LECOM Connection Spring 2014

THE

LECOM

ONNECTION

Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine SPRING 2014

Purpose Integrity Courage

LECOM Tradition Compassion Innovation

LECOM.edu

HE IS NOT GREAT WHO IS NOT GREATLY GOOD WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE

The fall issue of the LECOM Connection focused its thematic message upon the changing landscape of health care and the way in which the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine has facilitated the positive advances and achievements that have shaped that landscape. It is quite appropriate then, that this winter issue should follow that theme to its necessary conclusion.

Pictured is OMS2 Ben Gough

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While the current landscape and political climate surrounding the present health care arena is wrought with tumult and confusion, the beneficial aspects of that changing landscape is (as always it has been) brought about, not by government edict, court rulings, planning boards, nor bureaucratic influences; rather by independent organizations working tirelessly for the common good. Those independent organizations, such as LECOM, spend their life energies in the relentless pursuit of providing superlative medical education and unremitting community service to the near and far reaches of the globe. Indeed, the very

word “education” derives from the Latin word, which means to lead forth. LECOM ever has promulgated its educative mission within the complete embodiment and truest essence of that word; and verily, those positive changes, found in the landscape of health care, are achieved through that leadership and through the assiduous implementation of the fullest measure of all that constitutes a complete education.

such leaders is to define reality (not to redefine it); to observe a need and to seek a way in which to fulfill it. During the ensuing time, the focus remains upon “service” to the end that is sought. Great leaders who promote great missions recognize that the attainment of success centers upon the development of others.

Success does not deal in hope; rather it seeks exceptionalism in all objectives.

There is little wonder then, that the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine has outpaced and outdistanced all others in the field to become the largest medical college in the nation. Unmistakably, this achievement is an estimable feat. There are countless ways to attain a vast scope of influence coupled with an abundant growth, but any road to reaching one’s maximum potential and highest purpose must be built upon the bedrock of a commitment to excellence, a rejection of mediocrity, and a focused effort. For LECOM, the quality of the comprehensive endeavor far exceeds the magnitude of its size. Truly, the success of any mission rests always in direct proportion to the commitment to excellence.

In a society seemingly obsessed with public opinion, those at LECOM understand that success never has been about size. In truth, success requires a honed leadership enabling others to find capability and confidence in the purpose of their calling; a confidence bolstered by the ability to recognize a problem before it becomes an emergency.

During this most arduous of times in the health care fury, the words of the great Latin orator, Publilius Syrus, are called to mind. “Anyone can hold the helm when the sea is calm,” he explicated. Yet, in these uproarious moments, leaders such as LECOM, evidence that true direction allows the ship to sail successfully through the tempest with its inhabitants unshaken.

Dr. John M. Ferretti explained the philosophy of success to the Newcomen Society in 2003.

“The success of our institution will not be judged by our size or number of locations, but will depend upon the accomplishments of our graduates and their appreciation of the great opportunity that has been afforded them in becoming an osteopathic physician. It will depend upon their ability to represent us well in upholding our tradition of a people-oriented practice of medicine no matter what specialty they choose or area of the country they practice in,” the LECOM President and CEO articulated.

Winston Churchill was correct in his maxim that “responsibility is the price of greatness;” an aphorism that is not lost upon LECOM. Through all of the years of abundant expansion, thriving enrollment, and flourishing community development projects, LECOM has validated that responsibility. Indeed, it is a price embraced by LECOM and a pledge that LECOM passionately takes to the heart of its mission. Moreover, it is a pledge carried forth to its students as they are imbued with the virtue of a virtuous mission.

A successful institution can provide personal inspiration; and that very success can be as an enlightening wellspring to educate others to advance a purposed and rewarding mission. The goal of educating medical professionals to become scholars in the highest form of attainment necessarily commands the refinement of character, the pursuit of the exceptional, and the desire to excel.

The LECOM mission seeks to create leaders who, in turn, translate a virtuous vision into reality. The primary responsibility of

One does not require a title to be a leader, for leadership is provided by those who know the path to be traveled and who reveal that direction while they, themselves, travel it.

Those who administrate LECOM’s success do so by demonstrating the capacity and the will to rally others to a common purpose; and further, through an institutionally infused character of integrity and caring that inspires confidence.

The lifting of a vision toward the pinnacle of attainment, the raising of one’s performance to a peerless standard, and the building of a human spirit beyond its normal limitations define success. Size results when success beckons. LECOM has proven, time and again, that a small group of determined and thoughtful doers armed with the commitment to attain a profound and beneficial result can change for the better the community in which they live.

Churchill also said that, “the nation will find it very hard to look up to the leaders who are keeping their ears to the ground,” yet they are those who effectuate success. Throughout its decades of service, LECOM has demonstrated that, “to lead is to serve;” believing always that the function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers. Like a port in a storm, LECOM has welcomed the best and the brightest across its threshold as it portals grow ever wider to accommodate its striking success.

This issue of the “LECOM Connection” will introduce the reader to the leaders in the enduring mission who make the positive changes, who keep their ears to the ground, and who travel the purposed path that truly shapes the landscape of health care for the betterment of all.

Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine 1858 West Grandview Blvd.

Erie, PA 16509 814-866-6641 • www.lecom.edu John M. Ferretti, DO President/CEO Michael J. Visnosky, Esquire Chairman of the Board of Trustees Silvia M. Ferretti, DO Provost, Senior Vice President and Dean of Academic Affairs Hershey Bell, MD, M.S. (MedEd) Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of the School of Pharmacy Robert F. Hirsch, DDS Dean of the School of Dental Medicine Robert George, DO Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, Bradenton Pierre Bellicini Institutional Director of Communications and Marketing Eric Nicastro Assistant Director of Communications and Marketing Michael Polin Assistant Director of Communications and Marketing, Bradenton Rebecca A. DeSimone, Esquire Chief Writer/Editor-in-Chief Nicholas Pronko Social Media Recruitment Specialist/ Contributing Writer The LECOM Connection invites you to contribute to our publication. If you have news of alumni achievements, research or student activities, please contact the Communications Department, at (814) 866-6641, or e-mail communications@lecom.edu.

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John M. Ferretti, DO - President/CEO 04 LECOM CONNECTION | SPRING 2014 | LECOM.edu

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

GOLDEN MOMENTS IN THE MEDICAL PROFESSION Eventually, at one point in time or another, each person discovers that the important moments in life – the truly golden glimpses of the purposeful meaning found along this journey in medical training – are not those that are “announced”; not the birthdays, the holidays, the weddings; not even the great goals achieved. The true milestones are less prepossessing, for they come to the threshold of one’s memories unannounced. They are the silent voices that strike within each person a chord of truth, of worth, and of Providence.

Each life is measured by these. As medical professionals, each life will be filled with such “golden moments”; a time when a patient looks to his physician with thankful eyes, when the fearful child hears the calming voice of the pharmacist, or when a crucial medical judgment proves inexpressibly fruitful for another.

With the knowledge that neither success nor failure is ever final, a wise care giver will make more opportunities than he finds. LECOM educators understand that there are no shortcuts to any place that is worth going. On this journey of osteopathic medical training, purpose and trepidation cannot be friends; for where one begins, the other one ends.

The leadership at LECOM has been wont to advise its scholars, never to allow challenging circumstances in life to serve as an excuse for not moving forward. Certainly, people will allow this evasion of self-motivation or orientation to goals, yet one is born to make

the most of the abilities with which one is possessed.

The founders at LECOM recognize that the moments that underpin the educational experience are honed through developing an inner resilience, a dynamic will, and an indefatigable determination to persevere through all trials and travails with an attitude of optimism and of affirmation. It is in those moments – often quiet, sometimes filled with inner struggle, always present in the heart and mind of the goal-oriented scholar – that the power of those silent truths will nurture the core-felt voice that urges one forward at a point that all strength has appeared to cease.

LECOM educators inspire and encourage this profound reflection upon purpose.

Throughout all aspects of the medical training programs at LECOM, scholars are called to recognize that the cause of service to others is central to finding that core-felt voice, for a genuine care for others must become as a habit, so ingrained within the human state, that it is stronger than the desire to rest. The superlative physician carries this crowning quality, the exceptional pharmacist finds it as an abiding principle, and the incomparable dental practitioner follows it as the North Star. For excellence is not a singular act, rather it is a habit through which those who seek to help others find an ever-increasing confidence and peace. LECOM educators know that the fullest understanding of medical comprehension extends beyond the mastery of the training programs to the concentrated patience, the sincere devotion to the service of others, and the assiduous endurance in the attainment of those ends. Once one discovers those “golden moments” there are few calamities that are not conquered by the experience.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

pg 14...........

Student Scholarship Fund Auction Raises Record Total

FEATURES

DEPARTMENTS

pg 8............

A Tale of Two Sisters

pg 10...........

The Doctor’s Notes

pg 12...........

The Research Keystone

pg 30..........

Health System News

pg 22.........

Student News

pg 24.........

Community is Our Campus

pg 26.........

Physician Spotlight

pg 28.........

Faculty, Student, and Alumni Notes

MISSION STATEMENT The mission of the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine is to prepare students to become osteopathic physicians, pharmacy practitioners, and dentists through programs of excellence in education, research, clinical care, and community service to enhance the quality of life through improved health for all humanity. The professional programs are dedicated to serve all students through innovative curriculum and the development of postdoctoral education and interprofessional experiences.

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CREDOS OF OUR CALLING •ACTION•

As the enthusiastic directive that prompts filming upon a location set; the source of political movements that underpin our democratic republic; or the feisty verb in a sentence – “Action” constitutes the very essence and root of all results. Action is the energy that propels any undertaking to its fruitful end and it is the vital drive that serves as a beacon of accomplishment and as a determiner of deeds.

For as Theodore Roosevelt noted: it is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; because there is not effort without error and shortcomings; but who does actually strive to do the deed; who knows the great enthusiasm, the great devotion, who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement and who at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly - so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.

developing scholars to meet their calling in the health care professions recognize that no man is the wiser who chooses apathy, for action springs not from thought alone, rather from a readiness for responsibility. Wisdom is found in knowing that which must be done; virtue is found in doing it; and no amount of ability is of the slightest benefit without action.

