COM OutlookWinter 2014 Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine

BEYOND BOTOX Dermatology Department Delves Deep into Challenging Cases

IN THIS ISSUE..NSU-COM Receives $4.1 Million Grant...Dr. Raymond Ownby Wins Research Award...Dr. David Thomas’ Diversified Career Dean’s Message COM Outlook By Anthony J. Silvagni, D.O., Pharm.D., M.Sc., FACOFP dist. Winter 2014 Volume 15, Number 1 A major challenge faced by medical education today involves COM Outlook is produced by the availability of quality clinical training sites. The rapid growth Nova Southeastern University of new medical schools, expansion of existing medical schools, College of Osteopathic Medicine 3200 South University Drive and the increasing financial challenges hospitals face have made Fort Lauderdale, FL 33328-2018 sites more expensive, scarcer, and more competitive. http://medicine.nova.edu https://www.facebook.com/novaosteopathic/ A new and growing challenge is the influx of students who at- tend offshore schools, which threatens the integrity of medical edu- NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY cation because many of the offshore schools are purchasing the clinical training sites from George L. Hanbury II, Ph.D. accredited medical schools in the United States. The offshore schools are unaccredited, for-profit President and Chief Executive Officer schools whose students are eligible for the same federally guaranteed and VA loans available to medical students in accredited U.S. schools. HEALTH PROFESSIONS DIVISION In a recent report, Bloomberg News examined the role of DrVry Inc. in accepting and Fred Lippman, R.Ph., Ed.D. HPD Chancellor training medical students. DeVry, which owns two for-profit medical schools in the Carib- bean, is accepting hundreds of students, some who were rejected by U.S. medical colleges. COLLEGE OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE Neither DeVry’s Ross University School of Medicine nor American University of the Caribbean Anthony J. Silvagni, D.O., Pharm.D., M.Sc. School of Medicine (AUC) is accredited according to the standards of medical programs in Dean the United States. Loans from students affiliated with DeVry’s schools totaled about $310 million in the MANAGING EDITOR/GRAPHIC DESIGNER year ended June 2012, according to the Bloomberg report. Those loans become the respon- Scott Colton, B.A., APR COM/HPD Director of Medical sibility of U.S. taxpayers if students quit, fail to get jobs, or default. Many DeVry students Communications and Public Relations quit, particularly in the first two semesters, the report noted, taking their debt with them. The average attrition rate at U.S. medical schools was 3 percent for the class that began in ASSOCIATE EDITOR the fall of 2008, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges. DeVry said its Debra R. Gibbs, B.A. rate of attrition ranges from 20 to 27 percent. Medical Communications Coordinator One feature of offshore schools—offering money for training spots—can be difficult for EDITORIAL CONTACT accredited schools to overcome. DeVry pays hospitals in the United States to take its stu- Scott Colton dents for the two years of clinical training they need to complete their degrees. Bloomberg (954) 262-5147 (phone) cites an example in New York, where AUC plans to pay Nassau University Medical Center (954) 262-3887 (fax) on Long Island about $1.4 million annually until 2022 for 64 slots, or about $425 per stu- [email protected] dent per week, according to the hospital’s chief medical officer. EDITORIAL BOARD Knowing that this kind of financial support is difficult to match when adhering to accredi- tation standards, we need to establish stronger practices to support students from accredited Lynne Cawley, M.Sc. schools—and Congress needs to examine the law that makes foreign for-profit medical schools Scott Colton, B.A., APR eligible for federal loans. The Bloomberg report cited Senator Dick Durbin, a Democrat from Marti Echols, Ph.D. DeVry’s home state of Illinois. “These schools are taking advantage of an offshore loophole that Debra R. Gibbs, B.A. allows federal funding to be released to students attending a medical school that is not accred- ited in the United States,” Senator Durbin said. “Until Congress acts, these schools will stop at Robin Jacobs, Ph.D. nothing to keep the American taxpayer dollars flowing.” Ken Johnson, D.O. In addition to removing the loophole that allows offshore students to acquire loans, Alina Perez, J.D., M.P.H. Congress should revise the current Bipartisan Student Loan Certainty Act of 2013 to include Debbi Cohn Steinkohl, M.H.S.A. U.S. medical students into the undergraduate subsidized program at the lower interest-rate Delfina Wilson, Ph.D. cap. With the national shortage of physicians and the significant need for primary care physicians, changing the subsidy and interest rates would be a major incentive for students to select medicine and receive a more acceptable option for repaying loans. Quality health care must be the goal—recruiting, accepting, and training the best. It is critical that beneficial consideration be given to the standards of accredited schools to protect the people who count on reliable care and to strengthen the foundation of lifelong learning for future physicians.

2 COM Outlook . Winter 2014 In This Issue - Winter 2014 NSU-COM Researchers Receive $4.1 Million Grant 13 NSU-COM’s Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine recently received a $4.1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Defense to fund its research project titled “Understanding Gulf War Illness (GWI): An Integrative Modeling Approach.”

Beyond Botox: The Department of Dermatology 22 Like all medical disciplines, dermatology strives to improve the lives of patients. Some may see dermatologists as focused solely on the quest for physical enhancement, but Dr. Tracy Favreau, 13 chair of the Department of Dermatology, and her residents see that as a small corner of a complex tableau.

Passionate Lifelong Learner: Dr. David Thomas 26 When you envision a portrait of nonstop hard work and leadership, imagine Dr. David Thomas. His list of achievements includes multiple degrees, decorated military service, and steadfast commitment to his community. In fact, he has mastered not one, not two, but six different careers.

Busy Times for 1988 Alumnus Dr. Tyler Cymet 32 Sometimes, life throws us an interesting curveball when we least expect it. Such was the case for Dr. Tyler Cymet, a 1988 alumnus who was out for an innocuous morning jog in Chakraseca, Nicaragua, while he was in the area researching an opportunity 22 to establish a DOCARE international clinic.

AREAS OF INTEREST Dean’s Message – 2 Chancellor’s Communiqué – 4 COMmunications – 5 Health Care Legal Eagle – 8 Research/Scholarly Activity – 9 Faculty Focus – 17 Faculty Perspective – 18 NSU Overview – 20 26 Staff Snapshot – 29 Alumni Corner – 30

NOTICE OF ACCREDITATION Nova Southeastern University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate’s, baccalaureate, master’s, educational specialist, doctorate, and professional degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call (404) 679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Nova Southeastern University. NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT Nova Southeastern University admits students of any race, color, sex, age, nondisqualifying disability, religion or creed, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school, and does not discriminate in administration of its 32 educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.

COM Outlook . Winter 2014 3 HPD Chancellor’s Communiqué...Fred Lippman, R.Ph., Ed.D.

list a multitude of names, but some And then there is technology, which specific examples that immediately spring has changed the way education is to mind are Dr. Morton Terry, Dr. Abra- presented whether it’s in our bricks- ham Fischler, Robert Steele, Hamilton C. and-mortar university or externally. Forman, and Royal Flagg Jonas. None of We’ve been very proactive when it these individuals, with the exception of comes to making changes, not just for Dr. Fischler, were in the field of formal ed- the sake of change, but for the better- ucation, yet they possessed the instinctive ment of the educational experience. humanistic and community-driven values It’s really something to marvel about In 2014, Nova Southeastern Univer- needed to establish and then continually when you reflect on the fact that NSU sity will be commemorating its 50th anni- build a unified institution that continues is only 50 years old yet has been able versary with a diverse array of celebratory to be enhanced on a daily basis. to make such dramatic modifications in activities. As I reflect on this milestone When you examine the university’s the presentation of some of the most accomplishment, it brings back a flood growth and the specific areas of edu- standardized educational units such as of memories for a number of reasons. cational presentation currently being law, medicine, pharmacy, etc. I am currently in my 28th year as a offered, it’s easy to see how NSU has As 2014 unfolds, it’s going to pro- pioneer administrator from Southeastern become preeminent in providing innova- vide the university with an excellent op- University of the Health Sciences, which tive ideas to other sectors of the educa- portunity to educate not only the com- is the precursor to what is now known tional world. As an example, NSU was munity at large but the vast education as the NSU Health Professions Division. one of the pioneers in regard to present- community about how pioneering NSU When I look back at what has transpired ing distance-education opportunities via has been over the past five decades. As at NSU over the years, I am filled with the Internet. The university was also one we present all the highlights of what a true sense of wonderment in regard to of the first educational entities to house has occurred at NSU during the last 50 how prominent and vast our educational multiple and individually accredited years, the “wow” factor of our excep- influence has become in a relatively health professions programs that are not tional university will be transmitted to a short 50-year timeframe. branch campuses, but are part of the greater audience. Reviewing the numerous educational Health Professions Division and located Our forward-thinking president, Dr. institutions such as my alma mater on our Davie campus as well as at what George Hanbury, has some significant Columbia University, which is over 200 are now called regional campuses. views concerning the importance of years old, you realize that the formal In terms of our curriculum, we have NSU’s 50th anniversary for the same higher education system in this na- always made sure it remains a fluid and reasons. I believe there is a general feel- tion stretches back to the 1800s. It also ever-evolving product. In addition, we are ing that many people both locally and makes you recognize and appreciate how consistently and diligently working on the nationally possess little, if any, knowl- complex and complete NSU has become pedagogy changes—the responsibilities we edge about our university. NSU’s 50th in such a short period of time. have to not only anticipate and meet the anniversary commemoration will allow In my opinion, NSU’s far-reaching needs of the community both in the world us to showcase just how special Nova achievements are a consequence of some of health care and knowledge, but also in Southeastern University really is. amazing individuals who served as the the area of providing the systems method- As you can tell, I’m extremely proud pioneers throughout its evolution. I could ology to effectively present education. to be part of this great university.

4 COM Outlook . Winter 2014 COMmunications as acupuncture, transcendental Elyse Julian Named Student meditation, yoga, neutroceuti- D.O. of the Year cals, and herbal medicines, ma- nipulative medicine, and tech- In December, OMS-III niques in spirituality. Jill Wallace Elyse Julian was selected Ross, D.O., assistant professor from a competitive list of of family medicine, is serving as applicants to receive the interim director of the new Divi- 2013 NSU-COM Student sion of Integrative Medicine. D.O. of the Year Award from her peers, joining Student Groups Host Insightful an exceptional group of previous winners that Relationship Panel have become leaders in On October 14, the Student Advocate Association the medical field. (SAA) and the Student National Medical Association Excerpts from her rec- (SNMA) hosted a panel dis- ommendation letter illus- Relationships in Medicine cussion for the student body and their significant others. trate why Julian was selected for this prestigious honor. The panel included representation from each stage of a “Elyse’s leadership experiences demonstrate innovation. She relationship from married with children, recently mar- founded the Student Ambassador Society in 2011, organized a ried, dating in the class, long-distance relationships, and student orientation guide for incoming OMS-I students, and even single and looking. coordinated applicant tours. These endeavors have been crucial Panelists included the college’s dean, Dr. Anthony J. in improving the experiences of incoming first-year students Silvagni, and his wife Dianna Silvagni, J.D., clinical as- and future applicants. sistant professor of medical education, who demonstrated Elyse’s community service is just as extensive and dem- their support of students who manage relationships while onstrates her dedication to the osteopathic tenet of a holistic in medical school. The Silvagnis shared their experiences approach in that her experiences are varied and touch a broad on adapting to life in medical school when Dr. Silvagni was section of the South Florida community. What really sets Elyse a student. The panel members responded to questions from apart is the varied nature of the work. She has spent count- the moderator and the audience, discussing their relation- less hours educating undergraduates on what it means to be ships and offering wisdom on what they found works well an osteopathic physician, tutoring OMS-I students for their in their lives. Understanding and compromise help stu- classes, feeding the homeless through local soup kitchens and dents and the ones they love adapt to the many demands food drives, reading to sick children in the hospital, assisting in of medical school and maintain a healthy relationship. alumni events, and participating in health fairs for underserved The SAA offers several activities to support medical stu- populations. Her résumé is impressive by the sheer number dents and their significant others and will continue to offer of hours spent in research, volunteer events, committees, and meetings and events that embrace its mission. academic conferences.” As the current NSU-COM selectee, Julian is automati- cally entered into the national Student D.O. of the Year Award competition, which is presented annually by the Council of Osteopathic Student Government Presidents— a council of the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine. Division of Integrative Medicine Established

In November, the College of Osteopathic Medicine established the Division of Integrative Medicine, which is based within the Department of Osteopathic Principles Panelists (pictured from left) are Justin Tudino, Megan Welker, Boris and Practice. Integrative medicine combines traditional Volfson, Antonious Fawzy, Lenzetta Lake, Dr. Anthony J. Silvagni, Western medicine with complementary treatments such Dianna Silvagni, Jason Faucheux, Matthew Derby, and Charita Ray.

COM Outlook . Winter 2014 5 COMmunications

Miami Pediatric Mobile PINK WARS Benefits Breast Clinic/Children’s Health Cancer Research Fund South Florida Project and assistant clinical pro- On October 22, the fessor of pediatrics at the NSU-COM Student University of Miami Miller Government Associa- School of Medicine. tion held its inaugural Dr. Gwynn, who has PINK WARS event more than 12 years of ex- to support Breast perience in the nonprofit Cancer Awareness sector, cofounded the Month. PINK WARS Darrell Gwynn Founda- featured a two-hour tion in 2002, which is a penny war between charitable organization that supports individuals with students, faculty paralysis and offers injury prevention programs in high members, and admin- schools throughout Florida. istration—with com- The Arnold Melnick Child Advocacy Award, which is petitors stashing cash into jars that represented contestants named after the founding dean of NSU-COM, was estab- (adding one point per penny, while subtracting points for lished by the college’s Pediatrics Club and is presented other amounts of cash). each year to individuals in South Florida who promote The contestant with the lowest amount of points at the children’s causes. event’s conclusion had to dye her/his hair pink. Add- ing to the excitement, Dr. Anthony J. Silvagni, NSU- Dr. Julian Blitz Passes Away at 91 COM dean, agreed to dye his mustache pink if the event achieved its fund-raising target. When the goal of $1,500 Julian Blitz, D.O., a major supporter of Southeastern was reached, OMS-II Rita Zeidan became the winner and College of Osteopathic Medicine (SECOM) when it was dyed her hair pink. Monies raised will be donated to a established in 1979 and served as one of its first faculty national breast cancer foundation. members, passed away on December 6. “While he never sought any positions in the newly minted SECOM, he was Dr. Lisa Gwynn Honored with energetically involved,” said Arnold Melnick, D.O., M.Sc., Melnick Child Advocacy Award FACOP, SECOM’s founding dean. “He was appointed as clinical associate professor of family medicine, and early on On November 18, NSU-COM’s Pediatrics Club honored he assisted in training our students as they rotated through Lisa Gwynn, D.O., M.B.A., CPE, FAAP, with the Arnold his practice and hospital.” Dr. Blitz served as president of Melnick Child Advocacy Award for her contributions the Florida Osteopathic Medical Association in 1964-65 to the field of pediatrics. Dr. Gwynn, a 1998 NSU-COM and was named as one of the Great Pioneers in Osteopathic alumna, serves as medical director for the University of Medicine by the American Osteopathic Association in 2011.

