative experience in my life. On my first day as a new WVSOM student, Dr. Sharp shook my hand as he said ‘Welcome to WVSOM.’ I said ‘Thank you, I’m glad to be here.’ He said ‘You should be – you were at the bottom of the list.’ I thought he could have meant alphabetically at the bottom of the list. On second thought, he could have meant at the bottom of the list otherwise.

The holistic and compassionate approach to practicing medicine that characterized Dr. Sharp’s life’s work imbued the institution with core values which survive to this day. It is not an accident that WVSOM is No. 1 in the country at producing rural primary care physicians. Dr. Sharp set a standard for rural primary care the school has been trying to live up to ever since.

He received numerous accolades over the years. The West Virginia Society of Osteopathic Medicine named him Practitioner of the Year in 1971 and, in 1976,

Years later, at a CME luncheon at The Greenbrier Resort, I made sure to sit at Dr. Sharp’s table. I thanked him for making WVSOM possible. I also thanked him for my being able to attend WVSOM. He said he empathized with me since he had also been an older applicant with a varied background who one day realized he wanted to go to osteopathic medical school in order to practice medicine. Dr. Sharp knew his students and where they were in practice. He would refer patients to me, an indication that, perhaps, I was no longer at the bottom of the list.”

presented him with the Distinguished Service Certificate, the highest honor conferred by the society. In 1979, the National Student Osteopathic Medical Association honored Dr. Sharp as Outstanding Medical Educator in the U.S. In 1989, WVSOM and the West Virginia Board of Regents authorized granting a Doctor of Science, honoris causa, to Dr. Sharp, a rare honor.

On the occasion of his 100th birthday in December 2007, then Gov. Joe Manchin III recognized Dr. Sharp’s service to rural medicine in the region with a

DAVID B. WINTER, D.O., ‘81

Distinguished West Virginian Award.

In his memoir, Sharp says

“Do all you can for anybody, or everybody, regardless of their station in life, and don’t question what you will get out of it.”

It was a principle he lived his entire life.

A memorial service for Dr. Sharp will be held on the WVSOM campus Saturday, August 24 .

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FEATURED

GOING

Gl b A 2007 SURVEY ON GLOBAL MEDICAL EDUCATION PUBLISHED IN ACADEMIC MEDICINE FOUND APPROX.

U.S. MEDICAL STUDENTS GRADUATE WITH SOME FORM OF INTERNATIONAL HEALTH EXPERIENCE. 1

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established the Center for International Medicine and Cultural Concerns (CIMCC) in 2009. Prior to 2009, students who wished to do an international rotation had to make

bbal Increasingly, medical schools are offering clinical rotations overseas as an elective.

their arrangements independently then present their proposal to the assistant dean in their Statewide Campus region. There were no guidelines or restrictions, other than minimum academic requirements, and there was no assistance in how to proceed.

During this period, the AOA’s Bureau on International Osteopathic Medical Education and Affairs (BIOMEA) circulated a white paper Guidelines for International Electives and Cultural Competencies for Osteopathic Physicians-in-Training, which recognized the “significant impact of culturally diverse perspectives, values, beliefs, traditions and customs upon health care choices, health policy and actual delivery of care.”

The AOA recommended that osteopathic medical schools establish a core “cultural competency” curriculum that would “meet the challenges of cross-cultural

Drain et al (Global health in medical education: A call for more training and opportunities.

Acad Med. 2007; 82:226-230) 1

Thompson et al (Educational effects of international health electives on U.S. and Canadian medical students and residents: A literature review.

Acad Med. 2003; 78:332-347) 2

Drain et al (Global Health Training and International Clinical Rotations during Residency: Current Status, Needs, and Opportunities.

Acad Med. 2009; 84:320-325) 3

4

Ibid.

F

issues and osteopathic care for culturallyor more than a decade, universities have been studying the myriad ways in which global health training shapes a physician’s career path and philosophies of care. In one study, researchers documented that American students

diverse groups in the United States” and offer standardization of expectations for international clinical and/or research electives.

who completed an international rotation were more likely to choose a

To advance the successful implementation

primary care career2, an area of particularly high need nationwide.

of international clinical curricula,

Two years after publication of the 2007 survey results, Academic Medicine published a follow-up report by the same authors. They reported that medical students and residents who took advantage of international clinical opportunities were also more likely to pursue work with underserved populations upon their return3. In addition; the article noted that the globally exposed students were more confident performing physical examinations and other clinical procedures. The authors speculated that the inability to rely on expensive diagnostic tests forced students and residents to hone their clinical judgment.4

the BIOMEA drafted an outline of recommendations for COM students and OPTI residents seeking a more global education. The guidelines emphasized a commitment to ethical principles and sensitivity to every patient’s age, gender, religion, culture, disabilities and impairments, along with the need to be open-minded to medical practices and delivery systems which differed from

In recognition of how “small” the world has become and to respond

anything the student travelers had previously

to the increasing demand for international rotations, WVSOM formally

experienced.

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Adrienne B. Biesemeyer, a licensed professional counselor (LPC) and one of WVSOM’s learning specialists, oversees the CIMCC.

“The CIMCC’s mission is to assist WVSOM students to train globally in medically underserved communities,” Biesemeyer said. “Everything we do is designed to develop physicians who are culturally aware, sensitive and knowledgeable. We believe their overseas experiences can make them uniquely qualified to practice in underserved communities here in West Virginia and throughout the U.S.” The CIMCC assists students to find worthwhile clinical

Biesemeyer is actively engaged in developing the

training in areas around the globe which have a high

international opportunities for WVSOM students

need and, often, limited resources such as India,

and recently returned from an overseas trip, which

the Dominican Republic, the townships of South

strengthened relationships with medical institutions

Africa and recently added Malawi, just to name a

in developing countries. WVSOM students on

few. WVSOM students can rotate anywhere in the

international rotations report back to Biesemeyer with

world, if the CIMCC determines it is safe, based in

their experiences, good or not so good, to ensure she

part on travel information provided by the U.S. State

remains informed and up-to-date on the quality of

Department.

training and medical exposure being experienced.

“The international experiences WVSOM students

For osteopathic medical students traveling abroad,

gain are unlike any other,” Biesemeyer continued.

these experiences not only provide an opportunity for

“Students learn how to deliver babies

hands-on training in resource-scarce environments or

without the help of 21 century

exposure to indigenous and tropical medicine, but they

technology, to perform surgery with

serve to educate the global health community about

gas-generated lights and so much

the philosophy and practice of osteopathic medicine in

more they will never experience in a

this country.

st

modern clinical setting.”

In the student diaries that follow, readers may discover

From the CIMCC’s launch in 2009

for themselves how international health experiences

through July 2013, 45 WVSOM

can broaden a student’s perspective and provide a

students have traveled on international clinical

greater understanding of the effect of health and

rotations. More remarkable is that 45 students

illness on individuals and their local cultures.

have completed the pre-application process for international rotations taking place in 2014-2015 — equaling in one year the sum of the previous three.

An additional 80 students have identified their international interest or plans to apply, but have yet to submit the necessary paperwork.

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“We seek out experiences for our students which will be meaningful, but also safe,” Biesemeyer said. “We cannot promise them personal transformation, but many do come back transformed — more capable, more confident; more humane.”

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STUDENT DIARIES

Sierra Leone,

West Africa

I clutched my stethoscope and a pair of gloves in one hand

X

and gripped the door handle of the Land Cruiser with the other.

The makeshift ambulance tore down a washed-out dirt road at breakneck speed, as the medical technician and I raced toward a tiny village in the Sella Limba Chiefdom of Sierra Leone, West Africa. Early that morning, we had received a call from a borrowed cell phone that a pregnant woman was having

Story by

KATIE BRUNNER

seizures at a remote midwifery clinic, unstaffed due to a lack of qualified providers. We arrived to find the entire population of the village congregating outside of the clinic, while the tribal shaman attempted to console the patient’s husband inside. I found the patient lying on a cot, listless and barely conscious.

She appeared to be at full-term in her pregnancy and had not yet begun labor. The patient’s family, initially suspicious of assistance from an American woman, finally agreed to let me help, so we loaded the patient and her entire extended family into the back of the Land Cruiser and sped to the hospital for an

A baby’s first cry is the best sound on Earth no matter what country I’m in.

emergency cesarean section.

I knew I was falling in love with obstetrics during my core third year OB/GYN rotation. I was scrubbed in for my first delivery, a twin cesarean section, when I realized I had gotten so excited that I was completely forgetting to breathe. But it was in Africa that I ultimately decided to become an obstetrician/ gynecologist. I spent a month at Kamakwie Wesleyan Hospital in Sierra Leone on what

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started as a family medicine rotation but quickly became high-risk obstetrics and gynecological surgery when a volunteer OB/GYN physician arrived from Ohio.

While the rest of the students were keen on treating patients with HIV, malaria and Guinea worm on the medicine wards, I found myself detouring into the obstetrics ward to check on the laboring mothers and scrubbing in on every gynecological surgery possible.

It was thrilling to help coach a woman through labor as she realized her dream of becoming a mother or to assist with the hysterectomy of a patient who had been carrying a fibroid uterus the size of a grapefruit, knowing she would finally be able to return to her normal life.

I also began to recognize the importance of being a distinct advocate for women, particularly in the culture of Sierra Leone, where husbands gave consent for tubal ligation while women were under anesthesia. Back in the U.S., I have remembered some distinct lessons from Africa: a baby’s first cry is the best sound on Earth no matter what country I’m in, and with every patient I have the chance to make a lasting difference in her life, both through prevention and treatment.

WVSOM’s International Rotations have included: Net herlands

Poland

Germany

(military rotation)

I tal y

(military rotation)

Republic of Georgia

Dominican Republic Guatemala

India Sierra Leone

Cambodia

Ghana Uganda

Ecuador

Zambia

Bolivia

Mozambique Sout h Af rica

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Bangladesh

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Sierra Leone, West

Africa

Emotions are raw when death is imminent, for there is no promise that one will survive until tomorrow.

X

Medicine, however, brings hope in the face of death and disease. Each day brought new challenges and with each challenge, we were tested in our ability and endurance. We brought our knowledge, skills and a willingness to have a relationship with these people.

In return, we felt their love, experienced their beautiful culture and we were given hope.

Story by JENNY LEE

I saw many acts of love and generosity in the face of suffering and poverty.

I have never been in a place of greater need than when I was in Sierra Leone. When I say need, I mean physical, bodily needs such as food, water and medicine. What we were able to bring was medicine, but what has grown out of the relationship between the people and the medical missionaries there is something more long term, something that gives enduring strength. It is the idea of hope.

I will come back to how hope grew, but for now let me say what was already thriving: Love.

If they need hope that the burden of disease and suffering can be alleviated, which was given in service and in the promise of a sustained relationship with them, then what would we as future doctors

What the people did not lack was love. I saw many acts of love

need to hope for? As future doctors, we hope that

and generosity in the face of suffering and poverty.

our knowledge and skills will reach far beyond our

How did I see love? I saw families taking care of a person for

own personal satisfaction, beyond the small circle

months while they were in the hospital, cooking every meal

of people that are easily reached, to the people of

and serving it to them, then sleeping night after night on the

greatest need. Hope sustains us so that we may

cement floor. I saw people share their food when there was

overcome our needs, enabling us to be woven into

not even enough for one person (let alone two or three) — and

each other’s lives, strengthened by what we give to

all this when they probably could not remember the feeling

one another despite great difficulty. This is what we

of fullness. I saw grandmothers caring for their grandchildren

have been called to do: to love, to help, to heal.

(their mothers had not survived childbirth or had died of disease), wrapping them carefully in layers of cloth and swinging them onto their backs. I saw children gathering water for their families. I saw people who got hurt laboring for their loved ones. I saw tears of joy in the eyes of a new mother and tears of despair in the loss of a new life.

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South Africa

X

WVSOM students in South Africa meet with representatives of Médicins Sans Frontières International (Doctors Without Borders).

WVSOM student Morgan Bowling hand claps with an orphan in South Africa.

Helping the young WVSOM student Tim Wolff feeds one of the orphans at Heavens Nest Children’s Home in Western Cape South Africa.

X

Bangladesh

Sarah Nasir is the young woman in the red hijab/head scarf toward the back row. Her rotation was to Bangladesh.

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Cambodia X

In December 2012, I was blessed enough to travel to Southeast Asia, to the nation of Cambodia with my wife, Michelle, to do a family medicine rotation. I worked with an American doctor serving there while my wife provided physical therapy at the small regional hospital we were working in.

Story by

SHAWN WEEKS

Cambodia is a nation that lies between Thailand and Vietnam. The natives, the Khmer people, and others of this nation underwent great suffering and tragedy comparable to that of any other affliction in human history. During the 1970s, the Khmer Rouge, a group of radical communists took over the government of Cambodia for a five-year period, promising to bring equality and end government corruption.

Instead, this group terrorized the nation by evacuating all of the cities and forcing nearly everyone to work on rural farm communes.

The Khmer Rouge exterminated nearly all of the educated, most of those affiliated with any religion, as well as all trade and skilled workers. They also executed anyone suspected of disagreeing with their philosophy or actions.

It is estimated that about 2 million people were executed during this time. Many workers under the Khmer Rouge starved to death because they were rationed one small cup of rice. Although these events occurred more than 30 years ago, Cambodia is still healing and recovering from these deep wounds.

Considering these events are fairly recent, I was impressed by how far the people of Cambodia have come since then. The care given by the physicians and other staff at the small rural regional hospital where I rotated is a testimony of the possibilities of the human spirit. I rounded throughout the entire hospital alternating between a pediatric, internal medicine, surgery, obstetrics/ gynecology and an outpatient AIDs/HIV clinic. I lived with, and primarily followed, an American doctor from Michigan, Dr. Mary Brockhert. She has lived in Cambodia and has given compassionate care to the people of the Koh Kong for about 10 years. I observed and learned how to make due with limited technology to both diagnose and treat. I especially learned how the ultrasound can be an important diagnostic tool when other modalities are not available. I had an opportunity to assist a Vietnamese surgeon during an open appendectomy and a Caesarean section. While learning under the physicians, I was able to tie in osteopathic manipulations and even teach some of the physicians some techniques. We also went by boat to a remote fishing village on an island and were able to do a mobile clinic. I was able to see and learn a great deal while at the hospital and

The care given by the physicians and other staff at the small rural regional hospital where I rotated is a testimony of the possibilities of the human spirit.

learn much about the Cambodian people.

Although the Cambodian people are not wealthy and the hospital I rotated in does not have the latest technology, the people of Cambodia are friendly people and the hospital where I worked provided the best service they could. I learned better how to provide care with what is available and how to compassionately and creatively care for the ill and suffering.

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X India ADELE PLAZAK, SOHAM DAVE

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El Seibo,

X

Dominican Republic

On March 10, I departed for El Seibo, Dominican Republic, for a thirdyear international rotation, something that had been a goal of mine since my first year of medical school. Having been twice before to the Dominican Republic with PAX, the cultural and international medicine club on campus, I had been exposed to the disparities that existed there and was excited for the opportunity to work there for a month.

While there I worked with a project called PACES, which provides

Story by

RACHEL HOLCOMB

medications, alimentation, gardens, filtered water and basic support to 102 patients with HIV/AIDS. My main role was to visit these patients at home and identify things that were needed, as well as provide mental and emotional support. In the visits to the patients, we provided general medications to disperse as needed — antibiotics, vitamins, analgesics, anti-parasitics and anti-allergics. Many times we had to drive up to an hour to get to the bateys (sugar cane villages) or communities where these patients lived, which gave me a feeling for how long they have to walk many times just to get to the hospital.

Being a part of all these things provided me with valuable experience that I feel would have been hard to get elsewhere. Sometimes because of the immense problems in the health care and public health system, it was overwhelming and I felt as if the small amount of work that I was doing wasn’t going to make a difference at all. However, I soon realized that what might be a small thing to me was something very meaningful to the patients. In addition, I know that the observations that I was able to make about the health care problems in the hospital and region in which I worked will be used by the organization, Community Service Alliance, to better support and provide health services in El Seibo. This rotation only served to reaffirm my passion for international medicine and public health. I hope that this rotation in the Dominican Republic continues to be one that students pursue, as I feel that there is much to be done, and there is so much that we can do even just as students.

I soon realized that what might be a small thing to me was something very meaningful to the patients.

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TRADITIONS

WVSOM celebrates 36th commencement ceremony Underneath a large white tent on a green field in Lewisburg rows of medical students sat donned in their suede green and black gowns with their gold tassels dangling from their caps.

Each medical student in the Class of 2013 eagerly awaited the moment they would walk across the stage and receive their Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from WVSOM. Underneath the tent also sat the students’ family members, friends, significant others and the many WVSOM faculty and staff who have all supported the graduates on their four-year journey through medical school. The 36th annual commencement

Michael Adelman, D.O., D.P.M., J.D., president, and Lorenzo Pence, D.O., vice president for academic affairs and dean, led the ceremony and awarded the degrees.

ceremony that took place on May 25 was the last step in medical school for the 191 students who now enter the medical profession as physicians.

