University of New England

Table of Contents John Gimpel, D.O., M.Ed. News & Events Current Students Photo Albums Clinical Affairs Scholarships & Fellowships Alumni News Faculty and Staff Clubs and Organizations Meat & Potatoes Parting Shot

Editor's Note: The picture above was taken by Dan Sheps, MSII, using a tripod and timed exposure in the wee hours of a December morning. The location is Nubble Light in York, Maine.

A snapshot of John Gimpel, D.O., M.Ed.

Editor’s Note: We asked John Gimpel, D.O., M. Ed., to answer several questions to help kick off the new year and give everyone at UNECOM a snapshot of the new dean-elect.

1.) Where were you born and raised?

I was born in Chestnut Hill, a town that is along the northwest border of Philadelphia, and grew up in Lafayette Hill, Pennsylvania. While only 45 minutes to downtown Philadelphia in southeastern Pennsylvania, Lafayette Hill features acres of farmland, golf courses, and wooded parks, and is conveniently located within two hours of the ocean (south Jersey beaches), two hours to the Pocono Mountains, and less than three hours (usually) to either New York City or Washington, D.C.

2.) When do you expect to arrive on-campus at UNECOM? What will you be doing in the meantime? Work responsibilities? Travel? Relocating?

I will be on campus full-time starting June 1, 2008, however, I am currently planning several visits to UNE over the upcoming months. In addition to attending the MOA Annual Midwinter Conference and the UNECOM Board meeting in February, I hope to be able to spend some time with UNECOM students, faculty, staff and alumni during several 2-3 day campus visits hopefully starting in January. In addition to some communication venues that we are working on setting up soon so that members of these groups can send thoughts about current strengths and areas for improvement, these visits should assist me in being more productive come June. 

I plan to attend the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians (ACOFP) Convention as well as the American Academy of Osteopathy (AAO) Convocation in March, where I hopefully will be able to interact as well with some UNE students, faculty and alumni. I will remain at NBOME as Vice President for Clinical Skills Testing over the spring semester, assisting in the transition there, continuing to see patients in the hospital-owned family medicine practice on a part-time basis, and wrapping up some of my faculty duties at Georgetown University School of Medicine. A few international conference presentations and a very busy spring at NBOME’s National Center for Clinical Skills Testing will round out a pretty full schedule leading up to the summer.

3.) What are some of the first items on your agenda when you arrive on campus?

I have been listening attentively thus far to students, faculty, staff, alumni, board members, and other interested stakeholders, and have learned a great deal about what UNECOM means to each of you, to the State of Maine, to New England, and to the osteopathic profession. While I have no fixed “agenda” per se, my own personal mission statement drives me to strive for excellence in all that I do, and I am excited to be a part of a University and a COM that joins me in that vision.

Congruent with ongoing University and UNECOM strategic planning initiatives, my expectations are that the educational program leading to the D.O. degree at UNECOM will be known to be innovative, dynamic, patient-centered, and rooted in osteopathic tenets and tradition. The program will be supported by best practices in adult education and scholarship, and most importantly will be grounded in a culture that promotes the compassionate care, altruism and medical professionalism that are at the core of the doctor-patient relationship and the public’s trust in the profession of medicine. The governance and structure of UNECOM and its programs will support the mission, facilitating rather than impeding progress, allowing UNECOM to become known for its contribution to the advancement of health through education, research, and service. 
So do help me by introducing yourself, letting me know about you and your own vision for UNE, and how we can work together to help UNECOM to reach even higher heights and to collectively tell the UNECOM story around the world.

4.) Given a day off with no professional responsibilities, what are you likely to do?

At this point, most definitely I would be driving to, picking up from, or participating in sports or other activities of one of my three kids. I might be coaching my 8-year-old son’s basketball team in the winter, or my daughter’s golf team in the summer or fall. If I am really lucky, I would be playing a few holes with my 15 year-old daughter, or even caddying for her in one of her national tournaments! I love the beach and the ocean, and would find it hard to choose if given the chance to spend the whole day at the beach or at the golf course.

5.) What is something about you that surprises people when you mention it?

Most people are amused when they hear that I am the oldest of eight children, and entertained  
      when they learn that the other seven are girls! It was a great family to grow up with, and my 
parents are excellent role models. I am very proud of my parents and all of my sisters…in fact, two of  my sisters are D.O.s, and two of my brothers-in-law are also osteopathic physicians.

6.) In your opinion, what is the greatest skill a physician needs to succeed?