New...Noteworthy booth in the exhibit hall to recruit students Excellence and faculty members and to connect with in Medical The Biomedical other biomedical/health informatics entities. Education, Informatics Pictured (from left) are Angel Brana, M.D., is the only Program’s M.P.H., M.S.B.I. (alumnus), Jennie Q. Lou, M.D., hospital in faculty and M.Sc. (professor and program director), Christine South Florida staff members, Nelson (program manager), Clarissa Alexander, to receive students, M.S.B.I. (alumna), and Steve Bronsburg, Ph.D., this elite designation. Hospitals from across and alumni M.S., M.H.S.A. (assistant professor). the country were included in the group attended the considered for the Top Hospitals designation. American Medical Informatics Association Larkin Community Hospital, which is one of The award recognizes Larkin Community Annual Symposium held November 16-20 Florida’s 12 statutory teaching hospitals and Hospital for demonstrating the highest in Washington, D.C. The symposium is the the largest osteopathic teaching hospital in standards in quality of care, including lower leading scientific meeting for biomedical and the nation, was named Top Urban Hospital infection rates, higher survival rates for high- health informatics research and practice. The in December by The Leapfrog Group. Larkin, risk procedures, decreased length of hospital Biomedical Informatics Program sponsored a a member of the college’s Consortium for stay, and fewer readmissions.

6 COM Outlook . Winter 2014 COMmunications

enrolled first classes this year: Alabama College of Osteo- Steep Increase in Osteopathic pathic Medicine (Alabama), Campbell University School Medical College Enrollment of Osteopathic Medicine (North Carolina), and Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine (Indiana). Including the new schools, there are now 30 colleges of osteopathic medicine. The number of students who applied to osteopathic medical schools also hit record numbers at 16,454—an increase of more than 1,500 over last year’s ap- plicant pool. NSU-COM Hosts Interprofessional Conference on Child Abuse

On November 23, NSU- COM hosted the first Interdisciplinary Lead- Osteopathic medical college new student enrollment ership Conference on grew by 11.1 percent in 2013 according to data released Child Abuse. The daylong by the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic conference attracted more Medicine (AACOM). The steep growth in first-year student than 90 participants—a matriculation brings the total enrollment at osteopathic combination of NSU and medical colleges to 22,054 students—an increase of 4.9 per- COM faculty members, cent over fall 2012 figures. The increase in first-year student community experts, and other interested individuals. enrollment is attributed in part to three new colleges of John E. Wright, M.D., FAAP, medical director of the osteopathic medicine that opened this year. Broward County Child Protection Team, who trains stu- More than 20 percent of U.S. medical students currently dents and residents, developed the conference’s concept. attend osteopathic medical schools. This percentage is The organizing committee included NSU-COM faculty expected to increase as new campuses are developed and members Edward Packer, D.O., FAAP, FACOP, and Ken- as established colleges continue to expand with increases in neth Johnson, D.O., FACOOG, as well as representatives their class sizes. Additionally, several new colleges are in from the Children Services Council of Broward County the planning stages. and the Nancy J. Cotterman Sexual Assault Treatment Among the key findings from AACOM’s enrollment Center of Broward County. report is the fact that in spring 2013, 4,726 students gradu- Discussion topics included strategies to protect children ated from osteopathic medical schools, representing an with physical and developmental disabilities from poten- increase of more than 50 percent over the number of new tial abuse, application of various laws in child-abuse cases, osteopathic physicians who graduated a decade ago. a review of the latest statistics of child abuse in our region, In addition, three colleges of osteopathic medicine and guidelines on child-abuse prevention.

NSU’s College of Health Care Sciences and Cecilia Rokusek, Ed.D., RD, professor of keynote NSU-COM’s Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) family medicine, public health, disaster and speaker Tom Program have structured a curriculum that emergency preparedness, and assistant dean Daschle, provides students with an opportunity to for education, planning, and research, joined a former receive concurrent degrees. The Master Kelley Davis, Ph.D., associate professor senator and of Medical Science (M.M.S.) in Physician of microbiology in the College of Medical majority Assistant Studies and Master of Public Health Sciences and a trainer for the Institute for leader from degree is symbiotic with the missions of both Disaster and Emergency Preparedness, at South Dakota schools. Program graduates will be prepared a symposium organized by the Uniformed who is also to use a totally holistic approach to health Services University, the Department of a family friend and former colleague of Dr. care that will address preventive medicine, Health and Human Services, the Assistant Rokusek; Charles L. Rice, M.D., president share a common mission to provide access to Secretary for Preparedness and Response, of the Uniformed Services University; and those in need of basic health care, serve as and the Federal Emergency Management symposium host Kenneth S. Schor, D.O., leaders in the transformation of the health Agency at Georgetown University and held M.P.H., the acting director at the University care system, and meet the needs of rural and September 17-18 in Washington D.C. (They of Health Sciences, who was a classmate of underserved populations. are joined in the accompanying photo by Dr. Anthony J. Silvagni, NSU-COM dean.)

COM Outlook . Winter 2014 7 HEALTH CARE LEGAL EAGLE The Shift Toward Value – Obamacare’s Significant, But Unpublicized, Provisions

By Fred Segal, Esq.

Many of these opinions are controversial important and significant provision related to It appears the entire and politically charged, so it is safe to say that value-based payments is the creation of the the future of the law and whether it will be Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP), country is engrossed successful is uncertain. However, the portions which allows for the formation of Account- of Obamacare that are the most controversial able Care Organizations to participate in the in the drama that is the may not be the most important parts of the MSSP. The Centers for Medicare and Medcaid law. Certain parts, which have been under the Services (CMS) defines Accountable Care Or- Patient Protection and mainstream radar, are just as important as the ganizations (or ACOs) as “groups of doctors, most publicized provisions. hospitals, and other health care providers, who Affordable Care Act, From the Affordable Care Act’s inception to come together voluntarily to give coordinated colloquially known as its passage, the main talking points and dissent high-quality care to their Medicare patients.” from politicians, pundits, and the general public By come together, however, the CMS does the Affordable Care Act are about the mandate that certain employers not mean form a group practice where physi- must provide, and all individuals must procure, cians become partners and share in profits. In- or Obamacare. Congress health insurance. October’s rocky rollout of the stead, competing physician groups, and some- health care marketplaces, where insurance can times hospitals, will join an organization with has been fighting over it be purchased, has thrown fuel onto the fire. the goals of bringing value, which is providing However, amidst all this controversy, high-quality care to patients at a reduced over- for years, especially the certain programs implemented by law that all cost. Accomplishing this objective requires are unrelated to insurance mandates have the ACO’s members to work more as a team, past few months. Presi- been moving along pretty smoothly with little create and share meaningful data, and focus fanfare from the mainstream media. These are heavily on wellness. Even though the physi- dent Barack Obama de- the provisions that were created to attempt to cians will remain competitors, the MSSP will fends it daily. On every slowly shift the payment structure from a fee- provide the ACO with the money saved from for-service to more of a value-based structure. providing patients with value. The members of news medium, commen- Currently, the majority of physicians are the ACO share in the savings. paid on a fee-for-service basis. For example, a The MSSP commenced in 2012 and, as tators, pundits, and TV physician performs a service, and he or she is of now, there are currently more than 200 paid for that service based on a fee schedule ACOs participating in the program. This is personalities share their of some sort. Most of the time, the physician just a small portion of the government’s push is paid by a third-party payer, like a private toward value-based (i.e., high-quality care at opinions. Everyone from insurance company or government program a low cost) payment systems. The Affordable like Medicare or Medicaid. The principle Care Act has implemented other programs your neighbor to your goals of the Affordable Care Act are to compel and projects that promote value-based pay- physicians and other health care providers to ment systems. The trend toward value-based mailman has something provide better quality of care at a lower cost to payments will withstand any potential appeal to say on the topic. a defined patient population. Certain provi- or attempt to defund the Affordable Care Act. sions attempt to produce this result by creating Thus, while Obamacare’s insurance mandates different programs that pay physicians based receive most of the publicity, the act’s imple- Fred Segal is a health law attorney in the Miami office of the law firm on value (i.e., providing quality care at a lower mentation of programs promoting value (such Broad and Cassel and is a graduate cost) as opposed to on a fee-for-service basis. as the Medicare Shared Savings Program) may of NSU’s Shepard Broad Law Center. Perhaps the Affordable Care Act’s most be the most significant provision of the law.

8 COM Outlook . Winter 2014 Research/Scholarly Activity - Faculty and Student Achievements

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1 Steve E. Bronsburg, Ph.D., The segment included inter- November 2-6 in Boston, Mas- Mini-Cog Test in Community- M.S., M.H.S., assistant profes- views with Dr. Cook about sachusetts. The presentation Dwelling Older Adults Seeking sor of biomedical informatics, findings from an NSU micro- focused on the adaptation pro- Health Screening.” accepted an invitation to serve biology professor’s work with cess of the evidenced-based as a peer reviewer for the students and CBS4, which intervention project “Towards 7 T. Lucas Hollar, Ph.D., International Institute for Ap- tested items we touch and use No Drug Abuse.” assistant professor of public plied Knowledge Management every day to evaluate levels of health, authored the article Conference, which will be held bacteria. The informative four- 6 Elizabeth Hames, D.O., “Academic Achievement and June 25-28, 2014, at The Ameri- minute segment illustrated the assistant professor of geriat- Physical Activity,” which was can University in Blagoevgrad, levels of Staphylococcus au- rics, and Naushira Pandya, published in Sage Publications’ Bulgaria. The international reus bacteria on smart-phone M.D., CMD, FACP, professor Encyclopedia of School Health. conference is a platform for screens and tablet cases used and chair of the Department of Dr. Hollar also presented two current research and investiga- by office workers. Geriatrics, presented a poster papers with Dr. Nicole Cook tion concentrating on knowl- entitled “Analysis of Hospi- at the 141st American Public edge management used in 4 Julie Dahl-Smith, D.O., talizations in a High-Acuity Health Association Annual academia, industry, and gov- clinical assistant professor of Nursing Home Population: A Meeting and Exposition held ernment to improve, advance, family medicine, presented a Quality Improvement Project” November 2-6 in Boston, Mas- and sustain overall quality. poster entitled “Use of an EHR at the Florida Medical Directors sachusetts. They were entitled Template to Develop a Patient Association annual conference “Matching Public Health 2 OMS-I Devin Collins was Registry to Improve Quality held October 18 in Orlando, Administration Leadership to one of two students selected Management of Patients with Florida. She also presented a Changes in Societal, Politi- from the 18 colleges and Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 in a poster with Sweta Tewary, cal, and Economic Contexts” centers at NSU to speak at the Level 3 Patient-Centered Medi- Ph.D., M.S.W., clinical assistant and “Understanding and university’s Fellows Society cal Home” at the 41st Annual professor and evidence-based Investigating Challenges and Induction Ceremony held Meeting of the North Ameri- practice project director, and Opportunities Within Patient- October 15 in the Miniaci can Primary Care Research Dr. Pandya entitled “Reducing Centered Medical Home Performing Arts Center on Group held November 10 in Hospital Readmissions and Transformation: A Multi-Lev- campus. The event honors Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Improving Quality of Life of el, Multi-Perspective Systems individuals and organizations Socio-Medically Underserved Framework.” Dr. Hollar also that have contributed at least 5 Michelle A. Doldren, Older Adults: An Evidence- coauthored six other papers $50,000 to the university. Col- Ed.D., M.P.H., adjunct as- Based Care Coordination and two poster presentations lins was chosen based on his sistant professor in the Master Model” at the same event. A at the annual meeting. strong résumé and successful of Public Health Program third poster presented at the in-person interview. and HPD Institute for Child conference was coauthored 8 OMS-III’s Logan Huff and Health Policy research scien- with OMS-IV Alexandra Ole- Jon Chapekis presented a 3 Nicole Cook, Ph.D., M.P.A., tist, served as a co-presenter inik and Kenya Rivas, M.D., poster with Robin J. Jacobs, assistant professor of public at the 141st American Public assistant professor of geriatrics, Ph.D., M.S.W., which won first health, was featured in a CBS4 Health Association Annual entitled “Evaluation of Cogni- place in the outreach category News report on November 20. Meeting and Exposition held tive Impairment Using the at the 15th Annual International

COM Outlook . Winter 2014 9 Research/Scholarly Activity - Faculty and Student Achievements

