Week of July 22nd, 2024

Dear Students, Faculty, Residents, Staff, Alumni, Board Members and Friends, 

Good morning on this nice cool Friday! Nice to have that heatwave behind us. It’s been another busy week on our Salus at Drexel campus. Congratulations to Denis O’Brien on his appointment as Interim President. Sincere thanks to President John Fry for all he has done for Drexel over his 14-year tenure, and for his leadership of our integration into the University. Here are some other items that I hope you find interesting: 

NEW AND IMPROVED: The ceremonial red ribbon was cut on the Mobile Unit for Healthcare Resources — also known as the MUHR Mobile — on June 26, 2024. Just as the “Big Red Bus” did before it, this mobile unit includes all the essential equipment needed to complete a comprehensive vision exam, as well as hearing and speech-language screenings for children in under-served communities in the Greater Philadelphia area. To read more, click  here. 

NATIONAL QUIZ BOWL: As the Pennsylvania College of Optometry's representative in the recent American Optometric Student Association’s (AOSA) Student Bowl XXXIII at Optometry’s Meeting in Nashville, Tennessee, Corey Ryan, PBHS ‘21, ‘25OD, wanted to have fun and make friends from other schools while competing. And, that’s exactly what he got. Click here to read more about the conference and Corey’s experience. 

OLE EXPERIENCE: Nada Abdelkarim really loves her personal optometrist, Louise Colletti, OD ‘98, whom she’s seen her entire life and whom she calls the “sweetest, most kind woman” and “just awesome.” It’s not a huge surprise then that Nada strives to follow in Dr. Colletti’s footsteps. That notion was reinforced recently when she attended the Optometry Learning Experience (OLE) at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry at the end of June. To read more about this year’s OLE experience, click  here.

FINAL THOUGHTS: The past few days have been filled with news following the attempted assassination of a past president and current presidential candidate. Since then, many have called for the need for civil discourse and peace in our country. Given these recent events, I believe it is crucial for us to reflect on the importance of unity and the detrimental effects of divisive political discourse on our society. As healthcare professionals and educators, we are in a unique position to influence and inspire others. We actually have a responsibility to set the tone and raise the bar in how we conduct ourselves and respond to the challenges we face. 

Earlier this week, I attended a lecture that discussed the relationship between George Washington and Alexander Hamilton. Their partnership was instrumental in shaping the early foundations of our nation, demonstrating the power of collaboration and unity. Washington and Hamilton, despite their differences, worked together towards a common goal, emphasizing the importance of national unity. This historical example serves as a reminder of what we can achieve when we stand together as Americans. 

Political violence not only harms individuals but also tears at the very fabric of our society. It is a stark reminder that we must strive for mutual respect and understanding, rather than allowing our differences to drive us apart. George Washington, in his Farewell Address, warned us of the dangers of political factions and stressed the importance of unity. He believed that our strength as a nation lies in our ability to remain united despite our differences. 

In his Farewell Address, President Washington’s words resonate strongly today: 

“The unity of government, which constitutes you one people, is also now dear to you. It is justly so; for it is a main pillar in the edifice of your real independence, the support of your tranquility at home, your peace abroad; of your safety; of your prosperity; of that very liberty which you so highly prize.” 

 As we navigate these challenging times, let us remember that our actions and attitudes, especially as healthcare professionals and educators, can either contribute to healing or further division. Let us commit to setting an example of professionalism, empathy, and respect. By doing so, we uphold the values of our professions and contribute to a more unified and peaceful society

. 

Thank you for your continued professionalism, dedication and commitment to these principles. We are SALUS AT DREXEL STRONG because we can make a difference.

-Mike

Focusing on Our Core Mission: Week of July 12, 2024

Dear Students, Faculty, Residents, Staff, Alumni, Current and Former Board Members and Friends,

Good morning on a little cooler, rainy day in Elkins Park!  It’s been another busy week on campus as our PCO Scholars and Taiwanese students are fully engaged in their programs, and we kicked off our Summer Enrichment Program with nine new PCO students.  Here are some other things that may interest you:

SLP ALUMNA OF THE YEAR: When she was in high school, Lauren Bevan, MS ‘17, babysat for a woman who worked as a speech-language pathologist (SLP). The woman suggested that even at that young age, Lauren would be a great fit for this profession. Turns out she was right. And now she’s the Alumni Association’s 2024 SLP Alumna of the Year. Read more about Lauren here.

