8 minute read
FOUNDATION
~ Confucius
Iam the luckiest woman in the world. I have been blessed with the opportunity to work in a place that I truly love and feel deeply connected to. It is my joy and pleasure to serve as the director of institutional development at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine.
This institution is near and dear to my heart for several reasons:
First, my oldest child, Dr. Michael Antolini (WOW! It feels so good to say that), graduated from WVSOM last year, just completed his first year as a family practice resident and is now a fully licensed physician in the state of West Virginia. I am so proud of the exceptional 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, handson 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 in the country. My experience on the Board of Governors allowed me to be included in the many events and celebrations associated with the school such as White Coat Weekend, graduation, Grand Affair and the 40th Anniversary Celebration, just to name a few. Participating in these events enabled me to meet new people and develop relationships that have impacted my life in a very positive way and drawn me intimately closer to the school. I even had the opportunity to hang out with a few new friends at the WVSOM Summer Seminar in Myrtle Beach (Shhh!!! What happens at the beach stays at the beach). My point is that it is virtually impossible to spend time on this campus and not feel “adopted” into this community and become a part of the family that is WVSOM.
Recently, I also had an opportunity to join Dr. Foster and some students for a visit with a distinguished patriarch of our school, Dr. Roland P. Sharp, and listen to some of his many stories. I took 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, and how he knew them so well, and cared for them still. I wish he could have tought me more about what is truly important about WVSOM, especially the things I don’t know that I don’t know. Spending time with him made me feel even more connected to all that is happening here, and makes me especially proud to now reside in an office within the building that shares his name. 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 passion and love for WVSOM. It is truly my joy and pleasure to come to work every day and serve this school family by leading the development efforts to support and expand the institution.
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.
As we embark on the challenges ahead, I look forward to developing lasting relationships that will continue to support, nurture and grow WVSOM. I invite you to contact me so that we can share opportunities and ideas about how to do that together. I can be reached at 304-647-6374 or hantolini@osteo.wvsom.edu.
I look forward to hearing from you!
Dean’s Circle donor draws spotlight
Pop artist Andy Warhol once said, “In the future everyone will be famous for 15 minutes.” One WVSOM graduate has been the focus of media attention for multiple reasons and on multiple occasions throughout his career, receiving his 15 minutes of fame – and more.
To shine a light on just a few accomplishments from his career, Hugh McLaughlin, D.O., Class of 1981, has received national recognition for his medical discovery of “baby Emily,” appeared in a national television commercial for McDonald’s, was for many years the physician on call for rock stars performing in Cleveland – home of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame – and has been featured in Time Magazine and on shows like “48 Hours” and the “Today Show” for his outstanding work.
A family physician practicing in Cuyohoga Falls, Ohio, McLaughlin has delivered about 1,200 babies throughout his career. All are special to him, but one delivery stands out. In 1983, the physician searched for answers when a pregnant patient with previous successful deliveries had a miscarriage two months into her term.
“I encouraged her to get an ultrasound,” McLaughlin recalled, rather than perform the D&C considered standard at the time.
The sonogram revealed another live fetus still in the womb. There was no known history of twins in the patient’s family, but McLaughlin’s attentiveness resulted in the successful delivery of Emily seven months later. Both local and national news organizations paid attention to the documented discovery that one fetus can survive a twin conception even when the other is dead. For McLaughlin, the joy came from placing a healthy baby girl into the arms of her mother.
Another delivery that stands out in McLaughlin’s memory involved Savannah Brinson, now the wife of NBA player Lebron James. He remembers delivering Ms. Brinson and helping clothe the newborn since her family was financially struggling.
“After the baby was born she didn’t have a way to get home, so I bought her a car seat and bought clothes for the child, and I always bought Harley-Davidson clothes — it was kind of my trademark,” he said.
He took care of Savannah for several years. Years later, when Lebron and Savannah visited the clinic for the birth of their first child, Savannah thanked McLaughlin for what he had done for her when she was born. Being a Harley-Davidson fan also helped McLaughlin snag a side job — physician for the Blossum Musical Center in Cleveland, Ohio.
“We have a live concert arena in the Akron-Cleveland area. In 1985 Jefferson Airplane needed an emergency visit from a doctor for their reunion concert. They called my hospital and I went out ... I arrived with an American flag jacket and my Harley. I took good care of them and they in turn told the Doobie Brothers they must have me when they arrived in town. This went on with different groups until the Blossum Music Center offered me a contract to take care of all their stars.”
For 25 years, he looked after the health needs of musicians in town to perform, including Fleetwood Mac, Tom Petty and Elton John. It wasn’t until five years ago that McLaughlin decided to part ways with that “gig.”
And have you ever wondered what happens to burger flippers once they leave those Golden Arches? McLaughlin’s classmates may remember a tribute commercial McDonald’s aired years ago which celebrated the 8 million-plus employees who had contributed to their success. McLaughlin was one of 17 featured “crew kids” who had gone from working behind the counter to successful careers in a variety of professions. A McDonald’s “burger specialist” in 1969, McLaughlin donned the infamous paper hat years later and stepped in front of the camera to celebrate McDonald’s 30 years of burger business.
“I really enjoyed working at McDonald’s,” McLaughlin said. “I thought it would be great fun to participate in the commercial.”
Bumping elbows with rock legends and jetting to California to film a television spot for a global brand is pretty glamorous stuff. But it’s McLaughlin’s daily medical practice that causes his eyes to light up. Falls Family Practice located in Cuyahoga Falls employs 45 workers, 40 of whom were either McLaughlin’s former patients or were delivered by him. The clinic is considered a best practice for its state-of-the-art computer systems and advanced use of electronic health records.
The grandson of a country doctor, McLaughlin considers himself a regular guy, someone who works hard, cares for his patients and contributes consistently to the causes which are dear to his heart. WVSOM is grateful to be one of the recipients of McLaughlin’s generosity – he is unquestionably a star in our eyes.
“I give to the school because it is a great school and produces great doctors. It gave me the opportunity to enjoy and share life to the fullest both on and off the job. I owe WVSOM so much and when I go to work and sacrifice a day and donate that to my school, then it makes me feel good about myself and less selfish.”
