Photo by Steve Smith, RSAS

"Marry" Christmas?

It seems to happen every holiday break. Students leave as solos and come back duets. Engagements happen. And the holiday season is a lovely time to begin a committed relationship as the new year dawns.

Here's the thing: We like joyful news. So please share with us if you are newly engaged. Those of us in the RSAS office like to stay informed about special events in students' lives. Send us an email, maybe with a picture of your significant other, and we'll share your joy.

And perhaps one of these days we'll have you fill out a hot pink engagement-request form before you go on break....

Ripich is widely known for her work in speech pathology, with an emphasis on the hearing impaired and those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. She has written extensively in her field, including several book chapters and manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals, and has served as an editorial consultant to several medical journals.

Before becoming dean at MUSC, Ripich was chair of the Department of Communication Sciences (1985-1994) and associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Case Western Reserve University (1994-1999). She still holds teaching appointments as adjunct professor in the College of Nursing and in the Department of Communication Sciences of the College of Arts and Sciences at Case Western Reserve University.

Ripich earned a Ph.D. in speech pathology from Kent State University. She also received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in speech pathology from Cleveland State University.

She has been the recipient of many honors and fellowships. In 1996 she was awarded a Congressional Fellowship from the American Association for the Advancement of Science. 

Ripich was selected from four finalists who visited both UNE campuses last month to meet with faculty, staff and students. Members of the University community were asked to evaluate each candidate, and more than 400 responses were received. Furey said this excellent response “helped guide the search committee’s final decision. We are very grateful to the UNE community for its hard work in the selection process.” The search committee was chaired by UNE Trustee Robert E. McAfee, M.D.

- Steve Price, University Relations

Why January?

The first month of the Gregorian calendar bears the name "January," in honor of the Roman god Janus.  According to legend, Janus was the god of gates and doors, and thus represented both beginnings and endings.

His double-faced visage appears on ancient Roman coins and symbolizes his role as the god of transitions. The first month of the year is a traditional time to reflect on the past year while making resolutions for the future.

The New England Institute's 2006 William D. Hamilton Memorial Lecture will be delivered by Dr. David Haig, who will be speaking on 'The Divided Self: Brains, Brawn and the Superego'.  The lecture will be held on April 28, 2006 in the Interactive Classroom, WCC and will begin at 7PM.  Below you will find a brief summary of the territory that he intends to cover as well as a biographical sketch. 

Abstract: The Divided Self: Brains, Brawn and the Superego

"Biologists have traditionally viewed animals as machines and their brains as fitness-maximizing computers, and have emphasized the competitive struggle between organisms. By contrast, psychologists and novelists have often portrayed minds as subject to internal division, and have often highlighted the conflicts that occur within individuals. Now, biologists have begun to recognize conflicts between genes within a single individual; an organism at odds with itself.  I will illustrate this with the example of conflicts between maternally and paternally imprinted genes: genes that are expressed only when inherited from one's mother and those expressed only when inherited from one's father."

Biographical Sketch: David Haig, Ph.D.

David Haig, Ph.D. is Professor of Biology in Harvard University's Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology.   He is an evolutionary geneticist with a particular interest in genomic imprinting and relations between parents and offspring.  He was born in Canberra, Australia, and did graduate research on the evolution of plant cycles at Macquarie University in Sydney. After completing his PhD, Dr. Haig went to Oxford where he further developed his ideas on genomic imprinting and developed an interest in the conflicts between mother and fetus during human pregnancy. He then moved to Harvard, where he was nominated for the Harvard Society of Fellows, and where he continues his interest in conflicts within the genome. He is the author of Genomic Imprinting and Kinship ( Rutgers, 2002), as well as numerous scientific papers, many of which are available on his web page at http://www.oeb.harvard.edu/faculty/haig/HaigHome.htm.  

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Did You Know?

The incoming class of 2010 poses something of a problem for grammarians and officials who want to use accurate short-hand to refer to the new cohort.

What's the problem? It can't easily be done. Try it. How does one abbreviate 2010? Do you say, "The class of ten," or "the class of oh-ten," or "the class of the decade," or "the class of five plus five," or "the class of eleven minus one," etc., etc., ad infinitum?

If anyone proposes a satisfying solution, we'll gladly incorporate the new terminology. Otherwise, we'll just use "the class of oh-ten," since it has a better ring to it.

