VOL
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I G N I T I N G T H E PA S S I O N O F P H Y S I C I A N S , P H A R M A C I S T S A N D H E A LT H R E S E A R C H E R S
WINTER 2013
FEATURE:
NEW DISCOVERIES IN WHALE RESEARCH LENDS TO ALASKAN CONSERVATION EFFORTS
RESEARCH:
NEUROTHERAPEUTICS EMPHASIS GROUP LEADS NATURAL PRODUCTS INITIATIVE
IGNITING EDUCATION:
BUILDING AWARENESS OF PALLIATIVE CARE THROUGH EDUCATIONAL DOCUMENTARIES
neomed.edu
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED), formerly known as the Northeastern Ohio Universities Colleges of Medicine and Pharmacy (NEOUCOM),
NEOMED has seen a tremendous amount of growth and change in the past year with the addition of new partnerships with Cleveland State University and Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education, new graduate school programs, the start of Bio-Med Science Academy, new and ongoing construction, and many other exciting projects.
is a community-based, public medical university with a mission to improve the quality of health care in Northeast Ohio working in collaboration with its educational and clinical partners. NEOMED is a member of the University System of Ohio, and its partners include teaching hospitals, community sites and boards of health.
The changes and growth on our campus allow me to be truly thankful for the incredibly talented individuals who call NEOMED home. I am fortunate to have a strong Board of Trustees and senior leadership team to help guide the University, students who embrace change, and a knowledgeable, dedicated and talented faculty and staff who make these projects a success.
Ignite magazine is published twice per year by the Office of Public Relations and Marketing. NEOMED Board of Trustees Eric Kodish, M.D. (‘86), Chair Chander M. Kohli, M.D., Vice Chair Daisy L. Alford-Smith, Ph.D. Dianne Bitonte Miladore, M.D. (‘81) Paul R. Bishop, J.D. L. Austin Fredrickson Jr. – Student Trustee J. David Heller, CPA Philip K. King – Student Trustee Anil M. Parikh, M.D., DFAPA Gary S. Shamis, M.Acc., CPA Jay A. Gershen, D.D.S., Ph.D. President Laura Pegg – Editor Public Relations and Marketing Specialist Cristine D. Boyd – Associate Editor Director of Public Relations and Marketing
We are quite proud of our recent success in faculty recruitment – adding new, experienced research faculty to our already stellar core. These world-class scientists bring new research, new connections and new ideas and will elevate the ability of NEOMED to conduct research in such important areas as heart disease, skeletal biology and arthritis. These individuals are also great scholars, teachers and role models for all of our students: - Marc S. Penn, M.D., Ph.D., FACC, joined NEOMED from the Cleveland Clinic and serves as director of research at the Summa Cardiovascular Institute at Summa Health System and professor of medicine and integrative medical sciences at NEOMED. A foremost researcher in his field, he is leading a team of scientists at NEOMED in conducting both basic science and clinical studies that focus on helping the heart repair itself after acute injury such as heart attack or while the patient is facing chronic disease including heart failure. - Fayez Safadi, Ph.D., joined the Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology as a professor and Ohio Research Scholar. Formerly of Temple University, his research is primarily focused on the regulation of bone cell development and function, with specific emphasis on growth factors that can enhance bone formation and repair.
Contributing Writers: Heather Bing, Public Relations and Marketing Specialist; Cristine Boyd, Director of Public Relations and Marketing; Laura Pegg, Public Relations and Marketing Specialist
- Tariq Haqqi, Ph.D., joins the Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology as a professor after a successful tenure at Case Western Reserve University and MetroHealth in Cleveland, Ohio. He is a well-recognized scientist in the area of complementary and alternative medicine, studying how natural products can be used to treat arthritis and other related diseases.
Publication Design: Scott J. Rutan, Graphic Designer
- Rebecca Z. German, Ph.D., M.Sc., will join the Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology as a professor in the next few months. Her work focuses on potential interactions that exist among evolution, biomechanics, physiology, anatomy and growth. The end goal is to answer questions about the interface between form and function, particularly with respect to its impact of dysfunction and dysmorphology. She is formerly from the John Hopkins University School of Medicine.
Photography: Ken Love Photography Cover photo courtesy of J.G.M. “Hans” Thewissen, Ph.D. Office of Public Relations and Marketing 4209 St. Rt. 44, PO Box 95 Rootstown, Ohio 44272-0095 email: publicrelations@neomed.edu No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior permission of the editors. Copyright 2012 by Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, Ohio 44272
As the University continues to evolve, we look forward to the addition of exciting new partners, talented employees and unprecedented levels of achievement. Best wishes,
Jay A. Gershen, D.D.S., Ph.D. President, Northeast Ohio Medical University
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THE HUNT FOR KNOWLEDGE: How One Researcher’s Trailblazing Discoveries are Contributing to Conservation Efforts in Alaska MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE: Student Pairs Passions for Medicine and Magic
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IGNITING THE NEXT CHAPTER: NEOMED Welcomes New Dean of the College of Pharmacy
IN BRIEF
RESEARCH
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ACADEMICS AND STUDENT LIFE
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DEVELOPMENT AND ALUMNI
40 NEWS 42 GIFTS AND SUPPORT 43 CLASS NOTES 46 PROFILE
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UNIVERSITY MOMENT
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IGNITING THE
NEXT CHAPTER: NEOMED WELCOMES NEW DEAN OF THE COLLEGE OF PHARMACY by Heather Bing
The College of Pharmacy at Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) continues to experience positive and exciting change, and that story of success enters a fresh and transformative chapter in its history with the arrival of Charles Taylor, Pharm.D., dean of the College of Pharmacy.
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most accessible health care provider in that area. Dr. Taylor asked to shadow him to learn more about the profession, beginning his initial exploration of a career in pharmacy. While studying for his bachelor’s degree at the Harrison School of Pharmacy at Auburn University, he was further influenced by his preceptors who talked about their experiences practicing pharmacy, leading him to choose rotations that placed him Prior to joining NEOMED, Dr. Taylor served as senior associ- out in the community. As he entered his Pharm.D. studies at ate dean for professional education and professor of phar- Auburn University, followed by his postgraduate year one maceutical care and health systems at the University of residency program at Duke University Medical Center, his Minnesota College of Pharmacy. During his tenure, he educators continued to be influential as he experienced his first effective interproled a collegiate entreprefessional workplace. neurial effort to expand When a position close online education, guided “We need to develop new clinical scientists to home became availthe curriculum revision able to serve jointly as process and participated focused on better ways to formulate doses and in the design, implemena practicing pharmacist researchers who help evaluate the value of and assistant professor, tation and advancement he felt it was a natural of the 1Health interprofesmedication use and health policy. And we need fit. sional education program. to promote awareness among our communities He also incorporated new “Growing up in a rural accreditation standards of the ways in which pharmacists contribute area, I’ve always known into the curriculum, repoand how they infl uence and lead change.” my neighbors, felt very sitioned the experiential connected to the comeducation program to – Charles Taylor, Pharm.D. munity and experienced support an expansion of the relationships that Introductory Pharmacy are built by helping and Practice Experiences and launched the Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.)/Master of Busi- caring for one another,” said Dr. Taylor. “Service to the comness Administration dual degree program on the Twin Cities munity and a team-based approach to care have always been and Duluth campuses. important to me.” With extensive academic administrative experience developing and implementing strategic plans, educational initiatives and research programs, Dr. Taylor’s experience includes building and growing clinical and community partnerships as well as improving operational effectiveness and financial sustainability.
Prior to the position, he served as chair of the Division of Pharmacy Practice and associate dean of clinical affairs at St. Louis College of Pharmacy, and he began his academic career as an assistant professor and internal medicine pharmacist at Auburn University. As a practicing pharmacist, he provided medication management services for patients with chronic diseases in primary care clinics. EARLY VALUES COMBINE WITH EDUCATIONAL VISION Dr. Taylor grew up in a rural community in Alabama and was strongly influenced by a local pharmacist who served as the
Those same values became a theme throughout his career as he helped create services in rural western Alabama while at Auburn University, urban initiatives at St. Louis College of Pharmacy and public health programs and interprofessional education at the University of Minnesota. “I was intrigued to find these core values instilled at NEOMED and see them played out in bold and innovative ways,” said Dr. Taylor. “The College of Pharmacy and the University have a strong foundation in the community and a stake in the community’s health. That really resonated with me and inspired me. I knew this was where I needed to be.”
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INITIAL IMPRESSIONS AND IDENTIFYING INITIATIVES Leading up to his Oct. 25, 2012, start date, Dr. Taylor attended numerous forums with faculty, preceptors, students, staff, alumni and partners to learn more about their passion, ideas and vision. This background not only confirmed his desire to come to NEOMED, it created a foundation of understanding to help him hit the ground running on arrival. “The feedback from these forums was so positive; everyone is proud of what has been accomplished and excited about where we are headed in the future,” said Dr. Taylor. “I am continually impressed by how solution-focused everyone is. It’s not that there aren’t challenges to overcome, but the focus is never on the problem, it’s on the anticipated outcome. We have a highly motivated cadre of faculty who clearly keep the best interests of the students and University in mind.”
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Dr. Taylor is noticing strong themes of focus, from further innovating the interprofessional curriculum, to anticipating how health care reform will play out, to discovering new tools and medications in a laboratory-to-bedside context; all of which will affect how the College of Pharmacy grows within the University, region and beyond. There are also industry trends to be considered, from reports on how team-based care is contributing to overall patient health, to more complicated medications entering the marketplace. “We need to continue advocating for pharmacists to be recognized as providers and change the scope of practice to reflect that provider role as part of the health care team,” said Dr. Taylor. “We need to develop new clinical scientists focused on better ways to formulate doses and researchers who help evaluate the value of medication use and health policy. And
GETTING we need to promote awareness among our communities of the ways in which pharmacists contribute and how they influence and lead change.” Dr. Taylor believes the College of Pharmacy is at a point where a performance dashboard can be established to allow the College to further align its priorities with those of the University. Through additional forums, input from advisory committees, and broader discussions to solicit feedback from all key stakeholders, he hopes to outline deliberate and meaningful priorities that will create focus and a clear path forward.
“I look forward to shining a bright light on our incredible story that describes our
TO
DR. TAYLOR •
Dr. Taylor is a certified pharmacotherapy specialist and recently completed a leadership management program at Harvard Graduate School of Education.
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He spends a great deal of time with his family, including his six-month-old son, Aiden, and cat, Sylvester.
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He enjoys outdoor activities, including tennis, hiking and biking.
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Dr. Taylor listens to an eclectic array of music — from current to classical. He grew up playing trombone, baritone and saxophone in numerous school affiliated bands, as well as piano as part of his church choir, and still enjoys playing piano today.
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A big Southeastern Conference football fan, Dr. Taylor holds a special love for his alma mater, Auburn University, but is open to rooting for The Ohio State University.
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Dr. Taylor is a big foodie and welcomes recommendations for local hot food spots.