Action conquers fear, an emotion that must be unwelcome to those upon whom others depend. For people will judge a person by his actions, not by his intentions; by his

importance of action; and of the significance in carrying out that action as if it were impossible to fail. The path to success entails substantial, determined deeds, caring not for the mere opinions of others that lead one away from the path of a correct action. Often the difference between a successful person and one who fails is not based upon the better abilities or ideas of the former, but upon the courage that he possesses to believe in his own ideas, to take a calculated risk – and to act. When it may appear that a goal is out of reach, it may be unwise to adjust the goal; rather true wisdom is found in adjusting the action to attain the goal. One may never fully be certain of the result that may come of one’s action, but for one who does nothing, who undertakes nothing – it is certain that there will be no result. Often, men become that which they believe themselves to be; and along the journey, each person is faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as impossible situations. The way in which one acts to respond to such situations, defines that person. It is not enough to speak about action – words are best used as tools of communication and not as a substitute for deeds. Faith in daring to put one’s dream to the test supports the awareness that it is better to try to do something and fail than to try to do nothing and succeed. Some say that one’s life is defined by the sum of one’s choices, yet it is not merely one’s choices alone that distinguish who one becomes – rather it is one’s commitment to those choices.

That commitment – profound, purposed, and persistent – is evidenced through action, and for that reason, “action” is the Credo of our Calling for the “LECOM Connection” winter 2013 issue.

Even if you are on the right track, you will be run over if you just sit there. ~Will Rogers

The ancestor of every action is a thought.

Knowledge is not enough; one must apply it; a strong will is not enough; one must kindle it.

Mere thought is easy; undertaking the tangible feat that stems from the thought is the most difficult of all endeavors. As the Roman statesman and philosopher, Seneca advised, “luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity” – a tenet that resonates with LECOM educators. Those in the vanguard of

accomplishments, not by his apprehensions.

The more that one is willing to accept responsibility for one’s actions, the more integrity one will possess. It follows therefore, that one should be concerned less with taking action, than with accepting inaction. Action is the real measure of intelligence; it is comprised not only of that which one does – rather it is comprised also of that which one does not do.

LECOM founders have demonstrated that to chart a course of action and to follow it to an end is requiring of great courage. That courage comprises the determinative foundation of a prodigious education. Undeniably, great acts are made up of small deeds. Those who labor in the medical professions will understand the

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A TALE OF TWO SISTERS

LECOM ALUMNAE SIBLINGS WORK TOGETHER IN PEDIATRICS PRACTICE 08 LECOM CONNECTION | SPRING 2014 | LECOM.edu

(Left): Jennifer’s family pictured at a circus in New York. Front row: Finn, Lauren and Meghan. Second row Jennifer, Erin and Cornelius.

(Right): Lauren’s family pictured at Kieran’s (center) christening in New York. Also pictured is Harper & Maxwell.

Sisters! Many Americans have at least one! They outlast marriages; survive the loss of parents; and they even endure after differences that would destroy any friendship.

Sisters flourish in a thousand manifestations of closeness, devotion, and loyalty as the keeper of one’s identity, and as the only person with the keys to one’s vital self – connected from the dawn of their personal stories to the inevitable dusk of their existence. However, some sisters bear out an even more profound union…that of their profession; and to further that profundity to an exceptionally pronounced degree…that of their Alma Mater!

The Byrne sisters (Jennifer and Lauren) are one of the few sibling pairs who both have been graduated from LECOM!

following her sister’s medical path at LECOM. Lauren received the Primary Care Award For Pediatrics from LECOM in 2006; and both sisters share a profound love of children. It is little wonder then, that these dedicated siblings have excelled in the field of pediatrics.

Lauren joined Personal Pediatrics in 2009, after completing her pediatric residency at Schneider Children’s Hospital (New Hyde Park, New York) where she was named Teaching Resident of the Year. Last January, the office of Personal Pediatrics announced the addition of its “newest partner,” - Dr. Lauren Byrne.

The pair of pediatricians, each of whom have children of their own, have created a warm, caring, and supportive environment for their patients and families. The two-physician practice is dedicated to the health and well-being Accentuating the divine distinctiveness of this of infants, children, and young adolescents. duo of doctors, the twosome works in the very The doctors Byrne grew up on Long same pediatric practice. Jennifer Byrne, DO, Island in Northport, New York where their graduated with the third class of LECOM in 1999; parents and two brothers provided an and Lauren earned her degree seven years later. atmosphere of support and encouragement.

Jennifer majored in biology at SUNY Both Drs. Byrne have heard the tales that Binghamton; after which she moved to sisterly interactions are deemed to be perhaps Boston, where she received a masters degree the most competitive relationship within a in medical science from Boston University. family. Yet, these two pediatric partners attest After graduating from LECOM, she completed to the fact that once sisters are grown, the her pediatric residency on Long Island at affiliation becomes one of the strongest of all Stony Brook University Medical Center. After relationships and a deep and abiding friendship completing that residency in 2002, Jennifer rests at its heart. A sister is both one’s mirror began working at Personal Pediatrics in and one’s opposite; reflecting – as do mirrors Miller Place, New York, a private pediatric – the image of who one is and of who one practice, where she is now the owner. may dare to become. Other circumstances Lauren was graduated from Union College in may change them, but they start and end with Schenectady, New York. Immediately after family - and a LECOM family tie. graduating, Lauren sought out her calling @1LECOM | LECOM CONNECTION 09

JOHN FETCHERO, III, DO THE DOCTOR’S NOTES

This time, the doctor’s notes are musical ones.

Dr. John Fetchero is a LECOM Erie College of Medicine graduate who is completing his family medicine residency at St. Petersburg General Hospital in Florida. Recently, the third-year resident appeared on the Dr. Bill Handelman radio show in St. Petersburg where Dr. Fetchero discussed and expounded upon his training at LECOM. The in-depth talk-radio interview focused upon the preparedness and skills that he gained while in medical school and upon his work at the hospital.

Those who understand the nature of the calling of medicine will recognize that the labors and efforts of a medical resident are focused penetratingly upon the arduous and demanding schedule and exactitudes of the residency program. With 60 to 80 hours devoted to hospital time per week, this circumstance is decidedly true for Dr. Fetchero. Of course, with all of the pressures associated with the weighty burdens of a medical residency program, there arises a need for a “stressreliever”, a release of sorts, and a chance to let loose, to liberate, to emancipate and to discharge the demands of a day spent in the throes of intense medical training.

Thankfully, music offers the diversion to which the tune-filled trainee may turn his attention.

His band, Fetch was formed with his two brothers, Dominic and Chris. Professionals all – drummer, Dominic is a pre-med major at Florida State University who hopes to attend LECOM; while brother, Chris (on electric guitar, bass guitar, and back-up vocals) is a second year law student at Thomas Cooley Law School in Tampa. Dr. Fetchero is the lead vocalist and guitarist and he writes the majority of the songs. The family hails from Jacksonville, where their father is an ENT specialist.

Dr. Fetchero attributes his success and opportunities to those skills developed and nurtured while at LECOM. “I was graduated from the Erie campus in 2011; I struggled academically throughout my time in medical school, but the leadership and the LECOM faculty were very supportive in helping me to make it through the program,” pronounced the grateful doctor. “LECOM is a great school and I am proud to say that I was graduated from there. There was no other school that 10 LECOM CONNECTION | SPRING 2014 | LECOM.edu

I have ever attended that was so invested in me. LECOM truly cared about me and they wanted to see me succeed; I was never made to feel that I was just a number,” Dr. Fetchero further explained. The enthusiastic resident echoed the adage that people do not care how much one knows until they know how much one cares. “It really makes a difference,” he accentuated. “I was very happy to join St. Petersburg General Hospital, a LECOM affiliate, because they continue that caring

philosophy in the way in which they treat the residents; and more important, in the way in which they treat the patients,” Dr. Fetchero expounded. “I am appreciative of the training and I have done my best to represent LECOM well,” he concluded.

Indeed, Dr. Fetchero has well-represented his alma mater as currently, he is the Chief Resident of the St. Petersburg General Hospital Family Medicine Residency Program. He was elected to oversee about 43 Traditional Rotating Interns and Family Practice Residents. “It is a great experience,” stated Dr. Fetchero, “and I would not have made it here without the support of LECOM,” he concluded.

When the doctor is not steeped in the rigors of residency, he may be found tunefully tarrying in the musical group that he founded with his siblings. In 2001, he and his two younger brothers assembled the three-piece band.

At first, the group “covered” the music of other artists while playing for family and friends.

As the unique musical style of the band developed, they began writing and recording their own music. In the summer of 2003, Fetch played their first show. A decade later they are still going strong – in fact, they may even be considered a “force” in the music scene with many of their songs requested and played on Top 40 radio. The band has been featured in radio interviews, festivals, political campaigns, and even in charity fund raisers.

One of the sheer joys that brings certain pleasure and satisfaction to Dr. Fetchero is the fact that the band has served to draw together his entire family. The adventures, escapades, and outings created as a result of Fetch’s success have become delightfully grand family events. Parents, cousins, aunts and uncles assemble in a “honkytonk bar in the farthest reaches of the state in the wee hours on a weeknight,” beamed the tickled resident; “and those truly are the happiest times of my life,” he professed.

Interestingly, three of Dr. Fetchero’s uncles were quite influential to the longevity and success of the band. The doctor attributes his love of music and the positive effect that music has upon his life and overall state of mind to his uncles’ influences in exposing him to various groups. Dr. Fetchero described one uncle – Terry – as a “Beatlemaniac”, who while very ill with end-stage COPD, introduced an eager teenager to the raw power of rock-n-roll.

Dr. Fetchero reminisced that he listened to his uncle’s Beatles records and reveled in the stories of the Woodstock era. Sharing music with his nephew afforded the ailing uncle a temporary escape from a serious malady. “We listened to the Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, and Bob Dylan,” recalled Dr. Fetchero, and it was as if my eyes were opened for the very first time,” he confessed. The expressive physician recalled the old acoustic guitar that his uncle drew from a closet, presenting it to the enthusiastic teen with the hope that he could make it sing. “Uncle Terry passed away before I ever learned to play it,” the wistful

simply by talking about music that they both enjoyed,” Dr. Fetchero recalled about his uncle.

