Photo courtesy of Mike Lamm

Did You Know?

The windiest place on the face of the earth is... Mt. Washington in New Hampshire. In 1934, scientists recorded sustained wind-speeds of 188 mph, while the strongest gust pegged out at 231 mph.

Why such severe weather? Mt. Washington is located at the convergence of three major storm tracks. These systems collide in unpredictable and often spectacular displays of stormy weather.

The peak provides New Englanders with profoundly dangerous winter hiking opportunities. Since 1849, 135 people have died on or around the mountain. Most fatalities occurred due to lack of preparation for the frigid temperatures and extreme winds.

To learn more about how to survive on Mt. Washington, go to: http://www.mountwashington.org

Maybe it was the influence of metropolitan New York City, a place so diverse and sprawling it needs five boroughs and a good chunk of sky to stand up and stretch out. Mike could see the Trade Towers in Manhattan from the third floor of Valley Stream Central. He’d gaze out through the glass plates and feel a part of the throbbing city that never sleeps. In this climate of frenetic energy and cosmopolitan tolerance he would wake up in the morning, gauge his mood, then craft an image to match his blue or rouge emotions. 

There are few things more creative than a teenager seeking identity, and Mike wore everything but a wedding dress to school. He experimented with a two-foot tall Mohawk, braided cornrows, stippled leopard spots, shaved hirsute checkerboards, and for a short time enjoyed the cool gleam left by a Bic razor and very fair skin. His mother later opined that he should have taken a picture of himself every morning and made a documentary.

It would have made him rich (or perhaps gotten him arrested.) Mike’s like that.

They Tore Down the Hospital

They tore down the hospital a few days after Mike was born.

He doesn’t take it personally. After all, Fort Campbell, Kentucky, had scheduled the demolition for January and Mike was born on December 29^th. He enjoys the fact that he beat the system by a day or two, though perhaps his mother should receive the lion’s share of the credit for her labor. The true oddity was not the sudden destruction of his birthplace, but the fact that such a dyed-in-the-wool city boy was born in the heart of Dixie.

His southern roots were short-lived. The Lamm family moved back to New York City when Mike was about 18 months old, his parents so poor that they put three tires and a transmission in the car trunk to ameliorate the vehicle’s inevitable breakdowns. Their dire predictions were one tire short, so they spent their toll money on a fourth wheel and had to beg the bridge tenders to let them into Queens.

Poverty did not cling, however. Mike’s father became a manager in the New York City Sanitation Department, overseeing the vast and efficient processes that keep the mountains of steel and miles of streets remarkably clean. It is a responsible and rewarding position. Mike’s mother also developed her skills while working in a dental practice. As Mike says with justifiable pride, “My parents came from nothing and tried to give me everything.” Their focus and determination have rubbed off on Mike.

Day of the Doctor: August 17^th, 2000

He didn’t play with other children.

Instead, Mike nursed a fondness for reading the elaborate fantasy of J.R.R. Tolkien and talked with adults whenever he could. There were dark periods, not unlike the desperate days most adolescents feel that they alone suffer. Depression is uncommonly common. Mike labored through years as an early teen when he toyed with horror writing, cartoon animation, and the exquisitely angry music of Gothic Industrial bands with cheerful names such as "Switchblade Symphony," "Skinny Puppy," "Cannibal Corpse," and "Children on Stun."

His blue period did not last forever. At 17 he thought he wanted to be a Disney animator, until he “woke up one morning and realized that I didn’t want to draw cartoons my whole life.” After high school, Mike enrolled at a local community college, taking sci-fi courses, history classes, and a variety of general education requirements. Generally uninspired, he floated through academics in a lackluster haze. Internally, he wanted to make an impact; externally he just wanted to have fun. The tension refused to resolve.

Then came the day of the doctor. On August 17, 2000, Mike woke up and decided he wanted to become a physician. It was the summer before his sophomore year of college, and Mike remembers the specific date because he rolled out of bed and enrolled at the New York Institute of Technology as a pre-medical student majoring in biology. Then he had breakfast.

Photo Courtesy of Dan Sheps, MS I

Three Little Kittens who Lost Their Mittens….