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He has a secret love for comic bookinspired movies and Star Trek.
outstanding students, faculty members, preceptors and alumni, who are leading the transformation of the patient-centered, collaborative care model.” – Charles Taylor, Pharm.D. Building on his personal values of commitment to community and team-based approaches to care, Dr. Taylor is excited and honored to be part of the College of Pharmacy’s next chapter of success. “This is an extraordinary opportunity for me to join a College dedicated to the advancement of pharmacy education, biomedical research and collaborative care as part of the vision of being the premier community-based, interprofessional health sciences University in the United States,” said Dr. Taylor. “I look forward to shining a bright light on our incredible story that describes our outstanding students, faculty members, preceptors and alumni, who are leading the transformation of the patient-centered, collaborative care model. There are breathtaking University initiatives underway, and the College of Pharmacy is well-positioned to advance new strategic frontiers.”
KNOW
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T h e f o r
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h u n k n o
t w l e d g e: HOW ONE RESEARCHER’S TRAILBLAZING DISCOVERIES ARE CONTRIBUTING TO CONSERVATION EFFORTS IN ALASKA By Laura Pegg
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY J.G.M. “HANS” THEWISSEN, Ph.D.
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In the mid-1990s, J.G.M. “Hans” Thewissen, Ph.D., BrownIngalls endowed professor of anatomy, Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED), unearthed the famed walking whale, Ambulocetus natans, in the deserts of India. It helped to answer questions about the origin of whales that even Darwin had pondered. In 2007, Dr. Thewissen published an article in the scientific weekly journal Nature, which identified the earliest land mammals that were the ancestors of the whales. As time went on, he encountered more questions on whales that could not be answered with the fossils he had discovered in India. Thus began his sojourns to Barrow, Alaska, to take part in the annual, traditional native Inupiat bowhead and beluga whale hunt.
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“The hunt is a time that the entire Inupiat community comes together, helping each other prepare for the harsh winter season when the sun goes down and does not crack the horizon for more than two months,” said Dr. Thewissen. The local Inupiat culture is anchored in the whale hunt, which is endorsed by the International Whaling Commission – the international agency that monitors whale hunts. The Inupiat hunt has been called the only sustainable whale hunt on the planet.
Native Inupiat people of Barrow, Alaska, gather every year for the ritual hunt, which will provide sustenance for the harsh months of winter when daylight is at a minimum and temperatures are brutal. Dr. Thewissen takes a moment to examine a fresh whale sample collected from the Point Lay, Alaska, whale hunt in July 2012.
Shown here is a 3-D reconstruction based on CT-scans of the inner ear of a beluga whale. The green area represents the cavities in the skull that are fluid-filled in life. In the snail-shellshaped organ, sound is registered by nerve cells and passed on to the brain. The narrow circular tubes are part of the organ of balance. Neurons involved in sound reception (spiral ganglion) are located in the purple space.
“In years past, the meat of the bowhead and beluga whales was essential for the physical survival of the town, but in the present it still remains essential for the cultural survival of the Inupiat,” said Dr. Thewissen. “During the hunt, everyone has a role and all are working toward the common goal of obtaining sustenance for the coming months.”
EVOLUTION ME ETS CONSERVATION In recent years, both the increase in offshore industrial activity and climate change in Alaska have altered the landscape of the environment. The threats to bowheads and belugas affect the survival of the whale species as well as the survival of the native Inupiat people that have depended on the hunt for winter food for hundreds of years.
In the image above is a cross section through the spiral ganglion showing the nerve cell bodies (purple circles). The black strands are nerve fibers going to the brain on the left and entering the spiral ganglion on the right.
With great concern, the Inupiat people have actively investigated methods to help minimize how these negative changes might affect the whales, including reaching out to Dr. Thewissen for assistance. Initially, Dr. Thewissen took part in the whale hunt to collect whale embryos that could reveal the genetic changes that caused the hind limbs to form in an embryo, but then disappear by the time the animal was born. Working with wildlife biologists, the whale embryos helped to explain the molecular mechanisms that caused this evolutionary pattern of hind limb loss in whales as found in Ambulocetus natans. Now, urged on by the concern of the Inupiat people, Dr. Thewissen has expanded his investigations beyond bones
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and embryos and has begun looking into other areas related to the conservation and population management of these whales.
(ANOTHER) ONE FOR THE BOOKS As part of that work, in 2010, Dr. Thewissen and his team made an additional discovery. Unlike the majority of their cetacean cousins – dolphins, porpoises and other species of whales – bowhead whales are able to smell.
nerve cells that transmit processes to the nose. This is different from most other whales. Upon examining sections of the specimen under a microscope, they determined that the parts of the brain and nose involved in smelling are similar to those found in other mammals – including humans.
It is likely that this sense of smell gives the whales clues as to where they can find to survive because it is critical to the concentrations of krill, their main source of food, or survival of the culture and their people perhaps it allows them to as well as the Arctic ecosystem.” detect polar bears, which sometimes attack small – J.G.M. “Hans” Thewissen, Ph.D “The Inupiats have always whales through breathing known that these whales could holes in the ice. Dr. Thewissmell, but the scientists did not sen and his team are invesbelieve them,” explains Dr. Thewissen. “Our findings over tigating this further, keeping in mind that human-produced turned existing science and confirmed what the Eskimos had industrial odors may also have an ill effect. long suspected.”
“The Inupiats want bowheads and belugas
ADVERSE AUDITORY ADAPTATIONS
To arrive at this conclusion, Dr. Thewissen and researchers dissected the brain of a bowhead whale and found a ball of
Team member Meghan Moran, Ph.D., and Dr. Thewissen work to secure a sample that will be examined at his lab at NEOMED in Rootstown, Ohio.
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Much like the threat that industrial activity has on a whale’s sense of smell, loud sounds may also cause immediate or
On Oct. 26, 2012, Dr. Thewissen presented an overview of his research on whale evolution as part of the Explorer Lecture Series and in conjunction with the exhibition Whales Tohora at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History in Cleveland, Ohio. Audience members were enlightened about the history of the species, spanning the first 13 million years of its existence when the whales went from land beings to aquatic creatures. To illustrate his presentation, Dr. Thewissen showed renderings of various forms of early whales, including animals that resemble otters and alligators. LEFT: Dr. Thewissen examines fossil whales in his lab at NEOMED with graduate student Jennifer Sensor.
permanent hearing loss. Beyond the physiological impacts, hearing damage or loss could also cause behavioral changes such as altering migratory paths or may cause a switch in feeding grounds. To explore this further, Dr. Thewissen has adapted methods from human pathology to identify the traces of hearing loss in bowhead and beluga whales. Dr. Thewissen’s group has taken cross-sections of the part of the skull that holds the hearing organ and studied them using microscope sections, as well as CT scans. It is not clear whether the ears of whales are vulnerable to sounds produced by human activities, but this project aims to determine that. Until now, no one has studied the ears of these two species in much detail and, subsequently, little is known about bowhead and beluga hearing.
“What is surprising is that the ears of these whales are not organized the same way as other mammals,” said Dr. Thewissen. “Unlike other animals, the nerve cells are not evenly distributed.” In Dr. Thewissen’s new areas of whale research – both hearing and smell – the Inupiat are active participants, helping with sample collection and pointing out anomalies in the behavior of certain whales. They are keenly interested in any results and understand that scientific data from the study may play a pivotal role in evaluating the effects that oil exploration and other industrial activities have on the whales and, ultimately, on their culture.
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M ore than M eets the Eye:
STUDENT PAIRS PASSIONS FOR MEDICINE AND MAGIC by Heather Bing PHOTOS PROVIDED BY SERAPHIM ONE
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hen she was in fifth grade, Angela Funovits’ teacher gave the class an assignment; each student was to write an autobiography, including what they wanted to do in life. Funovits was interested in magic but also wanted to be a doctor, so she asked her teacher which she should pick. Her teacher’s response:
“Why don’t you do both?”
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In high school, Funovits began volunteering at MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio, and as a volunteer, she was responsible for stocking the procedure rooms. However, she really wanted to interact with the patients, so she began to go in before and after the patients met with their health care professionals and perform magic for them. She was surprised at the change in the patients’ attitudes and the overall mood in the room after a few lighthearted tricks. MetroHealth also offered a program designed to encourage students to consider careers in medicine, so her senior year of high school, Funovits enrolled. At the end of the program, she and her parents attended a graduation ceremony. The guest speaker was MetroHealth surgical oncologist Bruce J. Averbook, M.D., FACS, associate professor at Case Western 16 | IGNITE
Reserve University School of Medicine. He also happened to be president of The Blackstone Ring, the Cleveland chapter of the International Brotherhood of Magicians. Seeing him, she realized it was possible to pursue her two passions, and her discussion with Dr. Averbook following the ceremony quickly led her to a new mentor and friend. Funovits, a fourth-year medicine student at Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED), has since accomplished a great deal – she has traveled around the world performing her magic and mentalism shows, has started her own production company and has even shot and edited short films. She has taken her teachers’, mentors’ and parents’ supportive and encouraging words to heart – do what you want and pursue what makes you happy.
“I didn’t expect it at the time, but modeling got me in front of the camera and in front of people, and from an early age I had to understand the business aspect of the industry, working with agents and clients,” said Funovits. “The beauty pageants helped me become even more comfortable in front of people, especially while interviewing with panels of judges and answering difficult questions on stage. It helped me learn how to be confident and speak my mind under pressure.” Funovits went on to win Miss Teen Cleveland and was honored not only to have won the title, but also to have won the interview round and the talent round, where she performed magic. In high school she took public speaking courses and philosophy courses known for their rigorous requirements to help her further gain confidence and comfort in front of audiences. “That fear never goes away, but you learn to manage it,” Funovits said. “You learn to focus and use it to your advantage.”
From Magic to Medicine During high school, Funovits came across the then Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine viewbook and knew the accelerated Bachelor of Science/Doctor of Medicine (B.S./M.D.) degree program was the perfect fit. She completed a bachelor’s degree at Kent State University in 2007, but took two years off to travel and perform before starting the M.D. portion of the program.
Overcoming a Shy Spirit Funovits claims she wasn’t a born entertainer and that one of the most significant challenges she had to overcome was stage fright. “I remember one time in school the teacher asked the class who they thought was the shyest,” shared Funovits. “Of course everyone said, ‘Angela!’ I was so shy and so soft spoken. But I had read about a famous magician who used magic to overcome his fear, and I decided that I would do the same.” When she was 11 years old, Funovits started modeling after being recruited by an Elite Model Management agent on a trip to New York. Several years later, she began applying for entry into Ohio beauty pageants with some of her modeling photos.