This proved an illuminating experience for the young doctor, demonstrative of the universal human need to find common ground.

Dr. Fetchero credits Uncle Bob with expanding the musical horizons of a musician who, by now was hooked on Bruce Springsteen, Jackson Browne, and Neil Young. The Les Paul Custom guitar received from his Uncle Bob as a medical school graduation gift stands as the cherished flagship of Dr. Fetchero’s guitar collection.

resident observed. “As a tribute to him, I was determined to become the best that I could be,” he avowed.

– and simply about the joys of being alive.

“All of us feel immensely blessed to have received excellent educations, to have friends and family to support us, and to be blessed with the physical abilities and good health to be able to play our instruments,” the astutely wise musician commented. “I am personally humbled that I am allowed to care for other people in the hospital and to share the good fortunes that God has given me,” he declared.

Over the next few years, Dr. Fetchero developed his guitar skills through learning the songs of his musical heroes – Dave Matthews, the Beatles, Tom Petty, and Jimi Hendrix.

The musical tutelage offered to the budding guitarist by Uncle Terry was continued by Terry’s brother, Fred. Uncle Fred was a gifted artist who found the power of creativity in music and he worked closely with Dr. Fetchero to foster the creative talents that are so evident in the chords and strains of the present offerings put forth by his band.

Robert Fetchero, DO, was the last of the three uncles that contributed to the musical education of the melodic resident. Uncle Bob taught the developing musician the way in which to apply the musical skills inculcating the “power of connection” created by music. “While rotating with him in the clinic, I saw the way in which he could connect with a patient who would otherwise have nothing in common with him

The group sings about love and connection

With a heart filled with musical gifts and a purposed calling through which to share his training and many skills in the service of others, Dr. Fetchero has made his alma mater proud, indeed.

(Above): Fetch playing at a fundraising event. From L-R: Chris Fetchero on bass, Dominic Fetchero on drums and John Fetchero on guitar/vocals.

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THE RESEARCH KEYSTONE

LECOM LEADS IN PIVOTAL RESEARCH BENCHMARKS

Rounding out the deeply penetrating purpose of a superlative education, unmatched clinical care, and unflagging community service, research comprises a key component of the LECOM mission. On October 24th, LECOM hosted “Research Day 2013”.

The event included a host of activities, lectures, and presentations, including 59 poster presentations and 12 oral presentations. “Research Day” included more than 70 presentations in total. Most of the “Research Day” participants were residents with nearly one-third of those involved being students. Residents from Millcreek Community Hospital joined with residents from St. John’s Episcopal Hospital in Far Rockaway, NY; Roswell Park Cancer Institute and the State University of New York at Buffalo; Saint Vincent Health Center in Erie; Penn State Hershey Heart and Vascular Institute; the Division of Dermatology and Cutaneous Sciences, Center for Investigative Dermatology at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Mi; Yale-New Haven Hospital; UPMC Hamot in Erie; Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland; and the Cleveland Clinic to share investigative findings and clinical research.

The Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine held its annual research day on October 24th, 2013. The event culminates months of medical research conducted by students and medical residents from Millcreek Community Hospital and emphasizes the importance of research.

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“Research Day” constitutes the culmination of medically based investigations and indepth studies that seek to greatly advance and enhance the abilities and capabilities of those in the medical community. Research is increasingly important as the current generation of Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine students view research differently than have their predecessors. Current DO students are more focused upon research, in part because, research is key to supporting “competitive” residencies, such as those in radiology or neurosurgery. Many students apply for the same residencies; thus, with all else being equal among the multiple applicants (such as academic record and board scores), those who possess an active research record maintain a decided advantage over their dissimilarly situated counterparts. Those students who have participated in research studies gain invaluable experience in cognitive and critical

Leading researchers from around the world gathered at the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Erie to share their latest findings, including findings related to the effects of steroids on cancer cells and stem cells.

thinking, problem solving, and writing. In addition to allowing the faculty to become better acquainted with the participating students, research also can be a source of estimable note for a hospital and for other institutions as advancements in the field are developed in and through communal exchanges of critical information.

This year, renown LECOM educator, Bertalan Dudas, MD, Ph.D., Assistant Dean of Research and Scholarship, Professor of Anatomy, and Director of the Neuroendocrine Organization Laboratory, served as the editor of a book published earlier this year, entitled, “The Human Hypothalamus: Anatomy, Functions and Disorders.” In addition, Mark Kauffman, DO, Assistant Dean of Graduate Studies, Associate Professor of Family Medicine and Director of the Accelerated Physician Assistant Pathway, was the editor of a book published this year entitled, “History and Physical Examination: A Common Sense Approach.”

In September, several dozen researchers from leading universities throughout the

United States as well as scholars from international institutions participated in the “Rapid Response to Steroid Hormones” meeting. Jack Caldwell, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Director of Pharmacology, was responsible for bringing the “Rapid Responses to Steroid Hormones” assemblage to LECOM for the first time. With LECOM hosting the meeting, a number of leading national and international researchers met to share their latest findings and research. Those findings included information analyzing the effects of steroids on cancer and stem cells.

In addition to the medical research aspect, Michael Madden, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, School of Pharmacy, recently had an article published in JAMA Pediatrics. The peer reviewed pieces and treatises coupled with the estimable research-oriented gatherings highlight the growing trend in medical and pharmaceutical research advancements as noted by Dr. Dudas who explained that both the quality and the quantity of presentations at “Research Day” have improved considerably.

According to Dr. Dudas, the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) requires colleges of medicine to have their faculty published in peer-reviewed journals; noting also the number of students at a particular institution who engage in research. Any article that has not been published in a peer-reviewed journal cannot be considered as scientifically factual. Such “journals” connote an “impact factor,” (an indication of the number of people who read the article as well as those who later cite or incorporate that data into an article of their own). Recently, Dr. Dudas had an article published in Neuroscience, with an impact factor recorded at 3.5; factors higher than 2.0 are considered good.

The combined events of “Research Day” and the “Rapid Responses to Steroid Hormones” meeting provided exceptional opportunities for LECOM to affect and to impact the research community and to spotlight its solid leadership role in the advancement of the understanding of the wide-ranging implications of these important issues.

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SCHOLARSHIP AUCTION GENERATES RECORD BREAKING SUPPORT The Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) thanks the generous and committed contributors and volunteers who brought about the duo of exceptionally successful events in Erie, Pa. and Bradenton, Fla. LECOM has raised more than $1.4 million through its combined 2013 Scholarship Fund Auctions in Erie and Bradenton.

The auction total in 2013 was the highest in LECOM history; and it represented an increase of more than $282,000 over funds raised last year. Every dollar raised supports scholarships for LECOM osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, and dental students. In 2013, the College awarded nearly $2.5 million in scholarships to deserving students. The final combined item tally noted more than 1,100 offerings donated to the Erie and Bradenton auctions.

The auctions are instrumental in helping LECOM train and educate the next generation of health care professionals.

“The LECOM Scholarship Auction is our single biggest fundraising event,” noted John M. Ferretti, DO, President and CEO of LECOM. “It’s about LECOM helping young men and women who seek to dedicate their lives to the health professions and we are extremely grateful to everyone who helped to make the event so successful,” Dr. Ferretti stated.

The Erie event found nearly 1,000 people gathered to bid and banter at the eagerly anticipated yearly auction held at the Bayfront Convention Center.

The gleeful givers had the opportunity to take part both in silent and live auctions that featured a wide range of artwork, collectibles, holiday crafts and decorations, jewelry, electronic devices, event tickets, luxury travel getaways, apparel, gift cards, and gift certificates.

The auctions are enthusiastically awaited events for true sports devotees, who bid with the hope to win coveted memorabilia, ticket packages, autographed jerseys and other rare items; including a Muhammad Ali Collectors’ Edition fountain pen that raised $1,200 during 14 LECOM CONNECTION | SPRING 2014 | LECOM.edu

the live auction in Erie.

A television advertising package secured the very highest bid during the Erie live auction segment, ringing the register at $12,000. That success was quickly followed by a $7,000 bid on a two-year lease of a Mazda 3.

During the live auction, Erie Bayfront attendees also bid on items such as a Pandora 14K gold bracelet, two separate cruises, and trips to Napa Valley, New York City, and the Finger Lakes.

In addition to the magnanimous bidding battles engendered by the auction festivity, noted philanthropists, business leaders, and other notables gathered to offer their support.

Two former members of the Pittsburgh Steelers - Offensive Lineman, Jon Kolb and Defensive Back, Dwayne Woodruff, attended the Erie auction to meet the guests.

LECOM Erie, medical student, Christian Mosebach, thanked the attendees and those who supported the event through item donations or sponsorships. “As students, we share a common vision: to be the most compassionate, knowledgeable and respected health care professionals possible,” said Mosebach, who spoke on behalf of his fellow scholarship recipients. “Because of your help, our vision will become a reality. Your support of the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine has helped us, as students, endure the challenges of our journey, which at times seems long and arduous, but which we know will bring many rewards,” he added.

“On behalf of previous LECOM student scholarship recipients, we would like to offer to you our heartfelt gratitude,” the thankful scholar concluded.

The Erie event can be viewed as the highlight of pre-holiday gift preparations for many; but most assuredly, the LECOM event is the source of a proud and purposed endeavor that makes possible a noble career in health care for hundreds of deserving students.

(Above): Jon Kolb (left) and Dwayne Woodruff (right), both part of Super Bowl winning teams with the Pittsburgh Steelers, attended the Erie Scholarship Auction and mingled with other guests.

(Right): Caitlin Antonio, OMS3, was one of the many LECOM students who volunteered at the Erie Auction.

(Below): Ronald J. Susmarski (left) and his wife, Honorable Stephanie Domitrovich (second from left), and Michael Visnosky (right), Chairman of the LECOM Board of Trustees, and his wife, Patricia, were among the attendees at the Erie Auction.

@1LECOM | LECOM CONNECTION 15

MERRIMENT WITH A MISSION

“TUBE DUDE” BIDDING HIGHLIGHTS BRADENTON AUCTION GALA

Suncoast philanthropists, community leaders, and patrons of all ages were on hand for an extraordinary indulgence on the evening of October 26, 2013 as the LECOM Bradenton Student Scholarship Fund Dinner and Auction Gala hosted its ninth annual event. The affair this year boasted both the largest attendance and the greatest quantity of auction items to date.