How many of you remember that story?  How many of you may have remembered being on the playground and seeing playmates who may not have had mittens, hats or scarves to wear or who may have lost them that day? 

Well, WMTW-TV, in conjunction with Central Maine Power Company, is collecting mittens, hats and scarves during the month of January. The RSAS office is also collecting these items into February. How about seeing how many hats, scarves and mittens can be collected by UNECOM students, faculty and staff and donated locally.  

We’ll put up a clothesline for the hats, mittens and scarves to be placed on and collect them from February 1-15^th.  They can be handmade or store bought, but let’s see how many we can collect and contribute to our local communities.  

A Great Paradox

Mike’s paradoxical portrait continued to take shape as he successfully completed course after course at NYIT. The former Goth drove himself to succeed academically in a very challenging discipline where success is not accidental. Yet he laughs sardonically at the accusation that he might be more driven than his casual personality admits. Still, there is no doubt that the strait channels of microbiology, chemistry, and physiology narrowed and deepened Mike in ways he had never thought possible.

That is not to say that he stopped having fun. On the contrary, he still found himself nocturnally roaming the streets of the Big Apple, sampling the five million flavors that make up America’s largest city. He woke up every morning with the goal to be happy, and his late-night wanderings made the long days of didactic study bearable.

And what of that elusive commodity known as sleep? Overrated, says Mike. He hates down time. Without the constant stimulation of places to go and things to do, he might implode. Tongue only partly in cheek, Mike says, “I thrive on stress. I’m stressed when I’m not stressed. I do more in a day than other people do in a week.” That ability to multi-task and run at hyper-speed is part of the paradox that Mike seems to convey. How can a person who is so distractible keep his own nose to the spinning grindstone of medical school? The answer: Self-imposed exile.

Self-Exiled to Maine

Mike is on the lam at UNECOM.

He could have applied to NYCOM, but realized suddenly in a flash of frankness that he could not succeed at a place where a million non-academic distractions beckoned. He looked to Maine as a safe haven from the de-stabilizing factors of New York City. In short, he chose focused determination over instant gratification. Such a decision bodes well for his future as a physician, where the need for competence and self-discipline are crucial determinants. He has not regretted his decision, though he does plan to return to NYC as a physician. 

While removed from New York’s hustle, Maine is no Elba. Mike is still Mike, and he loves to travel. Give him an open Friday afternoon and he’ll head to the airport to fly someplace he’s never been, usually by himself, since he won’t wait for others to decide whether or not they’d like to come. He loves Rome for its art, and Prague for its beauty, but he finds himself continually returning to New York City. As Mike says, “Europe has my mind, but New York has my heart.”

His wanderlust is a part of him. As an intellectually gifted and often charming young man, Mike needs the constant stimulation of new ideas and new faces. It is a trait not incompatible with his desire to succeed as a physician. People fascinate Mike. He can talk to anyone about anything, and feel comfortable as he does so. Whether he sits at a café in Prague or at the Café in Alfond, he relishes conversation with fellow human beings.

When asked why he didn’t become a psychologist, Mike squints his eyes and puckers his lips, as though he’d just sucked a lemon. He eschews psychology as a pursuit of things best left undisturbed. Better to address the correctable maladies of physiology while using his interpersonal skills to set patients at ease.

Part of his undergraduate work included the study of osteopathy, since NYIT is a feeder-school for NYCOM. Mike has been interested in herbal remedies and alternative medicine since he was a teen, and he believes that patients are more than just a shell with presenting symptoms. His keen attention to the words and actions of others enables him to treat human beings as holistic packages, and the osteopathic practice of manipulative therapy seems more humane to Mike than the excessive use of surgery or the over-prescription of drugs.

A Tombstone (Or Two)

On his tombstone, says Mike, will be the epitaph, “Here lies Mike. He had fun.”

But here again one encounters the paradox that is Mike Lamm. The fact that he woke up at 5:30 in the morning to study for class before attending a Preceptorship, then washed and vacuumed his car before sitting down for a lunchtime interview suggests that there might be more to Mike than the mere pursuit of happiness. His drive demands a different epitaph. Perhaps a more accurate inscription might go something like this: “Here lies Mike. He wanted to make a difference.” One headstone alone does not portray the true portrait.

