Merima Ramovic, MS I

Did You Know?

Henry Wadsworth Long fellow (1807-1882), a resident of Cambridge, Mass., and Portland, Maine, wrote his poem "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" in the midst of personal and national suffering.

In 1861, tragedy struck both the nation and the Longfellow home. Confederate forces fired the opening salvos of the Civil War, and Henry's wife Fanny was fatally burned in a tragic accident in the family library in Cambridge, Mass.

A few drops of sealing wax had fallen undetected on Fanny's dress. A breeze blew through the open window and the hot material set the dress ablaze. Henry tried to smother the flames with his own body, but Fanny died of her injuries the following day.

Longfellow's trademark beard was a result of his inability to shave after sustaining burns to his face and hands.

The first Christmas after the accident, Henry wrote in his journal, "How inexpressibly sad are all holidays."

A year after the accident, Longfellow wrote, "I can make no record of these days. Better leave them wrapped in silence. Perhaps someday God will give me peace."

On December 25th, 1862, Henry still felt his loss keenly, moaning, "'A merry Christmas' say the children, but that is no more for me."

Tragedy had not left the Longfellow home. In 1863, Henry received word that his son Charles, a lieutenant in the Army of the Potomoc, had been gravely wounded in battle. His death seemed certain.

The Christmas of 1863 is poignantly blank in Longfellow's journal.

Lt. Charles Longfellow survived his wounds, however, and by the end of 1864, the war had turned. Henry had suffered for three long years. Now, he chose hope.

He wrote the words to "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" on Dec. 25th, 1864, and the stanzas reflect his personal pain as well as his personal conviction that peace and goodwill would eventually triumph over wrong.

Longfellow's tale, and the story of Merima Ramovic, remind us that though suffering and tragedy are a part of this life, there is hope. Let us all remember.  

The Turks conquered the Balkans over five hundred years ago. They introduced Islam to the Orthodox Christian area, and most Serb nobles converted in order to maintain power. The Serbian peasants remained steadfastly Orthodox, while the Croats clung to Catholicism. For the better part of five hundred years, the Serbs simmered with rage at the grievances perpetrated by the Islamic elite in their country. 10% of all Christian boys were taken from their homes as a “Boy Tax” and impressed into the Corps of Janissaries to fight the sultan’s battles.

Orthodox Serbs lived and died in the hope that one day they would throw off the yoke of their Muslim overlords.

During World War II, the region of Yugoslavia put up a stiff resistance to the Nazi armies of Adolf Hitler. The guerrilla movement, led by Josip Tito, evolved into a Communist government after the war. Tito held together the multi-ethnic region of Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia-Hercegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Kosovo, and Vojvodina through sheer force of personality. After his death in 1980, the country was left without strong leadership. By the late 1980s, another leader, a Serbian by the name of Slobodan Milosevic, gained power through the use of nationalistic rhetoric and religious hatred.

Milosevic inherited the heavy weaponry of the former Yugoslav army and the hate of his repressed people. He quickly put both to use by invading the break-away republic of Croatia. The Croat government had enacted discriminatory laws against Orthodox Serbs, and Milosevic and his Serb army swept in ostensibly to protect the mistreated Serbs. They bombarded the city of Vukovar for 86 days, turned it to rubble, and began mass executions of Croat men after the city fell.

In April of 1992, the independence of another break-away republic, Bosnia-Hercegovina, was recognized by the international community. Bosnia was a mostly Muslim country with an Orthodox Serb minority of 32%. Milosevic declared a crusade to ‘liberate’ the Serbs from their Muslim neighbors. The Serb army invaded Bosnia in the spring of 1992. Five hundred years of bitter history reared its ugly head as the Serbs laid siege to the capital city of Sarajevo. The world watched in horror as mortar shells crashed into markets and 3,500 children were gunned down by Serb snipers.

Serb paramilitary groups also began a campaign of ‘ethnic cleansing’ throughout the country, rounding up thousands of Muslim Bosniak men to ‘process’. The Serbs developed a system of rape camps where they terrorized and abused non-Serb women and children. Many of the troops were foreign Cetniks with long beards and square hats. They were driven by their own dubious religious beliefs and a lust for revenge against the Muslims whose forefathers had ruled the region. The Serb militias rampaged in an ever-widening circle of torture, rape, and death.

The Wolf Brigades reached Merima’s town in April of 1992. 

The War That Wouldn't Quit

Foca (pronounced FO-cha) clings like a child to the skirts of the Drina River in Southeastern Bosnia-Hercegovinia, about 32 miles from Sarajevo. It is a frontier region: rugged, mountainous, sharing its spiny ridge with the nearby towns of Krivaje, Budimlije, and Sukovac. At 43۫۫ N, Foca is almost exactly the same latitude as Portland, Maine. The municipality had a population of 40,000 souls in the last census before the war. Foca proper had a population of 15,300, about the size of the city of Saco. Half the population was Muslim Bosniaks, the rest Serbs. 

According to a 52-page document published by The Human Rights Watch, Foca’s troubles started in April of 1992 and continued for the next three years. It is never a good thing when Human Rights Watch writes a 52-page paper about your town. During this time the Muslim population was liquidated or forced to flee. The report summarizes the violence in rather cold, unaffected language:

“Once the Bosnian Serb and Serb forces had completely occupied the Foca municipality, they began rounding up all non-Serb civilians from the surrounding villages, separating the men from the women, and imprisoning them in numerous detention facilities. The Foca police worked closely with the Serb military forces occupying the municipality and played primary and direct roles in the arrest, expulsion, detention, rape, torture, and murder of the non-Serb population of the town. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) was denied access to Foca from the time of the takeover on April 7, 1992, until the beginning of October of that year. By the time they gained access, it was too late for thousands of non-Serbs from Foca who had been imprisoned and subsequently either expelled or killed. By the time the ICRC entered, few non-Serbs were left alive in the municipality.”

Many more details are available about the itemized list of abuses perpetrated by the Serbs in Foca, but after reading a few pages I felt sick to my stomach. It is enough to understand that such a report exists, and that Merima and her family were fortunate to escape. Many did not.

The war went on and on and claimed 200,000 lives before a NATO and U.S.-led coalition stepped in as a direct result of the Srebrenica massacre. At Srebrenica in 1995, Serb paramilitary troops known as ‘Scorpions’ filmed themselves killing 8,000 Muslim men and boys. The footage shows them laughing.

Masked Serb Forces Display Mascot

The Girl Who Won't Give Up

Maybe it takes a war that wouldn’t quit to produce a young woman who won’t give up. Insert into this horror a nine-year old Bosnian girl and her family. As I listened to Merima my face reddened. I thought of all the excuses I have used over the years to cover what amounted to academic laziness. Merima does not make excuses, though she has an ample arsenal of challenging circumstances from which to draw. Instead, she speaks frankly of the difficulties she has faced, as though they were the stuff from which success is made. 

Merima’s bandolier of unused excuses could include bullets of various calibers. When the Serbian Wolf Brigades tore through Foca, she could see smoke rising from villages on the hills. Because she lived on the other side of the river from the main town, her family was spared some of the ravages that many others suffered. But not all.

