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 There is a special bond that exists between doctors and their patients. Talented physicians do more than just treat disease. They can be supporters, confidants, and friends. So sometimes patients feel that the word “thanks” is not enough to express their gratitude.
That’s why the College of Osteopathic Medicine has established the Grateful Patient Fund. It is part of a new campaign that allows patients to show appreciation for physicians by supporting the community that creates them. Maybe their doctors are MSUCOM alumni, or perhaps they just want to contribute to the growth of osteopathic medicine. The Grateful Patient Fund is a unique opportunity to recognize their physicians and, at the same time, help ensure future generations of D.O.s
Donations can be made in honor of a favorite doctor or to support a particular program or research area. The college’s development office can assist donors who have specific requests for their contribution.
As part of the campaign, the college is distributing brochures to MSU clinics to inform patients and provide information about contributions. To obtain brochures for yourself or your practice, or to learn more about the Grateful Patient Fund, contact MSUCOM’s Office of Development at (517) 355-8355.
Supporting Students
Shelley Wieting and Jill Young present the check to Dean William Strampel, D.O. |
Osteopathic students at MSUCOM have received a new opportunity, courtesy of the spouses of area D.O.s. The Ingham County Osteopathic Auxiliary has established a new endowed scholarship to help future physicians pay their way through medical school.
The ICOA has been an active player in the osteopathic community for more than 30 years. For many years, the ICOA maintained a loan program for osteopathic students. Students borrowed money while in school, and then paid back into the fund after graduation.
“Dean Strampel approached us with the idea of perpetuating the fund by establishing an endowment with the college,” says Jill Young, the president of ICOA, whose husband David is clinical faculty at MSUCOM. The amount of money necessary to establish an endowment at MSU is $30,000. ICOA had the same amount available in the loan fund and used it to set up a permanent college scholarship. The scholarship committee will present the first award this spring.
Much of the ICOA’s efforts are devoted to philanthropy. They have raised money for organizations such as Gilda’s Place, a women’s cancer support group, and Harvest House, a Lansing-area family support center. They also provided one of the founding donations for Ele’s Place, a group that provides counseling and other services for grieving children.
The ICOA is also involved with the profession on the state and national level. Shelley Wieting – wife of MSUCOM professor Michael Wieting, D.O. – is the president-elect of the Auxiliary to the American Osteopathic Association, and the second Ingham County auxiliary member to head that group. “We may be small in number,” says Ms. Young, “but we have made an impact.”
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