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A Note From Dean Jermyn
As we celebrate the holiday season, I want to extend my warmest wishes to our SOM community. This is a time to reflect on the achievements of 2024 and to embrace the joy and unity that define this special time of year.
The Unity Celebration reminded us of the rich diversity and shared traditions that bring us together. As we prepare to welcome 2025, I look forward to the milestones and successes that lie ahead, confident in the strength of our collective commitment to excellence.
Wishing you peace, joy, and cherished moments with loved ones this holiday season. Here's to a bright and prosperous new year!
My best regards,
Richard T. Jermyn, D.O.
Dean
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SOM Celebrates Student Doctor of the Year: Jaylyn Thompson
Congratulations to Jaylyn Thompson, Rowan-Virtua SOM’s 2024 Student Doctor of the Year!
Jaylyn has excelled as a leader on campus, serving on the executive boards of Medical Students for Choice, the OB-GYN Club, and the American Medical Women’s Association. She also spearheaded the school’s first Black Maternal Health Summit, fostering critical discussions on holistic maternity care and maternal health disparities.
Beyond campus, Jaylyn serves as a New Jersey Birth Justice Representative and a member of Planned Parenthood’s Maternal Justice Committee. She founded Medical Students for Birth Justice to educate peers about rising Black maternal mortality rates.
Her work has earned recognition, including South Jersey Magazine’s “Woman to Watch” award and a Congressional Proclamation. SOM is proud of Jaylyn’s achievements and her dedication to advancing maternal health.
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Rowan-Virtua SOM Professionalism Commendations
Professionalism commendations for SOM students are submitted by esteemed faculty, staff, administration, and affiliates, including hospitals and clerkships. These commendations recognize students who demonstrate exceptional professionalism, such as going above and beyond in volunteering, responding promptly to inquiries, and assisting when seeing a need.
The following students have been recognized for their outstanding professionalism:
Parth Rajwade
Isha Kalola
Megan O’Hare
Salma Maher
Seth Spicer
Emily Hoffman
Christian Pecoraro
Toby Ippolito
Neelay Inamdar
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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.
The holiday season is time for gathering, good food, and fine drinks. Stay well this season by limiting late-night caffeine, alcohol, and large meals. Stick to your routine sleep schedule as much as possible and give yourself permission to step away from large gatherings if you need to recharge.
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Unity Celebration: Holidays Around the World
The 31st Unity Celebration took place at the Stratford and Sewell campuses, bringing joy to our community. This year’s theme, “Holidays Around the World,” highlighted the rich diversity within our community and celebrated global traditions.
The Stratford event featured young students from Parkview School, who performed holiday songs and received gifts generously donated by the SOM Class of 2027.
The celebrations concluded with a luncheon on both campuses, featuring a variety of foods that reflected the global holiday traditions celebrated during the event. The Unity Celebration brought students, faculty, and staff together to embrace the spirit of the season and honor the cultural diversity that defines our community.
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PositiviTea
Students at Sewell on December 3 and Stratford on December 17 wrapped up the year with PositiviTea, the final wellness event of 2024. Students stopped by for tea, coffee, pastries, and uplifting quotes to brighten their day. The event aimed to help students relax, recharge, and be ready to take on what’s next.
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December Destress Day
Student doctors on both campuses recently gathered for December Destress Day, an annual event designed to ease post-exam stress. Activities included soothing chair massages, board games, and tabling by the Health Science Library and Student Health & Wellness. Students also enjoyed breakfast sandwiches, parfaits, cereals, and other snacks to refuel for the season.
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All Star Sports
The All-Star Youth Sports Clinic wrapped up its final session of the year on December 10. Nine student leaders guided 13 children through the All-Star Winter Games, which featured winter-themed obstacle courses. The evening concluded with cookies and milk, creating a festive and fun end to the clinic's season.
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Bridge Week 1A: OMSI Resiliency and Team Building
The Student Affairs team kicked off Bridge Week on December 16 with a focus on resiliency and team building. Dr. Anne Jones led a panel discussion on managing adversity with insights from Dr. Dyron Corley, Dr. Jennifer Fischer, Stacey-Lynn Mulligan, and Christine Willse. Student doctors then embraced their creative sides with a Lego Master’s team-building challenge. Prizes were awarded for the tallest and most innovative towers, with one standing at an impressive 95.5 inches!
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Food Donation Connection and Wawa Weekly Donations
The Student Affairs Team continues to partner with the Food Donation Connection and Wawa locations in Voorhees and Sewell to distribute donated breakfast sandwiches, pastries, and rolls. These items are made available to Student doctors in the student lounges on the Sewell and Stratford campuses.
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Philabundance
In partnership with the Office of Financial Aid, the Student Affairs Team facilitates the weekly distribution of fresh produce, dairy, meat, pastries, and more for student doctors. Philabundance makes these distributions possible every Friday on both campuses.
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Celebrate the Season with a Gift That Makes a Difference
This holiday season, SOM extends its gratitude for the generosity that makes so much possible for students, faculty, staff, and the community.
Honor someone special with a gift that creates lasting impact:
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Support students with a scholarship gift.
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Impact patients’ lives with a gift to Rowan Medicine.
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Inspire innovation by funding new research discoveries.
There are many ways to give:
Thank you for supporting education, patient care, and groundbreaking research.
Happy Holidays!
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