Serb troops collected all the local weapons, including her father’s rifle, so that the Bosniaks could not resist. Her father barely escaped the roundups of fighting-aged men. Trucks usually came at night. A squad of Serbian soldiers would leap out, roadblock an alley, then go house-to-house pulling all the men and teenage boys from their beds. After being beaten in detention centers, the men were selected at random for further processing. The overflowing trucks would leave the village and the occupants were never heard from again. A friend of Merima’s jumped out of one such truck and survived - for a time.

A Dream From a Dumpster

The Ramovics slept in the forest at night to avoid Serb patrols. Eventually it became too dangerous even to stay in the thickets behind the village, and the family received warning that a raid was pending for their region. They fled on foot for 15 days until they reached the Muslim enclave in Sarajevo.

During these dark days, Merima began to dream. Her father had been a businessman before the war, and he would bring home little presents for his children. Merima received dolls, and she always did the same thing with each of them. She explains, “The dolls were made out of a soft substance, maybe rubber or something. This may sound weird, but every time I got one I would take a knife and cut carefully into the doll. Then I would take a needle and thread and stitch them back together.” She laughs shyly and adds, “I knew there was nothing inside them, but I could dream.”

When the war disrupted everything, Merima had no toys at all. She went out one day and looked through the rubbish. Among the detritus of human misery, she found a doll. But the war had touched even this little thing, and its arms were missing. Merima made limbs for the doll and threaded them through with rubber band ligaments to keep them in place. From the dumpster she had saved a doll. She made it a goal to nurture others for the rest of her life.

Serb Soldier in Merima's hometown of Foca. April, 1992. 

The Incredible Journey

In happier days, Sarajevo had hosted the 1984 Olympic Games. The Ramovics stayed in the shell-pocked and gutted Olympic Village, where snipers shot at Merima. Danger was too great there, and so Mrs. Ramovic and the children caught a truck to Croatia. The condition of their escape was the conscription of Mr. Ramovic into the Bosnian army. The family separated with no assurance that they would ever see each other alive.

While in Croatia, they lived as refugees for a time in a stadium in Split. They had nothing, says Merima, except the clothes they wore. Eventually, her family was allowed into Germany since her father had relatives there. Merima began to learn German and started 4^th grade. She worked very hard, and was a good student despite her initial language deficit. Her father survived the war and rejoined the family.

In 1999, the Ramovics were granted a visa to the United States. Merima’s mother has a cousin in Utica, NY, so the family stayed there. The children took a language course in the summer to augment the two words of English they knew, “Yes,” and “No.” In September, Merima started 11^th grade at T.R. Proctor High School in Utica. On the first day, the translator never showed up. Merima remembers searching for her classroom by herself. She took mostly science courses, since numbers, symbols, and equations easily crossed the language barrier. By 12^th grade, she was an A-student and received her Regent’s diploma. After excelling at a nearby college, Merima went through the medical school application process. UNECOM was a top choice because she knew she could do some of her rotations in Utica.

When she was accepted to UNECOM, she was ecstatic. I remember Merima bursting into the RSAS office with a huge grin on her face, ready to tackle Gross Anatomy and whatever other challenges med school offered. Her joy was obvious, and contagious. Joy is one of the few nice things to catch.

Determination to Excel 

Merima’s eyes tell two stories. The first is her zest for life. The girl fairly sparkles. Spend any length of time with Merima and you are treated to her flashing smile and ready laugh. Second, and less obvious, is her sheer determination to excel. There is a fire behind the light. Merima really wants to be a doctor. She knew this from those early childhood days suturing dolls, and her resolve has only increased over the intervening years. She thinks she might like to specialize in cardiology, but her rotations will help sort out her specific interests. There are still plenty of classes to take.

It is amazing what Merima has achieved despite her difficult background. She is tri-lingual in a day and age when most American students seem to have trouble learning English. She claims not to be a risk-taker, though risk has seemed to follow her of its own accord. She laughs and says she’ll climb a tree, but not one out of which she might fall. You can understand her desire for security, and her drive to excel. Though Merima escaped from Foca, Foca still has not quite left Merima.

Sometimes the war continues. In an email sent just before Thanksgiving, Merima wrote, “On the 14^th of November, 2005, my grandfather’s remains were identified from a mass grave in Spilja, 40 km from Foca. The authorities suspect that one of my uncles may be in the mass grave as well. Happy Thanksgiving. – Merima.”

Merima still doesn’t know who shot at her. She never saw their faces. But she survived the Balkan war and her dream is to nurture other human beings who suffer. Serb snipers failed to kill her as a child, and now she wants to save other lives.

You can see it in her eyes.

Sources: "A Closed, Dark Place: Past and Present Human Rights Abuses in Foca," The Human Rights Watch, www.hrw.org/reports98/foca/; TravelPost.com; The History Place: Genocide in the 20th Century, www.thehistoryplace.com/worldhistory/genocide/bosnia.htm; USA Today: The War in Bosnia, www.usatoday.com /news/index/bosnia/nbos002.htm.

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Both the University and Westbrook College Campuses will be closed.

Once again both UNE campuses will be closed for the week between Christmas and New Year’s (Dec. 26 - 30). While this provides all of us with a well-deserved break and an opportunity to enjoy the holiday season with family and friends, it is also a practical cost-savings measure. By keeping doors closed (building entrances will be locked) and regulating heat over this period, we can save up to $30,000 in utility costs.

There will only be a small number of unavoidable exceptions to this policy. These include University Health Care (patient care), University Relations (gift acceptance), Accounts Receivable (time-sensitive electronic transactions), Mail Services, the maintenance of required scientific data that cannot be interrupted and the care of laboratory animals.

No other exceptions will be granted. Our security and facilities staff will be enforcing this policy during the five-day vacation period (four holiday days and one personal/vacation day) and the two weekends before and after that week.

Thank you for your cooperation, and have a great holiday break!

Sandra Featherman, President

Did You Know?

Buser Named Interim Dean

"It is a great pleasure to announce that VPAA Jacque Carter and I have selected Boyd Buser, D.O., associate dean for clinical affairs, to serve as interim dean of the College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Dr. Buser has a long and distinguished history with UNECOM and the osteopathic profession at both national and state levels. He served as chair of our medical school's Department of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine from 1986 to 1999, and as associate dean from 1999 to the present. Dr. Buser is currently third vice president and trustee of the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), and was president of the Maine Osteopathic Association from 1999-2001.

He also was named Educator of the Year in 1994 by the AOA and the American Osteopathic Foundation. The following year he served as president of the American Academy of Osteopathy. He currently serves as the Academy's secretary/treasurer, chairs the nominating committee and is a member of the international affairs, investment and osteopathic medical economics committees. Dr. Buser is the chair of the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners and chair of the AOA's Coding and Reimbursement Advisory Panel.

On top of all this, Dr. Buser is a respected and beloved teacher, and has been a very effective fundraiser for the medical school's new biomedical research center. We believe he is an outstanding choice to ensure the continuing success of our medical school while we conduct a national search for a permanent dean.