You'd be surprised how many land wars were started over less significant disputes. Don't believe it? Do a Google-search for "Soccer War," and find out about a 1969 conflict between Honduras and El Salvador which resulted in the deaths of 2,000 people - all sparked by a soccer match.  

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January Dining Services Hours

The University's Dining Services hours have changed while CAS students are on winter break. COM students need to be aware of the following changes:

Cafe A La Cart

Closing 12/16 at 2:15pm
Re-opening 1/18/06 Normal Hours

The Hang

Closing at 8pm 12/19,
Re-opening 1/17/06 at 3pm

Decary

Open 1/3/06 to 1/17/06
11:30a-12:30p, Monday - Friday

Re-opening 1/17/06 for Dinner

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UNE/COM News and Events

Applications to UNECOM Skyrocket

Applications to UNECOM  have increased by nearly 21 percent over the same time period last year. While the class of 2009 was the best ever in terms of academic credentials, the average GPA and MCAT scores of applicants continue to climb as competition increases for a slot in one of the nation's premier Osteopathic Medical Schools.  

According to James Gaffney, Coordinator of Recruiting, "AACOMAS applications received by UNECOM are up 21 percent from the same time last year, and up 31 percent from two years ago. Year-to-date, UNECOM has received 2,307 AACOMAS applications compared to 1826 applications last January and 1586 in 2004. There has been a general increase in applications to most of the osteopathic schools, although the average is slightly less than that achieved here at UNECOM.

"The number of supplemental applications offered has increased 30 percent from last year, and completed files (return of supplemental and submission of all letters of recommendation) has increased 15 percent from the 2004-2005 cycle. With such an increase of supplemental applications offered and returned, the number of interviews has increased as well. The difference from last year’s interviews is an increase of 15 percent as well.

"UNECOM’s deadline for submitting the AACOMAS application is February 1, and the deadline for return of the supplemental application (if offered) and letters of recommendation is March 15. Interviews began in early September and resume on Tuesday, January 10, after a five-week hiatus. Interviews will be conducted nearly every Tuesday morning and Thursday afternoon, and an occasional Saturday morning, through the end of March (and beyond if needed)."

The College of Osteopathic Medicine completed the fall interview cycle on December 3, having interviewed nearly 175 candidates since mid-September. Interviews for the UNECOM class of 2010 will resume January 10, when interviews will be conducted every Tuesday morning and Thursday afternoon (and some Saturdays) through late March or early April. Eight to twelve candidates are scheduled for each interview day. A small team often comprised of a basic scientist faculty member, practicing clinician and a second-year student, interviews each candidate. Both first- and second-year students serve as hosts and tour guides on interview days. The COM interview-day program is a joint venture between the Admissions Office and the COM Office of Recruitment, Student and Alumni Services (RSAS).

Copy Center and Mail Room Relocations

The UC Mail Room and Copy Center was relocated to the Facilities Management Building over the Holiday break. This planned move was fully supported by VPAA Jack Carter and the Academic Council in order to free up space in Decary Hall for expanding academic and support needs. In addition, the student undergraduate residential mail boxes were relocated to the Avila Hall Lounge as supported by the Division of Student Affairs. Commuter mailboxes are going to be re-located outside the Facilities Management Building. 

Students who have questions or concerns about this transition may contact Matt Haas, Director of Facilities at x2365.

 Photo by Steve Smith, RSAS

"Maine Women: Living on the Land" Exhibition:

The Art Gallery at UNE will host a photographic exhibition "Maine Women: Living on the Land," a collection of photographs by artist Lauren Shaw. The exhibit opened on December 5, 2005, and will continue through January 22, 2006. This photographic exhibition features ten Maine women whose livelihoods have come from the land. It celebrates the relationship between the land we live on and the soul and spirit of a place.

In addition to Lauren Shaw’s compelling photography, an interactive DVD further deepens the experience by showing the women’s stories in their own words. The exhibition inspires the audience to look at the relationship they have to their personal surroundings and how that relationship impacts their communities.

For more information, check www.laurenshaw.com.

Talks are also planned for the Art Gallery at UNE, and will be posted at www.une.edu/artgallery.

All events are free and open to the public.

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 Steve Smith, RSAS

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Commencement Webpages Updated

You can now find updated Commencement information on the UNECOM graduation pages: http://www.une.edu/studentlife.asp then look under "Graduation" and then "College of Osteopathic Medicine."