The Picasso of UNECOM seems determined to craft an image that defies categorization, yet his consistent desire to make a difference while enjoying life to the fullest can hardly be questioned. Over time, the true portrait emerges. His focus, energy, and determination all indicate that Mike Lamm will make a fine, if fun-loving osteopathic physician. And when he earns his “D.O.,” you may be able to make an appointment to meet with Dr. Lamm.

Until then, catch him if you can.

[Return to Top]

1

1

1

11

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

11

1

1Did You Know?

It eats birds. The largest spider in the world eats birds. Weighing in at a quarter of a pound, the giant bird-eating spider of South America measures up to 11 inches across and has a taste for young birds.

It eats other things a spider shouldn't, too, like frogs, bats, rodents, lizards, and beetles. Apparently, the bite of this goliath hurts a human no more than a bee sting (which is sometimes fatal, so how comforting is that?).

According to the Sierra Club's Extreme Nature knowledge cards, the spider's fangs "contain venom that can subdue its prey," though one wonders if the victim is not simply frightened to death by the monstrous arachnid. 

No such spiders have been spotted in Maine... yet. 

1

1

1

1

1

MS II's Matt Lutynski and Cindy
Norton enjoy the August cruise.
Photo Courtesy of Tanya Hanke, MS II

"Lunches with Dean Kelley" Generates Strong Interest

The first "lunch with Dean Kelley" was held on Wednesday, January 18th, with a mixture of first- and second-year students attending. 

Sign-up slots for the meeting filled within hours. Then a second ten slots filled for the next lunch, scheduled for Wed., Feb. 8th. A third lunch also has been projected.

There is still a need for MS II's to sign up, as Dean Kelley hopes for an even number of both first and second year students.

Christina Bordeau, MS I, said that the culinary experience with Dean Kelley "was rewarding because it gave me the chance to get to know her outside of the academic/ meeting setting." Katie Wetherbee, MS I, agreed, saying "It was a great opportunity to be yourself and really get a chance to 'chat' with not only Dean Kelley but also fellow students from both the MS I and MS II classes."

Will Sammis, MS II, was quick to point out one of the key attributes of having lunch with Dean Kelley: "Lunches with Dean Kelley are... free." He then hastened to add, "And informative... I think it is important for as many people as possible to get 'face time' with Dean Kelley, so I am heartily in favor of future lunches."

Punitha Shivaprasad, MS II, expressed the sentiment of a number of students when she said, "Dean Kelley is a kind and compassionate dean who is willing to listen to the medical students and offer her help to make this journey a smooth one.” 

And David Rancourt, MS I, summarized the new event by saying that “Lunch with Dean Kelley is a 10!” Interested students may email Steve in the RSAS office to sign up at comsa@une.edu.    

UNECOM News and Events

How would you react to a skeleton in the room? MS I's Peter Kang and Chris Johnston offer two possibilities. 
Photo Courtesy of Tanya Hanke, MS II

Convicted Felon Helps Mark Martin Luther King Day Celebration

On January 25th, a convicted felon held a room full of students and staff hostage for nearly two hours on the University campus.

But Dr. William G. Anderson, D.O., is no ordinary convict, and it was his fiery speaking style, not a firearm, which captured his listeners in the Alfond building. Dr. Anderson spoke about current events in relation to Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy, then reminisced about his personal involvement with Dr. King during the early days of the Civil Rights Movement in Georgia. Dr. Anderson recalled living in the same house as the yet-to-be famous Dr. King while the aspiring preacher walked up and down the hallways practicing his sermons. The oratory eventually became wearisome.  "Shut up, Martin!" Dr. Anderson would say with his hands clapped over his ears. Looking sheepishly at the audience, Dr. Anderson quipped, "I didn't know at the time that I was telling a future winner of the Nobel Peace Prize to shut up!"  

During that era, Dr. Anderson joined Dr. King in several marches and was incarcerated numerous times for his leadership in the non-violent Albany Movement. His time in jail cells did not negatively affect his osteopathic practice. Patients would call his office to schedule an appointment, saying "Is the doctor in?" The secretary would reply sweetly, "No, he's in jail today, but he might be back tomorrow." The patients would happily wait until Dr. Anderson returned, supportive of their physician who led by example.   