“WVSOM is a leader in graduating physicians of the highest caliber,” Adelman told the graduates. “You should be proud of your individual accomplishments, your class and your school.”

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The WVSOM Board of Governors vice chair, Cheryl Schreiber, WVSOM Alumni Association president, Robert Holstein, D.O., and the president of the West Virginia Osteopathic Medicine Association, Ralph Wood, D.O., provided messages to guests.

Three esteemed leaders from the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (HEPC) presented the commencement address. Chancellor Paul Hill, Ph.D., Chairman David Hendrickson, Esq., and Vice Chairman Bruce Berry, M.D., all stressed the importance of education and giving back to the community.

“I understand the extreme joy you are feeing today,” Berry, a physician himself, said. “But joy doesn’t come without an obligation to your patients and profession. For many of you, you will be the only provider to your patients.”

Megan Thompson, Class of 2013 president, provided the class

Hendrickson noted that just getting to

hospital, their white coats carried stories

this point proves that the graduates are

only medical students would understand.

committed to serving others.

From ink spots, to blood splatter and

“All you’ve done is evident that you care — about the community and the great state of West Virginia — and you care for others than yourself,” Hendrickson said. “You are graduating from a world-class institution in a small community with a huge heart.”

amniotic fluid, each stain carried a story

address, and reminisced about the students’ past four years.

“We have all taken unique roads to get where we are today, but no matter what the path was we all joined together on this common road,” she said.

Thompson explained that whether the students were on campus or in the

that would live in their memories.

The ceremony concluded with the graduates reciting the

osteopathic oath, part of which states that the graduates, “will

be mindful always of my great responsibility to preserve the health and the life of my patients.”

Hill told the graduates that education is the key to a richer and fuller life.

“Class of 2013, so much opportunity lies ahead for you,” he said in his speech. “Each challenge is an opportunity to fulfill your dreams and find your passion in life. Let your experience today be a catalyst for life-long learning. Your alma mater is a jewel in the state’s higher education system.”

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GRADUATE PROFILES

Annie Park, D.O.

Park completes international rotation at her childhood medical center When Annie Park was in sixth grade she

“International rotations allow students

“My international rotation

broke her arm and was hospitalized for

to take an active role when resources

provided me a unique

three weeks at Asan Medical Center

may be limited,” Park said of overseas

opportunity to experience

(AMC) in South Korea. She remembered

facilities. “Additionally, the experience

different cultures and gave

that the facility is a well-established

will help students become more open

me medical exposure to

teaching hospital as well as one of

minded when it comes to patients

pathologies and treatments

the biggest quaternary care centers

with different cultural background and

that are not common in the

in Seoul, so it was no surprise when

different beliefs.”

U.S.,” she said.

Park, a native of Korea, also

Park also completed a two-

wanted to see if she would be

week elective orthopedic

the recent WVSOM graduate wanted to complete an international rotation there.

able to communicate with patients

surgery rotation in her

“I was very impressed by the quality

and understand Korean medical

third year in Landstuhl,

of care at the facility and thought to

terminology.

Germany. She is

myself that I would recommend my Korean relatives to go there for medical care,” Park said. “I was treated with respect by attendings, residents and other hospital team members and most of them were eager to help me.”

see how the medical system was in Korea,” she said. “Residents are responsible for at least 50 patients daily and they were expected to work seven days a week.

During Park’s one-month rotation during

Residency is brutal and hours

her fourth year of medical school she

are long. I heard that doctors

learned much about gastroenterology.

are not paid by the time they

She wanted to learn all she could about

spend with patients but by

the specialty and knew that AMC had

the number of patients they

a higher number of gastric cancer

see and the procedures they

incidences.

perform. I learned quickly

“If cancer is found in early stages there are procedures such as endoscopic mucosal resection that are done daily, which are not commonly performed

the importance of asking pertinent questions and how to maximize efficiency.”

in the U.S.,” she said. “I wanted to be

Students interested

exposed to those procedures.”

in honing their

Academically, Park said she couldn’t be more satisfied with her rotation experience and is thankful that WVSOM provides opportunities for students to complete international rotations.

22

“As a student, I think it was good to

medical knowledge should consider an international rotation, because according to Park, the experience is a reward of its own.

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currently completing her residency in internal medicine at Plaza Medical Center in Ft. Worth, Texas.

Benmichael Idowu, D.O.

Idowu assists underserved patients in Ghana Benmichael Idowu learned first-

appreciation for what the U.S. health

in Ghana learning such things like how to

hand what it was like to serve the

care system has to offer to its citizens.”

treat malaria and Buruli ulcers.

underserved.

Being able to experience other

Prior to Ghana, Idowu completed a four-

For four weeks he lived and worked in

cultures, other ways of life, other health

week ear, nose and throat rotation in

Kumasi, Ghana, seeing patients who

disparities and other health systems

London.

had limited or no access to health care.

is a fulfilling experience for medical

He witnessed how a majority of people

students choosing to complete an

who succumb to illness in Ghana do so

international rotation, according to

because they can’t afford care.

Idowu.

“In rural Ghana I saw that people

“I feel that the opportunity for

are still underserved and sometimes

international experience in medicine

without access to care,” Idowu said.

is valuable for anyone

“Scanty populations are scanty

who wants to become a

populations, and such places have

world citizen. Traveling is

a proportionately lower health care

a rewarding experience

provider population.”

and traveling while doing

international rotation during his medical

While overseas, Idowu

exam and physical diagnosis skills, but

completely immersed

what he got from the experience was

himself in the culture while

much more than that.

learning medicine — he

“I wanted to get a different perspective

experience, I sought to relight my

Hospital in East Liverpool, Ohio.

pleasure,” he said.

school career to improve his physical

world,” he said. “In engaging in this

in internal medicine at East Liverpool City

a job you love adds to the

Idowu decided to complete an

on the delivery of health care in the

Idowu is currently completing his residency

even learned how to speak Twi (“chwee”), the common language of Ghana. He spent a total of 23 days

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Patrick Wright, D.O.

Wright uses rotation site to learn more about epidemic Cape Town is the most popular

Wright said he wanted the opportunity

international tourist destination in

to become a universal physician, which

South Africa with rolling hillsides and

he thought he could do through the

clear water. But South Africa as a whole

international rotation program at WVSOM.

has been challenged with a staggering number of HIV/AIDS cases. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at the end of 2010 an

“I think the best way to gain perspective on anything is to change the vantage point,” he said.

estimated 5.7 million citizens were living

He was also able to gain perspective from

with HIV/AIDS.

esteemed peers and leaders such as a

Recent WVSOM graduate Patrick Wright spent six weeks there during an international rotation in his fourth year of medical school and learned first-hand

man he referred to as “Mr. Henry,” a social worker in the anti-retro viral (ARV) unit in Elsies River Community Healthcare Clinic.

what it was like treating patients of the

“He was responsible for counseling and

epidemic.

educating patients diagnosed with HIV/

“The experience exceeded my expectations. My exposure to a spectrum of infectious diseases was invaluable,” Wright said. “While there, I was trained to manage HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis

AIDS about the disease as well as the treatment strategies,” Wright said. “His ability to connect with patients on an individual level was outstanding and truly inspirational.”

according to the South Africa government

Following physicians in South Africa

standards.”

wasn’t entirely different than shadowing them in West Virginia. In fact, Wright said,

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WVSOM MAGAZINE • SUMMER 2013

international medicine is pretty similar to

similar to the rural populations of West

James Health in Olympia Fields, Ill. He

rural medicine.

Virginia on a much larger and more limited

said his rotation in South Africa was an

scale. It was a good application of a field of

experience of a lifetime.

“I think the art of rural medicine relies on the physician’s ability to provide the best care with limited means,” Wright said.

medicine that I had previously been exposed to during my time at WVSOM.”

“The clinics in the townships of Cape Town

Wright is currently completing his residency

provide service to underserved populations

in diagnostic radiology at Franciscan St.

“The additional knowledge I gained during this rotation is invaluable and will be applicable during my career,” he said.

WVSOM MAGAZINE • WINTER 2013

25

GRADUATION AWARDS

Med students recognized at Graduation Awards Ceremony

excellence as well as community service.

Twenty-three seniors were recognized with special coins for their service to the military.

Among the annual awards presented, the

Students in the graduating Class of 2013 were recognized for their achievements in medical school during a Graduation Awards Ceremony at WVSOM on May 23.

President Michael Adelman, D.O., J.D.,

Cody Honl was the recipient of the OPAL PRICE SHARP MEMORIAL AWARD for his dedication to osteopathic medicine.

said that this year’s class represented 36

NEWELL FAMILY MEMORIAL AWARD for an Outstanding Graduate was presented to

different states, with 48 students from

Mark Messmer.

West Virginia. There are 126 graduates going into a primary care residency.

“Our school is grateful to be associated with a class like this,” Adelman told the

THE WVSOM ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

graduates.

ROLAND P. SHARP GRADUATE AWARD was created to honor the vision and values of WVSOM’s first president. The award is given to a fourth-year student who exemplifies Dr. Sharp’s ideals of holistic care and humanitarian service. The WVSOM Alumni Association selected:

The ceremony recognized 17 students who graduated with honors along with students who received Psi Sigma Alpha recognition.

Psi Sigma Alpha is a National Osteopathic

Women Association Glasgow-Rubin

THE OLEN E. JONES WVSOM FOUNDATION ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AWARD is given to a fourth-year student graduating in the top 10 percent of the class. The WVSOM

Achievement Award and Sigma Sigma

Foundation Board of Directors selected:

Phi, a national osteopathic medicine

William Fredericks

Scholastic Honor Society. Individuals were also recognized with the American Medical

fraternity that supports medical scholastic 26

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Jeremy Hampton

THE DR. CATHERINE A. BISHOP SCHOLARSHIP AWARD is given to a fourthyear student committed to a residency program in West Virginia.

THE DR. WILLIAM R. HOLMES SCHOLARSHIP is awarded to a graduating student who has shown great determination, persistence and

THE SPECIAL FAMILY MEDICINE AWARD was

This year’s recipient was Kelly Lopez.

given to Saskia Thompson and Katherine Skurski.

commitment in pursuing a medical education.

The award is granted to seniors who served as graduate teaching assistants in clinical sciences or family medicine.

This year it was presented to Erin Kalan.

THE WEST VIRGINIA CHAPTER OF THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF EMERGENCY PHYSICIANS AWARD THE GWEN CLINGMAN MEMORIAL

was presented to Christopher Webb.

SCHOLARSHIP is granted to a graduating student who has demonstrated a commitment to community service. Gwen Clingman’s daughter, Alice Hollingsworth, presented the

Each year the organization recognizes one student from each of the three medical schools in West Virginia whose performance in rotation accurately reflects an understanding and

award to

commitment to the delivery of emergency care.

Isaac Hardoon

THE DONNA JONES MORITSUGU AWARD highlights an osteopathic medical student’s spouse or partner. The recipient exemplifies the role of a professional’s partner by providing support to their family and the osteopathic profession.

This year’s recipient was Eugene Belenitsky.

STATEWIDE CAMPUS AWARDS

THE STEPHANIE DAWN BARRAGY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP was formed to honor Charles and Jean Cornell’s daughter who took her own life. The scholarship is given to a student committed to working on behalf of mental health issues and with a strong focus on patient care and intervention.

Emily Boothe was the recipient this year.

Two recipients, William Fredericks and

Two students from each of the six statewide campus regions received awards along with preceptors from each region who have assisted the medical students during their third- and fourth-year clinical rotations.

Rebecca McConnell,

Ebrahim Sabbagh and Jaschar Shakuri-Rad

were given the RAMS HEAD AWARD . The

received recognition for the central region;

award is granted to the seniors who served as graduate teaching assistants in the Osteopathic Medical Education department.

recognition for the eastern region; Adam

Margaret Green and Michael Hoks received Lewno and Cory Mathias received recognition for the northern region; Stephen Hypes and

THE ORDER OF THE VESALIUS AWARD is presented to seniors who served as graduate teaching assistants in the biomedical sciences

Andrea Wurzer (Clarke) received recognition

department.

recognition for the southeast region; and

Kevin Evans was presented the award.

for the south central region; Jennifer Cornwell (Jones) and William Fredericks received Derrick Wagoner and Ashley Zawodniak (Trador) received recognition for the southwest region.

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LEADERSHIP AWARD

Three Class of 2014 students awarded Leadership Scholarship

because of the continued support from the administration and staff,” he said. “It is an honor to receive such an award as the Cheryl & Michael Adelman Leadership Scholarship, but the true honor is representing the students and collaborating with the administration to create a better WVSOM community.”

Three WVSOM students were recognized for the leadership they have shown during medical school and for demonstrating the ability to serve as a future leader in the

three years.

Adele Plazak, Eric Schweller and Soham Dave, each from

“I’ve had the honor to have the opportunity to work with

cultivated an environment that inspires students to get

year’s Spring Awards Ceremony that took place in May.

involved and provide input,” he said. “It means a lot to

The students said they are honored to be considered student leaders who can help positively represent WVSOM and the osteopathic profession.

— that includes being the best I can be for my peers and our school as an institution,” Plazak said. “I believe in

reassuring.

“It is encouraging to know that our administration and the WVSOM community supports students who challenge

what WVSOM represents, and I am honored to have the

their capabilities beyond the academic realm,” Plazak

Adelman family’s support on and off campus.”

Schweller is also thankful for the opportunity to help move WVSOM forward.

“My leadership involvement at WVSOM is made possible •

respect.” expect recognition for their efforts, but they said, it is

WVSOM family and have aspired to do my personal best

WVSOM MAGAZINE

be selected for an award by leaders that I admire and As student leaders the scholarship recipients do not

“Over the past few years I have been welcomed into the

Drs. Mike and Cheryl Adelman. It’s very gracious of them to award students for leadership because they have

Adelman WVSOM Leadership Scholarship during this

administrators who he has worked with during the last

osteopathic profession. the Class of 2014, were awarded the Cheryl & Michael

28

Dave said he is humbled by the generosity of WVSOM

said.

The students are now in their fourth year of medical school.

SUMMER 2013

SUMMER CAMP Students say “yes” to drug awareness While some kids slouched away summer days in boredom, eyes glazed from too many hours in front of the television, high school students and undergrads at WVSOM’s “Just say KNOW to drugs!” pharmacology camp learned important lessons about how drugs interact with the body – to heal or to harm.

The camp ran July 15 – July 19. Day one got off to a rousing start with the “Build a Body” activity. Participants constructed a

One highlight of the campers’ experience

replica of the human body out of red and

was an activity employing “Sim Man,”

blue streamers (representing the circulatory

one of WVSOM’s patient simulators, to

system, of course) along with other items

demonstrate the effect alcohol has on

gleaned from store shelves. “John Doe’s”

the body. In a separate-but-related lesson

head was a shopping bag, lungs were

on medical ethics and social impact, the

balloons and he had bubble wrap for

students researched and discussed the

intestines. His heart? Unlike the Tin Man’s

merits and demerits of medical marijuana,

timepiece, John Doe sported a Chinese

an issue facing a number of state

lantern for this critical internal organ.

legislatures in recent years.

Each day began with a lecture, followed by

All of this hard work – and fun, there was

hands-on activities. Lecture topics included

a lot of fun – was recognized during the

“Antibiotics,” “Pain and Pain Medications”

Parents’ Showcase when students were

and “Drugs of Abuse.” Throughout the

able to display what they had learned.

week, participants enjoyed exposure to a

“One of the great things about this week

variety of faculty research labs and OPP

was watching how the students mentored

labs to increase their understanding of

each other,” Carrier said. “Most of the

related science and medicine.

lectures and activities were led by WVSOM

During one camp activity, the students

second-year students, Dustin Smyth and

matched “Bugs & Drugs,” swabbing

Mary DeMino. They offered guidance and

surfaces and growing bacteria in Petri

instruction to our undergrad participants

dishes, which were tested with different

who, in turn, mentored the rising high

drugs. Another day, students engaged in

school seniors. It was a trickle-down effect

an experiment with “Daphnia,” a genus of

that seemed to meet individual needs

small crustaceans or “water fleas” which

perfectly.”

can be used to test the effects of toxins on an ecosystem.

At the end of the week, all participants professed to have attained significantly

“The students were working with unknown

more knowledge about how drugs get into,

drugs and paying attention to changes in

around and out of the body. Carrier hopes

heart rate,” said Raeann Carrier, Ph.D.,

the positive word-of-mouth will bring even

assistant professor, pharmacology, and

more campers next year who will “just say

organizer of the camp.

yes” to a week of fun with pharmacology.

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CLINICAL EVALUATION CENTER DONORS

Grand Conference Hall

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN

Emergency Simulation Lab

Charles Davis, D.O.

Robot/Birthing Center

Year One Progress Report

Manuel Ballas, D.O. & Kara O’Karma, D.O.