Hotel rates have been updated, as well as the date and time of Commencement. You can also see photos from last year's graduation, and learn about the history of the regalia worn at a medical school graduation ceremony.

Best wishes to the class of 2006! 

College of Health Professions to Offer Winter Seminar: Lost Boys of Sudan Featured

Our program, Ethics and Diversity: A Healthcare Challenge, is fast approaching.

The University of New England College of Health Professions Integrated Interdisciplinary Health and Healing Winter Seminar in Ethics will be held Tuesday January 17, 2006, in Ludcke Auditorium on the Westbrook Campus. The Sudanese Community in Maine will be highlighted and  we will have Wilfreid Plalum, of Portland, speak of his powerful experience and trauma as a Lost Boy of Sudan and of his emigration to the United States. We will also show the documentary film titled Lost Boys of Sudan. This program promises to be meaningful and mindful to the issues of understanding cultural diversity in delivering healthcare in this country. This program is designed to offer health care professionals ways in which we can be more sensitive to culture, as well as to demonstrate how we can work more effectively with people using ethical decision making as a base.

Please come. A continental breakfast and a Dean's luncheon will be served, where continued discussion is encouraged. COM students should sign up in the RSAS office so that they can be counted for the luncheon. Sign up no later than Thursday, January 12th.

Look for the Posters on the Westbrook College Campus and the University Campus.

Marji Harmer-Beem
CHP I2H2 Winter Seminar Planning Committee

Did You Know?

The largest carnivorous plant in the world is the East Indian pitcher plant, which averages six feet in length and whose pitcher-shaped leaves can grow 17 inches tall and 10 inches wide.  

The pitcher plant generally grows in poor soil, so it requires extra nitrogen to survive. In the absence of Centrum, how does the plant receive adequate nutrients?

According to the Sierra Club's Extreme Nature Knowledge Cards, "Each tubular leaf on the vine is hollow and lined with downward-pointing hairs. An insect that lands on the plant inevitably falls into the bottom of the pitcher, where digestive juices and water have accumulated." Yummy.  

The UNE MLK, Jr. Celebration Committee is planning ahead for UNE's 19th Annual MLK, Jr. Celebration. One component of this celebration involves a focus on service to our community from January 16-31, 2006.

This year we wish to encourage groups such as clubs, campus organizations, academic and administrative departments and residence halls to take the lead in gathering others into service to honor the community building work of Dr. King.

We will begin posting these opportunities with contact information December 20 and continue posting until January 20.

For more information, contact:

Jessica B. Meserve, Coordinator
Citizenship Service Learning Center
E-mail: JMeserve@une.edu
Phone: 207-602-2513 

Dr. William G. Anderson, AOA Past President and Albany Movement member to be MLK Day Speaker on January 25

William G. Anderson, D.O., the son of John D. Anderson, Sr. and Emma Gilchrist Anderson, will be the MLK Day Celebration speaker on January 25, 2006. Dr. Anderson will be speaking from noon – 2:00 p.m. in the multi-purpose rooms of the Campus Center.

Dr. Anderson is a native of Americus, Georgia and completed his undergraduate degree at Alabama State College for Negroes in 1949. He is a graduate of the University of Osteopathic Medicine and Health Sciences in Des Moines, Iowa and is certified in general surgery.

He began his professional career in Albany, Georgia, where he practiced for six years, following an internship at Flint Osteopathic Hospital in Flint, MI. During this time, he was a founder and first president of the Albany Movement, which spearheaded the Civil Rights Movement in southwest Georgia.

He subsequently completed his training at the Art Center Hospital in general surgery in Detroit, where he also conducted a group surgical practice until 1984.

Thereafter, he has been Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of the Michigan Health Corporation, Director of Governmental Affairs for the Detroit Osteopathic Hospital, and Associate Director of Medical Education at Detroit Riverview Hospital.

Currently Dr. Anderson is associate dean for the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, A.T. Still University, where he is responsible for the development of osteopathic medical education programs for students, interns, and residents at Oakland General, Detroit Riverview, Macomb and St. John Hospitals.

Dr. Anderson has served on the board of the American Osteopathic Association, is past president of the Michigan and the Wayne County Osteopathic Associations, and previously served as president of the Michigan Osteopathic College Foundation. He is a member of the Detroit Medical Society, National Medical Society, and American College of Osteopathic Surgeons.

He is also a life member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and a Trustee and chairman of the Properties Planning Committee of the Hartford Memorial Baptist Church in Detroit.

