The clock continues to tick until we reach the 6^th Annual Graduate and Medical Student Appreciation Week (GMSAWk). This year’s event is sure to dazzle and delight! A full schedule of events will be posted throughout ACHS in the next week. This year’s theme is "Everyday Leaders: Enhancing Communities from the Inside Out." Here are some of the highlights from the week of February 11-14:

The student experience
It comes as no surprise that UNECOM students are doing amazing things. In an effort to bring more of these to light, we will be running a regular section in the COMmunicator that is designed to highlight the "student experience". Students are encouraged to submit short articles on conferences they’ve attended, research they’re developing, opportunities they’ve had to explore medicine, and other similar experiences. This month Grace Crawford, second year student, shares her experiences with developing a research project on osteoporosis in Turner Syndrome. Click here to read her story.

Learn more about international rotations
Are you interested in learning more about international rotations? Do you want to be able to access medical students in other countries who are interested in the same things as you are?

Then please come to an International Health Advocates meeting! You do not have to be a prior International Health Advocates member to come and learn!

Important IHA meeting planned
On Tuesday, February 5 at noon, ACHS 304, International Health Advocates will be holding an important meeting. At this meeting we will focus on becoming affiliated with the International Federation of Medical Students Association, IFMSA-USA (please check out its website: www.ifmsa-usa.org). We will be going over some of the opportunities this change would provide us and some of the great programs that this international group takes part in. Please come and share your thoughts. We will also be talking about new IHA officers for next year.

Christian Fellowship to sponsor canned food drive
Christian Fellowship will sponsor a nonperishable and canned food drive the week of February 11-15 (during Graduate and Medical Student Appreciation Week). Donations will be collected for local food pantries in Biddeford and Portland. For more information, please contact Osei Bonsu at osei.bonsu@webmail.une.edu.

Group to meet to discuss history of UNECOM
CLIO (Society for the History of Medicine) will meet for the first time on February 11 at 7:30 pm, at the Kerrymen Pub (512 Main St. in Saco). Some of the faculty who helped put the first students in their seats and teach them will gather to tell us the stories of how UNECOM got off the ground. If you have ever had the opportunity to read a formal history of an event in which you participated, you know that the books or newspapers hardly ever tell it like it is! So, in this rare opportunity, we hope to share many laughs with Dr. Novotny, Dr. Yonuschot, Dr. Manyon, Dr. Vanderburgh, and Dr. Cross about how we came to sit in the seats we warm everyday!

Please RSVP to Cathy Sims at cathy.sims@webmail.une.edu.

UAAO study group discussing osteopathic philosophy
A recent UNECOM lecturer said "What is really different about osteopathic physicians, is that we have a philosophy."

Want to learn more about osteopathic philosophy? Come join the UAAO study group.

Kiran Punnoose, OMM fellow, and interested students will read short sections from a chosen book on osteopathy, each week, and discuss the reading as group. The goal is to enhance our understanding of the philosophy and ideas of those prominent osteopathic physicians that came before us. Discussion will help to develop and focus our own philosophies and ideas about osteopathy. The group will meet every Friday at noon in the OMM lab. For more information, or to join, please e-mail kiran.punnoose@webmail.une.edu.

CME at UNECOM
The Office of Continuing Medical Education announced the Spring 2002 schedule of programs. Students are welcome to attend free of charge, but must register by calling extension 2589.

College of Health Professions I²H² Seminar Series
This seminar series will be an opportunity for students, faculty and the health community to come together and exchange ideas around a central theme to further implement the I²H² initiative. The topic for this semester is appraisal of complementary and alternative modalities in health and healing. The seminars will address selected modalities in use today.

Hospital Day
The University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine's Annual "Hospital Day" will be held on Friday, April 5, 2002, 9 am-noon, Campus Center gym.

This is an excellent time for students to search for clerkship and postgraduate training sites. Don't miss out on this excellent opportunity to check out programs!

For more information, contact, Parise Skoczenski, Office of Clinical Affairs, extension 2348, or pskoczenski@une.edu.