CHUNG SHAN STUDENTS HERE: Undergraduate Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology students from Chung Shan Medical University (CSMU) in Taiwan are on campus for much of July for lectures, hands-on training and clinical observations. In addition, they will engage in academic field trips and cultural excursions. Our students are hosted by the division of Global, Interprofessional and Specialized Programming (GISP). Bob Serianni from SLP and Jonette Owen from Osborne Audiology are coordinating the academic elements of the program. Look for a future story on our website about the students’ experiences.

FINAL THOUGHTS:  As we continue to celebrate the successful completion of the first phase of our merger with Drexel University, I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to each of you for your dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment to getting over the finish line. This milestone represents a significant achievement and a testament to our collective efforts, resilience and strategic vision for our programs.

While we can take pride in what we've accomplished to date, it’s important to recognize that there is still much work ahead. The path we are forging together requires us to adapt to new processes, embrace change, and navigate the complexities of integrating into a larger institution. This may be challenging at times, but it also offers a great deal of promise.

It’s essential that we remain focused on our core mission: educating and empowering our students. They are the heart of our institution, and their success is our priority. By taking one day at a time, not sweating the small stuff and approaching each new task with a positive mindset, we can ensure that these additional efforts will pave the way for a brighter future for our students and our combined institution. 

I understand that the additional work required during this transition can be demanding and time consuming. However, I firmly believe that our collective efforts are well worth the time and energy invested. Together, we are building a stronger, more dynamic institution that will offer greater opportunities and resources for our students, faculty, and staff.

I encourage you to continue to support one another, celebrate our progress, and stay committed to our shared vision – the “WHY.” Your perseverance, creativity, and dedication are the driving forces behind our success, and I am confident that we will overcome any challenges that come our way.

While the weather is forecast to be a bit cooler this weekend, it’s still going to be warm, so please ensure you’re drinking plenty of water and stay hydrated, especially if exercising outdoors.  I want to ensure everyone remains healthy and SALUS AT DREXEL STRONG!

- Mike

Week of July 3, 2024

 To the Salus at Drexel Community:

As we prepare to celebrate our country’s 248th birthday this July 4^th, it’s crucial to remember the tenets of democracy, liberty, freedom, and equality that formed the bedrock foundation of our Republic. When our Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence, they risked their lives to envision a country that would become a beacon for the world as our democratic experiment evolved.

Today, our democracy is threatened by political polarization, the rise of misinformation and disinformation on several platforms, and voter apathy. As we approach this year’s celebration of the 4th of July, I want to remind you of how fragile our democracy is and the significant responsibility we all have in preserving it. Over the course of 248 years, thousands of Americans have given their lives to ensure we enjoy the freedoms we have today. We cannot squander the sacrifices made by those who came before us.

We must remain vigilant and proactive in our efforts to protect and strengthen our democracy. This means engaging in informed and respectful discourse, actively participating in the democratic process by voting and encouraging others to do the same, and critically evaluating the information we consume and share. Through these actions, we honor the legacy of those who fought for our freedoms and ensure that our democratic principles endure for future generations.

As a university community, we are uniquely positioned to lead by example. Our commitment to education, critical thinking, and civic involvement can serve as a powerful force in the ongoing effort to uphold and advance the democratic values that define our nation. Let us take this 4^thof July as an opportunity to reaffirm our dedication to these principles and to each other, as we work together to build a more just and equitable society.

Wishing you all a safe and reflective Independence Day.  Let us celebrate with gratitude for our freedoms and with a renewed commitment to the responsibilities that come with them. Enjoy the weekend – and remain SALUS AT DREXEL STRONG!

