August SOM eNews

A Note From Dean Jermyn

As we begin this new academic year, our campus buzzes with excitement. New students represent an exciting sense of opportunity and potential. This feeling was never more evident than during our yearly White Coat Ceremony celebrating the Class of 2027. I’d like to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone who played a part behind the scenes in making that day special for our students and guests.

My best regards,

Richard T. Jermyn, D.O., FAAPMR

Dean

Class of 2027 Receives White Coats and a Unique Gift

Congratulations to the Class of 2027 on receiving their white coats during SOM’s White Coat Ceremonies on Sunday, August 27. For the first time, students were welcomed with two gifts in their white coats.

The traditional White Coat Note, personally written by faculty, staff, or an administrator, extended a warm welcome and congratulations to students embarking on their medical careers. This year a second gift, a naloxone dispenser (NARCAN), a nasal spray that saves lives in drug overdose emergencies, was also in each white coat, serving as a reminder of the critical role students undertake in their medical journeys. Dr. Reginald Blaber of Virtua Health and Dr. Ira Monka, President of the American Osteopathic Association were among the special guests that gave remarks at the ceremonies.

You can read more about the 2023 White Coat Ceremony at SOM and view a video of the ceremony here.

Dr. Stephen Scheinthal Named Among Top Policy Makers in the State

Insider NJ named Dr. Stephen Scheinthal one of the Top 100 Policy Makers in NJ, noting his work as Chair for the Department of Psychiatry and serving the mental health of the community after the pandemic.

Read more here.

Donor Spotlight: Anne Oh, DO ’18 and Esther Kim, DO ’18

At Rowan-Virtua SOM, we are grateful for generous alumnae donors like Anne Oh, DO ’18, and Esther Kim, DO ’18 who are making a lasting impact by providing a scholarship to support the next generation of doctors. Both Family Medicine practitioners, Dr. Oh practices in San Bernardino, CA while Dr. Kim practices in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Dr. Oh and Dr. Kim created the Hric Scholarship for Mission Service Fund. The scholarship honors their mentors, Dr. Jerome and Mrs. Susan Hric, leaders of medical mission trips, who covered expenses so students could serve on a medical mission team in the Dominican Republic. They shared that the Hrics “inspired us, by example, to be better, do more, and give more--even if that was the last thing we thought we had in us.” The Hric Scholarship supports deserving students who act as health care advocates and participate in international or stateside medical mission trips in underserved communities. Their hope is for every medical student to have the chance to serve in medical outreach or missions, caring for the less fortunate, and integrating this into their medical professions.

Last year, the Hric Scholarship provided support to five deserving students. Dr. Oh and Dr. Kim hope their scholarship touches the hearts of recipients and alumni, reminding everyone that supporting medical students can make a significant difference in their careers. They envision recipients paying it forward to another young doctor ready to serve and learn.

First Month Celebration

Congratulations to all Student Doctors on completing their first month of medical school! Students celebrated in Stratford on August 18, and in Sewell on August 22 with pretzels, water ice, and paint-by-numbers.

Pet Therapy

Dr. Barry Hoffman and his wife, Barbara Hoffman, brought their certified therapy dogs, Peppi & Snow, to comfort students, faculty and staff on August 8 and 15. There was even a special guest: Dean Jermyn! The Hoffman family will return to campus on September 12 from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM.

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.

Since our workspace is where we spend the majority of our day, it’s worthwhile to create a space that is calming and practical for you. Consider removing excess clutter from your work area, adding décor that you find soothing, rearranging the layout of your workspace, or adding things that can facilitate productivity, like a whiteboard. Whichever approach you choose, optimize the workspace in a way that serves you.