Large Classroom

Lewis Whaley, D.O.

Task Trainer Room

Michael Nicholas, D.O.

Medium Classroom

Drs. Cheryl & Michael Adelman

ACLS Room I

Robert Hunter, D.O.

In the spring 2012 issue of WVSOM Magazine, the school

ACLS Room 2

James Deering, D.O. & Jodi Flanders, D.O.

shared the exciting news about the Capital Campaign. For

Nurse’s Treatment Area

the first time in the 40-year history of the school, alumni

Office Suite

and friends could put their names on spaces within

Standardized Patient Control Room

A.S. Ghiathi, D.O.

Thomas White, D.O. Dr. and Mrs. Lorenzo Pence

Small Conference Room 1

Heather Antolini and Michael Antolini, D.O.

Small Conference Room 2

Class of 1979

Small Conference Room 3

Class of 1982

Small Conference Room 4

R. Alan Spencer, D.O.

Small Conference Room 5

Jim Nemitz, Ph.D.

Now, one year into the Capital Campaign, there is much

Small Conference Room 6

Hal Armistead, D.O. and Amy Roush, D.O.

to celebrate.

Small Conference Room 7

Class of 1990

Small Conference Room 8

Randy Blackburn, D.O.

Robot Control Room

Class of 1983

Robot Viewing Room

John Lackey, D.O.

the WVSOM campus. With the expansion of the Clinical Evaluation Center and the construction of a new state-ofthe-art Student Center, it became possible to designate the “Hunter” Lab or “Rubin” Lounge.

MORE THAN

1.5

MILLION HAS BEEN PLEDGED TO

HELP ENSURE WVSOM’S FUTURE SUCCESS.

32

SPACES HAVE BEEN RESERVED IN THE CEC AND FIRST DEPOSITS RECEIVED FOR THAT PROJECT

Office 1

Chris Flanagan, D.O., Sophia Sibold, D.O., Shannon Sorah, D.O.

Office 2

Alan Finkelstein, D.O.

Office 3

Carmen Damiani, D.O.

Office 4

Naomi Wriston, D.O.

Office 5

David Allen, D.O.

Office 6

Dr. & Mrs. O.J. Bailes

Office 7

Cathy Dailey, D.O.

Office 8

Eloise Hayes, D.O.

Office 9

Drs. James and Nancy Tierney

Office 10

Gary Swann, D.O.

Staff Lounge

SPACES REMAIN:

Robot Lab................................ $35,000

Clinical Evaluation Center 30

John Manchin II, D.O.

Reception Area....................... $35,000 Standardized Patient Lab...... $25,000 ACLS Lab.................................. $15,000 Office 11.....................................$5,000

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Dr. & Mrs. Art Rubin

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.

GIFT info

TO DISCUSS A GIFT OPPORTUNITY, PLEASE CONTACT:

Dr. Michael Adelman 304.647.6200 madelman@osteo.wvsom.edu

Dr. Jim Nemitz 304.647.6368 jnemitz@osteo.wvsom.edu

Marilea Butcher 304.647.6367 mbutcher@osteo.wvsom.edu

Shannon Warren 304.647.6382 swarren@osteo.wvsom.edu

Heather Antolini 304.647.6374 hantolini@osteo.wvsom.edu

Breaking ground The school expects to break ground on the CEC expansion in the fall of 2013.

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Student Center The new Student Center will be the focal point of the campus.

Graced with a soaring clock tower,

8

the center will feature both open and covered decks on the first and second floors along with a rooftop terrace. It will house a café and

SPACES HAVE BEEN RESERVED INCLUDING THE MAGNIFICENT CLOCK TOWER, WHICH RECEIVED A COMMITMENT FROM WVSOM’S ALUMNI ASSOCIATION.

a 1,000-seat meeting hall, plus a media center that can be divided

SPACES REMAIN:

into smaller rooms. There will be

Large Conference Hall/Stage....................... .$500,000

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

Dining Lounge/Food Court............................ .$125,000

designed to provide students with

Quiet Student Study Lounge......................... .$100,000

an enhanced study environment.

Campus Store................................................. .$100,000 Small Pre-Function Room............................. .$20,000 SGA Conference Room.................................. .$20,000 Student Government Office.......................... .$20,000

STUDENT CENTER DONORS

We THANK every individual who has made a commitment to the Capital Campaign.

32

Clock Tower

WVSOM Alumni Association, Inc. Lori Tucker, D.O.

Open Student Study Lounge

Dino Beckett, D.O.

Large Prefunction Entry Lobby

David and Martha Rader

Student Copy Center

Brian DeFade, D.O.

President’s Reception Parlor

Andrew Thymius, D.O. and Tiffany Thymius, D.O.

Student Recreation Lounge

Patrick Pagur, D.O. and Billie Wright, D.O.

Terrace

Michael Nicholas, D.O.

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SUMMER 2013

If you are wavering on whether or not to commit to a space, consider that payment options are available. Rooms up to $50,000 can be paid over a three-year period. Rooms $50,000 and higher may be paid over a fiveyear period.

Beginning of construction The school expects to begin construction on

FIRST FLOOR:

the Student Center in the spring of 2014.

Bids are being received from contractors throughout the area and the architects are putting the final finishing touches on interior plans.

Already, student groups are estimating when they can schedule the Grand Affair in the new Student Center or host Follies from the main stage. For the first time in the school’s history, WVSOM will be able to bring together all the classes, plus faculty and staff, into one auditorium.

With the CEC expansion, the school achieves a more workable space to accommodate the

SECOND FLOOR:

advancement of scientific knowledge and learning opportunities in an academic patient-centered environment.

It’s an exciting time for the school. As always, WVSOM appreciates the support of the larger community of friends and stakeholders who share our vision for how the institution can be better, stronger and more responsive to the needs of 21st century medical students.

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STUDENTS

Donors and families recognized at annual Human Gift Registry memorial

PAX International Festival raises funds for trip

more than 70 people who donated their bodies to

explore different cultures all while raising

PAX Club members gave WVSOM students, faculty, staff and their families a chance to

First-year medical students at WVSOM honored the school this year for teaching and research.

money for a mission.

Families of the donors were invited to attend and

The club raised more than $4,500 during the January event, according to Elspeth

were provided an opportunity to share special

Clark, PAX treasurer. The money went

memories of their loved ones. Students in the

toward medicine and other medical

Class of 2016 conveyed their appreciation for this

supplies for an annual mission trip to the

profound contribution to their medical education and expressed how this final act of generosity from

Dominican Republic during Spring Break.

the donors has impacted their lives.

“The International Festival is a night

“With gratitude and deep thoughts we all thank

to celebrate the diversity within our community as well as raise cultural

you from our hearts,” Slava Agafonoff, Class of

awareness. By focusing on what makes us

2016 president, said on behalf of the first-year

and our cultures unique we are provided

students.

with an opportunity to identify what is

Cheryl Rozario said the donations are invaluable to

universal to us all,” Clark said of the

students’ education.

event. “Underscoring the evening is that

“One of the ultimate ways to give back to society is

ultimately all the proceeds go to funding

to donate a body for medical education,” she said.

the club’s international mission trip.

“This gives us knowledge and understanding that

The financial success of the evening is

goes beyond the textbook.”

reflected in having enough medications, clinic supplies and other critical items that

Mary Hamra, Ph.D., Human Gift Registry director,

are needed and used on the mission trip.”

said the student journey to becoming a physician

The evening included cultural dishes from

begins with the donors’ gift.

across the globe — highlighting countries

“This is a day for remembering, expressing

in Europe, South America, North America

gratitude and saying goodbye,” she told the

and Asia. WVSOM President Dr. Michael

families. “The decision of this gift was not an

Adelman offered magic tricks and others

easy one. We are honored and humbled by that

offered musical performances. Dancing,

decision. Please remember this gift lives on in

a fashion show and a silent auction were

each and every one of our students.”

also part of the event. The International

The service included words of appreciation from

Festival is the club’s largest fundraising

local pastor Mike Estep, a veteran appreciation

event.

by WVSOM military students and musical presentations by students and faculty.

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STUDENTS

Students learn valuable lessons in serving patients in underserved areas by medical students GLENN HAYES AND JORDAN HARTSHORN During Spring Break 2013, 19 WVSOM students traveled to the Dominican Republic to provide much needed medical service to people living in underdeveloped communities around the city of Hato Mayor. The students were joined on the eighth annual trip by Sarita Bennett, D.O., an Osteopathic Principles and Practice instructor, and Richard Capito, M.D., an emergency medicine/

internal medicine physician from Charleston, W.Va. Working in conjunction with Community Service Alliance, the group was able to evaluate and provide care to more than 700 patients during the four days of clinic.

Throughout the year, the Pax Club hosts many fundraising events and reaches out to the Lewisburg community for financial support. This year, the club was able to take about $10,000 of much needed supplies and medications to be given out during the week.

“We are very thankful to the WVSOM community, businesses around Lewisburg and all of the friends and families who were willing to give to this cause,” said Glenn Hayes, Pax Club secretary and trip leader.

“Without them, the trip wouldn’t have been possible.”

Medical school student Jordan Hartshorn shared that, “Having raised enough funds to provide every patient with a year’s supply of vitamins was one of our goals and seeing that manifested and realizing the health impact that will make was truly rewarding. Providing many patients with much needed year-long hypertension medicine as well as distributing prenatal vitamins to all of the early term mothers was also something our club should be proud of. We are taught that ‘good medicine’ is more than one office visit and I truly believe we were able to practice those ideals consistently during our time in the Dominican Republic” The service project not only benefits hundreds of underserved people in the Dominican, it also provides a valuable opportunity for firstand second-year medical students to gain hands-on experience applying their skills in history taking, physical examination and diagnoses.

“I did not realize how much we have learned and retained during first year of medical school until I had a chance to participate in the PAX Medical Service Trip,” said Marta Tokar, a medical student. “This early clinical exposure gave me a chance to gain hands on experience and build up my confidence in patient interactions. I was able to not only practice, but also improve my exam techniques.”

Perhaps one of the most rewarding aspects for students was the opportunity to use OMT in the setting of real medical conditions.

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STUDENTS

Christian Medical & Dental Association visits Nicaragua

This year, the WVSOM chapter of CMDA had the privilege of traveling to Somoto, Nicaragua. The team consisted of 16 medical students, four physicians, one nurse, one pharmacist and 11 other vital volunteers/spiritual leaders.

Participants ventured out to a different community each day and were able to see almost 900 patients in five days. Upon arriving at their site each morning, they set up the clinic and began seeing patients immediately. Other stations included Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment, Pharmacy, Children’s Ministry, Women’s Foot Washing Ministry, and lastly, a Prayer and Evangelism Station.

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STUDENTS

Murder Mystery Dinner

The Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Club gathered

Habitat for Humanity

cowboys from the Old West to raise money for the Wounded

WVSOM students traded in their textbooks for tools in mid-

Warrior Project. The club hosted the Murder Mystery Dinner

January to help local families in need.

in January and raised $573 by putting on a “dinner theater”

Students volunteered with Habitat for Humanity in

performance with country characters. Some of the WVSOM faculty, staff and students who participated in acting out the

conjunction with a day of service commemorating the Martin

performance were Dr. Fisk, banker; Dr. Thatcher, saloon owner;

Luther King Jr. holiday. After a spiritual revival led by pastor

Dr. Hamra, playing Dr. Tricia Truehart; Dr. McLay, writer;

Ron Sherrod of the Mt. Tabor Baptist Church, students

Dr. Griffith, chief “hawk-who-watches”; Dr. Maloney,

worked to frame the walls for a new house in White Sulphur

sharpshooter; Dr. Foster, blacksmith; Dr. Hanna, school teacher;

Springs as well as a variety of other house projects.

Tyler Pittman, newspaper editor; Jonathan Daly, mayor; Kristin Wahlberg, marshal; and Kam Mueller, as Dusty Jones.

Community Service

The Community Outreach and Relief Effort (CORE) recognized members for their service. This year, 12 students received the honor. They were Bethany Brown, Stephanie Dillon, Jordan Gaal, Erin Goldman, Arianna Grimm, Justin Kazee, Waseem Khader, Laura Mader, Natalee Noche, Kayleigh Pung, Daniel Sapp and Alyson Shattls. Students were also acknowledged for their community service work during the awards ceremony.

The Translating Osteopathic Understanding into Community Health (TOUCH) program encourages medical students to volunteer community service to the area. This year, WVSOM students volunteered 13,156 hours of their time to the community.

Student returns from Zambia Austin Johnston, OMS III-IV, returned from Lundazi, Zambia, where he was the first WVSOM student to participate in a four-week international rotation overseas. Shown in the photo with Mathias Zimba and other members of the Rising Fountains Development Program, student doctor Johnston is involved in a community-based workshop on natural resources management — one of many factors affecting the health of people living in this most rural of WVSOM’s rotation sites. Johnston is serving patients in the Eastern region of the Statewide Campus program under the direction of Robert Gum, D.O.

MORE info

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For more information on international rotation opportunities as a WVSOM student, contact the Center for International Medicine and Cultural Concerns, which is coordinated by Adrienne Biesemeyer.

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STUDENTS

Events showcase osteopathic medicine This year’s Celebrate Osteopathic

rotations. As of 2009, almost 25

cultural morals to deal with, but

Medicine (COM) Week focused on

percent of all medical students

education is something we have to

physicians and medical students who

(osteopaths and allopaths) have had

spend more time on. It’s not enough

understand the importance of an

an international rotation.

to care for a patient,” she said.

Dr. Karen Asher discussed the health

Clinical rotations are offered at

care system in Sierra Leone, West

Kamakwie to medical students

Africa. She and her husband, WVSOM

interested in international medicine.

1987 graduate Dr. Tom Asher, have

Asher said that an international

been assisting students in family

rotation site will better prepare

medicine and OB-GYN. The Ashers

students who are interested in serving

work at Kamakwie Wesleyan Hospital

rural areas.

international medicine experience.

During COM Week, the WVSOM family learned about D.O.s who have served the needs of rural patients beyond our borders and heard first-hand accounts from students who participated in international rotations. The weeklong events educated and enlightened people on global medicine issues

— a place that serves the health care needs of more than 600,000 people.

“Understanding international medicine is a lot like understanding

Lewisburg Mayor John Manchester proclaims COM week. and focused on overseas clinical

Average life expectancy in Sierra Leone

rural medicine,” she said. “There is

experiences that can improve health

is 56 years. Major infectious diseases

recognition of a problem, diagnosis

care for rural patients in the U.S.

include malaria, yellow fever, typhoid,

and then treatment, even if you aren’t

Hepatitis A, schistosomiasis and Lassa

the one providing that treatment.

fever.

There’s a lot of outpatient care and

Some of the highlights of the week included a presentation by Dr. Karen Steele, who has been pioneering to

Dr. Asher said that one of the most

get osteopathic physicians recognized

important aspects to providing

as full-fledged physicians in South

international health care is education.

Africa, and insight by students about the benefits of international clinical

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“We need to teach patients and educate them. Sometimes there are

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you have to know when and where to send a patient.”

Asher said an international rotation is also the ultimate way to test your medical knowledge.

STUDENTS

Students offer Mini-Medical School

This spring, WVSOM’s second-year students offered a Mini-Medical School for community members who wanted to learn more about the human body and how it functions.

The four-week program, Healthy Living for Every Age, introduced participants to causes of common symptoms like chest pain, difficulty breathing, abdominal pain and fatigue.

Systems examined included the cardiovascular system, respiratory system and gastrointestinal system.

Andrea Nazar, D.O., professor of Clinical Sciences, is the faculty advisor for the Mini-Med School program.

“This was WVSOM’s fourth year to offer a mini-medical school experience,” Nazar said.

“It’s exciting to see the program evolve and to see deeper connections developing between our students and the community.”

One of the event organizers, Matthew White, Class of 2015, expressed enthusiasm for a new program format that was introduced this year.

“Each evening began with a common symptom presented exactly as a patient would typically present it in their physician’s office,” he said.

“After starting with this common symptom, instructors took participants through a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of bodily systems and how to recognize indicators of disease or other health conditions.”

“By using hands-on techniques and tools such as ultrasound, sigmoidoscope and heart and lung simulators, participants were able to gain a better understanding of what it means to be an osteopathic physician,” concluded co-organizer Sharon Parker.

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STUDENTS

AWARDS

WVSOM student scholarships presented at awards ceremony

WVSOM recognized first- and second-year medical students for their achievements in school and the community during the annual Springs Awards Ceremony on May 15.

A TOTAL OF

$36,200

Molly Janney THE DR. ROLAND P. SHARP PRESIDENT’S AWARD AND FOUNDATION AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

Scholarship money and certificates of appreciation were distributed to recipients.

was rewarded to faculty, staff and students this year.

FOR STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT is given to a student based on academic performance, osteopathic professional interest, leadership and citizenship to a first-year student.