Chaired by LECOM Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, Dr. Robert George, and by Assistant Director of Communication and Marketing, Michael Polin, the evening welcomed LECOM notables including President and CEO, Dr. John M. Ferretti; Dean and Provost, Dr. Silvia M. Ferretti, and Millcreek Community Hospital Chief Executive Officer, Mary Eckert who hosted the fundraising festivity at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota Grand Ballroom.

A cocktail reception was followed by a silent and a live auction at the black tie gala which culminated in an affable bidding battle for an aqua blue “tube dude” – the vibrantly colored aluminum, stickman-like lawn art popularized in Southwest Florida. The sleek tube-dude “doctor”, complete with medical bag and stethoscope garnered $3,200; the bidding for which brought the room humming with excitement and exuberant anticipation to a controlled frenzy as the bid climbed by the hundreds. Auctioneers, Jeff Burchard and Elizabeth Flower of Auctions Unlimited, lauded the ardent bidders as the spirit of philanthropy gripped the eager attendees.

The benefit and fundraiser for LECOM’s future doctors, pharmacists, and dentists 16 LECOM CONNECTION | SPRING 2014 | LECOM.edu

is an enthusiastically anticipated event that provides monies raised to assist the financial needs of matriculating medical students. The overall theme and tone of the night was that of immense “pride” in the students. Clearly emanating from every patron and donor, sponsor and bidder, whether winning or not, was the intense sense that the evening entailed merriment with a mission. The annual event has raised millions of dollars and it promises to be even more exhilarating with each passing year. The room boasted many distinguished individuals, political leaders, and organization sponsors whose outstanding contributions to the medical community and to the community as a whole make this yearly event possible. A regular moderator at the LECOM Auction gala, the vacationing BayNews 9 news anchor, Al Ruechel launched the festivities via video with his tongue-in-cheek “news report” in support of the LECOM mission and the objectives of the Student Scholarship Fund.

As the largest medical school in the country with campuses in Erie and Greensburg, Pennsylvania, LECOM’s facility located in Lakewood Ranch, Florida extends to generations of medical practitioners a dedicated commitment to exceptionalism and to educational distinction.

The cost of a medical school education for today’s future health care practitioner can well exceed $250,000. The strain upon students to financially meet this burden while managing the rigors of a demanding and exacting medical program is onerous. The auction gala provides critical support and succor to the scholarship recipients; and the delight that they found in

(Above): Manatee County Medical Society President Scott Clulow, DO (L) and wife, Jill (C) won the Tube Dude. The Clulows are pictured with LECOM Associate Dean of Academic Affairs Robert George, DO (R).

being part of the program was evident.

Former scholarship recipient and graduate of the LECOM Bradenton Class of 2010, Andrea Apple, D.O. offered the invocation as she further expressed a reflective and deep gratitude in having had received scholarship funds when she was a student at LECOM. Student musicians, Rebecca Dickerson, Jean Kim, Stephanie Nguyen, and Eric KincaidSharp offered a musical backdrop comprised of classical favorites coupled with contemporary originals.

Two current second-year students, Nicholas Bottaro and Aliza Ali offered extensive and heartfelt words of thanks as they reminded the donors that the scholarship was more than financial support; moreover it was a gift of “the possible” for many students with a dream that otherwise may have gone unfulfilled. The two scholars delivered a moving message of thanks, of vision, and of belief in the community of osteopathy and a desire to advance that vision.

The night was a resounding success, raising almost $250,000. Forty-one sponsored tables accommodated 415 guests as they dined and bid. Some of the more interesting items on

(Above): Pictured left to right is Eugene DiBetta, DO (’09) and Jeffrey Grove, DO of Suncoast Family Medical Associates of Largo, Fla.

the auction block included Tampa Bay Rays home plate club seats; a special reserve box collection of fine wines; separate offerings of club seats for the Tampa Bay Lightning, Rays, and Buccaneers; an arcade game console complete with retro video favorite - “Pacman”; a week-long stay at a beach bungalow on Holmes Beach; stunning jewelry - among which included a fabulous custom-designed 14-karat white gold and diamond necklace and a men’s Swiss Legend watch; autographed sports memorabilia; dinner, golf, and hotel packages; get-away trips; and a variety of appealing theme baskets to tempt just about everyone.

Eclipsing the gems, the exquisite dinner graciously provided by the Hyatt, and the alluring vacation destinations was the obvious purpose of the night: the future of medicine and the quality of the doctors, pharmacists, and dentists being nurtured by those in attendance.

The commitment to excellence that LECOM exudes remains palpable - and even if, at the end of the evening, those in attendance departed with a feather light pocket-book or a thinner billfold, clearly they left behind more than dollars as they championed a cause that assuredly will change lives. @1LECOM | LECOM CONNECTION 17

On behalf of all LECOM students, we would like to express our sincerest appreciation for all of the contributions to the LECOM Student Scholarship Fund. Through the donations of these sponsors and donors, each student has received a scholarship based on academic achievement and financial need. The cost of obtaining a professional degree places an enormous financial burn on students, and many will graduate with a debt of more than $150,000. Through these scholarships, students are able to continue their medical, pharmacy and dental educations, while reducing indebtedness. Again, we thank you for your generosity in supporting the LECOM Student Scholarship Fund.

Sponsors of the 2013 LECOM Bradenton Scholarship Auction

Major Sponsors - $25,000 The Cleveland Clinic Robert Hemphill, D.O.

Platinum Sponsors - $10,000 Benco Dental John M. Ferretti, D.O. Silvia M. Feretti, D.O. Robert George, D.O. and Goldie George Hyatt Regency Sarasota SRQ Media Group

Gold Sponsor - $7,500

Robert Hirsch, D.D.S. and Alex Hirsch

Silver Sponsors - $5,000 Coca-Cola Bottling Group CVS Caremark Pharmacy Lost Creek Resort Apartments Jeffrey Myers, J.D. and Edie Myers Vanessa Fine Jewelry Willis A. Smith Construction, Inc.

Bronze Sponsors - $2,500 Coltene-Whaledent Crest + Oral B – The Procter and Gamble Company Stephen Coppa, D.O. Dental Services Group – Clearwater Jeffrey Grove D.O. – Suncoast Family Medical Associates Jackson Landscape Professionals, Inc. Kavo-Kerr Group Grow Financial Credit Union Meisinger USA 18 LECOM CONNECTION | SPRING 2014 | LECOM.edu

Premier Dental Products Prime Parking Systems Regions Bank SHOFU Dental Corporation Southern Dental Industries Schroeder Manatee Ranch, Lakewood Ranch Communities, LLC VitalSource Technologies Whip Mix Corporation

Patron Sponsors - $1,500

Francis Curd, D.D.S. and Pamela Curd Anthony Ferretti, D.O. Florida Osteopathic Medical Association FOMA District 7 Anton Gotlieb, D.D.S. and Susan Gotlieb HBKW Insurance Hospital Corporation of America Iberia Bank Jan-Pro of Manasota Kaplan Manatee Healthcare System John and Michelle McKay Misch Implant Dentistry – Craig and Katherine Misch, D.D.S. Neal Communities Pittsburgh Pirates Carla Rayman and Patricia Tan, Your Global Agents – Coldwell Banker Real Estate Mark A. Romer, D.D.S. E. Rhoda Shaten Charitable Foundation Clay Rhyne Vanguard Advanced Pharmacy Systems - Omnicare, Inc. Walgreens Pharmacy

Sponsors of the 2013 LECOM Erie Scholarship Auction Premiere Sponsor - $30,000 PNC Bank

Major Sponsor - $25,000 Coca Cola Mary L. Eckert John M. Ferretti, D.O. Silvia M. Ferretti, D.O. First National Bank Esther J. Fucci Pittsburgh Foundation WAPA Vantage Healthcare UBS Group

Emerald Sponsors - $20,000 Erdman Company Erie Community Foundation Orris Hirtzel Foundation

Diamond Sponsors - $15,000 Mark and Amy Gusek Hubbard Bert, Inc. Richard P. Olinger

Ruby Sponsors - $12,000 Millcreek Community Hospital Howard Hanna Real Estate Services

Platinum Sponsors - $10,000 Sen. Durell Peaden, M.D. & Nancy Peaden Contemporary Motorcar Mazda of Erie Seton Hill University Walgreens

Gold Sponsors - $7,500

Building Systems, Inc. Church & Murdock Electric, Inc. Hagan Business Machines LECOM John M. and Silvia Ferretti Medical Fitness and Wellness Center Millcreek Community Hospital Staff Power Wellness Management, LLC Rabe Environmental Services PremCom Corporation

Silver Sponsors - $5,000

Hershey S. Bell, M.D. and Marianne Bell Church Hill Classics Coffee Culture Cafe and Eatery CVS Caremark Rebecca A. DeSimone, J.D. Erie Otters Hockey Club Vincent S. Fierro Jr., D.O. First Energy Corporation First Niagara Lawrence Gabel, Ph.D. and Marilyn Gabel Jan Hendryx, D.O. Suzanne Kelley, D.O. King Communications Lilly Broadcasting - WICU, WSEE & The CW LORD Corporation LM Wander and Sons Landscaping

Marquette Savings Bank Networking Technologies Saint Vincent Health Center WJET-TV, FOX 66 and YourErie.com Victorian Princess Judy Zboyovski Zuckor Club (in memory of Philip Hultgren, Ph.D.)

Bronze Sponsors - $2,500

George H. Althof, Inc. Arent Fox, LLP Pierre and Loretto Bellicini Thomas Czarnecki, D.O. Steve and Dana Demetriou Robert Fabrizio Karl Falk, D.O. Foundation for Enhancing Communities Gannon University Paul and Debbie Hakel Kurt Johnson, D.M.D. & Barbara Johnson The Hammocks at Millcreek Health Fusion and Sol Lizerbram, D.O. Highmark Harvey Insler, M.D. & Janet Stewart Mark Kauffman, D.O. and Michelle Roth Kauffman, J.D. Peter Karamountzos Dolores Kutzer, Pharm.D. Shawn & Julie Liebel Robert Maholic, D.O. & Kate Maholic Malady and Wooten Thomas Masters, D.O. and Carolynn Masters, Ph.D. Joseph McCormick Construction Medical Associates of Erie Medical Associates of Erie Employees Joan Moore, D.O. Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association Dennis & Tara Prischak Dennis & Sandy Styn Scott Enterprises Tyler and Beth Travis UPS Foundation William Wismer, D.O. & Stephany Esper, D.O.

