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1-2006 Digest of the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (Winter 2006) Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

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Recommended Citation Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, "Digest of the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (Winter 2006)" (2006). Digest. Book 190. http://digitalcommons.pcom.edu/digest/190

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Will the Doctor Be In? CONFRONTING A NATIONWIDE PHYSICIAN SHORTAGE OPENINGREMARKS

Dear Alumni and Friends,

Of late, leaders in medicine have begun to acknowledge the prospect of an extended national shortage of physicians. Many PCOM alumni practicing in underserved urban and rural regions across the country confirm the outlook; they are already experiencing the personal tolls of the shortage, including longer shifts and early burnout. And we all must be concerned with the potential endangerment of patient access to health care, the affordability of care and the quality of care. The cover story of this issue of Digest confronts the matter and raises some viable options. Part of the solution rests in the holistic approach of osteopathic medicine. This issue also marks PCOM’s annual tradition, Founders’ Day. We recognize those who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, loyalty and service to our institution. Please join us in honoring the 2006 O.J. Snyder Memorial Medal recipi- ent, Robert W. England, DO ’56. Throughout his career, Dr. England, an ordained minister, emphasized the connec- tion between body, mind and spirit as he served his alma mater as dean, professor and member of the faculty, and chairman of osteopathic principles and practice and general family practice. Also deserving of acknowledgment is the recipient of this year’s Mason W. Pressly Memorial Medal, Gregory A. Skochko (DO ’06), a young man whose advocacy of health care equality is extraordinary. Finally, this issue portrays the help and hope that so many of our PCOM alumni brought to the people of Louisiana and Mississippi in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Among them are four role models: Hal Bendit, DO ’84, who worked with the Public Health Service in Baton Rouge; Vincent A. Berkley, DO ’80, who led a team of public health officials charged with the responsibility of keeping hospitals open in New Orleans; Greg Christiansen, DO ’92, who was deployed to New Orleans with a Georgia Disaster Medical Assistance Team; and Jim McCans, MS/FM ’04, who with cadaver dog Stache aided a crew from the Mississippi State Fire Academy in recovery efforts throughout Kiln. Their experiences are gripping and illustrate ultimate commitments to community service. I thank you for your continued interest in and support of our wonderful College and hope that 2006 brings all of us health, wisdom, joy and peace.

With warmest regards,

Matthew Schure, PhD President and Chief Executive Officer DIGEST

FEATURES

WILL THE DOCTOR BE IN? Cover photo: istockphoto 8 Health Policy Institute Director Richard Cooper, MD, and other leaders in medicine have begun to acknowledge the prospect of a national physi- cian shortage. And PCOM alumni in practice in underserved urban and rural regions across the country are already experiencing some of the effects of the shortfall. What will be the future of health care? Is the osteopathic physician a part of the solution? ON THE COVER A child waits in an examination room for his physician . . . For RECOGNIZING LEADERSHIP, LOYALTY, SERVICE many patients, physician shortages 14 The College bestows its highest accolades during Founders’ Day. are already impinging on the Celebrate this year’s awardees: O. J. Snyder Memorial Medal recipient delivery of basic health care. Robert W. England, DO ’56, and Mason W. Pressly Memorial Medal recipient Gregory A. Skochko (DO ’06). DEPARTMENTS

BRINGING HOPE & HELP PCOM UPDATES & KUDOS 18 AFTER HURRICANE KATRINA 2 Updates on Georgia Campus– Philadelphia College of Osteopathic In response to the major devastation Medicine; the merging of PCOM’s created by Hurricane Katrina, many Family Practice Residency Program PCOM alumni (including Hal Bendit, with Mercy Surburban Hospital; the DO ’84; Vincent A. Berkley, DO ’80; Greg 13th annual Golf Classic; PCOM in Christiansen, DO ’92; and Jim McCans, the news; Support Our Troops MS/FM ’04) selflessly responded to the outreach; Lindback Award recipient need for urgent health care assistance to thousands of storm refugees in Michael McGuinness, PhD; the Louisiana and throughout the Gulf Coast. addition of a Substance Use Management Service to the Center 22 BRIDGING BENCH for Brief Therapy; development TO BEDSIDE activities; and more. Scientists and physicians have joined forces at PCOM to create CLASS NOTES a new Center for Chronic Disorders 24 Current professional endeavors and of Aging. Their approach bridges achievements of PCOM alumni; the understanding of diseases/ profiles of Thomas Scott, DO ’54, disorders with the implementation and Ashley Kase, MS ’05 (EdS ’08); of corrective measures. and special remembrances of Domenic DeBias, PhD, and Roy N. Pasker, DO ’65.

ESSAY 32 GA-PCOM student Debra Bjork (DO ’09) relates her atypical journey to medical school and how the assurance she discovered is rooted in the osteopathic philosophy. PCOMUPDATES

DIGEST A PCOM FIRST PCOM joined the EDITOR Association of Jennifer Schaffer Leone Independent Colleges and Universities’ CREATIVE DIRECTOR (AICUP) first Wendy W. Romano Independent College Day at the Capitol in ASSOCIATE EDITOR Harrisburg last Carol L. Weisl October. PCOM had ALUMNI EDITORS the opportunity to Madeline Law highlight its faculty- Pamela Ruoff student research, Florence D. Zeller medical and health Deborah Benvenger, director, admissions (left), and Carol professions programs, Fox, associate vice president for enrollment management, GRAPHIC DESIGNER graduate programs represented PCOM at AICUP’s Independent College Day. Lisa Smith and community service activities to state legislators. Robert Jubelirer, president pro tempore of CONTRIBUTING DESIGNER the Pennsylvania Senate, and John Perzel, speaker of the Pennsylvania House Abigail Clayton of Representatives, spoke at AICUP’s press conference in the Capitol Building. CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Debra Bjork (DO ’09) Jeffrey Bramnick COLLEGE MERGES FAMILY PRACTICE RESIDENCY PROGRAM Nancy West WITH MERCY SUBURBAN HOSPITAL PHOTOGRAPHERS The merger of PCOM’s Family Practice Residency Program with Mercy Bruce Fairfield John Shetron Suburban Hospital combines the strengths of two superb medical institutions to benefit patients, family practice residents, interns and students. David Kuo, DO CONTACT US ’96, assistant residency Phone: 215-871-6300 director of the Fax: 215-871-6307 PCOM–Mercy E-mail: [email protected] Suburban Hospital Mail: 4180 City Avenue Family Practice Philadelphia, PA 19131-1695 www.pcom.edu Residency, reports, “This new partner- ship is a wonderful opportunity that Digest, the magazine for alumni and friends of makes an already Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine successful residency (Vol. 67, No. 1, USPS, 413-060), is published program even better. three times a year by the Departments of Marketing and Communications and The Mercy Suburban Alumni Relations and Development. Michael Becker, DO ’87 (center), at Mercy Suburban Hospital. Family Practice Periodical postage paid at Bala Cynwyd, PA, Residency has flour- and at additional mailing offices. ished under the leadership of Michael Becker, DO ’87, over the past few years. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Now, with the addition of PCOM’s multitude of educational resources and Digest faculty, the program has become even stronger.” Alumni Relations and Development Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine Harry Morris, DO ’78, chairman, PCOM Family Practice Department 4180 City Avenue agrees: “This is a great fit for us. Mercy Suburban has all the rotations we need Philadelphia, PA 19131-1695 including medicine, surgery, pediatrics and OB-GYN. Their family medicine continuity of care Family Practice Center and dedication to the residents of Opinions expressed are not necessarily shared Norristown offer our students an ideal learning environment for family by the College or the editors. medicine.”

2 PCOM DIGEST PCOMUPDATES

GEORGIA CAMPUS CELEBRATES Georgia Campus– College received a PCOM celebrated its $692,000 grant to help official opening with a establish its electronic White Coat Ceremony library, which is now and Ribbon Cutting. On on-line and available to November 6, the 84 our students 24 hours a members of the inaugu- day, seven days a week, ral class were cloaked from anywhere in the during the traditional world. Our future plans White Coat Ceremony include making it avail- celebrated by first-year able to the local medical students. Richard Loyd, community as well,” says DO, president of the Dr. Schure. Georgia Osteopathic More than 1,750 Medical Association, applications were along with members of Presiding over the ribbon cutting are, from left, Class President Robert Hales received for the first the College’s medical fac- (DO ’09); U.S. Congressman John Linder; Vice Dean Paul Evans, DO ’79; GA-PCOM DO class. Board of Trustees Chair Paul McGloin; and PCOM President and CEO ulty, participated in the Matthew Schure, PhD. Of those applicants, 235 ceremony. The White were interviewed. The Coat Ceremony was initiated by the On November 7, GA-PCOM student body is 51 percent female. Arnold P. Gold Foundation, a public, and PCOM administration participated Georgia residents comprise 36 percent not-for-profit charity dedicated to fos- in the official ribbon cutting for GA- of the student body, and 88 percent of tering humanism in medicine. “To a PCOM. U.S. Congressman John the class is from Georgia and the sur- physician, understanding the emotional Linder delivered the keynote address. rounding states. Plans are currently needs of a patient should be as impor- “Congressman Linder has been a friend under way for phase two of the campus tant as knowledge of physical anatomy,” of our Georgia Campus from the construction, which will include says Gold. The ceremony is designed to beginning,” says PCOM President research labs, additional faculty establish a psychological contract for and Chief Executive Officer Matthew offices and facilities for the biomedical beginning medical students that stresses Schure, PhD. “It was through the program, which will accept its first the importance of caring for patients. Congressman’s efforts that the class of students next fall.

2005 PRESIDENT’S GOLF CLASSIC LEADERSHIP AWARD The 13th annual With a reception PCOM Golf Classic was held on the beautiful held at the ACE Center terrace of the Levin in Lafayette Hill on Administration September 13, 2005, and Building on September raised $133,225 for 22, Harry Ginsburg, PCOM’s Healthcare DO ’42, DPH, MD, Centers. In addition to received the second the charitable aspect of President’s Leadership the event, the 125 golfers Award. Dr. Ginsburg enjoyed a day of cama- has been an extremely generous raderie and fresh air. supporter of the College and was Mark your calendar for ATX Communications, Inc. was a proud $10,000 recognized as one of the College’s the 14th annual Golf platinum sponsor for the Classic. Pictured above are Joe most significant contributors. Classic, which is sched- Conwell; Thomas Gravina, PCOM trustee and ATX The President’s Recognition uled for September 11, board chairman; Gerry Gallagher; and Jim Halpern. Reception is held each year to thank 2006, at the Whitemarsh and recognize donors who contribute Valley Country Club in $1,000 or more to PCOM during Lafayette Hill. the fiscal year. 3 2006 PCOMUPDATES