PSR daffodil sale to benefit Cancer Society
Physicians for Social Responsibility will sponsor a Daffodil Sale for the American Cancer Society. The group will start the sale in mid-February the daffodils will cost $6 for a bunch. For more information, or to place an order, please contact Maggie Bordeau at margaret.bordeau@webmail.

Chili and Chowder Cook Off
The UNECOM Chili and Chowder Cook Off is scheduled to take place on February 22, 5-8 pm. All COM students, faculty, and staff are welcome to show off their culinary expertise with chili, chowder or a dessert. There will be a cash bar and prizes for each category. Come one, come all! This is a great opportunity to get to know other students, faculty, or staff in a relaxed, low key environment. For more information, contact Ried Heywood at richard.heywood@webmail.une.edu.

NOWPA fleece sale
Here is the perfect gift for yourself, or your friends and family- the UNECOM fleece! The UNECOM National Osteopathic Women Physician's Association club (NOWPA) is now selling L.L. Bean fleeces as a fundraiser. These are high-quality fleeces available in many colors, either as a jacket or vest. All have the UNECOM Osteopathic medicine logo embroidered on them. Please contact Kate Hanify at katherine.hanify@webmail.une.edu for ordering information or to view samples.

Campus housing expected for medical students
With the addition of two new residence halls on campus, there will be housing on campus next year for medical students. Students can pick up a request form beginning February 18 in the Housing and Residence Life Office, Decary Hall. Forms will soon be available on the COM Office of Recruitment, Student and Alumni Services website. For more information, contact Housing and Residence Life at extension 2272.

Library Training for COM Aroostook County AHEC Preceptors
On January 19, Janice Beal, M.S., UNE Public Service Librarian conducted training for AHEC faculty in the use of UNE's on-line medical library resources. The half-day training session was hosted by Arlene Luzzi, ARC/LSW, Aroostook County AHEC Regional Coordinator at the Northern Maine Technical College computer laboratory. This training is part of the National Library Medicine grant to establish internet connectivity in the offices of AHEC faculty who precept COM students.

Second year lottery
"The lottery" is schedule for Sunday, April 7 in the Campus Center Gym. For more information, contact Erin Wentworth, Ried Heywood, Tara Thurston, or Meghan Delany.

Student D.O. Day on the Hill
Student DO Day on the Hill is fast approaching. This year’s event will be on Thursday, April 11.This year promises to be a very exciting year for Osteopathic Medical Students political needs. If you are thinking of attending, please go to the link below to register and learn more about the event. By registering, the AOA will take care of setting up appointments with your congressional representatives of your hometown (where you are registered to vote). This is certainly an exciting opportunity to advocate for your own concerns about our profession and medicine in general.

To register go to the following website:
http://www.aacom.org/news/hillday-register.html

Deadline is February 28.

If you have any questions about the 2002 Capitol Hill Day, please feel free to contact Kari Vunk, Assistant Director for Government Relations by e-mail at kvunk@aacom.org or by phone at (301) 968-4153. You can also e-mail david.salama@webmail.une.edu.

D.O. Day on Capital Hill
Not to be confused with STUDENT D.O. Day on the Hill, the AOA will host a D.O. event on April 18th to
educate Members of Congress about osteopathic medicine and the need for reform. While the issue of the day may change in light of the legislative developments, the AOA expects the issue of the day to be professional liability insurance, an important issue to all in the osteopathic community. For more information, visit the AOA website at http://www.aoa-net.org/Government/relations/doday.htm. Registration deadline is March 1, 2002. If you have any questions, contact Heidi Ecker, Director of Federal Advocacy, American Osteopathic Association, at (800) 962-9008.

Club and organization presidents

Club and organization regular meeting schedule

Students
Stephen Ruda, MSII, wrote the feature article, "Some Essential Questions…", in the Winter 2002 issue of Bruit Rurale. The publication focuses on National Health Service Corps’ student and resident experiences and rotations in community health in Maine.