“I liked that the University was close to home, and that the path to becoming a physician was condensed into six years. When the opportunity to take part in a national television show presented itself shortly after I had completed my undergraduate studies, I was able to take a break while my seat was held at NEOMED. For me, this was an unexpected benefit of the program. I was able to travel, perform and grow my business within the same amount of time that a student on the standard track to a medicine degree would require,” said Funovits. “Having the flexibility to take a couple of years off before starting the M.D. program to do the shows was amazing. If I had gone to a regular undergraduate program and then on to medical school, that might not have been possible.” Although her undergraduate time was accelerated, Funovits still made her mark with early efforts to combine magic and medicine. While at Kent State University, she started an organization called the “Magic of Medicine” with the help of Dr. Averbook. She and other students in the organization traveled to the Gathering Place in Cleveland to host magic workshops for the kids whose families were touched by cancer. 17 | IGNITE
“We would teach magic tricks with various themes attached, with the intention of allowing the kids to relate the magic with what they were going through,” said Funovits. “For example, we would show them how to make an object vanish and then ask what types of things they might want to make vanish in real life. Some would say that they wanted cancer to disappear, or that they wanted the family’s worries to disappear. As a kid, watching magic is a beautiful experience, and we found this to be a non-threatening way of opening up more difficult discussions.” Following her undergraduate work, Funovits spent two years traveling around the world to perform, entertaining in live arenas and on national television shows in the United States, Canada, France, Germany and Japan. She also competed and took second place on the NBC television series Phenomenon, which featured 10 contestants competing to become the next great mentalist. 18 | IGNITE
Funovits entered the NEOMED College of Medicine in 2009 and has tied her magic to her work in medicine, teaching the residents and other health care professionals she interacts with on rotations how to do basic magic tricks for patients. “As rotating medical students, we are somewhat limited in the responsibilities we can take without supervision, but we do have the time and opportunity to talk to patients,” said Funovits. “Just being someone who really listens and takes an active interest is very rewarding. You have that opportunity, and it’s special to you as well as the patient.” Through all her clinical experiences, she’s become interested in specializing in dermatology. “I spent a week in a dermatology clinic before returning to my M.D. studies and thought, ‘I know I could do this the rest of my life,’” said Funovits. “The subject matter was the biggest
In addition to continuing her magic and promoting those engagements, Funovits also has numerous other projects in the works. “I have a number of things that I’m very passionate about, and sometimes people ask how I’m able to make time for everything. I’m able to make time because I am always involved in something that I truly care about. This is what makes me efficient, and this is what gives me the energy I need to continue working and learning when others might have stopped because they are burned out or spending time worrying,” said Funovits. “It’s very important that students choose medicine for the right reasons and also that they nurture the areas of their lives that make them human and give them the motivation to keep learning and striving for greatness.”
draw for me, but there were other attractive aspects as well. In dermatology, there are plenty of opportunities for contribution through research and publication. With my background in media and film production, I realized that I could make contributions but deliver them in exciting ways through new media in addition to the standard academic media outlets. As a magician, I also work with my hands. Dexterity is crucial in magic, whether it’s for a beautiful flourish or a secret move. This is also imperative in dermatology, which is one of the most procedure-oriented specialties. Furthermore, I love the outpatient setting because you can form ongoing relationships with patients as you see them over time.” As she looks into applying for residencies, she’s open to relocating, traveling and keeping herself ready for new possibilities. “I’ve traveled so much for my shows that I can easily set up just about anywhere and be at home,” said Funovits. “But I would love to come back to practice in Ohio. I may eventually end up here, and I’m very open to that.”
From Medicine to Magic Despite the challenging curriculum, especially as she’s completing her fourth-year rotations, Funovits is still maintaining and pursuing her career as an entertainer, illusionist and mentalist. She has traveled during the weekends to perform, and she put on shows in Nevada and Connecticut in between classes this fall. She also filmed two television episodes for a major Korean television station in January.
Funovits is currently growing her own production company. Through participating in live bookings, she has also gotten involved in film making. When she wasn’t that well known, she learned to shoot and edit videos she could post on YouTube of her performing magic tricks to try and get her first break. She learned more about shooting and directing while taking part in television shows. This led to short films in entertainment, and she’s now looking for ways to use them in education, particularly medical training, in ways that will impact future physicians. “Education is the answer to many of the world’s problems, and there are so many great stories to tell in medicine,” said Funovits. “I am excited to tell those stories.” Funovits has already produced a student wellness video, which serves as a compilation of things she learned preparing for, entering and completing her medical training, and she hopes it will ease the transition for incoming medicine students. Through all of her interests, from magic to medicine and beyond, Funovits has looked for ways to touch the lives of the people she meets. “I always want to form strong connections with people, and magic has allowed me to do that not just in instances where I’m one-on-one, but through large shows where I’m interacting with hundreds of people at once. That has been lifechanging,” said Funovits. “Now with medicine, I have the privilege of forming new and deeper connections, and the possibilities are endless. This is what ignites me, and this is what gives me the passion to work as hard as I can and to become the best physician that I can possibly be.” 19 | IGNITE
IN BRIEF
Northeast Ohio Medical University Foundation Board Welcomes New Members The Northeast Ohio Medical University Foundation Board of Directors announced the addition of seven new members as of September 2012.
Brian Cmolik, M.D. (‘85)
David Koch
• John Bastulli, M.D. (‘83), director of anesthesia at St. Vincent Charity Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio, where he also serves as medical director, surgical services and operating room manager. • Brian Cmolik, M.D. (‘85), associate chief of surgery at the Louis Stokes Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio, where he also serves as chief, section of cardiothoracic surgery. • Joseph Gingo, J.D., chief executive officer and president of A. Schulman, Inc., in Akron, Ohio.
Judith Barnes Lancaster, J.D.
Mehool Patel, M.D., M.B.A. (‘98)
• David Koch, chief executive officer of the Jewish Community Board in Akron, Ohio. • Judith Barnes Lancaster, J.D., special counsel to the Ohio Attorney General, an attorney with a private practice in Canton, Ohio, and principal and president of Global Management Group, Inc., a sports and entertainment company. She is a former member of both the University Foundation Board of Directors and the University Board of Trustees.
Nicholas R. Sucic, CPA
• Mehool Patel, M.D., M.B.A. (‘98), assistant professor of internal medicine and an attending staff and medical oncologist at Summa Health System, Wadsworth-Rittman Hospital and Summa Health Center at Lake Medina. He is also in private practice at Summit Oncology Associates, Inc. In addition to service on the Foundation Board, Dr. Patel is president of the Northeast Ohio Medical University Alumni Association Board of Directors • Nicholas R. Sucic, CPA, vice president and controller at The Davey Tree Expert Company in Kent, Ohio.
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Dr. Yin Receives Perfect Score on National Institutes of Health Grant Application Liya Yin, M.D., Ph.D., research assistant professor in the Department of Integrative Medical Sciences, reLiya Yin, M.D., Ph.D. cently received a perfect score on her grant application requesting funding in support of her research of regenerative approaches to prevent and treat ischemic heart disease. The National Heart, Blood and Lung Institute of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has awarded $454,800 to the University in support of her work. The new NIH grant application scoring system results in a final impact score, which can run from 10 to 90 with 10 serving as a perfect score. The score incorporates the assigned strengths and weaknesses of the proposal as well as the project’s impact or likelihood to have sustained, powerful influence on the research field.
Dr. Eaglen Honored with Academic Medicine Excellence in Reviewing Award Robert Eaglen, Ph.D., executive director of faculty and learning services, has been selected as one of 15 Robert Eaglen, Ph.D. awardees of the 2012 Academic Medicine Excellence in Reviewing Award. Dr. Eaglen was presented with the award at the Academic Medicine Reception at the Association of American Medical Colleges Annual Meeting in San Francisco, Calif., on Nov. 5, 2012. The Academic Medicine Excellence in Reviewing Award is given to dedicated peer reviewers and supporters whose contributions assist Academic Medicine in maintaining their commitment to publishing the highest quality content on the most pressing issues facing the academic medicine community.
Bob Barker, M.D., a fellow member of the OSMA Focused Task Force on State Legislation, speaks with Meena Thatikunta at the 2012 OSMA Annual Meeting.
Thatikunta Completes OSMA Fellowship, Receives AMA Award Meena Thatikunta, second-year medicine student, served as Health Policy Fellow with the Ohio State Medical Association (OSMA) in Columbus, Ohio, during summer 2012. While at OSMA, Thatikunta was able to draft and shape legislation on important issues affecting the state and nation such as prescription drug abuse, transparency in health care and youth sports concussions. Additionally, Thatikunta will be honored as one of 30 U.S. medicine students to receive the 2013 American Medical Association (AMA) Foundation’s Excellence in Medicine Award, which will be presented, during the AMA National Advocacy Conference on Feb. 11, in Washington, D.C. Each year, the AMA Foundation honors a select group of physicians, residents and medicine students who exemplify the profession’s highest values: commitment to service, community involvement, altruism, leadership and dedication to patient care.
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IN BRIEF
Sergio A. Garcia Named NEOMED Chief of Staff Sergio A. Garcia, LL.B., was appointed chief of staff effective Nov. 26, 2012. He provides strategic advice and guidance to the president, the University and the community and Sergio A. Garcia, LL.B. ensures that presidential activities and initiatives are implemented in collaboration with the leadership team and University stakeholders. Prior to joining the University, Garcia completed a tour of duty in southern Afghanistan as a senior advisor to the United States Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan, and U.S. Department of State. From 2007 to 2009, he was the country director in Nicaragua at the International Republican Institute, and while at the Department of State, Garcia served as chief of staff and senior policy advisor to two assistant secretaries of state. Garcia’s appointment follows the departure of Kathleen C. Ruff, special assistant to the president, who recently stepped down to pursue her doctoral studies, among other opportunities. She began at the University in 2003 as the chief of staff for the president and dean of medicine, most recently serving as vice president of the Division of External Affairs and special assistant to the president.
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Fosnight Receives National Award for Excellence in Geriatric Pharmacy Practice Susan M. Fosnight, R.Ph., BCPS, CGP, associate professor of pharmacy practice and clinical lead pharSusan M. Fosnight, R.Ph., BCPS, CGP macist in geriatrics at Summa Health System, was selected as the recipient of the 2012 CCGP Excellence in Geriatric Pharmacy Practice award by the Commission for CertiďŹ cation in Geriatric Pharmacy (CCGP) Board of Commissioners. This national award recognizes an individual who fosters the principles of good pharmacy practice, demonstrates excellence in geriatric patient care, and promotes the values and rigorous standards established by the CCGP. The award was presented during the opening general session of the annual meeting of the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists on Nov. 7, 2012.
Dr. Keck Honored with Annual Barksy Award C. William Keck, M.D., adjunct graduate faculty and professor emeritus of family and community medicine, is the 2012 recipient of the Barksy Award for health activism, in recognition of C. William Keck, M.D. his work building cooperation between the Cuban, U.S. and global health communities through Medical Education Cooperation with Cuba (MEDICC). Dr. Keck, a founding member of the MEDICC Board of Directors, was honored at the Health Activist Dinner during the American Public Health Association annual conference in San Francisco, Calif., on Oct. 28, 2012. The annual Edward K. Barsky Award recognizes individuals for outstanding contributions to advancing the right to health care.
Dr. Albani Awarded Nationally and Locally Thomas Albani Jr., M.D., FAAFP, assistant professor of family and community medicine, was named the national 2013 Family Physician of the Year by The American Academy of Thomas Albani, Jr., M.D., Family Physicians at the opening FAAFP ceremony of its annual Scientific Assembly in Philadelphia, Pa., on Oct. 17, 2012. The award honors one outstanding American family physician who provides patients with compassionate and comprehensive care, and serves as a role model professionally and personally in his or her community, to other health professionals and to residents and medicine students. Additionally, Dr. Albani was also recognized as the 2012 Distinguished Physician by the Mahoning County Medical Society at the organization’s annual meeting in Youngstown, Ohio, in June 2012.