The room bubbled with excitement and then set like plaster as Dr. Anderson talked to an increasingly enraptured audience which seemed unwilling to leave. After an hour of gripping stories and thought-provoking observations, Dr. Anderson joked that he wouldn't take offense if anyone needed to exit, but hardly a soul did. He answered questions about his early life as a struggling medical student, his friendship with Dr. King, and the current condition of medical care in the United States. 

Dr. Anderson reminded the audience throughout his talk that the Civil Rights Movement is not just a slice of inspiring history, but rather an on-going process. "Freedom is not a destination; it is a journey," he said. Dr. Anderson also enumerated a number of current inequalities in healthcare, education, and professional opportunities which continue to fester.  Change can be effected, he said, through the individual actions of concerned and courageous people. According to Dr. Anderson, the three key ingredients needed when confronting overwhelming challenges are hope, faith, and courage. "You have to have courage to make a change," said Dr. Anderson when he spoke of Rosa Parks. "She sat down so the rest of us could stand up." 

One of Dr. Anderson's closing statements seemed to sum up both the man, his friend Dr. King, and the movement of which they were such an integral part. Discussing a march in which National Guard soldiers leveled their weapons at the marchers and ordered them to halt, Dr. Anderson said, "Was I scared? You bet your sweet bibby I was scared. Scared to death. But we did what was right." 

A true man of conviction.  

-Steve Smith, RSAS

Buser Announces Johnson as Interim Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs

Letter from Interim Dean of UNECOM, Dr. Boyd Buser:

“I am pleased to announce the appointment of Kenneth Johnson, DO, as the Interim Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs. He will begin his full-time duties on March 1, 2006, and will be here on campus from time to time prior to that date.

Dr. Johnson is a 1992 graduate of the University Of New England College Of Osteopathic Medicine. He is certified by the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians and by the American Osteopathic Board of Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine. He most recently was the Chief Medical Officer for the Health Access Network, a federally qualified healthcare network providing medical, dental, podiatric and mental health care to rural northern Penobscot county. In this position he was responsible for development and implementation of quality improvement, medical leadership and program development. 

He is currently serving the American Academy of Osteopathy on the OPTI committee and Membership committee, which he had chaired for 9 years. He has served 3 terms on the AAO Board of Trustees and is currently president-elect. He is president of the Northeast Osteopathic Medical Education Network (NEOMEN) and has participated in its governance since its inception. He served as a faculty member of Eastern Maine Medical Center/UNECOM Family Practice Residency for 9 years, practicing the full scope of family medicine to include obstetrics, inpatient, and ICU care. He served at EMMC as the Director of Osteopathic Medical Education, Director of the NMM Plus 1 Program, Director of the Osteopathic Family Practice Program and Director of Medical Student rotations.

He has developed, taught and been a faculty member at numerous programs on OMM and osteopathic medical education including AAO Convocation, AOA Convention, Residency Assistance Program, Society for Teachers of Family Medicine National Meeting and Northeast Regional Meeting, Maine Academy of Family Physicians and Maine Osteopathic Association. He has faculty appointments through the University of New England and Tufts. He has published numerous articles including original research, evidence based medicine reviews and osteopathic medical education.”

- Boyd R. Buser, DO, Dean and Vice President for Health Services (Interim)

Red Dress Day, Friday, February 3, 2006

As an added incentive, NOWPA club members will be handing out red dress pins to anyone who wears red on February 3.

Campus Cruiser Trial Site for Students

The university is currently exploring a new portal to replace Pipeline and we anticipate this will happen in the near future. In order to allow students and others to explore the software we are considering, we are providing a link and a student log-in.

Please keep in mind that as a demonstration site, this may not look exactly like the final product we will use on our campus. We can personalize features to best meet our needs, make certain things open to the general public, and restrict other things to members of our community.

To access the demo site, please go to Trial Campus: http://prod.campuscruiser.com/trialcampus
and use the log-in nlopez/nlopez.

-Susan Mellady, Director of Information Technology Services

4th Annual Health Professions Career Fair at University of New England's Westbrook College Campus

UNE students and anyone else, including the general public, are welcome to explore career options in health care - admission is free!