There is no question that all physicians need to be effective communicators in order to best help their patients. Effective communication is not optional for physicians. Not only are the majority of diagnoses made by the medical history alone, which requires effective communication skills, but negotiating with patients and families regarding diagnostic and treatment options as well as patient information-giving and counseling require expertise in communication. And responding to patients’ emotions likewise requires the attitudes, values and skills of a good communicator.

7.) In your opinion, what is the greatest challenge facing new physicians who are entering today’s healthcare system?

Today’s physicians face the challenges of a very broken health care system in this country, one that can depersonalize patients and, at times, de-professionalize and demoralize the doctors and other health care professionals. The counterbalance is provided by the physician’s commitment to altruism and always putting the needs of the patient first - so consistent with the holistic and patient-centered philosophy of osteopathic medicine. This is the very secret, I have become convinced, to finding meaning and lifelong fulfillment in the practice of medicine.

And finally, we asked Dr. Gimpel to choose one item (by bolding it) from each of the following pairings:

Cat	Dog
Red	White
North	South
Football	Tennis
Book	DVD
Coupe	Pickup
Mac	PC
Chicken	Beef
FDR	JFK
Bach	Brooks
"Invictus"	"If"
Decaf	Caf
Private	Public
Italy	Australia
Morning	Evening
Email	Phone
Soft	Hard
Yanks	Sox
Chocolate	Vanilla
See	Hear

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News and Events

Snow laces boulders on the summit of Mt. Webster in New Hampshire. Photo by Steve Smith, RSAS.

John R. Gimpel, D.O., M.Ed., appointed as new dean of UNECOM

I am pleased to announce that John R. Gimpel, D.O., M.Ed., has accepted the position of Dean for the College of Osteopathic Medicine.  Dr. Gimpel has already begun planning for his relocation to Maine and plans to be onboard by June 1st if not sooner.  Meanwhile he is available to come to campus for key meetings and planning sessions during the unfolding spring semester.  Dr. Jackie Cawley has kindly agreed to continue her service as interim Dean until Dr. Gimpel arrives on a permanent basis.

Dr. Gimpel earned his B.A. in Biology and a Masters in Education from La Salle University, and his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM).   Prior to accepting this position, he held leadership positions as Vice President for Clinical Skills Testing for the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME), and Associate Professor of Family Medicine at Georgetown University School of Medicine.  Dr. Gimpel completed a rotating internship and family medicine residency training at the Hospital of PCOM and Chestnut Hill Hospital.  Board Certified in Family Medicine, Dr. Gimpel has combined clinical practice with academic medicine, serving on the faculties of PCOM, Jefferson Medical College, University of Pennsylvania, St. Lukes Hospital (Allentown, Pennsylvania), and the Bryn Mawr Hospital. 

In 2000 Dr. Gimpel was appointed Director of Predoctoral Education at Georgetown, where he was awarded the Golden Apple Award for Teaching, and the American Association of Colleges of Medical Colleges Humanism in Medicine Award.  Dr. Gimpel has published and presented widely on medical education, assessment, and teaching and learning, as well as numerous medical textbook chapters a variety of clinical topics.  Dr. Gimpel led a national team of physicians and medical educators in the research and development of a national standardized patient-based clinical skills examination that was implemented in 2004, and has been required for graduation and licensure for osteopathic physicians since 2005.  He recently was awarded the 2007 Meritorious Service Award by the Federation of State Medical Boards of the United States for the development of this exam and its impact on medical education and health care in America.  Dr. Gimpel was also the recipient of the Phillips Medal of Public Service by the Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine, the highest honor bestowed by the college. 

I would like to especially thank the search committee: Jane Carreiro, Rita Brown, Jim Vaughn, Edward Friedman and Lacey McIntosh who participated in the selection process.  I would also like to thank the UNE community, including faculty, staff and students as well as the D.O. community who engaged in the search and provided valuable input and opinion.  Your participation in the process is deeply appreciated.  I am confident that John will be an excellent match for this position and a strong asset to not only the College of Osteopathic Medicine, but to the University of New England and our leadership team.  John looks forward to working collaboratively with faculty and students alike to craft a strong vision for the College.  John welcomes this opportunity to move to Maine where he will be able to redirect and invest his talents and energies more fully in the lives of the faculty and students in the College of Osteopathic Medicine at UNE.  Please join me in welcoming John Gimpel to the College of Osteopathic Medicine and to the University of New England as a whole. 