Patrons - $1,500

A. Anthony & Sons and Gresh General Contractors John Balmer, D.O. and Pat Balmer. R.N. Ranko Barac, D.O., and Melissa Barac, Pharm. D. John & Colleen Bloomstine Amanda Bogert Bryant Bojewski, D.O. and Annette Bojewski Jason Campagna Christopher Carbo Family Carrara Steel Carmine D’Amico, D.O. Carlo DiMarco, D.O. and Maria DiMarco Edinboro University of Pennsylvania Engel O’Neill Advertising

Phil and Chris English ENT Specialists of NWPA Erie Bank Erie Elite Basketball Erie Estate Buyers and the Gold Exchange Jeffrey Esper, D.O. Ronald Esper, D.O. and Kathleen Esper Edward Faber, D.O. James Fierro, D.O. Irving Freeman, Ph.D., J.D. and Julie Freeman, J.D. John M. Gallagher, D.O. and Catherine Gallagher Robert George, D.O. and Goldie George Kym Gohn, D.O. and Douglas Gohn Aron Goldberg, M.D. & Cynde Goldberg Erica Grazioli, D.O. and John Grazioli Danielle Hansen, D.O. and Corey Hansen Blake Hoppe, D.O. and Tim Hoppe Insurance Management Company LECOM at Seton Hill, Class of 2013 LECOM Sports Medicine and Integrative Care John Kalata, D.O. Knox McLaughlin Gornall & Sennett James Lin, D.O., & Emma Lin Maleno Development Paul Martin Mercyhurst University Eric Milie, D.O. and Christina Milie Miller Travel Services Morgan Stanley Michael Namey, D.O. & Beth Namey Northshore Clinical Associates Northwest Savings Bank Oasis Footwear Richard Ortoski, D.O. Penn State Erie, The Behrend College Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association William Phelps, M.D. Psychiatric Resource Partners Prism Armando Ricci, D.O. & Beth Ricci, D.O. Andrea Richard, D.O. Rite Aid Chip Rohrbach, D.O. and Elaine Rohrbach Ronco Communications Joyce Savocchio Scally Wags Regan Shabloski, D.O. and Cheryl Moore, D.O. Sheetz, Inc. Stairways Behavioral Health Rebecca Styn Aaron Susmarski, J.D. Mark Terrell, Ed.D. Turner Dairy Farms Frank Tursi, D.O. Urban Engineers Village SurgiCenter Thomas and Lorraine Wedzik Westlake Family Medicine

@1LECOM | LECOM CONNECTION 19

A Message from the “Student Scholarship Recipients” to the LECOMAuction Guests Tonight, we have one brief moment to “meet you”, to share the promise of a cause greater than ourselves, to share a united vision for the future of health care; and most important - to say: “THANK YOU”.

We are tomorrow’s health care professionals. Soon – very soon – we shall be waking at dawn, responding to the call, rushing to a bedside, healing the sick, saving a life. We shall be in the operating rooms, in the clinics, on the battlefields, in the cities and rural communities. We shall be helping the injured to walk again, the elderly to live longer lives, the young to grow in good health.

Soon - it will be us.

But – it will also be YOU. For without you, our vision of purpose may never have come to pass. Without YOU, the training would have been out of reach, the opportunities would not have arrived, and the dream would have remained unfulfilled. You have made that opportunity conceivable for us by seeing the invisible possibilities; in knowing that vision is indeed, the art of seeing things invisible.

Your attendance tonight is evidence of your support. Each one of you is a flame that will serve to light our lamp of learning. Each one of you is a rung on our ladder to reach the possible.

We are grateful to you because each one of you is aware that an investment in knowledge pays the best interest; for truly, it is interest that will affect the next generation of health care. It is our commitment to become the doctors, pharmacists, dentists, and health care professionals who will treat your children, who will respond to the needs of your aging family, and who will care for you.

Because you are here tonight, the future of medicine shall reap the harvest of the seeds that YOU plant.

For ours is not only to become medical professionals who succeed, rather ours is to become medical professionals of value and virtue.

Because you have had a hand in the events that unfold here; because you are an ally in this great cause - we are impelled to aspire to the principles that fashion our purpose; and these are the radiant lights of LECOM “exceptionalism”. Because you support LECOM - you have embraced that spirit; helping us to rise above our limitations, to transcend the challenge and seemingly insuperable obstacles too numerous of which to lay account. Because of you – we are tomorrow’s health care professionals.

We summon strength from your faith in us, from your belief, from your loyalty, and from the generous support of those who came before us – for they have shown to us our very selves – our indefatigable strength to rise above the odds, to dream of the possible, to travel the path from goals to accomplishment.

You may be only one – but you are one! You cannot do everything, but through your participation tonight, you have done something.

Our depth of gratitude is a debt that we shall pay forward to all whom we shall come to serve in the field of health care.

20 LECOM CONNECTION | SPRING 2014 | LECOM.edu

MASTER'S IN HEALTH SERVICES ADMINISTRATION DEGREE NOW OFFERED

LECOM inaugural MHSA class includes back row from left: Pamela Goldman, DO; Jillian Heschke; Anthony Ferretti, DO; Marcus Babiak, PharmD; Jaime Babiak, PharmD. Front row: Nicole Papanikos; Danielle Hansen, DO; James Lin, DO; Jessica Puckett, DO; Dominick Giovanniello, DO and Joseph Clark, DO.

Health care professionals traveled from across the country to the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Bradenton, Fla., to take their leadership skills to the next level.

These are the first students to begin the latest graduate level program offered by LECOM - the online Masters in Health Services Administration (MHSA).

with the skills needed to become top

of Erie is also enrolled in the program.

administrators in the health care field,” said Mark Kauffman, DO, LECOM Assistant Dean of Graduate Studies. “Students will focus upon better ways to run a health care facility, to build communication skills, and to learn how to make health care policy,” he concluded.

“I’ve been a physician for 20 years and I’ve watched the profession grow from an art to an industry,” said Dr. Ferretti. “It’s very important to be able to communicate with and understand those on the business side of health care,” he affirmed.

Before returning to their computers to carry out completion of their distance education classwork, students spent a week in Bradenton for orientation. The newest program offered by LECOM has attracted physicians, pharmacists, and other health care professionals who are taking advantage of a program that allows them to work from their home or office computers.

More than 90 percent of the curriculum is taught via distance education.

Marcus and Jamie Babiak are among the first 11 MHSA students. The Erie couple earned doctor of pharmacy degrees from LECOM in 2010 and they are now ready to learn new skills that will help them advance their careers.

According to Sonia Dillon, PhD, Director of Masters of Health Services Administration, this first group has enrolled in an 18-month long program designed for working professionals.

In June, the next class of MHSA students will follow a 24-month curriculum that offers more time for study.

Students meet face-to-face with the faculty only three times for a total of 120 hours.

“The MHSA program is designed to provide working professionals and full-time students

“Earning my Master’s (degree) in this program will set me apart from my peers and allow me to advance in the industry,” said Marcus Babiak, Pharm.D., currently a pharmacist at Rite-Aid. “We can continue our careers and advance all at the same time,” he enthused.

Anthony Ferretti, DO, Clinical Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at LECOM and an orthopedic surgeon with Medical Associates

Dr. Dillon began the program after seeing that hospitals and other health care facilities needed more administrators.

The U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor and Statistics estimates that employment of health service administrators will grow by 22 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations. @1LECOM | LECOM CONNECTION 21

STUDENT NEWS

SMALL THINGS WITH GREAT LOVE Laucks believed that two issues were affecting Kula: she had been prescribed a number of different medications, and in recent weeks, she had been treated at an outpatient clinic - a hospital and a separate emergency room. “Her care seemed absent a true sense of continuity because she lacked a single provider closely monitoring her medications,” Laucks clarified.

Laucks suggested that Kula’s care be handled by the staff at the LECOM Institute for Successful Aging and that her medications be adjusted to help minimize her mood swings and to afford to her improved sleep.

In caring for Kula, Laucks embraced the calling of osteopathic medicine; his care truly evocative of the complete philosophy of osteopathic medicine - caring for the entire person: mind, body, and spirit.

Above all, however, it was Laucks’ sensitivity and his understanding of osteopathic principles that unequivocally boosted Kula’s spirits and hastened her recovery. Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) students embrace a “whole-person” approach to patient care that encompasses mind, body, and spirit. “I tried to talk to the family and to reassure them as much as I could,” furthered Laucks. “Ruth needed hope and a reason to be optimistic, more than anything else,” concluded the sagacious student.

Noted Zdunski, “With everything that my Mom had been through, she was almost to the point of not caring anymore. She still remembers Peter and she asks about him. He touched our hearts,” she revealed.

He (Laucks) was the first person to see her when we took her to Millcreek Community Hospital,” Zdunski continued. “He helped situate her after she was admitted and he would constantly check on her. She’s like a completely new person now,” pronounced Zdunski.

“What I do, you cannot do; but what you do, I cannot do. The needs are great, and none of us, including me, ever do great things. But, we can all do small things, with great love - and together we can do something wonderful.” Albanian born, Indian Missionary and Founder of the Order of the Missionaries of Charity, Mother Teresa of Calcutta explained a truism that LECOM medical student, Peter Laucks knows well.

Laucks assisted in caring for Ruth Kula, an elderly patient who was being treated at Millcreek Community Hospital (MCH). The superlative degree of attention coupled with the profound measure of compassion that Laucks showed to Kula so impressed her daughter, Judy Zdunski, that Zdunski took time to pen a detailed letter expressing her gratitude to Silvia M. Ferretti, DO, Provost, Senior Vice President, and Dean of Academic Affairs for LECOM. Zdunski referred to Laucks as an “angel,” noting that his example speaks very well of LECOM students.