In mid-January Dr. Buser will replace Dean Stephen Shannon, D.O., M.P.H., who will be leaving UNE at that time to become the president of the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) based in Maryland. This is a great honor for both, Dean Shannon and the University of New England."

- Sandra Featherman, President of UNE

The United States suffered over 400,000 military deaths during World War II. That is more than World War I, the Korean War, Vietnam, and both Gulf Wars combined.

American military personnel still stand in harm's way every day. Iraq and Afghanistan have claimed nearly 2,400 American lives in the past four years. More than 16,000 troops have been wounded.

The UNECOM chapter of AMOPS (Association of Military Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons) boasts a membership of 15 students, while roughly 10% of each class participates in the National Health Professions Scholarship Program.

Veterans' Day Honors Sacrifices of the Brave

Veteran's Day was commemorated November 11th. Originally known as Armistice Day, it was named a national holiday to commemorate the anniversary of the Armistice which was signed on Nov. 11, 1918 in the Forest of Compiegne between the Allies and the Germans.  As evidenced by World War II, this was not the "War to End All Wars" and many of the soldiers in WW II had little (if anything) to do with WW I.  Therefore, the significance of Armistice Day was changing.  On May 24, 1954, in an Act by Congress, the name of Armistice Day was changed to Veteran's Day.  The day was meant to serve as a day of remembrance for all soldiers of all wars.

Veterans' Day reminds us that freedom is not free.  Make sure to remember throughout the year the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice, those who have served in the past, and those who continue to serve in this nation's military.

Very Respectfully,
Matthew Lutynski, OMS II
'05-'06 AMOPS Co-President
ENS, MC, USNR

and Steve Smith, RSAS

Photo by Sarah Bannister, MS II

Did You Know?

UNECOM has one of the most challenging didactic programs in the country.  Students attend more hours of lecture than most students at other osteopathic or allopathic schools. 

While students may carp about the heavy course load, there is little doubt that the program is effective. Graduates feel well-prepared for their clinical careers as a result of the heavy grounding they receive during the first two years of med school. 

Post Gross Toast 2005

There was a roaring fire, and champagne. Eyes twinkled and hugs abounded. Scrubs were scorched, not cars. For one glorious night, med school took on the hue of a romantic evening out. Well, maybe minus the flaming apparel. The Post Gross Toast (and Roast) was held on Tuesday, November 15^th, 2005. Dinner was provided in the Campus Center multi-purpose rooms, after which a number of speakers offered amusing and heartwarming monologues to laud the victorious class of 2009.

The event is held each year after the majority of MS I’s have completed Gross Anatomy. A monster of a course, Gross Anatomy is widely considered the most difficult didactic class in medical school. The Post Gross Toast is designed as a healthy way for the sleep-deprived and anxiety-ridden students to achieve catharsis in ways other than burning cars or rioting in the streets.

Highlights of this year’s toast included an introduction by Sigma Sigma Phi president Ross Shauberger, MS II; comments by SOMA president Romeo Lucas, MS II; soon-to-be interim dean Dr. Boyd Buser; laconic anatomy professor Dr. Neal Cross; hilarious and poignant Kevin Geffe, OPP/Anatomy Fellow; and a toast offered by the twinkling-eyed Joanie Dupont, MS II.

Photo by Robert Gionfriddo, '05

Following the toast, a bonfire was prepared by Ryan Magnuson, MS II, and his helpers. A roaring blaze was achieved, despite the wet wood and a chilly rain. Judging by the amount of accelerant used, a fire could have been built successfully out of seaweed on the bottom of the Atlantic.

Special thanks to Arij Faksh, MS II, and Amanda Dvorscak, MS II, who helped coordinate the ceremony. Also to Dana Hutchins from Facilities and Linda Varontek from Sodexho whose hard work often goes unrecognized. And of course congratulations are due to the Class of 2009 for all of their hard work and success.   

-Steve Smith, RSAS

L-R, Mike Jackson, MS I, Blake Wylie, MS II, and Scott
McQuilkin, MS II, all partake in the joy of the Post Gross
Toast, 2005.  Photo by James Gaffney, RSAS          

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Did You Know?

So you think it's cold here, huh? According to the on-line "Antarctic Connection," temperatures during the Antarctic winter average between -40 and -90° F. Chilly. The coldest recorded temperature in the land of ice and snow was a mind-numbing -129° F.

The summer is much nicer. It averages a balmy -5 to -35° F. Short-sleeves weather.

Why so cold? Antarctica is covered with ice and snow, so most of the sun's heat is re-radiated back into the atmosphere. The continent is also surrounded by ice, so the ocean does not moderate the temperature, like it does here in Biddeford. 

Finally, the ice and snow (catch a theme, here?) has built up to a depth of several miles in some places, making Antarctica the continent with the highest average elevation.

Some people like Antarctica.   

For all of you in biochemistry this semester, the penguin has a special enzyme which prohibits the digestion of food in its stomach for several days. This can allow the female emperor penguins to walk the several days' journey back to their rookeries from the Antarctic ocean before regurgitating swallowed fish to their young. Moving right along ...

According to the Sea World website, Emperor penguins are the largest living penguin, standing about 3 1/2 feet tall. In case you were wondering, penguins have a maximum walking speed of between 1.7 and 2.4 mph, depending upon the bird and the terrain (Is it fast ice or slow ice?). 

Penguins have about 70 feathers per square inch, which keeps them insulated from the cold and also helps to repel water.

Most penguins stay underwater for a minute at a time before surfacing to breathe. They maintain a blistering cruising speed of between 6 and 8 mph in the water, and will often "porpoise" to breathe (that is, they dive in and out of the water as they swim along.)

Penguins have few natural predators. Their distinctive markings would make them easy prey on the ice, but there are no large predators in Antarctica. 

In the water, the black backs of penguins camouflage them, blending them in to the sea floor when looking down upon them. Their white bellies blend with the light sky when looking up from beneath a penguin. Pretty ingenious.  

Season of Light

In one regard, December seems the darkest month. Daylight wanes until reaching its nethermost ebb on December 21st, during the Winter Solstice. Historically, holidays have sprung up in late December as cultures try to counteract the depressing lack of sunlight. Other holidays have arisen from specific events which occurred during the month. You may find it interesting to examine the three major December holidays which strive to extract a season of light from the longest nights. 

The Story of Christmas

"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shown around them, and they were terrified."-Luke 2:8-9

Christmas, of course, begins with the biblical account of the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem of Judea during the reign of Caesar Augustus, around 4 or 5 BC. The nativity story is found in the first two chapters of the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, but Christians did not start celebrating the birth of Jesus until the 4th century, focusing rather on the commemoration of Good Friday and Easter. 

As Christianity was adopted by the Roman world after the reign of Constantine, a number of Roman festivals were co-opted as Christian holidays. The logic was that since the majority of peasants were already celebrating on certain days, the church could baptize the pagan holidays with new Christian significance. Among the popular Roman holidays was Juvenalia, a celebration honoring children around the time of the winter solstice. Another was Saturnalia on December 25th, which celebrated  the birthday of Mithra, the god of the unconquerable sun.