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Seminar and Poster Session M.B.A., professor and chair of featured as an expert source for and emergency preparedness, of the Bureau of International the Department of Psychiatry a story about chronic fatigue Nadine Chipon-Schoepp, Osteopathic Medicine. The and Behavioral Medicine. The syndrome that appeared on D.O., assistant professor of poster, entitled “Osteopathic second article, entitled “Nurs- ABC News’ Good Morning family medicine, and Elliot M. Medical Leadership Training ing Students’ Attitudes and America on October 30. Sklar, Ph.D., M.Sc., assistant Through International Medical Intentions Toward Providing professor of public health, fam- Outreach Trips,” was recog- Care to the Underserved,” was 12 OMS-III Angela Kuehn ily medicine, and disaster and nized at the 118th Annual Os- coauthored with Arif M. Rana, was recently elected as chair of emergency preparedness, dis- teopathic Medical Conference Ph.D., Ed.S., assistant profes- the Graduate Medical Educa- cussed “Project HOPE: An In- and Exposition (OMED 2013) sor of biomedical informatics tion Committee of the national novative Approach to Home- held September 30-October 4 and medical education and student chapter of the Ameri- less Health Care Education” at in Las Vegas, Nevada. director of faculty develop- can College of Osteopathic the Ninth Annual International ment programs. Emergency Physicians. Street Medicine Symposium 9 Robin J. Jacobs, Ph.D., held October 23-26 in Boston, M.S.W., associate professor 10 OMS-III Carisa Cham- 13 Jennie Q. Lou, M.D., Massachusetts. Presenters had of psychiatry and behavioral pion Lippmann represented M.Sc., professor of biomedical the opportunity to participate medicine, preventive medicine, osteopathic medical students informatics, public health, and in primary care street outreach biomedical informatics, and at the American Osteopathic internal medicine and director to the homeless with staff from public health, and director Association’s (AOA) Health of the Biomedical Informatics the oldest and largest health of international medicine, Policy Forum held September Program, made a presentation care for the homeless facility recently authored the article 13 in Washington D.C., where entitled “Engaging People with in the United States—Boston “Perceptions About Home- she discussed issues such as Chronic Conditions Through Health Care for the Homeless. lessness in Elders and Com- payment and delivery innova- the Use of Health Information Attendees traveled from areas munity Responsibility” in tion, practice models, and the Technology” at the American such as Nigeria, Iceland, Ne- Educational Gerontology. She Affordable Care Act. Champi- Diabetes Association’s 22nd An- pal, the United Kingdom, Den- also coauthored two articles on Lippmann was also selected nual Conference on Diabetes, mark, India, Spain, Ethiopia, that appeared in ICERI2013 as a national competitor in the which was held November and the Netherlands to learn Publications: Proceedings from L. Edward Bryant Jr., National 1-2 at the Seminole Hard Rock more about and participate in the 6th International Conference Health Law Transactional Resort in Hollywood, Florida. the street medicine movement. of Education, Research, and Moot Court Competition. In Dr. Lou’s presentation focused Innovation. The first, entitled addition, she was invited to on the emerging roles of mobile 15 Doris Newman, D.O., as- “Development of a Linguisti- lobby with the AOA in Decem- health in engaging people with sociate professor of osteopathic cally Appropriate and Cultur- ber for the sustainable growth chronic conditions such as dia- principles and practice and ally Relevant Intervention to rate—an issue addressed in her betes and the impact of social director of the Department Increase Health Literacy in research papers. media on today’s health care. of Rural Medicine, delivered HIV-Positive Spanish-Speak- two lectures at OMED 2013 in ing Hispanics in the United 11 Nancy Klimas, M.D., direc- 14 Kristi Messer, M.S.W., Las Vegas, Nevada. In the first States,” was coauthored with tor of the college’s Institute for M.P.H., assistant professor lecture, she discussed “OMT in Raymond Ownby, M.D., Ph.D., Neuro-Immune Medicine, was of public health and disaster the Child with Growing Pains,”

10 COM Outlook . Winter 2014 Research/Scholarly Activity - Faculty and Student Achievements

17 18 19 20

medical education, is slated to present the topics “Asclepius and the Wounded Healer” and “Gifts of Silence” for the Narrative Bridge: Connecting Through the Health Hu- manities conference being held February 23-25 at the Medical 21 22 23 University of South Carolina in Charleston, South Carolina. followed by a hands-on OMT pathic Pediatricians conference and emergency preparedness, instruction for the American held September 30-October and assistant dean for educa- 22 Elliot M. Sklar, Ph.D., Academy of Osteopathy lecture 3 in Las Vegas, Nevada. In tion, planning, and research, M.Sc., assistant professor of series. The second lecture, addition, he was elected to made a presentation entitled public health, family medi- “OMT for Parents,” was pre- the American Osteopathic “Interprofessional Education cine, and disaster and emer- sented to the American College Association’s Guardians of the and Practice: Challenges, Op- gency preparedness, and of Osteopathic Pediatricians. Profession honor roll. portunities, and Realities for Kristi Messer, M.S.W., M.P.H., Dr. Newman also participated it in the European Union” at a assistant professor of public in the American Academy 18 OMS-III Andrea Pal- conference on interprofession- health and disaster and emer- of Osteopathy’s Leadership estro presented a coauthored al long-term care held Septem- gency preparedness, presented a Conference held September research poster on October 10 ber 27-October 2 in Budapest, paper on “Barriers to Reducing 28 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The entitled “Malformations Love Hungary. The conference was Health Disparities in a Pri- conference, held every three to Company: Intracranial Vascu- the first to bring together the mary Care Curriculum for the five years, was attended by 40 lar Lesions in Multiple” at the highest representatives of Underserved” at the American of the top leaders in the special- Palm Beach County Medical both the Ministry of Health Public Health Association’s 141st ty college, who discussed the Society’s Future of Medicine and Social Affairs to discuss Annual Meeting held November organization’s future direction. Summit at the Kravis Center in long-term, cooperative care in 2-6 in Boston, Massachusetts. West Palm Beach, Florida. geriatrics and social services. 16 Elizabeth Oviawe, M.Sc., Dr. Rokusek also presented 23 Melissa Tabor, D.O., as- M.M.I.S., M.S.B.I, NCP, 19 Naushira Pandya, M.D., a paper entitled “Interpro- sistant professor of osteopathic adjunct professor of public CMD, FACP, professor and fessional Practice—Key to medicine and NSU team health and assistant director chair of the Department of Patient-Centered Care” at the physician, presented a lecture of data analysis, development, Geriatrics, has been appointed annual meeting of the Asso- on “The Role of the Team and simulation in the Depart- as a reviewer for the Journal of ciation for Behavioral Science Physician in the Emergency ment of Medical Education, Health and Nutrition in Aging and Medical Education held Action Plan” for the Ameri- authored an article entitled and became an editorial board October 17-19 in Newport, can Osteopathic Academy of “NSU Medical School Profes- member for the Journal of Ge- Rhode Island. In addition, she Sports Medicine at the 118th sors Create Virtual World to riatrics and Palliative Care. She presented a poster entitled Annual Osteopathic Medical Enhance Students’ Experience” also participated in a presenta- “Interprofessional Educa- Conference and Exposition that was published in the tion entitled “An Interprofes- tion and Practice—Links to (OMED 2013) held September November 2013 issue of South sional Approach to Optimal the Patient Protection and 30-October 4 in Las Vegas, Florida Hospital News. Care Transitions” at the Affordability Health Care Nevada. She also published an Florida Medical Directors As- Act” at the annual meeting article entitled “An Alternative 17 Edward E. Packer, D.O., sociation meeting held October of the Geriatrics Society of Diagnosis of Shoulder Pain FAAP, FACOP, chair and 19 in Orlando, Florida. America held November 20-24 Visualized on Musculoskeletal professor of the Department in New Orleans, Louisiana. Ultrasound: Deltoid Inser- of Pediatrics, gave a lecture on 20 Cecilia Rokusek, Ed.D., tional Tendinopathy” in the “Anticipatory Guidance” at the RD, professor of family medi- 21 Janet Roseman, Ph.D., October edition of the Journal American College of Osteo- cine, public health, disaster R-DMT, assistant professor of of Athletic Enhancement.

COM Outlook . Winter 2014 11 Dr. Ownby has published more than 100 articles and has received several research grants from the National In- stitutes of Health. Recently, he and his team received a $1.35 million federal grant to create innovative methods to evaluate patients’ health literacy. He was the founder of the Brain Fit- ness Program at the Center on Aging in Miami—a program that helps midlife and older adults maintain mental fit- ness—and created a brain fitness pro- gram at NSU. Among other accolades, Pictured (from left) are Dr. Gary Margules, Dr. Dr. Ownby was recently selected by George L. Hanbury, Dr. Raymond Ownby, Dr. Robin Best Doctors® as an expert in the field Jacobs, and Jacqueline Travisano, M.B.A., CPA, NSU of medicine and is board certified in executive vice president and chief operating officer. adult psychiatry, psychosomatic medi- cine, behavioral sleep medicine, clinical Dr. Raymond Ownby Wins NSU Provost’s neuropsychology, and neuropsychiatry. In addition, he has served as con- Research and Scholarship Award tributing editor, section editor, and On October 16, Raymond Ownby, are two of NSU’s eight core values, ad-hoc reviewer for numerous pres- M.D., Ph.D., M.B.A., professor and and excellence in these areas enhances tigious peer-reviewed journals and is chair of the Department of Psychiatry education, patient care, public service, a founding member of the Society of and Behavioral Medicine, received and develops superior scholarship. Behavioral Sleep Medicine. the Third Annual Provost’s Research and Scholarship Award from George Dr. Mary Ann Fletcher Joins NSU-COM as Schemel Hanbury II, Ph.D., NSU president and chief executive officer. Professor for Neuro-Immune Medicine The honor was bestowed at the Ex- In October, Mary Ann Fletcher, ternal Funding Recognition Reception, Ph.D., joined NSU-COM as the held at the Grande Oaks Golf Club in first Schemel Professor for Davie and hosted by Gary S. Margules, Neuro-Immune Medicine, which Sc.D., vice president of NSU’s Office was made possible thanks to a for Research and Technology Transfer. $2 million endowment from the Dr. Ownby was nominated for this Schemel Family Foundation. prestigious honor by his NSU-COM colleague Dr. Robin J. Jacobs. “I am in- In her new role, Dr. Fletcher will Pictured (from left) are Dr. Nancy Klimas, credibly honored to be selected by my oversee the research lab and Dr. Fletcher, Robert G. Schemel, and Dr. Silvagni. peers for this prestigious honor,” said conduct proteomic and genomic Dr. Ownby. “I am grateful to NSU for research at the college’s Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine. “I am honored and believing in me and my team and al- grateful to the Schemel family and NSU for believing in me and allowing me to lowing us and our fellow researchers devote my efforts to helping find better treatments for these diseases, which impact to pursue knowledge and discovery so many people and deserve our attention and resources,” Dr. Fletcher stated. in our fields.” Prior to joining the NSU-COM team, Dr. Fletcher spent the past 40 years working The Provost’s Research and Schol- at the University of Miami, most recently as a tenured professor and director of arship Award recognizes a faculty the E.M. Popper Laboratory of Clinical Immunology, which is being relocated to member who has demonstrated sig- NSU. During her career, Dr. Fletcher has published more than 260 peer-reviewed nificant achievement in support of articles in scientific journals and has presented her work at many national and NSU’s mission to foster scholarship, international scientific conferences. In addition, she holds two U.S. patents for intellectual inquiry, and academic developing tests to determine if a person has mononucleosis. excellence. Research and scholarship

12 COM Outlook . Winter 2014 NSU-COM Researchers Receive $4.1 Million Grant to Investigate Gulf War Illness

SU-COM’s Institute for Gulf War. Symptoms can include This is primarily due to disruptions Neuro-Immune Medicine chronic headaches, widespread pain, in normal immune, cardiovascular, Nrecently received a $4.1 mil- cognitive difficulties, debilitating and hormone signaling. lion grant from the U.S. Department fatigue, gastrointestinal problems, The consortium’s goal is to of Defense (DoD) to fund its research respiratory symptoms, and other pinpoint the causes of GWI using a project titled “Understanding Gulf abnormalities that are not explained multidisciplinary approach. The proj- War Illness (GWI): An Integrative by established medical diagnoses or ect will involve integrating basic and Modeling Approach.” The project, standard laboratory tests. At least a clinical research using a computa- which was selected as one of two quarter of the nearly 700,000 soldiers tional systems biology method to cor- DoD Gulf War Illness Research who fought in the Gulf War suffer relate data between the physiological Program Consortium awardees, will from GWI, according to the U.S. compartments and levels of biology be led by grant recipients Mariana Department of Veterans Affairs’ Re- from basic models to human patients. Morris, Ph.D., professor of clini- search Advisory Committee on Gulf This will allow them to tailor treat- cal immunology and director of the War Veterans’ Illnesses. ment more effectively using drugs Gulf War Illness Project, and Nancy “Our goal is to develop a better already approved for other illnesses. Klimas, M.D., professor of internal understanding of GWI and under- At the end of the four-year study, medicine and director of the Institute the consortium plans to complete for Neuro-Immune Medicine. early studies in human patients and The consortium combines scientific be able to pursue larger-scale clini- researchers with expertise in basic and cal trials for further drug testing. clinical research along with those with “By increasing the understanding expertise in stress response and heart of the reasons for GWI, our consor- function models, genomics, and com- tium will advance the diagnosis and putational models that isolate thera- treatment of the disease,” said Dr. peutic targets and guide drug devel- Morris. “Specifically, our more de- opment, formulation, and testing. tailed understanding of the dysfunc- “This consortium provides an tion involved in GWI would greatly opportunity to advance our under- increase the speed to identify targets standing of Gulf War Illness through for improved diagnosis as well as discovery of biomarkers to more selection and testing of more specific accurately diagnose and treat this treatments over the longer term that syndrome,” said Wanda Salzer, will address the causes of disease.” M.D., director of Congressionally LEADING THE WAY IN GWI RESEARCH: The consortium consists of the co- Drs. Nancy Klimas and Mariana Morris Directed Medical Research Programs. principal investigators, Drs. Klimas “Working as an integrated team, the stand specific causes so we can find and Morris; Gordon Broderick, Ph.D., scientists, clinicians, and veterans at treatments to address these causes, NSU Center for Psychological Stud- these accomplished organizations rather than focus on the symptoms,” ies; Travis Craddock, Ph.D., assistant will be able to establish synergy and said Dr. Klimas. “This consortium professor, NSU Center for Psycholog- collectively develop research strate- will integrate our clinical under- ical Studies; NSU-COM’s Institute for gies, which may unlock the pathways standing of the disease process with Neuro-Immune Medicine genomics leading to the regulatory dysfunction basic research efforts using a novel core; and Mary Ann Fletcher, Ph.D., in Gulf War Illness.” mathematical model.” NSU-COM’s Schemel professor for Gulf War Illness is a medi- It has been established that GWI neuro-immune medicine. The team cal condition that affects veterans is caused by a disruption in normal is affiliated with the research service and civilians who were exposed cell signaling that results in disabling of the Bruce W. Carter Department of to a number of dangers, including symptoms including fainting, low Veterans Affairs Medical Center and chemical weapons, during the 1991 blood pressure, fatigue, and pain. Miami VA Healthcare System.

