Investing in the - Winter 2018 "Investing in the Mission"
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a publication of the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine
WINTER 2018
MISSION investing in the
Inside this issue
Features Departments
4 44
Investing in the mission Research
Welcome to the patient lab
Conferences, competitions and awards
48
Faculty & Staff News
New Faculty
Next WVSOM president announced
Other faculty and staff news
51
Alumni
Letter from the board president
Alumni profile: Jessica Smith-Kelly, D.O.
Summer seminar
24 28 Class notes
Convocation News Message from alumnus: Why I love what I do
Alumni Tower Campaign
62
Gifts to WVSOM
65
Capital Campaign
Clinical Evaluation Center
Student Center
Japanese students visit
66
Beckett receives pediatrics award
Foundation
National Rural Health Day
Letter from the director
Students gain clinical experience
Dr. Dailey's continuing support
Advertising in South Africa
Aid to flu clinic
Blood pressure booth at fair
78
40 Pharmacology camp
G.M.S.
Campus Store Employees celebrate Halloween 79
Heart of the Holidays We’d like you to meet...
50 First-ever simulation week
Cheryl Baker
Career opportunities WVSOM Day of Service
Drug awareness toolkit launch
70 Grand Affair
Back cover
Grand Affair sponsors Abracadabra Emmy Nomination
Upcoming events
Recognition at rural health
conference
Battle of the Gorge competition
WV Gear UP
2 | WVSOM.edu • WINTER 2018 RHI students learn about
opioid epidemic
Our mission today is
built upon the vision
a publication of the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine A message from the President
Editor-in-chief Wow, it is so difficult to believe that
Marilea Butcher
16 years have passed since I arrived
at WVSOM to serve as vice president
for academic affairs and dean. Now as
Designer president, looking back I am incredibly
Jennifer Spencer humbled to have been involved in the
growth that has occurred on campus
during this time. The progression has
Photographers
been inspired by the foundation of our
Karen Ayers mission and everyone at WVSOM has
Pat Bauserman contributed to the school’s success!
Druann Dalton As you read the stories on the following history and that of our founders during
pages, you will find how people are the white coat ceremony.
fulfilling every aspect of our mission Students have been very active as
Writer and how the benefits reach across evidenced by the many stories of their
Tiffany Wright our nation. From our students, to our contributions to our community. It is so
preceptors, to faculty and alumni, the rewarding to talk with them and witness
dedication and enthusiasm they share their concern for others’ well-being —
Contributors
is undeniable! what great doctors in the making!
Bob Brown, Photographer
We get a glimpse of a student, Dimitri I’m excited to witness the leadership
Adam Goodcoff, Photographer
Tito, and his journey thus far and that Jim Nemitz will bring as the next
Valerie Pritt, Writer the impact growing up in a medically president. He has been a faithful and
Steve Shires, Photographer underserved area has made on his staunch supporter of our school for 30-
future goals. We learn how programs plus years, and I know his devotion will
at our Clinical Evaluation Center, the help guide WVSOM to the next level.
Statewide Campus system, research
opportunities and graduate medical I am honored to have been asked to
education help mold our students to be continue my contribution to WVSOM’s
successful osteopathic physicians and mission as president emeritus for the
lifelong learners. next year. Cheryl and I look forward
to sharing many more milestones
Our mission statement We feel compassion as one our alumni and memories with you, our WVSOM
The mission of the West Virginia School of shares her family’s grief over children family! It is these relationships and the
Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM) is to educate who succumbed to opioid addiction memories made while fulfilling WVSOM’s
students from diverse backgrounds as and how our Center for Rural and mission that we will treasure most.
lifelong learners in osteopathic medicine and Community Health has taken action
complementary health related programs; to
locally and statewide to help address
support and develop graduate medical education
this crisis. Best wishes,
training; to advance scientific knowledge through
academic, clinical and basic science research; Our mission today is built upon the
and to promote patient-centered, evidence based vision of WVSOM’s founding physicians.
medicine. WVSOM is dedicated to serve, first This past August, alumnus John
and foremost, the state of West Virginia and the
Manchin II, D.O., encouraged incoming
health care needs of its residents, emphasizing
students to learn about WVSOM’s Michael Adelman, D.O., D.P.M., J.D.
primary care in rural areas.
WVSOM.edu • WINTER 2018 | 3
Feature story
MISSION investing in the
The mission of the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM)
is to educate students from diverse backgrounds as lifelong learners
in osteopathic medicine and complementary health related programs;
to support and develop graduate medical education training; to
advance scientific knowledge through academic, clinical and basic
science research; and to promote patient-centered, evidence based
medicine. WVSOM is dedicated to serve, first and foremost, the state
of West Virginia and the health care needs of its residents, emphasizing
primary care in rural areas.
S
T
PAT I E N
E NTS
D
ST U
4 | WVSOM.edu • WINTER 2018
AT E S
N
U
A D
MORE THAN JUST WORDS,
R
a mission represents the underlying values of an institution. It is often
a test for strength of purpose — the foundation on which a plan is
developed — building constantly toward excellence and implemented
G
in day-to-day operations.
While the mission of WVSOM may play an overarching role, each piece
of it works synergistically to obtain the best outcome. So whether it’s
faculty or preceptors educating students, research opportunities, the
president’s vision, or even outreach programs dedicated to benefit
S
West Virginians, it all leads back to one vision, for one medical school,
EN
in one small town in one of the smallest states in the country striving to
create a meaningful impact in health care for our residents.