Pope Julius I chose Saturnalia on December 25th for the new Feast of the Nativity. The celebration spread to Egypt by 432, and was then carried to England during the missionary efforts of Pope Gregory the Great at the end of the sixth century. Today, Orthodox Christians who use the Roman Julian calendar celebrate the holiday 13 days later, on January 7th.

During the middle ages, Christmas became a rowdy, Mardi Gras-like celebration for the peasants of Christendom. During the Protectorate in England under Oliver Cromwell (c. 1650), Puritan forces outlawed Christmas due to its perceived decadence. When Charles the II was restored as king, he reinstated the popular holiday. Pilgrim Puritans who came to the New World also looked with disfavor on the traditional feast, and the holiday was outlawed in Boston from 1659-1681. Not so in Jamestown, where the tradition was observed with attendant merriment.

English holidays were repudiated by the new American republic after the Revolutionary War, and Congress actually held session on December 25th, 1789. In fact, Christmas did not become a federal holiday in the United States until 1870, mostly as the result of author Washington Irving's nostalgic book detailing a "traditional" family-friendly holiday. The 19th century was a period of class struggle and social strife, and Americans warmed to the idea of a holiday which promoted peace between classes and families. Most of Irving's "traditions" were in reality inventions of his own imagination, and so the modern Christmas holiday started abruptly in the late 1800's. 

According to The History Channel's website, Americans took what had once been an ancient holiday and adapted it to their own modern material and familial desires: "In the next 100 years, Americans built a Christmas tradition all their own that included pieces of many other customs, including decorating trees, sending holiday gift cards, and gift-giving. Although most families quickly bought into the idea that they were celebrating Christmas how it had been done for centuries, Americans had really re-invented a holiday to fill the cultural needs of a growing nation." 

Today, Christmas celebrations vary widely from family to family. Some people believe it is a holiday for the children; others believe it is a month-long feast for Visa, the god of plastic. Still others continue to commemorate the birth of Jesus, finding satisfaction in the unchanging roots of the holy day and the words of the angels to the shepherds, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace to men on whom his favor rests."

Source: "The History of Christmas," www.historychannel.com/exhibits/holidays/christmas.html.     

The Story of Hanukkah

Jews in the 2nd century BCE (Before Common Era) lived in relative autonomy under the Greek Seleucid King of Syria. That all changed when Antiochus IV Epiphanes came to power in 180 BCE. After provoking the Jews for years, in 167 BCE Antiochus completely desecrated the temple in Jerusalem, offered swine on the altar, and then erected a pagan altar to Zeus, of whom Antiochus claimed to be the human representation. Not a good move.

Fueled by religious zeal, a Jewish resistance movement began under the leadership of Mattathias, a Jewish priest, and his five sons. After the death of Mattathias, his son Judas Maccabee ("The Hammer") took command, and the Jewish zealots enjoyed a series of sweeping victories against the Greek armies. In 165 BCE, the revolt was successful and the temple in Jerusalem was rededicated, three years to the day after it was profaned. Here's where the story of Hanukkah comes in.

Historians believe that the Jews wanted to celebrate a belated eight-day Feast of Tabernacles, which is the last feast of the year in the Jewish religious calendar. Unfortunately, the ritual items in the temple had been profaned, and there was only enough pure oil to light the lamp in the temple for one night. The lamp was lit, and the Jews busily went to work pressing and purifying more olive oil. The process took eight days, and the small amount of oil burned miraculously for the entire time it took to procure new oil. 

Today, Jews light eight candles during the Festival of Lights, one candle for each night that the miracle oil burned. It was not until the 20th century that Hanukkah became a major holiday, perhaps in reply to the greatly increasing role of Christmas as a material and familial holiday in contemporary culture.

The emphasis on light reminds Jews that even in the darkest of circumstances, there is hope.   

Source: Wikipedia on-line.

Kwanzaa means "First Fruits of the Harvest"

Founded in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, Kwanzaa is now celebrated by 18 million people around the world. It is a non-religious, apolitical holiday which celebrates African values of family, community responsibility, commerce, and self-improvement.

According to a Kwanzaa website, there are seven guiding principles, one for each day of the celebration which lasts from Dec. 26th to January 1st. These include:

- Umoja, which means "Unity."
- Kujichagulia, "Self-Determination."
- Ujima, "Collective Work and Responsibility."
- Ujamaa, "Cooperative economics."
- Nia, "Purpose."
- Kuumba, "Creativity."
- Imani, "Faith."

A Kinara, or seven-branched candle-holder, helps light each Kwanzaa household. In addition, decorations of fruit may garnish the home, straw placemats adorn the table, and red, green, and black trimmings may be added around the house to create an African theme. Gifts are encouraged, and a Karamu, or Kwanzaa Feast, is the highlight of the week.

Source: "Everything About Kwanzaa..." www.tike.com/celeb-kw.htm.

-Steve Smith, RSAS

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Faculty and Staff

Red Berries Blink Merrily along the Road by Biddeford Pool. Photo by Steve Smith

Broyles Keynote Speaker

India Broyles, associate professor for Medical Education in the College of Osteopathic Medicine, and her colleague Cynthia Cartwright, Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Maine Medical Center, were invited Keynote Speakers at the Surgical Educators Seminar of the Annual Clinical Assembly of the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons, Orlando FL, (October 23, 2005). Their presentation was titled "Maximally-Invasive Curriculum:  planning the implementation of a model curriculum." During the ACA conference, they also held a workshop for the following surgical disciplines: general vascular surgery, urological surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, and surgical critical care. 

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Current Students

L-R Katie Macfarlane, MS II, Chris Mozdzanowski, MS II, and Sheye Alabi, MS I, participate in the 
SOSA Review.  Photo by Tanya Hanke, MS II.

Flag Football a Smash-Mouth Success for Med Students

The Intramural flag football season was a smash-mouth success for the post-graduate teams who shelled the undergrads this year. There were nine men's teams: six undergrad and three graduate level.

Under the glaring lights behind the library, men and boys clashed in the stylized warfare that is flag football in collegiate America. Perhaps the undergrads underestimated their ancient foes. Perhaps they cherished a notion that med students are be-spectacled erudites without an ounce of fast-twitch muscle. Or perhaps they relied on early-onset Alzheimer's to cloud their opponents' game plans. Whatever the reason, the little shavers were routinely overmatched and trounced by the medical students. Despite their advanced age, the grad teams exercised greater synergy and ample athleticism to dismantle the younger teams.

The Sloppy Seconds Wear Their Fighting Orange Best.

Two MS II teams competed in the men's championship after a successful regular season. The Sloppy Seconds, captained by Jaron Coombs, finished the regular season with a sparkling 5-0 record. They lost only to the MS2ers in the championship.

The MS2ers, captained by Chris Mozdzanowski,  lost only to the Sloppy Seconds in the regular season, but pulled things together and beat them in the championship.