Faculty/Staff
Patricia Kelley, Associate Dean of Students, has received the position of Chairperson-Elect for the Council of Osteopathic Medicine Student Services of the American Associations of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM). AACOM is a national organization that exists to lend support and assistance to the nation's osteopathic medical schools The Chairperson-Elect is responsible for chairing the program committee for the annual meeting.

Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund, Citizens' Scholarship Foundation of America, Inc., 1505 Riverview Road, P.O. Box 297, St. Peter, MN 56082. Phone number - 1-877-862-0136, or email at freedom@scfa.org.

Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, 44115 Woodridge Parkway, Suite 200, Lansdowne, VA 20176, phone 703-723-8000 or email at jkc@act.org. Their website is www.jackjentcookefoundation.org.

"September 11" scholarships
The UNE Financial Aid Office has received information regarding scholarships that have been made available to members of families impacted by the events of September 11th. Contributors to these funds want to ensure that the children and spouses of those who died or were permanently disabled will have the opportunity to continue their studies.

Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund, Citizens' Scholarship Foundation of America, Inc., 1505 Riverview Road, P.O. Box 297, St. Peter, MN 56082. Phone number - 1-877-862-0136, or email at freedom@scfa.org.

Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, 44115 Woodridge Parkway, Suite 200, Lansdowne, VA 20176, or phone 703-723-8000 or email at jkc@act.org. Their website is www.jackjentcookefoundation.org.

SOMA national convention
The National Student Osteopathic Medical Association Convention will be April 4-6 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Post-first year summer preceptorship
The Western Pennsylvania Health Preceptorship Program strives to expose post-first year medical students to health care practices and issues that face physicians in community and rural settings. Although preceptorships are available only in Western Pennsylvania, they are open to all post-first year medical student who have either (1) an interest in, or ties to, the state of Pennsylvania, or (2) a special interest in rural health care. Students will receive a stipend of $1800 for the six week session (June 10-July 19, 2002). In additions, some hospitals may offer room, board, and/or parking. This year’s application is due on March 1, 2002. Applications can be found at www.pitt.edu/~wphpp.

Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center fellowship program
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center announces its 2002 Summer Student Fellowship Program. Funded by a grant from the National Cancer Institute, the program’s objective is to encourage interest in the field of oncology. Twenty-five $5,000 fellowships are available for the summer of 2002.

Interested first and second year medical students should visit the MSKCC website after February 1, 2002. Application materials and instructions will be accessible on the site. The address is www.mskcc.org/medical_professionals/medicalstudents.cfm. Completed application materials must be received by March 1, 2002.

AOA and AACOM announce health policy intern program
The American Osteopathic Association and American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine announce the establishment of the Osteopathic Health Policy Intern (OHPI) Program. The program will enable two osteopathic medical students (one male and one female) to spend two months in the government relations departments of the AOA and AACOM. To the extent practical, every effort will be made to identify the months that will accommodate the students’ schedules. A stipend of $3,500 plus up to $1,500 for miscellaneous expenses and potential housing at one of the local universities will be provided.

Competitions

Kirksville challenges med students in hoops tourney
The Rotator Cuff Committee and the Student Government Association Intramural Sports of the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine are pleased to invite osteopathic and allopathic medical students from around the country to participate in a 5-on-5 basketball tournament. The tournament will be held March 8-9. For more information, visit COM Office of Recruitment, Student and Alumni Services and ask to see the information packet.

TGIF events scheduled
"Thank Goodness It's Friday" is a social event scheduled from 4-6 pm in the Hang. Come spend some time together before the weekend begins. Students, staff, and faculty will be able to enjoy one another's company, some good tunes from our very own undergraduates Chris and Chad, food specials, and free snack food.

Green Memorial AME Church choir to perform at UNE
As part of Black History Month, Margaret Lawson and Green Memorial AME Church Choir will present "The Power of Music in the Black Church", on February 7, 7pm, Campus Center, UC.