Adele Plazak Patrick Craft and Ryan Farnsworth Holly Overmiller THE FREDRIC W. SMITH MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP is awarded to a student completing his or her first year of medical school. The student must plan to practice family medicine, be in the upper two-thirds of the class and have a strong interest in the school and community.

A SPECIAL AWARD PRESENTATION made

by WVSOM President Michael Adelman, D.O., J.D., recognized Student Government Association President Patrick Craft and Vice President Ryan Farnsworth. The award recognizes service and leadership to the school and the student body.

THE STUDENT D.O. OF THE YEAR AWARD was developed by the Council of Osteopathic Student Government Presidents (COSGP), a division of the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM). This prestigious award acknowledges a student’s commitment to his or her school, community and the osteopathic profession. Based on votes cast by her classmates, Adele Plazak received the recognition for WVSOM.

Byron Dodson THE JAMES R. STOOKEY, D.O., MANIPULATIVE Jordan Hartshorn THE PAUL KLEMAN, D.O., FAMILY PRACTICE STUDENT AWARD recognizes a student member of the Kappa Chapter of the WVSOM American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians.

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MEDICINE SCHOLARSHIP was formed in honor of James Stookey, vice president for academic affairs and dean from 1988 to 2002. The scholarship is given to a student with a grade point average of no less than 90 percent who has demonstrated proficiency in manipulative medicine.

WVSOM MAGAZINE • WINTER 2013

Ryan Farnsworth and Scott Brown WVSOM ALUMNI ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIPS were given to two second-year students. The students exemplify scholarship, osteopathic professional interest, leadership and citizenship.

STUDENTS

This year 11 students received funding from the scholarship. They were Cathy Balogh, John Ford, Isaac Grabiel, Camilia Makhyoun, Matthew Marrington, Christine Moore, Elizabeth Reynolds, Sasha Rihter, Erik Stapleton, Travis Weinsheim and Courtney Verrecchia.

THE MOSS SCHOLARSHIPS are presented to first-year students who are not W. Va residents.

Kennith “Conley” Coleman THE RONALD P. BILLIPS MEMORIAL

Wisam Khader THE LORETTA MOORE MEMORIAL AWARD recipient is chosen by a vote of first-year students to a classmate who has overcome obstacles in order to succeed.

Julia Murray

SCHOLARSHIP was formed by a 2002 WVSOM graduate to honor his friend and classmate killed in a car accident. The award is given to a first-year student who is a graduate of Big Creek, Iaeger, Mount View, Princeton or Bluefield high schools in West Virginia or Graham, Tazewell, Richlands or Pocahontas high schools in Virginia.

RANDY DAILEY’S MEMORIAL AWARD is given to a second-year student from West Virginia who demonstrates a commitment to academic excellence and service.

Soham Dave, Adele Plazak and Eric Schweller THE CHERYL & MICHAEL ADELMAN Joshua Jewell and Elizabeth Endicott THE DR. WILLIAM B. MULLEN & JENNIFER WHITE SCHOLARSHIP is a new scholarship created in recognition of Dr. William B. Mullen of Logan, W.Va., who cared for patient, Jennifer White, in the last decade of her life until her passing in December 2011.

The recipients are students from either Logan or Mingo counties.

The Family Medicine Club

Cheryl Rozario and Joseph Brandt THE GREENBRIER MILITARY SCHOOL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP is presented to two students who excel academically and show strong leadership, determination and discipline in their studies.

Danielle Simpson and Molly Janney

Timothy Wolff

THE FREDRIC W. SMITH COMMUNITY

WVSOM’S DIVERSITY TASK FORCE

SERVICE RECOGNITION honors a campus organization or club that demonstrates a commitment to the Lewisburg community, the WVSOM community and his or her colleagues.

SCHOLARSHIP is given to a student who demonstrates an interest in osteopathic medicine and an interest in eliminating the inequities of individuals.

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WVSOM LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP is awarded to third year students who have demonstrated character and leadership during their time at WVSOM and who have the potential to be a future leader in the osteopathic profession.

SUMMER 2013

THE MCGRAW-HILL/LANGE MEDICAL STUDENT AWARD FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE is awarded based on academic achievement to students to help offset textbook costs.

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SCHOOL NEWS

Top 10 things you should know about the CEC 1. The CEC’s 19,000 square-foot facility opened its doors in August 2009.

2. For the 2012-2013 academic year, the facility provided 10 open labs, assisted with eight clubsponsored labs and provided more than 14,383 student

CEC hosts SSH

training hours.

3. This year, the CEC utilized more than 70 standardized patients and 21 patient simulators for training.

On June 20, WVSOM’s Clinical Evaluation Center hosted The Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH) for an accreditation site visit.

4. The facility hosted inter-professional events with pharmacy students, nursing students and physician assistant students.

The SSH represents a rapidly growing group of educators, research scientists and advocates who utilize simulation methodologies for education, testing and research. The society is united by its desire to improve performance and reduce errors in patient care using multi-modal simulation

5. Staff members provide about 100 simulation demonstrations every year.

6. Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) and Basic Life Support (BLS) courses are conducted by CEC

methodologies including task trainers, patient simulators,

staff and WVSOM faculty.

virtual reality, screen-based simulators and standardized

7. The CEC is committed to using simulation as a way to

patients.

increase patient safety and treatment.

As educators and health care professionals know, any type of accreditation process requires extensive time, effort and preparation. Congratulations to the CEC staff for their accomplishments and best wishes for continued success in this process.

8. Research indicates students retain knowledge better when they are offered hands-on training. Simulation education allows students to learn by doing.

9. CEC funding is secure and the center is strongly supported by WVSOM’s administration.

10. The CEC is more than just OSCEs!

Board of Governors elects new officers At the Board of Governors meeting on June 22, newly-elected officers for the 20132014 academic year were announced. Cheryl Schreiber was elected chair. Charles Davis, D.O., WVSOM Class of ’82, was elected vice chair. Manuel Ballas, D.O., WVSOM Class of ’93, will be the new secretary.

Charity Richmond, executive administrative assistant with the General Counsel’s office, was appointed to be the Classified Staff Representative on the board. Patrick Craft, Class of 2015, will be the student representative.

In appreciation of his outstanding service and dedication to the school, Rodney Fink, D.O., Class of ’87, was recognized with a plaque bearing the gavel from his four-term service as chair of the board. He will continue to serve in a Member-atLarge capacity for another year.

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SCHOOL NEWS

WVSOM recognized as top medical school for 15th year WVSOM continues to be recognized as

one of the nation’s top medical schools for rural medicine.

The institution was ranked No. 9 in rural medicine by the U.S.News & World Report “America’s Best Graduate

Governor proclaimed April 3 WVSOM Day

Schools” 2014 annual publication. WVSOM was also ranked No. 13 in family medicine. The rankings recognize institutions that offer top programs in business, law, medicine, engineering and education,

Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin recognized the West Virginia School of

among other specialties.

Osteopathic Medicine’s efforts in educating lifelong learners

“A commitment to educating primary care physicians who will serve

and providing excellence in medical education. The governor

in rural areas is at the heart of WVSOM’s mission,” said President

presented a proclamation formally declaring April 3, 2013

Michael Adelman, D.O., J.D. “WVSOM’s recognition as a top medical

as “West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine Day” in the

school in rural and primary care speaks to the dedication of the

state because of the school’s mission to serve West Virginia

school’s faculty and staff to delivering an education which will enable

and provide quality health care for its residents.

our students to provide holistic, compassionate and capable care to

“West Virginia is home to hundreds of osteopathic doctors and

their future patients.”

we’re blessed with an outstanding training facility — the West

Results were calculated from a survey of 149 accredited M.D. and

Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine,” the governor said to

D.O. medical schools across the country.

an intimate group of WVSOM representatives. “The impact of the school and its doctors truly stretches across the state.”

WVSOM has produced more than 2,500 osteopathic physicians, many of whom practice as primary care and family medicine physicians. Tomblin said he is especially thankful to the physicians who provide service in rural communities.

Experimental award winners.

WVSOM, Sigma Xi host first-ever science fair

Non-experimental award winners.

“I want to recognize President Dr. Michael Adelman and Dr. Rodney Fink, chairman of WVSOM’s board, and the many faculty

members and administrators who have worked hard to provide our doctors with the knowledge and skills needed to

In May, the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM)

bring patient-centered, evidence-based medicine to West

partnered with the Greenbrier Valley Chapter of Sigma Xi to host the

Virginia,” he said.

first-ever Southern West Virginia Regional Middle School Science Fair.

The regional science fair invited students from Greenbrier, Monroe and Pocahontas counties to participate. All first, second and third place school or county winners were invited to attend, and up to 20 students per county were accommodated at the fair.

Gov. Tomblin delivered the framed proclamation to Adelman and Fink, with applause from guests.

“WVSOM is proud of the physicians we have trained during the past 40 years of our existence and we continue to be committed to training physicians who provide service to

The science fair included workshops for students with themes

West Virginia,” Adelman told the governor. “We thank you

centered on forensic science, microbiology, robotics and nutrition.

for this honor. It is deeply appreciated.”

Award winners were announced in both Experimental and NonExperimental categories.

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SCHOOL NEWS

Rural Health Workforce Day

On April 4, 10 WVSOM Rural Health Initiative students from the Class of 2014 participated in the Rural Health Workforce Day

Annual Career Day

at the West Virginia State Capitol in Charleston. Appointments

A visiting student from Ronceverte Elementary School implores one of WVSOM’s patient simulators to revive.

Approximately 80 elementary students visited the campus this spring for their Annual Career Day. In addition to a tour of the Clinical Evaluation Center, students were able to visit with anatomists and enjoy an Abracadabra Live performance featuring Magician Mike, Joey and Professor Science. They even received a special presentation from

were scheduled with senators and delegates from the home districts of several of the participating students.

“We prepared information packets for the students which contained talking points about the shortage of primary care providers in rural communities and how the RHI program at WVSOM is reinforcing rural primary care through its immersion programs and mentorships,” said Janet Hinton, program

the admissions office and learned it’s never too early to

coordinator for the student Rural Health Initiative.

begin planning for a career in medicine.

Once the students completed their scheduled discussions, they pursued further conversations with rural delegates to inquire

WVSOM provides HIV/AIDS education

about recruitment incentives for physicians interested in a rural medical practice.

WVSOM’s RHI students were recognized in the House of

WVSOM along with the support of the Office of Women’s

Delegates by Delegate Perdue (Wayne County), chair of the

Health (OWH), within the Office of the Assistant Secretary

House Health Subcommittee, as well as Delegate Ellington

for Health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human

of Mercer County and Delegate Canterbury from Greenbrier

Services, hosted a lecture and film screening in honor

County.

of National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day 2013. The event took place March 7 on the WVSOM

“Rural Health Workforce Day is an opportunity for the students to learn about financial assistance and practice opportunities

campus in Lewisburg.

that are available in West Virginia for rural health care

Members of the Lewisburg community were invited to

providers,” said Patti Crawford, WVSOM’s director of rural

learn more about the impact of HIV/AIDS with issues

outreach. “The Bureau for Public Health was there with their

relevant to awareness, status and treatments. The event

Division of Rural Health and Recruitment so the students had

featured a lecture by Dr. William Short, M.D., MPH,

an opportunity to enter into meaningful conversations about

assistant professor of medicine at Jefferson Medical

rural health care delivery.”

College and Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, who has broad experience in caring for women with HIV. A screening of the PBS Frontline documentary “The Age of AIDS” followed the lecture.

The event was funded in part by the Office of Women’s Health. The WVSOM Student Osteopathic Internal Medicine Association and Student Affairs office hosted the event.

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WVSOM library hosts two traveling exhibits this spring

On May 7-10, WVSOM faculty and staff travelled to Louisville for the 36th Annual Rural

The West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine hosted not one, but two traveling exhibits this spring — both of which were a glimpse into the past.

Health Conference sponsored by the National

“Life and Limb: The Toll of the Civil War” is a National Library of Medicine

Rural Health Association (NRHA).

Lorenzo Pence, D.O., vice president of

exhibit, which explores the experiences of

academic affairs and dean, and Stephanie

disabled Civil War veterans who were forced

Schuler, executive director of the Clinical

to sacrifice their limbs in order to save their

Evaluation Center, presented “Building an

lives. The exhibit ran from Feb. 11 through

infrastructure for retaining rural physicians.”

March 23.

They shared the process by which WVSOM

Mary Essig, WVSOM library director, said

created a statewide hospital and clinic infrastructure to prepare third- and fourth-year

the exhibit focused on the stories of disabled veterans rather than the surgeons,

medical students for rural primary care and

physicians and nurses whose stories are

to improve recruitment and retention of rural

richly documented from that time.

physicians.

Dr. Pence partnered on a second presentation

“This was more than just the general history

titled “Recruiting health professionals to rural

of Civil War and Civil War medicine,” she

areas: A state and institutional collaborative.”

said. “There’s a lot of interest in that history, but the contribution of disabled veterans

Contributors included Jennifer Plymale,

often gets forgotten.”

Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Robert C. Byrd Center for Rural

The Life and Limb exhibit offered WVSOM

Health associate admissions dean and director; Larry Rhodes, M.D., West Virginia University Institute for Community and Rural department interim chair; and Robert Walker, M.D., West Virginia Higher Education Policy

approach for developing rural health initiatives at each of the three medical schools.

Wayne Miller, Ph.D., program director for WVSOM’s Center for Rural and Community

workshop on “Solving community health worker

the center’s efforts to standardize training for Community Health Education Resource

Century. The exhibit letters document

to medical instruments to the creation of an

the daily life of a rural medical practice

“Invalid Corps” in 1863.

through several generations, revealing

member, provided a special medical presentation during the exhibit’s reception.

its challenges and rewards through changing times. It was on display May 20 through June 29.

Essig said the exhibit focused on letters

Wilson has also served as a re-enactor in

between 1786 and 1907, which detailed

the Battle of Lewisburg. Authentic medical

the personal lives of the physicians and

handled scalpel used in neurosurgery,

community health educator, delivered a

Community Health Workers and shared

and worked in Virginia during the 19th

instruments on display were an ivory-

Health (CRCH), and Haylee Heinsberg, CRCH

and complexities of training and utilizing

a glimpse into the medical field between

and former WVSOM Board of Governors

They explored West Virginia’s statewide

perplexities.” They explored the challenges

of a family of physicians who lived

Kendall Wilson, D.O., a local physician

Commission health sciences vice chancellor.

exhibit, provided insight into the lives

students and local community members 1861 and 1865 — from common surgeries

Health rural programs director and pediatrics

“The Henkel Physicians: A Family’s Life in Letters,” the library’s spring

tortoiseshell-folding scalpel similar to a pocketknife and a fleam, a handheld instrument used for bloodletting.

Reproduced instruments on display included a bone saw, instrument box and

their extended families. The letters cover events like the Civil War, a murder trial and smallpox outbreaks.

“The Henkels lived and practiced in New Market, Va., and because of this Lewisburg gets several mentions in the letters,” she said.

an anesthesia cone used to sedate patients during surgery.

Persons (CHERPs) in the state.

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SCHOOL NEWS

WVSOM presents at Rural Health Conference

SCHOOL NEWS

Realistic airway

Hail Caesar

Automated verbal response and sounds

His name is “Caesar™” and he is marketed as the world’s most rugged patient simulator.

This summer, WVSOM welcomed a new Point-of-Injury Trauma Care Simulator to the CEC. Built to educate health care responders on trauma, disaster response and combat casualty care, this unit provides clinical accuracy and realism for injury scenarios which might include IED detonation, multiple gunshot wounds or simply falling out of a tree.

Features include blinking and directional eye movement, his eyes following the health

Palpable ribs

care provider as he is examined, as well as multiple pulse points, palpable ribs, six bleeding ports and automated verbal responses (aka “screams of pain”) or speech patterns reflecting various states of consciousness and treatment.

In addition to dramatic bleeding effects, Caesar’s four limbs display automatic physiological responses to tourniquet applications. His interchangeable legs can be arranged to represent amputation or shrapnel wounds.

This brings the number of patient simulators now available for student training to 22. And with the addition of Caesar, WVSOM adds depth to its training capabilities, particularly for physicians who may pursue careers with the military or work in rural emergency rooms.

“We have made a real effort to ensure that the Clinical Evaluation Center is in the position to offer high quality simulation experiences that meet the variety of needs of the WVSOM community,” said Stephanie Schuler, executive director. “Our latest simulation mannequin, Caesar, allows us to expand these experiences to include outdoor venues.

Exposure to dirt, rain, leaves and other debris will not affect Caesar’s capabilities,

Wireless and tetherless with blood on board

which allows us flexibility in simulation integration such as a scenario that begins in an outdoor environment and ends up in a emergency room and eventually hospital admission.”

Blinking and directional eye movement

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Tourniquet sensors in four limbs provide accurate response to properly applied tourniquets

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Ligh tw is bu eight, r ug il envi t to surv ged tab ronm le i ents ve harsh t PC . work

SCHOOL NEWS

Health conference takes place on campus

The Health Professions Advisors Conference (HPAC) brought pre-med advisors from universities throughout West Virginia and surrounding states to Lewisburg’s campus in March.