To listen to an audio interview with Dr. Anderson, go to  http://www.med.umich.edu/haahc/Oralbios/anderson.htm. 

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Current Students

MS II's Peter Tilney and Shehzaad Zaman (background) review the human hand for MS I's Abigail Hansen, Pierre Zabel, and Gretchen Hankens. Photo Courtesy of Tanya Hanke, MS II

Tuesday’s with Morrie…Tonight with Johnny Carson…. "Lunch with Dean Kelley"

With the start of the new calendar year and semester, we are kicking off a new initiative to get out of the basement of Stella Maris and into the halls of Alfond. What is it? Well, a yet to be named lunch time activity where ten students, five first year and five second year, will have the opportunity to meet and have lunch with Dean Kelley. This will be an opportunity to get to know members of each of the on-campus classes as well as a time for Dean Kelley to get to interact with you. There will be no set agenda, just an opportunity to speak about anything that is of interest or concern to students. From time to time, other Deans may join the luncheon so that they, too, can get to know students.

Sound like something you’d like to do? The first session will kick off on Wednesday, January 18, 12:00 – 12:50 p.m., and take place every two weeks therafter. Each session will be limited to ten students, on a first- come first-served basis, and sign up will be in the Office of Recruitment, Student and Alumni Services. At the time of sign up, students will be given tickets to purchase lunch on the given day at the Alfond Café.  Deadline for the first sign-up will be January 13.

Recognizing that Wednesdays are a busy day of the week for meetings, seminars and things of this nature, from time to time we will also be offering “Breakfast with Dean Kelley.” Watch for details about this in the February issue of the COMmunicator.

It’s January  - Time to Begin Orientation Planning for the Class of 2010

With the start of the new calendar year comes time to solicit applicants to be Orientation Co-chairs and Orientation Leaders. This year we will be changing our format from having three co-chairs down to two.  Applications for those interested in being co-chairs are due January 12, no later than 5:00 p.m., and may be submitted electronically or in paper. A letter/note/e-mail of recommendation from a fellow student (SGA, club or organization officer, committee chair, classmate) or faculty member is required if you are applying for a co-chair position and is due January 19^th. Interviews for the co-chair positions will take place on Friday, January 13, beginning at 3:00 p.m.

In addition to the co-chairs, we will be looking for those interested in serving as team leaders for each of the orientation committees. The six core committees are: Curriculum, Diversity, Marketing and Publications, Med Partner/Late Admission, Professional Behaviors, and Socials. Ad hoc committees will be formed as the committee proposes other programs and projects.

Individuals interested in serving as a Committee Team Leader or in being an Orientation Leader are asked to submit their application by January 19^th.  Each Orientation Leader will be asked to serve on one of the six core committees noted above. Interviews for the Orientation Leader and Committee Team Leader positions will take place on January 24, beginning at 2:00 p.m.

First year students are encouraged to watch their e-mail for an announcement and application materials from the Office of Recruitment, Student and Alumni Services. 

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. 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 January 17- 30^th.  They can be handmade or store bought, but let’s see how many we can collect and contribute to our local communities.

Pomykala to Attend Leadership Institute

Matthew Pomykala, MS I, has been selected to attend the Paul Ambrose Political Leadership Institute on January 20th, 2006. The Institute is sponsored by AMSA, the American Medical Student Association. Matthew will participate in a workshop which will review various health policies with a view to change and correct them via political avenues.

According to the AMSA website, the Paul Ambrose Political Leadership Institute focuses on "teaching political and activist techniques within the context of public health and health policy issues. Participants are assigned a public health topic on the first day of the workshop and work as a team to produce sound bites, policy briefing papers, a speech, and a legislative strategy for that issue. Then, professionals and experienced activists critique each portion of their brief and provide suggestions for improvement during small-group workshops. On the final day, participants go to Capitol Hill for a lobby visit with their Congressional Representatives."

Student Trustee-Elect Applications Available

Applications are now available for one of the most influential student positions offered by the University of New England. Student Trustee-Elect applications may be filled out by students who wish to serve as a voting member of the University Board of Trustees. 

Two students from the University serve one-year terms as Student Trustees. Applicants may be graduate or undergraduate students, and may be from either the University Campus or the Westbrook College Campus. The Student Trustee-Elect position is designed as a precursor to the role of Student Trustee, whereby the Student Trustee-Elect "will become familiar with the roles and responsibilities of the Student Trustee in preparation for assuming that position." 