More than 45 healthcare employers from Maine and the region are looking for candidates in Nursing, Social Work, Dental Hygiene, Physician Assistant, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy and Nurse Anesthesia and more.

When: Wednesday, February 8 *(snow date = February 15) noon - 4:30 p.m.

Where: Finley Recreation Center
University of New England's Westbrook College Campus
716 Stevens Avenue
Portland, ME

Who: More than 45 participating employers will be there, including Maine Medical Center, Mercy Hospital, Southern Maine Medical Center, Maine General Medical Center, Frisbie Memorial Hospital, Community Dental, Spurwink, Sweetser, Counseling Services Inc., Goodwill Industries, Miles Health Care, Maine Veteran's Homes, North Country Associates, Inc., Northeast Hospital, Mountain Ltd. and more.

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.  

[Return to Top]

1

1

1

1

1

11

1

1

Practice USMLE Exams Available in RSAS Office

There are 44 Practice USMLE CDs in the RSAS office. These CDs are from past years, but may still offer students a way to get a feel for what the actual USMLE test might be like. Interested students may stop by to pick up a CD during office hours from 8am-4:30pm. CDs are available on a strictly first-come-first-served basis. No stampedes, please.

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

David Rancourt, MS I, bids adieu after the White Coat Ceremony in October.
Photo by James Gaffney, RSAS

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

Reminder: COMLEX PE Exam Takes 10-14 Weeks to Process

This is a reminder to all students who will take the COMLEX Level 2 in the spring that the Physical Exam portion of the test can take from 10 to14 weeks to grade. This means that students need to take the exam by the end of March at the latest in order for UNECOM to receive word back from NBOME that the student has passed in time for Commence- ment. 

Students for whom no grade has been entered by the time of the Commencement Ceremony will receive their diplomas after their grade has been received. Students will still be allowed to walk with their class, and will receive a diploma-sized document, but it is better that you take the PE test before the end of March.

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

UNECOM Alumni Association to Offer five $1,500 Scholarships - Deadline 8am, February 6th

The UNECOM Alumni Association is offering five $1,500 scholarships to second year students. Applications and instructions were emailed to the Class of 2008 by Charlotte Paolini, D.O., UNECOM ’89. 

Applicants must include a CV and respond to one of the case scenarios provided. If the original email has been lost or accidentally discarded, students may contact the RSAS office via email for an extra application.

Applications are due to James Gaffney in the RSAS office by Monday, February 6^th, before 8 am. 

1

1

1

1

Mary Anderson, MS II, and assistants, help first year students study the human arm during the SOSA Review.

Photo Courtesy of Tanya Hanke, MS II

Coffee Vending Machine to be Placed in Alfond

UNE Facilities is planning to place a coffee vending machine in the lower level of Alfond early in February. The machine will provide students yet another avenue to receive the nourishing sap known as “caffeine,” especially after-hours when the ACHS Cafe is closed..

Current Students

Snow's Up! Snowboarders Sara Kleiman and Matt Parker, both MS I's, begin their descent.
Photo Courtesy of Danny Sheps, MS I

MOA Mid-Winter Conference Approaching

The Maine Osteopathic Association's (MOA) Mid-Winter Conference will be held at the Portland Marriott from February 10-12, 2006. The purpose of the conference is to provide Continuing Medical Education (CME) to both osteopathic and allopathic providers, while also creating an educational opportunity for students, residents, and interns.

The opening reception on Friday, February 10th, will be co-hosted by the MOA and UNECOM. In addition, there will be a reception for UNECOM prospective students from 7-9pm on Thursday, February 9th. A silent auction will be held on Saturday at 5:30 pm.  

This year's conference will involve more than 25 speakers who will present in short blocks of time so that the most up-to-date information is conveyed in the most effective manner. Topics include a residents' forum, current clinical controversies, a practice management primer, rheumatology, and many more. Registrations may be accessed at the MOA website, www.mainedo.org. 

Physicians’ Day at the Legislature, March 2, 2006

The Maine Medical Association, the Maine Osteopathic Association, and the Coalition for Health Care Access and Liability Reform present “Physicians’ Day at the Legislature,” on March 2, 2006, at the State House in Augusta. The purpose of the day is to discuss legislation to reform Maine’s liability laws and to meet with state legislators. 

