University of New England

COMmunicator, October 2006 (Page 2)

Local Flavor

Bittersweet and Atlantic swell near Biddeford Pool. Photo by Steve Smith, RSAS 

Things to Do… Places to Go in the Fall

As the air cools and the leaves change, it marks the season for the greatest sport on earth: football. On Fridays, you can check the local papers to find the best games of the weekend, as the local high schools battle for pride and glory under the famous “Friday night lights.” It’s a wonderful evening on the bleachers with refreshments served up by the parents, acrobatics from the cheering squad, and musical favorites from the marching band; it’s a little piece of heaven.

For the pro arena, check out Pats’ games on the big screen with munchies and buckets of cold refreshments at Smitty's cinema, or Monday night wing specials at Champions sports bar.

- Josh Morrison, MS II, Sports Medicine Club President

Well, there's always swing dancing at the North Deering Grange in Portland, on the first and third Friday of the month. The other great place to go is Harris Farm for veggies (including pumpkins), fresh milk (and other dairy products) and meat. They're having a PYO pumpkin wagon ride on Oct 8th. During the winter, they offer cross-country skiing!! They're super nice folks with dogs running around and cows a-grazing.

- Martha Gilman, MS II, UAAO co-President

Here are some recommendations:

1.) Mt. Washington in New Hampshire is a nice, rigorous hiking trail with gorgeous views! It's about 2.5 hours away, so make a day of it. It's well worth the drive. For a little known gem that's close to home, try hiking, jogging, or mountain biking the trails of Clifford Park, on Pool Street in Biddeford. Bring a buddy, though, as it's very easy to get kind of lost (believe me, I know). Also, there's a nice waterfall that can be found with a moderate amount of exploration. Clifford Park has tennis and basketball courts, too! 

2.) I love the bonfire on the beach, and hiking/ driving around looking at the leaves and smelling the autumn air. I've never been apple picking in the traditional fashion, but I plan on doing that this fall. Last year I went up to Acadia for a weekend, and it was absolutely beautiful, but the great thing about where we live is that you don't have to travel 4 hours for breathtaking views - they are on our way to school! 

3.) My favorite memories of last fall are, of course, flag football and being Chili Bowl champs! Woohoo Masseters! Getting involved with other stuff is really important to my mental/emotional well-being. There is definitely life during and especially after gross anatomy- don't forget that - go out and have fun, as you can't study 24 hours a day and still be sane...and get enough sleep! Thought Question: what are you going to be for Halloween?  

-Ellen Bursch, MSII

Haunted Hay Rides

The Original Haunted Hay Rides, LLC, will operate at Scarborough Downs for their 17th year in operation. On selected nights in October, there will be hay rides, free cider and donuts, and the requisite terrors of the night. Group discounts are available. For more info, and to make reservations, please call 207-885-5935.

Scholarship and Fellowships

Hanging out. Monarch at Gilsland Farm in Falmouth, Maine. Photo by Steve Smith, RSAS

William Osler Medal Essay Contest

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 and physicians. The writer of the winning essay will be invited to attend the 2007 American Association for the History of Medicine (AAHM) meeting, 3-6 May, in Montreal, Quebec, where the medal will be conferred. The essay (maximum 9,000 words, plus reasonable endnotes) must be entirely the work of one contestant.

For more information, check out www.histmed.org/Awards.

American Medical Association (AMA) offers opportunities to medical students

National and Regional Student Research Forums

These annual forums offer young investigators the opportunity to present their research, receive meaningful feedback, and participate in scholarly discussions with peers and established scientists. Three regional forums are held prior to the national forum every year.

Western Student Medical Research Forum
Abstract deadline: Oct. 3, 2006
Forum date: Jan.31-Feb.3, 2007, in Monterey, Calif.

Midwest Student Biomedical Research Forum
Abstract deadline: Dec. 8, 2006
Forum date: Feb. 23-24, 2007, in Omaha, Neb.

Eastern-Atlantic Student Research Forum
Abstract deadline: January 2007
Forum date: Feb 21-24, 2007, in Miami

National Student Research Forum
Abstract deadline: January 2007
Forum date: April 26-27, 2007, in Galveston, Texas

Seed Grant Research Program

This program provides $2,500 grants to medical students, physician residents and fellows in a variety of research areas, such as cardiovascular/pulmonary diseases, HIV/AIDS, leukemia, neoplastic diseases, and secondhand smoke.