COM Outlook . Winter 2014 13 NSU-COM EXCELS IN EXTERNAL FUNDING

Faculty Members Recognized for Research Contributions at NSU External Funding Reception

More than 120 NSU faculty members were honored at the NSU External Funding Recognition Reception held at Grande Oaks Golf Club in Davie on October 16. The event was hosted by Gary S. Margules, Sc.D., NSU vice president for research and technology transfer. The event recognizes the extraordinary efforts of NSU faculty members who received external grant funding during the previous fiscal year, which totaled nearly $62 million, and encourages the continued pursuit of future external funding. Thanks to the efforts of the following NSU-COM-affiliated individuals, ample amounts of external funding have been received to sustain, enhance, or create various programs and projects. Listed below are the 28 faculty honorees and the organizations they received funding from for their projects:

Cyril Blavo, D.O., M.P.H. and T.M. Kenneth Johnson, D.O. Naushira Pandya, M.D., CMD United States Department Sponsor’s name withheld Health Resources and of Health and Human Services Services Administration Nancy G. Klimas, M.D. Nicole Cook, Ph.D., M.P.H. Centers for Disease Control John Pellosie, Jr., D.O., M.P.H. Broward Regional Health and Prevention Florida Department of Health Planning Council, Inc. The Chronic Fatigue Initiative Florida Public Health Institute Kelley Davis, Ph.D. United States Department of Leonard Levy, D.P.M., M.P.H. Alina Perez, J.D. Health and Human Services Health Resources and Health Resources and Services Administration Services Administration National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Jennie Lou, M.D., M.Sc. Arif M. Rana, Ph.D., Ed.S. South Florida Regional Broward Regional Health Joseph De Gaetano, D.O., M.S.Ed Extension Center Planning Council, Inc. Health Resources and Services Administration Multiple Sclerosis Irma Rey, M.D. Foundation The Chronic Fatigue Initiative Michelle Doldren, Ed.D. Substance Abuse and Mental Linda Maurice, M.A. Cecilia Rokusek, Ed.D., RD Health Services Administration Retirement Research Health Resources and Foundation Services Administration Marti Echols, Ph.D. American Association of Colleges Heather McCarthy, D.O. Irina Rozenfeld, M.S.N., ARNP, CCR of Osteopathic Medicine American Association of Colleges Immunotec, Inc. of Osteopathic Medicine M. Isabel Fernandez, Ph.D. Daniel Shaw, Ph.D., M.Ed. University of Alabama at Birmingham Mariana Morris, Ph.D. International Alliance for National Institute of Nursing Research National Heart, Lung, and Invitational Education Centers for Disease Control/Prevention Blood Institute Paula Waziry, Ph.D. Patrick C. Hardigan, Ph.D. Deborah Mulligan, M.D. South Florida Veterans Florida Breast Cancer Foundation Substance Abuse and Mental Foundation for Research Health Services Administration and Education T. Lucas Hollar, Ph.D. Broward Regional Health Raymond Ownby M.D., Ph.D., M.B.A. Steven Zucker, D.M.D., M.Ed. Planning Council, Inc. National Institute of Mental Health Health Resources and Services Administration United States Department of National Heart, Lung, Health and Human Services and Blood Institute Florida Department of Health

14 COM Outlook . Winter 2014 Dr. Nicole Cook Dr. Kelley Davis Dr. Joseph De Gaetano

Dr. Michelle Doldren Dr. Marti Echols Dr. T. Lucas Hollar

Dr. Kenneth Johnson Dr. Nancy Klimas Dr. Leonard Levy

Dr. Heather McCarthy Dr. Mariana Morris Dr. Arif Rana

Irina Rozenfeld Dr. Paula Waziry Dr. Steven Zucker Record-Setting CEME Research Poster Competition

Simultaneous to the NSU-COM Resi- competition and illustrates the exponential All posters were judged based on the for- dency Fair, which was held on November growth of research activities at the CEME- mat and completeness of abstract, the over- 1, the Consortium for Excellence in Medical affiliated sites and at NSU-COM. all poster appearance, and the entrant’s oral Education (CEME) held its Fifth Annual Scien- The large number of submissions forced presentation. In addition to the large number tific Research Poster Competition. A record 82 the competition to spill out of the OPP Lab, of posters, the judges commented on the high submissions were received from the various into the hallways, off the bulletin boards, and quality of research that was presented this year. CEME affiliates located throughout Florida onto the walls. Consequently, an additional Cash prizes of $500, $250, and $100 were and the southeastern United States, along cadre of judges was needed to ensure that awarded to the first-, second-, and third-place with NSU-COM students. This was up greatly all posters were judged in time to announce finishers in each category. Listed below are from the 29 submissions for the 2012 poster the winners by the end of the Residency Fair. the poster competition winners:

Third Place “Distal Femoral Arthroplasty Acute Complications and Outcomes: A Retrospective Review”

Matthew Motisi (student), Kevin Weiss (student), and W. Vincent Burke, M.D. (Broward Health Medical Center physician)

Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine

CASE STUDIES

First Place “Bilateral Subtrochanteric Fractures in a Previous Long-Term Alendronate Medicated Patient” Pictured (front row from left) are Heather Katz, D.O. (internal medicine resident Jacob Triplet (student), Timothy Hawkes, D.O. (resident), and Sein at Broward Health Medical Center), OMS-II Jacob Triplet, OMS-III Steven Zhang, Lwin, M.D. (Broward Health Medical Center physician) OMS-III Jaime Mazzurco, M.P.H., and OMS-III Matt Motisi. Pictured (second row from left) are Patrick Hardigan, Ph.D. (judge), Janet Hamstra, Ed.D. (head Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine judge), Robin Jacobs, Ph.D. (judge), Hilda DeGaetano, D.O. (judge), and Kenya and Orthopedic Medicine Residency Program at Rivas, M.D. (judge). Pictured (back row from left) are Joseph De Gaetano, Broward Health Medical Center D.O., M.S.Ed, Guy Nehrenz, Ed.D., RRT, (judge and NSU College of Health Care Sciences executive associate dean and professor), Daniel Shaw, Ph.D. Second Place (judge), and Ray Ownby, M.D., Ph.D. (judge). “Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in Situs Inversus Totalis with Post-ERCP Pancreastitis and EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH Larkin Syndrome: A Novel Diagnosis”

First Place Anthony Abraham, D.O. (resident), Philip Pack III, D.O. (resident), “Female Farmworkers’ Access to and Experiences Joshua Simon, D.O. (resident), and Mohammad Masri, M.D. with Prenatal Care in South Florida” (Larkin Community Hospital physician)

Jamie Mazzurco, M.P.H. (student), Steven Fan Zhang (student), General Surgery Residency Program at and M. Isabel Fernandez, Ph.D. (NSU-COM professor) Larkin Community Hospital in South Miami

Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine Third Place “Solitary Metastasis to the Small Bowel from Primary Second Place Adenocarcinoma of the Lung” “A Latent Class Analysis of United States Medical Students’ Knowledge and Attitudes Toward the Patient Protection Nina Thakkar Rivera, D.O., Ph.D. (resident), Heather Katz, D.O. and Affordable Care Act” (resident), Natasha Bray, D.O. (Broward Health Medical Center physician), and Delia Guaqueta, M.D. (Broward Health Steven Fan Zhang (student), Jamie Mazzurco, M.P.H. (student), Medical Center physician) and M. Isabel Fernandez, Ph.D. (NSU-COM professor) Internal Medicine Residency Program at Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine Broward Health Medical Center

16 COM Outlook . Winter 2014 Faculty Focus - Activities, Achievements, and Awards

Donald Altman, M.D., clinical Joseph De Gaetano, D.O., Heather McCarthy, D.O., as- during the Osteopathic Medical professor of pediatrics, was M.S.Ed, FAAFP, FACOFP, sistant professor of medical Conference and Exposition granted distinguished fac- professor of family medicine, education and osteopathic prin- held September 30-October ulty status in October, join- associate dean for clinical cur- ciples and practice and director 4 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The ing a select group of clinical riculum and graduate medi- of the Simulation/Standardized accolade is the AOA’s highest faculty members recognized cal education, and executive Patient Lab, participated in the honor, which is granted only for providing extraordinary director of the Consortium for COMLEX-USA Level 3 Final to deserving members for out- and lasting service to the Excellence in Medical Educa- Exam Review held November standing accomplishments in college. Dr. Altman, who has tion, received the Guardian 7- 9 in Chicago, Illinois. scientific or professional affairs. practiced pediatrics in the local of the Profession Award from community for over 58 years, the American Osteopathic Anthony Anthony J. Silvagni, D.O., took part in establishing and Association. The AOA also N. Ottavi- Pharm.D., M.Sc., FACOFP supporting the role of Miami named him an Unsung Hero ani, D.O., dist., NSU-COM dean, received Children’s Hospital as a site to because he has enhanced the M.P.H., the Guardian of the Profession train NSU-COM students and image of osteopathic medicine MACOI, Award from the American residents in pediatric medicine. by living each day as an ex- FCCP, Osteopathic Association. The ample of what an osteopathic clinical honor recognizes an osteopath- Sandra physician should be and has professor ic physician who advances the Bertman, served as an outstanding phy- of internal medicine, regional culture of osteopathic medicine Ph.D., sician and role model. dean, and director of medi- by having served in a local, clinical cal education at Largo Medi- state, or national osteopathic associate Stephen cal Center in Largo, Florida, leadership role. A guardian professor G. Grant, received the American Osteo- also demonstrates a strong of psy- Ph.D., pathic Association (AOA) Dis- sense of pride in the osteopath- chiatry, is formerly a tinguished Service Certificate ic medical profession. slated to receive two lifetime College of achievement awards in 2014: Pharmacy the Janice Palmer Award for faculty NSU-COM Bids Farewell to Drs. Outstanding Leadership at member, Jon Dodds and Gary Hill the 25th Annual Conference of joined the NSU-COM faculty the Global Alliance for Arts & team in October as an associ- On September 25, the college coor- Health (formerly the Associa- ate professor in the Master dinated a farewell reception for Gary tion for Arts in Healthcare) of Public Health Program Hill, D.O., FACOI, assistant professor on April 12 in Washington, and is also working with the of internal medicine. Dr. Hill was also college’s Institute for Neuro- D.C., and the Herman Feifel one of the three physicians who ran Award from the International Immune Medicine. the Employee Health and Wellness Workgroup on Death, Dying, and Bereavement in Victoria, James T. Howell, M.D., Center. He left the college after more Canada, on May 1. M.P.H., professor of public than 11 years to become associate health and rural medicine and dean for clinical affairs at the Edward Via College of Osteo- Stanley R. Cohen Ed.D., assistant dean of professional pathic Medicine in Auburn, Alabama. (Pictured are Elaine Wal- professor of humanities and relations, was appointed by the lace, D.O., M.S., executive associate dean, and Dr. Gary Hill.) executive vice dean for educa- president of the Palm Beach tional support at NSU’s Health County Medical Society to the On December 12, the col- Professions Division, served as organization’s board of trust- lege coordinated a farewell program chairman for the na- ees in November. reception for Jon Dodds tional convention of the Asso- Ph.D., M.P.H., assistant ciation for the Behavioral Sci- Bruce M. LeClair, M.D., ences and Medical Education clinical associate professor, director of the Master of (ABSAME) held October 17-19 received the 2013 Educator Public Health Program. Dr. in Newport, Rhode Island. The of the Year Award from the Dodds, who joined NSU- ABSAME also honored him Georgia Academy of Family COM full-time in 2000, was recognized by many colleagues with its Lifetime Achievement Physicians. Dr. LeClair is a for his commitment to the college. He plans to combine the Award in recognition of his residency rotation director and pleasure of his retirement with consulting work. (Pictured are devoted service to the cause of a core educator for the Medical Dr. Silvagni, Dr. Dodds, and Cyril Blavo, D.O., M.P.H. and T.M., improving the lives of many College of Georgia at Georgia director of the M.P.H. Program.) thousands of students. Regents University.

COM Outlook . Winter 2014 17 FACULTY PERSPECTIVE Proposed Hospital Offers Bonanza of Benefits

By Joseph De Gaetano, D.O., M.S.Ed, FAAFP, FACOFP Associate Dean for Clinical Curriculum and Graduate Medical Education

(Editor’s Note: Last fall, HCA East Florida filed a Certificate of Need (CON) with the Agency for Health PROPOSAL: Creation of Care Administration requesting approval to build and operate a hospital of up to 100 beds that would significantly enhance teaching and research on NSU’s main campus. If approved, the hospital will a hospital for teaching anchor NSU’s Academical Village—a Jeffersonian concept that is defined as “a community of scholars and students working closely, combining theory and practice”—and serve as the foundation for Broward and research that will County’s only comprehensive research and medical center. Although the proposal was initially denied by serve as the corner- the Agency for Health Care Administration on December 6, efforts are currently underway to make the hospital a reality at some point in the future. To that end, Dr. De Gaetano has detailed his reasoning for stone of a collaboration why a hospital based on NSU’s main campus would be advantageous for the university, graduate medi- cal education—and the community.) between NSU and HCA NSU-COM takes great pride in the clinical past few years. Florida has seen the open- East Florida, which will training opportunities it affords its medical stu- ing of five new medical schools over the past dents. Similarly, the college takes great pride several years—University of Central Florida, bring greater choice and in the maintenance and growth of its affiliated Florida Atlantic University, Florida Interna- graduate medical education (GME) training tional University, Florida State University, access for patients in programs to serve the postgraduate needs of its and the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic students. With recent medical school expan- Medicine-Bradenton Campus. the community. NSU’s sion, however, it has become difficult to retain All are engaged in a competition to iden- and identify new clinical training opportunities tify quality inpatient training locations for a Academical Village for NSU-COM’s students. now-expanding cadre of third- and fourth-year Osteopathic medical school expansion medical students that are attending these old plans include more than and the proposed pending changes to the and new institutions. Similarly, it should be Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical noted that many osteopathic medical schools three-million square feet Education’s (ACGME) common program rules located outside of Florida—as well as many off- of medical office, retail, have urgently demonstrated NSU-COM’s need shore allopathic medical schools—also compete to further grow osteopathic graduate medi- with the in-state schools for a finite number of residential, financial, cal education (OGME) training opportunities inpatient clinical training sites within Florida. for its graduates. The planned building of The opening of an academic medical center on hotel/conferencing, and a Hospital Corporation of America (HCA)- NSU’s main campus will allow NSU-COM to supported academic medical center on NSU’s internally address the clinical training needs governmental space main campus will address these urgent needs of its students. NSU-COM students will be in dramatic fashion. It also will heighten afforded the ability to experience exceptional alongside NSU’s Health health care services quality and availability to inpatient clinical training at their own home the citizens of Broward County. institution and thereby acutely diminish the Care Clinics and contigu- The ability for NSU-COM to retain and college’s urgent external need to identify new grow inpatient clinical training opportunities quality inpatient training sites for its students. ous to the university’s for its medical students has recently become As noted above, Florida has seen a recent pending Center for Col- a more challenging task. Florida’s original dramatic growth in the number of medical medical schools at the University of Miami, schools contained within its borders. Corre- laborative Research. University of Florida, and University of South spondingly, the United States has seen an ex- Florida have all expanded class sizes over the ponential growth in medical schools across the