We are looking for 20-25 students to participate in events associated with Physicians' Day at the Legislature. Interested students should contact second year student David Fish, SGA Legislative Chair, or the RSAS office at comsa@une.edu for more details.

Women in Medicine Conference

May 14 - May 18, 2006
Location: Santa Fe, New Mexico at La Fonda on the Plaza
Website: www.womeninmedicine.org/2006.html. 
* Conference scholarships available for medical students.

Women in Medicine 2006 will be the 23rd annual retreat and CME conference for lesbian physicians. This unique continuing medical education conference is designed by and for lesbian physicians, medical students and their partners. This gathering is a blend of education, camaraderie, networking and mentoring. The program format includes general sessions and breakouts incorporating up-to-date information on women's health issues, lesbian health research and other pertinent medical topics. Breakout sessions for non-physician partners will also be conducted. This is the only medical conference where partners are not only invited to attend, but are welcomed and encouraged to participate and learn from the high quality medical and non-CME presentations.

AMSA Offers Fellowships

AMSA is offering two fellowships for the summer: An End-of-Life Care Fellowship, and a Washington Health Policy Fellowship Program.

 The End-of-Life Care Fellowship will be granted to eighteen medical students. Fellowships will be located in Chicago, Illinois, and Miami, Florida. According to AMSA, "As an End-of-Life Care fellow, you will receive both experiential and theoretical training by working at hospices caring for dying patients and their families and participating regularly in interactive workshops and lectures on end of life care." Fellows will also be trained as advocates to develop end-of-life education in the curriculum of their own medical school. Program dates are June 19-July 28, 2006. Additional information can be found at http://www.amsa.org/programs/EOL.cfm. 

Applications are due by April 10, 2006.

The Washington Health Policy Fellowship is hosted in Washington, DC. Students will learn more about the "social, economic, and political forces affecting health status and health-care delivery," while developing analytical skills and the ability to network with and lobby political leaders. Fellowship dates are June 18-July 28, and more information may be viewed at www.amsa.org/hp/whpfp.cfm. 

Applications are due April 10, 2006.  

Betty Ford Center's 2006 Summer Institute for Medical Students

The Betty Ford Center is offering scholarships for five day experiential training seminars this summer at its gorgeous campus in Rancho Mirage, Calif. Sessions will be held May 22-26, June 5-9, June 19-23, July 3-7, July 17-21, July 31-August 4, and August 14-18. Training focuses specifically on treating substance abuse and breaking addictions. Scholarships will cover tuition, travel, lodging, materials and on-campus meals. Applications may be viewed at www.bettyfordcenter.org/welcome/training, or interested students may call 1-800-854-9211, ext. 4108. 

Application deadline is March 15, 2006.

Mayo Clinic Offers Opportunities for Minority Students

The Mayo Clinic is offering several integrated programs to minority students. The goals of the programs are to provide minority students early exposure to clinical care experiences, an introduction to basic science/patient- oriented research, and opportunities to participate in career development workshops. To ensure these programs are accessible to students, travel expenses, meals, and housing are covered or a generous living stipend is made available (depending on the program).

To find out more info about the 2006 Mayo Clinic Minority Career Development Programs and the on-line applications, check out: http:///www.mayo.edu/msgme/diversity.html.   

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.

AMSA Offers Three Summer Leadership Training Programs

AMSA is offering a Leadership Training Program for Complementary and Alternative Medicine this summer. The course will cover acupuncture, herbal medicine, nutrition, and holistic healing. The program will be held at the Omega Institute for Holistic Studies in Rhinebeck, NY, from June 18-23, 2006. Interested students may find more information at www.amsa.org/humed/cam/ltp.cfm. 

Application deadline is April 7, 2006.

"Learning from Each Other: Cultural Competency in Medicine and Dentistry" is the topic for AMSA's 2006 Primary Care Leadership Training Program. Forty students from across the country will enhance their leadership skills while becoming more educated on the wide range of career opportunities available in primary care. Applications are available at www.amsa.org/addm. 

