A Note from Dean Cavalieri
The events of the past month have caused all of us to reexamine how we see ourselves, how we see each other and how, together, we can make this a truly just and compassionate world for everyone. The death of George Floyd has had a far-reaching impact on our country, and I hope that you join me in continuing our commitment to more diverse and inclusive communities.
Stay strong and be safe,
Thomas A. Cavalieri, DO, MACOI, FACP
Dean
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Stratford Campus Unites to Combat "Pandemic of Racism"
On June 12, the Stratford campus gathered to discuss the tragic events of discrimination in the criminal justice system most recently brought to light by the death of George Floyd at the hands of law enforcement officers in Minnesota late last month.
Hosted by Dr. Judith Lightfoot, Vice Chair of the Department of Medicine, "A Call to Action: Let Your Voices Be Heard" provided an open forum to discuss the prevalence of racism and how we can do a better job of being more inclusive both at SOM and in our local communities. A diverse panel of faculty, staff and students from the Stratford campus participated in a lively discussion about the very real issues at hand, and how we, as a campus community, can move forward and create an environment in which everyone is represented and has a voice. The program began with panelists each lighting a candle and concluded with an observation of eight minutes, 46 seconds of silence in Mr. Floyd's memory.
This thought-provoking event provides a springboard to continuing the conversation on how we, as a campus, can combat racism and better live our mission and values. The RowanSOM Diversity Committee will convene additional meetings to discuss interventions necessary to achieve sustainable change.
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Student's Fundraising Efforts Result in Clean Water for Those in Need
Fourth-year medical student Zachary Manna led a fundraising effort to raise more than $6,700 on behalf of RowanSOM to become a water project sponsor for Charity: Water. Charity: Water spearheads the building of clean water projects, including drilled wells, spring protections and BioSand filters, that help provide clean water to communities around the world.
A majority of the funds were raised over a period of two years through various methods, including a Patagonia sweater sale on campus and two paint night events. Student doctor Zachary then raised additional funds while sharing the campaign on social media with friends and family.
Thanks to the collective efforts of Zachary and SOM Cardiology Club members, the campaign raised enough money to provide clean water to more than 164 people. Charity: Water will provide Zachary with GPS coordinates and pictures of the exact project the raised funds helped to build.
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A Sweet Treat for Workers on the Front Line
Vicenzi, USA, Inc. shared a "taste of Dolce Vita" with those fighting on the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis. A total of 3,000 cases of assorted Italian cookies were distributed to health care workers, support staff and first responders at Rowan Medicine and Jefferson Health to recognize their heroic contributions and sacrifices during this pandemic. "This is why I am so proud to announce this special partnership with RowanSOM that allowed us to hopefully sweeten this difficult period for many families in New Jersey," said Christian Saldi of Vicenzi, USA. "I would like to personally thank their teams for all their efforts and their dedication."
We are truly grateful to Vicenzi, USA for their generous gift and for making the long, difficult days of our health care workers and first responders a little sweeter.
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SOM University Advancement Invites You to Share Your Thoughts About Medical Education
As we approach a new academic year faced with significant challenges and uncertainties due to the COVID-19 crisis, we are reaching out to alumni and friends to ask a simple question:
"Why Is Medical Education Important?"
We hope to share many of your responses over the coming months. Below is our first submission:
"The importance of empowering RowanSOM students to be the future of medicine: Front Lines, Pandemic, Wisdom, Knowledge, Innovation, Research, Compassion."
Andrea Iannuzzelli, '95, DO, FACOI, CMD,
President, RowanSOM Alumni Board
To participate in this project, please send your thoughts in 20 words more or less to Nora Casper, Development Coordinator, at
caspern@rowan.edu
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