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A Note From Dean Jermyn
As we wrap up another academic year, I continue to be inspired by the energy and dedication across our community. This past month showcased our spirit, from alumni reconnecting at national conferences to students leading service projects and enjoying wellness events. I'm especially proud of those honored at the University’s Celebrating Excellence Awards, your work truly represents the best of Rowan-Virtua SOM.
My best regards,
Richard T. Jermyn, D.O., FAAPMR
Dean
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Rowan-Virtua SOM Professionalism Commendations
The Rowan-Virtua Faculty and Staff Wellness Committee wishes to acknowledge the SOM staff, faculty, students, and residents who have received a GEM shout-out.
The recipients of the GEM awards from February through April are listed below.
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Diane Biello
Tanya Boyd
April Burton
Megan Campbell
Bridget Churchill
Sharon Cox
Angela Evans
Jennifer Fischer
Marisol Flores
Jackie Giacobbe
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Logan Healy
Nathaniel Huntrey
Alehandra Milburn
Lauren Nestel
Aubrey Olson
Angela Petruzzo
Monica Reyes-Romero
Jan Rodriguez
Reuben Spence
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Celebrating Excellence Awards
Congratulations to the SOM team members recognized at Rowan University’s annual Celebrating Excellence Awards Ceremony. The awards honor employees for upholding the University’s core values, including teaching, service, mentorship, engagement, innovation, health and well-being, and inclusion.
Honorees included:
President’s Award for Excellence in Innovative Instructional Delivery (Team Honor)
Department of Family Medicine & Simulation Center
Engagement
Dean Micciche, assistant dean for student programs and alumni engagement
Student-Centeredness
Mary Duggan, co-director, Health Careers Opportunity Program (HCOP), Department of Family Medicine
Health & Well-Being Practices
Melissa Butts, lead certified medical assistant, Department of Psychiatry
Connection & Belonging
Anne C. Jones, D.O., assistant dean of student affairs and associate professor of family medicine
More about the awards
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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.
Social media can be a double-edged sword. Though it keeps us connected, it can also overwhelm us and affect our mental health. Consider engaging in a digital detox. One study showed that limiting social media use to 30 minutes per day for two weeks improved mental wellbeing. If detoxing is not possible, try assessing what type of content shows up on your feed and adjust the settings so you no longer see things that affect you negatively.
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Student Professional Day & Alumni Reception at AROC
April 24 marked Student Professional Day at the Atlantic Regional Osteopathic Convention (AROC), hosted by the New Jersey Association of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons (NJAOPS). The day included a breakfast program hosted by Rowan-Virtua SOM, a resident panel, networking with residency directors and hospital leaders, OMM demonstrations and additional education sessions.
That evening, Rowan-Virtua SOM hosted its annual AROC Alumni Reception. Nearly 100 students, alumni, faculty and friends attended the event, which included remarks from Dean Jermyn and the presentation of several honors:
• George J. Scott, D.O. ’97 – 2025 NJAOPS Physician of the Year
• Jonathan Torres, D.O. ’09 – Incoming NJAOPS President
• Jaylyn Thompson ’25 – Student D.O. of the Year Award
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Silent Disco
The Rowan-Virtua Music Medicine Collective hosted its first Silent Disco on April 16 in collaboration with the SGA Student Wellness Committee and the Office of Student Affairs & Alumni Engagement. Student doctors took a break from studying to enjoy tunes, courtesy of student DJ Kat, along with good vibes and great food.
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Rowan-Virtua 5k
Congratulations, Rowan-Virtua SOM!
This year’s team had the most participants and raised the most funds in support of Flying First.
Participants included:
Jaekun Kim, OMS-I; Micheline Lang, OMS-I; Irenonsen Eigbe, OMS-II; Sandra Wilson, OMS-III; James Bailey, D.O.; Steve Garwood, Ed.D.; Danielle Cooley, D.O.; and Chase Cooley.
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CARES Annual Pinwheel Planting
In recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month, Rowan-Virtua SOM CARES Institute held its annual Pinwheel Planting Ceremony on April 1 outside the Rowan Medicine building. The event served as a symbolic display of hope and a reminder of the ongoing commitment to protect children and support families affected by abuse and trauma. For more than 30 years, the CARES Institute has been a trusted resource for healing, advocacy and education in the South Jersey community.
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SOM Alumni Reception at AAO
Orlando recently welcomed Rowan-Virtua SOM alumni and friends during the American Academy of Osteopathy’s Convocation 2025. On the evening of March 28, SOM hosted an intimate dinner reception at Cuba Libre Restaurant, where attendees enjoyed local cuisine, fun icebreaker games and time with friends. The SOM Student American Academy of Osteopathy Club received the 2025 AAO Presidential Accolade for earning placement in the top 25 percent of VIP points for the past year.
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SOM Alumni Reception at ACOFP
Rowan-Virtua SOM alumni, faculty, students and friends gathered in Palm Springs for the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians Annual Convention. On April 4, SOM hosted a networking reception at the Renaissance Hotel, where attendees enjoyed local food, received updates about the school and learned about faculty opportunities in the Department of Family Medicine.
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Unmasking Vaccines: Perspectives, Policies and Possibilities
On Thursday, April 3, medical, nursing and respiratory therapy students participated in a panel discussion on the history and future of vaccinations in the United States. Students, faculty and staff from Rowan-Virtua SOM and the Rita & Larry Salva School of Nursing & Health Professions heard from nationally renowned health care professionals who addressed key issues in vaccine policy, health equity and strategies for communicating the importance of vaccination.
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Herb Planting
Student doctors enjoyed hands-on learning during this month’s herb planting events held April 8 in Stratford and April 16 in Sewell. Participants learned about the nutritional benefits and culinary uses of herbs, which they then potted to take home.
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All-Star Youth Sports Clinic
On Wednesday, April 15, student doctors joined local children with different abilities for a fun evening of soccer and connection. They wrapped up the night enjoying a sweet treat of dirt pudding.
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