Third-year medical student, Peter Laucks was on rotation at MCH, but the OMS3 scholar does not believe that he did anything astonishing, extraordinary, or out of the norm in working with the 82 year-old, Kula in the Acute Care for the Elderly (ACE) unit at the hospital. Nonetheless, Kula’s daughter, Judy Zdunski, was effusive in her praise of Laucks and of his compassionate care.

Kula always had enjoyed a great degree of independence, explained her daughter, although her health and her overall wellness began to decline after a fall. Kula experienced mood swings, which in turn affected her ability to sleep.

22 LECOM CONNECTION | SPRING 2014 | LECOM.edu

“The time and compassion that Peter showed my elderly mother was priceless. It is such a relief to know that we have a wonderful teaching hospital to aid in the treatment of the elderly,” the grateful daughter expressed in her abiding appreciation to LECOM. Laucks, a native of Medford, NJ, earned his bachelor’s degree from Dickinson College. He is a student in the Lecture Discussion Pathway (LDP) at LECOM and he hopes to pursue a career in internal medicine.

As this issue of the LECOM Connection focuses particularly upon leaders and leadership, it is most fitting to highlight the efforts and commitment exhibited by Laucks in assiduously providing first-rate care; and moreover to note that as a student, he displayed the commitment to exceptionalism that is so profoundly inculcated at LECOM. Laucks demonstrated his leadership skills as well as his interpersonal skills; both attributes that Laucks deems as part-and-parcel of becoming a good and caring physician.

Laucks, like LECOM, understands as Nobel Prize recipient, Mother Teresa once stated: “Unless a life is lived for others, it is not worthwhile;” and, for Ruth Kula and her loving daughter, Judy - small things, done with great love, resulted in something wonderful.

STUDENT NEWS

SOMA ELECTS LECOM STUDENT AS NATIONAL PRESIDENT

Jimmy DeMeo, OMS3, LECOM Erie, is a LECOM scholar who made prodigious news at the Osteopathic Medical Conference and Exposition (OMED) held in Las Vegas in late September. DeMeo was elected President of the National Student Osteopathic Medical Association (SOMA) and he was appointed to the Osteopathic Profession Mentor Task Force.

having its voice heard at the local level.

Appointed by AOA President, Norman E. Vinn, DO, to the AOA Osteopathic Mentor Task Force, DeMeo will be the sole student on the Task Force. He will work alongside physician leaders from across the country to facilitate the interaction between DOs who seek to become mentors. He also will work Representatives from every osteopathic school with osteopathic students who are seeking a in the country were present at the OMED mentor. Ultimately, the goal is to increase the Conference to vote for their next President. involvement and communication of physicians Jimmy DeMeo is the third LECOM student to with osteopathic students who are in search have been elected to the prodigious position. of guidance.

His one-year tenure begins this spring.

Demeo’s hard work paid off at the national As President, DeMeo’s responsibilities include SOMA Conference where LECOM earned representing osteopathic students across the Chapter of the Year honor and the Region the country as their ombudsman to the AOA. 1 Promoting Osteopathic Awareness Award.

DeMeo will be the “student voice” to the AOA Alan Shephard OMS2 and Shoja Rahimian on many issues, and he will be advocating OMS2 won election to the national board as on behalf of the students for residency well. placement, student loan burden reductions, and a variety of other pressing issues. The LECOM heartily congratulates Jimmy DeMeo SOMA President oversees the SOMA chapter on this superb achievement that marks yet of every osteopathic medical school in the another triumph of LECOM success. nation to ensure that each organizational unit is @1LECOM | LECOM CONNECTION 23

COMMUNITY IS OUR CAMPUS

Students Earn Volunteer of the Year Recently LECOM students were honored for their extensive volunteer work at Asbury Woods Nature Center. More than 50 students helped with events such as Maple Fest, Trails Day, the International Coastal Cleanup and Winter Wonderland. Shown with their Volunteer of the Year recognition are some of the participating OMS2s (left-right): Kellen Mulhern, Carlie Cerne, Sage Green, and Kristen Ruby.

LECOM Students Host Holiday Party Julia Livit (P1) and friend show off the mittens that they made during a holiday party for children at the Quality of Life Learning Center in Erie. The event was sponsored by the LECOM chapter of the Student National Pharmaceutical Association (SNPhA).

Santa Claus Visits the Millcreek Manor A delivery of gifts from Santa Claus brightened Christmas Eve for Mary Jane Meyer and for fellow residents of the Millcreek Manor. The Manor, Millcreek Community Hospital, and the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine are a part of Millcreek Health System.

24 LECOM CONNECTION | SPRING 2014 | LECOM.edu

Students Donate Time Danielle Sarlo (OMS2) and the other student members of the LECOM Mentoring Club volunteer their time during weekly visits to the YMCA Kids’ Club. LECOM students participate in games and activities with the many children in attendance. The members of the Mentoring Club enjoy the shared time as much as the children.

COMMUNITY IS OUR CAMPUS

LECOM Celebrates Cardiovascular Awareness LECOM faculty, staff, students, and their children celebrated Cardiovascular Awareness month by donning red and forming the shape of a heart in the atrium.

Pharmacy Students Provide Glucose Screenings Robbie Fisher (P1) prepares a patient for a glucose screening during the 8th annual United Way Walk-A-Thon in Venice, Fla.

LECOM Deans Speak to the Community Students Teach Youth About Medicine Michael Jauch (D1) shows a denture molding to Haile Middle School students: Darron Mayes, Colin Goda, and Louis Rush. Students from the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) college readiness program at Haile Middle School visited the LECOM College of Medicine, School of Pharmacy, and School of Dental Medicine in Bradenton, Fla.

LECOM Associate Dean of Academic Affairs Robert George, DO updated the Lakewood Ranch (Fla.) Rotary Club on LECOM’s impact on the community. Dr. George (right) is pictured with Lakewood Ranch Rotary Club President Christopher Perkins.

@1LECOM | LECOM CONNECTION 25

PHYSICIAN SPOTLIGHT

DR. PATRICK LEARY TO LEAD AOASM It comes as no surprise to readers that the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) is known as a leader in providing superlative medical education; committed as well, to an unremitting pledge to community service. LECOM remains and reigns in the vanguard of first-rate offerings and as a pinnacle and seminal name in the field of health care. It is a reputation earned over time as a result of demonstrative acts, selfless contributions, and resolute determination to better each community and region in which it has come to lay a cornerstone.

Yet, one may wonder just as to the way in which LECOM has come to be such an icon in medical education and the very first of its kind to be an osteopathic academic health center. Much of the success and accomplishment can be attributed to the leaders who shape the scene and who set the paradigm of the venerable institution.

One such definitive leader and unflagging champion of the LECOM mission is Patrick F. Leary, DO, MS, FAOSM, FACSM, FACOFP. Dr. Leary is the Director of Sports Medicine for LECOM and he has begun a one-year term as President of the American Osteopathic Academy of Sports Medicine (AOASM). Dr. Leary was installed as the organization President at the AOASM annual conference, held in Tampa, Florida in March 2014. For the past year, he has served as AOASM President-Elect of the specialty 26 LECOM CONNECTION | SPRING 2014 | LECOM.edu

College. As a notable benchmark, both for the doctor and for LECOM, Dr. Leary took the helm of the estimable organization bringing with him a career rich in the educative expertise and administrative adroitness that he has honed at LECOM. “I am very grateful for the support and confidence of my peers and I am excited about the opportunity and privilege of leading the oldest sports medicine organization in the United States,” Dr. Leary said. “This position is a culmination of almost 20 years of work in sports medicine, and it includes presentations, publications, lectures, workshops, teaching, and serving on the Board for the last ten years,” the doctor explained of his history.

As President, Dr. Leary hopes to generate interest in sports medicine among students, residents, and fellows, while also helping them to advance through the process of becoming sports medicine physicians. His added goal centers upon his desire to increase awareness and education related to proper diagnosis, management, and treatment of concussions - an issue of critical importance to the National Football League, but more important, one that affects high school and college players in many sports.

Dr. Leary is a proponent of integrative sports medicine, which encompasses not only the strength of an athlete coupled with flexibility and cardiovascular fitness, but also nutrition, sleep, mental health, and lifestyle factors.

“Diagnosing injuries means taking into account many

PHYSICIAN SPOTLIGHT

Dr. Pat Leary is a leader of the LECOM Sports and Orthopedic Medicine Team. As physicians for the Erie BayHawks, Mercyhurst University Athletics, Erie Otters, and the Erie Explosion, the medical team also offers a complete range of orthopedic and sports medicine services for the every day athlete as well as for varsity, college, and professional players.

(Top Left): Dr. Pat Leary (third from left) with sports medicine fellow, Diana Trister, DO, Anthony Ferretti, DO, and Greg Coppola, DO on the sidelines of a Mercyhurst Univeristy football game.

(Bottom Left): Dr. Pat Leary (middle) with sports medicine fellows, Jessica Huerta, DO and Chris Rial, DO on the sidelines of an Erie Explosion indoor football game.

(Top Right): Dr. Pat Leary along with the team athletic trainer for the Erie BayHawks, Kyle Creasy, ATC, treat center Ty Walker on the bench during the March 9th BayHawks game at the Erie Insurance Arena.

contributing factors and all treatment options,” explained Dr. Leary. “In many cases, there is a direct connection between training techniques and subsequent injuries.

Our task, as primary care sports medicine specialists, is to safely, quickly, and appropriately return the athletes to their sport,” he concluded.

As President of the AOASM, Dr. Leary has demonstrated a capacity and a will to rally men and women to a common purpose and he possesses the character that inspires confidence, lifting one’s vision toward lofty sights and raising the performance both of student and colleague alike to a higher standard beyond perceived limitations. As a sports medicine specialist, Dr. Leary currently practices at the LECOM Medical Fitness and Wellness Center in Erie and he holds a faculty appointment as Clinical Professor of Family Medicine and Sports Medicine at LECOM. He is certified in Family Medicine, Sports Medicine, and Geriatrics.

As Director of Sports Medicine at LECOM and as Team Physician for Mercyhurst University, Dr. Leary recognizes that Primary Care Sports Medicine combined with the manual medical skills of osteopathic treatment create a natural fit on the sidelines, in the classroom, and in the wellness clinic.

