|
A Note From Dean Jermyn
What a fantastic end to our academic year! The graduation of our largest class yet, the Class of 2024 with 202 graduates, was a highlight. Their remarkable resilience and service shone through as they significantly contributed to initiatives like “Operation Save Lives” and other volunteer efforts.
I'm thrilled to announce Jaylyn Thompson’s selection for the ElevateMeD Scholars Program. Her dedication to addressing health care disparities is truly inspiring. Additionally, a big congratulations and thank you to Ashgan Elshinawy '99, our new Alumni Board President, for her generous establishment of the Karima Elshinawy Scholarship Fund.
With all that has transpired, I hope you take time to pause and recharge as we transition into summer. This e-newsletter will also be pausing, taking a break for June and returning in July as we embark upon the next academic year.
My best regards,
Richard T. Jermyn, D.O.
Dean
| |
 | |
The Class of 2024: Resilience, Service & Achievement
The School of Osteopathic Medicine (SOM) graduates gathered in the Esby Gymnasium in Glassboro to celebrate the culmination of their Rowan-Virtua academic journeys and the beginning of their next chapters on May 9. The annual Commencement Ceremony saw the largest graduating SOM class yet, and a host of milestones achieved by members of our school.
Notable highlights:
- Class of 2024 members played an integral role at the Rowan Medicine Vaccine Center, dubbed “Operation Save Lives,” which helped to administer more than 60,000 COVID-19 vaccines during the pandemic.
- Many graduates participated in volunteer efforts supporting pop-up clinics to administer COVID vaccines and flu shots to underserved communities throughout South Jersey.
- The Class of 2024 achieved a 100 percent match rate, gaining entrance to competitive GME programs in disciplines throughout N.J. and the country.
- As a result of earning their D.O. degree, six military graduates will soon be promoted, four of whom are pursuing residencies at military medical centers.
View the recorded ceremony >>>
| |
|
Jaylyn Thompson Selected for ElevateMeD Scholars Program, Awarded $10,000 Scholarship
Jaylyn Thompson, a third-year student at Rowan-Virtua SOM, has been selected for the 2024-25 ElevateMeD Scholars Program. She joins 19 other scholars from medical schools across the country, each receiving a $10,000 tuition-based scholarship.
ElevateMeD aims to develop physician leaders from African American/Black, Latinx, and Native American backgrounds. The program, now in its fifth year, has committed over $1.2 million in scholarships and support to underrepresented medical students.
“I’m deeply honored to become an ElevateMeD scholar,” Thompson said. “This opportunity fuels my dedication to addressing health care disparities in our community and achieving equitable health care access.”
With only 13 percent of physicians identifying as Black/African American, Native American, Alaska Native, or Latinx, ElevateMeD seeks to increase diversity and cultural competence in the medical field. The program offers scholarships, mentorship, peer support, leadership development, and financial management education. Scholars also attend the annual ElevateMeD Summit in Arizona.
This year’s cohort was chosen from over 80 nominees from 27 partnering medical schools. Thompson’s selection highlights her academic excellence, dedication to service, and potential as a future medical leader.
| |
| |
|
Ashgan Elshinawy '99: A Generous Donor & New SOM Alumni Board President
Ashgan Elshinawy ‘99, a pulmonologist and sleep specialist in Central New Jersey, has been named the new President of the Rowan-Virtua SOM Alumni Board. During her term, Dr. Elshinawy's primary goal is to increase her interaction with the student body, and encourage them to remain engaged with the school after graduation, as she sees it as crucial for the school’s continued success.
Additionally, an annual scholarship has been established by Dr. Elshinawy and her husband, Peter McCormick, demonstrating their philanthropic spirit and commitment to supporting Rowan-Virtua SOM and its students. Named after Dr. Elshinawy’s mother, Karima Elshinawy, the scholarship honors her legacy of sacrifice and support for education. Dr. Elshinawy shared, "Since her passing, the scholarship has become more important and special to me. It reminds me of what she sacrificed as a single mother struggling to ensure that we all got a college education and, in my case, a medical education. It was my turn to help a financially disadvantaged student and their family by providing support toward their education."
Dr. Elshinawy's generosity and dedication serve as an inspiration to other alumni considering becoming donors. She believes in the impact of giving back, stating, "Any donation, large or small, can make an impact on a student's journey in medical school and beyond.” The Karima Elshinawy Scholarship Fund ensures the future of the school and its students, and gratitude is extended for Dr. Elshinawy's continued support.