The MS I men's team beat all undergrad teams, only losing to fellow graduate teams composed of MS II men in the regular season and playoffs.

The MS2ers Strike a Martial Pose.

At the time of this publication, the author had little information about the women's teams, save that the MS I women's team took second overall.

-Steve Smith, RSAS, with Jaron Coombs, MS II

UNECOM Student Research Symposium 2006

CALL FOR ABSTRACTS : WEEK-LONG POSTER PRESENTATIONS in the ALFOND HEALTH CENTER , January 9^th  - 13^th

·        All members of the UNE community are invited to submit abstracts to be presented at the UNECOM student Research Symposium poster session, January 11.  We are particularly interested in providing a format for student projects in health related and biomedical research fields. 

  ·       All recipients of COM's Dean's Research Fellowship recipients are required to participate.  Projects may be work completed or work in progress.  Abstracts must be submitted by January 4, 2006 to participate (fax or email abstracts are acceptable).

·        The purpose of this forum is to promote student research participation and is a means for disseminating information about existing research opportunities.

·        The posters will be displayed on the 2^nd Floor of the Alfond  Center lobby for the week of January 9^th-13^th.  All accepted authors will be required to attend their poster 4-5 pm on January 11^th.    Research Faculty will be present and will award three presentations following the session.

Abstract Submissions:

Dr. Ian Meng
tel:  207-283-0170
email: imeng@une.edu

For questions regarding abstract submissions and poster presentations contact:

Joy Guerrieri
jguerrieri@pipeline.une.edu

Abstract submission format.

Summer Institute of Geriatric Medicine Conference

The Summer Institute in Geriatrics is a week-long conference (June 26-30, 2006) designed for medical students who are interested in pursuing careers in academic geriatric medicine and geriatric research. Activities of the Summer Institute include lectures, seminars, and case discussions as well as site visits to research and clinical programs. Faculty members will include nationally recognized academic geriatricians and other individuals pursuing research in geriatrics and gerontology.

This program is sponsored by the American Geriatrics Society and the Boston University School of Medicine with funding from the National Institute on Aging. A total of 20 students will be selected to participate in this program.

Please note that applications must be post-marked by January 20, 2006.

If you need application forms or additional information please feel free to contact Drs. Silliman, Levine, and Terry at (617) 638-6109 or the AGS office @212-308-1414. A downloadable PDF application form is available on the AGS website @ http://www.americangeriatrics.org/education/geristudents/ .

Sincerely,

Rebecca A. Silliman, MD, PhD
Sharon A. Levine, MD
Dellara F. Terry, MD, MPH

Scholarship/Stipend Opportunity: National Rural Institute on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, June 4-8, 2006

The Scaife Family Foundation is offering fifty fully paid scholarships to medical students, residents, interns, and allied health professionals to attend the Scaife Family Foundation Medical Scholars Track at the 22nd Annual National Rural Institute on Alcohol and Drug Abuse to be held June 4-8, 2006 at the University of Wisconsin-Stout in Menomonie, Wisconsin.

The scholarship covers conference registration, resource materials, on-campus residence hall room and all on-campus meals. In addition, each student receives a $300 cash stipend at the end of the conference to help defray travel expenses.

The Scaife Family Medical Scholars Track includes: The neurobiology of addiction; Identification of the addict in the hospital/clinic setting; Physician health; Detoxification strategies; and Current controversies in addiction.

Application Deadline: May 1, 2006

Application Procedure: Application forms are available on the Internet at http://www.uwstout.edu/solutions/ces/ruralaoda. To apply, please provide the following information:
1.) Name, mailing address, phone number, and e-mail address.
2.) Current position or medical school attending, and year.
3.) Conference Registration Form.

Send Applications to:

Deanna J. Applehans, Stout Solutions
University of Wisconsin-Stout, PO Box 790
Menomonie, WI 54751
E-mail: applehansd@uwstout.edu, Voice: 715-232-2460, Fax: 715-232-3385.

Howard Hughes Medical Institute Offers Fellowships/Research Grants

The HHMI Research Training Fellowships for Medical Students Program (Medical Fellows Program) enables medical and dental students from U.S. schools to spend a year conducting basic, translational, or applied biomedical research at any school or nonprofit research institution in the United States, except at the NIH in Bethesda, MD. For the 2006-2007 program year, fellows will receive a stipend of $25,000, a fellow’s allowance of $5,500 that may be used for health care and other expenses and a $5,500 research allowance. The application deadline is January 11, 2006.

The HHMI-NIH Research Scholars Program (Cloister Program) enables medical and dental students to spend 9 to 12 months conducting basic, translational, or applied biomedical research in one of the many laboratories on the NIH campus, and student selection of preceptor and research project after arrival in Bethesda. For the 2006-2007 program year, scholars will receive annual compensation of $25,000, health insurance and numerous other benefits. The application deadline is January 10, 2006.

Posters with attached business reply postcards can be found on Alfond bulletin boards. Program information can also be found on HHMI’s website at www.hhmi.org/grants/office/graduate.

American Medical Association Foundation Research Programs

The 2006 Seed Grant Research Program for medical students, residents, and fellows aims to help young physician scientists conduct small research projects. Grants ranging from $1,500 to $2,500 will be awarded in six categories: arthritis/rheumatism, cardiovascular/pulmonary diseases, HIV/AIDS, leukemia, neoplastic diseases, and neurological disorders.

Applications are due no later than December 15, 2005. Applications are available at www.amafoundation.org, and questions may be emailed to seedgrants@ama-assn.org.

The AMA Foundation has also been a major sponsor of the National and Regional Student Research Forums. The forums offer young investigators the opportunity to present their work, receive meaningful feedback, and participate in scholarly discussions with their peers and established scientists. Regional forums are held prior to
 the National Student Research Forum. Students must submit a research abstract directly to the forum in their region. 

Since y’all attend UNECOM, that would be the eastern region, which would make the deadline January 6, 2006. More information can be obtained by visiting www.amafoundation.org.                                                

2006-07 Sarnoff Fellowship Program

The Sarnoff Fellowship Program is designed to give medical students the opportunity to spend a year conducting intensive work in a biomedical research laboratory located within the United States. Medical students enrolled in any accredited medical school within the United States may apply for a Fellowship award.

Benefits Fellows receive include: a yearly stipend of $25,000; an allowance of up to $2,000 for moving expenses; an allowance of up to $2,000 for travel costs associated with selecting a laboratory; funds to attend the Annual Scientific Meeting of the Stanley J. Sarnoff Society of Fellows, the Annual American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions, the annual Clinical Investigator Student Trainee Forum at the National Institutes of Health, and additional funds to enable the Fellow to present a paper at two national conferences based on Fellowship work; funds to help cover the cost of health insurance.

The application is due January 9, 2006. More information, as well as applications, may be found at www.SarnoffEndowment.org.

Essay Contest

American Association for the History of Medicine
Osler Medal Essay Contest, 2006

The William Osler Medal is awarded annually for the best unpublished essay on a medical historical topic written by a student enrolled in a school of medicine or osteopathy in the United States or Canada. First awarded in 1942, the medal commemorates Sir William Osler, who stimulated an interest in the humanities among medical students. The writer of the winning essay will be invited to attend the 2006 AAHM meeting, 4-7 May, in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Travel expenses will be provided.