The Paul Ambrose Scholars Program will be held from June 22-25, 2006 in Washington, DC. The program strives "to engage 40 medical, graduate physician assistant, graduate nursing, and pharmacy student leaders in building new visions, models, and experiences for health professions education." Interested students may visit the following website for more information: www.atpm.org. 

Applications are due by April 14, 2006.

Educational Enhancement Fund Information

The Educational Enhancement Fund (EEF) is designed by UNECOM as a way for the University to promote student leadership and extracurricular learning opportunities. The Fund reimburses students up to 50% of the costs associated with traveling to a conference.

This year, the University ear-marked $10,000 for the EEF during the 2005-2006 academic year. To apply, students must fill out an EEF form from the RSAS office in which they estimate conference expenses. Applications should then be returned to Joan Goulet in the RSAS office. 

While some students have taken advantage of this opportunity to help finance trips to conferences, there is still a sizeable portion of the fund available. This is a great opportunity to participate in regional and national events with University assistance, so if you've been thinking about a specific opportunity, this may be a way to fund it.

Student Drop-In Times

Students come to the RSAS office for all kinds of reasons. Many of those reasons involve wanting to talk to Dean Kelley. As the Associate Dean of Students at UNECOM, Dean Kelley is often the hub of the wheel when students have a request.

However, it is not always possible for students to schedule an appointment with Dean Kelley weeks in advance. Stuff happens. Aware of this, Dean Kelley has instituted "Student Drop-in Times," when students can schedule an appointment or drop by to chat with her.

The drop-in times are as follow:
- Tuesdays from 11am-1pm
- Thursdays from 2:30-4:30pm

Here's how they work: Students should be aware that they can set up appointments for these hours in particular. Calling ahead or emailing still earns you a gold star for the day. However, students can also drop by in the hope that Dean Kelley is not meeting with a fellow student.

If Dean Kelley is already in a meeting, you can still wait around. Tracie Purcell will likely give you chocolate, while our huge couch and chair always offer their welcoming arms to sleep-deprived students. 

Also, students may still try to schedule meetings with Dean Kelley at other times in the week. We'll do our best to work things out for you. Please ask us if you have any questions. If you like this concept, let us know. We're trying new ideas to better meet the needs of students.

[Return to Top]

1

1

1

AMA Talks Focus on Student Debt and Personal Liability

The UNECOM chapter of the American Medical Association (AMA) will hold several lunchtime talks concerning issues that are important to medical students. On February 10, a speaker will discuss the matter of physician personal liability. 

Then on March 1, a speaker will talk about student loans, debt, and how to best repay the vast sums of borrowed money often needed to negotiate medical school. Questions may be directed to Sarah Bannister, MS II.

1

1

1

MS II's Thomas Waggoner and Kavitha Tipirneni on the August Cruise.
Photo Courtesy of Tanya Hanke, MS II

The “Good Old Days”? A 19^th Century Perspective on Physicians and Pain

The first American to enter Afghanistan was a Pennsylvanian Quaker by the name of Josiah Harlan. Harlan left the green fields of Pennsylvania to seek adventure with the British East India Company. 

With little more than book knowledge and supreme optimism, Harlan applied as a physician in the Company Army, which was about to fight its way through Burma. He served for several years before leaving the army to seek distant lands where he could become a king (really.)

In 1838, he employed a motley crew of mercenaries and set off for the wilds of Afghanistan, fully intending to become a potentate. On the way, he utilized his rudimentary medical skills and well-developed hubris to treat the maladies of the Afghans he encountered. 

During one of Harlan’s medical stops, he performed an operation without anesthesia on an old woman who was blinded by cataracts. The following account is taken from the book The Man Who Would Be King: The First American in Afghanistan, by Ben Macintyre. Harlan wrote in his memoirs:

“An elderly woman came to me who had been totally blind many years. When I alluded to the precarious nature of remedial measures and told her of the painful nature of the means by which she could hope for relief, she promptly replied, with a firmness of invincible decision: ‘Why should I fear? Am I not an Avghaun?’

"The lens of the right eye was depressed, the patient refusing to have her head restrained. She remained unmoved as the point of the lancet penetrated the eye, and in a moment the light of day again illumed the vision that had been so long extinguished. I told her to look up, which she did, and with a calm and pious fervor she [expressed] her gratitude to Heaven.”