Application available: September 2006
Application deadline: December 1, 2006
Recipients announced: March 2007

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

$10,000 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  www.amafoundation.org.

International Fellowship Program Seeks Applicants

The FIC/Ellison Overseas Fellowship Program is an exciting clinical research training experience for graduate level U.S. students in the health professions, sponsored by the NIH's Fogarty International Center (FIC) in partnership with The Ellison Medical Foundation, the NIH National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, and the NIH National Institute on Drug Abuse. The Association of American Medical Colleges and the Association of Schools of Public Health are managing the program, which is beginning its fourth year. The deadline for the program is December 8, 2006.

The program offers a one-year clinical research training experience to qualified students. This is an opportunity for highly motivated individuals to experience mentored research training at top-ranked NIH funded research centers in a diverse group of countries, including Bangladesh, Botswana, Brazil, China, Haiti, India, Kenya, Mali, Peru, Russia, South Africa, Tanzania, Thailand, Uganda, and Zambia.

To learn more and to obtain an application, please visit http://www.aamc.org/students/medstudents/overseasfellowship/.

-Steve Kelly, MS II co-President of IFMSA

AANS Medical Student Summer Fellowship Program

The American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) is offering ten $2,500 fellowships to medical students who have completed one or two years of medical school and wish to spend a summer working in a neurosurgical laboratory, mentored by a neurosurgical investigator who is a member of the AANS.

Interested students should submit applications by February 1, 2007 to AANS Medical Student Summer Research Fellowship, c/o AANS, 5550 Meadowbrook Drive, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008-3852, or e-mail application and all supporting documents to nref@aans.org. An application may be downloaded at http://www.aans.org/otheresearch/application-final_081606.doc.

For more information, call AANS at (toll free (888) 566-2267) or visit their website at http://www.aans.org/otheresearch/med_student_research.asp.

The Harrison F. Aldrich, D.O./N.E.O.A. Student Loan

The New England Osteopathic Association (housed in the UNECOM Continuing Medical Education Office) makes funds available for UNECOM students (MS II, III and IV) in the form of low- or no-interest loans. Since its inception in 1982, the N.E.O.A. Student Loan Fund has awarded almost $175,000 to UNECOM students. 

As loans are repaid, new loans are awarded to current students in need. The loan recipient does not need to repay until completion of all post-graduate training, including residencies and fellowships, a time frame of approximately 6 years after graduation. Recipients who remain in New England to practice pay lower interest. The deadline to submit an application for the loan, which can be used for whatever purpose the student desires, whether that be books, groceries, emergencies, etc., is generally in the late summer to early fall. Students are eligible for a loan for each of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th years at UNECOM, which is included in the student’s overall financial aid package. Approval is usually completed within a few weeks of receipt of the application. 

For more information, or to complete an application, see the UNE Financial Aid office, or contact Leslie Ingraham, CME Director, in the Office of Continuing Medical Education, Room 203, Stella Maris Building, by phone at 207-602-2125, or by email at lingraham@une.edu.

Faculty

Heavy surf near Biddeford Pool. Photo by Steve Smith, RSAS

Pharmaceutical company founded by UNECOM's Ed Bilsky recruits COO from state Office of Innovation

Aiko Pharmaceuticals, a new company co-founded by Edward Bilsky, Ph.D., associate professor of pharmacology, College of Osteopathic Medicine, made the news Sept. 12, 2006 with the announcement that Janet Yancey-Wrona, the first director of the state's Office of Innovation, was leaving her position to become chief operating officer of Aiko.

The company is a very young startup with a patented compound that helps relieve some of the side effects of taking opioids, including high-powered pain-killers. Yancey-Wrona told the Portland Press Herald that "I've always said ever since I started (with the state) that if I'm successful, technology management people like me will be able to stay in Maine. Here's an opportunity to do that - to stay in Maine and rejoin the private sector."
Portland Press Herald, Sept. 12, 2006

-University Relations

Gerontology intern Molly Trauten focus of Cincinnati Enquirer and Press Herald features

Molly Trauten, a gerontology intern working with UNECOM director of geriatric research and education Marilyn Gugliucci, Ph.D., was the subject of feature stories in the Portland Press Herald July 31 and Cincinnati Enquirer Sept. 10, 2006.