The event was geared toward advisors at institutions where WVSOM representatives conduct recruiting visits. It helps to keep other schools informed of WVSOM’s latest admissions requirements, the applications process and provides an opportunity for individuals to speak with faculty and administrators. The information is vital in sharing with potential students from undergraduate colleges and universities, according to Danny Seams, WVSOM interim admissions

Japanese osteopathic students make annual visit to WVSOM

program administrator.

Twenty-seven pre-med advisors attended the event, which

Japanese osteopathic students traveled across the globe to learn

included 11 representatives from West Virginia, eight from

more about anatomy and osteopathic manipulation at WVSOM.

Virginia, four from Maryland, two from Tennessee, one from

Each year WVSOM hosts the Japanese visitors, this year from the

North Carolina and one from Ohio. Guests received an OPP presentation and demonstration from Celia McLay, D.O.,

Japan College of Osteopathy (JCO), from June 10-14. In Japan,

participated in a Mini-Med school presented by Andrea

osteopaths are not recognized as full physicians practicing

Nazar, D.O. and WVSOM students and attended a dinner

medicine. While the Japanese osteopathic students can perform

at the Elks Club. The following day included an Advisors

osteopathic manipulation once they have graduated, they cannot perform surgeries or prescribe medicine to patients.

Networking Breakfast in the alumni center, the viewing of a

During the visit, student visitors are given a tour of campus and

Schriefer and an admissions presentation.

mock interview, a curriculum overview presentation by Dr. John

participate in an intense anatomy dissection. The dissection allows students to have a full understanding of how the human body is

Rural Practice Day

organized and how osteopathic techniques affect muscles, tissues and organs. It’s an experience that Japanese osteopathic students

The second annual Rural Practice Day, hosted by WVSOM’s Rural

do not have in their country.

Health Initiative, targeted medical school students considering a career in rural medicine.

This year, the students were given the opportunity to meet the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) President Ray E. Stowers,

The March 9 event included rural D.O.s sharing their experiences.

D.O. He stated the importance of building strong relationships

The physicians included Mark Waddell, Millie Petersen, Tom Asher,

among other schools within the osteopathic profession. The goal

Karen Asher and Dino Beckett. Martha Endres and Karen Pauley

of this cooperative agreement is to ultimately help Japanese

provided information in a financial incentives workshop.

osteopathic students receive full rights as physicians in the future,

Other workshops included: Women in Rural Medicine — Kelly

according to organizer Peter Ward, Ph.D., associate professor of

Barki and Lori Tucker. Quality of rural life — Steve Thompson and

anatomy.

Amanda Michaels. Wilderness Medicine — Steve Eshenaur and Lisa Hrutkey.

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SCHOOL NEWS

RECOGNITION

WVSOM named a Great College to Work For The West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine is once

The institution is guided by the belief that when employees

again being recognized for its commitment to providing

are recognized for their hard work and achievement, it

one of the top places to work in West Virginia and the

provides an environment for employees to succeed.

country.

Leslie Bicksler, WVSOM associate vice president of human

For the third straight year, The Chronicle of Higher

resources, said the recognition is a testament to the value

Education has listed WVSOM as one of the best colleges

and contribution of each employee.

to work for. The results, released in The Chronicle’s annual

“I appreciate the opportunity to come to work each day in

report on academic workplaces, are based on a survey of

a supportive and collegial work environment, which also

more than 300 colleges and universities.

provides employees with the resources and tools to do

An independent survey of employees was performed at

their jobs well,” she said.

participating institutions with WVSOM earning high marks

The Chronicle is one of the nation’s most important

for its performance in five workplace categories.

sources of news about colleges and universities. Editor

WVSOM was recognized for: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Liz McMillen said this survey continues to showcase the

Professional/career-development programs Teaching environment Compensation and benefits Facilities, workspaces and security Respect and appreciation

excellence among colleges and universities.

“The institutions that the Great Colleges program recognizes provide innovative educational experiences while also offering their employees outstanding workplace experiences,” she said.

The survey results are based on a two-part assessment

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

process: an institutional audit that captured demographics

credits the commitment of faculty and staff to creating a

and workplace policies from each institution, and a survey

quality work environment.

administered to faculty, administrators and professional

“This recognition is a tribute to the many people in our

support staff. The primary factor in deciding whether an

organization who are dedicated to excellence and who

institution received recognition was employee feedback.

have worked hard to build a collaborative community that fosters success,” Adelman said. “Every day I have the pleasure of working with people who are invested in their work and in creating positive outcomes for our medical students and for the state of West Virginia.”

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FACULTY & STAFF

Sally Cooper April 21, 2005 Director – Institutional Development

William Lemley, D.O.

Tom Steele, D.O.

Feb. 16, 1996

July 1, 1992

Statewide Campus Regional

Professor – Family Practice

Assistant Dean – Southeast

RETIREES The following faculty and staff members retired from WVSOM this year. We honor them and express deep appreciation for their dedication and service to the institution.

Donna Varney Aug. 1, 2002

Judith Westerick, Ph.D.

Director – Admissions

July 25, 1977 Professor – Biochemistry

Jeanne Wahl, D.O.

Zachary Comeaux, D.O.

July 24, 2006

Aug. 17, 2001

Assistant Professor – Family Practice

Professor – Osteopathic Principles and Practice (OPP)

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FACULTY & STAFF

PROFESSOR EMERITA

Steele becomes first registered U.S. osteopathic physician in South Africa

For years, Karen Steele, D.O., has traveled the world blazing trails for the osteopathic profession. Recently the retired WVSOM professor emerita and former associate dean of osteopathic medical education set a milestone by becoming the first registered osteopathic physician in South Africa.

status of osteopathic physicians in South Africa, she began the process to become a fully-registered physician so she could volunteer as a physician.

She and Ms. Biesemeyer met with officials in the Western Cape, home to the richest of the rich and the poorest of the poor and where the majority of the population is medically underserved. In the two capitol provinces, Western Cape and Gauteng, they met with government leaders, including the National Minister of Health, who were supportive of the idea of a fullylicensed American osteopathic physician

Steele’s registration opens the door for American Trained Osteopathic Physicians (ATOPs) to initiate registration, if they wish to move to South Africa to practice medicine full-time.

providing care.

The decision rested in the hands of the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA), the licensing board for all medical practitioners in the country. South Africa

“I was delighted,” Steele said upon

is an area rich with local culture and

learning the official news. “The process

values. It was understood that persuading

has taken two years, five trips and many

the HPCSA to allow a U.S. osteopathic

presentations in South Africa by Ms.

physician full practice rights would not

Adrienne Belafonte Biesemeyer and

happen instantly.

myself, the endorsement of WVSOM, the encouragement of the AOA and the support of the Anir Foundation. Since others had tried before us without success, I believe that to get this accomplished in two years is pretty amazing.”

“It took 80 years for osteopathic physicians to be recognized in every state in the U.S. and we were trying to convince the South African government to recognize the American-trained osteopathic physician model in just two years,” said Biesemeyer,

In South Africa, osteopaths are limited in

a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC),

practice and considered part of the allied

one of WVSOM’s learning specialists and

health group classification, not physicians.

coordinator for WVSOM’s International

Until now, they could not practice as

Studies program.

medical doctors — even on a volunteer basis. During Steele’s trips to South Africa, she educated the local medical community about ATOPs and osteopathic manipulative techniques.

50

Steele explained. Wanting to change the

Some of that convincing came with the help of the Anir Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded by Biesemeyer and her daughter that promotes cultural understanding between people in the

In many other countries, “D.O.” stands for

Americas, the United Kingdom and

“Diplomat of Osteopathy,” not “Doctor,”

Southern and Central African nations

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The national medical board in South Africa uses

public health and infectious medicine rotations there with the support of the medical school.”

the same organization as the U.S. to vet foreign

The American Osteopathic Association has stated

physicians. The Education Commission for

that international medicine is an important

Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG), a nonprofit

part of physician training. Thanks to Steele’s

group dedicated to international medical

accomplishment, WVSOM is ahead of the curve,

education, helps physicians acquire credentials

Biesemeyer added.

related to medical education, training and licensure.

Steele is humbled by the opportunity she’s been granted.

For Steele, receiving registration in South Africa isn’t just another milestone in her osteopathic career — its real value is in being able to help the underserved, whether providing education to caregivers or providing medical care to the orphaned children she has come to know over

“I hope this will open up other countries for American-trained osteopathic physicians and open up more rotations,” she said. “As an institution, for WVSOM to have the vision to allow this to happen is huge.”

The institution’s leaders recognize the valuable

the years.

“My goal is to be able to go into the orphanages and into the cities and teach caregivers to do simple manipulative techniques in order to have better outcomes,” she said. “Access to medical care is difficult for a huge part of the community there, especially in townships where the very poor live. For me to be able to teach caregivers simple techniques could make a huge difference in the health of the people.”

knowledge and experience students gain from international service and how it serves health care needs at home, particularly in the area of rural primary care. The AOA’s Bureau on International Osteopathic Medical Education and Affairs (BIOMEA) 2011 White Paper states: “Research indicates that international health experiences have positive educational outcomes, including increasing the likelihood of choosing a primary care career 1 and interest in serving

During visits to South Africa, she spent a majority of her time working with children in the Baphumelele Orphanage. There she saw

underserved populations in the U.S. …”

How did Steele achieve what others could not?

neglected and orphaned children affected by

“I’ve been called a gentle bulldozer and that’s

HIV/AIDS/TB and with a variety of autoimmune

how I worked all my life,” she said. “The world

diseases.

I lived in when I was going to medical school in

“I thought if we could help the children’s immune systems deal with the infections they were having then we could change, in some small way, their

the early ’70s is not the one students experience now. There are many differences (for the better) and I’m glad for that.”

Volunteer registration in South Africa is

outcomes,” she said.

In South Africa, Steele is known fondly as “Dr. Karen,” a friend and protector to those she treats.

applicable for one year. Steele is in the process of extending her registration so she can return to Baphumelele Orphanage in February 2014.

Currently, three ATOPs from WVSOM are applying

“‘Dr. Karen’ is opening a door for other

for volunteer status in South Africa, as well as a

physicians,” Biesemeyer said. “In addition,

D.O. practicing in Virginia.

WVSOM students will now be able to complete Thompson et al (Educational effects of international health electives on U.S. and Canadian medical students and residents: A literature review. Acad Med. 2003; 78:332-347) 1

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FACULTY & STAFF

through volunteer opportunities.

FACULTY & STAFF

NEW FACULTY HIRED

Predrag Krajacic, M.D.

Charles McClung, D.O.

Andrew Thompson, Ph.D. Rebecca Kelso, P.h.D.

Assistant professor (neuroscience) of biomedical sciences

Assistant professor of osteopathic principles and practices

Assistant professor of biomedical sciences

Anatomy instructor Kelso completed her Ph.D. at

Dr. Thompson received his Ph.D.

the University of Tennessee

Dr. Krajacic is a graduate of the

Dr. McClung is a WVSOM

in anthropology from Indiana

this spring. She has a Masters

School of Medicine, University

graduate and is board certified

University Bloomington. He has a

and Bachelors degree in

of Belgrade, Serbia and has

by the American Osteopathic

Master of Science degree in

anthropology from the

completed postdoctoral training

Board of Family Physicians and

human anatomy, a Master of

University of Alabama with

in muscle physiology at the

American Osteopathic Board of

Arts degree in anthropology and

a concentration in physical

University of Pennsylvania.

Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine.

a Bachelor of Arts degree in

anthropology — skeletal biology,

Most recently he has been

Prior to opening the McClung

anthropology. Dr. Thompson was

dental anthropology. Kelso’s

working with the University of

Health and Wellness Center in

an archeologist for the U.S. Forest

research interests focus on

Pennsylvania in the Perelman

Lewisburg, Dr. McClung worked

Service and has spent the last

the growth and development

School of Medicine/Department

at the Northern Greenbrier

several years as an associate

of the juvenile skeleton under

of Physiology. Dr. Krajacic’s overall

Clinic as a staff physician and

instructor at Indiana University

varying nutritional and health

research goals in the field of

then medical director. In the

in the Anthropology and Medical

conditions. Her current research

physiology/neuroscience are to

past, Dr. McClung has served

Sciences Departments.

focuses on the skeletal effects

identify molecular mechanisms

as an adjunct faculty member

of childhood obesity on lower

that underlie neuromuscular

at WVSOM, as a part-time

limb morphology.

signaling and pathology at the

temporary clinical instructor in

neuromuscular junction (NMJ)

the Osteopathic Principles and

during disease states and aging,

Practice (OPP) division and as

as well as identify strategies to

a speaker at various WVSOM

improve neuromuscular function

conferences.

during these conditions.

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FACULTY & STAFF

Patricia Canfield, M.D. Professor of pathology Dr. Canfield received her degree in medicine from the University

E. Dwight Bundy, D.O., M.P.H. Statewide Campus Regional Assistant Dean — Southeast region

Kristina McGraw, D.O. Assistant professor of clinical sciences

Lourdes Bernardino, M.D. Assistant professor of pathology

Dr. McGraw is a 2010 graduate of WVSOM and is a graduate of

Dr. Bernardino received

She completed her pathology

Dr. Bundy is a WVSOM graduate

West Virginia University Institute

her Doctor of Medicine

residency at the University

and received his Master of Public

of Technology with a Bachelor of

degree from the UERM

of Cincinnati where she was

Health from Johns Hopkins

Science degree in biology. She

Memorial Medical Center in

the chief resident in clinical

University. He has spent his

completed a family medicine

the Philippines. She has a

pathology. Her undergraduate

career working in primary care

residency at Greenbrier Valley

Bachelor of Science degree

degree in general science and

and occupational medicine in

Medical Center in June.

in chemistry from the College

biology is from Thomas More

southeast West Virginia as well

of the Holy Spirit also in the

College in Edgewood, Ky. Dr.

as within the U.S. Army. Most

Philippines. Dr. Bernardino is

Canfield is board certified in

recently, he served as a lab

board certified in molecular

clinical pathology and as a

instructor for Clinical Skills 1 and

genetic pathology as well

medical review officer.

2 at WVSOM.

as anatomic pathology. She

of Louisville in Louisville, Ky.

completed her anatomic pathology residency at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Manhattan, N.Y.; completed a surgical pathology fellowship at the Georgia Health Sciences University in Augusta; and completed a molecular genetic pathology fellowship at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics.

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FACULTY & STAFF

NEW FACULTY HIRED

TRANSITION

Abigail Frank, D.O.

Jennifer Bailey, D.O.

David Beatty, D.O.

Assistant professor of family practice

Assistant professor of pediatrics

Chair of Osteopathic Principles and Practice Department

Dr. Frank obtained her Doctor

Dr. Bailey is a WVSOM graduate,

of Osteopathic Medicine

and prior to her education

Dr. Beatty is a tenured OPP

degree from WVSOM in

at WVSOM, she received her

professor and has been a

2010. Prior to her education

Bachelor of Science degree in

member of the department

at WVSOM, she received

pre-professional biology from

since 1997, as well as serving

a Bachelor of Arts degree

Concord University. Dr. Bailey

as chair of the department in

from The Colorado College

was a co-chief resident in her

the past. Dr. Beatty completed

in Colorado Springs, Colo.

pediatric residency at West

medical school at University

in neuroscience with an

Virginia University.

of Medicine and Dentistry of

emphasis on psychology. She

New Jersey (UMDNJ) School

completed her family practice

of Osteopathic Medicine

residency at Greenbrier Valley

and received a Bachelor of

Medical Center.

Arts degree in biology from Randolph-Macon College. He completed a residency in OMM at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and is board certified in NMM (AOA).

He has taught at UMDNJSOM and Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine.

54

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FACULTY & STAFF

NEWS

Patient care research published Gretchen Lovett, associate professor in

Fogle returns from military duty

Clinical Sciences; Stephanie Schuler, executive director of the Clinical Evaluation

Richard Fogle, D.O., spent three months on a tour of duty with the National Guard at Camp Phoenix in Afghanistan. He returned in November with the satisfaction of

Center; Lorenzo Pence, vice president of Academic Affairs and Dean; and Michael

serving his country and providing care to soldiers.

Antolini, Class of 2012; have received

The 2008 WVSOM graduate was featured in the Fall 2012 WVSOM Magazine and

Medical Encounter published by the American

upon his return he shared stories about his military duties.

publication in the Winter 2012/2013 issue of Academy on Communication in Healthcare

According to Fogle, he saw every ailment and injury imaginable such as soldiers

(AACH).

with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, pneumonia, shrapnel injuries, orthopedic

The article “There is Time for Patient-

injuries, ankle sprains, broken toes, lower back pain and most commonly diarrhea complaints.

Centered Care” documents the results of communications and interpersonal skills

For the pains of everyday wear and tear on a soldier, Fogle performed osteopathic

training as measured during Objective

manipulative treatments.