I Z
C IT
RS
E A R C H ER
S LEADE
S
RE
WVSOM.edu • WINTER 2018 | 5
Feature story STUDENTS investing in 6 | WVSOM.edu • WINTER 2018
EDUCATE STUDENTS AS
LIFELONG LEARNERS IN
OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE
Statewide
The very first component of WVSOM’s
mission is to educate students from
learners in osteopathic
medicine, and essentially
Campus regions
diverse backgrounds as lifelong learners support their transition from
in osteopathic medicine. While it’s clear students to physicians.
that the basis of a student’s education Northern
Robert Snuffer, D.O., WVSOM Class
is gained on campus through a patient
of 2001, has been a preceptor about Central West
presentation curriculum, it is only
15 years. Central East
the beginning of a student’s medical
education. Building upon knowledge “I just like teaching,” Snuffer said of his Eastern
gained in the classroom through a team- decision to become a preceptor. “A large South West
based learning philosophy, students are part of it is you can’t learn to be a doctor South Central
able to apply that knowledge through if you don’t do things doctors do.” South East
hands-on learning experiences at
He admits that having student doctors in
hospitals and clinics during their third-
his town clinic can take longer during the
and fourth-year rotations in WVSOM’s
day, but medical students aren’t going to
Statewide Campus (SWC) system.
learn how to be good physicians by just
The system consists of seven regions watching doctors.
across the state where third- and fourth-
“It does slow you down a bit, but in order
year medical students fulfill their clinical
to fulfill the commitment you made it is
rotations in participating West Virginia
important to allow students to work with
hospitals and some in neighboring states.
your patients. You have to be the one to
This unique approach to teaching is
create that environment. I don’t think
geared toward an enhanced curriculum
students can simply stand on the side
that encourages students to practice
and watch over and over again to learn
in West Virginia when they graduate.
how to be a doctor. You have to place a
Each regional campus site provides
patient in their care, have them treat the
structured programs for students through
patient and suggest a protocol and then
small group interactions, lectures and
review their work to make sure they are
clinical cases.
doing everything right,” he said. “We
The program has garnered must give students the opportunity
to hold instruments and set up
899 clinical faculty and 2,335 procedures — put your hands
preceptors (physician teachers) on their hands.”
— about 1,000 of which
are in West Virginia — who "You have to place a patient
in their care, have them
provide a stronger infrastructure
treat the patient and
for clinical and postgraduate suggest a protocol and
training throughout the state. then review their work
Physicians, taking on the role of to make sure they are
preceptors, hold the responsibility of doing everything right."
educating WVSOM students as lifelong - ROBERT SNUFFER, D.O.
WVSOM.edu • WINTER 2018 | 7
Feature story
Herbert Oye, D.O., believes in student and David finished his first to the U.S. when he was about 16
WVSOM’s mission enough to invest semester as a WVSOM student. years old. He said that he understands
his time as a preceptor. Although that the Appalachian region is a largely
Oye jokes that he “should get a
he isn’t a WVSOM graduate, he has underserved population, much like his
discount,” but in all seriousness, said
been mentoring medical students at native country.
his family has been fortunate to live in
the West Virginia Vascular Institute
West Virginia. “I grew up in a small city where
in Beckley since he moved to West
there wasn’t much access to medical
Virginia more than 20 years ago. He “I started my work in West Virginia not
resources,” Tito said. “I think there are
received his medical degree at the knowing anybody here. My interest in
a lot of similarities between where I
University of North Texas Health training students in rural medicine and
grew up and this area. WVSOM is No. 1
Science Center in 1991 and specializes rural surgery kept me here and now
in rural medicine and is one of the top
in endovascular and vascular surgery. my children can get a great education
schools in primary care and that’s what
at this institution. We feel privileged
“It’s been my passion since I moved I want to go into.”
they want to stay close to home and
to West Virginia to further the
hopefully that means they will stay in During Tito's third year, the Class
educational experiences of medical
West Virginia or Appalachia,” Oye said. of 2020 president will rotate in
students and over the years I found
Petersburg, W.Va., which is in the
that the West Virginia School of Encouraging graduates to practice in
Eastern Region of the Statewide
Osteopathic Medicine is a good ally in West Virginia is one of the main goals
Campus system. He chose this more
that process,” the physician said. of the Statewide Campus program.
rural site because of his involvement
Not only does Oye think so highly of Dimitri Tito, a second-year student with the Rural Health Initiative
WVSOM to be a preceptor for two who will be graduating in 2020, program, which is designed to help
decades, but he currently has four understands the importance of enhance the rural and underserved
children who are students in each becoming a physician in rural or primary care curriculum at WVSOM
class year at the school. His daughter underserved areas. in order to produce graduates
Monique is a fourth-year, Michelle is qualified to practice medicine in
Tito is a native of Cameroon, a
a third-year, Melissa is a second-year those communities.
province in Central Africa, and moved
"My interest in training students in rural medicine and rural surgery kept me here and now
my children can get a great education at this institution. We feel privileged they want to stay
close to home and hopefully that means they will stay in West Virginia or Appalachia.”
- HERBERT OYE, D.O.
8 | WVSOM.edu • WINTER 2018
SUPPORT AND DEVELOP
GRADUATE MEDICAL
EDUCATION TRAINING
In order to produce qualified graduates and
practicing physicians, WVSOM is committed to
supporting and developing graduate medical
education training for its students who will
become highly skilled residents vying for
competitive and selective residency spots in
the future.
WVSOM’s Graduate Medical Education (GME)
department is responsible for the academic
and accreditation oversight and support of
postdoctoral training programs through the
Mountain State Osteopathic Postdoctoral
Training Institutions, Inc. (MSOPTI).
