December SOM Dean's eNews

A Note from Dean Cavalieri

On behalf of the deans and administration at SOM, please accept my thanks for your continued efforts in support of our patients, our students and our communities. As the days of 2016 dwindle to a precious few and you gather with loved ones to celebrate the wonders of the season, please take with you my warmest wishes for a joyous holiday and a rewarding and fulfilling New Year.

My best,

Thomas A. Cavalieri, DO, MACOI, FACP

Dean

Annual Unity Tree Celebration Marks 23rd

Year

The Stratford campus celebrated the holiday season at the 23 ^rd Annual Unity Tree Lighting ceremony on December 5. Once again, preschool and elementary-age children from the Stratford Borough school district joined the celebration, and had us singing along to holiday favorites such as "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer," "Jingle Bells" and "Dreidel Song." Additionally, guests enjoyed music from the Rowan Brass Ensemble and the SOM student a cappella group, The Pacemakers. We were honored that Santa and Mrs. Claus made the long trek from the North Pole to distribute gifts to each child, generously donated by first- and second-year SOM students.

As is tradition, food and toy drives were held in conjunction with this year's holiday celebration. The Student Pediatric Association (SPMA) collected toys for a local Toys for Tots chapter, while the International Federation of Medical Students (IFSMA), along with the Dean's Office and Marketing Department, gathered non-perishable food items to benefit the Food Bank of South Jersey.

After the program's conclusion, the SOM campus community was treated to a buffet holiday luncheon. A big 'thank you' is extended to all who helped to organize the Unity Tree Celebration, as well as donated their time or gifts to make this year's event a success.

SOM Research Insightful in Mitochondrial Replacement Therapy

New research, published in journal Nature, includes findings by co-author Dr. Dmitry Temiakov, Associate Professor, Cell Biology, that suggest a criteria to better match donors with recipients of mitochondrial replacement therapy, reducing the risk of transmitting the disease the therapy is intended to prevent.

Mitochondria, tiny powerhouses inside nearly every cell, maintain their own DNA and contribute a small number of genes when cells replicate. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is passed from mothers to children and mtDNA mutations can cause potentially fatal disorders.

Mitochondrial replacement therapy is a new gene-therapy technique that replaces faulty mitochondria from a woman's egg cell with that of a healthy donor. Read more.

Pediatrician Dr. Tyree Winters Leads Community Grand Rounds

Dr. Tyree Winters, who recently joined the Department of Pediatrics, was the featured speaker at the November 17 Community Grand Rounds, "Changing the Face of Medicine through Diversity." Dr. Winters is a graduate of Ohio University Heritage School of Osteopathic Medicine, where he was an active member of the Student National Medical Association (SNMA). He spoke fondly of his experience in SNMA and his continued support of the organization. Community Grand Rounds programs are sponsored by the SOM chapter of the SNMA in conjunction with the Office of the Dean. For more information, call the Office of Student Affairs at 856-566-6740.

'Holiday Holistics' Provides a Break from Studying

The Office of Student Affairs held their first 'Holiday Holistics' event on December 8. The event provided opportunities for students (and staff) to relieve stress, or, at the very least, take a break from studying. Activities included coloring, games, crafting - even making snowflakes - as well as some much appreciated coffee and snacks. Festive holiday music played in the background as Lily, a comfort dog from Lutheran Church Charities, enjoyed some attention and pets from attendees.