All current medical students who are in good standing are eligible. Essays may pertain to the historical development of a contemporary medical problem, or to a topic within the health sciences related to a discrete period of the past, and should demonstrate either original research or an unusual appreciation and understanding of the problems discussed. The essay (maximum 9,000 words, including endnotes) must be entirely the work of one contestant.

Complete contest information may be viewed on the AAHM website (www.histmed.org/Awards).

Entries must be postmarked or submitted electronically no later than 15 January 2006.

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UNE/COM News and Events

Tanya Hanke, MS II, is a chicken, and Tracey Durkovich, MS II, is Marilyn
Monroe at the Halloween Party on October 28th.

MED TREK 2005

Nearly 30 prospective medical students from around the state spent November 4, 2005 on campus to participate in MED TREK 2005. The program provides Maine residents and those attending undergraduate school in Maine the opportunity to learn more about medical school in general, UNECOM specifically, and financing their medical education (including FAME's Maine Access to Medical Education Program and Maine Health Professions Loan Program). Comments of participants were positive. One participant wrote on the evaluation form, "I enjoyed the personal experience stories from the other med students. It really gave a good view of med school life."

More than 20 medical students (most of them former MED TREK participants themselves), faculty, and staff took part in presenting various sessions throughout the day. The COM Office of Recruitment, Student and Alumni Services (RSAS) coordinated the MED TREK program  with support from the Finance Authority of Maine (FAME).

-James Gaffney, Coordinator of Recruitment, RSAS

UNE CLASS & WORK CANCELLATION/DELAY POLICY

A decision to delay the opening time or to cancel school at the University due to inclement weather (snow or ice storms) will be made by 6:30 a.m. for day classes based on conditions at the University (each campus) and the immediate surrounding area after consulting with the weather service.  The University's decision to cancel school or activities later in the day, evening, or weekends due to inclement weather will be made at least two hours prior to the class or event.

It is understood that a decision to either delay school opening or to close down the school early impacts classes as illustrated in the following examples and protocols:

1.) One hour delay - 8:00 a.m. classes are canceled.  Attend 9:00 a.m. class if applicable.
2.) Two hour delay - 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. classes are canceled.  Attend 10:00 a.m. classes or remaining portion of a scheduled class not ended by 10:00 a.m.
3.) School closing at 3:00 p.m.  Students will be excused at 3:00 p.m. and all remaining classes will be canceled.
4.) Use these examples as a guide to delays or cancellations that may take place any time other than those designated above.
5.) Academic Deans will coordinate the rescheduling of finals, if applicable, that may be impacted by cancellations or delays.
6.) Student interns who have clinical responsibilities outside of the University or in University clinics should follow protocol established by the clinical site.

Announcements will be made for each campus as follows:

1.) INTERNET/TELEVISION - WCSH-TV Channel 6 - www.wcsh6.com, WMTW-TV Channel 8 - www.wmtw.com, and WGME-TV Channel 13 - www.wgme-tv.com.
2.) TELEPHONE BULLETIN BOARD - Call 602-2211 or 797-7688, x2211.  Please do not call the switchboard or answering service because you cannot access the appropriate message since they are set up to handle emergency calls only.
3.) Campus Pipeline –http://pipeline.une.edu

During work cancellations/delays, only ESSENTIAL PERSONNEL are required to report to work at their normal starting times or at times arranged by their supervisor including Facilities Management Staff, University Health Care Personnel, Food Service Personnel, Security and Safety Personnel.

The University switchboard or answering service will be in operation at all times.

Faculty and Staff:  Consistent with the University's mission, faculty and staff are expected to be available to meet student needs when the University is open.  In extreme circumstances where faculty elect, for their own reasons, not to attend work on storm days when the University is open, should follow college protocol for notifying students by placing an appropriate announcement on their voice mail at UNE, and/or for those that have Internet access on a home computer, sending a message to their class group on Campus Pipeline.  Faculty are reminded that some students leave their homes very early to attend classes, so messages should be timely.  Similarly, staff should notify their immediate supervisor.  Employees working on any shift other than the day shift will be notified of a delayed starting time or cancellation of their shift by the Department or Division Director.  Employees who elect, for whatever reason, not to attend work when the University opens late, or leave early when the University does not close, will have time charged against the appropriate leave category.  

Photo by Kate Dalton, MS III

Generally University Health Care will only be closed on rare occasions when public safety alerts are issued.  The VP for Health Services will consult with the President, make the decision and communicate to UHC staff.  UHC staff will make Media or personal announcements to patients.  

Holiday Decoration Policy

As the holidays quickly approach the Dept. of Safety and Security wants to take this opportunity to remind folks of the State of Maine's Christmas Tree Policy that regulates the display of decorations, wreaths, swags and trees. In accordance with the policy, the display of decorations in business and/or assembly occupancies, which UNE falls under, must be done in one of the following four ways. Items that do not meet the criteria cannot be displayed in campus buildings and will be removed.

For folks who plan on decorating for Halloween, please observe the rules listed below for the treatment of materials. Equally, please exercise utmost caution when adorning building exits or around fire safety equipment, as each must be visible and free of obstructions at all times. If you would like more information or have any questions, please contact us at ext. 4450 or 2150. Thank you for your time and we wish you all happy and safe holidays.

State of Maine's Christmas Tree Policy

1. A living tree, with its roots protected by a ball of earth and wrapped in burlap or similar material placed in a sturdy container and watered daily.

2. An artificial tree that is labeled or certified by the manufacturer as flame retardant or flame resistant.

3. A natural cut tree, wreath and/or swag that is located in an area protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system.

4. A natural cut tree, wreath and/or swag that is sprayed or dipped by a commercial applicator using a tested and listed fire retardant formula. Each tree must have a certificate attached specifying the name of the formula, name of applicator and date of treatment. Treated trees must be watered on a daily basis.

Some communities throughout Maine have regulations that may be more stringent than this policy. In those municipalities, the Fire Chief or Code Enforcement Official will set the standards for the use of natural greens and trees.

Sandy Haas
Assistant Director of Safety/Security
Tel: (207) 283-0170 ext 2150 or 4450
Tel: (207) 797-7688 Ext. 4450 or 2150
Fax: (207) 294-5928
e. mail: shaas@une.edu

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Alumni

Photo by Steve Smith, RSAS

Interview with Dr. Evelyn Schwalenberg-Leip, '93

Dr. Evelyn Schwalenberg-Leip, UNECOM class of '93, sat down to talk with me November 30th. She graciously entertained my questions, amused me with her anecdotes, and offered insight into the world of an osteopathic physician and teacher. While currently involved in the area of faculty-development, she also has plenty of clinical experience. She is one of UNECOM's finest.

1.) Where were you born?