The procedure was repeated for the other eye, and only after rejoicing in her newfound sight did the woman allow bandages to be applied. While Harlan was an odd duck by anyone’s standard, this story highlights two aspects of 19^th century medicine: the crude techniques of some physicians, and the pain-tolerance of some patients. 

Physicians today are highly trained, held accountable, and have the benefit of modern drugs and medical techniques. We would do well to think twice before longing sentimentally for the “good old days.” Perhaps they were not always so good. 

SGA and C&O

A mansion hides behind blankets of sea fog near Fortune's Rocks. Photo by Steve Smith, RSAS

UNECOM Talent Show on February 10th

The Class of 2008 is excited to announce the 2006 UNECOM Variety Show on Friday, February 10th at 8pm in the Multi-purpose rooms of the Campus Center.

This evening of talent and comedy is open to members of BOTH Classes (2008 and 2009) with comical, musical, theatrical or any other type of talent. All bands, musicians, singers, a cappella groups, faculty impersonators, skit performers, fire eaters, jugglers and and any other ideas are encouraged to participate in what promises to be a fun event.

Your MC's for the evening will be Walter Jay and Joanie.

Don't miss this opportunity to share your talents and humor. Sign ups for acts will be accepted until January 27. Please contact dfish@pipeline.une.edu with your act information, including AV and prop needs, and questions.

Andrew Taylor Still Memorial Scholarship

The national chapter of the Student Osteopathic Medical Association (SOMA) is offering an A.T. Still Scholarship for student practitioners of OMT. According to the organization, “The Andrew Taylor Still Memorial Scholarship provides a $300 stipend to select third and fourth year osteopathic medical students who utilize OMT in clinical practice. It is offered to students who integrate osteopathic philosophy and treatment in patient care.”

Instructions are as follow: “Students should write about a particular experience where they utilized OMT and should likewise include information regarding the chief complaint, history of present illness, pertinent past medical history, therapeutic modalities employed and outcome generated. The student must also include validation from the supervising physician that OMT was, in fact, utilized. Specific OMT techniques utilized and rationale as to why the technique was chosen should be included in the essay. 

The purpose of this scholarship is to encourage students to employ OMM as an integral component of patient care. The stipend is awarded at the Spring SOMA Convention. Applicants may describe any clinical experience where they utilized OMT during the 2004-2006 academic years.

Eight scholarships are available this year. Scholarship applications will be judged and the best applications will be awarded the scholarships. Typed essays (minimum 250 words) reflecting an experience may be used for publication on the SOMA website, in the SOMA column of The D.O., or in other SOMA publications. These awards are available to students who submit the completed application before the annual deadline of February 15, 2006. The scholarships will be awarded at the 2006 Spring SOMA Convention in Washington, D.C. If unable to attend the convention, award winners will be notified by April 30, 2006.”

Applications may be procured by contacting Romeo Lucas, president of SOMA’s UNECOM chapter.

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

[Return to Top]

1

1

1

1

1

1Submissions to the COMmunicator 

Submissions to the COMmunicator are welcomed. Staff, faculty, and students may send articles, event information, digital pictures, and other items to Steve Smith at comsa@une.edu. 

Third and Fourth year students are invited to submit items relevant to their experience during rotations.

The deadline for submissions to the March COMmunicator is Thursday, February 23rd. 

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

MS I's Elizabeth Williams and Jessica Rose at the Post Gross Toast.
Photo by James Gaffney, RSAS

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

Let them eat cake! MS I's Amanda Magyar and Erycka Florie enjoy a well-deserved piece of cake at the Post Gross Toast in November.
Photo by James Gaffney, RSAS 

11

1

1

1

1

1

1

It's not Mt. Suribachi, but there is still something majestic about MS I's working together during Orientation.
Photo by Sarah Bannister, MS II

1

Meat and Potatoes

Tidal pool facing southeast, Atlantic Coast near Biddeford Pool. Photo by Steve Smith, RSAS

This is all the information which we already gave you but which is now crumpled up in a wad beneath your car's front seat.  We told you you'd need it...

Parting Shot

Stella Maris Hall. Photo by Steve Smith, RSAS

[Return to Top]