University of New England

The COMmunicator - March 2007 - Page Two
[For page one, click here, or click on the link at the bottom of the page.]

L-R MSIIs Liz Williams, Matt Pomykala, Anne Newbold, Josh Mularella, Brian Davia (back), Jess Rose, and Mike Jackson enjoy a 30-degree Saturday at the Westbrook pond off of Pool Road. Photo courtesy Anne Newbold.

Scholarships/Fellowships

Paid, Clinical Experiences in Rural Pennsylvania

The Western Pennsylvania Health Preceptorship Program is accepting applications for summer preceptorships. These are:
- A six-week summer preceptorship in a community hospital or rural setting
- Available to rising second-year medical students
- A $2000 stipend for all participants
- Room, board, parking, and meals at certain participating hospitals

Recommendations for application include:
1.) A special interest in, or ties to, the state of Pennsylvania
2.) An interest in rural health

Applications are due by April 6th, 2007.

For more information and for application materials, please view www.pittmed.pitt.edu/wphpp

For questions, please contact the Western Pennsylvania Health Preceptorship co-coordinators via regular mail at:

Western Pennsylvania Health Preceptorship Program
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
Department of Family Medicine
3518 Fifth Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15261

National Health Service Corps Scholarship Deadline Approaching

The National Health Service Corps is committed to improving the health of the Nation's underserved. We unite communities in need with caring health professionals and support their efforts to build better systems of care.

Approximately 50 million people live in communities without access to primary health care. At NHSC, we are working to change this by helping medically underserved communities recruit and retain primary care clinicians, including dental and mental and behavioral health professionals, to serve in their community.

More than 27,000 health professionals have served with NHSC since 1972. Current field strength totals more than 4,000 clinicians/health care professionals whose careers are influencing the outcomes of underserved populations and communities. Many of these clinicians have remained in service after fulfilling their initial NHSC commitments.

NHSC Scholarships

The NHSC offers a competitive scholarship program designed for students committed to providing primary health care in communities of greatest need. Scholarship recipients serve where they are most needed upon completion of their training.

The program offers the following benefits for up to 4 years of education:

- Payment of tuition and fees
- Twelve monthly stipend payments per year of scholarship support
- Payment of other reasonable educational expenses, such as books, supplies, and equipment
Note: NHSC scholarship awards for tuition, fees, and other reasonable expenses are exempt from Federal tax. The stipend portion remains taxable. To be eligible for the NHSC Scholarship Program, you must be a U.S. citizen enrolled, or accepted for enrollment, in a fully accredited U.S.:

Scholars attending medical school are expected to complete residency programs in one of the following specialties:

Family medicine
General pediatrics
General internal medicine
Obstetrics/gynecology
Psychiatry
Rotating internship (D.O.s only) with a request to complete one of the above specialties

Directly upon completion of your training, you will choose a practice site in a federally designated health professional shortage area identified as having the greatest need. Period of service is 1 year for each year of support you receive, with a 2-year minimum commitment.

Deadline is March 30, 2007

To request an application, call 1-800-221-9393. For more information, check out the NHSC website at: http://nhsc.bhpr.hrsa.gov/

Family Medicine Education Consortium Writing Contest

Dear FMEC Members,

We invite submissions of written materials that derive from the experience of teaching/learning or practicing Family Medicine. Faculty, residents, clinicians and medical students in the northeast region of the US are eligible to participate. Stories, poems, and other forms of fiction or non-fiction writing are welcomed. A panel of reviewers composed of Family Practice faculty and creative professionals experienced in manuscript evaluation will review each submission with an eye to its critical reflection, emotional honesty and technical merit.

Submissions may be no longer than 1500 words. Pieces published or pending publication at a national level (magazines, journals, and books with a national circulation) prior to the award date (October 2007) are not eligible for this award. An author may submit one poem and one prose piece. The best submissions will be honored at the 2007 STFM: NorthEast Region Meeting in its Conference Abstracts. All submissions will remain the property of the author.

All submissions should be sent via email attachment to Ms. Lisa Schwieterman (lisa.schwieterman@fmec.net). Please include your current mailing address, phone number and email address so that we may contact you. Residency address preferred, along with forwarding address after June 2007, if necessary.

The deadline is April 1, 2007
 
The awards will be presented at the 2007 STFM: NorthEast Region meeting October 19 - 21, 2007, at the Hilton Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA

For more information contact: Ms. Julie Schirmer, MSW schirj@mmc.org, or Paul Gross, MD pgross@pol.net, or Laurence Bauer, MSW, MEd laurence.bauer@sbcglobal.net, or call 937-428-7866

Alumni Association Announces Scholarships

The UNECOM Alumni Association will be awarding up to five $1,500 scholarships to qualified second-year students this spring. The Association generates funds for the scholarships through the Fall CME/Reunion Weekend (which follows White Coat Ceremony on the long fall weekend) and through minimal membership dues.