GRADUATES
investing in
Photo courtesy of
Gabriel Gomez
WVSOM.edu • WINTER 2018 | 9
Feature story
MSOPTI sponsors both American “We want to make sure that
Osteopathic Association (AOA) and no student or resident in the
Accreditation Council for Graduate
Medical Education (ACGME)
osteopathic world is
accredited postdoctoral training caught in this transition
programs. These programs are to their detriment..."
based in hospitals throughout West -VICKI SHUMAN, D.O., ASSOCIATE
Virginia and the surrounding region DEAN FOR GRADUATE MEDICAL
and also include two Teaching EDUCATION
Health Centers, which emphasize
primary care residency training in
an ambulatory setting. MSOPTI,
which is a nonprofit education programs. Third- and fourth-year executive director and ACGME
corporation, is afforded educational students often make the most of designated institutional official (DIO).
and operational support through GME’s services, through scheduled It includes providing “resources for
WVSOM and its partner training education days that detail the process training future physicians to better
sites. The GME department is also of how to obtain a match and secure a serve the nation’s health care needs,
responsible for the development residency after graduation. with a focus on primary care and
of new residency and fellowship osteopathic recognition for the state
Shuman said that the student services
programs and assists medical of West Virginia and surrounding
provided by GME and resident services
students as they pursue postdoctoral region.”
provided by MSOPTI overlap to arrive
opportunities. at a seamless transition from student “The postdoctoral landscape has
The Graduate Medical Education to resident. MSOPTI, along with its changed significantly in a short period
department benefits students by partner training institutions, ensures of time,” Shires said.
providing: that training occurs in a positive,
In February 2014, the AOA and
responsive learning environment
►► Student consultation on American Association of Colleges
that is designed to encourage
postdoctoral opportunities and of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM)
lifelong learning and the honing of
procedures agreed to a memorandum of
professional skills.
understanding with the ACGME that
►► Electronic Residency Application The WVSOM mission directly outlined a single graduate medical
Service (ERAS) coordination correlates with the MSOPTI mission, education accreditation system. The
►► Match participation — for according to Bill Shires, MSOPTI new system allows osteopathic and
osteopathic medical allopathic medical school
students pursuing D.O. and mountain state graduates to complete their
dual-accredited postdoctoral
programs and the National opti residencies and fellowships in
ACGME-accredited programs.
Residency Matching Program Beginning in 2015, AOA-
(NRMP) for medical students accredited training programs
pursuing ACGME, or have five years to transition
allopathic programs to ACGME accreditation. The
Vicki Shuman, D.O., is the AOA will no longer accredit
associate dean for Graduate postdoctoral training programs
Medical Education. One of her after 2020.
roles is that of an academic Shires said that the GME
counselor — assisting students department has been busy
with the application process assisting its AOA programs
for residencies and ensuring through the ACGME
students’ curriculum vitaes and application and site review
personal statements are up process. All but two of its
to par with what is expected residency programs have
when applying to residency achieved ACGME initial
10 | WVSOM.edu • WINTER 2018accreditation and those two are expected to It also means reiterating the importance of the
achieve it this year. MSOPTI’s dual accredited residency application process for students, like
programs are already ACGME accredited Dimitri Tito, who will be graduating in 2020 —
and do not need to go through this process. the first year residencies will be impacted.
According to Shuman, “In addition to maintaining
consistency of training, eliminating duplication Even after the transition period
and promoting efficiencies, the new system has ended, the Graduate Medical
should afford our graduates increased training Education department will continue
opportunities.”
to provide services that encourage
While there may be more training opportunities, residents to “think osteopathically,”
the competition for postdoctoral training
positions will be greater, according to Shuman. Shuman said.
There will be more qualified candidates entering “Our programs are most often primary care,
residencies in clinics and hospitals. which supports the school’s mission and will
“We want to make sure that no student or allow us to continue to be attractive to students.”
resident in the osteopathic world is caught in this According to Shires, “All MSOPTI sponsored
transition to their detriment, so our message to training programs are in the process of obtaining
our students is you have to cross all your T's and ACGME osteopathic recognition, a designation
dot all your I's,” she said. that ensures osteopathic resources and training
will continue into the future.”
WVSOM.edu • WINTER 2018 | 11Feature story RESEARCHERS investing in 12 | WVSOM.edu • WINTER 2018
ADVANCE SCIENTIFIC
KNOWLEDGE THROUGH
MSOPTI hosts an annual RESEARCH
Research Day in January
for residents who work
closely with faculty on
a variety of health care topics. But WVSOM continues to look for
long before they become residents, additional opportunities to
students — under the guidance grow in this area.
of WVSOM faculty— have the
opportunity to expand their scientific WVSOM continues
knowledge through academic, clinical its commitment to
and basic science research.
advancing scientific
Interest in research among WVSOM knowledge through
students has increased in recent
years, likely due to residencies
research by designating
becoming more competitive. a building on campus as
“One of the reasons we encourage
a new facility mostly used
medical students to do research for clinical and translational
is because we’re relying on these research.
students to advance health care in
The facility is referred to as the
the future and we want them to
Clinical and Translational Science
always look for ways of doing things
Center (CTSC). One of the labs in the Professor Predrag Krajacic, M.D.,
differently to improve patient care,”
CTSC was recently moved there from who heads the research committee.
said Kristie Bridges, Ph.D., who has
the Fredric W. Smith Science building. “It allows greater flexibility for our
been the director of student research
In this newly located research researchers to access lab space.”
since July.
space, the Principle Investigator,
One of the recent upgrades was
Research falls under WVSOM’s Office Jandy Hanna, Ph.D., studies human
designating a shared equipment room
of Affiliated and Sponsored Programs movement through the use of motion
on the first floor of the Fredric W.
(OASP), which supports faculty, analysis. The location of her lab
Smith Science Building. Several new
students and staff with preparation in the CTSC freed up space in the
pieces of equipment were purchased
and management of research and science building. Upgrading labs in
to support research projects,
grant projects. the science building is a current and
including two new -80˚C freezers
ongoing commitment in order to
Bridges said the goal is to match as equipped with emergency backup
accommodate the needs of WVSOM’s
many students with research projects
biomedical scientists. In addition to
as possible, whether that means
permitting for more bench research
participating in research on campus
space in the Smith Science Building,
or at external sites, possibly with
the CTSC has four newly renovated
preceptors.
clinical exam and research rooms
“WVSOM is committed to developing for use in clinical and translational
new opportunities for research and projects. WVSOM is seeing more
other scholarly activity,” she said. clinical faculty getting involved in
“Recent initiatives have included these projects. For example, Carolyn
expanding our clinical translational Komar, Ph.D., Laurie Bauer, D.O., and
research and increasing the number Andrea Nazar, D.O., are completing a
of quality improvement projects. clinical project that assesses factors
These initiatives are driven by strong that may influence bone density
partnerships between clinicians and and therefore the risk of developing
biomedical scientists.” osteoporosis.