A graduate of the Kansas City University of Medicine and Bio-Sciences, Dr. Leary was Team Physician at the University of Notre Dame from 1995-2005, where

he completed his undergraduate work. Dr. Leary is a Fellow of the American Osteopathic Academy of Sports Medicine, the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians, the American Academy of Family Physicians, and the American College of Sports Medicine; and he has mentored specialty physicians in Sichuan Province, China. His work at the LECOM Wellness and Integrative Health Center has been well-recognized as he serves as Head Team Physician for the Erie BayHawks, the Erie Otters, the Erie Explosion, and for Mercyhurst University. In addition, Dr. Leary has been appointed to the sports medicine advisory board of the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA). Recently, he received a Master’s of Science in Medical Education from LECOM. Clearly, Dr. Leary’s extraordinary leadership has been, to an exceptional degree, rooted in his desire to help and to serve in the vanguard of health care. Many in the profession have come to expect the caliber and quality exhibited by those associated with LECOM. Dr. Leary is a testament to a body of work steeped in the LECOM mission.

It is obvious that anyone endowed to this extent with the intuition and the desire to help and to serve others would find in the work of education an outlet and a means of self-expression that perhaps no other work could so well have provided. Such is the case for Dr. Patrick Leary - and for all who share the LECOM pride. @1LECOM | LECOM CONNECTION 27

NOTES

FACULTY NOTES College of Medicine

Mark Andrews, PhD, wrote: Why Our Stomachs Growl – the Physiology of G.I. Activity, published in Downhome Magazine. Dr. Andrews was named to the Steering Committee of the Society of Osteopathic Medical Educators and he is chairman of the Bylaws Committee of the National Academy of Osteopathic Medical Educators.

Paul A. Bialas, MD, was honored with the prestigious Laureate Award by the Pennsylvania Chapter of the American College of Physicians.

Kathleen Daniele, MD, was a National Finalist for the Student Osteopathic Medical Association Northrup Educator of the Year Award.

Amber Eade, PhD, is on the editorial board and article editor of SAGE Open (a peer-reviewed open access journal). Dr. Eade is on the Board of Directors for Westmoreland Choral Society and an item writer for COMLEX Level I for the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners.

Julie Freeman, JD, was appointed to the Board of Directors for the Greensburg (Pa.) Community Development Corporation.

Irv Freeman, PhD, JD, is on the Special Committee on Bioethics and the Law for the American Bar Association.

James Leiber, D.O., was recognized as a Sarasota Physician of Distinction by SCENE Magazine.

Donald Linville, PhD, is on the Board of Directors for the American Heart Association of Westmoreland County.

Timothy Mietzner, Ph.D., co-authored Rational Design of Engineered Cationic Antimicrobial Peptides Consisting Exclusively of Arginine and Tryptophan, and Their Activity Against MultidrugResistant Pathogens, published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Agents.

Philip Miller, DO, MS (’13) co-authored the OMM E-Book.

Amy Raimondi, MLIS, published CLP LYNCS: Bring a Library to the Pittsburgh Public Market in the Journal of Library Innovation. She serves on the Advisory Board of the Special Library Association, Pittsburgh Chapter.

Ja’Nean Reay, PhD, co-authored two publications: The Anti-Tumor Effects of Adenoviral-Mediated.

Intra-Tumoral Delivery of Interleukin 23 Require Endogenous IL-12, published in Cancer Gene Therapy and Addition of Peptide Therapy to Inhibit NF-kB Activation to AAV Serotype 9 Minidystrophin 28 LECOM CONNECTION | SPRING 2014 | LECOM.edu

Gene Transfer to Treat Muscular Dystrophy in mdx Mice published in Molecular Medicine.

Nicole Temofonte, DO, is on the Health Care Subcommittee Overdose Task Force, for the Westmoreland Drug and Alcohol Commission.

School of Pharmacy Hershey S. Bell, MD, MS MedEd, presented From the Front Porch to Rockville: Reflections on Health Care, at the 2014 Pharmacy Leadership Summit.

At the Summit, Dr. Bell received a Certificate of Appreciation from Acting U.S. Surgeon General, Rear Admiral Boris Lushniak, M.D., M.P.H. Jack D. Caldwell, PhD, co-authored an article: Sex Hormone Binding Globulin and Corticosteroid Binding Globulin as Major Effectors of Steroid Action for Elsevier Publishing.

Sunil S. Jambhekar, PharmD, MS, co-authored Drug Dissolutions: Physicochemical Properties and Physiological Conditions, published in Drug Discovery Today.

Alejandro Vazquez, PharmD, and Ryan Wargo, PharmD, co-authored: Experience with a StudentRun Patient Medication Assistance Service, published in Frontline Pharmacist.

Julie Wilkinson, PharmD, represented LECOM School of Pharmacy at the Florida Pharmacy Association stakeholder meeting in Orlando, Fla.

LECOM Fitness and Wellness Center Tyler Travis, Director of the LECOM Fitness and Wellness Center, published an article: Fifteen People Worth Following on Twitter for the American Council on Exercise blog.

STUDENT NOTES

College of Medicine - Erie Campus Paul Chenowith (OMS3) received the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association Foundation A. Archie Feinstein Scholarship.

He also received the American Osteopathic Association Guardian of the Profession Certificate and Honor Roll recognition for serving as the medical student representative for the American Osteopathic Association Council on Palliative Care Issues for 2013-2014.

Caitlin C. Feth (OMS3) received a $2,500 Alliance Medical Education scholarship from the Foundation of the Pennsylvania Medical Society.

Bryan Fiema (OMS1) co-authored an article, which was published in the Blood Journal. The article is about biomarkers for the diagnosis of chronic graft vs. host disease in bone marrow

transplant patients Michael Ghassibi (OMS4) authored an article for the Opening Arthritis Journal.

Benjamin Gough (OMS2) was recognized as Student D.O. of the Year for LECOM Erie and Seton Hill campuses.

Sage Green (OMS2) represented LECOM at the Asbury Woods Annual Dinner, where LECOM students were honored as Volunteers of the Year.

Matthew Heffernan (OMS1) co-authored five articles that appeared in the following publications: Wiley Online Library and the National Center for Biotechnology Information.

Allen Shepard (OMS2) was named a 2014 Primary Care Interdisciplinary Leadership Institute Scholar.

College of Medicine - LECOM at Seton Hill Catherine Caponero (OMS3) was elected President of the National Student Society for the American College of Osteopathic Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

College of Medicine Bradenton Matthew Anderson (OMS2) received a $500 scholarship and the Florida Osteopathic Medical Association Student Leadership Award.

Kristen Balkam (OMS2) received the Florida Osteopathic Medical Association Student Leadership and Sam Seltzer Legislative awards.

Each recipient receives a $500 scholarship.

Sarah Bonaffini (OMS1) was awarded a $500 Scholarship from the Student Osteopathic Medical Association for her essay entitled Vision of Osteopathic Medicine.

David Deliberato (OMS3) received a $5,000 Scholarship from the Florida Hospital/East Orlando Osteopathic Foundation.

Arianna Gianakos (OMS3) will present a research paper at the 16th Annual European Society of Sports Traumatology, Knee Surgery and Arthroscopy conference in Amsterdam, The Netherlands May 14-17. She will also present a research paper at the Arthroscopy Association of North America Annual Conference in Hollywood, Fla., May 1-3.

Richard Haring (OMS3) presented on innovative approaches to problem solving in clinical and educational settings at the American Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) meeting in Washington, D.C. and on the process of building the nation’s largest database of affordable healthcare services at the Association for Prevention Teaching and Research conference.

Laura Jordan (OMS3) received the Student

NOTES Osteopathic Medical Association $500 Humanism in Medicine Scholarship. She was also appointed as a board member of the Pinellas County Osteopathic Medical Society and named Student D.O. of the Year at LECOM Bradenton, Fla. campus.

from the KML Foundation in Tampa.

Cang Nguyen (OMS1) co-authored two abstracts that were published in the Society for Surgical Oncology and Association for Academic Surgery.

Bella Mogaka (P3) was presented a certificate of recognition at the American Pharmaceutical Association-Academy of Student Pharmacy (APhA-ASP) Region 3 Mid-year meeting.

Jonathan Poirier (OMS3) received a $5,000 Scholarship from the Florida Hospital/East Orlando Osteopathic Foundation.

School of Pharmacy – Erie Abimbola Ogunsemowo (P3), Irene Kapche (P3), Maria Adejoro (P3) and Kwadwo Owusu (P3), presented a poster on medication use evaluation at the American Society of HealthSystem Pharmacists Mid-Year Clinical Meeting in Orlando, Fla. Victoria Cercone (P2) was awarded a $1,000 WalMart Pharmacy Scholarship.

Christopher Sedgwick (P2) and Angela Shick (P2) presented a poster on pulmonary disease and a new COPD medication at the Pennsylvania Society of Health System Pharmacists meeting.

Gale Garmong (P3) presented: “The Use of a Standardized Screening Tool to Communicate Gaps in Care in Patients with Diabetes: An Ambulatory Care Practice Model Initiative and Economic Analysis” and “Tech-Check-Tech Initiatives: Opportunities and Challenges for Community Pharmacists” at the Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association mid-year meeting.

Jennifer Addo (P3) led a team of students in conducting background research for LECOM President and CEO John M. Ferretti, DO’s address to the Pennsylvania Society of Health System Pharmacists entitled: “A New Era in Healthcare: How LECOM is responding to the Challenge.”

School of Pharmacy – Bradenton Esaleen Carmona (P3) received a $2,000 scholarship from the KML Foundation in Tampa, Fla. Ashley Cubillos (P2) has been accepted to the summer internship program at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Md. Cubillos’ internship will focus on inpatient oncology pharmacy.

Jelena Cusanelli (P2) received a $1,500 scholarship from the George W. and Ethel B. Hoefler Fund of the Sarasota (Fla.) Community Foundation.

Alena Korbut (P1) received a $1,500 James Franklin Warnell and Dorothy J. Warnell Scholarship from the Community Foundation of Sarasota.

Jennifer Slowek (P4) received a $2,000 scholarship from the KML Foundation of Tampa.

Jennifer Smith (P4) received a $2,000 scholarship from the KML Foundation of Tampa.