Structured Clinical Evaluations (OSCEs) of

“I did a lot of OMT, especially on the female soldiers, because they have to wear the same amount of weight and equipment as the guys wear,” he said. “I got a lot of pelvic sheers. They loved the OMT because I could fix their pain.”

110 third-year students and 212 secondyear students. The results demonstrated a statistically significant correlation between scores on the biomedical and communication

In Fogle’s experience, the Army is very “D.O. friendly.” The acceptance of osteopathic

domains and indicated that students who

physicians in the field emerged after the Vietnam War.

were the top communicators were also more

The physician said he is happy to treat patients with osteopathic techniques and help educate others on the benefits of osteopathic medicine.

“We do these treatments in the Army and the soldiers love it,” he said. “There is always a wonderful response to the OMT.”

likely to be the top gatherers of pertinent biomedical data.

In a strictly time-limited, simulated clinical encounter, the study showed there was time to treat the whole person without sacrificing

Fogle’s clinical environment provided him with a full pharmacy, but minimal lab

biomedical acumen. (Lovett, G; Antolini,

equipment and X-ray machines. He wasn’t accommodated with the luxuries of most

M; Schuler, S; and Pence, L. (2013). There

stateside clinics. However, overseas he had access to a walk-in blood bank where

is time for patient-centered care. Medical

each soldier and medic was blood typed. When there was a need for blood the

Encounter, Vol 26, No 4, Winter, pp. 87-89.)

physician knew which soldiers to approach. Fogle had served overseas before and adjusted easily to the new protocols.

He also knew how to adjust back to the civilian world, even though he was required to spend a week in demobilization at Ft. Benning, Ga. “When I got back I just jumped back in with both feet,” he said.

Fogle is an assistant professor of geriatrics at WVSOM and has been in the Army National Guard for the past eight years. He also treats patients at the Robert C. Byrd Clinic in Lewisburg.

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FACULTY & STAFF

IN MEMORIAM

Dr. John Chambers 1929 - 2013

With great sadness, we share the passing of Dr. John Chambers, 83, on June 22, 2013, at his home in Parsons, W.Va. He had been in declining health.

RECOLLECTIONS

“Dr. Chambers looked like a Confederate General. He had the ability to take pharmacology and demonstrate how it connected to all the other courses we were taking — not everyone can do that.

He knew his material.”

Lorenzo Pence, D.O., VP of Academic Affairs & Dean, WVSOM ‘85

“As a system chairman, I went to about 200 of John Chambers’ endocrine pharmacology lectures.

He was a master at briefly reviewing the basic science our students had just studied, and this helped them better understand the actions of medicines used for the treatment of endocrine disorders that he subsequently lectured about. With chalk, blackboard, and easily understood summaries of endocrine anatomy, physiology, biochemistry and pathology he melded those 56

A long-time faculty member at WVSOM, Chambers joined the school on July 1, 1976, and retired on June 30, 1997. A favorite of faculty and students alike, he earned numerous awards and citations for excellence in teaching.

He was born Nov. 7, 1929, in Richmond, Ky., a son of the late Clarence and Catherine Griggs Chambers.

On June 6, 1965, in Nashville, Ky., he married the former Nancy Caroline Allen, who preceded him in death on Oct. 28, 2009. They had celebrated 44 years of marriage.

Surviving are two sons, Michael Chambers and wife, Leah Richie, of Lynnfield, Mass., and Matthew Chambers and wife, Maggie, of Parsons; two sisters, Marietta McBride of Richmond, Ky., and Martha Harris of Eugene, Ore.; two brothers, Charles and Donald Chambers, both of Richmond, Ky.; nine grandchildren, Amanda, Heather, Catherine, John, Christopher, Samantha, Erin, Maria and Sarah Chambers; and several nieces, nephews and their descendants.

Chambers was raised and educated in Richmond, Ky., working much of his early life on the family dairy farm. He continued his education and received a B.S. in chemistry from Eastern Kentucky University, then earned his Ph.D. in pharmacology at Vanderbilt. Afterwards, he taught at the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond, Va., followed by 21 years as a faculty member at WVSOM.

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Larry Davis, Ph.D., Professor of Biochemistry, 1977-2007

“My memory of John Chambers is as a sage amongst the faculty, someone who had experienced academia for awhile and offered opinions and advice that was given a lot of credence whenever there was a faculty debate. He stated his opinions in a slow, deliberate and wise manner. And his Kentucky accent didn’t hurt either.

For many years, John and his wife Nancy hosted the annual Atlas Club Pig Roast at his farm. There were a lot of wonderful memories generated at these time-honored events, and they were almost universally attended by both students and faculty.”

Robert M. Fisk, Jr., Ph.D., M.A., Professor of Anatomy

Gloria Martin and Bill Martin, Ph.D., WVSOM Professor of Anatomy, 19802006

“Dr. John Chambers is a WVSOM legend. The alumni revere him more than any other WVSOM faculty member I know. He truly was a great teacher who made a lasting impact on the school. I will always remember him for his brilliant mind, his love of Civil War history, the pig roasts at his beloved farm and his great Southern drawl! Dr. John is very much missed by those who had the good fortune to know him.”

“Dr. Chambers’ lecture on the pharmacology of alcohol was without a doubt one of the very best lectures of all time. He made a difference in the lives of so many of us … there will never be another one like him.”

James W. Nemitz, Ph.D., VP for Administration & External Relations

Darryll W. Barksdale, D.O., M.S., F.A.E.P., WVSOM ‘86

“We have all suffered a great loss by the passing of Dr. Chambers, but we are all fortunate beneficiaries of his legacy.”

David B. Winter, D.O., WVSOM ‘81 WVSOM MAGAZINE

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FACULTY & STAFF

“John Chambers was a ‘one-of-a-kind’ person, an excellent teacher, and had a great friendship with students, faculty and staff. Our fondest memories were the famous pig roasts that were held at the Chambers’ farm every spring. It began on Friday afternoon and continued through the night with students overseeing (or not) the roasting of the pig. On Saturday, families of students, faculty and staff would come to the farm with potluck dishes and kids in tow for a fun afternoon of games, eating, drinking and hanging out. It was an annual event that everyone looked forward to and John and Nancy had a great time as well.”

principles into his teaching of pharmacology. His expertise in the classroom contributed to our students’ proven proficiency in pharmacology, and his good humor was a welcome part of the process.”

ALUMNI

D.O.s and international medicine He was about 13 years old, but his stature reflected that of a 9 year old. Alfredo (name changed) befriended our medical team hoping to escape the clutches of his local gang. To break away from the gang was a death sentence, but where can an ex-gang member find refuge?

desire to start a new life. Throughout the week of seeing many patients in the community, as well as the local prison, we had three policemen wielding AK-47s guarding us at all times. They were there to protect us from violence or kidnapping and never left our side as we saw patient after patient each day. We also provided the guards personal medical care for which they expressed their appreciation.

They knew Alfredo had befriended us and was shadowing us during our stay. He

I was part of a medical team providing

was granted permission to remain at the

medical services in a community in Tela on

mission site for the night where the guards

the northern coast of Honduras. I was the

were also encamped.

only D.O. among several M.D.s, medical students, nurses, pharmacists and ancillary volunteers. As our bus crested a hill among the banana plantation fields, seven bodies were lined up on the side of the road slain by a small army of armed policemen. We were the first to arrive on the scene and just minutes away from being in the middle of a shootout between law enforcement and the drug cartel.

Welcome to Tela and the beginning of our medical mission experience.

Alfredo and his father were abandoned by his mother when he was about 5 years old. He and his father were homeless, living on the streets. Soon after, his father abandoned him also, leaving Alfredo to wander the streets alone, eating out of garbage cans. Joining a local street gang seemed to be his only hope for survival.

Branding with the gang’s tattoos was a required ritual to demonstrate his loyalty to his new found “family.” Death would be the only way to sever the relationship and the tattoos, which he attempted to hide, as they were permanent reminders of whom he owed his allegiance.

58

we could to help him in his expressed

However, while Alfredo was sleeping at the compound and presumed to be safe, the guards kidnapped him because of his tattoos and gang association. They did not arrest him or file criminal charges against him. His gang was their enemy and his desire for a life change made no difference to them. During the night they hung him by his arms from the rafters of their bunkhouse, stripped him and tortured him with beatings and cigarette burns to his body. It did not matter that he was our friend.

Once Alfredo re-joined us the following day and we saw the extent of his injuries, we provided him medical care. There was no Social Service program to which to refer him and local church leaders advised against entrusting him to the care of local law enforcement. He asked us to help him escape to a safer haven so he could begin a new and more promising life — a life away from the gangs and away from the local police. We arranged for him to move to the capital city of Tegucigalpa where he would be sponsored by a local pastor’s family, attend a private school with tutoring

He sought us for assistance. Our group

and receive counseling. We knew this

welcomed him and wanted to do anything

may be a difficult transition for him, but

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*

Dr. Holstein is a board certified family physician residing with his wife, Jean, in Inverness, Fla. He is in private practice and participates in short-term medical missions nationally and internationally.

professionals desiring to serve in various

desperately seeking help and we were

capacities. Some of our D.O.s go to other

attempting to provide him assistance. I

countries to provide Continuing Medical

would like very much to tell you that the

Education courses upon invitation of

story ended “happily ever after.” However,

the local medical community. I have

shortly after our return to the U.S. we

been involved in medical missions since

received word that Alfredo had run away

my undergraduate studies at Anderson

from his new home and returned to Tela.

University and was recently a speaker

He was murdered by his former gang for

at a Missions Conference in Indiana for

his betrayal.

Children of Promise, lecturing on Tropical

ALUMNI

he was faced with few options. He was

Diseases, Disaster Response and Human

Medical missions and international

Trafficking. Many WVSOM alumni are

medicine is an immersion into new cultures and various social experiences.

As osteopathic physicians we are

engaged in similar opportunities of service in international medicine.

challenged daily to become involved in

As charter President of the local chapter

the social issues facing our patients. Our

of the Christian Medical & Dental

response may prove beneficial or it may

Association at WVSOM, I am elated to

not. The important thing is that we take

know that WVSOM allows opportunities

on the risk and confront the challenges

for our students, faculty, staff and

facing us, to become immersed in total

volunteers to serve in international

patient care. Alfredo had reached out to

medical opportunities abroad. DOCARE

us for help and would face certain death if

and other Osteopathic organizations

he remained in his present situation. We

also provide ways to serve. Global Health

responded. We engaged.

Outreach (GHO) provides opportunities for physicians to serve abroad. Mission

If we as osteopathic physicians are to care about the “whole” person, then we will willingly engage with our patients in ways that extend beyond the treatment of disease and meeting physical needs.

to the World (MTW), Samaritan’s Purse and Doctors Without Borders are among a multitude of other agencies with which to get involved.

Most of my diagnosis and treatment as

International medical experiences

a family physician involves counseling

provide lifelong memories, enhance

and discussions regarding family and

your worldview and create a passion for

personal issues. A prescription pad may

serving others, whether internationally

be inadequate. A diagnostic test may be

or in Appalachia, or in inner cities or

insufficient. You may be what they need

locally in your own practice. Through

the most at that moment. Your response

such experiences, your life will forever be

may prove beneficial or it may not. Yes, a

changed. I guarantee it. I challenge you to

referral may be prudent and necessary,

consider participating.

but the most important thing is that you engage.

Thanks to president Adelman and the WVSOM administration for recognizing

It is exciting to see the international

the value of the international medical

medical community recognizing and

experience as a positive influence in

accepting the credentials of osteopathic

the lives of our students and in their

physicians and welcoming their services

educational endeavors.

worldwide. Ministers of Health in many

Robert B. Holstein, D.O., ‘79

countries readily accept D.O.s as medical

WVSOM Alumni Association President

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ALUMNI

ALUMNI PROFILE

WVSOM alumna crowned Mrs. West Virginia America In 2006, Kassandra Milam walked across the stage to receive her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from WVSOM. Four years later she walked across a pageant stage in hopes of representing the state as Mrs. West Virginia.

Milam has only participated in three pageants. She started competing as a way to bond with her sister, a frequent pageant participant. But her lack

pageants as trivial, the best programs evolved to reward the scholarship of women and eradicate barriers to advancement.

As one of this year’s 51 delegates, Milam admits it can be difficult to juggle family, pageants and work. For the past four years, Milam has practiced at Summersville Pediatrics with physician privileges at Summersville Regional Medical Center.

“My faith and my family come first,” she said. “My husband and two sons are my life.

Everything else just falls into place. Work takes up most of my time but I squeeze in

doesn’t mean she’s

She would like to break down the stereotype

Mrs. West Virginia Law Enforcement pageant, in 2010. (Milam’s husband is a West Virginia State Trooper.) She was firstrunner up in her second pageant, the Mrs. West Virginia America pageant.

On Feb. 16, she took another stab at the Mrs. West Virginia

that pageants always celebrate physical beauty over intelligence or humanitarian qualities, pointing out that the Mrs. America pageant brings attention to the accomplishments of women who successfully balance the demands of family life with other professional and personal accomplishments.

The WVSOM graduate remembers how the medical school shaped her life, stimulating her interest in rural medicine and advocacy for children’s health and welfare.

America pageant in

“Throughout residency I was interested in

Charleston and won.

primary care medicine and a rural location,”

Now Milam will represent West Virginia in the nationally televised Mrs. America pageant competition Aug. 28 in Tucson, Ariz. According to the pageant’s website, the organization is dedicated to presenting America’s 70 million married

she said. “I feel like practicing medicine in a rural area allows you to be a more important part of your patients’ lives. Knowing more about their everyday struggles makes it easier to make a difference. You get to know the community, the school and teachers, as well as the activities kids participate in.”

women as not only beautiful and poised, but

The Ansted, W.Va., native said she hopes

also accomplished, articulate and versatile.

to bring as much attention and awareness

In 1978, the year the pageant began, WVSOM was graduating its first class of osteopathic physicians, 11 percent of whom

women. While some find it easy to dismiss

pageant activities on my non-call weekends.”

her first pageant, the

— 46 percent of WVSOM’s students are

of pageant experience lacking wins. She won

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were women. Compare that to today’s data

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as she can to children’s organizations and charities during her time as Mrs. West Virginia America.

ALUMNI

ALUMNI PROFILE

Improvisation saves a life

provide their most interesting cases demonstrating new and emerging technologies in the area of coronary intervention, endovascular intervention

Making life and death decisions comes

and structural heart disease.

with the territory of being a physician but

What was the solution?

some decisions are more challenging than others requiring an unorthodox approach and fresh, new thinking within tight time constraints.

“We had used this ClearWay™ drug delivery balloon for other procedures, usually for the legs and heart, but never in the lungs,” Nicholas said. After

Such was the case for Michael Nicholas,

consulting with the hospital and patient

D.O., Class of

and getting the necessary approvals, they

1979, when he

tried it in the lung. It worked. Later, it was

and his medical

revealed that their solution represented

collaborators at

only the fourth time in the world the

Franciscan St.

technique had been attempted.

Margaret Health in northwest Indiana had to make a quick judgment call to save the life of an

Nicholas, the interventional cardiology program director at the health center, said the team quickly did its homework before deciding to proceed. “This particular balloon gently infuses a drug within the clot to break it up,” he said.

elderly patient.

Utilizing the ClearWay™ device may

A massive

have seemed an unconventional

pulmonary

solution at the time, but it was backed

embolism had

by conventional research and a solid

traveled from

understanding of the technology. The

her leg to her

result: a life-or-death decision with a

lung, obstructing

happy outcome and a grateful patient

blood flow and

given more time to enjoy life.

threatening her heart function.

There was an immediate need to dissolve the clot and restore blood flow.

Nicholas credits the other members of the interventional cardiology team at Franciscan St. Margaret who worked together to address the patient’s emergency including Michael Nuyles,

Their solution to this medical emergency

D.O., and David Braunstein, D.O.

was presented at last fall’s Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics (TCT) Conference, earning a “Best Challenging Case” award. Every year, TCT invites physicians from around the world to

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ALUMNI

ALUMNI NEWS

Coyle named first urogynecologist

urogynecological services,” Coyle said.

“Patients are living longer and more women are deciding not to live with these complaints. We are trying to get the

Michael Coyle, D.O., FACOOG, FPMRS, Class of 2000, was recently recognized as the

are not necessarily a normal part of aging.”

first board certified Female Pelvic Medicine

Raising awareness of urogynecological

and Reconstructive Surgeon in the nation

conditions and bringing them out in the

by the American

open is one of Dr. Coyle’s passions. Patients

Osteopathic Board

suffering from the issues he treats are often

of Obstetrics &

sensitive about their situation. He credits his

Gynecology.

experienced staff with understanding how

Female pelvic

to assist women with these complaints and

medicine and

easing their anxieties about treatment.

reconstructive

“Patients who suffer from urogynecologic

surgery is a

complaints are dealing with severe quality

subspecialty

of life issues,” Coyle said. “Often they do

of obstetrics

not tell others they are having these issues

and gynecology

and may alter their lives because of them.

which treats

It is not uncommon for patients to stop

urogynecological

going out to engage in activities they used to

conditions such

enjoy. I encourage patients who have been

as incontinence

successfully treated to talk to their friends

and pelvic pain.

and family.”