Although overall research output is at “This really helps with our space
its highest in the history of the school, needs,” said WVSOM Associate
WVSOM.edu • WINTER 2018 | 13Feature story
PROMOTE
CO2 tanks and a new ultrapure water PATIENT-CENTERED
purification system. On the second floor, an
old darkroom was remodeled and equipped MEDICINE
with a new scanning fluorescent microscope
that is used for both academic and research
purposes.
Another area of campus where WVSOM’s leadership
“By buying the new APERIO microscope team invested in upgrades and expansions in the
we covered two aspects of the mission,” past few years is the Clinical Evaluation Center (CEC).
Krajacic said. “It provides academic support More than just a building, the CEC provides an
for students through its histology module environment for students to learn how to interact
used heavily in the curriculum. At the same with future patients in order to promote patient-
time, it provides our researchers with a brand centered, evidence-based medicine.
new piece of equipment that, in addition
to automated fluorescent imaging, has an Standardized patients, or individuals from the
integrated deconvolution module required for community who have been trained to accurately
visualizing discrete cellular components.” portray the role of a patient with a specific medical
condition, and human-patient simulators, which
Investing in the tools and facilities needed for are computer-driven mannequins that talk and
research projects is an ongoing effort, Krajacic breathe, have pulses and pupils that constrict and
said, but he finds it encouraging that WVSOM dilate, help provide students with clinical exposure in
is continuing to show a strong commitment to a safe and controlled teaching environment.
providing research faculty with the necessary
equipment for their success. “We are providing students the opportunity to learn
the skills, practice the skills and be able to assess
skills that are important to patient-centered care,”
said Gail Swarm, D.O., the CEC’s director.
Those skills include interviewing, history taking and
performing physical exams. Additionally, working
with simulation gives students the chance to
work in teams, which is also important to
patient-centered care, she said.
“The opportunity to practice, make
mistakes in a safe environment
and debrief, which is a big part of
learning, helps make the learning
process easier and more natural
for the student and ultimately
better for the patient,” Swarm
said. “For instance, giving bad
news is an uncomfortable thing
for physicians to do. Practicing
before you have to do it in real
life is a valuable experience for
students. They can observe
the things that could be
better and hopefully
14 | WVSOM.edu • WINTER 2018PATIENTS
investing in
WVSOM.edu • WINTER 2018 | 15Feature story
Characteristics of
internalize that and become involved in the systems to
make health care better for patients. And that’s what
the patient-centered
patient-centered medical care is.” medical home
The concept of patient-centered medicine may be
shifting to a more all-inclusive type of health care, 1 Personal relationship
considered the “medical home.” More than a decade Each patient has an ongoing relationship
ago, the American Academy of Family Physicians, with a personal physician trained to
American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of provide first contact, continuous and
Physicians and the American Osteopathic Association comprehensive care.
released the Joint Principles of the Patient-Centered
Medical Home. 2 Team approach
The personal physician leads a team
The “medical home” does not represent a of individuals at the practice level who
building, house or hospital, but rather a team collectively take responsibility for the
approach to providing health care. ongoing patient care.
The primary care physician organizations state that 3 Comprehensive
a medical home originates in a primary health care The personal physician is responsible
setting that is family-centered and where a partnership for providing for all the patient’s health
develops between the family and the primary health care needs at all stages of life or taking
care practitioner in order to access all medical and responsibility for appropriately arranging
non-medical services needed to achieve maximum care with other qualified professionals.
potential. The medical home maintains a centralized, 4 Coordination
comprehensive record of all health-related services Care is coordinated and integrated
to promote continuity of care. [See the six aspects of across all domains of the health
a Patient-Centered Medical Home in the breakout care system, facilitated by registries,
box.] In 2018, the Robert C. Byrd Clinic received information technology, health
National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) information exchange and other means
to assure that patients get the indicated
care when and where they want it.
5 Quality and safety
Quality and safety are hallmarks
of the medical home. This includes
using electronic medical records and
technology to provide decision-support
for evidence-based treatments and
patient and physician involvement in
continuous quality improvement.
6 Expanded access
Enhanced access to care is available
through systems such as open
scheduling, expanded hours and new
options for communication between
patients, physicians and practice staff.
Information released in 2007 by the American Academy
of Family Physicians, American Academy of Pediatrics,
American College of Physicians and the American
Osteopathic Association regarding the Joint Principles
of the Patient-Centered Medical Home.
16 | WVSOM.edu • WINTER 2018Patient-Centered Medical Home
recognition for using evidence-based,
patient-centered processes that focus
on highly coordinated care and long-
term, participative relationships. The
recognition is valid for three years.
Moving forward, Swarm said, patient-
centered care will involve better
understanding of a physician’s patient
population. The Electronic Health
Records (EHR) will be a useful
tool in obtaining data on
a population.
“When we brought in the
EHRs, we were trying to
teach students that it’s
not just about a doctor or
nurse using the computer.
Physicians can query how
many of their diabetics
have HbA1c over 8 who already tries to consider a patient’s
percent. Where do these patients live social, economic and cultural factors to
by zip code? If they all live in one area, determine how that affects their health.
what opportunities exist to assist these
patients with self management? This “Learning about people is important
potentially teaches students to get more because in the future, when I see
data from the use of EHRs,” Swarm patients, drawing from all of my learning “The opportunity to practice, make
explained. experiences, I can look at the things that
could impact patients and bring them mistakes in a safe environment
The patient-centered teaching methods to my clinic. And learning that is very and debrief, which is a big part of
will be valuable to students like Tito, valuable,” Tito said. learning, helps make the learning
process easier and more natural
for the student and ultimately
better for the patient.”