Trauton, a graduate student at Miami University in Ohio, has spent nearly three months living in three Maine nursing homes, researching first-hand what it is like to be a nursing home resident. The goal of the research is to bridge the gap between the realities of nursing home life and what's being taught about aging in universities. Last summer, UNE medical student Rana Wakim spent two weeks living in a nursing home but no one's ever had the experience for 12 weeks, according to Gugliucci. "Molly and I have often said we're changing the world," she said.
Portland Press Herald, July 31, 2006
Cincinnati Equirer, Sept. 10, 2006

-University Relations

Physiology Professor Dave Johnson's shark tournament featured in Sun Chronicle

The Downeast Maine Shark Tournament, founded three years ago by Dave Johnson, Ph.D., associate professor and chair of the physiology department at the University of New England’s College of Osteopathic Medicine, was featured in the Sun Chronicle Sept. 1, 2006.

The tournament, held Aug. 23-26, gave participants a chance to try their skill at battling the fearsome predators, while marine biologists took samples from the sharks to use in their research and the money raised from the event went to help local charities. The number of entries and the amount of money donated to the charity have increased each year, with 37 boats entered this year. Johnson said that he expected the 2006 event to raise about $4,000 for the United Way of York County.
The Sun Chronicle, Sept. 1, 2006

-University Relations

Alumni

Alfond Center of Health Sciences. Photo by Steve Smith, RSAS

James Baldwin D.O. '99 opens first practice in Clinton, Maine in two decades

A Morning Sentinel story on Sept. 25, 2006, featured College of Osteopathic Medicine alumnus James Baldwin, D.O. '99, who opened a practice and clinic in Clinton, Maine. The Sebasticook Regional Walk-In Care clinic opened in late August. "It's great to start a new practice in a town that has not had a physician for 20 years," he said. "I just see it as a need the community has and hopefully will fill." Baldwin is board certified in family medicine and in osteopathic manipulative medicine.
Morning Sentinel, Sept. 25, 2006

-University Relations

Plans for Fall CME/Reunion Weekend Underway

Planning for the 2006 Fall CME/Reunion Weekend - set for October 6-7, following the White Coat Ceremony on Thursday, October 5 - is underway, and alumni should have received a registration brochure in the mail. The weekend is open to all alumni and other practicing physicians, but there will be a special focus on the reunion classes of 1986, 1991, 1996 and 2001.

Both Friday and Saturday will have a full schedule of CME lectures and workshops, many presented by fellow alumni. Alumni presenters include:

Mark Henschke, D.O. '88, Pharm.D. - New Treatment in COPD
Robert Dinwoodie, D.O. '86 - Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: An Overview
David Jones, D.O. '96 - Restless Leg Syndrome (invited)
Frank Hubbell, D.O. '91 - Celiac Disease Update
Julie Foley Miller, D.O. '86 - Understanding the Management of Spasticity
Robert Leonard, D.O. '86 - Current Treatments for Androgenetic Alopecia
Frank Green, D.O. '89 - Diabetes Update: The New Insulins
Guy DeFeo, D.O. '88 - Osteopathic Management of Low Back and Pelvic Pain

There are an additional seven presenters to round out the two days of programming. UNECOM has designated the program for up to 14.25 Category 1A osteopathic credits, and 14.25 AMA PRA Category 1 credits.

There certainly is more to the CME/Reunion Weekend than two full days of outstanding presentations, though. Friday evening will conclude with the traditional Founders' and Alumni Celebration Dinner. This annual event is an opportunity to dress up a bit, bring your spouse or partner, and socialize with your favorite faculty members. Dr. Boyd Buser, academic dean and vice president for health services (interim), will serve as host and master of ceremonies for the evening, and President Danielle Ripich, Ph.D., will share some remarks as well. Featured speaker for the evening will be Lawrence Bouchard, D.O., former AOA President and UNECOM Regional Dean.

Dr. Stephen Shannon, '86, former academic dean and now the president and CEO of the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM), has been invited to present on the future of osteopathic medical education during Saturday's lunch. For many years, Dr. Shannon hosted a dean's brunch on Sunday morning.

Saturday evening is reserved for social time, particularly for the four reunion classes. Plan to socialize with past faculty, fellow classmates and other members of classes associated with the numbers 6 and 1.

-James Gaffney, RSAS

Heritage Center Seeks Materials, Support

The New England Osteopathic Heritage Center (NEOHC), an archival and educational resource center, now in its fourth year, has been created to preserve the history of osteopathic medicine in New England. To that end, the Center is actively collecting documents, photographs, and all items of historic interest that reflect and represent the unique contribution that osteopathic medicine has made to health care in New England. NEOHC is the only institution dedicated to that purpose other than the Still National Osteopathic Museum in Kirksville, MO.