| Kudos PCOM IN THE NEWS

Marie Bensulock, MS, PA-C, PCOM programs, faculty and staff have assistant professor, physician assistant once again made news. The College’s stan- studies, presented a lecture on clinical dardized patient program was the source of an aromatherapy to first-year medical stu- investigative article, with The Philadelphia dents and physician assistant students Inquirer staff writer Dawn Fallik posing as a at the University of Medicine and standardized patient to get the inside story. Dentistry – New Jersey as part of their Also in The Philadelphia Inquirer, PCOM was complementary/alternative therapy highlighted in an article that looked at the use lecture series. of personal digital assistants (PDAs) in the John Cavenagh, PhD, PA-C, practice of medicine. The Center for Chronic associate professor and chair, physician Disorders of Aging and the College’s Ira Sachs, DO ’80, on ABC affiliate assistant studies, was a presenting Substance Use Management Service (SUMS) Channel Six News. panelist at the Symposium on were profiled in City Suburban News, and sev- Leadership and Networking at the eral PCOM physicians (Oliver Bullock, DO ’78; Izola David, DO ’85; Larry Finkelstein, University of the Sciences in DO ’87; Pat Anthony Lanutti, DO ’71; Eugene Mochan, PhD, DO ’77; and John Philadelphia. Dr. Cavenagh discussed Simelaro, DO ’71) authored articles in The Philadelphia Tribune’s eight-week supplement ethics and moral leadership dilemmas series that focused on black health care. Ira Sachs, DO, ’80, associate professor, surgery, he encountered while heading the was interviewed twice by local ABC affiliate Channel Six News about Philadelphia Eagles’ emergency medical service of quarterback Donovan McNabb’s sports hernia, and Tage Kvist, PhD, professor and chair, Washington, DC. anatomy, was pictured and quoted in an article in The Philadelphia Inquirer about the Bill Clinton, MA, professor, psy- exhibit “Body Worlds.” News of Georgia Campus – PCOM has spread far and wide with chology, won a seat on the Upper articles in The Atlanta Journal Constitution, The Gwinnett Post and The Atlanta Business Providence Township Council in the Chronicle, to name just a few. November election. He is the first Democrat elected to the council in over 50 years. FOCUSING ON PSYCHOLOGY PCOM SUPPORTS OUR TROOPS Stephanie Felgoise, PhD, associate The psychology department, in PCOM pulled out all the stops to support professor, vice-chair, director of clinical conjunction with the Association for PsyD, is the senior editor of The our troops this holiday season. Students, Behavioral & Cognitive Therapies, Encyclopedia of Cognitive Behavior faculty and staff donated food, toiletries, Therapy, recently published by hosted a half-day session at PCOM books, DVDs, CDs, games and holiday Springer Publishing Company. for individuals considering furthering supplies, and the student affiliates of AMOPS, Katherine E. Galluzzi, DO, their education in psychology. UAAO, Sigma Sigma Phi, and the Biomed professor and chair, geriatrics, present- Geared to both professional club held bake sales that raised over $400 to ed the 2005 fall continuing medical psychologists and those considering ship the huge array of gifts. education program, “Pain a career in the field, Focus on The student groups collected the names Management at the End of Life,” Psychology offered seminars ranging and addresses of 25 friends and family mem- for the American Osteopathic from how to get into graduate school bers of the PCOM community who are cur- Academy of Addiction Medicine. and what to expect once enrolled to rently serving overseas. Each person was sent She also lectured at the AOA/ career options and how to develop two boxes of toiletries and food items, a DVD ACOFP Unified Osteopathic professional networks. and a handmade holiday stocking. The groups Convention on “Communicating Bad Doctoral students presented their also sent eight large boxes to units in the News: How to Assess When the End research at a poster session; faculty, Army, Navy and Air Force, providing gifts for Is Near” at the End-of-Life Care pro- graduates and current students from approximately 150 soldiers, sailors and airmen. gram, and she was the moderator for all programs and years met with “This was an incredible community effort,” “Faces of Pain: Clinical Considerations participants; and renowned cognitive says AMOPS President Dean Brewer (DO and Caveats.” Dr. Galluzzi also lec- behavior therapists Arthur M. Nezu, ’08). “Everyone chipped in to raise money, tured on “OMM in the Elderly” at PhD, and Christine Maguth Nezu, collect gifts and pack everything. But I’d the Society of Teachers of Family PhD, spoke on cognitive behavior especially like to thank Ruth Wian and Tiffany Medicine Northeast Region Meeting therapy for patients with cardiovascular Taylor from the Dean's office and Carol Fox in Hershey, PA. Dr. Galluzzi was the disease. The event was a resounding in admissions. Ruth made 50 holiday stock- editor of the JAOA’s supplement, Pain success, drawing over 100 participants. ings by hand and filled each one with treats. Management: Part III, Patient-Centered She also obtained donations of toiletries from Care for Chronic Nonmalignant Pain. the Hilton Hotel and from several PCOM In addition, Dr. Galluzzi’s article departments. All in all, the Support the Troops “Management of Neuropathic Pain” Holiday Drive was a great success.” appeared in the supplement. 4 PCOM DIGEST PCOMUPDATES

STUDENT AWARDS AND GRANTS | Kudos

Lisa Ashe (DO ’08) was awarded a student summer research fellowship for David Gantt, PhD, director, gross and 2005 from the Arnold P. Gold Foundation. She worked with Drs. Galluzzi, developmental anatomy, GA-PCOM, Busch and Goldstein to develop a future clinical study designed to advance the presented a poster, “HRXCT and 3D management of pain in geriatric patients. Reconstruction of Enamel Thickness and Jarrett Bender (DO ’08), Peter Bidey (DO ’08), Jennifer Dwyer (DO ’08) Volume,” and presented “3D and Demetri Economedes (DO ’07) each received a scholarship award from the Reconstruction of Enamel Thickness and Advocates for the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association (APOMA). Volume in Humans and Hominoids” at the Seventh International Symposium on the Composition, Properties and Fundamental Structure of Tooth Enamel, sponsored by the NIDCR and the Forsyth Institute. Dr. Gantt also partici- pated in an international conference, Dental Perspectives on Human Evolution: State of the Art Research in Dental Anthropology, hosted by the Max Planck Institute Department of Human Evolution, Leipzig, Germany. In addition, he presented “HRXCT analysis of homi- noid molars” as an invited participant at the 13th International Symposium on Dental Morphology, Lodz, Poland. Frederick J. Goldstein, PhD, professor, clinical pharmacology, is the coordinating editor of the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association’s pain management supplement series. In addi- tion, he, along with Saul Jeck, DO, pro- APOMA scholarship recipients (from left) Demetri Economedes (DO ’07), Peter Bidey (DO fessor and chair, OB/GYN, Alexander ’08), Jarrett Bender (DO ’08) and Jennifer Dwyer (DO ’08) are joined by Tina Fedec, Nicholas, DO ’75, professor and chair, APOMA SAA advisor, and Carol Fox, associate vice president for enrollment management. OMM, Marvin Berman, DO, and Marilyn Lerario, BSc, authored the Michael Braun (DO ’07) received a research fellowship from the AOA for paper, “Preoperative Intravenous his study “Six etiologies of low back pain found in the U.S. Army.” Assisting Morphine Sulfate with Postoperative Dr. Braun in his study were Timothy Borden (DO ’07) and Nicholas Ondrasik Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (DO ’07). Reduces Patient Analgesic Use After Total Leonardo Geraci (DO ’09) and Scott Peerenboom (DO ’06) received Abdominal Hysterectomy,” published in honorable mention in the Annenberg Anatomy Competition sponsored by the the Journal of the American Osteopathic Walter & Leonore Annenberg Center for Medical Education at Lankenau Association (June 2005). Hospital. Michael L. Kuchera, DO, director, Scott Goodroad (DO ’06) received the Burnett Osteopathic Student Research OMM research, authored the article Award from the AOA for his work diagnosing and treating biomechanical risk “Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine factors for shin splints. Considerations in Patients with Glenn Miller (DO ’07) received the APOMA Kin scholarship, awarded to Chronic Pain,” which was published in the child or grandchild of an active POMA physician. the JAOA supplement, Pain Management: Part III, Patient-Centered Care for Chronic Lauren Muchorski (DO ’09) received the Arnold P. Gold Foundation Nonmalignant Pain. Student Summer Research Fellowship for her project, “Utilizing Community David L. McWhorter, PhD, associate Lay Health Advisors for Developing and Implementing a Healthy Lifestyle professor, anatomy, GA-PCOM, received Program for Uninsured/Underinsured Obese African-American Women.” She the Advocate for Academic Excellence also presented the poster, “A Comparison of the Effectiveness of an Obesity Award from the Psi Sigma Alpha Program on an African-American Church Group Versus a Non-Church Group” fraternity. In addition, Dr. McWhorter at the AOA Annual Conference in October. published, “Medical Students’ Perceptions Jessica Yahnert (DO ’06) received a research fellowship from the AOA for her of Medical Education Research and Their study “The role of OMM in the treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome.” She was Roles as Participants” in the journal assisted by OMM fellow Jason Hartman (DO ’06). Academic Medicine, Vol. 80, No. 8. 5 2006 PCOMUPDATES

| Kudos ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF ANATOMY RECEIVES LINDBACK AWARD Fred Rotgers, PsyD, associate Michael McGuinness, PhD, assis- study of estrogen response in Sertoli professor, psychology, chaired a tant professor of anatomy, received the and Leydig cells. This research symposium at the Association for Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback generated valuable information on Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies Award for Distinguished Teaching. The the use of estrogenic compounds to convention on “Moderation Lindback Award recognizes academic treat osteoporosis, cardiovascular Approaches for Substance Users: excellence and outstanding teaching disease, cancer and infertility. Bringing Cognitive-Behavioral and is one of the most Approaches and Harm Reduction to prestigious awards the Public.” He also co-edited the conferred on an instruc- book Antisocial Personality Disorder: A tor in higher education. Practitioner’s Guide to Comparative Dr. McGuinness joined Treatments published by Springer the faculty of PCOM in Publishing Company. 1999, teaching gross Kenneth J. Veit, DO ’76, MBA, anatomy and histology. senior vice president for academic As a supervisor of gradu- affairs and dean, presented “COCA’s ate and undergraduate Efforts Related to Physician Shortage research, he has trained and Future of OGME” at the students in microscopy, Osteopathic Medical Education cell culture and molecu- Leadership Conference XVI, “The lar biology techniques. Future of Osteopathic Graduate Dr. McGuinness served Medical Education in Changing as a postdoctoral research Times.” Lindon Young, PhD, associate associate at the R.W. professor, pathology, microbiology & Johnson Pharmaceutical immunology, coauthored the article, Research Institute, where Michael McGuinness, PhD, receives the Lindback Award “Protein Kinase C βII Peptide he began the first detailed from Dr. Schure. Inhibitor Exerts Cardioprotective Effects in Rat Cardiac Ischemia/ Reperfusion Injury,” published in The Journal of Pharmacology and NEW APPROACH TO TREATING SUBSTANCE ABUSE Experimental Therapeutics, Vol. 314, No. 2. He also coauthored the article, The Center for Brief Therapy has added a Substance Use Management “Protein Kinase C-ζ Inhibition Service (SUMS) to its therapeutic offerings. Based on harm reduction Exerts Cardioprotective Effects in psychotherapy, the program provides assistance for people who are concerned Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury,” pub- about their use of alcohol or drugs but are uncertain what their next step lished in The American Journal of should be. Unlike traditional substance abuse treatment, which requires total Physiology - Heart and Circulatory abstinence, SUMS works with individuals who are at various points in the Physiology. He and Brian Balin, continuum of change. “We let the client make the decision concerning their PhD, professor, pathology, microbiol- treatment goals,” explains Fred Rotgers, PsyD, associate professor, psychology. ogy & immunology, coauthored the “This concept is unusual in treating substance abuse in the United States, but paper, “GÖ 6983: A Fast Acting it is strongly supported by research about how people change their behavior. Protein Kinase C Inhibitor that The patient is very often ambivalent about treatment, and our clinicians help Attenuates Myocardial Ischemia/ them to resolve their ambivalence and move toward healthy decisions.” Reperfusion Injury,” published in Clients are helped to decide on goals through a therapeutic technique known Cardiovascular Drug Reviews, Vol. 23, as motivational interviewing. “Motivational interviewing is client-centered, No. 3. non-confrontational and supports the client’s autonomy, which helps people get Bruce Zahn, EdD, associate professor, clinical psychology, ready to change and make a commitment to their goals,” explains Dr. Rotgers. presented a workshop, Basics of This modality helps build a strong working relationship between clients and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with therapists. It’s client-focused rather than treatment focused. “The result,” Older Adults, at the Pennsylvania says Dr. Rotgers, “is an osteopathic approach that looks at the whole person. Psychological Association. It doesn’t bifurcate the drug treatment and the mental health issues.”

6 PCOM DIGEST PCOMUPDATES DEVELOPMENT NEWS NEW TRUSTEE SCHOLARSHIP RAISES $370,000

Last August, PCOM’s Board of The late Florence Trustees approved a new incentive Gertrude Baker, a child- program for scholarship support. New hood friend of the late commitments to scholarships of a William Daiber, DO ’28, minimum of $50,000 will be matched gave $70,000 to establish by endowment funds at 5 percent. a new scholarship in his The 5 percent match is given to the memory. Dr. Daiber was scholarship recipient as a supplemental on the faculty of the grant, in addition to the usual scholar- College and was the 1973 ship provided. Trustee Eugene O.J. Snyder Memorial Chaiken, who originated the idea fol- Medal recipient. Ms. lowing a similar program at Penn Baker fulfilled a child- (circa 1973) William F. Daiber, DO ’28, with his wife State, kicked off the program with a hood promise that she and sons, William K. Daiber, DO ’74, and Robin. $50,000 commitment to the Leonard would make a gift to Dr. H. Finkelstein, DO Scholarship. Daiber’s medical school if he Contact the alumni office if you Trustee John Kearney pledged an addi- accomplished his dream of becoming are interested in the new Trustee tional $250,000 to the John D. a physician. Ms. Baker turned 100 in Scholarship program (1-800-739-3939 Kearney Scholarship, which was estab- December 2005; she passed away or email [email protected]). lished in honor of his late son. in January. CLASS AGENTS FOR ’81 AND ’96 STEP UP TO $10,000 PRESIDENT’S FELLOWS Gerald Dworkin, DO ’81, 1981 $10,000 to the unrestricted annual class agent, gave $10,000 to PCOM in fund in memory of the three members honor of his upcoming 25-year of the Class of 1996 who passed away reunion. Dr. Dworkin made his leader- before graduating: Michelle Andrews, ship gift to the annual fund. He hopes David Atlas and Joseph Krobert. In many of his classmates will join him at honor of her gift, the College is erect- the class’s reunion in June and that ing a tree plaque in their memory. Dr. they will also consider marking the Hullings, class agent for 1996, is Dr. Dworkin Dr. Hullings occasion with a significant gift. hoping for a superb turnout at the To celebrate her 10-year reunion, June 2-4 Alumni Weekend, as well as Joanne Hullings, DO ’96, also gave a significant class gift. FACULTY/STAFF CAMPAIGN NETS $64,000; TRUSTEES PLEDGE $73,000 FOR MILLION DOLLAR CAMPAIGN; CAMPAIGN AT $378,046