- GAIL SWARM, D.O., CLINICAL
EVALUATION CENTER DIRECTOR
WVSOM.edu • WINTER 2018 | 17Feature story
CITIZENS investing in
SERVE THE STATE OF
WEST VIRGINIA AND THE
HEALTH CARE NEEDS OF
ITS RESIDENTS
Expanding beyond WVSOM’s classrooms and the campus, the
medical school strives to serve, first and foremost, the state
of West Virginia and the health care needs of its residents,
emphasizing primary care in rural areas.
WVSOM programs such as the Center for Rural and Community
Health (CRCH) help serve the needs of West Virginians in
conjunction with assisting and working with community-
based organizations. The CRCH is a resource center designed
to help improve the health and well being of West Virginians
18 | WVSOM.edu • WINTER 2018Collaborates with the
Community Addressing
Prescription Drug
Epidemic (CARxE)
Coalition
Garners community Sponsors the
participatory research Greenbrier County
for students and Health Alliance
faculty
Offers statewide Provides health
training through the index score cards and
Community Health health enhancement
Education Resource response (HIS & HER)
Persons (CHERP) health literacy
program campaign
and recognizes the importance of that benefits the overall health of worker training program. WVSOM has
professionals and community members our community,” she said. the license for providing evidence-
working together to improve the based Stanford University programs
The role of the CRCH is a varied one.
state’s health profile through research, to educate people about chronic
The program has garnered community
education and outreach opportunities. disease self management, chronic pain
participatory research for students and
self management and diabetes. The
Drema Mace, Ph.D., the executive faculty; sponsors the Greenbrier County
center also works with the Substance
director of the CRCH, said having strong Health Alliance and works closely
Abuse and Mental Health Services
community partnerships ties into with the alliance in order to provide
Administration (SAMHSA), a federal
WVSOM’s mission of serving the health farmers markets, work to create a child
funding agency for substance abuse.
care needs of its residents. development center in Rupert and a
project where senior centers can have “One of the goals of the center is to
“Having successful community
access to fresh fruits and vegetables; expand our services statewide in the
partnerships is important because
and offers statewide training through coming years and part of that process
there is more strength in numbers
the Community Health Education is reaching out to local nonprofits and
and by collaborating we can build
Resource Persons (CHERP) program, providing assistance to build a better
an infrastructure in the community
designed as a community health infrastructure in our state,” she added.
“Developing programs within our local
nonprofits will impact the health of
West Virginians through the programs
“Having successful community that are being built.”
partnerships is important because
Another educational effort by the
there is more strength in numbers CRCH was the creation of an opioid
and by collaborating we can build toolkit, designed to bring awareness
an infrastructure in the community to the rising epidemic in the state and
that benefits the overall health of offer resources for those trying to
our community.” recover. The original idea for a drug
- DREMA MACE, PH.D., EXECUTIVE awareness toolkit in our area came
DIRECTOR OF THE CRCH from a recommendation from the
local United Way in February 2016.
WVSOM.edu • WINTER 2018 | 19Feature story
Pat Browning, D.O., addresses attendees at the opioid toolkit kick-off event
The template, which was given by started expressing an interest in the service announcements, all come
Washington County, Wis., was further toolkit. During that time, the Substance together as one synergistic effort for
developed with feedback from different Abuse and Mental Health Services people to see there are others dealing
relevant organizations in the area, Administration also started using it as with the same situation, Heinsberg said.
according to Haylee Heinsberg, a CRCH a model for other areas of the state —
health education coordinator who helped hoping to replicate the toolkit in all 55
oversee the creation of the toolkit. counties.
WVSOM’s mission to serve
the needs of West Virginians
After months of discussion to create a “If our toolkit can be a guide to open
useful resource, the “Prescription Opioid conversation of coming together as a
isn’t just one sided — there
and Heroin Awareness Toolkit” came to community in order to make a positive are also meaningful benefits
be, in collaboration with the Community change — and provide support to a for students and alumni who
Addressing Prescription Drug Epidemic caregiver, loved one and family members, serve the health care needs of
(CARxE) Coalition. Last June, a kick-off to reinforce that people are trying to
event took place on WVSOM’s campus get clean and sober — then we can start
residents in rural areas.
to introduce the prevention guide to the to make a dent in the problem,” she
community and begin distribution. said. “Ninety-one people a day die from Dimitri Tito may only be just over halfway
[See story on page 35.] opioids. If there was an easy solution it through his second year of medical
would’ve been fixed a long time ago.” school, but he has already committed so
“We are trying to make people more much of his time and efforts to helping
aware of this disease, community The toolkit will be gaining national his community through volunteer efforts.
resources and the places to get help and exposure as well. Mace and Heinsberg
to at least start a conversation about how will present “An Opioid Toolkit: A Rural “My background, coming from an
to impact this epidemic,” Heinsberg said Community Education Project” at the underserved area, I kind of know what
of the resource tool. National Rural Health Association’s it’s like to be in a community and being in
annual conference on May 11 in New need. That’s why when I came to medical
The toolkit was presented at the West school I wasn’t just thinking about
Orleans, La. The toolkit, along with a
Virginia Rural Health Conference in studying all the time. I was thinking about
provider packet and a series of public
October. As a result, neighboring counties what I can do for others,” he shared.
20 | WVSOM.edu • WINTER 2018Even before Tito officially as a learning opportunity for students.
started medical school he Tito, who is heavily involved in the
community as a student, hopes to
jumped in to volunteer for a eventually enter a family medicine or
community in need. Tito arrived internal medicine residency.
to Lewisburg in Summer Tito may be headed down a similar
2016, the same time much of path as another former student who Photo courtesy of Dino Beckett, D.O.
southern West Virginia was was heavily involved — Christopher
Donovan “Dino” Beckett, D.O. In the focuses on access to healthy eating,
impacted by heavy flooding. last WVSOM magazine, the Class physical activity and active living, as well
A group of second-year students of 2000 graduate was featured for as enhancing access to care through the
organized a Facebook group seeking being awarded the 2017 Rural Health use of community health workers. He
volunteers to work to cleanup houses Practitioner of the Year during the has also helped establish a community
in nearby towns. Tito didn’t hesitate to National Rural Health Association garden and a local farmers market.
help — even going as far as to crawl in conference.
spaces underneath houses to ensure a There are many alumni, like Beckett
Beckett returned to his home of and Snuffer, who attended WVSOM
clean foundation.