The MaineHealth Osteopathic Heritage Fund financially supports the Center, along with donations from osteopathic associations, professionals, and friends. It is housed on the University of New England's Biddeford campus, and as a natural extension of its mission, is building a relationship with the College of Osteopathic Medicine. The establishment and success of UNECOM is a story that must be included in the osteopathic history annals.

To inspire interest and support for this project, materials such as photographs, early documents, and medical artifacts are exhibited at osteopathic association meetings throughout New England. Archivist Gay Marks asks alumni to make a point to visit the Center no matter what the reason for visiting campus. She also brings NEOHC pieces to most of the CME programs in New England, and features others on the Center's website at www.une.edu/neohc. Gay would enjoy speaking with alumni to learn more about your unique connection with osteopathic medicine; she can be reached at 207-602-2131 or gmarks@une.edu.

Alumni, Faculty Present at CME Programs in New England

Two alumni presented educational sessions at the Massachusetts Osteopathic Society's (MOS) Summer CME Conference in late July. Robert Smith, D.O. '92, presented “Risk Management Lecture: Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction for Clinicians - A Clinical Application for Medical Error Reduction,” and Thomas Stason, D.O. '04, presented “An Osteopathic Approach to Rheumatoid Arthritis.” 

Stephanie Waecker, D.O., a graduate of UNECOM's residency program and current OMM faculty member, presented “Evidence-based Approach to OMT in the Obstetrical Patient.” Dr. Waecker also provided treatment service on both Friday and Saturday.

The Maine Osteopathic Association (MOA) held their second CME program of the year in June. Five alumni presented at the Summer Convention, including:
Eric Freiberger, D.O. '98 – “Current Screening Guidelines for Exams: Capsule Endoscopy”
David Weed, D.O. '82 – “Update on Sleep Disorders”
George Pasquarello, D.O. '93 – “OMT: Back to Basics: HVLA/Office Procedures”
Christopher Rogers, D.O. ' 85 - “Office Workup of the Acute Abdomen”
Marc Kaplan, D.O. '91 – “Pediatric Depression: Treating Within the Black Box”

Earlier in the summer (May), two alumni presented at the Connecticut Osteopathic Medical Society's (COMS) Primary Care Oceanside Conference. Paul Tortland, D.O. '91 presented a session on Soft Tissue and a full OMM workshop. Jim Ryan, D.O. '82, presented a session on occupational health.

The Maine Osteopathic Association's Mid-winter Conference (February) featured a number of alumni presenters, including:
Laureen Biczak, D.O. '85 – “Office of MaineCare Service Update”
Jackie Blackstone, D.O. '87 – “First and second trimester screening for Downs Syndrome”
Jane Carreiro, D.O. '88 – “International forum: Osteopathy around the world”
Arthur Dingley, D.O. '93 – “Managing psychiatric problems in the primary care setting”
Jeffrey Holmstrom, D.O. '85 – “Building the bridges to transformational change in health care” panel
Ken Johnson, D.O. '92 – “Evidence based manipulation - A focus on acute low back pain”
Timothy Kingsbury, D.O. '87 – “Osteopathic manipulative considerations for Rheumatologic diseases”
Patricia Murray, D.O. '99 – “The Still Technique”
George Pasquarello, D.O. '93 – “OMT and C-spine position paper update”

UNECOM faculty or residents who presented include:
Brian Brock, D.O. – “Updated diagnostic imaging of common problems”
Greg Esmer, D.O. – “Mindfulness based medicine - A review”
David Keller, D.O. – “Omega 3 fatty acids: Primary and secondary cardiovascular risk reduction”

The first state society CME program of the year was the New Hampshire Osteopathic Association's (NHOA) 15th Annual Primary Care Winter Symposium in January. Christopher Delorie, D.O. '99, presented “Pain Management: Epidural Adhesiolysis;” Stephen Goldbas, D.O. '91, presented “Osteopathic Considerations for Patients with GI Symptoms;” and Jennifer Highland, D.O. '97, presented “Treating Pulmonary Disease with OMT.”