- Mike

Salus at Drexel: Week Of June 28, 2024

 

Dear Students, Faculty, Residents, Staff, Alumni, Board Members, Drexel Colleagues and Friends, 

It’s been a busy Friday on our Elkins Park Campus and an eventful week welcoming students from Taiwan and preparing for our Change in Ownership to Drexel. This is the first step in the two-step integration process. My thanks to everyone who has helped to make this transition a successful one.

Here are some other items of interest from around campus: 

SALUS AWARDS GALA: The 8th annual Salus Awards Gala (SAG) was held June 14, 2024, at The Fuge in Warminster, Pennsylvania. The event has evolved over the years to recognize outstanding educators, faculty, staff, administration and students in the Salus University community. This year, more than 100 nominations and more than 300 votes were cast to the Campus Activities Committee, which organized the event. Click here to see who this year’s award winners are. 

CAREER PIVOT TO SLP: In our latest podcast, Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) Post-bacc program coordinator Kimberly Cafarella, MS, CCC-SLP, talks to students Lina "LJ" Jaquez-Ly '24PBSL and Fatmira "Mira" Gobeljic '24PBSL about why they chose the SLP Post-bacc program and how it has prepared them for graduate school. Click here for details. 

NEW OT FACULTY MEMBER: Ashley Anderson, MS, OTR/L, has enjoyed switching gears from clinician to educator. She likes being able to break things down into manageable pieces for her students to make it easier for them to look at the bigger picture. And after being an adjunct for Salus University’s Occupational Therapy (OT) program, Ashley has joined the department as a full-time faculty member. To read more about Ashley, click here. 

CLEAN ENERGY EDUCATION: Drexel University and Howard University have collaborated on a Department of Energy program for clean energy education and have already received an initial installment of $100,000 to develop a cross-university exchange program related to the design of low-carbon environments. For details, click here. 

MERGER NEWS: I learned earlier today that Drexel University President John Fry may be selected as the next President of Temple University. While this news comes as a bit of a shock, it’s not really surprising given John’s exceptional leadership, unique skillset and outstanding record of achievement. On behalf of all of us at Salus, we wish him a successful outcome in the Temple presidential selection process. 

Our merger with Drexel is unchanged by today’s news. Today, we filed our Statement of Merger with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, which means that, effective on Sunday, we are all members of the Drexel community. Since our Board of Trustees made the strategic decision to merge with Drexel University, our leadership team, working closely with President Fry and his leadership team, developed the foundation for the Salus-Drexel Integration Council. This council has done an outstanding job across each of the verticals and threads, which both President Fry and myself deeply appreciate. I want to thank the entire Integration team as well as the entire Salus community for your exceptional work to reach this landmark achievement. 

As I’ve emphasized many times this year, change is never easy, especially when the need for it is not immediately obvious. And as today’s news makes clear, the higher education landscape is shifting beneath our feet more quickly than most anticipated. I am confident, however, that we are well-positioned to become an anchor for health care and life sciences innovation driving Greater Philadelphia’s reputation for health care, interprofessional education and life science discovery in service to our community. 

Moving forward, as “Salus at Drexel”, until and after Phase 2 is approved by the U.S. Department of Education, I strongly encourage all of you to continue to build relationships with your Drexel counterparts by engaging with them both here at Elkins Park and on the main Drexel campus. It is only through these professional and personal interactions that we will truly be able to leverage the remarkable talent resident in both of our institutions. 

The biggest beneficiaries of our hard work are our students, who will be better clinicians, researchers, teachers and innovators as a result of this partnership. 

Enjoy the weekend. Please stay hydrated and look out for one another so you can be SALUS AT DREXEL STRONG!

- Mike

Week of June 21, 2024

 

Dear Students, Faculty, Residents, Staff, Alumni, Board Members and Friends, 

As we enter the first few days of summer, we are thrilled to see the progress being made as we ready our Mobile Unit for Healthcare Resources to serve local schools and community members. Looking forward to the ribbon cutting next Wednesday, 26 June!! 