18 COM Outlook .Winter 2014 “The joint hospital venture between NSU and HCA will serve the people of Broward County as a resource and center of medical excellence. Patients in the local community as well as throughout Broward County will be able to seek medical care by both top specialists as well as primary care physicians who will provide cutting-edge and comprehensive care to the patients they serve.” nation. The preponderance of this growth training programs for its internship and modalities can be developed and tested has been in the opening of new colleges residency program graduates. NSU’s in a real-time laboratory environment. of osteopathic medicine. There are cur- ability to open an academic medical This, of course, will be the only such rently 30 colleges of osteopathic medi- center on its own campus will allow the relationship of this kind that exists in cine, offering instruction at 40 locations COM to work with hospital administra- Broward County. Again, this will serve in 28 states. As a result, the osteopathic tion to acutely grow new osteopathically the people of Broward County, as they profession will be graduating nearly accredited subspecialty positions for will have access to unique treatment 5,000 fourth-year medical students annu- its affiliated internship and residency methods that are not to be found any- ally within the next two or three years. program graduates. where else in the local community. All of these graduates will need to The joint hospital venture between Lastly, this new facility will serve as enter minimally a first postgraduate year NSU and HCA will also serve the a tremendous resource for the training of training to achieve licensure in one people of Broward County as a re- of the future health care professionals of the 50 states. The vast majority will source and center of medical excellence. of Broward County. Physicians, physi- continue on in training for an additional Patients in the local community as well cian assistants, pharmacists, dentists, two to seven years to realize a board cer- as throughout Broward County will be and the like from Nova Southeastern tification in a specialty or subspecialty of able to seek medical care by both top University will all have the opportunity medicine. Currently, the osteopathic pro- specialists as well as primary care physi- to train in the new and progressive fession only retains approximately 2,600 cians who will provide cutting-edge medical center. first postgraduate year training positions and comprehensive care to the patients The planned building of an HCA- nationally. The profession as a whole they serve. The care rendered at the new supported academic medical center on acutely needs to increase osteopathic facility will encompass an interdisciplin- NSU’s main campus will address the graduate medical education positions ary team approach that will be unique urgent clinical experiential needs of both nationally so as to address the training within Broward County. Teams of NSU-COM’s undergraduate and gradu- needs of its growing number of students. physicians, physician assistants, nurses, ate trainees. The citizens of Broward Again, NSU’s ability to open an academ- pharmacists, optometrists, and den- County will realize the fruits of having ic medical center on its own campus will tists will jointly care for patients in this a robust academic medical center within allow NSU-COM to work with hospital cutting-edge model. their midst due to the access to excep- administration to grow new OGME posi- The hospital will be situated jux- tional clinicians, cutting-edge research, tions for its medical school graduates. taposed to NSU and will serve as a and interdisciplinary care the medical Compounding the OGME issue is research center where new treatment center will afford them. the fact that the ACGME is projected to change the common program rules that guide the administration of ACGME-ac- credited programs nationally. Currently, graduates of an accredited osteopathic internship and/or residency program can pursue subspecialty training within ACGME-accredited programs. Projected changes to the common program rules in July 2015 will bar osteopathically trained physicians from being able to enter these allopathically accredited subspecialty programs. As a result, the osteopathic profession must acutely address the need to grow subspecialty

COM Outlook . Winter 2014 19 HPD Researcher Receives U.S. Patent... Administrative Shifts...Dolphin Research

Dr. Stanley Wilson Appointed Dean HPD Researcher Receives U.S. of College of Health Care Sciences Patent for Developing Fall

Stanley Wilson, Ed.D., P.T., CEAS, Prevention Model was recently named dean of NSU’s College of Health Care Sciences. In an effort to prevent unnecessary injuries and deaths due to falls, Dr. Wilson has served in a number Patrick Hardigan, Ph.D., associate professor of public health and HPD of administrative positions within the executive director for research, set out to develop a model used to help college, including associate dean for predict the effect of medication and dosage on injurious falling. He re- academic affairs and previously as cently received a U.S. patent (No. 8,521,490) for an algorithm he devel- associate dean for rehabilitation ser- oped called the Statistical Model for Predicting Falling in Humans, also vices and chair of the Department of known as the Fall Model. Physical Therapy. The Fall Model uses a robust amount of unidentified patient informa- Dr. Wilson’s academic leadership experience at NSU is comple- tion from the state of Florida and other public sources such as height, mented by his prior experience as associate professor and chair of the weight, and age combined with each respective patient’s clinical diag- Department of Physical Therapy at Howard University in Washington, nosis and prescription medication regimen to determine the patient’s D.C., and assistant professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at likelihood of falling. The result is a likely or not likely determination. Florida International University in Miami. This model will eventually be computerized in an easy-to-use tem- plate for use in health care settings, including hospitals, pharmacies, Nursing Dean Selected for Notable nursing homes, and clinics. “Statistical models like this offer significant inherent advantages for clinicians because they can correctly register National Nurse Fellowship the simultaneous importance of a dozen or more factors,” explained Gary S. Margules, Sc.D., vice president of NSU’s Office for Research Marcella M. Rutherford, Ph.D., and Technology Transfer. M.B.A., M.S.N., dean of the College of Nursing, has been named one of just 20 Robert Wood Johnson Foun- dation (RWJF) Executive Nurse Fel- lows for 2013. Dr. Rutherford joins a select group of nurse leaders from across the country chosen to par- ticipate in this world-class, three-year leadership development program de- signed to enhance nurse leaders’ effectiveness in improving the U.S. health care system. Begun by the RWJF in 1998, the RWJF Executive Nurse Fellows pro- gram strengthens the leadership capacity of nurses who aspire to shape Pictured at the patent recognition ceremony (from left) are: Dr. health care in their communities, states, and the nation. The program will Gary Margules; Fred Lippman, R.Ph., Ed.D., HPD chancellor; Ralph provide Dr. Rutherford and her colleagues with coaching, education, and V. Rogers, Jr., Ph.D., NSU provost and executive vice president for other support to strengthen their abilities to lead teams and organizations academic affairs; Dr. Patrick Hardigan; and George L. Hanbury II, working to improve health and health care. Ph.D., NSU president and chief executive officer.

20 COM Outlook . Winter 2014 NSU OVERVIEW

bottlenose dolphins living in the waters. After the data were analyzed, NSU Researchers Uncover researchers were able to determine that these two genetically different Genetic Surprises in Florida’s groups were divided along a north-south geographic area of the IRL. Along with identifying genetic differences in the animals within the IRL, Bottlenose Dolphins when compared to bottlenose dolphins that live in other areas, including the open oceanic waters, additional differences were found. While there were many findings identified, this study also provides im- portant management implications, since it’s clear the role of the habitat and subsequent modifications can directly shape bottlenose dolphin structure. Dr. Richard Davis to Lead Regional Campuses and Online Education

Richard Davis, Ed.D., who served as founding dean of NSU’s College of Health Care Sciences, was recently named as vice president of the uni- versity’s regional campus network and online education. In this role, he will provide overall leadership and strategic direction in the planning, development, and enrollment man- agement of NSU’s nine regional cam- puses and its online education programs. NSU has regional campuses throughout Florida in Fort Myers, Jacksonville, Miami-Kendall, Miramar, Orlando, Palm Beach, and Tampa as well as in Nassau, Bahamas, and San Juan, Puerto Rico. Dr. Davis joined NSU in 1998 as director of the university’s Physi- cian Assistant Program and has since held multiple leadership posi- Bottlenose dolphins are the most common and well known of tions. “Throughout his 15-year tenure at NSU, Dr. Davis has modeled success and innovation in the creation and evaluation of traditional their kind—famous in TV and movies. While one bottlenose dolphin might classroom and distance-education programs, including the develop- look similar to another, when you take a closer look at them (really close, ment and implementation of more than 20 new programs at NSU,” said as in genetically,) there are differences. In fact, a recently published study George L. Hanbury II, Ph.D., NSU president and CEO. in the Journal of Heredity by a collaborative, including researchers from NSU’s Oceanographic Center, focused on groups of these animals that live in specific areas along the eastern seaboard of the United States, comparing them to other bottlenose dolphins that live offshore, in the northwest Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean. This first-of-its-kind collaborative study revealed that within the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), there are two different and distinct populations of

COM Outlook . Winter 2014 21 BEYOND BOTOX

By Debra R. Gibbs, B.A., Medical Communications Coordinator

A Look at the Science, Art, and Service of the Department of Dermatology ike all medical disciplines, dermatology strives to im- is one of her specialties. “I was so fortunate to have trained L prove the lives of patients. Some may see dermatolo- under expert immuno-dermatologists such as Carlos gists as focused solely on the quest for physical enhance- Noursari, M.D., from Johns Hopkins Hospital, as well as ment, but Tracy Favreau, D.O., chair of the Department of Francisco Kerdel, M.D., from the University of Miami. Both Dermatology, and her residents see that as a small corner of these brilliant dermatologists have been treating patients of a complex tableau. This philosophy explains why Dr. with difficult and life-threatening dermatologic diseases for Favreau is committed to a more complicated calling and years,” she said. tackles the challenges many of her colleagues avoid. “I enjoy regular dermatology, the bread-and-butter Dealing with Complicated Cases cases of acne, eczema, contact dermatitis, or psoriasis, but “A lot of people think dermatology is just popping zits or I really like the hard-to-solve mysteries that other physi- treating acne, but it is so much more than that,” said Dr. Fa- cians find difficult to solve, so they send them here to vreau, who leads her department with innovative, patient- Nova Southeastern University and my team works hard to centered practices that focus on fighting whatever skin-re- analyze these rare diseases and discover the diagnoses and lated disease she encounters. “NSU’s College of Osteopathic treatment plans,” Dr. Favreau explained. Medicine allows me to help in the Broward Health Medical Many patients visit Dr. Favreau, who is board certified Center district clinics. A lot of the patients face very difficult in both family medicine and dermatology, after they have life circumstances. I, along with our dermatology residents, already seen a primary care doctor because of their extraor- really enjoy helping out at these clinics. It is so rewarding to dinary situations. Thanks to her training, troubleshooting be able to make a positive change in our patients’ lives.”

22 COM Outlook .Winter 2014 “I enjoy regular dermatology, the bread-and-butter cases of acne, eczema, contact dermatitis, or psoriasis, but I really like the hard-to-solve mysteries that other physicians find difficult to solve, so they send them here to Nova Southeastern University and my team works hard to analyze these rare diseases and discover the diagnoses and treatment plans,” Dr. Favreau explained.

Two medical challenges stand out the area of defect with a skin graft side of his face. Sadly, the cancer took among the many Dr. Favreau has taken from his thigh and upper arm. over almost half of his face. faced—rare and unusual cases of lep- Unfortunately, the surgical excision “I ordered a CAT scan of his head, rosy and metastatic basal cell carcino- pathology results came back positive abdomen, and lungs and an aspira- ma that manifested in a patient’s face. with basal-cell carcinoma still in one tion biopsy. These exams revealed Through her studies on leprosy, margin,” Dr. Favreau said. multiple nodules inside his lungs. The Dr. Favreau was familiar with the The patient had a consultation with diagnosis was proven histologically highly contagious disease. When a radiation oncologist to discuss treat- to be metastatic basal-cell carcinoma, a patient from the Specialty Care ment. Radiation treatment would have wherein the cancer is able to grow at Center in Fort Lauderdale visited required the removal of the patient’s sites distant from the primary site of the dermatology clinic, he mani- teeth because the tooth enamel would origin,” she said. “Only 0.003 percent fested the ailment’s classic features. absorb the radiation, making the treat- of the population worldwide has been A biopsy confirmed lepromatous ment less effective. The patient de- diagnosed with this form of cancer.” leprosy bacteria had attacked the cided against removing his teeth and The patient was only 41 years old, cartilage of the man’s ears and nose, didn’t receive further treatment. but the disease had developed too far displaying the features of a collapsed By the time Dr. Favreau examined to cure him. “We helped him with saddle nose and circular depressions him, the man couldn’t even open his pain medication and high doses of in the cartilage around his ears. As a mouth—and the pain had become morphine. The beautiful thing about result, the mandatory notification of excruciating. Sadly, the beard he had the whole situation is that it brought the Broward County Health Depart- grown could not disguise his disfig- his family closer together, despite the ment and Hansen’s Clinic in Miami urement. When the skin breakdown sad situation,” Dr. Favreau said. A was completed and examinations of was too obvious, he decided to hide report she later authored about the family members and others who had the cancer under gauze taped to that experience led to a $15,000 grant. been in close contact with the man were also performed. Fortunately, the patient did very well thanks to modern medicine. The importance of a biopsy was also the core of the second case, which occurred when Dr. Favreau was called to the Broward Health Medical Center Emergency Room to examine a man with facial pain. When she removed the gauze on his cheek, she saw the flesh had eroded all the way down to the bone. The cancer had first been discov- ered two years prior to her examina- tion, when the man was incarcerated. “The biopsy performed by the infir- mary physician came back positive for Drs. Tracy Favreau (left) and Jacqueline Thomas basal-cell carcinoma. The infirmary working with a patient physician had performed plastic sur- gery on the man’s cheek and covered

COM Outlook . Winter 2014 23 Members of the dermatology team include (back row left): Khasha Touloei, D.O. (PGY-II); Kimberly May Hull, D.O. (PGY-II); Lise Brown, D.O. (PGY- III); Dan Sheridan (office manager); Dorothy Sainvil-Brown (medical assistant); Yvette Tivoli, D.O. (PGY-III); Michael Baze, D.O., Ph.D (PGY-II); Alexis Stephens, D.O. (PGY-II); and Leeor I. Porges, D.O. (PGY-II). Pictured (front row from left) are: Justin Rubin, D.O. (PGY-III); Tracy Favreau, D.O., chair of the Department of Dermatology, Jacqueline Thomas, D.O., assistant professor; and Panogiotis Mitropoulous, D.O. (PGY-III).