Williamson, W.Va., in 2003 and and decided to practice in West Virginia
“It was an opportunity to start helping since then has made great strides in after they graduated to serve the needs
and I just got to West Virginia,” he improving the community and the of their community and state. It all goes
recalled. “We organized many different health needs of its residents. He created back to continuous, quality training by
trips to houses. Right away, I felt the the Williamson Health and Wellness people who are completely invested in
involvement that WVSOM had in the Center, a free clinic designated as a WVSOM’s mission.
community, and for me, it was very Federally Qualified Health Center in the
important.” Fall 2013. The clinic serves residents of “It’s all about training people to become
Mingo County in West Virginia and Pike doctors and training them the right
In addition to flood recovery efforts, way. I’m actually still learning, because
County in Kentucky. Since its opening,
Tito has volunteered for WVSOM Cares, I learn a lot of things from students I
the wellness center went from seeing
has taken blood pressure readings at precept. They just went through all this
nearly 7,500 patients a year to more
the state fair and is a member of the training and it’s refreshing for me as
than 20,000.
Cultural Integrity Committee, which is well. It keeps me going and up-to-date
in the process of organizing culturally Beckett is an active member of the on what’s happening,” Snuffer said,
diverse standardized patient encounters Mingo County Diabetes Coalition, which proving that learning is lifelong.
“When I came to medical school I
wasn’t just thinking about studying all
the time. I was thinking about what I
can do for others.”
- DIMITRI TITO, OMS II
WVSOM.edu • WINTER 2018 | 21Feature story
SUPPORT FROM
A PRESIDENT
Even with all of WVSOM’s employees working over the years, Adelman said, proof that if an
together to support the school’s mission, there institution delivers on its mission then more
is one person who oversees the entire vision and more people will continue to support it.
and who ensures that the mission is being
“We’ve received more money for the school
fulfilled. For WVSOM, that person is Michael
than in previous years for student scholarships.
Adelman, D.O., D.P.M., J.D., the school’s
Additionally, we were in a financial situation
president.
where we could build a Student Center, which
“We’ve gone from being a very good institution was really needed for our students. Our
that wasn’t well recognized in the state or relationship with the community has never
nation, to an institution that is highly respected been better and it hasn’t always been that
in the state and nation. That was done in a way. We have a strong working relationship
variety of ways, but it’s about building on with the legislature, and we have a national
the foundation of what was here and just reputation, which is evidenced by the fact that
increasing the caliber,” Adelman said. we’ve gone from about 800 applicants in 2002
when I started as the dean to almost 5,000
He emphasized the applicants now.”
importance of allowing an As Adelman nears the final months as the
president of WVSOM, he is reminded of the
institution to grow and its years of tireless work and commitment he
employees to constantly find has given to the school and can’t help but to
think of its constant growth — evolving from
opportunities to make it better a medical school in the 1970s on the brink
than it was before. of being closed down to more than 40
years later as a standard of excellence in
Looking back on his eight years as president, the osteopathic community for graduating
it’s easy to identify the programs and initiatives students who are committed to practicing
that were created or enhanced under primary care in rural areas.
Adelman’s presidency — all of
“It’s very inspiring,” Adelman said. “I
which closely support a component of
remember what it was like and what it took
WVSOM’s mission.
to get the school here. I’m incredibly proud of
Adelman recalls when he first conceptualized the legacy that I hope I’m leaving. I’m leaving
the creation and construction of the Clinical this institution better than I found it, but with a
Evaluation Center (CEC), which years later caveat that it was in pretty good shape when I
underwent an expansion. The facility better found it and we just improved upon that.”
accommodates the newest curriculum after
Even after Adelman retires, WVSOM
it changed from a basic course system to a
employees and all those who are associated
more clinical presentation curriculum. Or
with the school that care about its success will
the Statewide Campus system, which was
work to constantly incorporate its mission and
developed by Adelman as dean but has
achieve the school’s purpose. Investing in the
since expanded its regions and emphasis on
mission is more than just words. It means that
providing in-state rotations for students in their
WVSOM is always making strides in order to
clinical years.
achieve a greater, more positive health care
Fundraising, community relations and impact in the state for all who are living and
legislative relationships have all been built working in West Virginia.
22 | WVSOM.edu • WINTER 2018LEADERS
“I remember what it was like and
what it took to get the school here.
investing in
I’m incredibly proud of the legacy
that I hope I’m leaving.”
- MICHAEL ADELMAN, D.O., D.P.M., J.D.,
WVSOM PRESIDENT
WVSOM.edu • WINTER 2018 | 23Student milestones: White Coat Ceremony
WVSOM alumnus revisited
school history during
WHITE
COAT Ceremony speech
24 | WVSOM.edu • WINTER 2018Mark Waddell, D.O., Robert Holstein, D.O., Clark Milton, D.O., John Manchin II, D.O., President
Michael Adelman, D.O., Craig Boisvert, D.O., O.J. Bailes, D.O., and James Nemitz, Ph.D.
J ohn Manchin II, D.O., reminisced about WVSOM’s
history during his keynote speech at the school’s annual
Convocation and White Coat Ceremony.
On Aug. 26, Manchin, who was part of the first WVSOM
graduating class in 1978, spoke to 207 first-year medical
students about the importance of knowing their medical
school’s history, including the founders’ fortitude and
determination in creating a successful osteopathic medical
school that would serve rural areas of West Virginia.
“Before I go any further I have to pay tribute to our founders,
and I’m reminded of a famous quote from Winston Churchill.