Even after emptying its pockets December 31, 2005, a total of for tsunami and Katrina victims, the $378,046 had been raised. This PCOM community continued its loyal year’s goal is to reach $850,000 support of the College’s unrestricted by June 30, 2006. annual fund. Faculty and staff exceed- There’s still time to support ed their campaign goal by pledging PCOM if you haven’t made a $64,306. Members of the Board of gift. Online giving is particularly Trustees pledged $73,000 to the easy (www.pcom.edu) or call the campaign. The goal of the campaign alumni office (1-800-739-3939) is to build the annual fund to and make a credit card gift. $1 million per year by 2007. As of 2005-2006 campaign chairs: Izola David, DO ’85; Joanne Jones, MBA; and Mindy George-Weinstein, PhD. 7 2006 8 PCOM DIGEST Will the doctor be in? CONFRONTING A NATIONWIDE PHYSICIAN SHORTAGE

In rural Frankfort, mechanisms, including identification of funding Indiana, a patient sources, to create medical school and residency in need of surgery positions in or adjacent to physician shortage/ must be airlifted underserved areas and in undersupplied spe- or transported by cialties.” COGME has recommended that U.S. ambulance to a medical schools train 3,000 more doctors a hospital more than 30 year, which is the equivalent of about 20 new miles away because medical schools. the local hospital has PCOM has been on the leading edge of no general surgery addressing this need with the opening of its coverage. new Georgia campus last fall. “GA-PCOM In Scottsdale, Arizona, some patients find opened with full enrollment,” reports Kenneth themselves without primary care when their J. Veit, DO ’76, MBA, senior vice president for physicians stop accepting certain health insur- academic affairs and dean. “However, opening ance plans because physicians have too many new medical schools is only part of the solu- patients. To see some specialists, patients may tion to the problem of physician shortages. The wait as long as two months for an appointment. number of physicians who practice in this In New York City, emergency medicine country is much more determined by the physicians work longer shifts and fight burnout number of internship and residency positions because ER physicians are in such short supply. we have than by the number of medical stu- These real-life situations are common in dents. So the biggest challenge is increasing the many underserved urban and rural areas across number of these positions. the United States where physician shortages are “Right now, Medicare is the major party affecting the delivery of health care, and the sit- that pays for graduate medical education, and uation is predicted to worsen nationwide over since 1997, Medicare has been very reluctant the next 15 years. to increase the supply of internship and resi- By the year 2020, this growing shortage dency positions,” Dr. Veit continues. “The big could exceed 200,000 physicians, according to question is who is going to pay to increase the a 2002 study conducted by the Health Policy supply. I’m a firm believer that everyone who is Institute at the Medical College of Wisconsin. in the health insurance business should share in The Council on Graduate Medical Education the responsibility of training future physicians at (COGME), the American Medical Association the graduate medical education level through (AMA) and the Association of American assessments for that specific Medical Colleges (AAMC) now concur that the purpose. This is going to become the crux of nation is facing a serious physician shortage increasing our physician workforce, and it will unless steps are taken to alleviate it. require an enormous amount of society initia- To make up for the projected shortfall, tive as well as government and political policy the AMA has committed to “work to develop decisions.

9 2006 Why a Shortage? Number of First-Year Students in U.S. Medical Schools The physician shortage will be fueled, in part, by 79 million baby 25,000 boomers who will reach retirement 20,000 17,004 age and demand more medical care. 16,648 Allopathic schools Among those retiring will be physi- 15,000 cians in much larger number than the Osteopathic schools 25,000 new doctors who graduate 10,000 from medical school each year. Changes in the demographics and 5,000 3,631 3,889 lifestyles among those in the medical profession are also contributing to the shortage. In a recent article in USA 2004-2005 2005-2006 Today, Health Policy Institute (Total: 20,279) (Total: 20,893) Director Richard (Buz) Cooper, MD, Sources: Association of American Medical Colleges, American Association of noted that women make up nearly Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine half of new physicians being trained, and studies show that they work an average of 25 percent fewer hours than male physicians. In addition, miles away from his practice in the who serve in rural areas at a higher Dr. Cooper said that physicians over metropolitan area near Indianapolis. rate, the volume of patients is lower, age 55 work 15 percent less. “I’m committed to practicing in a and Medicare is still cutting reim- rural underserved community, but I’m bursement rates overall. We must equally committed to ensuring that make it worthwhile for physicians to Rural Challenges my kids go to the best schools. That’s go into primary care in underserved Other lifestyle choices are con- why I’m willing to commute 30 min- areas. As physicians, we go into health tributing to a shortage of doctors in utes to my office and 25 minutes to care to help people and improve rural areas, the hospital where I have privileges society, but in the end, you still have according to when most doctors would prefer the to provide for your family and run a Luke G. ease of living right down the road.” business. Doctors need more options Nelligan, DO Dr. Nelligan also notes that and incentives to make the business ’91, who prac- primary care physicians and some aspect of the practice viable so they tices in a rural specialists are in short supply because can focus on why they decided to Indiana town of doctors often make financially based practice medicine in the first place–to 3,000 where decisions about the specialty they will care for people.” many of his pursue. “We have five orthopedic Dr. Nelligan and his partners patients are surgeons in the rural area where I found such an option to be part of a farmers and refer patients,” he relates. “But we’ve physician-owned health network that factory workers. had a shortage of rheumatologists reimburses them by the number of Luke G. Nelligan, DO ’91 “Many physi- and endocrinologists for a long time patients they see and pays them cians prefer to because those specialties aren’t as a percentage of the fees for CT practice in a metro or suburban area lucrative.” scans, MRIs, lab work and other where their families have access to Dr. Nelligan says that finances also ancillary services that their patients better schools, cultural and social discourage some physicians from need. activities and employment opportuni- choosing primary care. “Even though Dr. Nelligan says that hospitals in ties,” says Dr. Nelligan, who lives 18 Medicare reimburses physicians underserved areas could help alleviate

10 PCOM DIGEST the physician shortage by enabling the gency services has been markedly doctors they hire to be entrepreneurial reduced, resulting in reduced physician rather than just salaried employees. salaries,” notes Dr. Eisenhart, who now “Hospitals have the ability to set up practices at two community hospitals in joint ventures with physicians in the Orange County, New York. “At the form of surgical centers, MRI centers same time, we are the fishnet for all or other ancillary services that would humanity. By federal law, we cannot provide the physicians with a fiscal turn anyone away. As a result, we have incentive to continue practicing there,” a very busy 24/7 practice and yet, he relates. despite the high volume of patients we see, we must keep the customers satis- fied. Our contracts depend upon high Anita W. Eisenhart, DO ’94 Urban Issues scores on satisfaction surveys. This Some hospitals in New York City are combination of reduced salaries and feeling the physician pinch in the ER, increased demands discourages many according to Anita W. Eisenhart, DO people who might otherwise consider “We can reduce the ’94, who practiced emergency medicine emergency medicine.” at St. Barnabas Hospital in the Bronx Physicians in academic medicine are needs and drains on for 10 years. “Reimbursement for emer- also in short supply, according to Mary the health care

Number of Applicants to U.S. Medical Schools profession if we give

50,000 the community the 45,000 tools they need to 40,000 35,735 37,364 35,000 prevent disease Allopathic schools 30,000 and injury in the 25,000 Osteopathic schools first place.” 20,000 15,000 8,562 10,000 7,629 5,000

2004-2005 2005-2006 (Total: 43,364) (Total: 45,926)

Sources: Association of American Medical Colleges, American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine

11 2006 Beth Bollinger, DO ’89, associate pro- scarce because the population is problem finding quality physicians to fessor of pediatrics and director of exploding but the physician popula- join our staff because we offer great allergy at the University of Maryland tion isn’t keeping up. “We have only benefits and flexible work schedules School of Medicine in Baltimore. “I two medical schools in the state and that suit their lifestyle needs.” have been trying to hire another aller- relatively few residency slots,” he Dr. Blume’s practice is based largely gist to join me in practice for several explains. “We need more of both, on same day care, which comprises 40 years,” she says. especially residency programs because percent of the patients seen each day, “In a specialty those who leave the state for residency as well as ancillary services such as like allergy, most training tend not to come back to cosmetic surgery, acupuncture, DEXA physicians practice here.” scans and others that help keep the choose to go Dr. Blume notes that Arizona falls practice profitable. “More physicians into private well below the national average of 283 need to approach their practice as a practice where physicians per 100,000 patients. business,” says Dr. Blume, who has an they can earn “Currently, we’re at 207 physicians MBA and is the managing partner in more money. As per 100,000 patients, and that ratio his practice. “Profitable practices a result, I have a will probably become even more attract providers, who, in turn, allevi- six-month wait- unfavorable as the population contin- ate physician shortages.” ing list for new ues to grow dramatically,” he says. appointments. I The problem is exacerbated by the Mary Beth Bollinger, DO ’89 currently work fact that many primary care practices with referring in the Scottsdale area are accepting physicians to triage patients so that fewer health insurance plans because “The majority of those with the greatest need are seen they have more than enough patients. more urgently. As a result, many people are left with- osteopathic physicians I also have to lengthen the time out access to medical care. The baby between follow-up visits due to limit- boomer phenomenon is also a factor. go into primary care so, ed appointment slots, which is not Dr. Blume notes that many boomer ideal for continuity of care.” physicians in private practice are as a group, we continue In addition to being concerned for retiring early just as the boomer her patients, Dr. Bollinger wonders population is requiring more care. who will teach future physicians, since He also notes that managed care has to be a great resource to fewer physicians choose careers in increased the demand for services. academic medicine because of lower “If people have access to health care fill this need.” salaries and the demands of juggling through managed care, they use more time for patient care, research, grant services,” he says. and manuscript writing and teaching. In Scottsdale, Dr. Blume’s family “Academic institutions need to and urgent care practice is part of the address issues related to faculty reten- solution to the physician shortage. tion and job satisfaction to ensure “We don’t turn any patients away,” he that we have an adequate number of states. “We accept all insurance carri- quality physicians in academic medi- ers. Many of the patients who have cine to teach future physicians,” she been turned away from other practices emphasizes. come to us. As demand increases, we Across the country in Scottsdale, add providers. So far, we’ve grown Arizona, Martin Blume, DO ’78, from seven to 12 providers, and we MBA, observes that specialists and expect to add two new office locations primary care physicians are becoming in the near future. We never have a Martin Blume, DO ’78, MBA

12 PCOM DIGEST Physician Supply & Demand

Projected Change in Increase Needed to Doctor Supply Meet Demand

Cardiology 1,700 6,700-11,700 Family Medicine 16,300 20,200-31,700 General Internal Medicine 21,500 25,700-37,800 Other Internal Medicine 8,100 16,900-31,600 Obstetrics-Gynecology 5,500 4,100-8,100 Pediatrics 8,600 3,900-8,800 General Surgery –600 9,500-18,300 Orthopedic Surgery 1,000 5,300-13,300

Source: ACOInformation (July 2005)

Government Action Needed repayment for physicians who select decrease the utilization of unneeded To ensure that the United States to work in these areas.” visits to specialists and other services.” has enough physicians for the According to Dr. Veit, “Osteopathic future, all the interviewed PCOM Osteopathic Physicians: Part of medicine is ready made to meet the alumni agree that the federal govern- the Solution challenge of physician shortages by ment must revisit reimbursement Osteopathic physicians can play an virtue of our commitment to com- policies for Medicaid and Medicare important role in stemming the tide munity medicine. We have the history and address the problem of uninsured of physician shortages, says Dr. and tradition of training clinicians and underinsured Americans. Blume. “The majority of osteopathic who are responsive to the health care “If primary care was more available physicians go into primary care so, as needs of the community.” to people in need, they wouldn’t be a group, we continue to be a great “We must teach the community in my emergency department at all resource to fill this need,” he observes. the osteopathic approach to health hours for chronic or sub-acute “For that reason, I believe that we care–the body has its own ability to complaints, and that would alleviate need more osteopathic medical heal itself with proper care,” says Dr. physician shortages in the ER,” schools and/or medical school branch Eisenhart. “We can reduce the needs observes Dr. Eisenhart. campuses. This would enable us to and drains on the health care profes- “The federal government needs better provide the supply of primary sion if we give the community the to expand programs that encourage care physicians that is lacking.” tools they need to prevent disease and physicians to choose careers in Dr. Blume also believes the holistic injury in the first place.” academic medicine to assure the approach of osteopathic medicine can “We can be leaders in serving the future of quality medical education,” reduce the demand on specialties that underserved as we confront this short- says Dr. Bollinger. “It also needs to are also experiencing shortages. “An age of doctors,” says Dr. Nelligan. “As encourage physicians to work osteopathic physician is trained to osteopathic physicians, that has always with underserved populations and look at the whole person and sort out been–and should continue to be–one communities by assisting with loan problems,” he says. “This can help to of our primary missions.”