The application process contains two parts. First, students who wish to apply need to submit a CV highlighting their experience and accomplishments in campus and community activities while here at UNECOM. Leadership positions (and accomplishments), TAing for Osteopathic Principles and Practice, tutoring for Gross Anatomy or other classes should all be included in the CV. The board is also interested in any research involvement and volunteer work in the community.

Applicants will also be asked to develop a plan of care that utilizes osteopathic principles and practices for one of four case studies presented. The one-page response will need to include evaluation and differential diagnosis, SOAP notes, and suggested treatment options. Method, rationale and creativity will play a key role in the evaluation process.

Within the next few days all second-year students will receive a message from Dr. Charlotte Paolini, class of ’89 and president of the UNECOM Alumni Association, inviting participation in the Association’s scholarship. Her message will include the case scenarios (choose one) and details about submitting all application materials. The deadline for all materials will be announced shortly, so be on the look-out!

American Medical Association (AMA) Scholarship Opportunities

The Minority Scholars Award

Ten awards, each in the amount of $10,000, are available to minority students from groups historically underrepresented in the medical profession. Award selection is based on a combination of financial need, academic excellence and commitment to improving minority health status. Nominees must be in their first or second year of medical school with the scholarship counting toward their second- or third-year medical school cost. The medical school dean or dean's designate may nominate two candidates for this scholarship. Interested students may submit a proposal to the RSAS office.

Application available: February 2007
Deadline for nominations: April 15, 2007
Recipients announced: June 2007

The Physicians of Tomorrow Scholarships

Ten thousand dollar scholarships are available to rising seniors, chosen for the award during their third year of medical school. Based on enrollment size of the third-year class, each school may submit up to three nominations. Award selection is based on academic excellence and/or financial need. Interested students may submit proposals to the RSAS office.

Application available: February 2007
Deadline for nominations: May 31, 2007
Recipients announced: August 2007

The Scholars Fund

The American Medical Association (AMA) Alliance - the largest volunteer arm of the AMA - raises money each year for medical schools to distribute to deserving students. Medical schools can offer one or more awards, based on the amount of funds raised for the institution. Scholarships must be a minimum of $1,000 and can be based on academic excellence and/or financial need.

The deadline to submit recipients is July 1, 2007

For more information regarding the three scholarship offers above, visit the AMA Foundation website at http://www.amafoundation.org/

Betty Ford Center's 2007 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 21-25, June 4-8, June 18-22, July 2-6, July 16-20, July 30-August 3, and August 13-17. 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 http://www.bettyfordcenter.org/, or interested students may call 1-800-854-9211, ext. 4108.

Application deadline is March 15, 2007.

The New England Regional Minority Health Conference

Eliminating Health Disparities by 2010, Moral and Economics Imperative scheduled for: April 2, 3, & 4, 2007 at Foxwoods Conference Center.
 
Please go to our website http://www.nermhc.com/  to register and to book your hotel accomodations.  Thank you, and we'll see you in April!
 
Michelle Surdoval
Conference Manager
New England Regional Minority Health Conference 
207-839-6381

AOA Committee Opportunities

Dear Osteopathic Medical Student:
 
On behalf of the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) Student Selection Committee, it is my pleasure to announce the 2007 student representative nomination process. As you may know, each year osteopathic medical students have the opportunity to serve as a full member of one of a select group of the AOA’s committees, councils, or bureaus. All osteopathic medical students are eligible to serve our profession in this unique capacity. 

Please allow me to explain the process of selection:
 
Each year, the Student Selection Committee, consisting of the Student Member of the AOA Board of Trustees as well representatives from the Student Osteopathic Medical Association (SOMA) and the Council of Osteopathic Student Government Presidents (COSGP) solicits nominations from the osteopathic medical student community for student representatives. For the current application cycle, the deadline will be at MIDNIGHT on MONDAY, MARCH 12th, 2007. The AOA Student Selection Committee will collect and review Letters of Intent and Curricula Vitae from interested students and submit recommendations to the AOA President-Elect for final appointment. The selected students will then be notified shortly after the AOA’s Summer House of Delegates Meeting, which will be held this year from July 19th- July 22nd, 2007.
 