Dr. Kohli and Voluntary Faculty Members Honored for 50 Years of Service Chander M. Kohli, M.D., vice chair and member of the University Board of Trustees, received the Ohio State Chander M. Kohli, M.D. Medical Association Fifty Years in Medicine Award at the Mahoning County Medical Society’s annual meeting in Youngstown, Ohio, in June 2012. Additional recipients of the prestigious award were University voluntary faculty members Sudershan K. Garg, M.D., associate professor of internal medicine, and C. Conner White Jr., M.D., clinical assistant professor of family medicine (retired).
Dr. Gershen Named to AAHC Board President Jay A. Gershen, D.D.S., Ph.D., was elected to the board of the Association of Academic Health Centers (AAHC) at its annual meeting held in September in San Francisco, Jay A. Gershen, D.D.S., Calif. He will serve for a three-year Ph.D. term. As the national organization representing academic health centers across the United States, AAHC seeks to improve the nation’s health and well-being by strengthening, advocating, and leading on behalf of its member institutions, which are at the forefront of health professions education, patient care and biomedical and health services research. This requires vigorous leadership that enhances and mobilizes the intellectual capital, influence and resources of academic health centers towards the overarching goal of improving the health care system.
Dr. Munetz Awarded the Torrey Advocacy Commendation Mark R. Munetz, M.D., The Margaret Clark Morgan Foundation endowed chair of psychiatry, has been awarded the Treatment Advocacy Center’s Mark R. Munetz, M.D. Torrey Advocacy Commendation. The Torrey Advocacy Commendation recognizes the courage and tenacity of individuals who selflessly advocate – despite criticism and opposition – for the right to treatment for people too severely disabled by mental illness to recognize their own need for care.
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IN BRIEF
Faculty Members Selected as Excellence in Education Recipients
Seth P. Brownlee, Pharm.D.
Paul J. Lecat, M.D.
Elisabeth H. Young, M.D., FACP (‘81)
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Three faculty members were selected for Ohio Magazine’s 2012 Excellence in Education recognition program; Seth P. Brownlee, Pharm.D., director of pharmacotherapy and assistant professor of pharmacy practice in the College of Pharmacy; Paul J. Lecat, M.D., professor of internal medicine, associate professor of pediatrics, adjunct associate professor of family and community medicine in the College of Medicine, and chair of graduate medical education and research and designated institutional official at Akron General Medical Center; and, Elisabeth H. Young, M.D., FACP (‘81), associate dean of academic affairs for the College of Medicine. This special recognition is given annually to high-achieving faculty in Ohio colleges and universities based upon nominations by their administrators and colleagues.
University Board of Trustees Receives Trustee Appointments, Holds Leadership Elections The Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) Board of Trustees L. Austin Frederickson Jr. welcomed a new student member, third-year medicine student L. Austin Frederickson Jr., who was appointed to a two-year term by Ohio Gov. John R. Kasich on Aug. 10, 2012. Frederickson replaced student trustee Nida Degesys, fourth-year medicine student, whose term expired. Additionally, Chander M. Kohli, M.D., was reappointed to the Board by Gov. Kasich for a term of Sept. 22, 2012, to Sept. 21, 2021. During its Sept. 28, 2012, meeting, the Board of Trustees re-elected Eric Kodish, M.D. (‘86), as chair of the Board and Chander M. Kohli, M.D., as vice chair.
Dr. Savickas Receives Distinguished Alumni Award Mark L. Savickas, Ph.D., was awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award at the Kent State University (KSU) College Mark L. Savickas, Ph.D. of Education, Health and Human Services annual Hall of Fame Awards Ceremony on Sept. 28, 2012, at the KSU Student Center Ballroom. He received his doctorate in guidance and counseling from KSU. Currently, he is professor of family and community medicine at NEOMED and adjunct professor of counselor education at KSU.
Construction and Expansion Continue to Change the Face of Campus Construction of all major expansion efforts is now underway, with renovations to the campus courtyard complete. The new Research and Graduate Education Building is expected to be completed by summer 2013, the Village, the ďŹ rst-ever student residential housing complex on campus, by August 2013, and the Health, Wellness and Medical Education Complex in 2014. The University continues to update the website with the most recent construction activity, parking and visitor information, pictures and video of the progress in real time and answers to frequently asked questions. Keep apprised of the latest campus expansion activity at www.neomed.edu/expansion.
Construction on the University courtyard is complete.
Left to right: Cornelis Van der Schyf, B.Pharm., M.Sc., D.Sc., DTE; William M. Chilian, Ph.D.; Walter E. Horton Jr., Ph.D.; and Jeffrey J. Wenstrup, Ph.D., survey the progress of the Research and Graduate Education Building.
Construction activity for the Village at NEOMED, the ďŹ rst-ever student housing on campus.
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RESEARCH
A (Free) RADICAL SOLUTION: Neurotherapeutics Emphasis Group Leads Natural Products Initiative by Heather Bing
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ccording to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), degenerative nerve diseases, or neurodegenerative diseases, cause worsening of several of the body’s functions, including balance, movement, talking, breathing and heart function. These diseases can be serious or lifethreatening and most have no cure. Today, five million Americans suffer from Alzheimer’s disease (AD); one million from Parkinson’s disease (PD); 400,000 from multiple sclerosis; 30,000 from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease), and 30,000 from Huntington’s disease, according to the Harvard NeuroDiscovery Center. Without significant therapeutic intervention, more than 12 million Americans will suffer from neurodegenerative diseases by 2040, making the discovery of treatments and cures increasingly important. The Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences in the College of Pharmacy at Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) focuses on the investigation of the pathophysiological mechanisms of disease, the development of innovative therapeutic and preventive strategies, and the formulation of novel drugs and drug delivery systems. Many of the department’s researchers place a special focus on investigating neurodegenerative disorders such as AD, PD, stroke and glaucoma as well as psychiatric illnesses, including autism, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder and substance abuse. Research has pointed to oxidative stress as a possible origin of neurodegenerative diseases. Oxidative damage can occur 26 | IGNITE
when an excessive production of free radicals is not offset by antioxidant mechanisms in the body – a phenomenon known as oxidative stress – which can lead to inflammation and degeneration. This line of thought suggests that supplementation with essential antioxidants may have mitigating effects on the progression of neurodegenerative diseases by assisting with quenching free radicals, reducing inflammation and blocking cell death. Researchers have been looking at antioxidants and antioxidant therapy to address chronic and acute diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases, for years. More recently the focus has shifted to the evaluation of antioxidant and neurotherapeutic effects of polyphenolic compounds obtained from dietary sources for therapeutic benefits. Polyphenols Originating from Natural Products Several plant-derived compounds possess potent antioxidant and free-radical quenching properties. These natural antioxidants often contain polyphenolic structures and have already been proven useful in the prevention of chronic illnesses. “This is a growing science as the focus on natural products and their antioxidant properties continues to gain popularity TOP LEFT: The Neurotherapeutics Emphasis Group is comprised of Altaf Darvesh, M.Pharm., Ph.D.; Cornelis Van der Schyf, B.Pharm., M.Sc., D.Sc., DTE; Werner Geldenhuys, B.Pharm., Ph.D.; and, Richard Carroll, Ph.D.
and credibility in the United States, among the general public as well as some private pharmaceutical manufacturers,” said Cornelis Van der Schyf, B.Pharm., M.Sc., D.Sc., DTE, professor and chair of the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and associate dean for research and graduate studies in the College of Pharmacy. “The significance of this focus in our academic research led to our creation of a neurotherapeutics emphasis group that also explores the antioxidant properties of targeted natural products.” The group is comprised of Richard Carroll, Ph.D., associate professor of pharmaceutical sciences; Altaf Darvesh, M. Pharm., Ph.D., assistant professor of pharmaceutical sciences and assistant professor of psychiatry; and Werner Geldenhuys, B.Pharm., Ph.D., assistant professor of pharmaceutical sciences; under the direction of Dr. Van der Schyf. In its natural products initiative, the team focuses on the following primary groupings of dietary polyphenolic compounds known to exhibit potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties: - Anthocyanin, which is responsible for the color and antioxidant properties of berries. - Catechins, which are prevalent in green and white tea, and theaflavins, which are found in black tea. - Curcumin, which is the intense yellow polyphenol found in the curry spice turmeric. - Resveratrol, which is found in significant amounts in berries, peanuts, grapes and red wine. Dr. Carroll and Dr. Geldenhuys, who collaborate extensively on PD research, are interested in dietary products from the perspective of reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in this disease. Dr. Darvesh is currently working with tea polyphenols and looking at the anti-inflammatory properties of molecules in animal models for their potential in schizophrenia treatment. Having studied natural products during his undergraduate and graduate education, as well as placing specific focus on green tea polyphenols during his postdoctoral work, Dr. Darvesh instructs in the University’s natural products and receptor pharmacology courses and also assists with the maintenance of the University’s community herb garden.
“The collective expertise in this group constitutes an ideal synergy of excellent natural products and medicinal chemists, pharmacologists and molecular biologists, all concentrating their efforts on a common target and therapeutic outcome,” said Dr. Van der Schyf. “No drug discovery program can move forward without such a multidisciplinary approach, and the NEOMED team is well-positioned to significantly advance this area of investigation.” Research Targeting Curcumin Moving Forward Turmeric, which belongs to the ginger family and serves as the principal ingredient in curry powder, has been known to exhibit anti-inflammatory activity. More recently it’s been discovered that this activity is actually due to a molecule found in turmeric, called curcumin. Curcumin has robust antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-protein aggregation effects that extend beyond neurodegenerative diseases to encompass psychiatric conditions as well. The Neurotherapeutics Emphasis Group recently reviewed research on the potential therapeutic effects of curcumin and its ability to counteract oxidative stress and inflammation and, after reviewing various pre-clinical studies, in both in vitro and in vivo models, concluded that there is demonstrated evidence that curcumin may protect against neurodegenerative diseases. However, curcumin’s poor bioavailability due to limited absorption and rapid metabolism has been a major caveat in its clinical development to date. The molecule also requires extensive pre-clinical development to determine effective dosing regimens and formulations. Ultimately more research is needed to examine the therapeutic effectiveness of promising polyphenolic compounds such as curcumin against neurodegenerative diseases, but a focus on the role of synergy in enhancing bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy coupled with dedication to development and delivery may advance this emphasis area. Dr. Van der Schyf emphasized the importance of promoting these efforts and seeking partnerships with collaborators and investors in academia and industry nationally and internationally. “The potential and payoff in terms of providing hope for patients suffering from these diseases is immense,” he added.