An Overview of NSU’s Both clinics stay busy, handling a aggressive and can spread quickly Dermatology Department two-year backlog of patients. Dr. into the lymph nodes and lymph sys- Fighting cancer is the focus of the Favreau and Jacqueline Thomas, D.O., tems. The physicians use the ABCDE dermatology department. “We are assistant professor of dermatology, rules to inform patients on how to so much more educated today,” Dr. perform various other dermatology check for red flags during a self-exam. Favreau said. “The department takes consultations at Broward Health pride in providing patient education Medical Center and are conferred “A” stands for Asymmetry, noting and raising awareness. Nova South- with frequently. whether the shape has changed. eastern University is so passionate On campus, in the dermatology “B” stands for Border, noting about helping and reaching out, es- clinic, four exam rooms are avail- whether borders have changed from pecially to underserved communities. able to meet the high demand for smooth to jagged. NSU’s support allows us to work in appointments. Nine residents on clinics funded by grants and taxpay- rotation work with Drs. Favreau and “C” stands for Color. If the mole was ers’ money. This support greatly helps Thomas. Two additional members of light brown and is now dark brown or people who are unable to pay.” the team are Daniel Sheridan (of- any other color change, it could be a At the community clinics—the fice manager) and Dorothy Sainvil- sign of melanoma. Specialty Care Center on Broward Brown (medical assistant). In the Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale and past year, Dr. Favreau examined “D” stands for Dimension. A mole the Broward Health Medical Center 1,787 patients in the Davie clinic. that measures at least six millimeters, outpatient clinic—Dr. Favreau treated Skin cancer—basal cell, squamous which is the tip of a pinky or the head almost 2,000 patients last year. These cell, and melanoma—is the primary of an eraser on a pencil, could signal clinics offer the opportunity “to give target of the department’s work. Basal it’s time to have it examined. back and to help out,” Dr. Favreau cell is the most common and grows stated. “NSU-COM allows us to go to slowly. Squamous cell is the second “E” stands for Evolution. If a mole clinics and offer care that diagnoses slowest-growing, but can be a little bit used to be flat and becomes raised, it and helps cure many severe diseases.” more aggressive. Melanoma is highly should be examined.

24 COM Outlook . Winter 2014 Following the A, B, C, D, and E guidelines of changes in moles can make the difference between “There is nothing more rewarding to me in life and death, Dr. Favreau said. this world than helping somebody. I train my residents to develop a bedside manner Peering into Future Plans focused on healing. If patients can’t open up Dr. Favreau’s interest in immunology includes and feel comfortable with you, they’re not more clinical research. She hopes to work with going to tell you what’s wrong with them.” Nancy Klimas, M.D., chair of clinical immunology - Dr. Tracy Favreau - and director of the college’s Institute for Neuro- Immune Medicine. Some of Dr. Klimas’ care and study of certain genes focuses on patients with se- vere allergies. Chronic ailments that alter the qual- ity of life present a challenge to find treatments or medications that will alleviate the suffering. Dr. Favreau hopes to collaborate with Dr. Klimas to explore gene malfunctions that cause severe aller- gic reactions and establish rotations at the institute for her dermatology residents. A more immediate plan for research relates to three new lasers that have been approved and should arrive soon. The lasers are the most cur- rent models available. One does total resurfacing of the face for rejuvenation, another one removes red or brown spots, patches, and evens out the skin, while a third focuses on hair reduction. “We are really excited because so many patients are interested in having hair reduction and facial rejuvenation,” she said. “When I first started doing Botox and fillers, it was just strictly women, but it’s about 50/50 now, with both men and women seeking rejuvenation.” Dr. Favreau’s passion for medicine, so evident in her work, was sparked by the special care she received as a child. “I feel so blessed,” she ex- plained. “I love being a physician. That love began with a dream I had as a five-year-old with severe asthma. When my primary care doctor helped me breathe, I thought his helping me was the best thing in the world. “I grew up here at NSU and was a member of the second graduating class of the Physician Assis- tant Program,” she added. “From there, I went to medical school for family medicine and completed my residency in dermatology. There is nothing more rewarding to me in this world than helping somebody. I train my residents to develop a bed- side manner focused on healing. If patients can’t open up and feel comfortable with you, they’re not going to tell you what’s wrong with them. I care- fully select my residents to make sure they have a bedside manner that treats everybody like family. If my residents do not demonstrate that kind of commitment, they don’t belong in my program.”

COM Outlook . Winter 2014 25 By Debra R. Gibbs, B.A., Medical Communications Coordinator, and Scott Colton, B.A., APR, COM/HPD Director of Medical Communications and Public Relations

Lifelong Learning the Key to Dr. David Thomas’ Diversified Career

hen you envision a portrait of nonstop hard work An Urge to Help Others Wand leadership, imagine Dr. David Thomas. His list “I liked helping people, and I enjoyed the intellectual of achievements—including multiple degrees, decorated challenge of knowledge,” explained Dr. Thomas, who military service, and steadfast commitment to his commu- served as a research assistant in a clinical laboratory and nity—is massive and amazing. In fact, he has mastered not a phlebotomist at the Veterans Administration Medical one, not two, but six different careers. Center during his first year of medical school. “I per- When asked what inspired him to be so dedicated to ceived myself as a compassionate person even though I learning and working to help people, he said it is “just who went into surgery.” I was.” Fortunately, it still is. Additional odd jobs kept him busy during his third and David Thomas, M.D., J.D., Ed.D., professor and chair of fourth years of medical school. However, it would soon the college’s Department of Surgery and Division of Cor- be an assignment of a different nature that would occupy rectional Medicine, was born in Germantown, a neighbor- his time. While completing his internship and residency in hood north of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1945 and general surgery at the University of Miami Affiliated Hos- moved to Miami when he was 6. By the age of 11, he was pitals, Dr. Thomas was drafted by the U.S. Army in 1971 already showcasing his strong work ethic by working as a and stationed in Vietnam, where he supervised three other kennel boy in a veterinary clinic. surgeons at a 30-bed hospital facility that supported an After graduating from Miami Edison Senior High infantry unit. During his time there, Dr. Thomas witnessed School in 1963, the whirlwind of his accomplishments com- quite a bit of action, including the pivotal campaign known menced at the University of Miami (UM), where he took as the Tet Offensive. an overload of credits and graduated in three years with “My unit was pushed back almost to the outskirts of Da his undergraduate degree. Dr. Thomas said he “always Nang, and we later retook much of that territory,” re- wanted to study medicine” and successfully pursued his called Dr. Thomas, who after a one-year term of service in M.D. degree at UM, graduating in 1970 before completing Vietnam rose to the rank of temporary major and received a surgical internship. the Bronze Star, which is awarded to individual members

26 COM Outlook . Winter 2014 WIFE, CHRISTINA...CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION...DAUGHTER, JACQUELINE of the U.S. Armed Forces for bravery, professor of dermatology and a 2005 sentation in Sarasota and Charlotte acts of merit, or meritorious service. NSU-COM graduate. The couple also counties, Dr. Thomas shifted his Fulfilling his two-year army obliga- raised twin grandsons who are cur- focus to politics. “I felt I could do a tion, Dr. Thomas transferred to Fort rently in the U.S. Army and U.S. Coast better job, so I ran in 1982 and lost Jackson, South Carolina, where he Guard, respectively. by the absentee ballots, but in 1984 served as commanding officer of the I won. For a while, I had the record outpatient troop clinics. He received A Study in for winning by the largest majority an honorable discharge from the U.S. Career Diversification in the Florida House of Representa- Army in 1973 but continued to serve as Career-wise, ophthalmology was Dr. tives,” he said. the physician-in-charge of the emer- Thomas’ next move. At the University It was while he was serving as a gency room at the army’s Moncrief of South Florida College of Medicine Republican in the Florida Legislature Hospital and at Wallace Thompson Department of Ophthalmology, he that he met a formidable ally in fellow Hospital in Union City, South Carolina. pursued a residency from 1973 to 1976. representative Dr. Fred Lippman, By the early 1970s, however, Dr. He would eventually practice full-time chancellor of NSU’s Health Professions Thomas sought a new challenge. “I in the disciplines of diseases and sur- Division. In contrast to the obstruction was tired of doing general and chest gery of the eye from 1976 to 1994. displayed by today’s politicians, “Some surgery even though I really felt I was Being a man of many talents, Dr. of our most enjoyable times were when good at it and people told me I was Thomas wrote two novels in the early Dr. Lippman was the rules chairman good at it,” he said. Unfortunately, 1980s on drug smuggling in Florida, and I was the equivalent in the minori- the work didn’t offer the satisfaction it both of which were published. He ty party,” said Dr. Thomas. “He moved had previously brought him. also continued serving his commu- me up to the front to sit beside him so It was a time for new consider- nity as a volunteer police officer, in we could work out issues without one ations, including the idea of starting uniform as well as in plain clothes. of us running the length of the cham- a family. He and his wife, Christina, Because of his ardent commitment to ber. That participation and partnership a former scrub nurse, would go on law enforcement, Dr. Thomas com- was unheard of and was a significant to raise a hardworking family that pleted his certification as a police and brave thing Dr. Lippman did. The follows his example of helping others. instructor, graduated in 1983 from minority party is usually not invited, They have five children, including the Florida Police Academy Train- but we got along very well and re- two who followed the health care path ing Program at Sarasota Vocational spected one another very much.” laid by their parents. One is a gradu- Technical Institute, and served as an In the decade he served on the ate of Des Moines University College unpaid part-time police officer from Florida House of Representatives, Dr. of Osteopathic Medicine, specializing 1981 through 1992. Thomas handled a range of legisla- in pulmonology and critical care. His dedication to his community tion and served on many committees, The other is our very own Jacqueline continued throughout the 1980s. including the House Joint Conference Thomas, D.O., who is an assistant Unhappy with the legislative repre- Committee, becoming one of the ma-

COM Outlook . Winter 2014 27 jor authors of the 1988 Tort Reform the correctional facility, Dr. Thomas Silvagni, NSU-COM’s dean. In 2003, and Malpractice Act. examined an inmate who had a sei- Dr. Thomas joined the college on a Leaving the legislature in 1994, Dr. zure disorder. After chatting with the full-time basis as chair of the Depart- Thomas sought to follow the advice inmate, Dr. Thomas decided to change ment of Surgery. of his cardiologist and surgeon, who his medications. Interestingly, while With all the expertise Dr. Thomas both suggested he find less stressful he conducted the examination, the shares with colleagues and students work after he suffered a heart attack nurses and correctional officers con- as a leader in improving procedures and underwent bypass surgery. In a tinually passed by, poking their heads and serving on academic and com- roundabout way, it was his son, Brett, in the door periodically. munity groups, his crowning accom- who helped Dr. Thomas choose the After the inmate left to pick up his plishment is the medical specialty next productive chapter in his life. new medication, the nurses and correc- in correctional medicine he created When Brett decided to drop out tional officers explained why they had at NSU-COM. “I couldn’t have done of school, Dr. Thomas required him kept such a close watch on Dr. Thomas. it without Dr. Silvagni,” he said. “I to get a job. In order to encourage his “That is Phillips, and you changed his am very proud that we created an son by setting a positive example, Dr. meds,” they said in a concerned man- entirely new medical specialty for the Thomas and his wife “quietly decided ner. Dr. Thomas nodded in agreement D.O. and M.D. worlds.” we would go back to school,” he and said, “Yeah, they needed to be Working in collaboration with the explained. “I went to Stetson Univer- changed to control his seizures.” Florida Department of Corrections, sity Law School and my wife went to Dr. Thomas’ colleagues then Dr. Thomas developed the correc- Eckerd College. When we sat around revealed why they had kept peeking tional medicine specialty, which is a the dinner table, everyone except Brett into the office. “When Phillips’ mother major milestone when you consider was in school. We all talked about changed his meds, he decapitated the last medical specialty to be estab- what we did and learned in school, her.” Nonplussed, Dr. Thomas calmly lished was emergency medicine in and in about six months, Brett went replied, “Well, he was fine with it 1976. As a result, NSU-COM became back to school. Today, he has a mas- because I explained it to him.” the first medical school in the country ter’s in Fine Arts degree.” As this stage of his career pro- to gain such recognition when the What continues to drive Dr. gressed, so did the positions he held, standards developed by the college Thomas after all these years is the and he eventually became deputy for this distinct specialty were ap- pursuit of learning. “I think educa- secretary and then director of health proved in January 2013 by the Ameri- tion is very important, and finding services of the Florida Department of can Osteopathic Association. the opportunity to learn new things Corrections. These diversified leader- Although he’s achieved a great is incredibly stimulating and worth- ship positions also served to enhance deal in his life, Dr. Thomas contin- while,” said Dr. Thomas, who re- his vision of teaching and research ues to strive for more. Enlaced with cently earned his Ed.D. degree from and offered “Every single thing a all this success, however, are a droll NSU’s Abraham S. Fischler School of medical school did, except accredita- sense of humor and an unmistakable Education. “I kind of define myself in tion,” explained Dr. Thomas of the sense of humility. “As you can tell my own mind—and sometimes out medical students from the University from my career, I do a lot of different loud—as a student. I’m an educator. of Miami and NSU-COM who did things—I can’t keep a job,” he joked. I’m an administrator. But basically, their correctional medicine rotations For the time being, though, Dr. I’m a student.” under his tutelage. Thomas appears content. “I am very, “After about a year, I called the very happy here at NSU-COM and The Road to NSU-COM University of Miami and told the ad- have not given any thought to moving As the years progressed, Dr. ministrators not to send me their stu- on or looking for something else,” he Thomas’ endeavors and experiences dents anymore because the ones from explained. “I truly enjoy the collegial- kept evolving as he took a job with the NSU-COM were head and shoul- ity here, which you don’t get at other Florida Department of Corrections, ders above the Miami students,” he medical schools. NSU-COM is an hoping that being the medical execu- admitted. “NSU-COM students were incredibly collaborative and collegial tive director based at Zephyrhills Cor- interested, aggressive, and showed up institution that gives nontraditional rectional Institution would offer what knowing there was a lot to learn.” people an opportunity. Because of our he thought would be an “out-of-the- His training programs were a cata- vetting process, I know we have taken way, less-stressful environment.” lyst in his coming to NSU-COM, as some people that wouldn’t get into Needless to say, that wasn’t exactly was his attendance at strategic plan- medical school anywhere else—and the case. Within his first few weeks at ning meetings with Dr. Anthony J. they make wonderful doctors.”