As a member of one of the AOA committees, councils, and bureaus you will be expected to meet both in-person and via conference call throughout the year. The AOA will reimburse student representatives for travel expenses related to in-person meetings. 

We, as students, have been given a very distinct privilege to have direct representation in the governing of our chosen profession. Certainly, the talents of students deserve to be utilized for such a cause. I invite every one of you to submit a one page Letter of Intent as well as your Curriculum Vita to studentselection@osteopathic.org.

Respectfully,
Sean N. Martin, OMSIV
AOA Board of Trustees

Lifeline Student Research Fellowship

Applications Due March 16, 2007
                                         
The Lifeline Student Research Fellowship, established by the American Vascular Association, a foundation of the Society for Vascular Surgery, stimulates laboratory and clinical vascular research by undergraduate college students and medical school students registered at North American Universities. 

Each award will consist of a $3,000 student stipend and a two year complimentary subscription to the Journal of Vascular Surgery. The American Vascular Association will grant a maximum of 10 awards per year. The Research and Education Committee will be responsible for the selection of students to receive these awards.

Application forms are available to SVS members. The sponsoring Society member and the student must each submit a curriculum vitae with the application. Multiple applications from the same institution are acceptable, but an individual Society member may sponsor only one student application per year. Awards will be based on the quality of the proposal and assessment of the research strengths of the student and supervisor.

The deadline for receipt is March 16, 2007. Decisions regarding the award will be mailed to the student and sponsor in mid May.

For more information contact Susan Burkardt:
Email:        sburkhardt@vascularsociety.org   
Web:        http://www.vascularweb.org/   

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 2007 Mayo Clinic Minority Career Development Programs and the on-line applications, check out: http://www.mayo.edu/. 

2007 Sherry R. Arnstein Minority Student Scholarship

This award, named after former AACOM Executive Director Sherry R. Arnstein, recognizes underrepresented minority students at AACOM's member colleges of osteopathic medicine. The award amount for 2007 will be $1,000.

Eligibility: Applicants must be an underrepresented minority student in good academic standing and currently enrolled in their first, second, or third year at an AACOM member college of osteopathic medicine. Previous awardees are ineligible for future awards.

Minorities included: African American, Native American, or Hispanic.

Deadline: Entries must be post-marked by March 31, 2007. All entries must include the cover page, with all appropriate signatures, in addition to the essay. Incomplete entries will not be considered.

The awardee will be notified by June 30, 2007.

Please mail all entries to:

Arnstein Minority Student Scholarship
AACOM - Office of Government Relations
5550 Friendship Boulevard, Suite 310
Chevy Chase, MD 20815-7231

Questions regarding the 2007 Sherry R. Arnstein Minority Student
Scholarship should be directed to AACOM, Office of Government Relations
at (301) 968-4151.

Sherry R. Arnstein NEW STUDENT Minority Student Scholarship

The American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine announces the 2007 Sherry R. Arnstein NEW STUDENT Minority Student Scholarship

This award, named after former AACOM Executive Director Sherry R. Arnstein, recognizes underrepresented minority students at AACOM's member colleges of osteopathic medicine. The award amount for a newly accepted osteopathic medical student to the 2007 entering class will be $1,000.

Eligibility: Applicants must be an underrepresented minority who has been accepted and is planning to matriculate at one of the 20 AACOM member colleges of osteopathic medicine or one of the three branch campuses.

Minorities included: African American, Native American, or Hispanic.

Selection Criterion/Deadline:

Entries must be post-marked by March 31, 2007. All entries must include:

1. A completed new student cover page
2. A copy of a letter of acceptance from a college of osteopathic medicine to which the applicant plans to attend in the fall of 2007.
3. An essay (see website for details.)

Only completed applications with essays will be reviewed. Incomplete entries will not be considered. The awardee will be notified by June 30, 2007.

Please mail all entries to:

Arnstein NEW STUDENT Minority Student Scholarship
AACOM - Office of Government Relations
5550 Friendship Boulevard, Suite 310
Chevy Chase, MD 20815-7231

Questions regarding the 2007 Sherry R. Arnstein NEW STUDENT Minority Student Scholarship should be directed to AACOM's Office of Government Relations at (301) 968-4151.

New York Academy of Medicine Student Essay Prize

The New York Academy of Medicine invites entries for the third annual New York Academy of Medicine Student Essay Prize, awarded to the best unpublished essay by a graduate student in a medical, nursing, pharmacy, or public health program in the United States. Essays should address topics in the history of public health or medicine as they relate to urban health issues; they may consider social or environmental factors in the health of urban populations, institutional histories, or specific diseases.