‘Never was so much owed by so many to so few.’ Please take
the time to learn about these early founders of WVSOM —
Dr. Apgar, Dr. Bailes, Dr. Wallington and Dr. Newell,” Manchin
said to the students. Manchin recognized O.J. Bailes, D.O., the
last living founder of WVSOM, who is now 93 years old and
part of the day’s ceremony. He also acknowledged the family
members in attendance of the four founders.
“You all must be so proud and your family heritage will live on
in all the students who have been given the opportunity to
become osteopathic physicians,” he said.
The White Coat Ceremony is the first step in the medical
school journey as the white coat symbolizes each student’s
commitment to the osteopathic medical profession and his or
her pledge to serving communities and residents.
Manchin offered the new students some advice he received
from the school’s first president Dr. Roland P. Sharp. “Listen
to the patient — listen to the patient. It may not be the word
you’re used to but they will tell you what’s wrong,” he said.
While Manchin spent time revisiting the school’s more than
40-year history, he also looked to the future. He spoke of how
the incoming class was unique in that they have grown up in
the electronic age surrounded by information technology.
WVSOM.edu • WINTER 2018 | 25Student milestones: White Coat Ceremony
Class
“Medicine is evolving quickly. We might speculate coat to fit. But we expect you to grow intellectually and
what might come from Amazon’s rumored AI, or emotionally.”
artificial intelligence,” he said. “You should expect The ceremony also included brief greetings from Board
WVSOM will be evolving with changes and you will of Governors Vice Chair Robert Holstein, D.O., Alumni
Association President Mark Waddell, D.O., and West
get to live and work through these changes … just Virginia Osteopathic Medical Association President Clark
know that we physicians support our school and Milton, D.O.
its evolving medical training for future students.” Manchin is a partner, chief executive officer and
Before wrapping up his speech, Manchin recognized that president of the Manchin Clinic in Farmington, the
this was WVSOM President Michael Adelman’s, D.O., Manchin Clinic of Bridgeport and Manchin Clinic South
D.P.M., J.D., last White Coat Ceremony before retiring in in Fairmont, W.Va. He has served as a member of the
the summer. Earlier in the ceremony, Adelman officially WVSOM Board of Governors since 2009 and has been
recognized the new student doctors. a WVSOM adjunct assistant professor of family practice
since 1990.
“Class of 2021, our White Coat Ceremony not only
welcomes you to our family, but welcomes you to the The White Coat Ceremony takes place in addition to
community of osteopathic physicians,” Adelman shared. WVSOM’s Alumni Weekend hosted by the Alumni
“This symbolizes the beginning of a four-year journey in Association. Graduates return to campus for continuing
osteopathic medicine. Putting on that white coat won’t medical education and other events including a barbecue
transform you into an osteopathic physician — there is and reunion dinner. Some alumni assist in the ceremony
a lot of work ahead for you and our faculty to get your by presenting white coats to students.
26 | WVSOM.edu • WINTER 2018of 2021
Family travels around the world “My mom and dad lived in a refugee camp for
more than 30 years,” he said. “They’re very proud
to attend White Coat Ceremony that I’m the first one to get accepted to medical
The Convocation and White Coat Ceremony was the first school and hopefully become a doctor.”
time first-year medical student Tenzing Lama saw his The Lamas live in Nepal near the Tibetan Refugee Camp
family in about two years. where they used to live for three decades. Tenzing’s
His parents, who are Tibetan but currently live in Nepal, family traveled by plane and Amtrak train to spend a
made the long journey from their home, a country in quick, 24 hours together — a brief moment in time that
Southeast Asia nestled between China and India. Lama’s they will all cherish for years to come.
mother, father and sister knew this was a milestone in
Tenzing’s life that was not to be missed.
“We heard that this was important for our son, the
beginning of the white coat, so we decided this was a life
achievement and for him to go to such a good school —
we had to come,” Lama’s father said after the ceremony.
A huge smile stretched across his mother’s face, who
simply stated, “We are very proud of him.”
The Lama family had never attended a White Coat
Ceremony before, and Tenzing is hoping to be the first in
his family to become a doctor.
27WVSOM news and events
NEWS
►
Japanese osteopathic
students visit WVSOM
For the fifth consecutive year,
WVSOM hosted seven students
and one faculty member from
the Japan College of Osteopathy
who were on campus for
an intensive anatomy lab
experience June 23-28. The visit
provides opportunities for the
►
Japanese students to learn from
the human body.
Beckett received outstanding resident
award in pediatrics
“This is something they are
unable to do in Japan. It is so Jordan Beckett, D.O., Class of 2015, was recognized as
helpful for D.O.s to see the the Osteopathic Resident of the Year in pediatrics from
interior of the human body and the American Osteopathic Foundation and the American
to be able to use OMT to heal College of Osteopathic Pediatricians during an honors gala
the human body,” said Peter at OMED 2017 in Philadelphia.
Ward, Ph.D., the students’ Beckett is a third-year resident at the dually accredited
faculty advisor and teacher. pediatric residency program at Nationwide Children’s
Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. She will complete her
residency in June. Beckett is committed to rural health
and completed several rural training rotations. She was
involved in the Rural Health Initiative while at WVSOM.
She is working with WVSOM to help expand rural access
to pediatric inpatient and outpatient care, including drug
28 | WVSOM.edu • WINTER 2018 education and rehabilitation.NEWS
Students, staff and faculty showed their support for National Rural Health Day
►
Everyone on campus was
encouraged to get out and
move with a walking contest in
support of rural health. Winners
were Angie Hill, Karen Ayers
and Patti Crawford. WVSOM is
No. 1 in the nation graduating
physicians who practice in rural
► areas of America.
Afrede aids in flu clinic
►
Momina Afrede, OMS III assisted with a flu clinic in
October at the Mary C. Snow Westside Elementary
School, as well as directly administered flu shots to
preschool-fifth grade students.