-James Gaffney, RSAS

Clubs and Organizations

Josh Mularella, MSII, plays soccer with schoolchildren in Nepal. Photo by Adrienne Kovalsky, MSII

JFK Mentoring Program

About 15 years ago, Denise D’Entremont, a counselor at JFK Elementary School in Biddeford, realized that many children in her hallways didn't have a vision for the rest of their lives. The point was driven home in a conversation with a girl who told her that she didn't even know women could go to college! Denise immediately began looking for ways to prove the kids wrong. She looked for role models to show them that anyone could go on to do great things and become great people! Shortly after she began to establish a mentoring program, the UNECOM Pediatrics club decided to get involved. 

Each year the mentoring program pairs a medical student with a child from JFK or Biddeford Intermediate School, and this year has seen more than 30 students stepping up to participate! The med students then go once a week or once every other week to spend time with their child. Just one hour (minimum), every other week. What do they do? They just hang out. Some students help their children with homework, others hang out in the library, others play games, and still others shoot hoops. The goal is simply to get someone into the kids' lives so that they can see that there is more to life than they ever dreamed; that ordinary people really can do extraordinary things! It allows them to catch a vision for their lives and their futures. 

Many of the kids selected for the program come from single parent homes or foster care, and several of them have lived through some horrific events. Each year, Denise tells the mentors that most of the kids don't like to talk about their home life, but if they do, believe them. The backgrounds are varied, but the common factor is that they all need someone to simply believe in them. Remarkably, the simple act of spending just one hour with them every other week can be just the faith they need! Denise reports that students who have had mentors begin to walk around telling their friends about their Med School buddy who's going to come hang out! They look for the mentors anxiously nearly every day of the week and begin to tell people that they, too, are going to be doctors when they grow up! And that's what it's all about! If we can spark a vision in just one child’s life, then our program is a success!

-Rachel Keesling, MS II, PEDS JFK Coordinator

IFMSA News

The UNECOM chapter of the International Federation of Medical Students’ Association (IFMSA) is pleased to announce the dates of the upcoming International Health Week for the 2006-2007 school year. This year’s International Health Week will be held from November 13-17, 2006 and the annual Art Auction will be held around this time as well.

UNECOM IFMSA is a student group aimed toward educating and increasing awareness of international health issues and the reality of social responsibility, and works to provide a connection for UNECOM students in international health experiences. Many of the first and second year students at UNECOM have volunteered with a medical missions trip in the past, and several members of IFMSA are actively seeking out experiences for the year ahead!

While UNECOM is a chapter of IFMSA-USA, our students play important roles nationally as well as locally. IFMSA-USA is a national member group that elects medical students to serve on international standing committees; the committees are focused on medical education, professional exchange, reproductive health and AIDS, research exchange, and refugees and peace. Beth Grimaldi, MSII, is the National Coordinator of BookAid, which is a project aimed at gathering medical textbooks and sending them to international medical students who have limited physical materials from which to learn. Gretchen Hankens, MSII, is the National Vice President (East) of IFMSA-USA.

For more information on IFMSA and health opportunities, please look for student profiles in upcoming newsletters. IFMSA-USA can be researched at http://www.ifmsa-usa.org and the UNECOM chapter can be found under the Clubs and Organizations page on http://my.une.edu. Please check out the website with any questions or to search for international health service opportunities, and keep your eyes peeled for upcoming international student interviews, as well as UNECOM student accounts of their medical missions trips!

-Shannon Scully, MS I

Post Gross Toast

The Sigma Sigma Phi honor society is planning the traditional Post Gross Toast for October 27, from 5-6pm in the Campus Center multi-purpose rooms. A bonfire will follow in the fire pit down by the kiosk.

The Post Gross Toast celebrates the end of Gross Anatomy; widely considered the most challenging course at medical school. Professors and fellows congratulate the first year class for their hard work, and also recount the various apocryphal stories that never quite made it into official records. The Toast is designed as a healthy way for the sleep-deprived and anxiety-ridden students to achieve catharsis in ways other than burning cars or rioting in the streets.

October Events:

The U.S. Navy will have a luncheon and presentation by Capt. MIchael D. McCarten (UNECOM '83) on Wednesday, Oct. 4th, from 12-1pm in Alfond 304. Capt. McCarten will present opportunities available to current medical students. Lunch is provided. For more info, contact Lt. Jill Maldarelli at Jill.maldarelli@navy.mil  

The New England Research Club (NERC) plans to partner with the Neuro Psychology Club to present a Journal Club Meeting on October 10th, from 12-1pm in ACHS 106. Dr. Mokler will speak, and lunch is provided. Talk to Rejean Guerriero, MS II, with any questions.