The winner will receive $500, and the winning essay will receive expedited review for possible publication in the Journal of Urban Health. Honorable Mention prizes may also be awarded at the discretion of the Prize Committee.

The contest is open to students in accredited professional degree programs in medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and public health. Essays must be written entirely by one person, who must have been a student at the time the essay was written. Essays should be approximately 2,000 to 3,000 words long, and should follow the guidelines in the Journal's instructions for authors. Entries will be evaluated on the quality and originality of the research, the significance of the topic, and appropriateness for publication in the Journal of Urban Health.

Essays must be received by Friday, March 30, 2007. For more information, please call us at 212-822-7314, visit http://www.nyam.org/grants/studentessay.shtml, or write historyessay@nyam.org.

Please point your browser to
http://www.nyam.org/grants/docs/NYAMHistoryEssayPrize2007.pdf for a pdf-format flyer of this announcement.

The Historical Collections of the New York Academy of Medicine Library also sponsors two research fellowships. Visit
http://www.nyam.org/grants/history.shtml for more information.

Heart to Heart International Trip to Sichuan Province, China

Heart to Heart International is a global humanitarian organization that inspires, empowers and mobilizes individuals to serve the needs of the poor in their communities and around the world. We accomplish this mission through partnerships that promote health; deliver resources, education and hope; and provide opportunities for meaningful service.

Scope of the Project: Join us in a gesture of goodwill and friendship to the people of Sichuan Province, China as we celebrate our 10th anniversary! We will provide medical training in neonatal resuscitation, ophthalmology, and pre-hospital care. Come and supply hope through our service projects to the Yang Yang School for the Deaf and the Sheng Deng Senior Adult Home. Meet top U.S. and Chinese government and business leaders. Visit famous sites in Beijing, Chengdu, and Hong Kong such as the Great Wall, Tiannanmen Square, the Panda Reserve, and Victoria Peak.

Project Dates: May 23 – June 3, 2007

Travel Cost: $3,795.00 * (full package), $2,495.00* (land package only)

Parameters of the Trip : The price includes roundtrip economy class airfare on United Airlines from the gateway city of San Francisco to Beijing and on Chinese carriers to Chengdu and Hong Kong.
 
The travel package also includes the following: all meals, lodging (double occupancy), ground transportation, group interpreters, sightseeing excursions, special receptions, cultural events, tips, taxes, and medical-evacuation insurance.

The travel package does NOT include the following: Airfare between your home city and the gateway city, single occupancy, passport and visa fees, phone or laundry charges, private transportation, personal spending money or items of a purely personal nature.

All delegates must be physically capable of adapting to the physical demands of the trip (see Registration Form for more details).

Registration Schedule: Send in your Registration Form via e-mail, fax or postal service by March 20, 2007. You will receive a phone call from a Heart to Heart staff member, welcoming you to the team and giving you more trip information.

Special Notes: Passports must be valid for six months past the travel date. Information on obtaining a visa will be forwarded to you upon receipt of your registration form.

Contact Information: 
    
Heart to Heart International       
Amanda Keeter
5915 NW 23rd St., Suite 205       
Oklahoma City, OK 73127  
P 405.787.5200  F 405.787.5328  
Amanda.Keeter@hearttoheart.org  
   
*Cost is subject to change based on inflation at a limit of 8% of the total trip cost

AOA Scholarships

Marvin H. and Kathleen G. Teget Leadership Scholarship
$500 for students pursuing specialty medicine
Deadline – March 31, 2007
http://www.studentdo.com/

International Medical Relief/ Medical Missions Scholarship
$250 for essential expenses
Deadline – Rolling
http://www.studentdo.com/

American Osteopathic Foundation
$2000 research scholarships, with grants for travel. 
http://www.aof-foundation.org/ or see SGA rep

Faculty

Dan Sheps, MSII, left, meets Commander Richard Jadick, D.O., at the Maine Osteopathic Association Mid-Winter Conference at the Sable Oaks in South Portland. Photo courtesy Dan Sheps.

India Broyles, Ed.D., associate professor for Medical Education in UNECOM, has been selected by the American Association for Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) to serve on a national Core Competencies Task Force, charged to review and make recommendations to the Board of Deans regarding the implementation and assessment of new national Osteopathic Medical Competencies.

Marilyn R. Gugliucci, Ph.D., Director, Geriatric Education and Research, has been named to the editorial board of the Aging International Journal. The board chairs are Susan Levkoff, Ph.D. and Hongtu Chen, Ph.D., Harvard School of Medicine. Dr Chen resides in Thailand. 