Urogynecology has been around for a long time. However now that it’s being recognized as a board certified specialty, Coyle anticipates the certification will become more common. Physicians who are currently in OB/GYN and urology residencies will be required to do a threeyear fellowship program in order to become a urogynecologist.

“We are seeing a greater need for

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message out to women that these issues

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Coyle is a frequent speaker at women’s health seminars, working to educate women, as well as health care providers, about urogynecological conditions — how to talk about them and how to help more women find solutions. He practices at the Progressive Women’s Health Center in Milton, Fla. and serves as the Director of Robotic Surgery at Santa Rosa Medical Center.

ALUMNI

Graduate named president of ACOEP Mark Mitchell, D.O., FACOEP, FACEP, Class of 1989, has been named president of the American College of Osteopathic Emergency Physicians (ACOEP). Beginning in October, he will serve a two-year term. ACOEP represents about 3,000 osteopathic emergency physicians.

Mitchell is senior vice president of Provider Services for Schumacher Group in Lafayette, La. An emergency physician with a broad spectrum of experience in practice management, provider relationships, technology, and informatics, his major areas of responsibility and accountability include emergency medicine/hospital medicine synergy and shared patient outcomes, provider retention and professional development.

He is responsible for strategy development for physician and midlevel recruiting, residency program relationship development, business development and client relations.

Before joining Schumacher Group, Dr. Mitchell served as medical director and regional director for multiple health care

Robert Hunter, D.O., appointed president of Ohio ACOFP

facilities, including trauma centers, cardiac specialty hospitals, teaching hospitals and large tertiary care facilities. He speaks regionally and nationally on topics such as documentation, patient satisfaction and emergency medicine operations.

Robert Hunter, D.O., FACOFP, WVSOM Class of 1997, was appointed president of the Ohio Chapter of the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians during an April 2013 meeting of the organization at the Ohio Osteopathic Symposium held in Columbus.

Dr. Hunter also co-chaired the symposium, a collaboration between the Ohio Osteopathic Association and Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Hunter, of Buckeye Family Practice in Huber Heights and Providence Medical Group, will use his new office to help spearhead the ACOFP’s goal of promoting excellence in osteopathic family medicine through education, leadership and responsible advocacy.

He will serve in his new position for one year.

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ALUMNI

Jeff Mann, D.O., elected president of TOMA Justin Pelberg earns residency award

In May, Jeff Mann, D.O., WVSOM Class of 1981, was sworn in as the president of the Tennessee Osteopathic Medical Association (TOMA). He is board certified in pediatrics and practices at TriCounty Family Medicine and Urgent Care in Martin, Tenn.

In 2010, he was the recipient of the Paul Grayson Smith, Sr.

Justin Pelberg, Class of 2011, has been named the John S.

Physician of the Year Award, which recognizes outstanding

Zachariah Award recipient for the internal medicine residency

dedication to serving the needs of the public along with his

program at Lankenau Medical Center in Wynnewood, Pa. The

exemplary contributions to osteopathic medicine.

award recognizes the resident who is a scholar, teacher and humanitarian in the residency program.

Many WVSOM students may know Dr. Mann as the creator of the “Biochemistry Survival Map,” which is a visual aid connecting biochemistry with other elements of medicine. The map is sold in the WVSOM bookstore.

Air Force alumni Lt. Col. Jennifer Ravenscroft, Class of 1997, and Capt. David Williams, Class of 2011, are stationed at Kunsan Air Base in the Republic of Korea as active duty members of the U.S. Air Force.

Williams is a flight surgeon with the 35th Fighter Squadron and Ravenscroft is the chief of the medical staff for the 8th Medical Group. The picture was taken in the lobby of the Family Health Clinic during a military exercise.

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ALUMNI

SUMMER SEMINAR

WVSOM alumni reconnect at Summer Seminar Nearly 150 people attended the Summer Seminar at Kingston Plantation in Myrtle Beach, S.C., from June 1215 this year, which was sponsored by WVSOM and the

WVSOM Foundation Executive Director Heather Antolini introduced a beach towel contest. Each year, summer

WVSOM Alumni Association.

seminar participants receive a complimentary WVSOM

The Continuing Medical Education seminar was approved

beach towel. This year’s event encouraged guests to bring

for 20 hours of credit by the AOA CCME and included

their previous years’ towels to claim prizes in categories

a variety of lectures and activities for alumni and their

such as “most towels” and “oldest towel.” Guests were in

families.

search of the infamous “brown towel” presented during a

Seventeen presentations were given by esteemed leaders

past conference. Only one alumnus, Cliff Myers, was able

in the medical profession as well as an EHR workshop regarding the future of electronic records. Presentation

to find the tattered terrycloth.

2014 CME

topics ranged from opiate addiction, trends in primary care, treatments of specific diseases, rural trauma and

Don’t miss next year’s Summer Seminar: June 11-14, 2014

medicine in the courtroom. WVSOM alumni, faculty and staff who provided presentations included Mary Williams, D.O., F.A.C.N.; Edward Eskew, D.O.; Charles McClung, D.O.; Hugh McLaughlin, D.O.; John Lackey, D.O., F.A.A.O.; Andrea Nazar, D.O.; Jami Reaves, D.O., F.A.C.D.; and Leslie “Michael” Peterson, D.O. WVSOM administrators Michael Adelman, D.O., D.P.M., J.D., and Lorenzo Pence, D.O., FACOP, also provided presentations during the four-day event.

Seminar attendees were invited to a family picnic reception at the Palmettos Pavilion on June 12. Guests enjoyed a barbeque dinner and were entertained with a magic show by Dr. Michael Adelman and fun science experiments performed by Dr. Jim Nemitz, aka “Professor Science,” from the Abracadabra PBS television series.

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ALUMNI

CLASS NOTES 1978

ACOEP (American College of Osteopathic Emergency Physicians)

Edward W. Eskew, D.O., was named associate medical director for the West Virginia Medical Professionals Health Program.

Scientific Assembly in San Diego for a two-year term beginning this October. Story on page 63.

Although his background is primary care and emergency medicine, he recently became board certified in addiction medicine (Diplomat ABAM). He works as an advisor and counselor for the Kanawha County Drug Court. Dr. Eskew resides in Charleston, W.Va.

1993 Mathew Lively, D.O., is the author of the book, “Calamity at Chancellorsville,” which analyzes the final days of Stonewall Jackson.

1980 Larry Sidaway, D.O., FACC practices with Avera Medical Group Cardiovascular Specialists in Aberdeen, S.D. In 2013, they received the Healthgrades Coronary Intervention Excellence Award and were named among Top 10 percent in the nation for coronary interventional procedures. The practice has been ranked a Five Star

1994 Joan R. Allman, D.O., is the medical director of the Healing Center in Parkersburg, W.Va., which specializes in advanced wound care and hyperbaric oxygen medicine.

Recipient for Coronary Interventional Procedures for two years in a

1997

row (2012 and 2013).

Norman Wood, D.O., became the physician director for the

1986

Veterans Administration in Bremerton, Wash. He divides his time

John Glover, D.O., was re-elected to a one-year term on the

has been awarded two U.S. patents for fall safety equipment,

American Academy of Osteopathy (AAO) Nominating Committee

including the Rescue One CDS (Controlled Descent System)

during the AOA Convocation in Orlando, Fla., in March. Dr. Glover

Harness. Dr. Wood teaches Suspension Trauma for Mine Safety

also teaches OMM in Germany. He just published an app for iPad

and Administration and has lectured for various organizations

entitled “Atlas of Counterstrain Tender Points” with Karen Snider,

throughout the U.S. He did his residency at Ohio Valley Medical

D.O., Class of 1998.

Center.

Gregory Molter, D.O., was the 2012 recipient of the Nathaniel

Matt Arvon, D.O., completed an additional board certification in

Bedford Award for Outstanding Primary Care Physician. Presented

2012 and is recognized as a diplomat by the American Board of

by the ACMS, the award recognizes a physician for long-term

Venous and Lymphatic Medicine (Phlebology). He practices Venous

provision of care and exemplary dedication to patients.

and Lymphatic Medicine in Beckley and Charleston, W.Va.

between actual patient contact and administrative duties. He

Susan P. Osborne, D.O., celebrated her 15th year serving the community at the Barter Clinic in Floyd, Va. She helped the victims of Hurricane Sandy as part of the NC-1 Disaster team.

Roland Powers, D.O., has assumed command of a 450-member

1998 Roxann C. Cook, D.O., a family practice physician, has joined Southpoint Medical Group in Lakeland, Fla. She is on the medical

Marine Corp Reserve Unit in San Diego. They recently provided

staff of Bartow Regional Medical Center. Dr. Cook completed her

medical care 100 miles north of the Arctic Circle to 11 remote

residency at Memorial Hospital Peninsula in Ormond Beach.

Alaskan villages, which could be reached only by helicopter. They were able to reach 3,000 patients. He will be in command until December 2014. He has been in the Reserves for 34 years.

Tender Points.” women’s imaging, was granted medical staff privileges at Heart of

Mark Mitchell, D.O., will assume the position of president of the

1986, just published an app for iPad entitled “Atlas of Counterstrain

Terrance Stone, D.O., who specializes in diagnostic radiology and

1989

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Karen Snider, D.O., along with John Glover, D.O., Class of

Florida Regional Medicine Center in Haines City.

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of the reproductive system. She completed her residency at the

Hospital Rural Health Clinic in Buckeye, W.Va.

Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Bethesda, Md., in 2004.

1999

2004

Jason B. Dees, D.O., FAAFP has been named president and CEO of

Jami Reaves, D.O., opened her own practice, CallaDerma

Magnolia Health Plan a wholly owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation.

Dr. Dees oversees a Medicaid Coordinated Care Plan with more than

ALUMNI

Terry Thomas, D.O., has joined the staff at the Pocahontas Memorial

Center for Medical and Surgical Dermatology, in Kinsport, Tenn., this past March.

75,000 members and is leading a team to develop Magnolia’s plan that will be offered in the Health Insurance Marketplace for more than half of the counties in Mississippi.

2005 Ryan Harris, D.O., after finishing his active duty commitment with the United States Air Force, completed a residency in

2000

Orthopedic Surgery at Pinnacle Health Hospital in Harrisburg, Pa. Starting Aug. 2013, he begins a one-year fellowship in Total Joint

Michael J. Coyle, D.O., became the first board certified

Reconstruction at Carilion Clinic in Roanoke, Va.

urogynecologist in the U.S. Story on page 62.

Daniel R. Reed, D.O., was named “Top Doc” in radiation oncology by the Phoenix Magazine for 2013. Dr. Reed has won this prestigious award three times and is the only D.O. ever to have received the award.

2007 Hilary Basham, D.O., started her new position as a full time ED physician with Centra Health in Lynchburg, Va., in June.

L. Faith Payne, D.O., passed her urological boards. She

2001

currently resides in Daniels, W.Va.

James B. Hill, D.O., is a VA (Veterans Administration) physician and gives motivational keynotes, both domestically and abroad. He and his wife, Nancy, have adopted two children from Russia.

2008

John R. Simmons, D.O., is a radiation oncologist that recently joined

Karianna Andrews, D.O., just finished her residency at CAMC

the active staff at Licking Memorial Hospital in Newark, N.J. He was

in OB/GYN and has accepted a WVU faculty position in the

previously at Sentera Hospital in Norfolk, Va.

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology for their Charleston Division. She recently completed a year as the West Virginia Section vice-chair for ACOG (American College of Obstetrics and

2003

Gynecology) and is now the acting section chair.

Clifford Evans, D.O., will be on the staff at Marian University

Justin Jeffries, D.O., has opened a practice, Greenbrier

Osteopathic Medical School in their inaugural year this fall. For his

Primary Care, in White Sulphur Springs, W.Va.

first year in practice, he won Physician of the Year. Recently, Dr. Evans retired from the Army after 24 years of service. He resides outside of

Kris Palmer, D.O., will be inducted as a fellow in the American

Indianapolis, Ind., with his wife, Lauri.

College of Osteopathic Internists in October. He was named associate residency director of internal medicine at University

G. Michael Gould, D.O., is in his second year as the Burke County

Hospitals Richmond Medical Center in Richmond Heights, Ohio.

Board of Health Physician representative. He just celebrated his 20th

Dwan Perry, D.O., started a sports medicine fellowship with

wedding anniversary with wife, Elizabeth, at Cape Lookout, N.C.

VT/VCOM in July. Dr. Perry also worked the PGA at The Greenbrier

Pete Palko III, D.O., was a Barbour County Chamber of Commerce

in July.

Member of the Month this past March. Dr. Palko practices at Myers

Christopher Wood, D.O., completed his residency in internal

Clinic in Philippi, W.Va.

medicine in 2011 and fellowship in geriatrics in 2012. He works

Tanya Leigh Watson, D.O., will assume a position as an obstetrician and gynecologist (OB/GYN) at Pleasant Valley Hospital in Point Pleasant,

for Carilion Clinic in Roanoke, Va.

W.Va. She served as an OB/GYN to the Navy at Camp Lejeune Naval

2010

Hospital in North Carolina. Dr. Watson specializes in the care and treatment of long acting reversible contraception, preventive and

Zakiat Darojat, D.O., graduated from the internal medicine

primary gynecological care and surgical care to women with diseases WVSOM MAGAZINE

residency at Pacific Hospital of Long Beach. This program was •

FALL 2012

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ALUMNI

ranked first in the nation this year on the Osteopathic Internal Medicine Inservice Exam. Dr. Darojat was the chief resident of the internal medicine program and was awarded Resident of the Year.

2004 April Lambert-Drwiega, D.O., and husband, Robert, announced the birth of their second child, Alexis Michelle Drwiega, on May 28, 2013. She joined her older brother, Landon, who is 3.

2011 Dominic King, D.O., is the chief resident for the family medicine residency program at Cleveland Clinic’s South Pointe Hospital and president of the South Pointe Hospital Resident House Staff Council. As the chairman of the Medical Technology Committee at South Pointe Hospital, he piloted a study on iPad usage by

2006 Christy Campbell, D.O., and husband, Drew Smalley, announced the birth of their daughter, Eden Elizabeth Smalley, on July 12, 2012.

medical residents. He was the recipient of the Cleveland Clinic “Patients First” Resident of the Year Award and has received a grant to produce osteopathic medical tutorial videos under the name OsteopathTech, which will be available online later this year.

Justin Pelberg, D.O., was the recipient of the John S. Zachariah Award for the internal medicine residency program at Lankenau Medical Center in Wynnewood, Pa. Story on page 60.

2010 Michelle Abe, D.O., and her husband, Brian, announced the birth of their second child, Owen Deskin Abe, born June 11, 2013.

Crissy Hendricks, D.O., and Brad Hendricks, D.O., announced the birth of their first child, Olivia Quinn Hendricks, on June 16, 2013.

2010/2011

Marriages

Michael Brackman, D.O., and Marri Brackman, D.O., welcomed daughter, Ryan Ann, on May 18, 2013.

2003 Jason Oreskovich, D.O., married Janae Smith on May 31,

2012

2013. He is an assistant professor and clerkship director at the

Jamie Blankenship, D.O., and her husband, Jacob, announced

WVU Department of Family Medicine.

the birth of their son, Jackson Scott Blankenship, on March 23, 2013. Jackson is the grandson of Marshall Long, D.O. (1983) and Sheila.

2006 Christy Campbell, D.O., and husband, Drew Smalley, announce the birth of their daughter, Eden Elizabeth Smalley, on July 12, 2012.

Deaths 1981

2008 Carrie Crigger Tavelli, D.O., married James Tavelli on March 9,

Randy Snodgress, D.O, died May 1, 2013, of a stroke.

Dr. Snodgress was in practice in Florida.

2013. She and her husband reside in Louisville, Ky.

1991 Terry Lee Fortune, D.O., born November 11, 1960, passed away June 10, 2103 at Hospice of the Western Reserve at the age of

Births

52. He practiced emergency medicine at Cleveland Area hospitals.

Survivors include his parents, Bob and Norma Fortune; son, Michael;

2003

and companion and best friend, Debbie Lammarino.

Andrea McClintic, D.O., and Alex McClintic, D.O., announced the birth of their fourth child, Julia Rae McClintic.

Brother and sisters, Colin, Ava and Meredith all happily welcomed her.

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WELCOME

New Life Members

DEATHS - continued

1993

February 19, 2013 to July 16, 2013

Heidi Flatow Anderson, D.O., died June 7, 2013. Known

Jeff Mann, D.O. ……………….................................... Class of 1981

as “Dr. Heidi” to many of her patients, she practiced family

Rickey Chance, D.O. ………………............................ Class of 1987

medicine in Eden Prairie, Minn. She is survived by her

Frank Swisher, D.O. ………………............................. Class of 1998

husband, Scott Anderson, and three children.