28 COM Outlook . Winter 2014 STAFF SNAPSHOT Getting to Know…Angela Cruz Administrative Assistant for Dr. Leonard Levy

party that allows me to exercise my love be addressed, and meetings took place of working in the kitchen by bringing in to create positions using NSU funds a homemade recipe. for the affected students.

What did you do professionally before Favorite way to unwind when not joining NSU-COM? I worked with a at work: Go to the beach and cook. company doing Spanish translations I love to cook healthier versions of of recorded statements with lawyers restaurant food. My favorite recipe is and victims of worker compensation my homemade pesto bowtie pasta with cases as well as car accidents. The work grilled salmon. prompted my interest in law. My coworkers would be surprised Greatest achievement in life: to know this about me: I cook very Getting accepted to law school often and always take pictures, which and being a senator in the NSU I plan to use in the future for my first Undergraduate Student Government cookbook. My interest in cooking began Association. I graduated with my B.S. by seeing my mother cook delicious Date of Hire: November 2009 in Legal Studies in December 2013 and dishes that I later tried to make. Later enjoyed writing and passing the food on, while dining at restaurants, I became Family Facts: My family moved to trucks bill that allowed a contract to interested in making my favorite Miami from Bogota, Colombia, when be created for NSU to finally have restaurant dishes at home. I was 11 years old. As a result, I was food trucks at several on-campus raised far away from family members, events. Another significant bill I wrote When I retire I plan to: Travel the world except my immediate family. That was and passed was the bill to create and live in a secluded and peaceful very tough growing up, but it helped job opportunities for international place, preferably by the beach. me become very independent. I have students who were ineligible to two sisters—one who is a year older work under the Federal Work Study Three words that best describe me: than me and the other who was born Program. This bill allowed the issue to Responsible, hardworking, and genuine. when I was 10 years old. Due to the age difference, my little sister has been like a daughter to me and is my little princess.

Official NSU-COM Responsibilities: I enjoy working with Dr. Leonard Levy, associate dean for education, planning, and research, as well as indirectly with the Institute for Disaster and Emergency Preparedness.

Reasons I enjoy working at NSU-COM: Overall, NSU is a great institution. In addition, the diversity here makes it a great place to work and study. My favorite time of the year is December because I love Christmas, and NSU- COM has a wonderful annual Christmas party that I look forward to every year. I also like that we have an annual potluck

COM Outlook . Winter 2014 29 Alumni Corner - Activities, Accomplishments, and Awards

Richard L. Tyler Cymet, perioperative the Carnegie Adams, D.O. D.O., FACP, transesopha- Mellon Heinz (’93) passed FACOFP (’88), geal echocar- College of away on May associate vice diography. He Business Mas- 25, 2013, at his president then joined ter of Medical home in Bun- for medical forces with Management nell, Florida, education Brevard An- Program, following a valiant three-year and chief of clinical education esthesia Services in Melbourne, which will begin in September battle with melanoma. Dr. for the American Association Florida, recently becoming a 2014. He also was promoted to Adams, who was born in Ba- of Colleges of Osteopathic partner in the organization, the position of clinical curricu- kersfield, California, but spent Medicine, coauthored an which has expanded to include lum director at Midwestern most of his youth in Wilm- article entitled “Fracture as a a new company called Brevard University’s Chicago College ington, Delaware, moved to Result of Volcano Boarding” Physician Associates—a mul- of Osteopathic Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, as a senior that was published in the Sep- tispecialty group composed of where he integrates, with the and attended Gainesville High tember 2013 issue of The AAO several medical sites in Bre- basic sciences, and coordinates School. An avid Gator fan, he Journal—the official publica- vard County. In addition, Dr. the clinical courses in the received his bachelor’s degree tion of the American Academy Fier was named vice chairman first two years of the medical in Zoology from the University of Osteopathy. of the anesthesia division at school curriculum. of Florida and then attended its flagship hospital—Holmes Southeastern College of Osteo- Gaston Regional Medical Center. William D. pathic Medicine (NSU-COM), Dana D.O., Kirsh, D.O., graduating in 1993. Over the FACP, FAC- Jessica Fischetti-Galvin, M.P.H. (’85) past two decades, Dr. Adams CWS, FAAEP, D.O. (’09), who is an OB/ coauthored an was a practicing physician FAAMA (’92) GYN, recently joined the med- article entitled in Ormond Beach and Palm was recently ical staff of Monmouth Medi- “Popula- Coast. He is survived by his certified by cal Center in Long Branch, tion-Based wife, Julie Peck-Adams, and his the American Board of Wound New Jersey. She completed Medication Adherence Pro- children Allison and Richard. Medicine and Surgery. He her residency in obstetrics and grammes: A Window of Op- is now certified in six spe- gynecology at the Jersey Shore portunity” that was published Ronald cialties. He also served as a University Medical Center in in the volume 49, number 3 Bekic, D.O. consultant with Medtronic on Neptune, where she served as issue of World Hospitals and (’04), who insulin-pump therapy and as a chief resident. Health Services, which is the completed a regional primary care diabetes official journal of the Interna- fellowship in consultant for Sanofi Aventis. Michael W. tional Hospital Federation. hospice and Gray, D.O. palliative Scott A. (’88), who is a Janet M. medicine at Broward Health Dinesen, cosmetic sur- Kong D.O. Medical Center in 2011, is D.O., M.B.A., geon in Michi- (’10), who currently employed as a senior FACOG (’91) gan, recently completed her palliative care physician at performed the launched a internship at Palliative Medical Associates first single- social media platform called Niagara Falls of Florida. site robotic Pegged.com that allows users Memorial hysterectomy in Pennsylvania to research and anonymously Medical Center in Niagara Falls, Christina last May using a single 2.5 cm review, or peg, the people they New York, and her residency Caito, D.O. umbilical incision. He is the meet. The site is meant to be training at Jamaica Hospital (’09), an OB/ current department director of entertaining, but at its core, the Medical Center in Jamaica, New GYN, joined robotic surgery at Doylestown intention is to make people ac- York, recently joined the Wat- the medical Hospital in Pennsylvania, and is countable for their interactions son Clinic in Lakeland, Florida, staff of Par- a national proctor for Intuitive with others and to offer them as a family medicine physician. rish Medical Inc., which manufactures the opportunities for self-reflection Her areas of expertise include Center in Titusville, Florida. DaVinci robot. and growth. general family medicine ser- Her areas of interest include vices and osteopathic manipula- minimally invasive surgery, Adam Fier, D.O. (’06) complet- Thomas E. Green, D.O. (’98) tive therapy. preconception counseling and ed his anesthesia residency in was recently elected to the prenatal care, annual well- 2010 at the University of Flori- American College of Osteo- Mark Levenberg, D.O., woman exams, evaluation da and went on to do a cardiac pathic Emergency Physicians FAOCD (’02), who is affiliated and treatment of women’s anesthesia fellowship, gain- Board of Directors. In addi- with the Dermatology & Mohs ovulation cycles. ing certification in advanced tion, he has been accepted into Surgery Center in Doylestown,

30 COM Outlook . Winter 2014 Alumni Corner - Activities, Accomplishments, and Awards

Pennsylvania, was granted tal, 419-bed integrated network Maryanne Samuel, D.O. (’10), sive care, physical medicine, medical staff privileges by providing a full spectrum of who recently completed a outpatient diagnostic services, Grand View Hospital in near- care to the residents of Brevard residency in internal medicine and cancer care. by Sellersville, Pennsylvania. County, Florida. at Palmetto General Hospi- tal, where she served as chief Tiffany Size- Stephen J. Niles D.O. (’88) Jeffry G. Pirofsky D.O. (’89) was resident, has joined the medical more-Ruiz, recently retired from the U.S. elected to serve as vice president staff of Baptist Health Medical D.O. (’09) was Air Force after 28 ½ years of of the American Osteopathic Group in South Florida. appointed to service. His last assignment College of Physical Medicine the American was as materiel command and Rehabilitation Executive Meredith Schweitzer, Heart Asso- surgeon general, where he had Council. He previously served D.O. (’98) has joined TriStar ciation (AHA) responsibility for two teaching for three years as a trustee on StoneCrest Medical Center in and American Stroke Associa- hospitals, six outpatient clinics, the council. Smyrna, Tennessee, as a family tion’s (ASA) Board of Directors and an aerospace medicine practice physician. The medi- for the South Florida region. She research and development Michael X. Rohan, Jr. (’01) cal center is a 109-bed facility will serve in a leadership posi- organization. He subsequently is currently working as an offering a full array of acute- tion as a medical consultant as accepted a position as the chief orthopedic spine surgeon at care services, including emer- well as help drive the organiza- medical officer for Wuesthoff the Northwest Florida Surgery gency care, general surgery, tions’ missions through events Health System—a two-hospi- Center in Panama City, Florida. cardiology, obstetrics, inten- and community outreach. FIVE QUESTIONS WITH…Dr. Michael Gray

Please summarize how you became education provided by an outstanding Web site? As a physician who cares interested in medicine and decided core of physicians and professors. about humanity and where we are to become a physician. Becoming a The holistic approach to medicine heading as a society, I felt the world physician and directed my decision to becoming an needed a change. If you could get to ultimately osteopathic physician. know someone before you really got a surgeon to know someone, it would allow you has been a Please describe what you are doing to make better decisions about the longstanding professionally at the moment and people you meet and allow you to find goal of mine why you enjoy it. Currently, I am one others you can trust. Pegged provides since I had my of the leading cosmetic surgeons in the a platform to provide constructive first memory. country. I have a very large practice in feedback to others anonymously. There is not West Bloomfield, Michigan, and built a any one single 10,000-square-foot outpatient surgical Humanity can peer-review itself in the event in my life facility that supports a staff of 25. hope of identifying individuals that that spurred my interest in medicine. could do better in life and become more My ability in art and science, combined What has been the most fulfilling self-aware of their behavior. If people with my strong personality and need aspect of being a physician? Unlike knew they were being evaluated at any to help humanity, directed my choices other fields of medicine, surgery allows time based upon their performance as a in life and in my profession. As a me to actually fix rather than palliate human being, wouldn’t it force them to cosmetic surgeon, my ability in art and problems. When patients trust you be on their best behavior? If you knew science is expressed in my work, which with their lives, it is impossible to not in time how you treated other people is very rewarding. be humbled by this. Following surgery, could affect your humanity score (Peg seeing the happiness you have created score) and how people interacted with Why did you decide to attend SECOM, is warming to the soul. you, then could we evoke a change in and how did you come to learn about human behavior. osteopathic medicine? I was the You recently launched a social third class to graduate from SECOM in media platform called Pegged. These goals and others motivated me 1988. I was accepted to many medical com that allows users to research to create Pegged.com. Essentially, it schools, but I accepted the position and anonymously review, or peg, is a peer-review site that produces a at SECOM because I was impressed the people they meet. How did you humanity score, which is used to assess with the intensity and quality of the become interested in creating the how well you are doing as a human.

COM Outlook . Winter 2014 31 Volanco boarding has become Busy Times for an increasingly popular—and 1988 Alumnus dangerous—activity. Dr. Tyler Cymet

By Scott Colton, B.A., APR, COM/HPD Director of Medical Communications and Public Relations

ometimes, life throws us an interesting curveball commonly associated with mountain biking or toboggan- when we least expect it. Such was the case for Tyler ing. While it is said to be exhilarating, volcano surfing is Cymet, D.O., FACP, FACOFP, a 1988 alumnus who banned in Guatemala and other Central American coun- Swas out for an innocuous morning jog in Chakraseca, Nica- ties, mainly because there is a desire to have tourists leave ragua, while he was in the area researching an opportunity through the duty free shop—and not be airlifted out.” to establish a DOCARE international clinic. Another highlight of Dr. Cymet’s action-packed 2013 As he jogged past a local teaching hospital, Dr. Cymet, occurred on October 6 when he was featured on an epi- who serves as associate vice president for medical educa- sode of the TV program Untold Stories of the ER, which tion and chief of clinical education for the American As- airs on Discovery Fit & Health. “When I started working sociation of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM), at AACOM, I spoke with people at the Discovery Net- decided to stop and inquire about the facility. “I asked the work and offered to assist them with medical stories,” hospital guard if I could look around, and after learning he explained. “For the past few years, I have been shar- that I spoke English, I was brought to a patient that spoke ing stories from faculty members at osteopathic medical only English and asked to translate the sentence ‘You are schools, with the goal of getting the stories produced by okay; the problem is muscle spasm.’ I offered to perform the network. After several years of recommending others, OMM on the patient, but once I began manipulation, she I finally agreed to appear as the physician in one of the passed out from the pain.” three osteopathic stories featured.” Realizing the patient was suffering from According to Dr. Cymet, the episode, something much more severe than a simple entitled “A Broken Heart from a Broken muscle spasm, Dr. Cymet requested to see Heart,” was initially pitched as the story her X-ray, which indicated the woman had of a woman whose grief overtook her and experienced a transverse process fracture. almost killed her—a classic somatovisceral Although the attending physician disagreed condition. “I initially saw the woman as an with Dr. Cymet’s diagnosis and said the outpatient and watched as she deteriorated radiologist’s reading was normal, he agreed over a week’s time before finally admitting to do additional imaging. “These later her to the hospital for depression and what images confirmed the fracture,” said Dr. is called Takotsubo syndrome,” he said. Cymet of the injury, which occurred while “The initial EKG screening showed that her the patient was indulging in a very risky depression was having some pretty severe activity called volcano boarding. effects on her heart. In addition to correctly diagnosing the “Takotsubo, or octopus pot heart, is a car- patient’s injury, Dr. Cymet helped get the woman airlifted diomyopathy, which refers to diseases of the heart muscle,” to her hometown in Australia. The experience also spurred he explained. “Treatment is supportive and focuses mostly him to coauthor an article entitled “Fracture as a Result of on fluid management while addressing the underlying Volcano Boarding” that was published in the September depression that put the whole case in motion. As long as you 2013 issue of The AAO Journal—the official publication of keep the patient alive, the heart will get better on its own.” the American Academy of Osteopathy. Reenacting the case for the sake of television proved to “Sliding over porous, sharp rocks is a unique experi- be an interesting experience for Dr. Cymet. “I enjoyed the ence,” said Dr. Cymet of the dangerous sporting endeavor. challenge and overall experience of ‘reality acting’ and at- “The volcanic material lets a person generate some speed, tempting to portray myself on television,” he admitted. making the sport exciting, but most participants leave Nonetheless, don’t expect to see Dr. Cymet trade in his with some cuts and bruises; injuries comparable to those stethoscope for an acting career anytime soon.

