Month in Review

Released: April 2007

* MSUCOM is ranked 5th in the nation for primary care by US News & World Report, and continues its ranking as the top primary care osteopathic college in the country.

* Michelle Powell, MSUCOM Class of 2008, has been awarded a Fogarty Centers Overseas Fellowship in Global Health and Clinical Research.  She will pursue her clinical research interests in Brazil working on projects related to HIV/AIDS and neurocognitive development.

* John Goudreau, D.O., Ph.D., MSUCOM Class of 1995 and associate professor, departments of Neurology and Ophthalmology, and Pharmacology and Toxicology, is the lead investigator at MSU for a major clinical study to test the effectiveness of a drug that could slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease.  MSU is one of 51 sites across the country that will participate in this National Institutes of Health funded study.

* On March 13, Peter Ajluni, D.O., AOA president-elect and clinical professor of Osteopathic Surgical Specialties, discussed osteopathic medicine and provided an update on the AOA to first and second year students.

* The 2007 Spring Semester Faculty Assembly was held on March 29.  Dean Strampel presented his State of the College address, and all college and university academic governance committees delivered their annual report to nearly 80 faculty.

* Seminar in the Sun 2007 was held March 3-10 in Riviera Maya with 91 college alumni and their families attending.  A 20 hour CME program held in conjunction with the trip was chaired by Lisa DeStefano, D.O., MSUCOM Class of 1993, and co-chaired by Cathy Kerschen, D.O., MSUCOM Class of 1992.  Other CME faculty included Richard Pascucci, D.O., senior associate dean of clinical education, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Eugene Conte, D.O., MSUCOM Class of 1978, Andrea Amalfitano, D.O., Ph.D., MSUCOM Class of 1990, and Peter Gulick, D.O., associate professor of Internal Medicine.  Participants enjoyed the beauty of the region, quality CME, and camaraderie.

* College staff attended the ACOFP convention March 14-16 in Kissimmee, Florida.  Alumni were greeted at the college exhibit and an alumni gathering to watch the MSU men’s basketball team win in the 1st round of the NCAA playoffs.

* College faculty and students participated in the MOA Capitol House Call on March 20.  Participants visited with state legislators about key policy issues affecting medical education and medical practice.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

* Wednesday, April 25, 2007, Walter F. Patenge Medal of Public Service dinner and awards ceremony, The University Club of MSU.

* Tuesday, April 10, 2007, 2:00 p.m., Employee Appreciation Ice Cream Social, C102 East Fee – Patenge Room.

* Thursday, May 3, 2007, 11:00 a.m., MSUCOM Class of 2007 Hooding and Commencement, Wharton Center.

* Friday, June 29, 2007, 2:00 p.m., Convocation Ceremony, Wharton Center.