Marilyn R. Gugliucci, Ph.D., UNECOM and Molly Trauten, MS Candidate, Miami University, Ohio were invited to present their work on the "Student Living as an Institutionalized Elder" Ethnographic Research Project at the Ohio Region Administrators meeting for Life Care Centers of America (LCCA), February 16, 2007. LCCA owns and operates 250+ nursing homes across the country. Dr. Gugliucci and Ms. Trauten presented this project to the LCCA Northeast Regional meeting in October 2006.

Research by Holly Korda, Ph.D., Associate Dean for Community Programs (COM), with Penn State University colleagues David A. Wagstaff, Ph.D., and Karl McCleary, Ph.D., MPH, relating to social marketing and media efforts to increase organ donation, was accepted last month for publication in the Journal of Public Health Management and Practice. The article, "African Americans' Organ Donor Intentions:  Who has used which registration mode to express their intentions?" is based on grant activities funded by the Division of Transplantation, HRSA/DHHS, and reports findings of random-digit dial surveys conducted in New Jersey before, during, and after targeted media to increase donation intention and practice. The study examines knowledge, behavior and venues for declaration of intent. Declaration of intent to become an organ donor is a public health priority for African American communities, which face disproportionate need for transplantation due to the relatively high incidence of medical conditions that can cause permanent organ damage and a shortage of organs that are genetically similar between donor and recipient to enhance transplant success.

India Broyles, Ed.D. (COM/Pediatrics), Mildred Savidge, Ph.D. (COM/Family Medicine) and Evelyn Schwalenberg-Leip, D.O., FACP (COM/Faculty Development) attended the annual PreDoctoral Education meeting of the Society of Teaching in Family Medicine on January 25-31, 2007, and presented a research paper conducted with colleagues, Kathy Thompson, Ph.D. (COM/Biochemistry) and Rorie Lee, Ph.D., MPH (MMC Office of Medical Education). The paper “Formative evaluation of curriculum change: A comparison of faculty and student perspectives” will be submitted to the STFM journal Family Medicine.

Clubs and Organizations

"Mr. UNECOM" contestants pose for a "scrubwear" group shot. L-R Sam Tri, MSI, Mike Jackson, MSII, Brian Davia, MSII, Jacob Troutman, MSII, Kevin Hsu, MSI, Josh Mularella, MSII, Bill Conway, MSI, and Mike Dominello, MSI.

AMSA’s “Mr. UNECOM” An Instant Classic

No one knew what to expect at the first annual “Mr. UNECOM” competition on February 23rd at Ratigan’s Restaurant in Saco. By the end of the night, no one doubted that a classic had been born.

Sponsored by the American Medical Student Association (AMSA), the fundraiser was designed as a tongue-in-cheek spoof of more traditional pageants. The levity didn’t mean that the competition wasn’t stiff: a star-studded field of first and second-year students gave it their all in scrubs, talent demonstrations, professional wear, and a question and answer session.

Emcees Jess Rose, MSII, and Erycka Florie, MSII, kept the audience laughing and the competitors on their toes with scathing observations and barbed comments. There was no safe place on stage for the men to relax without their appearance or behavior being brought into the focus of the crowd.

Rose thinks that the event says more about medical students than meets the eye: “It’s amazing how quickly the men of UNECOM transform from serious students to musicians, magicians, and impersonators; a combination that leads to lots of laughs,” she says. “Their ability to help others (by providing their time for the AMSA fundraiser) and produce a laugh will surely help them when dealing with patients in the future.”
 
Second-year student Josh Mularella brought home the tiara and first-place sash, floating to the top of the field on the pirouettes of his figure-skating routine. The gravel-voiced former Navy medic was side splitting in his delicate kinesthetic interpretation of Beyonce’s “Irreplaceable.” Judges gave him big points for creativity as he circled the small 10’x10’ stage in roller-blades, black spandex, and a pink scarf draped gracefully around his neck.

When asked if his life has changed as a result of his surprising win, Mularella says modestly: “Great question. You may not know this, but I'm kind of a big deal. I was just happy to share my gift with the world."

First-year students took third place and runner-up, promising a wealth of rising talent for next year’s show. Mike Dominello won third place for his suave display of fashion and amazing array of illusions. He made a $20 bill appear to levitate between his hands, tied the laces of his shoe without touching them, and seemed to snap a swagger stick out of thin air.

