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A Note From Dean Jermyn
As we close out January, I'm eager to share some exciting updates with you. Congratulations to
Dr. Millicent King Channell on her appointment to the National Committee on Foreign Medical Education and Accreditation. Our recent AAPI Cultural Show was a vibrant celebration of diverse talent, while the Mental Health Crisis Summit addressed important issues while seeking solutions. And, we’re always glad to welcome Dr. Ira Monka back to campus. I would also like to extend a heartfelt welcome to our newest faculty members, whose support will undoubtedly advance our mission.
My best regards,
Richard T. Jermyn, D.O., FAAPMR
Dean
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Dr. Millicent King Channell to serve on the National Committee on Foreign Medical Education and Accreditation (NCFMEA)
Millicent King Channell, D.O., MA, FAAO, FNAOME was recently appointed to the National Committee on Foreign Medical Education and Accreditation (NCFMEA). The NCFMEA evaluates foreign medical schools' accreditation standards against U.S. benchmarks to determine eligibility for federal financial aid. Dr. Channell's extensive academic and accreditation background, along with her dedication to supporting diverse medical student populations, will significantly contribute to the NCFMEA's crucial work. Her appointment ensures the representation of the osteopathic perspective on the Committee and reflects her commitment to the holistic approach of osteopathic medicine.
Read more here.
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Welcome Our Newest Faculty Members!
Please welcome the faculty members who joined us during the first half of the fiscal year.
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Cell Biology
Alvaro Garcia, PhD
Megan Olsen, PhD
Gregory Wehrman, PhD
Medicine
Timothy H. Dombrowski, DO
Justin Sciancalepore, DO
NJISA-Geriatrics
Amber Cheesman, DO
NMI OMM
David Abend, DO
Chanakya Bavishi, DO
James Healy, DO
Donna Mueller, DO
Jordan Spusta, DO
Ob/Gyn
George Taliadouros, MD
Surgery
Andrea Alphonsus Vanderbrook, RVT
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Family Medicine
Randa Foda, MD
Robin Moore, DO
Mildred Randolph, DO
Isha Suthar, DO
Kate Whelihan, MPH
Molecular Biology
James Martin II, PhD
NJISA-Geriatric Psychiatry
Ayesha Brown, PsyD
Laura Salciunas, PsyD
NMI Rehab Medicine
Ian Maitin, MD
Tyler Pigott, DO
Hassan Tahir, DO
Pediatrics
Clare Stephens, DO
Psychiatry
Valerie Garcia, APN
Kristine Hodshon-Peck, PsyD
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Alumnus Dr. Ira Monka Addresses SOM students
Distinguished SOM alumnus Dr. Ira Monka, president of the American Osteopathic Asssociation (AOA) recently returned to his alma mater for a visit.
Before a scheduled lecture, Dr. Monka and his wife met with Interim Dean Dr. Richard Jermyn and Student Doctor Theodore Manahan, OMS-III. Dr. Monka highlighted the exponential growth of osteopathic medicine over the years, emphasizing its crucial role in addressing the projected shortage of primary care physicians in the U.S. He noted the substantial increase in primary care osteopathic physicians, from fewer than 30,000 in 1990 to 186,000 today.
As the first SOM graduate to lead the AOA, Dr. Monka's accomplishments reflect his dedication to the field. He commended the school's expansion, from 35 students at his graduation nearly 40 years ago to over 1,000 students today. Dr. Monka also emphasized the influential positions held by osteopathic physicians nationwide, encouraging students to embrace the opportunities ahead.
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NJ Mental Health Crisis Summit
On January 24, Rowan University hosted a Mental Health Summit in Trenton. The event focused on the environment that led to the creation of Public Law 2023 Chapter 139, which addresses prolonged wait times in Emergency Departments for individuals who need inpatient psychiatric beds. Dr. Stephen Scheinthal, professor and chair of the Rowan-Virtua SOM Department of Psychiatry, delivered the keynote address, which was followed by a panel discussion and Q&A.
New Jersey boasts a rich history of leadership in mental health care, from establishing the state's first psychiatric hospital in 1848 to achieving the lowest suicide rate in the nation today.
Rowan University stands as a frontrunner in mental health advocacy and is dedicated to addressing the needs of New Jersey residents. The University proudly sponsors three psychiatry residency programs in partnership with Cooper Health, Inspira Health Network, and Virtua Health. Additionally, Rowan offers graduate programs in social work, psychology, and nursing.
Appreciation is extended to Dr. Puneet Sahota of Cooper Health; Toni Prate, RN, of Virtua Health; Michael D’Amico, LCSW, of Oaks Integrated Care; Elvira Smith, MA, of Cumberland County Guidance Center; and Assemblyman Dr. Herb Conaway for their participation on the panel.
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AAPI Cultural Show
Students, faculty and staff enjoyed a night of celebration at the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) Annual Cultural Show on Friday, January 5. The evening's highlights included performances from several SOM students and faculty, which included dancing, singing, and a fashion show. A special thank you to AAPI for hosting this fantastic event and to all faculty and staff who participated.
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Embrace the Power of Monthly Giving in the New Year
Celebrate the new year by making a lasting contribution to medical education. Every gift, no matter the size, has a meaningful impact. Your consistent and ongoing support plays a vital role in advancing the causes that matter most to you. Recurring contributions help prepare medical students, contribute to groundbreaking research, and promote patient-centered health care. Click here to learn more about monthly giving.
Associate Professor and Program Director, Dr. Renee Demarest, a longstanding advocate for medical education shares why she donates:
"I choose to invest in Rowan-Virtua SOM because I believe in investing in our students’ success which aligns with the mission of our school; giving monthly is an easy way for me to live our mission. The collective power of many individuals routinely contributing a small amount adds up to a large sum that can have a great impact on our students. Giving monthly is one more way that I can regularly commit to the success of our students and to our collective vision of improving access and affordability of education for our students.”
Ready to make a difference every month? Visit go.rowan.edu/somgivemonthly and pledge your support today.
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Joanna Petrides, MBS, Psy.D. from the Departments of Family Medicine and Psychology and chair of the Rowan-Virtua SOM Wellness Committee, shares this month’s tip for improving wellbeing.
Set yourself up for success by creating goals that are realistic and focusing on the task at hand rather than the outcome. Creating SMART goals is one way to help you achieve successes in your professional and personal life. Goals should be: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. To help you get started, there is a free template you can use from the University of San Diego.
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