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RESEARCH
Tissue Regeneration the Focus of Collaboration Among NEOMED and Kent State Researchers
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team of scientists from Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) and Kent State University has begun collaboration on the development of a macrophage targeted mesenchymal stem cell therapy for tissue regeneration and wound healing, a fast-growing research area and major medical challenge. The $120,000 internally funded program, with equal contributions from both NEOMED and Kent State, will support a post-doctoral researcher for a period of two years and is part of Kent State’s new internal post-doctoral fellow seed program. The team of principal investigators for this project is comprised of Fayez F. Safadi, Ph.D., professor of anatomy and neurobiology and Ohio Research Scholar at NEOMED, Min-Ho Kim, Ph.D., and Christopher Malcuit, Ph.D., professors from Kent State’s new bioengineering program in the College of Applied Engineering, Sustainability and Technology. “Post-operative wounds or chronic wounds caused by underlying disease or lowered immunity have high morbidity and significant mortality,” said Grant McGimpsey, Kent State’s vice president for research. “Finding ways to address these problems based on regenerative medicine approaches is an
exciting effort, and I am very excited about our growing research relationship with NEOMED. The Northeast Ohio region is rich in biomedical research and development opportunities, and it is imperative that research institutions like Kent State and NEOMED develop strong partnerships in order to bring our combined expertise to bear on important medical challenges. This project is one example of what I expect to be a growing number of inter-institutional relationships in our region. The particular project that Professors Kim, Malcuit and Safadi are pursuing is an excellent example of the kinds of collaborative partnerships we want to create.” The partnership between the two institutions creates great opportunity. “This is a very important first step in building ongoing research collaboration between Kent State University and NEOMED,” said Walter E. Horton Jr., Ph.D., vice president for research and dean of the College of Graduate Studies at NEOMED. “Both Kent State and NEOMED have strengths in bioscience research, and by working together, we can more rapidly identify breakthroughs that will improve the health and economic vitality of our region.” PICTURED ABOVE: Fayez F. Safadi, Ph.D.
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updating to address the rapid changes taking place in these fields. The seventh edition came out in November 2012 with significant changes and updates, and the textbooks were selected by Dr. Rosenthal’s colleagues for use at NEOMED.
Medical Microbiology Textbook Hobby More Than Words on Paper
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any individuals aspire to writing a book as part of their bucket list. Kenneth S. Rosenthal, Ph.D., professor of microbiology, immunology and biochemistry in the Department of Integrative Medical Sciences, has executed that aspiration, serving as a contributing writer for a textbook that has helped revolutionize the way in which microbiology is taught, not only at Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED), but around the world. Now in its seventh edition (a new edition comes out every three years), “Medical Microbiology” by Dr. Patrick R. Murray, Dr. Rosenthal, and Dr. Michael A. Pfaller, published by Elsevier, a leading publisher of health science books and journals, is possibly the top textbook for medical microbiology courses around the world. It was the first medical microbiology textbook printed on a four color press, and Dr. Rosenthal has been a contributor since the first edition. “In 1988, the editor for the textbook asked Dr. Richard Thompson and I to write two chapters for a new textbook,” said Dr. Rosenthal. “We submitted them on time and complete with figures, and the editor loved it – so much so, she came to Akron a couple weeks later to see if we would rewrite the entire virology section, with a turnaround time of two months!” Much of the appeal of these submissions was due to their emphasis on clear, student-friendly writing to teach virology. For the second edition, Dr. Rosenthal was asked to update and revise the virology section on his own, and for the third edition he was asked to take on the basic bacteriology, immunology and virology sections; all requiring significant
In addition to the textbook, Dr. Rosenthal was asked to write a review book on microbiology and immunology. The review book was part of the “Ace The Boards” series, the precursor to the “Rapid Review” series, and was written with his former esteemed colleague James S. Tan, M.D. He continued to work with Dr. Tan to convert the review book into the first and second editions of “Rapid Reviews in Microbiology and Immunology,” which required writing more than 400 review questions in the National Board of Medical Examiners style for the United States Medical Licensing Examination. Michael J. Tan, M.D., FACP, FIDSA (‘99), associate professor of internal medicine at NEOMED and clinical physician of infectious diseases and HIV at Summa Health System and previous student of Dr. Rosenthal, became co-editor for the third edition of the “Rapid Review in Microbiology and Immunology.” As he has worked on each new edition, Dr. Rosenthal has solicited feedback and input from students, and even had his students help him create a set of “Medical Microbiology and Immunology” flashcards derived from content found in the textbook. The flashcards are well received by students and are in their third edition. “I never actually took a microbiology course during my studies, but sat in on the virology portion of the course at Harvard Medical School during my post-doctoral training to see how it could be taught,” said Dr. Rosenthal. “What better way to learn and stay up-to-date in microbiology and immunology than to have to explain it and teach it to others in a textbook or review book.” The “Medical Microbiology” textbook’s reach has expanded beyond the United States and has been translated into numerous languages, including Polish, Greek, Italian and Chinese, among others. “It’s been quite an experience and opportunity to be able to teach medical microbiology and immunology to students around the world,” said Dr. Rosenthal. 29 | IGNITE
ACADEMICS AND STUDENT LIFE
Finds a Home in Renovated Building The announcement of the Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) and Cleveland State University (CSU) Partnership for Urban Health and the impending NEOMED Academic Campus at CSU has had Northeast Ohio buzzing for more than a year. The start of the 2012-2013 academic year brought everything full circle. Academic Campus Opening Nov. 15, 2012, marked the grand opening of the 1836 Euclid Ave. building, a historic building in the heart of the CSU campus that was completely renovated by Liberty Development Company. Administrative offices of CSU occupy the first five floors and the NEOMED Academic Campus is located on floors six and seven. The Academic Campus houses administrative offices for the Partnership, a conference room, a student lounge and study rooms, lecture rooms, computer rooms, a simulation center, pharmacy lab and a patient diagnostic laboratory. The Union Building, as it is historically called, will be home 30 | IGNITE
to the Academic Campus until construction of a new Center for Innovation in Health Professions building is constructed on the CSU campus. Partnership for Urban Health The Partnership, which is targeted at addressing the nationwide shortage of primary care physicians, particularly among urban populations, has had a successful start. In its first year, six students who were admitted through CSU are already piloting the program as first-year medicine students at NEOMED. And more students are on their way. The NEOMED-CSU Partnership for Urban Health involves recruiting local students, training them in local hospitals and incentivizing them to become primary care physicians and stay in Northeast Ohio to provide care. Students will focus part of their learning on urban health care issues and will have concentrated experiences in neighborhood clinics to ensure that they get to know the specific needs of Cleveland neighborhoods and the people who live there.
Partnership Pioneers When NEOMED and CSU announced the Partnership for Urban Health, these students heeded the call.
Elizabeth Looney Elizabeth Looney already had great academic achievements when word of the NEOMEDCSU Partnership was announced. She had earned a degree in psychology and Latin American studies from the University of San Francisco and a master’s degree in community and social psychology from the University of Massachusetts. As luck would have it, she had returned to her hometown of Cleveland and had already enrolled at CSU to complete post-baccalaureate studies that would give her
the background she needed to qualify for medical training. The program, and its timing, was a perfect fit.
Paul Cernanec Medicine wasn’t Paul Cernanec’s first calling. After enlisting and rising to the rank of a Navy officer after the Sept. 11 attacks, Cernanec earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration from San Diego State University and had every intention of entering law school – until the birth of his daughters changed his outlook.
disorder. The family had to adjust to a life of hospital visits and crash courses about new medical conditions … and spent more and more time getting to know their health care providers.
Cernanec’s wife delivered beautiful triplet girls, one of whom was diagnosed with a heart condition and a chromosomal
“I want to be a pediatrician, and I plan to stay in Northeast Ohio. I want to give hope and care to others in need.”
“I don’t think I could have designed a more perfect program for me,” said Looney. “I want to deliver care to underserved populations, and that is what this program is focused on.” In addition to her academic studies, Looney spent time in El Salvador where she assisted delegation visits and outreach to local communities. While there, one of her mentors continually spoke about how common it is for individuals to move away from people in need, instead of moving toward them. This resonated with Looney, who said she is now making “intentional choices” to get closer to what she wants in her career – helping others in need.
“We moved back to Cleveland because my family was here, and the reputation of the medical treatment speaks for itself,” said Cernanec. “I slowly began to think differently about my future career goals.” Within a short time, Cernanec enrolled at CSU to take the courses he needed and applied for the NEOMED program as soon as it was announced.
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ACADEMICS AND STUDENT LIFE
College of Pharmacy Promotes Residency Program Growth As the nation’s health care landscape evolves and the pharmacists’ role continues to expand, national pharmacy organizations have indicated a desire for pharmacists to complete residencies as a prerequisite for providing direct patient care. Due to this industry outlook, as well as a more competitive job market, increased numbers of pharmacy students are pursing residencies. The College of Pharmacy at Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) has taken proactive steps to address this industry outlook, appointing Timothy R. Ulbrich, Pharm. D., R.Ph., assistant professor of pharmacy practice, as director of pharmacy resident education, and tasking him with leading a three-pronged approach to residency program development. ONE: Establish Residency Programs The College of Pharmacy launched its first postgraduate year one (PGY1) Community Pharmacy Residency Program in July 2012, and, in conjunction with Akron Community Health Resources, Inc. (ACHRI), named the program’s first resident, Alejandro L. Adorno, Pharm.D. (‘11). Dr. Adorno spends 80 percent of his time at ACHRI under the direction of Preceptor Magdi H. Awad, Pharm.D., assistant professor of pharmacy practice at NEOMED and clinical pharmacist at ACHRI, providing various clinical pharmacy services. The remainder of his time is spent at NEOMED where he is responsible for teaching, under the direction of Dr. Ulbrich. A PGY2 internal medicine residency program with a focus in academia is offered by University Hospitals Geauga Medical 32 | IGNITE
Center (UHGMC), in conjunction with the College of Pharmacy. Under the direction of Preceptor Mate Soric, Pharm.D., BCPS, assistant professor of pharmacy practice at NEOMED and internal medicine clinical pharmacist and residency program director at UHGMC, the resident will spend 60 percent of his/her time at the practice site, and 40 percent gaining experiences in academic pharmacy, including precepting and teaching student pharmacists. A second PGY1 community pharmacy residency program is being offered by the Cleveland Clinic, in conjunction with the College of Pharmacy. This one-year program provides diverse experiences in pharmaceutical care, with the resident spending about 90 percent of his/her time at the Cleveland Clinic and 10 percent gaining academic experiences at NEOMED. Dr. Ulbrich is actively recruiting residents for all three opportunities with plans to support three residents at three practice sites by July 2013. TWO: Offer Resources to Residents The College of Pharmacy offers a Residency Teaching Certificate Program designed for PGY1 and PGY2 pharmacy residents throughout Northeast Ohio. Through the certificate program, residents are able to develop a teaching philosophy, prepare an academic portfolio, learn more about careers in academia and participate in on-campus teaching opportunities. THREE: Encourage Students to Enter Residencies Dr. Ulbrich is also educating students, faculty, staff, alumni and the pharmacy community about the benefits of completing a pharmacy residency. The College of Pharmacy’s inaugural class saw eight students enter residencies, the second class had 13 students entering residencies, and Dr. Ulbrich would like to see that number increase moving forward. “As more and more NEOMED pharmacy students enter various residency sites, the quality education at NEOMED will be evident and additional opportunities will be available for future graduates,” said Dr. Ulbrich. “Residency programs are a win-win for everyone – the University, the practice site and the local community. It allows NEOMED to demonstrate excellence in postgraduate training, assists with resource needs at the practice site, and ultimately improves the health of community members in Northeast Ohio. To learn more, visit www.neomed.edu/pharmresidency.