What is a Student Trustee, you ask? Do they run a 4-minute mile? Can they breathe underwater? Do they glow in the dark? Well, Blake Wylie, MS II, is one of them, so you can ask him. Student Trustees are full voting members of the University Board of Trustees. Their role is to represent the UNE student body as voices on the Board of Trustees. Maybe Blake can run a 4-minute mile. I didn't ask.

The application process includes the following steps:

     - Meet all qualifications as outlined in the Qualifications section of the packet.
     - Submit a letter written by the candidate.
     - Submit a current resume.
     - Submit a petition signed by at least 50 students who support the candidacy.
     - Submit no less than three and no more than five Candidate Evaluation Forms.

Applications may be picked up at - and returned to - the RSAS office, and are due no later than February 1, 2006. Finalists will be interviewed by the Representatives Committee, and will in turn be voted upon by the Board. They will assume their new roles as Student Trustees-Elect at the Board meeting on February 25, 2006.   

OMM/Anatomy Fellows

The OMM/Anatomy Fellows work closely in association with Dr. Cross (Anatomy) and Dr. Carreiro (OMM) to help the MS I students "get" the new material. Each fellow is selected on the basis of academic excellence, personal charisma, and the ability to teach others in a way that helps students understand and retain the information. This fall's fellows included Neal Yetman, Darcy Thomas, Kevin Geffe, and Sidney Callahan.  

Congratulations are due to senior Fellows Neal Yetman and Darcy Thomas. Both are on their final rotations and will graduate this May. A warm welcome should be extended to junior Fellows Kendra Emery and Sarah Shepherd, who will teach until June 2006.  They join senior Fellows Sidney Callahan and Kevin Geffe as the spring semester begins to roll.  

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. 

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.

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.

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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Josh Morrison, MS I, is the center of a "Magic Carpet" ride during the August Orientation ice-breaker events.
Photo by James Gaffney, RSAS

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Remember those warm August days? MS I Katherine Wetherbee, center, gives her full attention during Orientation.
Photo by James Gaffney, RSAS

SGA and C&O

Tanya Hanke, MS II, and Kavitha Tipirneni, MS II, share a hug at the Halloween Party. 
Photo Courtesy of Tanya Hanke

UNECOM Student Research Symposium, Jan. 9-13th

As an incentive for students to submit an abstract of their work (or work in progress) for the UNECOM STUDENT RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM week, the research faculty have agreed to PRINT YOUR POSTER for $15.

This offer is only for the FIRST 10 abstracts submitted. Three awards will be given to top-three poster presentations on Jan 11 at 5pm. 

We wanted to get the word out early since the abstract deadline is January 4, and the Symposium is January 9-13th. During the Symposium, students and Dean's Fellowship recipients will present their UNECOM work and interests. Dr. Amy Davidoff will lead a 'Dog and Pony' show of faculty, who will describe their work here at UNECOM, Jan 13th at 5pm.

Sincerely,

Joy G, Dave F, Jill S, Reg G, Matt L, Michelle M, and Brian M., MAC and NERC  

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.

Thanks, David Fish, MS II

AMA Healthy Lifestyles Theme Week Held in November

The American Medical Association Club sponsored a "Healthy Lifestyles" theme week from November 14th through the 18th. The week involved lunchtime lectures which sought to heighten student awareness of both healthy and unhealthy ways of living. The week was also designed to prepare the students to address health concerns and ways to reduce obesity with future patients.

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

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COMmunicator Submissions

Contributions to the COMmunicator are welcomed. You may email C&O information, Op-ed pieces, news and events, or pictures to the following address: comsa@une.edu. Subject line should be "Attn: Steve," or "the COMmunicator," or "Newsletter," or whatever other way you can clearly indicate the content.

Deadline for submissions to the February edition of the COMmunicator is Tuesday, January 24th.

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Jake Brooks, MS II, prepares to lead the Orientation Rafting Trip in July. He and Ryan Magnuson, MS II, coordinated the event. Photo by James Gaffney, RSAS

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MS I's Elizabeth Williams, Chad Bouchard, and Josh Mularella enjoy an evening out  on Casco Bay during the Orientation Cruise in August. 
Photo by Sarah Bannister, MS II

Meat and Potatoes

Stonewashed Beach, Fortune's Rocks. 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...

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Parting Shot

Evergreens Below Marcil Hall. Photo by Steve Smith, RSAS

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