13 2006 ROBERT W. ENGLAND, DO ’56 2006 RECIPIENT OF THE O.J. Snyder Memorial Medal

Healing Body, Mind and Spirit

n his high school yearbook, osteopathic medicine, was both a in Warminster, Pennsylvania, where Robert W. England, DO ’56, physician and minister. he served as pastor for 35 years while Iwrote that he planned to study Dr. England was introduced to practicing medicine and serving medicine and the Bible. Either goal by osteopathic medicine and PCOM by at PCOM. itself would be challenging, but Dr. his family physician, Theodore Cohen, While Dr. England admits that England successfully achieved both, DO ’33, who also influenced Dr. being a pastor and a medical student then integrated what he learned in a England’s sister, Katherine M. simultaneously was a challenge, he remarkable career as an osteopathic England, DO ’54. When he read excelled at both. At PCOM, his men- physician, educator and church pastor. about the osteopathic philosophy, Dr. tor, Angus Cathie, DO ’31, was so “It was my hope that studying England found that its holistic princi- impressed with Dr. England’s skills in medicine and the Bible would enable ples meshed perfectly with his own osteopathic manipulative medicine me to help mankind in the best way personal beliefs. (OMM) and teaching that he invited possible,” says Dr. England, the 2006 In 1952, after his graduation from him to become a student teacher. O.J. Snyder Memorial Medal recipi- Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary “In those days, second- and third-year ent. “Osteopathic medicine with its and ordination as a minister, Dr. students helped teach the first- and emphasis on the connection between England began his studies at PCOM. second-year students,” explains Dr. body, mind and spirit has been the At the same time, he began serving as England. Later, Dr. Cathie asked him perfect complement to my work as a the pastor of a small Baptist church to join the faculty in the departments pastor. And my training as a pastor in West Collingswood Heights, New he chaired, anatomy and osteopathic added another dimension to my ability Jersey. In addition to his pastoral principles and practice (OPP–the to help patients and students over the duties, he oversaw the construction predecessor to OMM). Thus began a years,” he says, noting that the father of a new church and Sunday school teaching career at PCOM that of Andrew Taylor Still, founder of building. Later, he moved to a church spanned 27 years.

14 PCOM DIGEST 15 2006 Dr. England served as chairman His treatment of cardiac patients led and professor of the departments of to published research in somatic OPP and general family practice as dysfunction related to myocardial well as professor of anatomy. He also infarction (MI). “When I treated served as program director of the patients recovering from an MI with College’s first general family practice OMM, I could tell which ones were residency program. In 1972, he was going to survive by their tissue appointed dean of the College, a post response to the treatment,” he notes. he held for 11 years. “Most responded very nicely.” As dean, he worked tirelessly to Dr. England also participated in build the College’s continuing med- studies about the relationship between ical education (CME) program and immunology and the use of the to increase the size and strength of lymphatic pump as well as OMM and the PCOM faculty. During his the autonomic nervous system. He is tenure, he oversaw the opening of the excited about current research being PCOM Sullivan County Healthcare conducted to demonstrate how OMM Center in LaPorte, Pennsylvania, and supports the immune system. brought PCOM into the computer “It is essential for osteopathic age by purchasing the College’s very physicians to retain their distinction first computer. by continuing to learn and practice “Students used to come to my OMM,” he emphasizes. “It can be office and use my computer to run whose marriages almost collapsed and difficult in today’s managed care envi- medical study programs because I I was able to help keep them together ronment where limited time is an had the only computer on campus at through counseling,” he recalls. obstacle, but DOs must find a way to the time,” he recalls. As a result of “Others came to me for emotional include it in the treatment they his pioneering efforts, the College’s support when they were having provide, even if they do it out of the administration acknowledged the academic problems.” goodness of their hearts and don’t bill increasing value of information Dr. England offered to pray with for it. It’s that important. It goes back technology in medical education, and patients and students alike. “Sometimes to loving medicine because you love the number of computers on campus when a patient and his or her family people. If you love people, you want began to grow. were really upset, we would pray to give them the best possible care, Dr. England was well respected for together and that would help everyone and that almost always includes some his contributions to medical education to calm down,” he remembers. “I still form of OMM.” both within and outside PCOM. In have former students who call me for Moving forward, Dr. England 1975, he became the first osteopathic spiritual support as well as advice in believes that two of PCOM’s key physician to be elected to the College the practice of medicine.” priorities are to keep the teaching of Physicians of Philadelphia, and Throughout his career, Dr. England focus on the basic tenets of served on its membership and CME emphasized the human side of medi- osteopathic medicine and to provide committees. He also served as chair- cine, teaching his students to heed the financial support to students. “PCOM man of the Council of Deans for the body-mind-spirit connection and to students are well respected in the American Association of Colleges of treat their patients with respect and hospitals where they train and that Osteopathic Medicine. compassion. is because of their osteopathic He takes pride in the professional “You must love medicine because education,” he notes. “Yet, the debt achievements of many former stu- you love people, especially in today’s burden of their education is high and dents, including John Ferretti, DO health care environment,” he says. we must encourage them by finding ’73, and Silvia Ferretti, DO ’77, who “It’s also important to remember that ways to offer more financial support.” now serve as president and provost, patients are more sophisticated today. Dr. England expresses gratitude for respectively, of Lake Erie College of They search the Internet for informa- all the opportunities he’s had to help Osteopathic Medicine. “I had the tion and they’re very knowledgeable. people through the years. “The Lord pleasure of teaching many students As physicians, we must respect that has been good to me,” he emphasizes. who became leaders in the osteopathic knowledge.” “He put me in the right place at the profession,” he relates. Always a staunch osteopathic right time so that I could serve in a While teaching students the skills practitioner, Dr. England treated more meaningful way. I hope that my life they would need as physicians, he was than 95 percent of his patients with and my work have reflected my love sometimes called upon to address their OMM and participated in numerous for Him.” spiritual needs. “I had a few students studies that demonstrated its value.

16 PCOM DIGEST 2006 MASON W. PRESSLY MEMORIAL MEDAL RECIPIENT Gregory A. Skochko (DO ’06) HEALTH CARE ADVOCATE

reg Skochko PCOM Student responsible medicine comes from the (DO ’06) Initiative for values his parents instilled in him. “I Gdescribes Cultural Competency was always taught to look out for himself as an ordinary (SICC), working to those who can’t look out for them- guy with an extraordi- facilitate the incor- selves,” he recalls. He sees osteopathic nary commitment to his poration of cultural family medicine as the perfect ideals–health care equality and access competency education into the venue for health care advocacy in to care for all patients. Throughout College’s curriculum. “Physicians and the community. his four years at PCOM, he has patients each bring their own cultural “The osteopathic philosophy is worked diligently to keep those ideals experience and background to the completely aligned with my view of alive within himself and fellow examining room,” he says. “It’s impor- how to deliver health care,” he says. medical students. tant for physicians to understand how “As a family physician, I will have the “I consider physician advocacy for their own experience can affect the opportunity to educate my patients patients, especially those who are patient encounter.” about preventive care and empower underserved and underrepresented, to Through SICC, students are also them to be involved in their own supersede all other private or personal encouraged to volunteer in the com- health and wellness.” interests that can change our commit- munity. “It’s vital to get out into the A strong proponent of osteopathic ment to our ideals over time,” says community where your patients live manipulative medicine (OMM), Skochko, who plans to practice family to more fully understand their culture Skochko has encouraged students to medicine. “We need to use the privi- and daily life,” says Skochko, who be involved in OMM research lege given to us as physicians to affect has volunteered at the West while serving as student liaison for more than the care we provide in Philadelphia High School Health the Sigma Xi Research Society individual patient encounters,” he Fair, Ronald McDonald House and throughout his four years at PCOM. continues. “It is our obligation and Philadelphia Food Bank. “This “It’s important to continue building responsibility to work for positive enables us to provide more compas- the osteopathic evidence base,” says changes that will benefit everyone, sionate health care. Skochko, who is himself a former especially those who are underserved.” “PCOM has provided an extremely research scientist. On the PCOM campus, Skochko’s supportive environment for these Now he looks forward to his advocacy efforts began when he joined efforts,” he adds. “The administration residency in family medicine at the the PCOM Chapter of the American and faculty encourage students to David Grant Medical Center, located Medical Student Association (AMSA), collaborate and foster their idealism.” at Travis Air Force Base in northern an organization whose mission he A PCOM Student Government California, a designated Center of describes as “capturing student ideal- Association representative for the past Excellence for family medicine where ism and translating it into activism three years, Skochko has also held he will provide services for members of through involvement in policy mak- leadership positions in AMSA at the the military and their families. “I’m ing, decision making and advocacy regional and national levels. In 2004- excited about working in a model that affects the delivery of health care.” 2005, he served as a regional trustee health care system where access is not Skochko organized the chapter’s for AMSA, coordinating 21 medical an issue, patients are compliant and as first annual Cultural Competency schools and their local projects in the a result, the patient population is Training session. “This was the start northeastern United States. As AMSA’s generally more healthy and fit. I hope of my interest in becoming a socially national treasurer for 2005-2006, he to learn why that system works so well responsible physician,” recalls coordinated a $3.5 million budget and, after fulfilling my military service Skochko, who later served as supporting student-directed missions and returning to the civilian sector, chapter president. and priorities worldwide. use that knowledge in my health care Subsequently, he co-founded the Skochko says his interest in socially advocacy efforts.”

17 2006 Bringing Help& Hope After Hurricane Katrina

mid the devastation and despair following Hurricane AKatrina, some PCOM alumni brought help and hope to the people of Louisiana and Mississippi. They set up and staffed emergency trauma centers and helped reopen hospitals. They provided primary care and kindness to residents throughout the shattered area. They searched for the missing and dead. The four alumni featured on these pages displayed in extraordinary ways the commitment to community service so central to osteopathic medicine.

18 PCOM DIGEST Hal Bendit, DO ’84 assignments and provided Vincent A. Berkley, DO ’80 commanding officers with daily Hal Bendit, DO ’84, was watching briefings on their activities. Over Just a few days after Katrina hit, news coverage of the devastation an 11-day period, the four teams Vincent A. Berkley, DO ’80, received following Hurricane Katrina when he treated 2,165 patients all over the marching orders to head for Louisiana decided that he had to join the relief state of Louisiana, from Shreveport from U.S. Secretary of Health and efforts. “I heard Louisiana officials to Grand Isle. Human Services Mike Leavitt and say that they were desperate for “The people on the teams were so U.S. Surgeon General Richard physicians,” he recalls. “So I started motivated,” says Dr. Bendit. “Everyone Carmona, MD, MPH. They assigned trying to find a means to go down who was there–doctors, nurses and him to lead a 21-member team there, which proved to be surprisingly paramedics–knew that they had two of public health officers charged with difficult.” weeks to make a difference. They the responsibility of keeping the would leave at six in the morning and hospitals open in New Orleans and not return until nine or 10 o’clock at reopening the ones that had closed. night. They were sleeping in police On September 2, Dr. Berkley stations and firehouses, and then temporarily left his U.S. Public waking up and continuing to take care Health Service post as chief medical of patients.” officer for the Indian Health Service The teams treated patients in trailer in the Southwest and set out for parks, shelters and parking lots, seeing New Orleans. as many as 150 patients in a day. One The first challenge he and his team trailer park had 2,000 people in 570 faced was trying to get around the city. trailers with no access to health care. “When we arrived, some sections were still under 20 to 30 feet of water,” Dr. “Before Katrina, Louisiana ranked 47th Berkley recalls. “We had to rely on the Dr. Bendit (pictured left) in the country in terms of health care, Department of Defense to take us into so a lot of the patients we treated After being turned away from some locations by boat, military weren’t used to receiving care,” says numerous agencies that either didn’t Dr. Bendit. “In addition to injuries have a presence in the region or weren’t sustained from working on their utilizing physicians, Dr. Bendit signed on with the Public Health Service homes, many patients had chronic through the Office of the Surgeon conditions such as hypertension and General in early September 2005. diabetes. We weren’t checking insur- Nearly a month later, with the bless- ance cards or eligibility. We were ings of his wife and four partners in writing prescriptions and all they had family practice in Macungie, to do was take them to a pharmacy Pennsylvania, he boarded a plane for and FEMA would pay for it. We expe- Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and began rienced such an outpouring of grati- two weeks of volunteer service. tude from them. It was very satisfying The day after his arrival, Dr. Bendit to be able to help.” was surprised to find himself appointed Dr. Bendit also found the experi- medical director of a unit of 50 volun- ence humbling. “Seeing the plight of Dr. Berkley (pictured left) teers whose task was to split into four these people and meeting volunteers multidisciplinary groups to provide who were willing to walk away from helicopters and humvees.” primary care on the road. “The com- their comfortable lives to help for Dr. Berkley and his team, which mander picked me out at random. He unlimited amounts of time was very included environmental health offi- had no idea what my experience was,” overwhelming,” he relates. “I was cers, mental health workers, physicians says Dr. Bendit. “When I found out grateful for the opportunity to be and nurses, set up operations at the that he wanted me to assemble a part of the relief effort. Getting the Ochsner Clinic Foundation, which family practice and put it on wheels, I teams up and running, and working they found was serving as both a thought, ‘The first part I can do; the against all the bureaucracy was like hospital and a hotel. “One nursing second part will be a first but I’ll give climbing a mountain every day and unit was housing patients and the it a whirl!’” getting to the top,” he says. “It was one other was housing hospital staff and To accomplish his mission, Dr. of the most difficult things that I’ve their families so staff members could Bendit supplied each of the teams ever done, but also the most rewarding. work,” he explains. “This situation with vehicles, maps, medicine and I absolutely got more than I gave, and underscored the magnitude of the equipment, coordinated their I would do it again in a heartbeat.” disaster for me.”