Some other happenings around campus include: 

DR. SUNDAR TO RETIRE: Over the past 14 years, Dr. Giri Sundar has developed the Osborne College of Audiology’s Distance Education programs into one of the most highly regarded programs in the world. Now, she’s going to retire, effective at the end of this month. Read more here about Dr. Sundar’s substantial contributions to the University. 

WHERE ARE THEY NOW: Because of an Occupational Therapy (OT) articulation agreement between Drexel University and Salus, Lauren DeAngelo, MSOT ’23, applied and was accepted to Salus. Her time in the OT program provided her with the exact training and skills she needed to go out into the professional world. Click here to read more. 

A SOUND LEGACY: Inspired by the legacy of the late John M. Reid, renowned co-inventor of the country’s first echocardiogram device, Drexel University’s Biomed faculty and their alumni protégés are steering ultrasound science deeper into the experimental domain of cancer, infection and wound treatment. To read more, click  here.

FINAL THOUGHTS: Today is the third day of a major heat wave gripping our region as well as midwestern and other mid-atlantic states, with over 70 million Americans under some form of heat alerts (ABC News, 6/20/24). Heat is the “leading cause of all weather-related deaths in the United States.” (Scientific American, 7/1/23). We can expect more extreme weather instances such as these as we experience the effects of climate change. 

It is important to know the risks of extreme heat. Heat exhaustion and heat related illnesses are preventable. A number of helpful resources are available to help you prepare yourself and others, including:  The American Red Cross, ready.gov and The National Weather Service. As we head into the summer, take some time to familiarize yourself with these so that you can offer evidence-based, preventive care for your patients, clients, neighbors and yourself. 

Be safe, rest well, continue to hydrate to help beat the heat and remain SALUS STRONG! Below: A sneak peek at our Mobile Unit for Healthcare Resources:

-Mike

Week of June 17, 2024

 

Dear Students, Faculty, Residents, Staff, Alumni, Board Members and Friends, 

We end this week on an extremely sad note as we mourn the sudden loss of Mr. Rich Stankovis, our beloved Safety and Security Manager. Rich was not only a dedicated and kind-hearted member of our Salus family but also a pillar of strength and reliability. His unwavering commitment to our community's safety and well-being has left an indelible mark on all of us. Rich will be dearly missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing and working with him. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to be touched by his presence. 

Here are some items of interest for you to read: 

RECOGNITION RECEPTION: Following up on the Presidential Medal of Honor and the Alumni Association’s Alumni of the Year awards, click here for the story on the University’s Annual Recognition Reception that was held June 2, at PineCrest Country Club in Lansdale, Pennsylvania. 

RESIDENTS’ DAY: The ninth annual Residents’ Day at Salus was a major success, welcoming both on- and off-campus residents back to the Elkins Park, Pennsylvania, campus to celebrate the residents’ near completion of their programs. Click here to read more. 

SALUS AWARDS GALA: The 8th Annual Salus Awards Gala will be held this evening, June 14, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at The Fuge in Warminster, Pennsylvania. The event will recognize those who have gone above and beyond to uplift the Salus Community. This event is to celebrate those awarded and to enjoy a night of food, dancing, and fun. Look for a future story on our website about the event. 

WHERE ARE THEY NOW: She always knew that she wanted to do something in the medical field, so when Connor Warren, MSOT ‘19, considered her career options, she chose a profession that melded her interests into one occupation. Among those interests were teaching yoga and being creative through art and photography. And everything combined together equaled Occupational Therapy (OT). To read more about Connor’s Salus experience, click here.

RESEARCH MEETING EXPERIENCE: At the annual meeting of the American Educational Research Association, 75 students and faculty members from the Drexel University School of Education delivered 51 presentations over four days. Click here to read what the experience was like for Drexel students and how the University prepared them for their presentations. 

FINAL THOUGHTS: In memory of Rich, below are a few photos of the campus at different times of the year, which he loved:

-Mike

Week of June 10, 2024

 

Dear Students, Faculty, Residents, Staff, Alumni, Board Members and Friends, 

Greetings on this beautiful Friday morning from our Elkins Park campus. This week has been exceptionally busy as we hosted the 2024 DonorPerfect Community Conference on fundraising – SPARK. Alongside this, we held community meetings for our students, faculty, and staff. Amidst these activities, our students have been diligently working in clinics, labs, and classrooms, with our international students gaining hands-on experience in our Auxiliary Clinical Procedures Lab. 