Sam Tri garnered runner-up honors, wowing the crowd with his dead-on rendition of Louis Armstrong’s “Wonderful World.” Tri’s bashful personality blossomed into pageant pay dirt with his low-key humor and musical aptitude. “I thought Mr. UNECOM was a very good experience,” Tri says, “and although it was my first pageant, I hope that this will kick start my career into the male pageant circuit which will be something good to fall back on.”

Brian Davia, MSII, won the Mr. Congeniality prize, his sprightly stage presence a reflection of a life spent performing before crowds. After an introduction that included references to his life as a “slave in the Ivory Soap mines,” Davia performed an original song that brought down the house.

“As Mr. Congeniality, I didn't bring home the gold,” Davia says, “but I am happy that it went to a fellow MSII. Let me tell you, the competition was fierce out there - you all saw the way those guys moved - you should have seen how catty they were in the dressing rooms...but that's why I train hard in the off season to bring my "A" game to the Mr. UNECOM pageant.”

Organizers Patrick Hohl, MSI, and Rob Levine, MSI, were pleased with the evening, which brought nearly 100 students together on a chilly night. “I think it worked out great,” Hohl remarked after the show, shaking his head in residual disbelief from some of the acts. “We’re really happy with the turnout, and the competitors were great. I can’t see how it could have been better.”

Until next year.

-Steve Smith, RSAS

Below are more photos of the "Mr. UNECOM" Competition:

Mike Dominello, MSI, shows off his recent tattoo by Crayola. Photo by Lacey McIntosh, MSI

MSIIs Erycka Florie and Nick Tedesco chat before the competition.

MS II Mike Jackson, middle, proves his tolerance to pain by gargling mouthwash longer than fellow MSIIs Brian Davia (left) and Adam Karpman. A true talent.

Mike Dominello, MSI, proves that the hand is quicker than the eye as he performs illusions for the talent portion of the show.

Josh Mularella, MSII, is simply "Irreplaceable" in his figure-skating routine for the talent show.

A full house at Ratigan's Restaurant enjoys the show.

The contestants don't sweat (they glisten) as they await the judges' verdict.

MSI Rob Levine (back) doesn't quite know what to think about Mularella's routine. Mularella himself doesn't quite know what to think.

AOA Leadership Opportunity

Dear SOMA Members,

The American Osteopathic Association provides an excellent opportunity for you to get involved in your profession. You can apply to serve as the student member of a committee, council or bureau. This is a great way for you to meet physician leaders from all over the country and to contribute your knowledge and excitement about osteopathic medicine. Attached is a list of positions you can apply to and a brief explanation of the duties involved.

If you are interested in serving as a student representative on one of the AOA committees, councils, or bureaus, please submit the following NO LATER THAN March 15, 2007 via electronic mail t
studentselection@osteopathic.org  and to vbronersky@osteopathic.org:
 
Letter of Intent - a brief letter declaring your interest in serving on a particular AOA committee, council, or bureau. The letter should also highlight your qualifications and any outstanding qualities you feel are relevant to your role as a student representative.

Curriculum Vitae

Current Contact Information - please include your current electronic mail address.
 
*Please note that the AOA Student Selection Committee will not consider materials received after March 15, 2007. The Committee will submit all nominations to AOA President-elect. Final appointments are typically announced in early-mid July following the annual business meeting in Chicago.

Please let me know if you have any questions about applying for a position.

Sincerely,
Marty Knott
National SOMA President

March C&O Events

March 1 – Undergraduate American Academy of Osteopathy’s (UAAO) Annual Auction at Ratigan’s in Saco. Starts at 6pm. Contact Abby Hansen, MSII, for more details.

March 1 – Student Osteopathic Surgery Association (SOSA) Suture Workshop. Histo Lab, 5-8pm. Contact Nick Tedesco, MSII, for more details.

March 2 – Gregory Pomeroy, M.D., talk on internal medicine. Alfond 304, 12-1pm. Contact Nick Tedesco, MSII, for more info.

March 3 – Pre-participation health screening for high school athletes, Petts Health Center, 9am-12pm. Sponsored by the UNECOM Sports Medicine Club. Contact Josh Morrison, MSII, for more details.

March 5 - "The Chronic Care Model: A Framework for Linking with the Community to Improve Cardiovascular Health," by Lisa Letourneau, M.D., MPH. 12-1pm, Alfond 106, lunch provided. Sponsored by the AMA Club. Check with Chris Blomberg, MSI, for more info.

March 6 - D.O. Day on the Hill info Session, 12-1pm in Alfond 106, lunch provided. Sponsored by the SGA. Contact Steve Fosmire, MSI, for more info.