BIO-MED SCIENCE ACADEMY USES COUNTY FAIR AS CLASSROOM Bio-Med Science Academy’s inaugural class of 70 students began its first week of classes on Aug. 20, 2012, kicking off the school year in the classroom but spending the majority of its first week exploring, researching and collecting data at the Portage County Fair in neighboring Randolph, Ohio. The charter class of ninth grade students, which includes 36 male and 34 female students hailing from Mahoning, Portage, Summit, Stark and Trumbull Counties, spent three days at the Fair completing team-based quests designed to encourage a different way of looking at agriculture, farming technology and more. Students compiled the results of their initial week at the Fair and presented those findings to the Fair Board. A few of the students (10 percent of the class) already had plans to be involved in the Fair, exhibiting projects or showing animals as part of local 4-H clubs. But for a few, it was their first visit to the Fair. Bio-Med Science Academy, a STEM+M (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math and Medicine) high school on the Northeast Ohio Medical University campus, is one of the first rural STEM schools in the country, and its integration on a medical university campus allows its teachers and students to take advantage of sophisticated research laboratories and guest lectures from an array of scientific researchers, professors and medical professionals. To learn more about Bio-Med Science Academy, visit www. biomedscienceacademy.org.
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ACADEMICS AND STUDENT LIFE
my research exper ience there, and neuroscience has always been a deep interest of mine,” he said. “The brain is one of the hardest parts of the body to truly understand, and the opportunity to help conduct research in this area is exciting.” The Schizophrenia Research Scholarship will allow Stanton to complete a year of intensive research between his third and fourth years of medical training, and will pay his tuition for all three years. It will also allow him to complete an additional degree at the University – a Master of Science degree in integrated pharmaceutical medicine. During his research year, Celebrating the naming of the Schizophrenia Research Scholar are: (left to right) Cornelis Van der Schyf, B.Pharm., M.Sc., D.Sc., DTE, Altaf Darvesh, M.Pharm., Ph.D., Mary Beth Seith, Robert Stanton, Mel Stanton will serve as a reReedy. search assistant under Altaf Darvesh, M.Pharm., Ph.D., assistant professor of pharmaNEOMED Schizophrenia ceutical sciences and psychiatry.
Research Scholar Named
Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) is dedicated to education and research in the health professions. The University is pleased to offer third-year medicine student Robert Stanton the opportunity to do both – with a full-tuition scholarship to pay the bill. Stanton was selected as the first recipient of the NEOMED Schizophrenia Research Scholarship. Offered by an anonymous donor, this merit-based scholarship is designed for medicine students who are committed to careers in biomedical research focused on the prevention and cure of schizophrenia. Stanton, who is originally from Poland, Ohio, entered NEOMED as part of the B.S./M.D. program through Youngstown State University. He became extremely interested in conducting research after spending last summer at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center as a research intern. “I enjoyed
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Dr. Darvesh’s research focuses on the development of therapeutic and neuroprotective strategies for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and psychiatric disorders. His lab is particularly involved in the research of the role of oxidative stress and inflammation in the pathogenesis of neurological illnesses and investigating the therapeutic potential of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents in diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and schizophrenia. During his research year, Stanton will focus on developing and characterizing a pre-clinical laboratory model of schizophrenia with particular emphasis on the contribution of oxidative and inflammatory processes in the model. He will be involved in investigating the pharmacological effects of both established and novel antipsychotic agents used for the treatment of schizophrenia. Besides pre-clinical laboratory investigations, Stanton will also be involved in clinical research
involving the use of antipsychotic agents with the NEOMED clinical faculty from the Departments of Pharmacy Practice and Psychiatry based at one of the partner hospitals. Stanton will also be involved with the research activities of the Best Practices in Schizophrenia Treatment (BeST) Center at NEOMED. This plan will allow Stanton to be familiar with the pre-clinical, clinical and communitybased aspects of schizophrenia research. “Spending a year helping to work on a cure is an outstanding opportunity,” said Stanton. “Dr. Darvesh is a true professional who is carrying out amazing research. My main focus will be to learn as much as possible from him about conducting research in this area so that I hopefully can do more later on in my career.”
Schizophrenia Schizophrenia is often defined as a chronic, severe and disabling brain disorder that affects approximately one percent of people in the United States. Individuals with the disorder may hear voices, are often paranoid, experience hallucinations, have disorganized speech and lack motivation. The disease not only impacts the affected individuals, but their families and friends as well. Although a serious condition, many people with schizophrenia can lead rewarding and meaningful lives in their communities. Researchers are developing more effective medications and using new research tools to understand the causes of schizophrenia. In the years to come, this work may help prevent and better treat the illness. For more information on NEOMED’s efforts to impact schizophrenia through the BeST Center, visit www.neomed.edu/ bestcenter.
College of Medicine Begins New Collaboration with Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education The College of Medicine at NEOMED strives to develop relationships that can help to increase the diversity of its student body as well as graduate more physicians who are interested in entering primary care. A new relationship with the Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education at the City College of New York will do just that. Like NEOMED, Sophie Davis offers a combined Bachelor of Science/Doctor of Medicine (B.S./M.D.) degree program. But unlike NEOMED’s program, where students attend partner universities for the B.S. portion and then complete M.D. studies at NEOMED, the Sophie Davis program allows students to complete the B.S. degree and the first two years of medical training at their campus and then finish the M.D. degree at partner universities such as Albany Medical College, New York Medical College, New York University School of Medicine, SUNY Health Science Center at Brooklyn (College of Medicine) and the Commonwealth Medical College and others. That list of partner universities will also now include NEOMED. Under the agreement, up to five students per year will be admitted as advanced standing students in their third year of medical training.
Similar to NEOMED, Sophie Davis attracts students who have an affinity for primary care and want to practice in underserved communities. The student body is dedicated, diverse and includes individuals from inner-city and economically disadvantaged backgrounds as well as underrepresented minorities. “NEOMED was established on partnerships, and we are excited to begin this new chapter with Sophie Davis,” said Jeffrey L. Susman, M.D., dean of the College of Medicine at NEOMED. “Each year we have a few available openings to fill in the third-year class as students elect to take a break for additional training. The partnership with Sophie Davis will allow us to fill those spots with students who have the same values as our current students and can add to the richness of the student body.” Ten students from Sophie Davis recently interviewed for two available openings. The selected students will begin at the start of the 2013-2014 academic year.
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ACADEMICS AND STUDENT LIFE
American Pharmacists Month Celebration Hosted by the College of Pharmacy Throughout October, the College of Pharmacy at Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) celebrated American Pharmacists Month, with an emphasis on National Hospital and Health-System Pharmacy Week, Oct. 21-27, 2012, and American Pharmacy Educator Week, Oct. 22-26, 2012, to underscore the evolution of the pharmacist’s role in patient care. College of Pharmacy faculty, staff and students took part in numerous campus-based activities, launched a new online resource portal and Pinterest board of resources, and hosted multiple community-facing events. Members of the American Pharmacists Association-Academy of Student Pharmacists provided free blood pressure and glucose screenings to the public during weekly wellness screenings at the Ravenna, Ohio, Giant Eagle and gave presentations at local high schools and elementary schools about the importance of medication safety. As part of National Hospital and Health-System Pharmacy Week, members of the Student Society of Health-System Pharmacy (SSHP) offered daily luncheon sessions with guest speakers who discussed their careers in health-system pharmacy, and SSHP also took part in the local American Society of Heath-System Pharmacy Clinical Skills Competition as well as the Ohio Society of Health-System Pharmacy Residency Showcase.
Pharmacy students provide free blood pressure and glucose screenings to the public during weekly wellness screenings at the Ravenna, Ohio, Giant Eagle
Faculty, staff and students attend a “Life in Academia” panel during American Pharmacy Educator Week
During American Pharmacy Educator Week, the College of Pharmacy recognized its outstanding pharmacy educators and the Office of Student Affairs hosted a campus-wide “Life in Academia” panel as the highlight of the week’s activities. Pharmacy faculty, staff and students also hosted a booth at the 2012 American Heart Association Heart Walk, handing out literature and giveaways about heart health and medication management. The month-long celebration culminated with the arrival of Charles Taylor, Pharm.D., dean of the College of Pharmacy. The College of Pharmacy held a reception to welcome Dr. Taylor and recognize faculty, staff and students who celebrated American Pharmacists Month. 36 | IGNITE
Students, faculty and staff hosted a booth and took part in the Akron, Ohio, area 2012 American Heart Association Heart Walk
CIVIL WAR DISPLAY FEATURES AFRICAN AMERICANS IN MEDICINE Students, faculty and staff learned how the profession of medicine advanced during wartime when the traveling banner exhibit, “Binding Wounds, Pushing Boundaries: African Americans in Civil War Medicine,” was featured in the Oliver Ocasek Regional Medical Information Center (OORMIC) at Northeast Ohio Medical University from Oct. 22 to Nov. 30, 2012.
Frederick Marquinez, M.D. (‘85), and Beth Layton, M.L.S., M.B.A., AHIP, director, OORMIC
“Binding Wounds, Pushing Boundaries: African Americans in Civil War Medicine” looks at the men and women who served as surgeons and nurses during the American Civil War and how their service as medical providers challenged the prescribed notions of race and gender, pushing the boundaries of the role of African Americans in America. Many histories have been written about medical care during the Civil War, but the participation and contributions of African Americans as nurses, surgeons and hospital workers has often been overlooked. Through historical images and period documents the exhibit reveals the life and experiences of surgeons like Alexander T. Augusta and Anderson R. Abbott and nurses like Susie King Taylor and Ann Stokes as they provided medical care to soldiers and civilians while participating in the fight for freedom. The exhibit was developed and produced by the National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, with research assistance from The Historical Society of Washington, D.C. Additional artifacts will be on display from the Civil War and are on loan from the Rose Melnik Medical Museum at Youngstown State University.
Capital surgery set, circa 1820
Frederick P. Marquinez, M.D. (‘85), a practicing oncologist and member of the Kent Civil War Society, added his expertise by delivering a lecture to campus on Oct. 23, 2012, regarding the advances of Civil War medicine. He discussed how, with more than 700,000 deaths and 1 million casualties occurring during the Civil War, the Army medical departments were faced with enormous challenges. Initially unprepared and overwhelmed, the medical staffs of both sides adapted and improved through better organization and medical innovations, which revolutionized the practice of medicine.