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the unfortunate situation at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, which is closing its doors today due to fiscal challenges. The rapidly changing landscape of higher education is indeed concerning, and the abrupt closure has left many shocked and unprepared. Our hearts and prayers go out to the affected students, faculty, and staff as they navigate this difficult transition. These challenges underscore the importance of our strategic decision to merge with Drexel later this month as a proactive approach to ensuring stability and growth in such uncertain times. As we’ve said before, the merger is designed to strengthen our position and prevent the kind of calamity that has befallen the University of the Arts, providing a more secure and promising future for our entire Salus community. 

RECOGNITION RECEPTION: We had a great event last weekend at the annual recognition reception where we honored the 2024 Presidential Medal winners as well as the annual Alumni of the Year Award winners in our various programs. You can read stories about medal winners Patricia Modica, OD ‘88, Resident ‘89 here; and Stephanie Czuhajewski, executive director of the Academy of Doctors of Audiology here. We also honored the 50th reunions of the Classes of 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973 and 1975. Look for a story on the event next weekend on our website and look for future stories throughout June and July for individual stories on our Alumni of the Year winners. 

HARROWING HAITI TRIP: David McPhillips, OD ‘85, FAAO, FVI, has been going on Volunteer Optometric Service to Humanity (VOSH) trips to Haiti since he was a student at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO) in the mid-1980s. In the recent past, Haiti’s political unrest has given volunteers on humanitarian trips pause when deciding whether to embark on such trips. But the last Pennsylvania chapter VOSH trip in March 2024, turned out to be a little more challenging than usual for a small group of six, which included Dr. McPhillips, two other PCO/Salus doctors, Mark Rakoczy, OD ‘81, FVI, and Mike Satryan, OD ‘84, and three optometric technicians. Click here to read more. 

UARTS PATHWAY AT DREXEL: With the abrupt closing of the University of the Arts, Drexel University is committed to supporting those UArts students currently enrolled or just starting their college experience as they consider the next step in their educational careers. Drexel is developing a pathway that will help UArts students continue their education as seamlessly as possible during this challenging time of transition and will allow them to stay on track and finish their degree. To read more, click here. 

FINAL THOUGHTS: This week, we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Allied landings in Normandy, France, code-named Operation Overlord, which began on June 6,1944. It was the largest amphibious landing operation in modern history, involving over 7,000 naval vessels, including more than 4,000 landing craft and 1,200 warships. Preceding the landing on Utah, Omaha, Gold, and Sword beaches, 23,000 paratroopers bravely landed behind enemy lines. During the invasion, over 160,000 men landed, and the Allied forces suffered more than 10,000 casualties, including those killed, wounded, and missing. By the end of the Normandy Campaign, nearly 29,000 Americans had lost their lives.

Notably, several thousand doctors, corpsmen, and medics also stormed the beaches at Normandy, many of whom were severely wounded or killed in action. The success in securing the beaches of Normandy paved the way for the liberation of France and ultimately the end of the war in Europe. 

These young Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, and Army Air Corps Airmen, often described as “The Greatest Generation,” played a crucial role in saving the world from tyranny. Their heroic sacrifice reminds us again that the price for freedom is great, a fact that I fear many Americans have forgotten. Throughout our history, men and women have given their all to defend freedom and democracy. As we reflect on those who stormed the beaches of Normandy, facing fierce German opposition, or those who jumped blindly from gliders into darkness, let us remember the immense sacrifices they made so that we can enjoy the freedoms our democracy affords us. Their efforts helped to ensure we can all comfortably practice our given professions in a manner which benefits our patients, clients and students. 

As you prepare for the weekend, take a moment to reflect on the history that they made on D-Day, which affords us the freedom to live, work and play as we choose. Be safe, continue to look out for one another, and remain SALUS STRONG!

-Mike