19 2006 The first order of business was a problem because so many hospital staff running. With much of the brainstorming session with hospital members had evacuated the city. The population evacuated, they were CEOs from all over New Orleans as team worked with hospital human primarily providing medical services to well as Dr. Carmona and Secretary resources staffs to try to locate them. rescue personnel, which included the Leavitt to develop a strategic plan. Dr. “The training I received at PCOM National Guard, the military and local Berkley’s team then divided into two definitely came to bear,” reflects Dr. emergency response services. groups. One was charged with imple- Berkley. “It was clear that a health care “We treated a lot of animal and menting the plan. The second group, system can’t work unless all the parts insect bites, as well as lacerations from comprising 12 behavioral health are functioning together as a whole, falling tree limbs and many conditions specialists, provided mental health much like the whole person osteopathic resulting from exposure to toxins in services to police, fire companies and approach to health care. and out of the water,” says Dr. emergency rescue personnel working “I’m proud to know that I had a Christiansen. “We even treated a in the city. hand in rebuilding the health care group of military personnel for nerve The strategic planning group first system in New Orleans,” says Dr. agent toxicity after they were exposed arranged for the Navy hospital ship Berkley, who appeared along with Dr. to malathion, a chemical that was USS Comfort to be brought to New Carmona on the syndicated Dr. Phil being sprayed via helicopters to con- Orleans to serve as a trauma center. Show. “To know that I could operate trol the mosquitoes.” Then they conducted an assessment successfully in such a challenging Once the Touro Infirmary was of the closed hospital facilities to arena is very gratifying to me.” reopened, Dr. Christiansen returned determine what was needed to reopen home to his family in Virginia and his them. The list was daunting. The job as educational director for Virginia hospitals had no power, no potable Greg Christiansen, DO ’92 Commonwealth University’s depart- water, no operational sewage treatment When Greg Christiansen, DO ’92, ment of emergency medicine. After a plants, no phones, no cellular phone arrived in New Orleans shortly after brief respite, he was called to serve service and no Internet capabilities. Hurricane Katrina struck, he was con- again in early October and returned “We had to bring the hospitals back fronted with a city nearly devoid of its to the region with the Virginia-One online in a stepwise manner, which population, packs of feral dogs and (VA-1) DMAT. “I’m actually a took about 30 days,” says Dr. Berkley. other animals roaming the streets and member of VA-1 DMAT,” explains “In the meantime, we worked with a host of unknown dangers lurking in Dr. Christiansen. “I served as medical Disaster Medical Assistance Teams the floodwaters. director of the Georgia team on my (DMATs) to set up emergency rooms He was deployed to the city with a first deployment because they were just outside the hospitals so we could Georgia Disaster Medical Assistance experiencing a shortage of physicians.” address immediate acute needs.” In Team (DMAT), one of many DMATs During his second deployment, Dr. addition, the DMATs addressed public throughout the country established Christiansen helped augment medical health concerns by administering over by the Department of Homeland services at West Jefferson Medical 200,000 diptheria and tetanus immu- Security’s National Disaster Medical Center in New Orleans. As residents nizations in the first three weeks. were allowed back in to the “It took us about 10 days to get city, the team began treat- generators for power,” Dr. Berkley ing the general population continues. “We had no potable water for conditions ranging until the U.S. Army arrived with from respiratory problems reverse osmosis systems to make water and drug and alcohol with- for us. This was essential since we had drawal to to bathe every time we came in con- heart attacks. “We also tact with the contaminated water had several people with flowing all over the city. It was a week broken bones who would before we had cellular phone service have been operated on and four weeks for the regular phones under different circum- and 911 system, so we worked with stances,” says Dr. emergency personnel to set up alter- Christiansen. “We had nate emergency phone numbers.” System (NDMS) to provide medical to set their bones as best Once they were able to adequately care during a disaster. we could. Unfortunately, there was no rebuild a hospital infrastructure, the The 38-member team set up camp way to treat them more expeditiously team first opened the emergency in a parking garage outside of the because very few hospitals were opera- room. Next, they opened a nursing Touro Infirmary and worked with tional, and transportation services were unit with five to 10 beds and a same- hospital personnel to get the facility’s very limited.” day surgery unit. Staffing was a serious emergency department up and Many of the 180 patients the team

20 PCOM DIGEST treated each day had a positive attitude one neighborhood, a 30-foot storm despite all the difficulties they’d surge had sucked up the bottom of the endured. “I was amazed by their sense river and deposited a two-inch coating of community and how they went out of thick hard smelly mud over every- of their way to help others even when thing. Bulldozers had to clear piles of they did not have any resources them- debris to open up residential streets. It selves,” says Dr. Christiansen. “It looked like Armageddon.” wasn’t just local people either; people When they arrived at their destina- from all over the country were help- tion, McCans and Stache were imme- ing. I met a physician from California diately assigned to work with a crew who was there even though his from the Mississippi State Fire own home was being threatened Academy. They began each day at a by wildfires.” dump site where trucks bringing in Everyone was grateful for the care trash and debris were lined up for they received, and Dr. Christiansen miles. Stache and five other cadaver was grateful for the opportunity to dogs would sniff the piles of debris provide it. “DMATs are an excellent brought in the day before to make sure Another assignment had a happier way to provide services to people in ending. “We were sent to Gulfport that no human remains were among need,” he says. “We had the resources to look for a lady who had insisted them. Then McCans and Stache to help people immediately and on staying in her home during the received specific recovery assignments ensure the team’s safety while doing hurricane,” says McCans. “Her for the day. so, and we didn’t have to worry about neighborhood was destroyed, and her “It was 103 degrees and very regulations or malpractice issues. It kids reported her missing. When we humid, so I had to make sure Stache was medicine in its purest form.” pulled up to her house, debris was got enough water and rest,” relates piled up in front of it—personal McCans. “I put him in the truck belongings, car parts, ship parts, mud Jim McCans, MS/FM ’04 and ran the air conditioning, gave and seaweed were everywhere. Then Jim McCans, MS/FM ’04, got the him plenty of water and wet him we saw an older lady standing amid call for help about three weeks after down often.” the debris. She turned out to be the Katrina struck when the mission of During their first assignment, one we were looking for. Her neigh- emergency workers in the devastated Stache started scratching the ground bors had talked her into leaving before areas turned from search and rescue and barking, indicating that he’d Katrina hit and she had come back to to recovery of those missing and found a body. “It turned out to be a get her daughter’s cell phone number presumed dead. Would he be interest- broken family urn with remains off the refrigerator, which of course, ed in bringing his certified cadaver inside,” says McCans. was gone. The rescue crew had the dog, Stache, trained by the Since Stache is also trained to phone number and called her daughter Philadelphia Police Academy under search from boats, the local fish and right away.” Officer Paul Bryant, to help in the game commission took McCans and After an exhausting week, McCans recovery efforts in Mississippi? Stache on an assignment that involved and Stache completed their last Within 24 hours, McCans had searching canals. “Stache suddenly assignment and headed for home. arranged to take a nine-day leave from jumped up and started barking and “It was really tough duty, but I am so his duties as a full-time forensics biting at the water, indicating that he glad that I went and I would do it instructor at PCOM, and he and smelled something,” McCans explains. Stache, a black Labrador retriever, again in a second,” says McCans. “About 20 feet away, we heard a big “Our efforts truly made a difference were on the road to Mississippi with a splash and saw an alligator. To my carload of 100 gallons of bottled water in people’s lives. horror, Stache jumped into the water “None of this would have happened and dog food. Much of the water sup- but I keep him on a safety lead and ply would be used to bathe Stache without the support of PCOM,” he the minute he jumped, I pulled back three times a day. “We knew he would emphasizes. “The College made the as hard as I could and yanked him be exposed to a lot of chemicals and commitment to sponsor our training other toxic materials during recovery back up out of the water into the boat. as a cadaver dog team last year and to efforts,” explains McCans. It scared the heck out of me.” make our assistance available for com- Near the end of the 18-hour trip to McCans learned that the fish and munity service. And all of my col- Mississippi, McCans began to see the game wardens had previously seen leagues stepped up and covered my magnitude of the disaster. “I saw mile the alligator carrying a human body, classes and other assignments, working after mile of flattened neighborhoods,” which they wanted to try to recover. extra hours so that I could go on this he recalls. “It was an area as big and However, all that was left were mission. They were part of the relief dense as two Delaware Counties. In unidentifiable remains, which Stache effort, too.” had detected.

21 2006 A SERIES OF ARTICLES ON research

AT PCOM Bridging Bench to Bedside

A new research vision emerges at PCOM . . . scientists and physicians have joined forces to create a new Center for Chronic Disorders of Aging to foster improved health throughout the entire cycle of life.

One is an osteopathic physician with an active practice in clinical research. The other is a bench scientist who pursues the molecular and cellular events that are at the root of the disease process. Some people who work in health care may see these types of professionals as very different from one another. But Drs. Kuchera and Balin, co-directors of the CCDA these two don’t see it that way. They have a vision of uncovering the causes “We’re also sponsoring continuing education, of chronic diseases and of improving the health of patients and preventing such as a speaker on the aging process in the disease. They’ve found the common Bruno Bromke Memorial Lecture series, and ground necessary to bring research community activities including the Alzheimer’s in the basic sciences and research in clinical medicine together. Their Walk in Philadelphia, which drew 4,000 approach bridges the molecular participants last year.” understanding of diseases/disorders - Brian J. Balin, PhD with the implementation of corrective measures.

22 PCOM DIGEST Research focus at the center will include: PCOM has provided financial she believes in the power of a collec- support to launch the new Center for • Alzheimer’s Disease (Drs. Appelt, tive effort. “Individual investigators Chronic Disorders of Aging (CCDA), Balin, Fresa-Dillon and Little in the will benefit, but new ideas come from a home base that brings bench scien- Adolph & Rose Levis Foundation integrating different fields of study,” tists and osteopathic physicians Alzheimer’s Disease Laboratory) she says. “It’s good for investigators, together to study the chronic diseases • Cardiovascular/Reperfusion Injury and it’s good for the College.” When of aging and also to further under- (Dr. Young) researchers are aware of others’ work standing of how we can promote • Chronic Inflammatory Responses they can share ideas and equipment, health and prevent illness. The center’s (Drs. Borghaei, Daghigh and maximizing efforts and resources. philosophy considers the study of Thornton) Dr. George-Weinstein adds that the whole person; it provides an • COPD (Drs. Goldstein, Kuo, “clinicians often can help bench encompassing approach from Simelaro and Williams-Page) scientists interpret data and provide prevention to therapy throughout • Diabetes (Drs. Greene and Salzer) direction for future studies.” She cites the life of the individual. • Hormonal Dysfunction (Dr. her own embryonic stem cell research The College has named two McGuinness) as an example: “If we can understand directors of the CCDA. Brian J. • Multiple Sclerosis (Drs. Hingley how stem cells form tissues in the Balin, PhD, professor, pathology, and Kuchera) embryo, we can apply this knowledge microbiology & immunology, is the • Osteoarthritis (Dr. D’Angelo) in the clinical setting by pushing stem center’s director of basic sciences • Parkinson’s Disease (Drs. Daghigh, cells to form the desired tissue in research. Michael L. Kuchera, DO, Felgoise, Galluzzi, Kuchera, A. diseased organs of the adult.” professor and director of the OMM Nicholas and Stewart) Research and Human Performance • Quality of Life (Drs. Felgoise, Drawing Interest and Biomechanics Laboratory, is the Galluzi, Kuchera and Stewart) The development of a center center’s director of clinical research. • Rheumatoid Arthritis (Dr. Mochan) draws applicants to PCOM, attracts “Our profession’s golden era in • Stem Cells (Dr. George-Weinstein) professors and post-doctoral fellows, research began with the marriage of • Transplantation and Wound Repair and increases the chances of garnering osteopathic medicine to basic sci- (Dr. Greene) research grants. ences,” explains Dr. Kuchera. “Getting In one case, already, Dr. Balin a center such as this off the ground ful aging. “Today, we are seeking health explains, a colleague received a favor- takes a major commitment from the solutions for our aging society—from able review after applying for a research administration and faculty. The unique birth to advanced age.” grant. The review spelled out that synergy that occurs when basic scien- Drs. Kuchera and Balin agree that PCOM’s level of commitment to the tists and clinical researchers are unified the success of the center depends on project was a factor—and that the to interact in a common mission is the involvement and collaboration of a College’s commitment was made clear both exciting and productive. number of people. Dr. Balin empha- by the existence of the center for Collaboration is key within the PCOM sizes, “Our job is to bring together, Chronic Disorders of Aging. “The community and in partnership with under one umbrella, basic and applied difference of having the center, having other osteopathic schools in clinical research, educational opportunities, that center’s name out there, was trials or other research efforts.” and clinical application.” clearly evident in black and white,” Dr. Kuchera says the CCDA team notes Dr. Balin. Dr. Kuchera agrees: ultimately “seeks health” and that by The Team Approach “Having that name attached to a studying diseases and the problems The hallways at PCOM are abuzz grant application definitely draws they create, he and his colleagues will with news of the new center. “My the reviewer’s attention; it can set gain a better understanding of success- fellow researchers are very com- you apart.” mitted to the center,” notes PCOM has set aside initial funding Dr. Balin. “They see this as for the Center for Chronic Disorders a great opportunity to devel- of Aging, and the amount of outside op interdisciplinary collabo- research funding already points to a rations with others in the bright future. The directors are basic sciences and also with pursuing collaborative approaches clinicians. The potential is both with PCOM and outside of the highly significant.” College. Working with other institu- Mindy George-Weinstein, tions will foster opportunities for PhD, professor, anatomy, grants from traditional and non- realizes this too. She’s a traditional sources, through private member of the advisory donations, foundations and board of the center because lobbying efforts. (from left) Drs. George-Weinstein, Young and Little