Auburn, Massachusetts. It's a little town near Worcester. I went to school near there, and I went back to open up a clinical practice after I graduated from UNECOM in 1993. While I was doing my internship, I also worked 24-hours a week as an EMT. Later, I became the department's medical director. I grew very close to the emergency services personnel in that area. The fire captain and I are friends to this day, and the ambulance crew are like family.

It was interesting opening a practice in the town where I grew up. I had former high school classmates as patients. I partnered with another Osteopathic physician and we split the week in two. We had 5,000 to 6,000 patients.

2.) How did your time at UNECOM prepare you for your current position?

There are really two answers to that question, since I started as a clinician and have now moved on to faculty development. First, as a practitioner I was well-prepared by UNECOM. Students today think that they have too much classroom study, but when I was a student there was 2 1/2 years of didactic study, and 1 1/2 years of rotations. We did well on our Boards, and then started off five months behind our MD colleagues in the clinical experience. We really had to hit the ground running on rotations.

I think that having a positive attitude is crucial wherever you are. At UNECOM we were motivated to learn, and that really helped us later on when we had 12-hour shifts in residency where there was no one to hold our hands and coddle us. You can't just sit in a classroom and passively absorb information; you've got to be an active learner in life, and that stands you in good stead later on.

During rotations, we lotteried for clerkships on a month by month basis. You might start in Caribou, ME, then the next month head down to Newark, NJ. We literally lived out of our cars, with an occasional stop at a home base to get more clothes. And you know what? It worked out. And that whole hectic experience really prepared us again for residency when no one is there to watch out for you. But the preceptors really went the extra mile in rotations to assist us.

I did my residency at UMASS in internal medicine. Prior to my class there had been no DO clerkships in Massachusetts. We lobbied for one and were successful. Our class took a lot of initiative in many areas. One classmate was the first DO at Southern Maine Medical Center. He was very well respected and paved the way for others. My class was also very community-minded. My friend Gretchen and I were the "welcoming committee" for prospective students. We started the matching program where a prospective could be paired with a current student to follow them for a day or two and stay at their house or apartment. That is now an official part of what James Gaffney in the RSAS office helps to facilitate.

As far as preparation for my current job in faculty development, I think that my time at UNECOM helped me to understand the journey itself. I understand preceptorships, the process involved, how students try to balance academics and the practicalities of life. I deal with all of our preceptors, both local and satellite, and try to visit all 60-odd sites at least once a year. It is my goal to help preceptors become better teachers for the students. "Physician" in Latin means "teacher." Preceptors subscribe to the apprenticeship model, but they are usually not taught how to teach. Do preceptors know their teaching styles? Do they deal effectively with different types of learners, or students who have a difficult time with traditional modeling? I want to make them aware of these things.

I also work with faculty here at UNECOM to enhance their teaching styles. We do web seminars for the Basic Scientists, try to keep them abreast of current technology, offer associate faculty the use of our virtual library, and try to remind everyone that Powerpoint is a tool, not a crutch! 

3.) What were some of your greatest challenges as a med student? Gross anatomy? Lack of sleep? Etc...

We were all pretty Type-A people to start. You're surrounded by people who have already proven themselves academically. I suppose that could have been a real issue, but our class seemed to bond as a family to help each other out.  We left competition at the door and began to realize that we were working with colleagues now. It was a great experience which I would repeat in a heartbeat.

Everyone had something to offer the "family" at some point. There were 75 of us, and the PT's helped the rest of us out in Gross Anatomy, the PA's helped in physical exams, the EMT's started the Emergency Medicine Club and also helped loosen everyone up: "They're dummies, they're not going to die! You can make mistakes!" You know? We helped each other through the rough spots.

You learn to be a better time manager. There is more volume in less time. I loved it though, because it was like having my major every day. It was still stressful, and you have to learn to re-charge. How do you keep yourself healthy? For me it was finding a balance of what worked, and also getting the help I needed. Some students started study-groups, but I found a study partner to be best. You deal with what's thrown at you.

Probably the greatest challenge was sitting in the old blue chairs with their tiny writing surface and the seats crammed so close together. But even that had its positive side, since you noticed if someone wasn't there. If they were gone for a class or two, people would say, "Where's so-and-so? Are they ok?" And there would be phone calls and offers to help.   

4.) Are there any funny/memorable stories from your time as a grad student that you would be willing to share with us?

I had a dog which I adored, and it quickly became the class mascot. She had puppies (planned puppyhood, of course!), and everyone loved them. We used to slide down the hill where the Alfond building now stands. It was a great place to sled. They took our sledding hill away!

My best friend at UNECOM was a girl by the name of Gretchen. We're friends to this day. We lived two houses apart, which meant we were always at one or the other's place studying or hanging out. I had a dog and a cat, and if I couldn't find a sitter for them, I'd bring them over. Fellow students heard me telling Gretchen on the phone one day that I couldn't find a sitter, so everyone thought that I had kids!

People called us "Gretchelyn," we were inseparable. I think everyone needs a good friend in medical school. Someone to share the struggles and the joys. When Gretchen's parents visited from Colorado, we decorated. It was around Halloween time, and we had gone out and found a lobster buoy and traps. We made pirate scarecrows with carved pumpkins and eye-patches. You need to lighten up at times. 

5.) Do you think that you missed any opportunities to learn or grow while you were a student? What recommendations would you make to current students in this regard?

Your time spent studying is not wasted. You will never be more tired than your internship years. If the didactic portion of medical school seems grueling, it is good practice for internships, when lives are at stake. There is something called the "memorize and purge" cycle. You all know what I mean. This cycle needs to be broken. The more integrated the didactic portion seems to the student, the more they will retain. 

It would be good if things were taught in a more integrated manner. This does seem to be the trend, so that's good. Clinical decision-making will need to be learned at some point; it might as well start from the get-go. Also, the more integrated the material is in a student's mind, the better they will do on Boards. Boards are designed to test decision-making as well as knowledge. And there are some things you never seem to use as a clinician. The Krebs Cycle? You learn it in pre-med, you're tested on it in grad school, and I've never used it in the last 14 years.

It is important that students realize how crucial FOD, EID, and the humanities are in clerkships. You need to be able to discuss and think critically about controversial issues. You will certainly draw upon these lessons in the future. There will come a time when you stand in a hospital and the parents of a dead patient meet his gay lover for the first time. You will need to have good answers and comfortability with hard topics so that you can help those who look to you. You have to be an excellent clinician, of course,  but it is often the interpersonal, psychological aspects of doctoring that bear so much fruit. 

6.) Obviously, you survived medical school. Any words of wisdom in terms of how to handle stress?

Make time to do things you enjoy. For me, that was walking on the beach, going hiking, pretty much anything outdoorsy. And I think it is very important to have a friend or several friends who you enjoy spending time with and who can offer an alternate perspective. Med school is not just studying.

When I was working as a clinician, I split time between Maine and Massachusetts. This gave me a 2-hour commute on some days. I would often listen to CME tapes in the car, or sometimes just sat in silence. You can use times like this to decompress.

7.) Would you be willing to field questions/meet with a current student to talk about the DO path?