March 7 – Thomas Told, D.O., President of the American College of Osteopathic Family Practitioners, 12-1pm in Alfond 106. Talk sponsored by ACOFP and the Family Practice Department. Lunch provided. Contact Michelle Mosher, MSII, for more info.

March 12 – Ethics Presentation by Mr. Ken Lehman and current students, 5-7pm in Alfond 106. Sponsored by SGA Ethics Committee. Contact Kerry Sternheim, MSII, or Lacey McIntosh, MSI, for more info.

March 12-15 - Board Review classes in Alfond 106, 6-9pm. Sponsored by Board Review Committee of the SGA. Talk to Michelle Zugermayr, MSII, with any questions.

March 12-16 – Integrative Medicine Club (IMC) Theme Week. Lunchtime lectures/itinerary pending. Contact Kerry Sternheim, MSII, or Joanna Rulf, MSII, for more info.

March 13 – Dr. John Pelletier case presentation, 12-1pm, Alfond 304. Sponsored by UAAO. Contact Daniel Miller, MSI, for more info.

March 14 – National Osteopathic Women’s Association (NOWPA) Annual Mentor Dinner, 6-9:30pm at Keely the Katerer’s in Portland. Contact Jude Viola, MSII, for more info.

March 15 – Biddeford High School Q&A, sponsored by the PEDS club. 12:30-1:30pm, Biddeford H.S. Contact Rima Zahr, MSI, for more info.

March 19-23 – SPRING BREAK!

March 24 – Maine Handicapped Ski-a-thon Fundraiser at Sunday River. The Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Club (PM&R) plans to field a team. Contact Rick Feeney, MSII, for more details.

March 26 - Board Review class, 6-9pm in Alfond 304. Contact Michelle Zugermayr, MSII, for more info.

March 27 – Wine-tasting event in the third floor lobby of Alfond, 7-9pm (re-scheduled due to the March 2 snowday.) Sponsored by the OB/GYN club. Contact Ariel Tosi, MSI, or Jeff Brown, MSI, for more info.

March 26-30 – Tentative OB/GYN Theme Week. Contact Emily Root, MSII, for more info.

March 29 - Matt Gilbert, D.O., UNECOM '03, dinner and Hospital Day talk, St. Francis Room, 5-7pm. Sponsored by the RSAS Office. Contact Steve Smith for more details.

March 29 – “OB/GYN in Family Practice, and Making the Most out of Hospital Day” talks by Dr. Navrone (Reading Family Practice.) 5-7pm (time may change), Alfond 106. Dinner provided. Sponsored by the ACOFP club. Contact Michelle Mosher, MSII, for more details.

March 30 - Hospital Day, 10am-12pm in the Campus Center Gym. Sponsored by the Clinical Affairs Office. Contact Don Tower, MSII, for more information.

March 30 - Tentative Bone Marrow Drive, 10am-2pm in the Campus Center Lobby. Sponsored by SNMA. Talk to Suzie McGrorty, MSII, for more details.

March Health Awareness Events

The “WhatHealth” website maintains a list of health awareness events for each month. You can check it out at www.whathealth.com/awareness/march.html  The following events are listed for the month of March:

World Red Cross Month
World Vulva Awareness Month
National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
National Kidney Month
National MS Education and Awareness Month
National Nutrition Month
World Endometriosis Awareness Week, 6th-12th
World Brain Injury Awareness Week, 14th-20th
National Poison Prevention Week, 20th-26th
National Sleep Awareness Week, 3/27-4/2
World Water Day, 8th
American Diabetes Alert Day, 23rd
World Tuberculosis Day, 24th

Your SGA reps:

Anne Barlow, MSII	Shannon Scully, MSI
Chris Blomberg, MSI	Ryan Smith, MSI
Jake Budny, MSII	Shawn St. Marie, MSII
Steve Fosmire, MSI	Kerry Sternheim, MSII
Michael Jackson, MSII	Lauren Turkanis, MSII
Brian McElhinney, MSII	Maggie Vancura, MSII
Lacey McIntosh, MSI	Jordan Wagner, MSII
Ryan Murphy, MSI	Tara Wayt, MSI
Anne Newbold, MSII	Sarah White, MSI
Max Opoku-Agyemang, MSI	Liz Williams, MSII
Amanda Roth, MSII	Lisa Wuerdeman, MSII
Joanna Rulf, MSII	Ahmad Yassin, MSI
Kim Salaycik, MSI	Rima Zahr, MSI
Joe Scott, MSI

Meat and Potatoes

Sunset over the Biddeford Pool marsh. Photo by Anne Newbold, MSII.  