23 2006 CLASSNOTES

Class of 1933 |Thomas Scott, DO 54 Rachel A. Witmyer, DO, Horton, MI, ’ was honored at the 60th anniversary of the founding of West Side Osteopathic NOT THE RETIRING SORT Hospital, which later evolved into Memorial Hospital in York, Thomas Scott, DO ’54, has been around the Pennsylvania. Dr. Witmyer is one of block more than a few times in his career–both 14 founders of the hospital. literally and figuratively. After 33 years in his own small-town practice in Delaware City, Delaware, Class of 1944 and five years as medical director of St. Francis Class Agent: Morris J. Cherrey, DO Hospital’s HMO, Dr. Scott took his show on the 610-623-8712, [email protected] road, so to speak, when, through a desire to help James W. Sillaman, DO, Latrobe, PA, the poor, good timing and providence, he acquired and James W. Sillaman, III, DO ’72, a fully equipped, handicapped-ready medical van. were highlighted in an article that appeared in the Latrobe Bulletin titled In 1991, Dr. Scott attended a conference “Three generations of medical services sponsored by the Christian Medical and Dental span 100 years.” Society called “Share the Vision: Health Care for the Poor.” At the end of the conference, he recalls, “I promised God I’d start to work for the homeless Class of 1955 in Wilmington–not having any idea how I would do it.” Upon his return to Class Agent: Michael J. Zappitelli, Sr., DO Delaware, all the pieces began to fall in place to make his promise a reality. 610-279-3008 The HMO where he worked had been sold, and the CEO of St. Francis was Norman H. eager for the hospital to get involved in community outreach. Dr. Scott met Ilowite, DO, Fort with the Ministry of Caring, a local ecumenical group that sponsors homeless Lee, NJ, retired as shelters, soup kitchens, a job placement program and other support programs course director of dermatology at New for the poor. The Ministry of Caring could offer support, but not space York College of in which to practice. This was not a death knell for the project because Osteopathic Dr. Scott had found an advertisement for a medical van. So, with funding Medicine. From and resources from several foundations, St. Francis Hospital and the 1982 to 2003 he Ministry of Caring, the St. Clare Medical Outreach Van hit the streets developed and of Wilmington, Delaware. directed the derma- For almost ten years, four days a week, Dr. Scott and his team took tology course given to sophomores at the health care to the homeless. But his caring did not rest on the weekends. college. He also directed the dermatol- On Sunday mornings he would stop by shelters and pick up people for ogy clinic. The 1986 and 1987 classes honored Dr. Ilowite by presenting him church and often take them home to his house for dinner. About his work with the “Excellence in Teaching with the homeless, he says, “Anybody who doesn’t work with the poor and Award.” Dr. Ilowite continues to prac- homeless is crazy. It’s so rewarding everyone should experience it. People miss tice part-time and in his spare time is a a lot of joy by not taking risks. Not everyone can do exactly what I’m doing, piper member of the New York Scottish but they should get into some kind of service, even if it’s a couple of hours a Pipes and Drums. month.” But, Dr. Scott, points out, “success without a successor is failure,” so when another physician expressed interest in running the van, Dr. Scott, at Class of 1961 age 75, decided to step aside. Class Agent: Donald Bruaw, DO But that certainly doesn’t mean Dr. Scott has retired. He still keeps an 717-728-0569, [email protected] eye on the van and its mission, and takes every opportunity to talk to groups David Rowe, DO, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, and his wife, Margaret, about the van and solicit donations. At the request of the CEO of St. Francis have relocated to San Miguel de Allende Hospital, he volunteers there as a patient advocate, and he is a substitute high in central Mexico. Dr. Rowe is co-chair school science teacher. He’s performed stand-up comedy and still makes the of the medical committee for Patronato rounds as an after-dinner speaker and as a master of ceremonies at various Pro Ninos, a non-profit volunteer organ- events. “I’m having lots of fun,” he reports. “Anyone can go home and wait ization that provides medical and dental to die; that doesn’t take any talent. I’m not about to do that.” services for needy Mexican children.

24 PCOM DIGEST

E-MAIL YOUR NEWS AND PHOTOS TO MADELINE LAW: [email protected]. CLASSNOTES

Class of 1966 John G. Trzesniowski, DO, Yardley, Suzanne K. Kelley, DO, Harrisburg, Class Agent: H. Michael Zal, DO PA, received Port Richmond Star’s PA, was appointed to a three-year term 610-664-7223, [email protected] “2005 People’s Choice Award for as a representative to the American Ronald Cowen, DO, Saint Davids, PA, Favorite Medical Professional.” Osteopathic Association’s board of was appointed to the board of directors trustees. of Episcopal Hospital, Philadelphia, Class of 1975 Norman E. Vinn, DO, San Clemente, Pennsylvania. Class Agent: Jon J. O’Brien, SJ, DO CA, was elected first vice president of 202-965-6912, [email protected] the American Osteopathic Association’s Class of 1967 Alexander S. Nicholas, DO, West House of Delegates. Class Agent: Sherman Leis, DO Chester, PA, co-authored an article 610-667-1888, [email protected] that appeared in The Journal Class of 1978 Gary Zisk, DO, Brooklyn, NY, was of the American Osteopathic Class Agent: Lorraine M. Disipio, DO elected secretary/treasurer of the Association titled “Preoperative 610-623-7230, [email protected] American Society of Bariatric intravenous morphine sulfate Cynthia A. Gabrielli, DO, Hockessin, Physicians. with postoperative osteopathic DE, was selected by colleague physi- manipulative treatment reduces cians as one of Delaware’s “top pediatri- patient analgesic use after total cians,” as reported by Delaware Today. Class of 1968 abdominal hysterectomy.” Samuel J. Garloff, DO, Etters, PA, was Class Agent: Alfred J. Poggi, DO elected vice president of the 814-443-3637, [email protected] Class of 1976 Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Kenneth J. Ciongoli, DO, Burlington, Association. VT, was elected national chairman of Class Agent: R. Michael Gallagher, DO the National Italian American 856-354-1403, [email protected] Foundation. Thomas M. Campbell, DO, Harveys Class of 1980 Lake, PA, was named to the board Class Agent: Steven J. Fagan, DO of directors of Northeast Regional 843-743-7753, [email protected] Class of 1969 Cancer Institute. David A. Bitonte, DO, Louisville, OH, Class Agents: David A. Bevan, DO R. Michael Gallagher, DO, graduated from the American 610-642-7637 Haddonfield, NJ, wrote the chapter Osteopathic Association’s Health Policy Harry E. Manser, Jr., DO titled “Primary Headache Disorders” in Fellowship Program. 609-477-0800, [email protected] the textbook Weiner’s Pain Management. Laura Dalton, DO, Oaklyn, NJ, is vice John M. Giuliano, DO, Seaford, DE, His article “Headache in Medical president of the board of trustees’ exec- was selected by colleague physicians as Education: Medical Schools, Neurology utive committee of the American one of Delaware’s “top family practi- and Family Practice Residencies” was College of Osteopathic Obstetrics and tioners,” as reported by Delaware Today. published in the Journal of Headache, Gynecology. and a second article, “Headache Pain,” Pat C. DiTommaso, DO, Girard, OH, Class of 1972 was published in the Journal of the was elected to a five-year term on the Class Agent: Joan M. Watkins, DO American Osteopathic Association. Trumbull County Board of Health. 813-615-7755, [email protected] William R. Henwood, DO, Sharon, James W. Sillaman, III, DO, Latrobe, PA, was named “Outstanding Surgeon Class of 1982 PA, and James W. Sillaman, DO ’44, of the Year” at the graduation dinner Class Agent: Anthony J. Silvagni, DO were highlighted in an article that for the house staff at University of 954-262-1407, [email protected] appeared in the Latrobe Bulletin titled Pittsburgh Medical Center, Horizon. Jeanne E. Grove, DO, Pittsford, NY, “Three generations of medical services was honored by the American Medical span 100 years.” Class of 1977 Women’s Association. This honor is Class Agent: H. Sprague Taveau, IV, DO bestowed upon women physicians who Class of 1973 806-212-5750, [email protected] have demonstrated commitment, inno- Class Agent: Herbert J. Rogove, DO Peter F. Diamond, DO, Amsterdam, vation and creativity in the field of 949-764-6058, [email protected] NY, received the “2005 Citizen-of-the- medicine. Donald J. Schnapf, DO, Willow Year Award” presented by the William Sommers, DO, Centreville, Street, PA, joined Carlisle Regional Amsterdam Family Young Men’s DE, was selected by colleague physi- Medical Center. Christian Association. cians as one of Delaware’s “top neurolo- gists,” as reported by Delaware Today.

25 2006 CLASSNOTES

Class of 1983 Joseph F. Karnish, DO, Georgetown, Wonsuck Kim, DO, Florence, AL, was Class Agent: Mary Ann Dibiagio, DO DE, was selected by colleague physi- selected as one of three physicians in 724-758-7559, [email protected] cians as one of Delaware’s “top family Alabama as a “champion of change” Gary G. Berger, DO, Leawood, KS, practitioners,” as reported by Delaware and will be featured in a documentary was selected by Kansas City’s business Today. to be aired on television in the spring of magazine, Ingram’s, as the “top doc in David C. Koronkiewicz, DO, Goshen, 2006. Dr. Kim created a non-profit physical medicine and rehabilitation.” IN, was elected vice president of the organization called EyeCare Alabama, Richard P. Frey, DO, Willow Street, Indiana Association of Osteopathic where volunteer ophthalmologists PA, was elected chairman of the board Physicians and Surgeons. donate their time and services to travel of directors of the Lancaster Joseph P. Olekszyk, DO, Seaford, DE, to rural and underserved communities in the state to provide eye examinations Osteopathic Health Foundation. was selected by colleague physicians as and treatment. Howard Hassman, DO, Berwyn, PA, one of Delaware’s “top ear, nose and Daniel J. Parenti, DO, Marlton, NJ, authored, “Differences in Cognitive throat specialists,” as reported by Delaware Today. has been recertified in critical care Function Due to Acute Sedative Effects medicine by the American Osteopathic of Risperidone and Quetiapine in Board of Internal Medicine. Stable Bipolar I Disorder Outpatients.” Class of 1986 He presented his paper at the ACNP Class Agent: John C. Sefter, DO meeting in December and will present 410-337-7900 Class of 1988 Class Agent: Eric M. Lipnack, DO at upcoming APA and NCDEU Scott J.M. Lim, DO, Erie, PA, was awarded the gold level of recognition 856-784-0444, [email protected] meetings. Gregory G. Papadeas, DO, Englewood, (1,000+ hours) from the American Robert D. McGarrigle, DO, Media, CO, was selected by colleague physi- Academy of Dermatology Leadership PA, was selected by colleague physicians cians as Denver’s “top dermatologist” as Circle for Volunteerism. as one of Delaware’s “top general sur- reported by 5280 Magazine. geons,” as reported by Delaware Today. Daniel B. Sullivan, DO, Leesburg, FL, has been actively involved in mission Class of 1989 Class of 1984 work in China and Tanzania, helping to establish cardiac surgery programs with- Class Agents: Judith Richmond Class Agent: Paul V. Suhey, DO in their hospitals. Dr. Sullivan and his Pryblick, DO, 610-366-8445, 814-231-2101, [email protected] wife have started a not-for-profit [email protected] David Coffey, DO, Wetumpka, AL, organization, “Crossing Hearts Corp,” Coleen M. Smith, DO 423-722-9355, [email protected] had his article “C1 Somatic enabling them to provide services Bryan S. McCarthy, DO, Dover, DE, Dysfunction and Unilateral Retro- abroad and within the United States. was selected by colleague physicians as orbital Cephalalgia,” published Any physicians interested in additional in the American Academy of Delaware’s “top anesthesiologists,” as information should telephone reported by Delaware Today. Osteopathy Journal. 352-787-9838. Daniel M. O’Roark, DO, Kingsport, Michael J. Zawisza, DO, Orwigsburg, TN, joined Cardiovascular Associates. PA, was elected to the board of trustees Class of 1990 of the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Class Agent: Jennifer Waxler, DO Class of 1985 Medical Association. [email protected] Class Agent: Michael P. Meyer, DO Lynne C. Columbus, DO, Tampa, FL, 717-721-5700, [email protected] was highlighted in the cover article Class of 1987 titled “Thriving Under Medicare… Anthony D. Alfieri, DO, Wilmington, Class Agent: Thomas J. Dagney, III, DO Three Success Stories,” which appeared DE, was selected by colleague physi- 812-885-3810, [email protected] in the May 2005 issue of Physicians cians as one of Delaware’s “top cardio- Michael A. Becker, DO, Blue Bell, PA, Practice. vascular surgeons,” as reported by received the “Frederick J. Solomon, DO Joanne Goshow-Harris, DO, Newark, Delaware Today. Award of Merit,” which was presented DE, was selected by colleague physi- Lawrence J. Bellew, DO, Chadds Ford, by the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Family cians as one of Delaware’s “top obstetri- PA, was selected by colleague physicians Physicians Society. cians/gynecologists,” as reported by as one of Delaware’s “top vascular sur- Michelle D. Jones, DO, Allentown, Delaware Today. geons,” as reported by Delaware Today. PA, was highlighted in an article pub- Daniel R. Smith, DO, Appleton, WI, Stephen Fisher, DO, Grove City, OH, lished in the Salisbury Press titled joined Affinity Medical Group Family was elected president of the Columbus “Salisbury school physician performs Practice clinic in Kaukauna, Wisconsin. Osteopathic Association. many services for the district.”