Absolutely. I have been a student, a clinician, and am now in faculty development. I would be happy to chat with students who have questions about classes, rotations, or their future as a DO.

8.) What are some of your current interests or hobbies outside of medicine?

Horses. Horses are my life. I also like gardening and hiking. I have three horses and a pony. One horse is a Quarter Arab, another is Half Arab, another is an Appaloosa. The Appaloosa is a pain in the neck, but I love her. Appaloosas were bred by Natchez Indians to be quick and fearless. They were used in battle or in buffalo hunts. Pain doesn't faze them, so they're hard to manage. A normal bit doesn't bother them, so you use voice command. "Hannah" is the name of the Appaloosa. She has such an attitude, but she's great with kids. I let friends and family ride her. I love to ride on trails. 

9.) Anything else you'd like to convey to current students?

Yes. I think that current students need to be open-minded in every educational opportunity, no matter what it is or how bad it seems. They can take something away from every experience and learn from it. The culture of coddling or being spoon-fed needs to go, too. There is sometimes the attitude with current students that they have a privileged position and have earned the right to be catered to. You have not earned any such thing. You must take ownership for yourselves and your education.

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SGA and C&O

Shawn St. Marie, MS I President, Shirish Satpute, MS II, and Carl Daniel, MS II
at the Halloween Party October 28th. Wow.

International Health Week, November 1st - 4th

Allison Cosslett, MS II,  president of the IHA (International Health Advocates) Club, organized an International Health Week at the beginning of November. Highlights included:

Tuesday November 1st, Dr. Charlotte Paolini: Experiences in Ghana
Wednesday 2nd, Dr. Jane Carreiro: Osteopathy Abroad
Thursday 3rd, Nate Nickerson: Konbit Sante (Medical Mission in Haiti) www.konbitsante.org 
Friday 4th, Sidney Callahan, OMM Fellow; Role Osteopathic Medicine in International Medicine

The week-long art auction raised about $200 for the club

What's next? Club members are going to the national meeting in San Diego, Jan 2006.

Regional SNMA Conference Hosted by UNECOM, November 11th and 12th

The New England Regional Conference of the SNMA (Student National Medical Association) was hosted by the local UNECOM chapter on Friday and Saturday, November 11th and 12th. Over eighty regional representatives participated, along with local members, undergraduate students, and a number of speakers and groups.

Dr. William Anderson was the keynote speaker. Dr. Anderson was one of only a handful of African-American DO's in the south during the 1950's and '60's. During the Civil Rights Movement, Dr. Anderson was a leader in the Georgian Albany Movement. He was also good friends with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the two men often appeared together publicly to champion civil rights for African-Americans. Dr. Anderson is currently a clinical professor of osteopathic surgical specialities at MSUCOM. He is also the associate dean of the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine. He was the first African-American president of the American Osteopathic Association, and has been a life-member of the NAACP, as well as a member of the board of directors of the American Osteopathic Association for the last 18 years. His charisma and personal stories captivated his listeners.

This conference required a tremendous amount of planning and organization by members of the UNECOM SNMA. Eva Nunlist, MS II, and Lauren Westermann, MS II, were co-chairs for the event, and every other member of the local group went the extra mile to ensure that the conference was effectively orchestrated, intellectually stimulating, and personally welcoming. Maintaining their heavy academic course load while also planning a major regional conference took determination and finesse.

The RSAS office, especially office secretary Tracie Purcell, was also heavily involved in the planning and execution of the conference. 

-Steve Smith, RSAS

AIDS Awareness Week, November 28th - December 1st

World AIDS Awareness Week began November 28th. Week highlights included: 

Monday, November 28

"AIDS Experience"

Annie Messinger - Public Relations, Peabody House
Cynthia Cushing - Resident, Peabody House
Peabody House is an assisted living facility for people living with HIV/AIDS

Tuesday, November 29

"A Closer Walk"

A film about AIDS in the world. A story about the way the world is.
By Robert Bilheimer (2003). Narrated by Glenn Close, Will Smith. Featuring Kofi Annan, Bono, Paul Farmer, Jeffrey Sachs.

Wednesday, November 30

"Advancing HIV Prevention and Care in Maine"

Charles Dwyer - HIV Prevention Manager, State of Maine
Mark Griswold - HIV/AIDS Surveillance Coordinator, State of Maine

Thursday, December 1 WORLD AIDS DAY!!

Biology of HIV and its Effects on the Immune System

Stephen C. Pelsue, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Immunology and Molecular Biology
University of Southern Maine

In addition to other activities, a clothesline was strung in Alfond cafe to provide a creative means to demonstrate the enormity of the AIDS epidemic and to encourage remembrance and awareness. Students were encouraged to clip a sheet of construction paper with an individual message to the clothesline.

This week of events was sponsored by COMSGA, USG, SOIMA, MSFC, and AMSA.

-Kristina Laskovski, MS I

AMOPS

This semester, AMOPS has played an active role in the UNECOM Community.

We began the year with participation in the annual C&O fair.  Taking the theme of “Operation: Orientation” to it’s most military interpretation, our table was decorated with camouflage fabric and other AMOPS regalia.

On September 11^th, a Memorial Flag Ceremony took place by the flagpole on the lawn in front of Alfond.  HPSP students raised the flag to half-mast in memory of the tragic events of 2001 as well as the recent passing of Chief Justice William Rehnquist and to mourn those lost in Hurricane Katrina.  Members of the UNECOM faculty and student body attended the ceremony.

On September 17, 2005 AMOPS participated in the Cadaver Memorial Service.  Uniformed students stood in formation as the class of 2008 remembered those individuals who selflessly donated their body to science and education.

Projects in store for next semester include hosting guest lectures on topics related to military medicine, holding “Drill Workshops” for HPSP students interested in practicing military protocol, arranging opportunities to shoot at the firing range and establishing networks of communication with alumni.

Respectfully Submitted,
Matthew L. Lutynski, OMS II
2005-2006 AMOPS Co-President

Phone-a-thon Fundraiser nets $$$ for Clubs

Five different UNECOM clubs took advantage of  Phone-a-thon to help raise money for their group. Participating
students raised almost $300 to defray club expenses. The following groups participated:
- IMC (Integrative Medicine Club)
- JMSA (Jewish Medical Student Association)
- OB/GYN (American College of Osteopathic Obstetricians and Gynecologists)
- PSR (Physicians for Social Responsibility)
- UAAO (Undergraduate American Academy of Osteopathy)

Thanks for all of your hard work!

APAMSA Information

Jenny Li, the regional director for APAMSA (Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association) is interested in starting a local chapter here at UNECOM. According to Jenny, APAMSA is a "national organization that represents over 15,000 Asian Pacific American (APA) medical students and aims to improve health care for APA patients." You can contact her at jennyfli@bu.edu, or you can visit the APAMSA website at www.apamsa.org. 

SGA and C&O Meeting Schedule

The SGA meetings are every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month.
The C&O meeting is every 3rd Wednesday of each month.
For individual C&O meetings, see below (see also officers with questions regarding schedule):                                                    

UNECOM Club and Organization Presidents
2005-2006 Academic Year