Sincerely,

Danielle N.Ripich, Ph.D., UNE President

 

 

iTunes U brings UNE to your iPod, Mac, PC - and the world

Download lectures by UNE professors and guests free to your iPod or computer from the iTunes store. Or view the Bush Center Groundbreaking if you missed it. These are just a sample of what's to come. UNE has joined Duke, Stanford, Berkeley, Bowdoin and some 250 other colleges and universities in making their campus and academic lives available for viewing wherever and whenever people want to participate. Check it out at www.une.edu/itunes and let us know your ideas for future content for UNE + iTunes U.

 

 

UNE exceeds the Morgane Challenge funding match for Biomedical Research Center
                        
The University of New England has exceeded the Morgane Challenge matching goal of $300,000, receiving $450,332 in cash and pledges to help fund the Pickus Center for Biomedical Research, which includes the Cécile Morgane Research Laboratories.
 
In June 2007, Peter J. Morgane, Ph.D., UNE biomedical researcher and faculty member issued the challenge, enriching his previous legacy gift of $1 million. Both gifts are in honor of his late wife, Cécile Morgane.
 
Morgane Challenge donations came from a broad spectrum of private and professional donors, including alumni, the Maine Osteopathic Association and several on-campus student organizations, such as University of New England College of Medicine (UNECOM) Student Government Association.
 
Morgane commented, “My goals for the challenge were to encourage others to support research and to assist in the recruitment of research scientists at the University of New England. Research provides educational opportunities for students as well as increased knowledge in fields that benefit human health. I am thrilled that the Challenge was met with such resounding support and want to thank everyone who contributed.”
 
Thanks in large part to the generosity of Morgane, the University broke ground on the 22,086-square-foot Center in October of 2007. It is expected to open in the fall of 2008. The research center will engage students in research as part of their medical studies; help to attract top-flight faculty; develop a critical mass of researchers; strengthen research in UNECOM’s areas of expertise such as pain, efficacy of osteopathic manipulative medicine, medical care of the elderly, chemistry of the brain; and assist in the acquisition of grants for future operation and growth.
 
UNE President Danielle Ripich said, “Peter Morgane’s donations will be instrumental in helping strengthen research at UNE, which has been an important part of his contribution as a faculty member and scientist. Without his support we would not be where we are today. His long history with the University is indicative of his dedication and these generous gifts mean a great deal coming from one of our own.” 
 
Morgane has been a faculty member and researcher in UNECOM’s pharmacology department since 1985. He came to UNE following a long career in research, primarily at the Worcester Foundation for Experimental Biology.
 
Morgane has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, and has garnered more than $4.5 million in grants from the National Institutes of Health and National Science Foundation for research that took him to Mexico, Florida and Massachusetts. Morgane continues to focus on research, and also lectures at UNE several times a year to first- and second-year medical students on neuropharmacology, and diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. 

- University Relations

 

Liz Stockwell, D.O., '95, facilitates a small-group discussion as MSIs Jeff Milch and Andrea Benoit listen. Photo by Jeani Reagan, Web-CT Specialist.

 

UNE's Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Features Staff from the Highlander Research and Education Center

As part of the 21st annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, the University of New England will host a residency with staff from the Highlander Research and Education Center in New Market, Tennessee.

The Highlander Center, which celebrated its 75th anniversary last fall, has a long history of supporting social justice movements, grassroots activism, and bringing individuals and groups together to envision and effect social change.  It was one of the leading training centers for many of the country’s best-known activists during the civil rights movement. 

All of the Highlander Center’s programs are unified by the common theme of “Constructing Democracy,” which means building a society in which all people can participate in the decisions that affect their lives. 

Featured Speakers

Elandria Williams, a youth and community organizer on the Highlander’s Education Team, will be the featured speaker on the University Campus in Biddeford January 22-24th.

Anasa Troutman, a Highlander staff member who uses arts and culture for activist organizing and social change will be the featured speaker on the Westbrook College Campus in Portland January 30-February 1st.

Calendar of Events

University Campus - Biddeford

All MLK, Jr. events on the University Campus in Biddeford will be facilitated by Elandria Williams from the Highlander Center and are free and open to the public.

Tuesday, January 22 at 7:00 p.m.
Socrates Café:  Racism and Oppression in our Community?
St. Francis Room, Library, UC Campus in Biddeford

Wednesday, January 23 at noon
UC Keynote Address: “Constructing Democracy”
Elandria Williams from the Highlander Center
Multipurpose Rooms, Campus Center, UC Campus, Biddeford
A Service & Community Involvement Fair will be held at the same time and location.