Students gained clinical experience
►
in South Africa
Fourteen Class of 2020 students traveled to South Africa in illness. In the clinical setting, students took medical
June and July as part of WVSOM’s Center for International histories, discussed patient presentations, learned about
Medicine and Cultural Concerns (CIMCC) program. The admitting both adults and children to the hospital and
students participated in the Student Health And Welfare provided OMT demonstrations to South African medical
Community Organization (SHAWCO) at the University of students and physicians.
Cape Town’s student run mobile medical units.
Between 2011-2016, a few WVSOM students participated in
Students learned about HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis; public health in infectious disease rotations, and a number
attended lectures on cross-cultural medicine; and of students have traveled to South Africa for summer
participated in interactive roundtable discussions with programs focused on epidemiology. Summer 2017 marked
persons affected by HIV (caregivers, physicians and support the first clinical experience, and will hopefully continue in
persons) and persons who have survived an AIDS related summer 2018.
WVSOM.edu • WINTER 2018 | 29WVSOM students, staff provided blood pressure
readings at state fair
NEWS
A total of 2,512 people benefited from having their blood pressure checked
during the West Virginia State Fair that took place in August in Fairlea.
Second-year medical students administered most of the free readings —
offering 1,465 checks to visitors. WVSOM physicians and Clinical Evaluation
Center staff members were also available to perform screenings.
A Teddy Bear Clinic was also part of WVSOM’s blood pressure booth
under the grandstand. The clinic provided 647 children
the opportunity to “play doctor” as well as educate
them about basic hospital visits. They learned about
2,512
people had their
heartbeats, took temperatures, bandaged the bears
and examined the stuffed animals’ eyes, ears and nose.
WVSOM also collaborated with Greenbrier Valley
Medical Center at a state fair booth to provide
blood pressure information about osteopathic medicine. Residents
checked provided OMT demonstrations. Osteoporosis and
scoliosis screenings were also available, as well
as information about cardiovascular risks
647
children experienced
and how to modify those risks. Bridgett
Morrison, D.O., and other WVSOM faculty
and graduates volunteered to provide
the Teddy Bear Clinic the demos.
High school WVSOM employees
students celebrated Halloween
learn about Halloween festivities swept across campus
pharmacology on Oct. 31. The fun began with the
High school students from Classified Staff hosting the annual costume
across West Virginia visited contest. The winners were members of the
WVSOM for the fifth annual anatomy department as board game pieces
“Just Say Know to Drugs,” in first place, Karen Ayers as Van Gogh in
from June 26-30. Raeann second place and Tiffany Wright as Little
Carrier, Ph.D., and WVSOM Miss Muffet in third place. The anatomy
students provided the high group gave their first place winnings of
school students with an $50 to members of the alumni association
introduction into the world and foundation for their group costume,
of pharmacology. redneck safari.
Throughout the week, students The competition continued with a table-
up for the camp because of the word decorating contest in the main building
learned about antibiotics and disease
pharmacology. She plans to attend hallway. Winners included Dezi Davis in
transmission, conducted hand-washing
pharmacy school and thought the camp first place, RHI in second place and the
experiments and looked at preventative/
would be a good introduction. foundation and alumni association in third
alternative medicines. A student favorite
activity from the week was the daphnia “I want to be a pharmacist. This helps place. The day ended with trick-or-treating
experiment. Students were tasked with with what you need to know before you for children around the main building.
measuring the heart rate of the daphnia, go to pharmacy school,” she said.
a tiny water flea, under control and
The camp culminated with students’
unknown drug conditions.
presentations that showcased what
Johnna Ball, a senior at Herbert Hoover they had learned.
High School, explained that she signed
30 | WVSOM.edu • WINTER 2018Students spread generosity to local
NEWS
families during holiday season
WVSOM instills in its students the SSP President Aaron Hess
value of being actively involved said one of the benefits
in their communities. Every day, of attending medical
students make an effort to be school in a smaller town
engaged with future patients in is the opportunity to play
the local area, and the same a more crucial role in
was especially true the beginning the community.
of December.
“When students come
WVSOM students spread generosity here for two short years
and holiday cheer by helping nearly
50 children from 20 foster families
have a better holiday season during
the annual Heart of the Holidays
event. Sigma Sigma Phi (SSP), a
they can still have a vital
impact in the community
and peoples’ lives. As far
as this event, I think that
giving back — especially
50 children from 20 foster
families were able to participate
community service organization, around the holiday season
are overcome with emotions
organized the event, which helps when you see these kids’ faces
when they see an infant that is
families provide a memorable when they get to sit on Santa’s lap
a lot smaller than it should be
Christmas for their children through and open a gift — is what we strive
or when they see a child with
donations of clothes and toys. for as physicians and our patient-
a developmental problem. The
centered care comes straight from
“SSP, in partnership with the students read about this and
that and is part of why people go
[Greenbrier County] Children’s are tested on this but to see it in
into medicine,” he said.
Home Society, reached out to person they realize that all they
families that are taking care During the event, which was in are required to give these children
of foster children to provide its 18th year, children partook in is time.”
Christmas to these children and to activities like getting their faces
WVSOM’s Pediatrics Club hosted
help relieve any burden the family painted, decorating cookies and
a diaper drive in conjunction with
may be experiencing,” said Belinda coloring. In addition to the gift each
the holiday event and offered
Evans, WVSOM’s director of child opened with Santa, they were
face painting. Family Medicine
student affairs. “I believe this is given a gift to be taken home.
Club members hosted the cookie-
a huge impact on the families.
“Students are humbled when decorating table, and SSP members
When they attend the event here
the wish lists have items such as had the coloring book table.
on campus, they are surrounded
personal items and not just toys,”
by loving, caring individuals who
Evans said. “Some of the students
want to make the holiday a little
less stressful.”
“When students come here for two
short years they can still have a
vital impact in the community and
peoples’ lives.” - SSP President Aaron Hess
WVSOM.edu • WINTER 2018 | 31You can also read