32 COM Outlook . Winter 2014 Alumni Association Fund Honor Roll

In the spring of 1999, NSU-COM launched an alumni-based fund-raising effort to generate dollars that would be used to create an endowment fund to reduce future tuition costs for NSU-COM students and produce a funding pool that would be utilized for discretionary purposes as determined by the Alumni Association Executive Committee. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the following list of donors; however, if you notice an error or omission, please contact Lynne Cawley in the Office of Alumni Affairs at (954) 262-1029. 2013 Donors Dr. John N. Harker (’89) Dr. Dale Fahie (’93) Ms. Janet Hyland Dr. Mark Gabay (’05) (in honor of Dr. Nancy Klimas) Founder’s Circle Dr. Monte Fox (’88) Dr. Jose Marina (’93) ($25,000+) Dr. John Gordon (’92) Mr. Christian Prusinski Ms. Margaret Blume (in memory of Chester J. Prusinski) Dr. Leslie Greco (’87) Drs. Mohan and Meenu Gupta Dr. Mayrene Hernandez (’01) Dr. Michael Ross (’88) The Peter Halmos Family Drs. Kenneth (’91) and Michelle Johnson Ms. Michelle Winn/FOMA (in memory of Dr. A. Alvin Greber) Ms. Katherine Maroone Dr. Cecylia Kelley (’02) Mr. Michael Maroone 500 Club ($500 - $999) Dr. Donald McCoy, Jr. (’86) Mrs. Donna Whitaker Anonymous Donor Ms. Mary McHugh Dr. Philip Blitz Ms. Deborah Meline NSU-COM Society (in memory of Dr. A. Alvin Greber) Dr. Joseph Morelos (’97) ($10,000 - $24,999) Mr. Andrew Bokelman Dr. Lydia Mullins (’06) Mr. Michael Decker Dr. Terry Carstensen (’97) Mr. Timothy Noel Dr. Gary Heller Paul and Lynne Cawley Dr. Damilola Olupona (’10) Ms. Sandra Parker Dr. Jeffrey Grove (’90) Dr. Saul Rigau (’89) Dr. Rubin Kesner (’89) Dr. David Sarkarati (’00) Chancellor’s Council Dr. Julian Maressa (’89) Ms. Ashley Sharp ($5,000 - $9,999) Dr. Gary Margules Dr. Todd Silberstein (’96) Mr. Tom Grieser Dr. William Stager (’89) Mr. Neal Sonnett Mr. Harold Pontius Dr. Gregory L. Stamper (’88) Drs. Jill Wallace-Ross (’07) Mr. Frank Zappala and Elaine Wallace (in memory of Dr. A. Alvin Greber and Freddie Lefkowitz) 250 Club ($250 - $499) Dean’s Council Friends/Young Alumni ($2,500 - $4,999) Ms. Marybeth Bosko (in appreciation of Dr. Irma Rey) (up to $99) Dr. Mariaelena Caraballo (’98) Dr. Andrew Gross (’93) Mr. Michael Angel Dr. Anjali Noble (’97) Dr. Barry Karpel (’89) Mr. Ralph DiSanto Dr. John N. Harker (’89) Dr. Mitchell Pace (’87) (in celebration of Roberta Yaffe’s th80 birthday) Ms. Dawn Holt Dr. Steven L. Hazelcorn (’98) Dr. Joseph D. Paulding (’89) Dr. George Khouri (’12) Dr. Ronald Renuart (’90) Ms. Linda Maurice Clock Tower Society Dr. David Smull (’94) Dr. Pamela Moran-Walcutt (’09) ($1,000 - $2,499) Dr. Damilola Olupona (’10) Century Club ($100 - $249) Mr. Gilbert Beauperthuy (’90) Dr. Jessica Okun (’10) Mrs. Kathleen Assaf Ms. Susan Pierres Dr. Richard A. Cottrell (’90) (in memory of Dorothy Press Scheiber) Florida Osteopathic Medical Ms. Anne Quinn Dr. Bridget Bellingar (’86) Dr. Stuart Shalit (’90) Association District 16 Mr. Scott Colton Dr. Paul and Paula Smith (’07) Drs. Chad Frank and Yasmin Qureshi (in honor of Dr. Anthony J. Silvagni and Dr. Fred Lippman) Dr. Spencer Tavares (’12) Dr. John and Ellen Geake, Jr. (’93) Dr. Carl Dragstedt (’04) Dr. Richard R. Thacker (’92)

COM Outlook . Winter 2014 33 Alumni Association Fund Honor Roll Cumulative List Chancellor’s Council Clock Tower Society ($5,000 - $9,999) ($1,000 - $2,499) (1999-2013) Abbott Laboratories Drs. Seth and Mary Baker (’88) Heritage Circle Dr. Daniel C. Carney (’95) Dr. Michael Baron (’88) (Represents donors that have made a Florida Osteopathic Medical Mr. Gilbert Beauperthuy (’90) significant deferred gift via life insurance Association District 16 Dr. Steven Beljic (’95) policies, insurances, or trusts.) Dr. Jack Goloff (’85) Dr. Douglas G. Bushell (’98) Dr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Grove (’90) Dr. Tamer Gozleveli (’87) Dr. Terry Carstensen (’97) (Gift: $500,000 life insurance policy) Mr. Tom Grieser Paul and Lynne Cawley Dr. Albert Whitehead Dr. John N. Harker (’89) Dr. Charles Chase (’89) (Gift: $250,000 life insurance policy) Dr. Donald C. Howard (’85) Dr. Joan Crawford (’86) Founder’s Circle Dr. Anthony Ottaviani Dr. Robert Crook (’88) ($25,000+) Mr. Harold Pontius Dr. Tony Diaz (’92) Drs. Chad Frank and Yasmin Qureshi Ms. Margaret Blume Mr. Frank Zappala Florida Society ACOFP Global Pathology Laboratory Services, Inc. Dr. Stanley Zimmelman (’91) Dr. Michael Gervasi (’87) Drs. Mohan and Meenu Gupta Dean’s Council Dr. John Gordon (’92) The Peter Halmos Family ($2,500 - $4,999) Dr. Andrew Gross (’93) Drs. Andrew J. Hanley and Mr. Robert Barron Dr. Christopher Guzik (’97) Evangelos G. Poulos Dr. Robert Blackburn (’86) Dr. Jamal Haddad (’91) David Kimmel Foundation/Mr. and Mrs. Broward Rehabilitation Medicine Associates Dr. Diane Haisten (’93) Stephen Mason/Harry Wendroff, CPA Dr. Armando L. Hassun, Jr. (’92) (in memory of David Levine, D.O.) Dr. Mariaelena Caraballo (’98) Dr. Robert Hasty (’00) Dr. George Linsey Dr. Richard A. Cottrell (’90) Dr. Mayrene Hernandez (’01) Ms. Katherine Maroone Dr. Tyler Cymet (’88) Ms. Janet Hyland Mr. Michael Maroone Florida Association of Physicians of Dr. Barry Karpel (’89) Indian Origin, Inc. Mr. Howard Spector Dr. Rubin Kesner (’89) Dr. Jack Goloff (’85) Drs. James (’88) and Sherry (’07) Turner Dr. Christopher P. Lampson (’85) Dr. Steven L. Hazelcorn (’98) Dr. Paul Winner Dr. William and Rita Levin Ms. Donna Horkey Mrs. Donna Whitaker Dr. Carlos Levy (’87) Dr. Gregory James (’88) Dr. Ross Zafonte (’85) Dr. Soling Li (’00) Drs. Kenneth (’91) and Michelle Johnson Dr. Jose Marina (’93) Dr. Glenn Moran (’88) NSU-COM Society Dr. Clyde S. Meckstroth (’85) Dr. Anjali Noble (’97) ($10,000 - $24,999) Dr. David Mishkin (’99) Allergy, Dermatology & Skin Dr. Tuan Dinh Nguyen (’99) Dr. Raimundo Pastor (’93) Cancer Center, Inc. Dr. Mitchell Pace (’87) Dr. Earle Pescatore (’89) Mr. Michael Decker Dr. Raymon Priewe (’86) Mr. Christian Prusinski Dr. John and Ellen Geake, Jr. (’93) Dr. Isidro Pujol (’94) Dr. Isidro Pujol (’94) Dr. Jeffrey Grove (’90) Dr. Michael Ross (’88) Drs. George and Isabel Ramie (’96) Dr. Gary Heller Dr. Joel Rush (’85) Dr. Bruce Rankin (’85) Dr. James W. Howell (’94) Dr. Robert Sammartino (’90) Dr. Steven Reeves (’95) Ms. Sandra Parker Dr. David Spight (’99) Dr. David Spight (’99) Dr. Anthony J. Silvagni/Dianna Silvagni Ms. Michelle Winn/FOMA Dr. and Mrs. Ronald B. Swanson (’96)

34 COM Outlook . Winter 2014 Alumni Association Fund Honor Roll

Dr. Gregory L. Stamper (’88) Dr. Robert Klein (’91) Dr. Todd Schwartz (’88) Ms. Geraldine Terry Drs. Jared and Susan Lechtenstein (’01) Dr. Gregory Serfer (’97) Drs. Ronald Tolchin (’89)/Susan Yahia (’91) Dr. Stephen MacDonald (’90) Ms. Mary Smith Dr. Elaine Wallace Dr. Henry Malczak (’90) Dr. David Smull (’94) Dr. Albert Whitehead Dr. Julian Maressa (’89) Ms. Lorraine Snyder Dr. Stacy Williams (’95) Dr. Gary Margules Dr. Theodore Spevack (’85) Dr. Charles A. Wilson (’96) Dr. Ronnie and Sherri Martin Dr. Robyn Zelnick (’87) Dr. John Windsor (’89) Dr. Joseph Morelos (’97) Dr. William H. Stager (’89) Ms. Michelle Winn Dr. Warren Nishimoto (’91) Dr. Sonia Talarico (’03) Clarence/Alma Wolf Foundation Dr. Julia O’Brien (’89) Dr. Richard R. Thacker (’92) Dr. Tricia Percy (’99) 500 Club ($500 - $999) Dr. Aye Unnoppet (’00) Dr. Ramsey B. Pevsner (’03) Dr. David Adler (’92) Dr. JoAnna VanVleet (’04) Dr. Ronald Renuart (’90) Dr. Eric Alboucrek (’92) Drs. Mary Jo Villar (’94) and Dr. Saul Rigau (’89) Orlando Garcia (’94) Dr. Paula Anderson-Worts (’94) Dr. David Sarkarati (’00) Dr. Andrew Wakstein (’93) Anonymous Donor Dr. Patrick Sayavong (’92) Dr. Richard Wolonick (’91) Dr. Tye Barber (’06) Dr. Bridget Bellingar (’86) Dr. James Beretta (’88) Dr. James Turner Receives NSU Dr. Andrew Biondo (’00) Distinguished Alumni Award Dr. Philip Blitz On November 14, NSU saluted Mr. Andrew Bokelman 16 outstanding graduates at the Dr. Roger Boyington (’94) Distinguished Alumni Achievement Broward County Osteopathic Awards reception at Grande Oaks Medical Association Golf Club in Davie, Florida, includ- Dr. Colene Stout Calo (’95) ing 1988 NSU-COM alumnus James M. Turner D.O., FACOFP, FACOEP. Dr. Kenneth Chan (’92) The Distinguished Alumni Dr. Steven Cimerberg (’87) Achievement Award is the highest Mr. Scott Colton and most prestigious honor NSU bestows upon its graduates. The Dr. Joseph Corcoran (’86) program recognizes alumni who are changing lives and the world by demonstrating dis- Dr. Bruce David (’88) tinguished service and extraordinary achievement in a particular profession, discipline, Dr. Linda Delo (’86) organization, or community cause. “The true measure of a university’s greatness can be Drs. Felix Fernandez/Ravi Mehan (’00) found in the achievements of its alumni,” said George L. Hanbury II, Ph.D., NSU presi- dent and chief executive officer. Dr. Judith Fitzgerald (’90) In early 2013, Dr. Turner was appointed dean of William Carey College of Osteopath- Dr. Brad Glick (’89) ic Medicine after having served as interim dean and associate dean—the first NSU-COM Dr. Sandy Goldman (’86) graduate to be named dean of an osteopathic medical school. After graduating from Dr. Thomas Green (’98) NSU-COM in 1988, he completed his residency in emergency medicine from Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami, Florida. He received his Fellow designation from the American Dr. Diane Haisten (’93) College of Osteopathic Family Physicians in 1998 and the American College of Osteo- Dr. Nancy Harpold (’96) pathic Emergency Medicine in 2008. Dr. Jennifer Hayes (’86) Dr. Turner, who has worked as an osteopathic family physician and emergency physi- Dr. James T. Howell cian in Tennessee, Florida, South Carolina, and West Virginia, is married to Sherry Turner, D.O.—a 2007 NSU-COM alumnus. He currently serves on the American College of Osteo- Dr. Sharon Johnston (’93) pathic Emergency Medicine’s Board of Directors and is an inspector of osteopathic medical Dr. Marc Kaprow (’01) colleges and emergency medicine residencies for the American Osteopathic Association. Dr. Walter J. Kay (In the above photo, Dr. Turner (left) receives his award from Howard Neer, D.O., FACOFP, HPD executive associate dean for professional affairs.) Dr. Cecylia Kelley (’02)

COM Outlook . Winter 2014 35 College of Osteopathic Medicine 3200 South University Drive Fort Lauderdale, FL 33328-2018

2014 Calendar of Events February 7-8, 2014 Seventh Annual Interprofessional Geriatrics Training Institute NSU Main Campus For additional information, please visit http://www.nova.edu/gec. February 19-23, 2014 111th Annual FOMA Convention Hyatt Bonaventure in Weston, Florida NSU-COM Alumni Reception: February 21, 2014 March 13-16, 2014 51st Annual ACOFP Convention and Scientific Seminars Philadelphia Marriott Downtown – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania March 22-30, 2014 Medical Outreach Trip to Ecuador Please visit http://medicine.nova.edu/aboutus/medical_outreach.html or http://medicine. nova.edu/aboutus/outreach_programs.html for additional information. April 11-13, 2014 17th Annual NSU-COM Alumni Reunion and CME Weekend (Honoring the classes of 1989, 1994, 1999, 2004, and 2009) For additional information, please contact Lynne Cawley, director of alumni services, at (954) 262-1029 or via email at [email protected].