Wednesday, January 23 at 7:00 p.m.
“Leadership for Activism” Workshop
Multipurpose Rooms, Campus Center, UC Campus, Biddeford.
To register for this workshop email ehavu@une.edu

Westbrook College Campus - Portland

All MLK, Jr. Events on the Westbrook College Campus in Portland will be
facilitated by Anasa Troutman from the Highlander Center and are free and open to the public.

Wednesday, January 30 at noon
WCC Keynote Address: “Why We Can’t Wait”
Anasa Troutman from the Highlander Center
Ludcke Auditorium, WCC Campus, Portland

Wednesday, January 30 at 5:00 p.m.
Socrates Café:  Racism and Oppression in our Community?
Cahner’s Lounge, Hersey Hall, WCC Campus, Portland

Thursday, January 31 at 1:00 p.m.
“Initiating Conversations: Tools for Change” Workshop
Alexander 07, WCC Campus, Portland

Thursday, January 31 at 6:00 p.m.
“Engaging Communities through the Arts” Workshop
Alexander 07, WCC Campus, Portland

Other Events

Other UNE Martin Luther King, Jr. events will include UNE Days of Service and Read-In Events at local elementary schools in Biddeford and Portland.

Speakers/Residency Leaders

Elandria Williams is on the Highlander’s education team and coordinates intergenerational organizing for the Seeds of Fire program and Justice School.  She has been involved in activism and organizing since she was a youth, and worked in popular education and community organizing around anti-oppression, anti-racism, nonviolence, education reform, and intergenerational education with various organizations.

Anasa Troutman is a Highlander staff member and consultant who has spent her life as an artist, producer, strategist and activist-organizer, developing her personal mission to use arts, culture and mass media for issue awareness, social change and personal transformation. Anasa worked with singer/songwriter India Arie, whose simple combination of voice and guitar was meant for personal healing and social change, and led to a platinum-selling album and international concert tour. In all her work, Anasa uses arts and culture to create justice, opportunity and compassion.

- University Relations

 

Gregory Parking Lot temporarily closed

The Gregory parking lot (#16) is closed from December 26th through January 14th in order to install underground utilities associated with the construction of Morgane Hall. Alternative parking will be available in the Decary, Marcil and LAC lots. Thank you.

- Don W. Clark, UNE Director of Safety & Security

 

Thanks to Jeff White for a job well done at UHC

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Jeff White for the superb job that he has done in his role as interim Executive Director of UHC over the past 9 months. Jeff has significantly improved operations and morale at the UHC sites, and his leadership and experience at a very crucial time has been greatly appreciated not only by myself, but by the providers and staff as well. Jeff will be available for consultation as needed, and his colleague, Diane Potvin, will continue working with us over the next 3 - 6 months as interim Director of Operations at UHC.

Please join me in thanking Jeff, and wishing him all the best in his future endeavors!

- Jacquelyn Cawley, D.O., interim Dean of UNECOM

 

NEOHC Newsletter

The New England Osteopathic Heritage Center (NEOHC) has begun to publish a newsletter to keep its constituents up to date on happenings at the Center. Please click here to read the latest edition by archivist Gay Marks.

 

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Current Students

The joys of a snow day. L-R Mike Dominello, MSII, Mike Robinson, MSII, Ben Wade, Tyler Raymond, MSI, and Brett Matthews, MSII. Photo courtesy Mike Dominello.

Boucher elected Alumni representative for Class of 2010

Catherine Boucher, MSII, was elected Alumni representative for the Class of 2010. Boucher's duties will include participating on the Alumni Board, attending meetings, giving student input into the planning of Alumni Weekend and other alumni events, and facilitating communication between UNECOM alumni and students.

 

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Photo Albums

Remember when it was warm in Maine? So hot that it steamed a camera's lens and made everyone think tropical? Yeah, it's just a memory. But a good memory, like the Orientation Welcome BBQ and the MSII students pictured here. L-R Shobhit Gupta, Lacey McIntosh, Andrea Dionne, Sonja Vindheim, Kim Salaycik, Marcey Osgood, Drew Saluti, and Chris Blomberg. Photo by Steve Smith, RSAS

Photos from the Annual Student Government Association Snow Ball on December 8. Photos by Steve Smith, RSAS.

Never-before-seen pictures from COM Orientation in August. Photos by Jeani Reagan, Web-CT Specialist.

"Almost a snow day." What campus looks like after the snow. Photos by Steve Smith, RSAS.

 

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