A Note From Dean Jermyn



I am deeply thankful for the dedication of our faculty, the resilience of our students, and the collaborative spirit that permeates our campus. As we conclude this month of reflection and giving thanks, I extend my sincere appreciation to each member of our community for their invaluable contributions to our ongoing success. I look forward to celebrating with you at our Unity Festivities in December.


My best regards, 

Richard T. Jermyn, D.O., FAAPMR

Dean

Unity Celebrations


Unity Celebrations are being held at the Stratford campus on December 7 and at the Sewell campus on December 8 at 12 noon. In preparation of the event, SOM students wrapped gifts for the local elementary school students that will perform live at the Stratford celebration.

The Matthew and Patricia Campanella Endowed Scholarship: Honoring Education and Generosity


We are grateful for the generosity of Patricia Campanella who, along with her family, recently visited the Stratford campus to gift $25,000 to the Matthew and Patricia Campanella Endowed Scholarship. The scholarship was created in 2018 by Dr. Kathryn Lambert and her husband, John Lambert as a legacy honoring her parents and their belief in the power of education. The scholarship, which has received gifts from family members and friends, provides support to a second or third-year medical student from South Jersey who is challenged with financial constraints in pursuing their dream of becoming a physician. It not only honors

Dr. Lambert's parents but also addresses the need for well-trained doctors in the region. Their kindness is a beautiful reminder of the lasting influence of those who champion the cause of education and philanthropy.

Women's Alliance Network


The Women’s Alliance Network hosted an insightful conversation about the keys to aging successfully on October 25. The event featured keynote speaker Dr. Rachel Pruchno, an endowed chair from the New Jersey Institute for Successful Aging (NJISA) and professor of medicine, and moderator Dr. Esther Deblinger, professor of psychiatry and founding co-director of the Child Abuse Research Education and Service (CARES) Institute. Dr. Pruchno shared her research on solutions to a longer life and the link between a positive view about aging and the significant impact it has on aging successfully.

 

Read more here.

Medicine Ball

On Saturday, October 28, more than 600 students and guests shared a wonderful evening at The Merion in Cinnaminson for the 2023 Medicine Ball. Attendees enjoyed assorted appetizers, food stations, desserts, a DJ, and photo booths complete with party props. This annual event is coordinated and supported by Student Government Association (SGA). A special thank you to Student Doctor Swetha Sundaram, SGA and the Med Ball Planning Committee for their hard work coordinating this year’s event! 

Howl You Doin?

Student Affairs hosted a Halloween-themed wellness event on October 31. Student Doctors enjoyed snacks, created origami sculptures, and were provided resources for mental health.

Academy for Neurodiversity


On October 25, Rowan College of South Jersey (RCSJ), Rowan University, and local partners united to offer lifelong services for the developmentally disabled. RCSJ President Dr. Fred Keating, alongside former Senate President Steve Sweeney and Dr. Jennifer LeComte, Director of the Rowan-Virtua Regional Integrated Special Needs (RISN) Center, announced the collaborative initiative. A three-story residence on South College Drive, funded by $7.365 million in National Housing Trust funds and $3.75 million in Gloucester County grants, will provide 24 one-bedroom apartments with community spaces and support facilities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Veterans Day Ceremony

On Friday, November 10, SOM students and staff gathered to honor our student, staff, and faculty veterans to recognize their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice. The event began with the presentation of the National Anthem, followed by brief remarks by Student Doctor Austin Parry, Student Doctor Caitlin Buch and Interim Dean Richard Jermyn. This event was hosted by the Student Association of Military Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons (SAMOPS).

 

A heartfelt thank you to all our SOM veterans for their service. 

All Star Youth Sports Clinic

Children were all smiles at the All Star Youth Sports Clinic on November 14. All Star Youth Sports Clinic is a monthly sports clinic led by Molly vanLuling, OMSII and John Socci, OMSII and staffed by volunteer student doctors, designed for children aged six to 15 years old. The clinic offers a supportive, non-competitive and stress-free environment where children can play sports and interact with student doctors in a non-clinical capacity. Families living in the surrounding community can attend the clinic free of charge on the second Tuesday of each month. If you would like more information about this program, please email rowanallstarssportsclinic@gmail.com.

Continuing Medical Education (CME) Conference Held at Kalahari Resorts


A three-day CME conference was held at Kalahari Resorts and Convention Center in the Poconos November 16-18. The conference is designed to meet the educational needs of physicians in general practice, osteopathic family physicians and other health care professionals who provide care in a general practice environment. Over the span of three days, there were 16 speakers and 125 registrants. Plus, 400 attendees took part in a fun-filled family night that included face painting, balloon artistry, corn hole, air hockey and giveaways.

SNMA Annual Holiday Meal Giveaway

The Student National Medical Association (SNMA) hosted its annual Holiday Meal Giveaway on Saturday, November 18. Student volunteers recruited to prepare, package and deliver hot meals to the underserved and homeless population in Camden, NJ. Congratulations to SNMA for another successful Meal Giveaway!  

Students Celebrate Friendsgiving

Medical students celebrated the third annual Friendsgiving event on November 15. The event, coordinated by Student Affairs and hosted by the Student Wellness Committee, included more than 27 student clubs in a potluck-style celebration on the Sewell campus.

DEI-RX: Bridging Gaps in Health Care Conference


On November 18-19, Rowan-Virtua SOM's IDEA Council hosted its first DEI in Medicine Conference, “DEI-Rx: Bridging Gaps in Health Care.” More than 50 attendees gathered to discuss pressing issues and innovative solutions as it pertains to diversity, equity, and inclusion in medicine. Topics included indigenous population health care, LGBTQ+ health care, disability medicine, racial and ethnic disparities, women's health, cultural competency in medicine, and much more. A special thank you to IDEA Council for planning an enlightening conference filled with dynamic speakers and discussions.

Wellness Series Highlights Herbs

The November session of the monthly wellness series was Herb Planting. Held in Sewell and Stratford, Student Doctors gathered to learn nutritional facts and culinary usage for herbs and potted them to take home.


Pet Therapy Returns to Campus

Dr. Barry Hoffman and his wife, Barbara Hoffman, brought their certified therapy dogs to comfort students, faculty and staff at the Sewell campus on November 18 and the Stratford campus on November 14 and 21. The Hoffman Family will be back for their final sessions of the year in Sewell on December 5 and Stratford on December 12.


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.


It’s often easier to coast through the end of the year and relax on some of the approaches we use to keep us active and healthy throughout the year. It’s important to maintain healthy habits through the end of the year to set ourselves up for a successful start to 2024. Continue getting an appropriate amount of sleep each night, maintain your exercise and activity level routines, and be mindful of food and alcohol consumption. Some days, these approaches will be harder than others. Remember to be kind to yourself when days don’t go as planned and shed some gratitude on the things you were able to get done.


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