Kim Ballard, D.O. ……………………........................... Class of 2002 Heather Phillips, D.O.……………………..................... Class of 2003

1998

Wes Lafferty, D.O. …………………….......................... Class of 2007

Rodney Dayo, D.O., 43, died July 5, 2013, at Family

Anita Stewart, D.O. ……………….............................. Class of 2007

Hospice and Palliative Care in Pittsburgh, Pa. Dr. Dayo was

Sam Stewart, D.O. ……………………......................... Class of 2007

an anesthesiologist in McMurray, Pa. He is survived by his

Michael Peterson, D.O. …………….......................... Class of 2008

wife, Lisa, and children, Lisa and Jack.

Emily Thomas, D.O. ………………….......................... Class of 2008 Michael Antolini, D.O. …………………….................... Class of 2012

On top of a quality educational experience, the

WVOMA

conference offers a once-a-year opportunity to network with colleagues and discuss the issues and challenges that affect your practice.

In addition to educational programs and informative exhibits, there are social and business opportunities, so we hope you will attend: A special reception honoring the society’s past presidents, which provides the opportunity to renew old friendships and make new ones.

The WVOMA Annual Business Meeting and Luncheon, which is an opportunity to add your voice to important discussions about the future of osteopathic medicine.

Saturday evening enjoy the Grand Affair, which is a black tie fundraising event that supports osteopathic medical student scholarships at WVSOM. Make plans to join your colleagues for the 2013 WVOMA

As always, The Greenbrier will be offering a special

Fall CME Conference, to be held at the beautiful Greenbrier

reduced rate for WVOMA attendees. Registration and

Resort. We are planning a weekend full of informative

program details can be found on the website, www.

presentations by top quality speakers. The program includes

wvoma.org or by calling Penny at the WVOMA office at

three hours of board-approved CME dealing with the opioid

304-793-6842.

crisis in West Virginia, in addition to seminars on pediatrics, OMM, chronic diseases and more.

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69

FOUNDATION

WVSOM Foundation

“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”

education he received at WVSOM that provided him with the tools he needs to be, in the words of Dr. Bob Foster, “a 10-fingered D.O.” I believe this institution is the BEST in the nation; producing the most caring, compassionate, knowledgeable, well-rounded, highly-skilled, hands-

~ Confucius

on physicians anywhere — there are several awards to support that theory and I know many of you who represent those characteristics. I am so appreciative for the exceptional learning experience Michael received and all the inspiring people who influenced his development into the fine young physician he has become.

But it isn’t just my son that has made me feel connected to the WVSOM “family.” I have had the distinct honor and privilege of serving as a member of the WVSOM Board of Governors for the last four years. I can assure you that this board, and the current administration, is uniquely invested in and dedicated to the continuing success of this school. They are focused on the mission and attached at their hearts to the well being of the students, faculty, staff and legacy of WVSOM. I don’t believe I have ever collaborated with a better group of people — through good times and bad. They are an example of unity and integrity, and truly represent the values of WVSOM. Through this opportunity I was introduced to the real engine that drives this great institution — its people.

Everyone here cares about this school, the students, the alumni, the community and each other. Maybe that’s why WVSOM has been recognized by The Chronicle of Higher Education as one of the best colleges to work for

I

in the country. My experience on the Board of Governors allowed me to be included in the many events and

am the luckiest woman in the world. I have

celebrations associated with the school such as White

been blessed with the opportunity to work in a

Coat Weekend, graduation, Grand Affair and the 40th

place that I truly love and feel deeply connected

Anniversary Celebration, just to name a few. Participating

to. It is my joy and pleasure to serve as the director of

in these events enabled me to meet new people and

institutional development at the West Virginia School of

develop relationships that have impacted my life in a

Osteopathic Medicine.

very positive way and drawn me intimately closer to the school. I even had the opportunity to hang out with a few

This institution is near and dear to my heart for several reasons:

new friends at the WVSOM Summer Seminar in Myrtle Beach (Shhh!!! What happens at the beach stays at

First, my oldest child, Dr. Michael Antolini (WOW! It

the beach). My point is that it is virtually impossible to

feels so good to say that), graduated from WVSOM last

spend time on this campus and not feel “adopted” into

year, just completed his first year as a family practice

this community and become a part of the family that is

resident and is now a fully licensed physician in the

WVSOM.

state of West Virginia. I am so proud of the exceptional

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passion and love for WVSOM. It is truly my joy and pleasure to

students for a visit with a distinguished patriarch of our school,

come to work every day and serve this school family by leading

Dr. Roland P. Sharp, and listen to some of his many stories. I took

the development efforts to support and expand the institution.

him a box of chocolates, hoping to sweeten his day and lift his spirits as he awaited an opportunity to leave the nursing facility to return to his farm home, where he hoped to enjoy his apple trees and wave at passersby from his porch. I was fascinated by all of the details of school history he could still recall at age 105, the people he remembered, particularly students from years ago,

These are busy productive times on campus with plans for the expansion of the Clinical Evaluation Center and the development of the new Student Center, not to mention preparing for a new school year. There are so many new and exciting things to celebrate at WVSOM and the whole family is invited to participate.

and how he knew them so well, and cared for them still. I wish he

As we embark on the challenges ahead, I look forward to

could have tought me more about what is truly important about

developing lasting relationships that will continue to support,

WVSOM, especially the things I don’t know that I don’t know.

nurture and grow WVSOM. I invite you to contact me so that we

Spending time with him made me feel even more connected to

can share opportunities and ideas about how to do that together.

all that is happening here, and makes me especially proud to

I can be reached at 304-647-6374 or hantolini@osteo.wvsom.edu.

now reside in an office within the building that shares his name.

I look forward to hearing from you!

I assure you that during that visit I was the one who received the real treat.

Needless to say, these experiences have inspired my sincere

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FOUNDATION

Recently, I also had an opportunity to join Dr. Foster and some

FOUNDATION

DONOR PROFILE

Dean’s Circle donor draws spotlight Pop artist Andy Warhol once said, “In the future everyone will be

Being a Harley-Davidson fan also helped McLaughlin snag a side job

famous for 15 minutes.” One WVSOM graduate has been the focus

— physician for the Blossum Musical Center in Cleveland, Ohio.

of media attention for multiple reasons and on multiple occasions

“We have a live concert arena in the Akron-Cleveland area. In 1985

throughout his career, receiving his 15 minutes of fame – and more.

Jefferson Airplane needed an emergency visit from a doctor for their

To shine a light on just a few accomplishments from his career,

reunion concert. They called my hospital and I went out ... I arrived

Hugh McLaughlin, D.O., Class of 1981, has received national

with an American flag jacket and my Harley. I took good care of

recognition for his medical discovery of “baby Emily,” appeared in a

them and they in turn told the Doobie Brothers they must have me

national television commercial for McDonald’s, was for many years

when they arrived in town. This went on with different groups until

the physician on call for rock stars performing in Cleveland – home

the Blossum Music Center offered me a contract to take care of all

of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame – and has been featured in Time

their stars.”

Magazine and on shows like “48 Hours” and the “Today Show” for

For 25 years, he looked after the health needs of musicians in town

his outstanding work.

to perform, including Fleetwood Mac, Tom Petty and Elton John. It

A family physician practicing in Cuyohoga Falls, Ohio, McLaughlin

wasn’t until five years ago that McLaughlin decided to part ways

has delivered about 1,200 babies throughout his career. All are

with that “gig.”

special to him, but one delivery stands out. In 1983, the physician

And have you ever wondered what happens to burger flippers once

searched for answers when a pregnant patient with previous

they leave those Golden Arches? McLaughlin’s classmates may

successful deliveries had a miscarriage two months into her term.

remember a tribute commercial McDonald’s aired years ago which

“I encouraged her to get an ultrasound,”

celebrated the 8 million-plus employees who had contributed to

McLaughlin recalled, rather than

their success. McLaughlin was one of 17 featured “crew kids” who

perform the D&C considered standard

had gone from working behind the counter to successful careers in

at the time.

a variety of professions. A McDonald’s “burger specialist” in 1969, McLaughlin donned the infamous paper hat years later and stepped

The sonogram revealed another live

in front of the camera to celebrate McDonald’s 30 years of burger

fetus still in the womb. There was no

business.

known history of twins in the patient’s family, but McLaughlin’s attentiveness

“I really enjoyed working at McDonald’s,” McLaughlin said. “I

resulted in the successful delivery of

thought it would be great fun to participate in the commercial.”

Emily seven months later. Both local

Bumping elbows with rock legends and jetting to California to film

and national news organizations paid

a television spot for a global brand is pretty glamorous stuff. But

attention to the documented discovery that one fetus can survive

it’s McLaughlin’s daily medical practice that causes his eyes to

a twin conception even when the other is dead. For McLaughlin,

light up. Falls Family Practice located in Cuyahoga Falls employs 45

the joy came from placing a healthy baby girl into the arms of her

workers, 40 of whom were either McLaughlin’s former patients or

mother.

were delivered by him. The clinic is considered a best practice for its

Another delivery that stands out in McLaughlin’s memory involved

state-of-the-art computer systems and advanced use of electronic

Savannah Brinson, now the wife of NBA player Lebron James. He

health records.

remembers delivering Ms. Brinson and helping clothe the newborn

The grandson of a country doctor, McLaughlin considers himself a

since her family was financially struggling.

regular guy, someone who works hard, cares for his patients and

“After the baby was born she didn’t have a way to get home, so I

contributes consistently to the causes which are dear to his heart.

bought her a car seat and bought clothes for the child, and I always

WVSOM is grateful to be one of the recipients of McLaughlin’s

bought Harley-Davidson clothes — it was kind of my trademark,” he

generosity – he is unquestionably a star in our eyes.

said.

72

“I give to the school because it is a great school and produces great

He took care of Savannah for several years. Years later, when

doctors. It gave me the opportunity to enjoy and share life to the

Lebron and Savannah visited the clinic for the birth of their first

fullest both on and off the job. I owe WVSOM so much and when I

child, Savannah thanked McLaughlin for what he had done for her

go to work and sacrifice a day and donate that to my school, then it

when she was born.

makes me feel good about myself and less selfish.”

WVSOM MAGAZINE

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G.M.S.

GREENBRIER MILITARY SCHOOL

The Transition Years ~ PART I WITH JOANN AND HERB PEARIS

To look backward for a while is to refresh the eye, to restore it and to render it the more fit for its prime function of looking forward.

Margaret Fairless Barber After teaching for two years in Wyoming County, he learned GMS was looking for a teacher for 7th and 8th

Sitting in a conference room in

grade arithmetic.

C-Building, the former clinic wing at WVSOM, Herb Pearis gestures upward,

“In the fall of 1961, I found

“In GMS terms, this was “D” Company

myself back at GMS and

Hall. I had an apartment on campus,”

living on the bottom floor of

he says, laughing. “Lived right upstairs

the Quad,” Herb said. “The

on the other end of the hall at the time

school provided faculty with

JoAnn and I were married in July 1966. I

room and board and we

lived across the hall from where we are

lived alongside the students.

now in ’63 and ’64, after spending a year

“A” Company was on the top

in the Quad. ”

stoop, “B” Company in the

That was when Herb was a GMS faculty member and after he’d attended the Greenbrier Military School as a student from 1954-1956. He graduated from the GMS Junior College then completed his undergraduate education in psychology at Marshall University in 1959 and later received an M.A. in counseling and guidance from WVU in 1969.

middle and “C” Company “My plan was to enter the U.S. Navy

resided on the second floor. I lived

after graduation from Marshall,

on the front side of the Quad, with

but things went awry,” he said. “I

members of the band occupying

started (substitute) teaching and

most of the rooms on all three

began working toward teacher

stoops facing Lee Street.”

certification, taking extension classes during the regular school terms and then in summer school.”

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SUMMER 2013

JoAnn, his wife to-be, also worked at GMS during this period. “I worked for GMS 11 years, leaving

73

G.M.S.

in November, 1968 because I was pregnant,” she said. “I was the secretary to the superintendent and it was WORK --supporting all the faculty and we only had

military training as an integral part of the program. The final name of the school – the name we use today -- was Greenbrier Military School, confirmed when Col. H. B., with his brothers, Joe and D.T., purchased the school from the presbytery in 1922. two phones which I answered, five-and-ahalf days a week. I enjoyed it thoroughly.”

It became a bigger family operation when the Moore sisters moved to Lewisburg to assist their brothers in running the school.

Many readers know the general history of

Members of the Moore family operated the

the school which preceded WVSOM on the

school for 50 years until its sale in 1972.

Lee Street campus. Dr. John McElhenney, third pastor of the Old Stone Presbyterian Church, obtained a charter for the Lewisburg Academy which operated from 1812 to 1860. After closing briefly due to the Civil War, the academy was reopened and, over time, evolved into two divisions.

The girls studied at the Lewisburg Female Institute which became the Greenbrier College for Women. The buildings of the former college now make up the New River Community & Technical

“In the very early years, students were accepted as early as they were able to sit at a desk,” said Herb. “They continued at the school until they had completed the requirements for graduation.” At the end of World War II, enrollment peaked at approximately 400 students enrolled in grades 7 through 12, a post-graduate year and a two-year junior college. In the late ‘50s, the junior college was eliminated and the curriculum was reduced to classes for junior and senior

College. The boys’ division

high school students.

had many names prior to

The school attracted

becoming the Greenbrier

students from all 50

Presbyterial School, then

states and all over

Greenbrier Presbyterial

the world.

Military School after Huston Burger Moore (Col.

Typically, GMS

H.B.) was hired to become

opened each fall with

the school’s principal and re-instituted 74

approximately 350 boarding students and

WVSOM MAGAZINE

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SUMMER 2013

an additional 25-50 local cadets.

“For many years, the school attracted good people and maintained an excellent reputation,” Herb summarized. “Students worked hard. Learning and good grades were important. I don’t recall many disciplinary issues, but there were always a few. If a student came in and had a bad attitude, he probably didn’t stay very long.”

Things started to change during the 1960s, a tumultuous period which encompassed shifting attitudes about the military, education, civil rights and more.

It represented the beginning of declining enrollment for the nation’s military schools and GMS was no exception.

“I returned to GMS in the fall of 1961 to teach in the junior school,” Herb recalled.

“School officially commenced on Labor Day, with a 4 p.m. faculty meeting and with those returning cadets who were selected to be officers, as well as the new students.

I don’t remember much of the meeting other than Col. John Moore, superintendent and son of Col. H.B. Moore, opened the meeting by saying that for the first time, to his knowledge and memory, the school had enrolled more new students than they had previous cadets returning. ‘I don’t know just exactly what this means,’ he said, ‘but I don’t like it.’”

while continuing to serve GMS as a school

confirmation GMS would close its doors

realized this was the

counselor in the late afternoons and

after graduating the Class of ‘72.

first inkling that a tide

evening.

was turning. Student

“I was not here for the final year so I

The plan didn’t work out. With an 18

cannot comment on the agony those

month-old son and a wife to support, he

who did suffered,” Herb said soberly.

obtained employment at the WV Division

“I understand that with the departure

of Rehabilitation Services as a counselor

of students and faculty, the keys were

serving visually and hearing handicapped

handed over to the new owners, lock stock

individuals.

and barrel.”

secure a loan to continue

His new employment required special

Many of the GMS faculty stayed in the

operation.

skills. “I was at the University of

area after GMS closed. “They had families

Tennessee learning to communicate with

here,” Herb said . “For years, many had

the deaf when I received the call asking

been taking summer jobs to supplement

if I wanted to purchase any of the GMS

their teacher salaries. Without classes to

rifles,” he said. “There were more than

go back to, summer jobs often turned into

500 rifles in the military department and

full-time jobs.”

they were being sold for $20-$25 each.”

…to be continued

enrollment was decreasing. It took another decade, but in the spring of 1971, it was announced the school needed to cut back on faculty in order to

Herb cared deeply about GMS, but he felt he was in a position to help with the situation. “I told Col. John Moore I needed to resign, then went home to tell JoAnn,” he said. He had hopes of securing a

A military school selling its rifles? Not a

position at Greenbrier East High School

good sign. Shortly thereafter, he received

WVSOM MAGAZINE

G.M.S.

Upon reflection, Herb

•

SUMMER 2013

75

West Virginia School of OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE

400 North Lee Street Lewisburg, WV 24901

Did you know that WVSOM is:

No. 1

No. 3

in the nation graduating

in the nation for percentage

primary care physicians who

of medical school graduates

colleges to work for in the country

practice in rural Appalachia

entering primary care specialties

(Chronicle of Higher Education)

(Academic Medicine,

(U.S.News & World Report)

2013

recognition

recognized as one of the best

April 2012)

2013 IMPORTANT DATES

August 23 - 25 Alumni Weekend

August 24

White Coat Ceremony

August 24

Dr. Sharp memorial service

WE WILL MISS YOU Dr. Sharp!

November 2 Grand Affair