CMSRU's "Sharing the Vision" Newsletter

SHARING THE VISION

News and Notes for Friends and Supporters of CMSRU

CMSRU Launches Center for Humanism

Celebrates with Two Events

M arc Stern and wife, Eva (left) with Dr. Edward Viner and wife Judith.

Humanistic medicine is where compassion intersects with clinical care; when physicians are aware of their own behaviors and attitudes and make every effort to practice medicine with professionalism, empathy, respect, and service to each and every patient. CMSRU recently launched a Center for Humanism to focus on this important concept, and celebrated with two very special events.

The cornerstone of CMSRU's Center for Humanism is the Rona Stern Staut Research Professorship in Humanism and Bioethics. The professorship memorializes Rona Stern Staut, an always cheerful and optimistic young woman from Vineland, New Jersey, who passed away in 1971 at age 29 due to complications from lupus. Established with leadership gifts from Rona's brother Marc and his wife Eva, and from the Rona Stern Staut Foundation, a luncheon was held on Saturday, October 17 at CMSRU, honoring the Stern

Dr. Edward Viner with friend and colleague Dr. Elias A. Iliadis.

and Staut families, Dr. Viner, and to celebrate the life of Rona Stern Staut. Opening remarks were made by Dean Katz followed by touching memories of Rona Stern Staut by Dr. Edward Viner, Rona's husband, Ronald Staut and Rona's brother, Marc Stern. A special citation to recognize the significance of the Professorship and its impact on Humanism was read on behalf of Senator Cory Booker by George S. Helmy, who is Senator Booker's Deputy Chief of Staff. "Our family will always be grateful to Dr. Viner for the love he showed to Rona by establishing the Rona Stern Staut Foundation in her memory," said Marc Stern. We are honored to join him in establishing this new Professorship in her name. She would have been pleased with its purpose."

A week later, the lobby of CMSRU, decorated with brilliant blue lights and elegant earthen foliage, was the setting for the first Humanism in Medicine Dinner, held on Saturday, October 24. More than 200 guests gathered to celebrate the launch of the CMSRU Center for Humanism and to honor Dr. Edward Viner for his lifetime of commendable humanistic care for more than 50 years.

Overall, both events were a great success, establishing new relationships as well as securing the crucial funds needed to establish the Center for Humanism at CMSRU. Proceeds from the October 24 event totaled more than $300,000 and helped to launch the CMSRU Center for Humanism. Special thanks to all who attended and participated in the success of both events.

CMSRU Congratulates M1 Karlee Henderson

When it comes to balancing a busy schedule, M1 Karlee Henderson is no stranger. Karlee graduated this past May from Rowan University with a near-perfect 3.99 grade point average and degrees in both biological sciences and biochemistry. Karlee certainly prepared herself for the rigors of medical school. As an undergrad, she excelled in her studies, and thrived on the field as a college athlete, earning the Eastern College Athletic Conference Scholar-Athlete of the Year Award this past October. Among her studies and field-hockey victories, she led community service initiatives with her sister Kelsea, a cancer survivor who inspired Karlee to pursue her career in medicine and helping others. Together they formed 'PICU-ups' which are care packages for children in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Initially, the care packages were for girls, with little nail polishes and other little gifts to help occupy the time of the patients. However, Karlee and Kelsea saw a real need for broadening their PICU-ups and chose to make them for both boys and girls alike. With their combined efforts, they collected over 300 PICU-ups to donate to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

Karlee continues to excel at Cooper Medical School of Rowan University and has proven she is a perfect match to the CMSRU mission of providing excellent patient care and service to her community

Click HERE for the full story posted on Rowan Today.

Leave Your Mark & Make a Difference Today!

M2 Kristin Levin is one of the many students that has benefited from scholarships here at CMSRU.

Cooper Medical School of Rowan University invites you to "Take a Seat" and leave your mark on CMSRU! Honor a graduating medical student, those who have inspired you, or choose to memorialize a loved one that has passed away. All proceeds provide crucial scholarship support for tomorrow's best, and most compassionate physicians.

For less than the cost of a cup of coffee per day, YOU can make a difference.
LIMITED NUMBER OF SEATS AVAILABLE.

Please click HERE for more information!

White Coat Ceremony & White Coat Notes

A Great Success

CMSRU would like to thank all family, friends, faculty, and staff, for supporting the 'White Coat Notes' campaign back in September. Nearly $14,000 was raised during this campaign, which included handwritten notes placed in the pocket of each medical student's brand new white coat. All funds raised went towards the Student Activities Fund, which supports clubs and student initiatives at CMSRU. We cannot thank everyone enough for all of their support and efforts in helping our students!

On Friday, September 11, CMSRU welcomed 80 new medical students with the official White Coat Ceremony. Students were supported by faculty, staff, family and friends. This year's keynote speaker was Leana Wed, MD, Health Commissioner for Baltimore City. As an emergency physician and patient and community advocate. During Dr. Wen's speech, she called upon the Class of 2019 to follow three important humanistic principles during their medical careers:

Focus on what you can do for the patient in front of you. Instead of thinking about what you need to do TO your patients, consider what you need to do FOR them.

Keep asking questions. Humanism and idealism are lost when you stop asking questions, she explained. By not asking questions - even if you don't know what to do with the answers - you may not be addressing the real issues contributing to your patients' well-being.

Serve and be a strong voice. There is never a perfect time, but advocating for the health and well-being of the community where you are is vital.

In case your missed the ceremony and would still like to watch, please click HERE.

Giving Tuesday Tuesday, December 1st

#GivingTuesday is a global movement that focuses on the charitable partnership between nonprofits and supporting families, businesses, and individuals.

By s upporting CMSRU on Tuesday, December 1 -- #GivingTuesday -- you will help CMSRU to innovate healthcare education , educate medical students to be physician leaders , and strengthen our culture of service , with an emphasis on caring for the underserved.

Please JOIN US on #GivingTuesday and make a gift to CMSRU on December 1. No gift is too small. No matter the amount, your gift confirms that you understand and appreciate CMSRU's mission to train humanistic physicians who care for their patients with scholarly excellence and with compassion.

To learn more about CMSRU's #GivingTuesday plans, click HERE.