26 PCOM DIGEST

E-MAIL YOUR NEWS AND PHOTOS TO MADELINE LAW: [email protected]. CLASSNOTES

Class of 1992 Class Agent: Daniel J. Kupas, DO 724-845-6360, [email protected] Thomas D. Beck, DO, Ocean City, MD, received media coverage for his article On a published in the August 5, 2005, issue of The Daily Times titled “Common Cause of Hand Pain Can Be Alleviated.” Personal James A. Groff, DO, Landisville, PA, published a chapter in Critical Care Note Toxicology titled “Toxin-induced Renal Failure Syndrome.” Dr. Groff was also awarded “2005 Inpatient Teacher of the Year" by the Lancaster General Hospital Family Practice Program. Thomas D. Mino, DO, Broomfield, CO, was elected president of the Colorado Society of Osteopathic Medicine. Albert J. Tuono, DO, Huntingdon, PA, Sara Brooks, PA-C ’02, Ridley Park, PA, married Gerald Mancini on joined the medical staff at J.C. Blair June 25, 2005 at Holy Cross Church in Springfield, Pennsylvania. Ms. Memorial Hospital. Brooks is employed by a dermatologist in Northeast Philadelphia. Jennifer B. Coren, DO ’03, Huntingdon Valley, PA, and Joshua S. Coren, Class of 1993 DO ’02, are the proud parents of their second child, Sarah-Grace, born on Class Agents: Larissa Fernando- September 20, 2005. She joins her brother Zachary, age three. Dominy, DO, 610-409-8147, Christopher A. Davis, DO ’00, Springfield, PA, and his wife, Kelly Ann, [email protected] are the proud parents of Deni Christine, born on November 3, 2005. Clara M. Higgins, DO 302-644-9644, [email protected] Nicole Heisman, DO ’00, Collegeville, PA, married Elliott Rifkin at the Jeffrey M. Briglia, DO, Emmaus, PA, Hotel Dupont in Wilmington, Delaware, on September 25, 2005. They joined the medical staff at St. Luke’s honeymooned in Italy and now reside in Collegeville, Pennsylvania. Hospital-Bethlehem. David L. Williams, DO, Carlisle, PA, Bradley S. Hiles, DO ’98, Wexford, PA, and his wife, Kelly, are the proud joined Women’s Health Specialists of parents of Brandon Vaughn, born on August 3, 2005. Carlisle. Rosemary Hoffman, PA-C ’02, Hammonton, NJ, married Steve DeCicco on August 21, 2004, in Woodbury, New Jersey. Class of 1994 Class Agent: Judith A. Gardner, DO Patrick J. McHugh, DO ’02, Strafford, PA, and his wife, Keri Jo McHugh, 215-428-9383, [email protected] DO ’02, are the proud parents of Liam Patrick, born on October 25, 2005. The Drs. McHugh currently serve as emergency physicians at Landstuhl Stacey J. Carlitz, DO, Clarks Summit, Regional Medical Center in Landstuhl, Germany; they welcome friends and PA, joined Women’s Care Center. colleagues to stay in touch via www.mchughdo.com. Anita W. Eisenhart, DO, Hopewell Junction, NY, traveled to Philadelphia Brenda R. Sharratt, DO ’91, Sentani, Papua, Indonesia, married Yusman to compete with over 8,000 runners in Boas Enumbi on August 25, 2005, in Mulia, Papua, Indonesia. A second the 28th Annual Jefferson Hospital wedding is planned in the States next year. Philadelphia Distance Run, a 13.1-mile half marathon, on September 18, 2005. Lori Ann Truman, DO ’97, Yardley, PA, married Jason Glyndon Kraft on William P. Galli, DO, Mountain Home, September 17, 2005, in Carbondale, Pennsylvania. The honeymoon was a AR, joined Burnett-Croom-Lincoln- Mediterranean cruise to Spain, France, Italy and Greece. Dr. Truman-Kraft Paden-Williams Clinic. Dr. Galli recently is a partner with Bucks Family Medicine in Levittown, Pennsylvania. completed a one-year critical care fellow- ship in St. Louis, Missouri. Daniel J. Wilkin, DO ’02, Matawan, NJ, and his wife, Jennifer, are the proud parents of Harrison Daniel, born on August 12, 2005. Dr. Wilkin joined Robert Pearson, DO, at Bergen Primary Care Associates in Emerson, New Jersey.

27 2006 CLASSNOTES

Todd A. Taylor, DO, Mifflintown, PA, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Class of 2002 was named “2005 Preceptor of the Medicine. He is currently serving as Sandra Ranieri Costa, DO, Harrisburg, Year” by Northcentral Pennsylvania chief resident at PCOM. PA, successfully completed the Area Health Education Center. American Osteopathic Board of Family Class of 2000 Practice examination in March 2005. Class of 1995 Class Agent: Edward Casey, DO On June 18, 2005, Dr. Costa graduated Class Agent: Francis N. Ogbolu, DO [email protected] from the Harrisburg Family Practice 606-833-9870 Keith Boell, DO, Danville, PA, Residency Program and was the recipi- Robert J. Brus, DO, Boothwyn, PA, Geisinger Medical Center’s internal ent of the “Society for Teachers of was selected by colleague physicians as medicine pediatrics 2005 chief resident, Family Medicine Outstanding Teaching one of Delaware’s “top internists,” as has joined Geisinger as a full time staff Resident Award.” She is employed at reported by Delaware Today. member. Pinnacle Health as an attending family Robert F. Kopecki, DO, Avondale, PA, Shannon Kearney, DO, Trexlertown, medicine physician. was selected by colleague physicians as PA, joined the medical staff at Lehigh Michelle L. Landis, DO, Jefferson, one of Delaware’s “top internists,” as Valley Hospital and Health Network. NC, joined Ashe Medical Associates. reported by Delaware Today. Matthew McElroy, DO, Danville, PA, Brandon S. Poterjoy, DO, joined the sports medicine team at Philadelphia, PA, completed a pediatric Class of 1997 Geisinger Medical Center. residency at St. Christopher’s Hospital Anita J. Sinese, DO, Lansdale, PA, Class Agent: Daniel W. Matkiwsky, DO for Children in June 2005. In July joined Central Montgomery Medical 908-353-7949 2005, he began a three-year fellowship Jerome V. Benz, Jr., DO, York, PA, Center as a hospitalist. in neonatal/perinatal medicine at St. joined the medical staff at Eyes of York. Christopher’s Hospital for Children. Matthew R. Cole, DO, Greensburg, Class of 2001 Mark L. Stabile, Jr., DO, Hermitage, PA, joined Jeannette Medical Providers Class Agents: Connie Andrejko, DO, PA, joined the University of Pittsburgh and Mercy Jeannette Hospital. and Kenneth Andrejko, DO Medical Center’s medical staff and Phan Nguyen, DO, Davison, MI, 215-873-8384 Daisley Family Practice. joined McClaren Community Medical Nicholas A. Grimaldi, DO, York, PA, Center in Davison and McClaren received honorable mention in the Class of 2003 OB/GYN Associated in Flushing, 2005 POMA Clinical Essay Contest David W. Kaylor, DO, Harker Heights, Michigan. for his article titled “A retrospective TX, was selected chief resident for study comparing perioperative auto- 2005-2006 at Darnell Army Hospital in transfusion and Hemovac use after Fort Hood, Texas. Class of 1998 total knee arthroplasty: Is a periopera- Class Agent: James V. Lieb, DO tive autotransfusion system indicated 814-946-2708 for everyone?” Class of 2004 Jonathan M. Gusdorff, DO, Harveys C. Christopher Harootunian, DO, Nicole M. Agostino, DO, Perkasie, PA, Lake, PA, joined Delaware Open MRI. Carver, MA, joined Plymouth-Carver was the recipient of Pennsylvania David E. Henner, DO, Pittsfield, MA, Primary Care. Osteopathic Medical Association’s joined the medical staff at Berkshire Ian Dennis Holgado, DO, West “2005 Golden Quill Award” for her Medical Center. Chester, PA, joined the department article titled “Case Report: Uncommon Anthony S. Leazzo, DO, Plainfield, IL, of family practice at Chester County Presentation of Metastatic Non-small joined the medical staff at Corwin Hospital. Cell Lung Cancer.” Medical Care in Plainfield. Raquel M. Szlanic, DO, Philadelphia, Stacy Franz, DO, New York, NY, was Chad Potteiger, DO, Maryville, TN, PA, joined the medical staff at Main named “Intern of the Year” at Union joined the medical staff at Blout Line Health Center in Exton, Hospital. She is a resident in physical Memorial Hospital. Pennsylvania. and rehabilitation therapy at New York- Dominic J. Valentino, III, DO, Presbyterian Hospital, the University Class of 1999 Philadelphia, PA, was awarded the Hospital of Columbia and Cornell. Class Agent: Tabatha Jeffers, DO “Best Case Presentation in Airway I 814-375-0460, [email protected] Category” at the 71st Annual American Donald M. Sesso, DO, Gwynedd College of Chest Physicians’ Meeting in Valley, PA, completed a six-year ENT- Montreal, Quebec (November 2005). facial plastic surgery residency at

28 PCOM DIGEST

E-MAIL YOUR NEWS AND PHOTOS TO MADELINE LAW: [email protected]. CLASSNOTES

|Ashley Kase, MS ’05 (EdS ’08) CERTIFICATES OF MERIT John W. Becher, DO ’70, Newtown Square, PA, was the recipient of the GOING BACK TO SCHOOL “Bruce D. Horton, DO Lifetime With a dual degree in psychology and business Achievement Award” presented by the under her belt, Ashley Kase, MS ’05 (EdS ’08), left American College of Osteopathic academia and went to work in an organizational Emergency Physicians. consulting firm. It wasn’t long before she knew David A. Bitonte, DO ’80, Louisville, that a corporate career wasn’t what she wanted. She OH, was elected president of the Ohio wanted to find a way to help children without being Osteopathic Medical Association. James D. Bove, III, DO ’91, Marion, a teacher. She looked at her options and decided to OH, was inducted as a fellow of the earn her master’s degree in school psychology at American College of Osteopathic PCOM. Ashley not only earned her master’s degree, she also received the Surgeons. Dean’s Award for academic and personal excellence and is now enrolled in John B. Bulger, DO ’95, Danville, PA, the school’s Educational Specialist program. was inducted as the 2005 teacher of the While working toward her degree full time, she is also a full-time Pre-K year of the American College of assistant teacher. “Having experience in the classroom will help me work Osteopathic Internists. more effectively with teachers when I’m a school psychologist,” she explains. Thomas G. DiPasquale, DO ’81, Ashley wants to continue her work in a pre-school setting as a school psy- Temple Terrace, FL, was inducted as a chologist. “I feel that’s where I can have the biggest impact,” she says. “I can fellow of the American Osteopathic already see four-year-olds who need help. And I’ve seen the impact one per- Academy of Orthopedics. son can have.” Patrick L. Elliott, DO ’88, Media, PA, The need for school psychologists was driven home for Ashley when she was inducted as a fellow of the completed her practicum during her master’s program. “I shadowed a school American College of Osteopathic Surgeons. psychologist at an inner-city elementary school,” she explains. “There were Simona C. Eng, DO ’98, Salisbury, so many kids with so many needs and only one school psychologist for four MD, was inducted as a fellow of the schools. It was heartbreaking.” American Osteopathic Academy of Ashley notes that she chose PCOM because she “liked the clinical and Orthopedics. medical aspects of the program. It’s important to know what chronic health Robert P. Falconiero, DO ’84, issues mean for a child in a school setting. As school psychologists, we need Moorestown, NJ, was elected president to help the parents and teachers understand how to cope as well as how to of the American Osteopathic Academy address the specific needs of the kids who have the health issues.” of Orthopedics. As far as leaving the business world behind, Ashley has no regrets. “I like John M. Ferretti, II, DO ’73, Erie, PA, the school environment much more than business. I like watching the chil- received the “Distinguished Service dren’s progress and making a difference in their lives. At the end of the day, I Award” presented by the Pennsylvania really feel that I’ve accomplished something important.” Osteopathic Medical Association. Stacey L. Fitch, DO ’97, King of Prussia, PA, was inducted as a fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Internists. Cynthia Fokas Gessler, DO ’97, Class of 2005 Malvern, PA, was inducted as a fellow Sean McMillan, DO, Blackwood, NJ, Griffin Bicking, DO ’05; Matthew of the American College of Osteopathic was a third-place winner in the Student Grove, DO ’05; George McKay, Emergency Physicians. Prize Competition at the 2005 AOA DO ’05; Margie Orris, DO ’05; and Terrie B. Ginsberg, DO ’97, Elkins Research Conference Poster Session Charlotte H. Greene, PhD, professor, Park, PA, was inducted as a fellow of for his presentation, “Porcine Small neuroscience, physiology & pharmacology. the American College of Osteopathic Intestine Submucosa for Modeling Internists. Elbow Ulnar Collateral Ligament Regeneration: Pt. 2.” His co-investiga- tors were Kathleen Boyle, DO ’05;