University Campus Information

Office of Recruitment, Student, and Alumni Services (RSAS) Lower level of Stella Maris Hall	Monday-Friday 8am – 4:30pm (open noontime)
Campus Center Hours	Monday-Wednesday Gym, Track, Fitness Center: 6am-11 pm Pool: 6:30am-9:30am, 11:30am-6pm, 8pm-10pm Thursday-Friday Gym, Track, Fitness Center: 6am-12am Pool: 6:30-9:30am, 11:30am-6pm (5pm Friday), 8pm-10pm (Thurs.) Saturday Gym, Track, Fitness Center: 8am-12am Pool: 12pm-6pm (Pool closed for swim meets Nov. 4th and 18th) Sunday Gym, Track, Fitness Center: 8am-10pm Pool: 12pm-6pm
Bookstore Hours	Monday-Thursday: 8:30am-5pm Friday: 8:30am-3:30pm
Library Hours
Jack S. Ketchum Library, University Campus	Monday-Thursday: 8am-12pm Friday: 8am-7pm Saturday: 10am-9pm Sunday: 10am-12pm
Josephine S. Abplanalp ’45 Library, Westbrook College Campus	Monday-Thursday: 8am-10pm Friday: 8am-5pm Saturday: 9am-5pm Sunday: 10am-10pm
Sanford Petts Health Center - University Campus Phone: 282-1516	Monday-Wednesday: 8:30am-8pm Thursday & Friday: 8:30am-5pm Student Walk-in Hours: 11am-12:45pm
Alfond Health Center (OMM treatment only) Phone: 284-1417	Monday: 8am-8pm Tuesday: 8am-4:30pm Wednesday: 8am-6pm Thursday: 8am-5:30pm Friday: 8am-5:30pm
Saco Health Center - Saco Phone: 602-1407	Monday-Friday: 8:30am-5pm
Learning Assistance Center	Monday-Thursday: 8am-9pm Friday: 8am-4:30pm
Career Services	For appointments, contact Judy Bellante at 602-0170, ext. 2817, or jbellante@une.edu
Counseling Services	For appointments, call 602-0171, ext. 2549
Disability Services	For appointments, contact 602-0171, ext. 2815.
Food Service Hours (check http://www.unedining.com/ for updates, menus, and pre-ordering meals to go) Effective in September:Decary Cafeteria	Monday-Friday: Breakfast: 7:15am-10:30am Lunch: 11am-1:15pm Dinner: 4:30pm-6:30pm (4:30pm-6pm on Friday) Saturday & Sunday:  Brunch: 11am-1pm  Dinner: 4:30pm-6pm
The Hang	Monday-Friday: 10:30am-10pm
Alfond Café	Monday-Friday: 7:30am-2:30pm

Study Locations:

There are a number of locations available on the University campus for students to study.

Alfond Center for Health Sciences: The entrance facing Stella Maris and the main entrance on the lower level will be unlocked until midnight. All other entrances are open until 8pm. The rooms and lecture halls available as 24-hour study space are 104, 113, 126, 127, 128, 138A/B, 139A/B, and 304. The lobbies are also available. The Alfond Building has wireless Internet access.

Decary Hall: The entrance facing the river remains unlocked until 8pm, and the front entrance is open until 10pm. The rooms available for 24-hour use are 202, 203, 205, 206, 208, 212, and Sutton Lounge. Wireless access is available in the first floor vending area.

Marcil Hall: The entrance on the lower level is open until midnight. Wireless access is available in the common areas.

Stella Maris: The rear entrance facing the residence halls is open until midnight, while the other entrances are open until 8pm. The rooms available for 24-hour use are 206, 215, 304/306, and 309/310. At this point, there is no wireless access in Stella.

Alfond Meadow:

The Alfond Meadow will be used for intramural sports during the 2006-07 academic year. Students can anticipate use of the lawn during football season and again during spring sports. Study plans should be made with the lawn use in mind.

Submissions to the COMmunicator:

The COMmunicator is published monthly, Agust-May. Your submissions are welcome. Submit stories, news events, or digital pictures to Steve Smith at ssmith12@une.edu by the 25th of each month (the earlier, the better!)

Parting Shot

A ten-foot crest surges into Wood Harbor after a late winter storm. Photo by Steve Smith, RSAS.

To return to page one of The COMmunicator, click here.

Copyright © UNECOM Office of Recruitment Student and Alumni Services. All rights reserved.

11 Hills Beach Road, Biddeford, ME 04005.  (207) 602-2329
Please send comments, suggestions, submissions, or warm chocolate chip cookies to Steve Smith at ssmith12@une.edu