December SOM eNews

A Note From Dean Jermyn

As we reflect on the incredible journey of 2023, I want to express my heartfelt wishes for a festive and uplifting holiday season. As we anticipate the new year, I am excited about the accomplishments and milestones that await us in 2024. Together, let us embark on this journey with enthusiasm and a shared commitment to excellence.

Wishing you joy, peace, and moments of serenity this holiday season, here's to a bright and prosperous new year ahead!

My best regards,

Richard T. Jermyn, D.O., FAAPMR

Dean

Gold Humanism Honor Society Welcomes New Members

Congratulations to the fourth-year medical students and faculty who were inducted into the Gold Humanism Honor Society on Wednesday, November 29.

The Gold Humanism Honor Society is a national society that recognizes senior medical students and physicians for excellence in clinical care, leadership, compassion and service.

Unity Celebration

The 30th Unity Celebration took place at the Stratford Campus on December 7, bringing joy to our community. A similar festive celebration was held on our Sewell campus the following day.

Embracing our community's diversity, the Unity Celebration highlighted the traditions of Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa. The Stratford celebration included the participation of young students, teachers, and families from Parkview School, who sang holiday songs and enjoyed gifts generously donated by the SOM Class of 2026. The festivities concluded with a festive luncheon at both campuses.

December De-Stress Day

On December 5 in Sewell and December 8 in Stratford, Student Doctors gathered to unwind and alleviate post-exam stress. The annual event, December De-Stress Day, offered several activities and snacks, including soothing chair massages, breakfast sandwiches, parfaits, cereals, board games, and informative tabling by the Health Science Library and the Office of Financial Aid.

Pet Therapy

Dr. Barry Hoffman and his wife, Barbara Hoffman, brought their certified therapy dogs to comfort students, faculty and staff on the Sewell Campus on December 5 and Stratford on December 5 and 12. The Hoffman Family will be back for their final sessions of the year in Sewell on January 8 and Stratford on January 9.

Bridge Week 1A: OMS-I Resiliency and Team Building

The Student Affairs Team had the pleasure of kicking off Bridge Week on December 11. Dr. Anne Jones facilitated a dynamic presentation on coping and resiliency. Working in groups, Student Doctors built Lego towers in a Lego Master’s themed team building session. The tallest towers in each session won a prize, with one winner standing at an impressive 104 inches.

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.

As the year comes to a close and we look forward to gatherings with family and friends, please remember these few “tips” aimed at supporting the joy in the season:

Set realistic expectations for yourself. Saying “yes” to everything can become overwhelming quickly. It’s important to know your limits and schedule time for rest, too.

Don’t forget the real reason you’re gathering: to nurture relationships. If you find yourself focusing on perfecting the details, try to simplify your plan or ask others to help so everyone has a chance to interact with each other.

Pick your battles with loved ones. This time of year can be a tricky one. Decide which topics are worth engaging in and find ways to step away from topics that are triggering.

Don’t forget self-care!! Adequate sleep, exercise, and nutrition should still be areas of focus and not just things we do when we have time.