29 2006 CLASSNOTES

CERTIFICATES OF MERIT Judith A. Lightfoot, DO ’92, Sewell, Andrea D. Pedano, DO ’90, (CONTINUED) NJ, was inducted as a fellow of the Philadelphia, PA, was inducted as a American College of Osteopathic fellow of the American College of Louis C. Haenel, III, DO ’70, Internists. Osteopathic Family Physicians. Stratford, NJ, was the 2005 internist of Timothy J. Lilly, DO ’85, Grove City, Mary E. Quillinan, DO ’86, Lakeland, the year of the American College of PA, was inducted as a fellow of the FL, was inducted as a fellow of the Osteopathic Internists. American College of Osteopathic American College of Osteopathic Gary R. Hill, DO ’84, Fort Lauderdale, Internists. Family Physicians. FL, was inducted as a fellow of the Douglas L. McGee, DO ’87, Janis A. Roberts, DO ’87, Troy, OH, American College of Osteopathic Birchrunville, PA, was the recipient of was inducted as a fellow of the Internists. the “Benjamin A. Field, DO Mentor American College of Osteopathic Suzanne K. Kelley, DO ’77, Award” presented by the American Family Physicians. Harrisburg, PA, was named “Family College of Osteopathic Emergency Kevin R. Roth, DO ’97, Orefield, PA, Physician of the Year” by the Physicians. was inducted as a fellow of the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Family John J. McPhilemy, DO ’78, Lafayette American College of Osteopathic Physicians Society. Hill, PA, was named “Sports Medicine Emergency Physicians. Glenn A. Kline, DO ’83, Lancaster, Physician of the Year” by the Irwin Rothman, VMD, DO ’51, PA, was inducted as a fellow of the Philadelphia Congress of Sports Wynnewood, PA, was bestowed the title American College of Osteopathic Medicine. of professor emeritus by Philadelphia Surgeons. Stephen D. Mifsud, DO ’83, York, College of Osteopathic Medicine. Joseph J. Kuchinski, DO ’86, PA, was inducted as a fellow of the Erik I. Soiferman, DO ’99, Mountain Lakes, NJ, was the recipient American College of Osteopathic Phoenixville, PA, was inducted as a of the “Meritorious Service Award” pre- Emergency Physicians. fellow of the American College of sented by the American College of Thomas D. Mino, DO ’92, Osteopathic Internists. Osteopathic Emergency Physicians. Broomfield, CO, was elected president Joseph J. Stella, DO ’91, Pittston, PA, Leslie B. Latterman, DO ’90, of the Colorado Society of Osteopathic was inducted as a fellow of the Pittsburgh, PA, was inducted as a fellow Medicine. American College of Osteopathic of the American College of Osteopathic Daniel E. Oberdick, Sr., DO ’84, Surgeons. Internists. York, PA, was inducted as a fellow of Elizabeth M. Tucker, DO ’93, Robert I. Lewis, DO ’77, Plain City, the American College of Osteopathic Hamilton, NY, was inducted as a fellow OH, was inducted as a fellow of the Emergency Physicians. of the American College of Osteopathic American College of Osteopathic Surgeons. Surgeons. |Domenic DeBias, PhD

IN MEMORIAM Domenic DeBias, PhD, titles of assistant dean for basic sciences and assistant dean Philadelphia, PA, passed away on for special programs. In 1998, he was named professor January 2, 2006. Dr. DeBias emeritus. stood at the helm of PCOM’s Dr. DeBias earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees physiology and pharmacology from Temple University and his doctoral degree in physi- department for 22 years, but he ology from Jefferson Medical College. He also received a is remembered first and foremost diploma in aerospace medicine from the U.S. Air Force as a respected and beloved Training Command, Brooks Air Force Base, TX. He was teacher (many students called a postdoctoral fellow in the division of endocrine and him, “DAD”–his initials). The recipient of eight Teacher cancer research, as well as a public health fellow at of the Year awards, he was also presented with the presti- Jefferson Medical College. gious Lindback Foundation Award for distinguished Dr. DeBias is survived by his wife Eleanor and five teaching. children, two of whom are family physicians, one a Dr. DeBias joined PCOM in 1975 as professor and PCOM graduate. chair of physiology and pharmacology. He also held the

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E-MAIL YOUR NEWS AND PHOTOS TO MADELINE LAW: [email protected]. CLASSNOTES

In Memoriam

William M.I. Barrett, DO ’69, Cheltenham, PA, November 8, 2005. Frank P. Baskin, DO ’55, |Roy N. Pasker, DO ’65 Philadelphia, PA, November 21, 2005. Leonard Becker, DO ’45, Boca Raton, FL, September 11, 2005. IN MEMORIAM Charles J. Berg, DO ’72, Wadsworth, Roy Pasker, DO ’65, Montgomery, AL, OH, August 29, 2005. passed away on October 6, 2005. A great Anthony F. Ciliberti, DO ’61, physician and supporter of Philadelphia College Hilltop, NJ, August 1, 2005. of Osteopathic Medicine, he served the College Bernard J. Cohen, DO ’44, Tamarac, as professor of psychiatry and as vice chair of the FL, February 10, 2006. department of psychiatry. Kenneth W. Dunkle, Jr., DO ’79, A decorated war hero (including a Bronze Grove City, PA, September 3, 2005. star for valor and Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry Peter Engelhard, DO ’91, Miami with Palm), Dr. Pasker served with honor in the United States Marine Beach, FL, January 22, 2006. Corps during the Vietnam conflict. He served as battalion surgeon, Bruce C. Equi, DO ’75, Port Saint 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment (“The Walking Dead”), 3rd Lucie, FL, December 13, 2005. Marine Division. Quentin R. Flickenger, DO ’51, In Montgomery, Alabama, Dr. Pasker served first as medical Virginia Beach, VA, July 5, 2005. director of Meadhaven at Baptist Medical Center and then as clinical Gregory S. Foster, DO ’85, Annadale, director of Greil State Psychiatric Hospital. He retired from Greil in NJ, August 25, 2005. September 2005. Norman M. Gordon, DO ’42, Cape Dr. Pasker was past president of the Alabama Osteopathic Medical May, NJ, October 19, 2005. Association and a member of the American Osteopathic Association and Seymour M. Guyer, DO ’53, the Medical Association of the State of Alabama. Wyncote, PA, November 2, 2005. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Rose Diane, a son, a daughter Jennings B. Joye, DO ’53, Winter and two grandchildren. Haven, FL, October 7, 2005. Of his friend and colleague, David Coffey, DO ’84, remembers, Murray Klein, DO ’77, Oaklyn, NJ, “Roy’s greatest attribute was that he cared and that you knew he cared. December 12, 2005. He was always a focused listener. He found the good in everyone, R. Raymond Kuptsow, DO ’40, especially the lowliest, because he felt everyone came from God and God Wyncote, PA, November 25, 2005. was good.” Phyllis J. May, RN ’57, Rio Rancho, NM, May 2005. Floyce D. McCauley, DO ’72, Hilltown, PA, December 18, 2005. Roy N. Pasker, DO ’65, Montgomery, AL, October 6, 2005. Albert Sine, DO ’70, Boynton Beach, FL, November 19, 2005. William P. Sutherland, DO ’75, Ashtabula, OH, September 15, 2005. Susan Todaro, DO ’79, Oak Ridge, NJ, May 2005. Louis C. Zlotkin, DO ’42, Cranberry, NJ, April 14, 2005. 31 2006 ESSAY My Turn By Debra Bjork (DO ’09)

I am crying as I write this reflection all American textile jobs are on the encouragement, I left my teaching because that is what I do when my life decline, and most have been replaced position, enrolled in college science is so unbelievable. You see, I am not with overseas labor. Once I was no courses and prepared for and took your typical medical student. My longer able to help secure work for my the MCAT examination. fellow classmates call me “Mama students, I surmised that there wasn’t a The same determination that PCOM” because I am as old as most need for me to train them. I prayed for brought me to GA-PCOM is what of their mothers. guidance as I sought a new career path. keeps me going. There is so much to My academic experience also learn in such a short time that some- diverges in many ways from their times I just want to retreat home to my more traditional experiences. For me, “But why, you might ask, simple life in the country. I constantly the road to medical school was long would I turn my life miss my husband, whose employment and tenuous. I applied in vain for three requires he remain near our home. years to an allopathic medical school upside down? Why However, I love the challenges GA- in the vicinity of my South Carolina live apart from my PCOM’s curriculum presents and home, husband, three dogs and four the interactions and interpersonal cats. A friend at last advised me to con- established existence? connections I have developed with the sider osteopathic medicine. As I began campus’s dedicated faculty and my my preliminary research of this special For me, it is a simple fellow classmates. Every day is filled approach to medicine, I instantaneous- answer: I prayed.” with wonder. Medicine inspires me; ly identified with the holistic nature I am humbled to be a part of it. osteopathic medicine embraces. I also identified with the city of Atlanta, Education had been my life. I loved which I was delighted to see pop up on my students and I wanted the best for my computer screen. I followed a link them. Mine was always a desire to to GA-PCOM–and here I am. teach my students as “whole people”– But why, you might ask, would I to sharpen their minds, bodies and turn my life upside down? Why live spirits. With the osteopathic philoso- apart from my established existence? phy in mind, the idea came to me that For me, it is a simple answer: I prayed. I might be able to perform similar Nine years ago, I was 14 years into services for children, adults and a career as a vocational high school families in rural South Carolina as a teacher. My charge was to teach indus- physician. I knew the path was a long trial sewing. But over the years, struc- shot, especially given my age, but I was tural changes in the textile industry assured it was the right thing to do. Debra Bjork (DO ’09) began to impact the job market. Now, With my husband’s unwavering

Readers: The staff of Digest welcomes your ideas for essays that would be of interest to the PCOM community. Please submit ideas in writing to Jennifer Schaffer Leone. E-mail [email protected]; fax 215-871-6307; or mail Marketing and Communications, 4180 City Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19131-1695.

32 PCOM DIGEST MARK YOUR CALENDAR AND SAVE THE DATES!

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Schedule of Events FRIDAY, JUNE 2, 2006 SATURDAY, JUNE 3, 2006 SUNDAY, JUNE 4, 2006 Welcome Party at the Manayunk Family Fun Barbecue and Campus Alumni Day at Adventure Aquarium Brewery and Restaurant Open House at the PCOM Campus Continuing Medical Education Reunion Receptions and Dinner Dance at Seminars at the PCOM Campus the Hilton Philadelphia City Avenue Continuing Medical Education Seminars at the PCOM Campus SEE YOUSoon! May 3-5 (Alumni Reception, May 3) POMA Annual Clinical Assembly PCOMEVENTS King of Prussia, PA May 3-6 ACOS Annual Clinical Assembly Rosen Center Hotel, Orlando, FL May 5 Ten-Year Anniversary Celebration for PCOM Psychology Program PCOM Campus, Philadelphia, PA May 27-June 1 (Alumni/Student Reception, May 28) AAPA Annual PA Conference San Francisco, CA June 2-4 Alumni Weekend 2006 PCOM Campus, Philadelphia, PA June 4 DO Class of 2006 Commencement Kimmel Center, Philadelphia, PA June 25 Reading Phillies Baseball Game “Be kind in thought to the atoms of life.” First Energy Stadium, Reading, PA - Andrew Taylor Still

PHILADELPHIA COLLEGE OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE 4180 City Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19131-1695