WCC Safe Zone Orientation
A Brown Bag Lunch will be held on Thursday, February 7, noon-1:30 pm, Proctor 105, WCC to discuss the creation of a safe and respectful environment that fosters student development and growth, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Per student request after last years orientation, some situational exercises will be done as students share their stories about the climate on the WCC.  This event is sponsored by GLBQ Resource Office.  RSVPs would be appreciated at extension 2461.

Noted author and UNE trustee to present book preview
On Wednesday, February 13, 5:30-7:30 pm, UNE Trustee and noted author Neil Rolde, will present a book preview of his new book The Interrupted Forest: A history of Maine's woodland. The program will be held in the Interactive Classroom, Parker Pavilion, WCC. Please RSVP to Margaret Pearson at extension 4295.

Five Senses Café
Do you have a musical talent you’d like to share? Have a poem you’d like to read? Want to take a break from studying? Then come to the Five Senses Café on Five senses on 13 and 27 (The 27th has special guests "The Hobohemians"), 8pm, St. Francis Room, UC Library. The Five Senses Café is a casual event where students can play music, or share other artistic talents. For more information, contact Greg Shambarger, student activities coordinator, at gshambarger@une.edu.

Jazz in the Hang
Live jazz music continues in the Hang this month on Thursday, February 21, 8-10pm. Future dates include March 28 and April 11.

Spring lecture series
The Core Connections lecture series continues.

For more information on the lecture series, please contact Ali Ahmida at aahmida@une.edu.

Sports and Recreation

Recreation on the University Campus

For more information, contact Marilyn Gugliucci at mgugliucci@une.edu.

Roster forms are available in the Recreational Sports Office located in the Campus Center Gymnasium. A mandatory Captains’ meeting will be held on Sunday, February 24, 5 pm in Alumni Hall of the Campus Center . Play begins Monday, February 25. For more information, contact Matt Richards, Recreation Sports Coordinator, at extension 2525 or mrichards@une.edu.

Racquetball Tournament
Registration for the Racquetball Tournament will take place March 4-8, 8:30am-4:30pm. Two divisions (intermediate and advanced) will be created. A single-elimination tournament will begin on Saturday, March 9. All entries are due by Friday, March 8 at 3 pm. For more information, contact Matt Richards, Recreation Sports Coordinator, at extension 2525 or mrichards@une.edu.

Any questions please contact Jennifer Savage, Cardio Club President, at jennifer.savage@webmail.une.edu.

Finley Recreation Center information
February is Black History Month. Two bulletin boards have been assembled to display a variety of black athletes. Come on over and check them out!

Art on Campus

Off Campus

University News
Annual Books for Kids drive underway
The Division of Student Affairs is sponsoring the 3rd Annual Books for Kids Drive. The goal for this year is 1000 new or like-new books that can be donated to one of the following agencies in need: Pleasant Point Reservation, Evenstart, Caring Unlimited, and Project Story Boost. It is a great way to share a special memory with children who don't have access to good books. The drop-off sites are:

Saco clinic moves to new location
University Health Care of Saco has successfully moved from 180 Main Street to 655 Main Street.

Overnight parking
During the winter snow season (November 1-May 1), overnight parking is only allowed in the following lots:

Power outage expected in March
Due to the Cafeteria expansion, the power to Decary Hall will be turned off for four to six hours on Saturday, March 16 beginning at 7 am. This is during spring break and should not effect students. The power outage is expected to impact phone and Internet access on campus.

Office and Support Services
Campus Center fall and spring semester hours
The Campus Center will maintain the following hours (with the exception of holidays):

On campus study locations
Student Affairs would like students to be aware that the following study spaces are available, in addition to the libraries, on both campuses. This information is provided as a courtesy and is subject to change without notice. Students are encouraged to regularly check upon space availability before making final plans for study space.

COMmunicator is published and distributed by the Office of COM Office of Recruitment, Student and Alumni Services. Announcements, articles, comments or questions can be submitted to David Kniola, Coordinator for Graduate Student Affairs, at extension 2329 or dkniola@une.edu. The Office of COM Office of Recruitment, Student and Alumni Services reserves the right to edit submissions for grammar, style, accuracy of information, and space constraints.