Congratulations to Dr. Elshinawy on her new role, and for her continued commitment to Rowan-Virtua SOM.
| | |
|
Graduate Awards Dinner
On Thursday, May 2, Rowan-Virtua SOM hosted the annual Graduate Awards Dinner at Lucien’s in Berlin, N.J. The event featured the presentation of academic and service honors to members of the Class of 2024. Special honors and presentations included the Donna Jones Moritsugu Award, the Golden Apple Awards, and the Distinguished Alumnus Award. Congratulations to all of our award recipients!
| | |
|
Recognition of GEM Awardees
The Rowan-Virtua Faculty and Staff Wellness Committee wishes to acknowledge the Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine (SOM) staff, faculty, students, and residents who have received a GEM shout-out. In the first month of this initiative, 92 shout-outs were delivered, with some individuals receiving more than one.
The recipients of the GEM awards from April 19 to May 19 are listed below.
| |
|
Catherine Alapatt
Rabiye Ayaz
Danielle Baer
James Bailey, D.O.
Maura Bird
Millicent Channell, D.O.
Danielle Cooley, D.O.
Sarah Davis
Stephanie Dearden
Jenna DeStefano
Mary Duggan
Jason Egner
Kim Faust
Steve Garwood
Kim Hammond
Sarah Helwig
Michele Holcomb
Dr. Richard Jermyn
Anne Jones, D.O.
Crystal Kanavel
Denise Kemp
Amy Land
| |
|
Anthony Larson
Naya Lopez
Naomi Mastrocola
Dean Micciche
Katharine Milani
Dr. Robert Nagele
Lauren Nestel
Kathy Ostberg
Brittany Quintana
Altamash Raja
Shauna Rotoli, Ph.D.
Priyal Shah
Suzanne Shenk, D.O.
Aimee Sirois
Shika Veera
Venkat Venkataraman, Ph.D.
Sheila Walker
Kate Whelihan
Desmond Williams
Jessica Witherspoon
Austin Wong
| |
The committee extends special thanks to all who sent a GEM shout-out to highlight the hard work and good deeds of someone at Rowan-Virtua SOM who has gone above and beyond. To send a shout-out, click here. | |
|
SNMA Senior Send Off
The Student National Medical Association (SNMA) held its annual Senior Send-Off event on April 26. The graduating seniors of SNMA were recognized and celebrated as they prepare to receive their hoods as doctors of osteopathic medicine and embark on the next steps of their medical careers. Many graduating seniors shared memories, words of advice, and encouragement with underclassmen within SNMA. We wish our graduating seniors all the best as they move on to residency and their lifelong careers in medicine.
| |
|
Dave & Buster's
On April 25, over 85 students, alumni, faculty, and staff played games, enjoyed food, and connected at Dave & Buster’s Gloucester!
| |  |
|
Massage Day
One of the most requested programs returned to SOM as students enjoyed seated chair massages in Stratford on May 1, and in Sewell on May 14.
| |
Pop-Up Popsicles
On the warm, sunny afternoon of April 30, students revealed in the great weather by enjoying a refreshing popsicle at the Stratford Academic Center lawn!
| | |
|
All-Star Youth Sports Clinic Year End Celebration
All-Star Youth Sports Clinic ended the year with a celebration on May 12. More than 20 children, their families, and medical student volunteers played on an inflatable obstacle course, a giant inflatable slide, and scooters. The evening concluded with an award ceremony and Mister Softee. All Star Youth Sports Clinic is a monthly sports clinic designed for children aged six to 15 that is led by Sabrina Paparo (OMS-II) and Jessica Mitchell (OMS-I) and staffed by volunteer student doctors. The clinic offers a supportive, non-competitive, and stress-free environment where children can play sports and interact with student doctors in a non-clinical capacity. The clinic is free of charge and takes place on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. The next session is September 10, 2024. If you would like more information about this program, please email rowanallstarssportsclinic@gmail.com.
| |
|
On May 16, the Class of 2025 gathered for group photos and lunch. The photos will be archived in the 2025 yearbook. | | | |
|
|
Rowan-Virtua SOM PM&R and Sports Medicine Conference
On May 18-19, Rowan-Virtua SOM's PM&R and Sports Medicine Clubs hosted their first joint conference. Over 40 attendees gathered to discuss issues and innovative solutions pertaining to the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of sports medicine and athletic injury. Presentations covered topics such as Sports Medicine for Professional Teams, Concussion Diagnosis and Treatment, and Diet and Nutrition for Athletics. A special thank you to our conference planning committee for coordinating an informative conference filled with dynamic speakers and discussions.
| |
|
Joanna Petrides, MBS, PsyD 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.
Doing something nice for someone brightens their day and your own! Send a quick note to acknowledge someone’s efforts. This small act of kindness fosters appreciation and builds stronger connections between people and teams. Consider sending them a GEM to let someone know you’ve noticed their efforts!
| | | | |