October 15-21 is National Primary Care Week.

The Student Osteopathic Surgery Association will host the SOSA Anatomy Review on Tuesday, October 24th, from 7-9pm in the Anatomy Lab. Set up is from 5pm-7pm. President Nick Tedesco, MS II, hopes that a large number of second year students will assist the first year class with the important material. That’s Tuesday, October 24th, from 7-9pm. Tuesday, Oct. 24th. Tuesday… talk to Nick.

October Fundraisers:

The Student National Medical Association (SNMA) club will sell its Adopt-a-Doc pins during the first week of October in the Alfond Café. Contact co-president Anna Rose Pinlac, MS II, for more information.

The National Osteopathic Women Physicians’ Association (NOWPA) is holding its annual LL Bean Fleece sale during October. To see a flyer for details, click here.

The Sports Medicine Club plans to sell T-shirts for the Chili Bowl on October 24th. Contact President Josh Morrison, MS II, for details.

October 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/october.html. The following events are listed for the month of October:

Month:
World Health Literacy Month
World Rett Syndrome Awareness Month
World Blindness Awareness Month
National Celiac Sprue Awareness Month
National Healthy Lung Month
National Brain Injury Awareness Month
National Breast Cancer Month
National Down Syndrome Awareness Month
National Liver Awareness Month
National Lupus Awareness Month
National Orthodontic Health Month
National Spina Bifida Awareness Month

Week:
National Mental Illness Awareness Week, 3rd-9th
National Respiratory Care Week, 24th-30th

Day:
National Depression Screening Day, 6th
National Mammography Day, 21st
National Lung Health Day, 27th

Unite For Sight Fourth Annual International Health Conference

“Innovation, Advancement, and Best Practices To Achieve Global Goals” is Unite For Sight's Fourth Annual International Health Conference

When: April 14-15, 2007
Where: Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California
Theme: "Innovation, Advancement, and Best Practices To Achieve Global Goals."

Who should attend? Anyone interested in eye care, international health, medicine, health education, health promotion, public health, international service, social entrepreneurship, nonprofits, or micro-enterprise.

Conference Goal: To exchange ideas across disciplines about best practices in public health, medicine and research, and international health and development. Conference topics range from "The Right to Health: Towards Social Inclusion and Universal Health Care in Latin America" and "Antiretroviral Drugs and Issues of Drug Access and
Quality in the Developing World," to "Global Progress in Preventing the Burden of Blindness and Other Diseases Caused by Measles and Rubella" and "Once I Was Blind.... The Challenges of Eye Care in Ghana."

Join over 1,500 leaders, doctors, professionals, and students from five continents as you listen to more than 230 speakers about eye care, public health, international development, entrepreneurship, micro-finance, policy and advocacy, bioethics, and medicine. Come to learn and also exchange ideas about best practices to achieve global goals in health and development.

Register today for a reduced rate! (Current rate is $50 for students/$70 for all others. The early bird rate increases after October 15th.)

For more info, check out http://uniteforsight.org/conference/2007/index.php.

T-shirt Drive for Honduras Baby Diapers

Beth Grimaldi, MS II, writes:

My aunt has taken on a really cool project: she's making diapers out of old T-shirts for babies in Honduras. If you have any old T-shirts that you don't wear anymore and don't want to throw out, please bring them to me to support a good cause! Read below for more details. I'll take the T's whenever you want to give them to me.

Beth’s aunt writes: The T-shirts need to be adult size medium or larger. Please no children’s sizes. Also, T-shirts only: I cannot use turtlenecks, shirts with buttons in the front, or snaps. It's ok if they have a design on them, as long as they are 50/50 or 100% cotton. Any color is fine.
 
I am turning the T-shirts into diapers for infants in Honduras. I am amazed how much we throw away as a society, and some countries do not have the basic things that we take for granted, so this is a small thing that I (we) can do.
 
This is an ongoing project, and the first shipment will be in January.

Meat and Potatoes

Wood Harbor chop. Photo by Steve Smith, RSAS

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 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.

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 comsa@une.edu by the 25th of each month (the earlier, the better!)

Parting Shot

One King. Gilsland Farm, Falmouth, Maine. Photo by Steve Smith, RSAS

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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 comsa@une.edu.