Monica Yu (P4) received a $1,000 scholarship from Wal-Mart Pharmacy.

Tang Tang Zhao (P3) received a $500 Wal-mart Associate Scholarship.

School of Dental Medicine Stephanie Mazariegos (D2) was elected as a Trustee to the Fifth District of the American Student Dental Association.

Robert Galamaga, DO, a hematology/oncology and board certified internal medicine physician, has joined the Silver Cross medical staff in New Lenox, Ill. Marie Pomorski Sprague, DO, received a certificate of commendation from the U.S. Marine Corps for her work with wounded, ill, and injured service members and their families from 201113. Dr. Pomorski Sprague is a psychiatrist living near Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Class of 2004 Victoria Ochoa, DO, is an obstetrics and gynecology specialist at Morris Hospital in Ottawa, Ill.

Class of 2005 Lucinda S. Antosh, DO, is engaged to Joseph C. Mirra. Dr. Antosh is an OB/GYN physician at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center in Wilkes Barre, Pa. Shaun Mathen, DO, is a family physician at Kishwaukee Community Hospital in DeKalb, Ill.

Class 2006

Jenna Pascoli (D2) was named National Delegate of the Year by the American Student Dental Association.

Lauren Byrne, DO, has joined Personal Pediatrics in Miller Place, N.Y. Byrne joins her sister, Jennifer Byrne, DO (‘99), in the practice.

Jared Schmitt (D1) co-authored a published paper in FEBS Letters, the journal for rapid publication of short reports in the molecular biosciences.

Class of 2008

ALUMNI NOTES Class of 1997 Frank C. Biondolillo, DO, is the Emergency Department Medical Director at St. Petersburg (Fla.) General Hospital.

Class of 1998 James M. Rossetti, DO, is Assistant Director of Cellular Therapy at the Allegheny Cancer Institute of West Penn Hospital. Dr. Rossetti received the Allegheny County Medical Society 2013 Physician Volunteer Award, given to physicians who donate to clinical, educational or charitable endeavors.

Class of 2001

Jordan Daniel (P4) was named the inaugural fellow of CVS Caremark Pharmacy Quality Assurance and Patient Safety program.

Daniel Krenk, DO, has been promoted to Orthopedic Residency Program Director at Holsten Valley Medical Center in Kingsport, Tenn.

Marialis Kirk (P4) received a $2,000 scholarship

Class of 2002

Jennifer C. Dy, D.O., married Zebulun Hawkins on Sept. 28, 2013. The couple resides in Akron, Ohio, where Dr. Dy is an internal medicine physician with Summa Health System.

Class of 2009 Mary Ann Horn, D.O., has joined AnMed Health Physician Network in Pendleton, S.C. Laura Kohlepp, D.O., married David Nelson in Chippewa Falls, Wis., on July 6. Dr. Kohlepp is an emergency medicine physician at St. Luke’s Hospital in Bethlehem, Pa. Bianca Tribuzio, D.O., is currently a pain management fellow at UCLA Health in Los Angeles.

David Seastone, D.O., Ph.D, is a second-year fellow in the department of hematology/ oncology at the Cleveland Taussig Cancer Institute. Dr. Seastone attended the American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting where he presented his research: Distinct Patterns of Genetic Change Associated with Smoking Exposure in Patients with Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS).

Class of 2010 Rebecca Brown, DO, is co-chief resident in the psychiatry program at Michigan State University.

@1LECOM | LECOM CONNECTION 29

HEALTH SYSTEM NEWS Danielle Dixon, DO, married Raymond Lation III on Dec. 5 in Castries, St. Lucia. Dr. Dixon is a pediatrician at St. Francis Children’s Hospital/ Oklahoma State University Medical Center in Tulsa, Okla.

Dana Marie Smith, DO, graduated from a Pediatric Residency Program at Geisinger Medical Center and is currently a pediatrician Geisinger Medical Group in Lock Haven, Pa.

LECOM SCHOOL OF DENTAL MEDICINE TO BEGIN OFFERING COMPREHENSIVE CARE

Kenna Wood, DO, has been named chief medical resident of the Samaritan Health Services internal medicine residency program in Corvallis, Ore. Haipeng Zhang, DO, will begin a Palliative Care Fellowship at Harvard University in July 2014.

Class of 2011 Rohit Kedia, DO, won the National American College Physicians Associates competition for his research paper titled: Weight Loss in Subclinical Hyperthyroidism. He is an endocrinology fellow at the University of Nebraska.

Nicholas Kotch, DO, is house physician at Kindred Healthcare in St. Petersburg, Fla. Sara Payne, DO, is engaged to David Nicholas. Dr. Payne is a resident physician in obstetrics and gynecology at Oakwood Southshore Medical Center in Trenton, Mich.

Class of 2012 Dylan Arnold, DO and Caylyne DeGood, DO Emergency Medicine Residents at the Medical College of Georgia, Regents Medical Center in Atlanta, announce their engagement.

Spring is well-reputed to embody birth and renewal; to welcome new and innovative happenings. This spring season will hold true to form for LECOM as the School of Dental Medicine (SDM) opens its clinic to the public.

Thus far, the LECOM SDM students have been providing strictly denture care to patients.

However, under the supervision of faculty, LECOM dental students will begin offering comprehensive care at the Bradenton campus dental offices in March.

The LECOM Connection is proud to report about the accomplishments of our graduates, faculty, and students.

Often, we learn about these achievements through news reports. We appreciate The Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine being mentioned in the articles and we ask that you note that you are a LECOM graduate, student, or faculty member when submitting news articles to your local media.

30 LECOM CONNECTION | SPRING 2014 | LECOM.edu

The LECOM School of Dental Medicine will offer preventive and primary care restorative dentistry, which includes cleanings, periodontal (gum) treatments, single crowns, simple root canal therapy, simple extractions, and denture treatments. All of the offerings are part of the new comprehensive care clinic that marks the culmination of semesters of intense training and scholarship for the participating students and that heralds the welcoming of “new (first time) patients” to the LECOM SDM. Numerous state-of-the-art pods provide authentic fully equipped dental office settings for each of the practicing student dentists.

The entire venue will authentically emulate

the undertakings conducted by dentists in a professional off-campus dental office; and the program is anticipated to be exceptionally wellreceived.

The fee-based program of care is expected by LECOM SDM coordinators to serve hundreds of individuals and patients who must apply to participate in the enterprise.

It was Albert Einstein, who astutely asserted that, “the only source of true knowledge is experience;” and LECOM administrators simultaneously echo and implement his words as the Dental School students apply their rigorously learned skills and peerless training to their clinical setting.

The entire program sequence underscores yet another innovatory milestone in the original and cutting-edge offerings that LECOM advances as part of its training and education platforms – and another successful triumph along the everdeveloping LECOM landscape.

HEALTH SYSTEM NEWS

LECOM OPENS INSTITUTE FOR ADVANCED WOUND CARE AND HYPERBARIC MEDICINE As the first, and indeed the only, osteopathic academic health care center in the nation, the unified amalgam of LECOM, Millcreek Community Hospital, and the Clinical Practices of LECOM is ever striving to expand and to deliver the latest, innovative, and state-of-theart treatment options and equipment to benefit the health needs of the community.

Their most recent offering comes to Erie with the opening of the LECOM Institute for Advanced Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine; a clinic that delivers the latest innovations in treatment and the most current protocols for administering to chronic wounds.

The expert staff of physicians and treatment specialists includes James Lin, DO; Danielle Hansen, DO; Anthony Ferretti, DO; Eric Milie, DO; Jason Lee, D.P.M., Douglas Fronzaglia, DO; and Jason Goldberg, DO. Each of the physicians have received advanced wound care training; and among the group, clinical experience covers geriatrics, internal medicine, orthopedic surgery, and podiatry.

Melissa Ellis-Ray is the Program Director and she previously managed the Wound Care Center at Dubois (Pennsylvania) Hospital. She works with Healogics, the largest wound care center operator in the country.

suffering from wounds that are difficult to treat,” explained James Lin, DO, Director of the LECOM Institute for Successful Aging and Vice President of Senior Services and Adult Living for the Millcreek Health System. “These wounds can result from diabetic ulcers, pressure ulcers, infections, radiation injuries to soft tissue and bone, or compromised skin grafts. These patients should seek treatment from an advanced wound care center as soon as possible,” advised the doctor.

The facility boasts the newest hyperbaric chambers designed to provide optimum comfort for patients undergoing two or more hours of treatment per day for a continual period of 20-40 days.

The center also has installed micro-biotic protected furnishings in the waiting rooms as well as in the patient treatment rooms.

Negative airflow prevents the escape of air from the exam and treatment rooms and it is circulated through ultra-violet light to kill bacteria.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is one of the cutting-edge therapies used by these wound care experts. This treatment increases the amount of oxygen to reach wounds, allowing them to heal from the inside. Patients enter one of the two hyperbaric chambers to receive treatments while watching television and relaxing on a bed encased in a large transparent plastic shell. They are surrounded by 100 percent oxygen at higher-than-normal atmospheric pressure.

During the noninvasive procedure, the only sensation that patients experience is a slight pressure in the ears, as would one find on an airplane, when the pressure changes.

The wound care center, located within Millcreek Community Hospital, is staffed with an expertly blended team of specialists who are passionate about healing chronic wounds.

The profound level of expertise exhibited

by Institute team members results in an allencompassing multidisciplinary approach to wound management and it represents another leap forward in the landscape of health care.

Chronic wounds affect more than 8 million people throughout the United States.

The frequency of such debilitating conditions is increasing due to an aging population coupled with similarly increasing rates of diseases and conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and the after-effects of radiation therapies.

The physicians and clinicians at the Institute employ the most up-to-date therapies to accelerate the innate ability of the body to heal chronic wounds. To help such wounds heal rapidly and to their fullest measure, the Institute uses hyperbaric oxygen therapy, negative pressure therapies, bioengineered tissues, and biosynthetic treatments.

“The treatments at the new center will be ideal for patients

By offering hyperbaric oxygen therapy, the institute expects to achieve excellent clinical outcomes, including high limb salvage rates, a 91 percent healing rate, and extremely high patient satisfaction rates.

@1LECOM | LECOM CONNECTION 31

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