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ACADEMICS AND STUDENT LIFE
The series kicked off with the annual Value Community and Diversity Reception on Oct. 9 where attendees welcomed the University’s new Director of Diversity Affairs, Andre Burton, J.D., learned more about the University’s commitment to diversity and celebrated the 2012 recipient of the NEOMED Community Builder Award, Emily George, third-year medicine student. A National Coming Out Day panel, “It Takes a Village: Providing Comprehensive Health Care Series to the LGBT Community,” reviewed delivering culturally competent care to the members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community on Oct. 18, 2012.
Embracing Diversity Series Provides Programming, Drives Discussion Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) celebrated the first three events in its newly established Embracing Diversity Series, which is designed to bring attention to and focus on competencies around various diverse topics and cultural issues. Through lectures, panel discussions and programs, the series is meant to educate and enlighten students, faculty, staff and community members.
The fall series concluded with a Veterans Day event on Nov. 8 titled “Veterans — True Heroes and the Affliction of PostTraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD),” featuring Gretchen Foley, M.D. (‘06), Air Force psychiatrist at Wright Patterson Air Force Base. The Office of Diversity Affairs also launched a student art contest, asking students to develop a logo that best depicts what “embracing diversity” means to them. The new logo will be used in all Embracing Diversity Series programming in the future. For more information about upcoming events in the Embracing Diversity Series, visit www.neomed.edu/about/ diversity.
College of Pharmacy Second Annual Golf Classic Raises $7,000 for Student Scholarship, Organizations The College of Pharmacy hosted its second annual Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) Pharmacy Golf Classic Aug. 17 at Oak Knolls Golf Course in Kent, Ohio. The event brought together 70 students, alumni, faculty, staff and partners to raise funds for the NEOMED Foundation in support of student scholarship as well as funding for various pharmacy student organizations. The event raised $7,000 with $2,000 distributed to student organizations and $5,000 presented to the NEOMED Foundation for student scholarships and competitions. The third annual NEOMED Pharmacy Golf Classic is slated for Aug. 16, 2013. 38 | IGNITE
Igniting Education: Building Awareness of Palliative Care Through Educational Films
r Journeys No Roadmap : Caregive
What began as a hard reality for a then Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) student, Erin Scott, M.D. (‘11), became the inspiration for a series of educational documentary films centered on the subject of palliative care. Dr. Scott and her family were the primary caregivers for her elderly grandmother who was diagnosed with a serious illness. When she shared her story with a NEOMED professor, the idea for the film, “No Roadmap: Caregiver Journeys,” was born and subsequent support from the Summa Health System, the Maynard Family Foundation and Northeast Ohio Medical University Foundation was provided. “We saw a need to sensitize current and future health care providers, families and the community to the rewards, challenges and realities of family caregiving for older loved ones,” said Steven M. “Skip” Radwany, M.D., professor of internal medicine. “The film is a teaching tool, but also a glimpse into the compassion and dedication of the four featured caregivers.” NEOMED Office of Palliative Care and Geriatrics faculty members Barbara Palmisano, M.A., and Margaret Sanders, M.A., LSW, both instructors of family and community medicine, worked closely with Dr. Radwany to develop the film, which is geared toward both health care professionals and community members. As the development of the Caregivers film progressed, another idea emerged. Generally, the word palliative care is associated with elderly patients, however there are also children and their families who require services and support when diagnosed with a life-threatening illness or debilitating condition. The need for an another additional documentary specifically about the care of children resulted in the creation of the film, “Portraits of Life, Love and Legacy through Pediatric Palliative Care.” It was made possible through generous support from the Akron Community Foundation, Akron Children’s Hospital Foundation, a number of individual donors and the Northeast Ohio Medical University Foundation.
Portraits of LIFE, LOVE and LEGACY through Pediatric Palliative Care
LIFE L E G A C Y
“We wanted a vehicle to increase awareness and understanding of pediatric palliative care – beyond time spent in the hospital – to include the holistic care given by an interdisciplinary team who focus on relieving the symptoms and conditions that detract from a child’s enjoyment of life,” said Sarah E. Friebert, M.D., associate professor of pediatrics. “Our goal is to ensure each child and family has the best support in all areas of life.” Both films serve to educate viewers on two very important facets of palliative care through personal stories of individuals and families who have experienced the struggles and joys firsthand. For more information or to purchase the DVDs visit www. neomed.edu/educationalmedia.
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DEVELOPMENT AND ALUMNI NEWS
Pharmacy Alumnus Excels as Part of Progressive Interprofessional Practice From the classroom to residency to practice, Timothy Church, Pharm.D. (‘11), member of the inaugural College of Pharmacy class, has experienced and helped shape the way interprofessional education and execution lead to better patient outcomes.
“In other settings, I’m not sure people yet recognize the role of pharmacists. Here, the team-based model has been in place since 1995, when the clinic was established, so we really do function as colleagues,” said Dr. Church. “The patient really is the center of care.”
Following commencement, Dr. Church began his residency at West Palm Beach Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center, and in July 2012 was hired as a clinical pharmacy specialist in the Center’s primary care clinic.
An Interprofessional Education During his time at Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED), Dr. Church and his classmates gave ongoing input and feedback to the College of Pharmacy to help shape the way the curriculum was developed and how interprofessional education occurred in and out of the classroom.
Out of 29 clinical pharmacists at the Center, seven, (including Dr. Church) are focused on the primary care clinic. In his role, he runs the pharmacotherapy clinics and handles the management of chronic diseases that can lead to heart failure such as diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, thyroid issues and electrolyte deficiencies, while addressing the needs of patients recommended to him by other health care specialists on site. He also has prescriptive authority, meaning he can change patients’ therapies (such as starting new medications or discontinuing the use of medications) to best address the patients’ needs without additional internal sign off. Very few settings allow pharmacists this autonomy, but Dr. Church’s medication management expertise is significant to his role as part of a patient aligned care team, also comprised of a nurse, physician, physician’s assistant and support staff at the Center. 40 | IGNITE
“NEOMED laid an excellent foundation, without a doubt, but not just in the medication knowledge we were taught, but also in the communication skills development and training,” said Dr. Church. “Some people laughed at all the communication training we did at the University, but it’s incredible how much I use those communication skills with my colleagues and with the patients. Every day I am talking to other health care professionals on my team.” Having a solid academic background was further augmented by his residency, which really applied his classroom interprofessional experiences to his practice as part of an interprofessional team. “A residency cannot hurt you in any way. It will open new opportunities,” said Dr. Church. “Every student should look into it because no matter what position you pursue once you’ve
completed your residency, you will be a better pharmacist. You get the foundation in class, but the experience is what allows you to transition from a competent student to a competent professional.” During his residency, Dr. Church trained with three-to-four pharmacists. When he was first introduced to his role within the PACT, he was surprised and somewhat overwhelmed by the extent of the pharmacists’ role and authority as part of the team. “During my final rotations, I really saw the model working, and I had not really experienced it to that extent before joining the clinic,” said Dr. Church. “Lots of VAs function in a similar fashion,
and they really look at the holistic view of patient care.” In the future, Dr. Church hopes the interprofessional practice model at the VA Center transitions to the private sector and state, because as outcomes at the VA centers are demonstrating, patients would benefit from the transition. “I was very fortunate there was a position available; I feel spoiled in this environment and know if I were elsewhere I wouldn’t be serving in the capacity I am able to here,” said Dr. Church. “Looking back, my education really laid the foundation for my residency, which prepared me for this role. The emphasis NEOMED placed on the interprofessional model and how it was preached to us was critical; it’s what I do every day.”
N ORT H E A ST O H IO MEDICAL UNIVERSIT Y
A L U M N I A S S O C I AT I O N
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The Northeast Ohio Medical University Alumni Association sponsored events for alumni, faculty and friends held throughout the fall of 2012. Above: Barbara Abbot of Canton Food Tours led attendees on foot through downtown Canton, Ohio, discovering hidden gems and stopping to sample great food at area restaurants on Sept. 13, 2012.
Above: Alumni and friends pause for a photo during the Columbus Food Adventures Taco Truck Tour in Columbus, Ohio, on Sept. 29, 2012. From left to right: Teddy Morrow, Rachel Libertin, Joni Morrow, M.Ed., M.A., alumni coordinator, Office of Alumni Affairs, Andrew Libertin, M.D., Karen Herbert, Mark Herbert, M.D. (‘85), Angie Rouse, M.D. (‘03), and Amy Rouse.
Above: (pictured from left to right) Nadine Bruce, M.D., clinical professor of internal medicine, Eleanor Watanakunakorn, Amanda Watanakunakorn, Lindsey Loftus, senior development officer, and Paul Watanakunakorn, M.D. (‘98), gathered at V2 Wine Bar and Trattoria in Youngstown, Ohio, on Nov. 13, 2012.
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DEVELOPMENT AND ALUMNI G I F T S A N D S U P P O RT
Thank Y ou !
Major Gifts to Northeast Ohio Medical University Foundation The Northeast Ohio Medical University Foundation appreciates every gift received. These generous gifts support and advance the University’s mission of education, research and service in the health professions in ways that truly make a difference. Below is a list of major gifts and commitments received in fiscal year 2012. The Foundation thanks these and all donors.
FUND NAME
GIFT AMOUNT
Albert J. Cook II, M.D. (‘90) Medicine Scholarship Fund Ohio Imaging Associates, Inc. ............................... $15,000
Program for Campus Safety and Mental Health The Margaret Clark Morgan Foundation ............... $50,000
Aneal Mohan Kohli Academic Technology Endowment Dr. Chander M. and Mrs. Karen Kohli .................. $100,000
Sisters of Charity Education for Service Scholarship Fund St. Vincent Charity Hospital ................................... $25,000
Education for Service General Restricted Fund Dr. Jay A. Gershen ................................................ $15,000 Dr. Lois Margaret Nora .......................................... $14,000 Mr. James L. and Mrs. Roberta M. Pazol ............... $10,000 Giant Eagle Educational Opportunities in Community Pharmacy Giant Eagle .......................................................... $100,000 Klein Commitment to Community Pharmacy Scholarship Endowment Mr. Barry and Mrs. Ann Klein ................................. $17,857 Mahoning Valley Education for Service Initiative Youngstown Community Foundation ..................... $10,000 NEOMED Schizophrenia Research Scholarship Anonymous .......................................................... $121,000 OfficeMax General Scholarship OfficeMax, Inc. ....................................................... $16,000 Palliative Care Education Ms. Eileen Burg ..................................................... $10,000 Parkinson’s Research Restricted Fund Frances and Lillian Schermer Charitable Trust ...... $10,000
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The Dr. Kong Oh and Mrs. Gim Oh Endowed Scholarship Fund Dr. Kong T. and Mrs. Gim S. Oh ............................ $10,000 W3 Wealth Management Scholarship Fund W3 Wealth Management LLC ............................... $10,000 Wasson Unrestricted Fund The Wish, Cope and Life Foundation .................. $100,000 Watanakunakorn Diversity Scholarship Endowment Mrs. Eleanor Watanakunakorn ............................... $49,579 Watanakunakorn Trust Distribution Fund Dr. Chatrchai† and Mrs. Eleanor Watanakunakorn .............................................................................. $300,000 Deceased
†
C L A S S N OT E S
80s
Joel Spear, M.D. (‘82), is the new chief medical officer at Presence Saint Joseph Hospital in Lake View, Ill. Dr. Spear will play a leadership role in quality and patient safety initiatives, preparation for accreditation, development of clinical programs, clinical integration and will continue to oversee the graduate medical education program.
Thomas Boniface, M.D. (‘83), clinical assistant professor of orthopaedic surgery and chair of the Department of Orthopaedics, and Norman Christopher, M.D., professor of emergency medicine, professor of pediatrics and chair of the Department of Pediatrics, enjoy a moment in between sessions at the 2012 Association of American Medical Colleges Annual Meeting in San Francisco, Calif.
Michael Sokol, M.D. (‘83), recently received the “Smartest Diabetes Expert in America” award from MDLinx, an Internet-based service that allows physicians and other health care professionals to stay current with academic literature. Dr. Sokol has practiced internal medicine, endocrinology and psychiatry in Overland Park, Kan., since 1993. He currently serves as director of medical education at Menorah Medical Center and most recently as president of the Heartland Chapter of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists. Since 2007, he has been listed in the field of endocrinology in KC Magazine’s annual “Super Doc” feature. The International Association of Healthcare Professionals has selected Marc Malkoff, M.D. (‘84), to represent neurologists in their publication, The Leading Physicians of the World. Dr. Malkoff is the director of the neuro intensive care unit at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, N.M.
Nicholas S. Liber tin III, M.D., son of the late Nicholas Libertin II, M.D. (‘86), and nephew of Mark Libertin, M.D. (‘85), is currently a first-year resident in emergency medicine at The Ohio State University. Nicholas graduated from Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine on May 25, 2012. This was 27 years to the day that his Uncle Mark graduated from NEOMED. Konstantino Avradopoulos, M.D. (‘88), general surgeon and surgical oncologist at Harrington Physician Services in Southbridge and Webster, Mass., performs a variety of surgical procedures that include minimally invasive colectomies and minimally invasive parathyroidectomies. Akron General Partners Physician Group in Akron, Ohio, recently welcomed Endocrine Associates, Inc. physician Toni M. King, M.D. (‘89).
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DEVELOPMENT AND ALUMNI C L A S S N OT E S
90s Christine Corbin, M.D. (‘90), was recently named one of 176 Physician Leaders in the ambulatory surgery center industry by Beckers Spine Review. She is a gynecology surgeon and medical director of the Surgery Center at Tanasbourne in Hillsboro, Ore. She is the founder and president of Northwest Gynecology Associates. Kathleen Ruffing May, M.D. (‘90), is the 2012 recipient of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) Woman in Allergy Award. In 2010, she was also one of two allergist in the country to receive the ACAAI Distinguished Fellow Award. This past summer Dr. May was elected to the board of directors of the Joint Council of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. She also currently holds several other national positions: editor-inchief of ACAAI’s national website (www.acaai.org), vice speaker of the ACAAI House of Delegates and assistant editor of the journal Allergy Watch.
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00s Jeffrey Guy, M.D. (‘91), has assumed the new role of chief medical officer for the pediatric program at TriStar Centennial Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Nashville, Tenn. Kathleen Schultz Shriver, M.D. (‘91), is a physician advisor at Santa Rosa Consulting in the area of electronic health records implementation in Fairview Park, Ohio.
Michael Sevilla, M.D. (‘98), was featured in the Physician Spotlight section of the October/November 2012 issue of MD News. He is a family physician practicing in Salem, Ohio.
Linda Camp, M.D. (‘93), is a plastic surgeon at Indiana University Health Ball Memorial Hospital in Muncie, Ind. Stephanie Lee Benedict, M.D. (‘97), family medicine specialist, is a primary care physician working at the new Lakeland Regional Family Health Center in Lakeland, Fla.
Paul Watanakunakorn, M.D. (‘98), is the physician for the Youngstown Phantoms Hockey team in Youngstown, Ohio.
Andrew Schoenfeld, M.D. (‘03), has been selected as one of 27 members of the 2013-2015 cohort of Robert Woods Johnson Foundation Clinical Scholars Program. The goal of the program is to integrate the scholars’ clinical expertise with training in program development and research methods to help them find solutions for the U.S. health care system, community health and health services investigations. He is currently a major in the Army and a staff spine surgeon stationed at Ft. Bliss, Texas. Heather Klepacz, M.D. (‘04), earned a Master in Business Administration degree from the University of MissouriKansas City in Kansas City, Mo. Anna Bartram Bui, M.D. (‘05), married Minhson Bui on Aug. 11, 2012. Adam Esham, M.D. (‘06), joined Adena Urology, part of Adena Health System, in Chillicothe, Ohio. Sonia Abuzakhm, M.D. (‘07), married Robert Jonathan Zsoldos, M.D., on May 12, 2012. She is a clinical fellow in hematology/oncology at The Ohio State University Medical Center.
I N M E M O RY Kellie Kirkpatrick, M.D. (‘07), is a member of the emergency medicine staff at Sharon Regional Health System in Sharon, Pa. Jonathan Pedrick, M.D. (‘08), a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist, has joined OhioHealth. He will practice as part of Physical Medicine Associates and participate in the spine care program at OhioHealth Grant Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio. Erin Jackson Donley, M.D. (‘09), has recently joined the staff of Akron Children’s Hospital pediatrics office in Boardman, Ohio. She completed her pediatric residency at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. Joseph R. Grajo, M.D. (‘09), has accepted a fellowship position in abdominal imaging at Massachusetts General Hospital, which is a teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School in Boston, Mass.
Sandeep Patel, M.D. (‘09), was selected to receive the 2012 “Outstanding Research Award” for the Internal Medicine Residency Training Program of the Mayo School of Graduate Medical Education. He has also been a finalist in the American College of Physicians’ poster competition at both the state and national level. Dr. Patel is now in a cardiology fellowship program at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in Pittsburgh, Pa. Vanessa Voytko, M.D. (‘12), married Michael Falk on May 26, 2012. Dr. Voytko is an orthopedic resident at Summa Health Systems in Akron, Ohio. The best man was Jim Falk, M.D. (‘12).
James C. Haun, M.D. (‘93), died on Oct. 11, 2012, at the age of 48. Dr. Haun served as head of family practice medicine at Trumbull Memorial Hospital in Warren, Ohio, for several years. Annabel G. Liebelt, Ph.D., died Sept. 10, 2012, at the age of 86. As professor of anatomy, Dr. Liebelt was recognized as an outstanding teacher and instrumental in developing the microscopic anatomy teaching program at the then Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine. Kamel Fuad Muakkassa, M.D., died in May at the age of 62. Dr. Muakkassa most recently served as associate clinical professor in neurosurgery at Northeast Ohio Medical University. He also served as chief of the neurosurgery division at Barberton Citizens Hospital in Barberton, Ohio, and Mercy Medical Center in Canton, Ohio. Richard M. “Rick” Vardaris, Ph.D., died Sept. 18, 2012, at the age of 77. Dr. Vardaris was professor emeritus of psychology at Kent State University. There he played a seminal role in creating the then Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine.
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DEVELOPMENT AND ALUMNI DONOR PROFILE ally qualified health center during his or her fourth year. “As we remember, the original intent when NEOMED was established was to train primary care physicians who would go on to serve Ohio communities,” said Milton Wiskind. “It is our hope that this scholarship will enable a worthy student to gain a medical degree without incurring an excessive amount of debt. The student would then be in a better position to practice primary care medicine in Ohio.”
Milton and Edith Wiskind Support Education for Service Initiative with Generous Gift
M
ilton I. Wiskind, former member of the Northeast Ohio Medical University Foundation Board, and his wife Edith believe that inner strength and fortitude can drive an individual to improve his or her position in life and achieve personal success, regardless of upbringing. Their belief, combined with a strong desire to help individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, has led them to establish the Edith and Milton Wiskind Primary Care Scholarship Fund, which will provide tuition assistance to a medicine student during the third and fourth-year of coursework at Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED). This generous Education for Service scholarship is designed to assist a student in financial need from Portage, Medina, Summit, Stark or Wayne Counties who agrees to provide two years of primary care service in a local neighborhood in need of primary care physicians. In addition, the scholarship recipient will be required to complete at least one elective course that includes medical services at a Northeast Ohio feder46 | IGNITE
Milton Wiskind joined the Naval Reserve in 1942 to serve in World War II. He went on active duty with the Navy in 1943, graduated from midshipman school at Cornell University in 1945 as an Ensign in the Navy, and served until 1946. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1947, and in 1951, he was called back to serve as Lieutenant on two ships during the Korean War. He remained in the Naval Reserves for 23 years, retiring with the rank of Commander. Following his service in the Korean War, Milton worked for a uniform rental company in New Jersey and a fur coat manufacturer in New York City before relocating to Akron in 1956 to work for Myers Tire Supply Company. He retired from Myers Industries in 2005, having served the company in several key roles, including secretary and vice chairman. Edith was an English teacher near Pittsburgh, Pa., when she met Milton, and following the family’s relocation to Akron, Ohio, she became a long-standing volunteer in the Akron community. Edith served on the Women’s Board of Akron General, as President and as a member of the Board of Trustees of Sisterhood at Temple Israel. She also volunteered as an English as a second language tutor to Russian Jewish immigrants during the 1980s and 1990s and helped immigrant families secure jobs, housing, furniture and meaningful connections in the Akron community. The Wiskinds have five children and 12 grandchildren. They are active in the Akron Jewish community and have shown great support of Akron-area charitable causes and NEOMED.
UNIVERSITY MOMENT
Igniting Awareness The Northeast Ohio Medical University community participated in the student-led Movember campaign efforts to raise vital awareness and funds for men’s health issues, specifically prostate and testicular cancer initiatives. Throughout the month of November, Movember participants around the globe are asked to sprout facial hair – moustaches in particular – to raise questions among friends, family and strangers that prompt private and public conversations around the often ignored issues of men’s health.
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Non-Profit Organization
U.S. Postage PAID Rootstown, Ohio 44272 Permit No. 4
4209 St. Rt. 44, PO Box 95 Rootstown, Ohio 44272
I G N I T I N G A P P R E C I AT I O N F O R … DIVERSITY Andre Burton, J.D., director of diversity affairs, joined Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) in August 2012. Q: What is your focus as the new director of diversity affairs? Burton: I am focused on improving inclusion and cultural competency through the “value community” initiatives; support of underrepresented students; education, training and programming; collaborations and assessment; and outreach with community partners. Q: How will this dedicated focus benefit the NEOMED community? Burton: Valuing inclusion benefits NEOMED faculty who advance knowledge by exploring the vast range of questions that result from our differences. It benefits our staff by creating a dynamic work environment that draws on various points of view. It benefits our students by enriching their learning experience and better preparing them to be more culturally competent and globally aware. By continually educating and training members of our University community, we can more effectively serve a multicultural society. Q: What do you hope to achieve through the value community and diversity initiatives? Burton: By fostering an inclusive and respectful educational environment in which all in the NEOMED community can thrive, we can achieve a campus climate that welcomes, celebrates and promotes respect for the entire variety of the human experience.