Students, Faculty, Residents, Staff, Alumni, Board Members and Friends,
Greetings from Elkins Park where our students and faculty have been continuing to engage in both face to face and on-line learning and teaching. Our clinics have all been open and as busy as they can be given the capacity restrictions we have to work under. Needless to say, there’s lots going on as the Fall semester gets into its stride.
CONTINUING EDUCATION EVENT: A reminder that the synchronous online CE event titled “Current Advancements in Comprehensive Optometric Care” will be presented this Sunday, Sept. 13, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. I’m looking forward to presenting “Public Health Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic — A Look Back and the Road Ahead” as the final lecture of that day. An all-star group of faculty and guests will precede me. Click here to see the full panel. I will be hosting an interactive Salus update following my lecture.
ANNUAL GIVING WEEK: Join us for our Second Annual Salus Giving Week, October 5-9, 2020, by supporting funding for student scholarships, capital improvements, and community outreach. We know this is a difficult time and we are so appreciative of any help you can provide now. With your donation of any size, we can make sure that, regardless of how things change in the coming months, we can continue providing high quality education to all of our students and serve our neediest communities.
FACULTY FOCUS: This week’s Faculty Focus shines the spotlight on Nicholas Karbach, OD ‘17, Resident ’18, a clinical preceptor in primary care and the special population services at The Eye Institute (TEI). In addition to his duties at the University, Dr. Karbach recently got a new dog. Find out how he decided on a name for his Labrador mix at salus.edu/NicholasKarbach.
FLU SHOTS: We have arranged for the University community to get their annual flu shots, thanks to Temple Health, beginning next Friday, Sept. 18, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the parking lot closest to Township Line Road. This will be a drive through event to minimize contact. Even if you have not gotten a flu shot in the past, it’s extremely important that you get one this year, given the fact that many flu symptoms mirror those of COVID-19 and we want to ensure we’re minimizing the chances of catching the flu. Of course, wearing your face mask and washing your hands frequently will also help to prevent both diseases from spreading. Additional dates and times to get the flu vaccine are currently Sept. 25 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.; 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and Oct. 2 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.Please don’t procrastinate about this - just get it done! To register, call 215-517-5000 option 1. Any staff member can take your information over the phone to register you, but it was suggested you ask for Korliy and Kaila. Of note, there is usually no copay required and most insurances cover the vaccine without a copay. Salus faculty, staff and students who don’t use Temple as their primary care office can still get their flu shot there at the drive through clinic using insurance.
CONSTITUTION DAY AND VOTER REGISTRATION INFORMATION: Constitution Day and Citizenship Day is celebrated each year on Sept. 17. The day commemorates the Sept. 17, 1787, signing of the United States Constitution. The U.S. Department of Education provides links to websites that contain materials that can be publicly accessed for general use or for use as teaching materials in the classroom. You can get more information here. Also, Sept. 22, 2020, is National Voter Registration Day. There are several ways for organizations to promote the day. Check out the details on the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU) website here.
FINAL THOUGHTS: The 9/11 terrorist attacks killed 2,977 people and injured thousands at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and in Somerset County, Pennsylvania. Flags will be at half-staff and there will be a country-wide moment of silence at 8:46 a.m., which is when the first plane crashed into one of the Twin Towers.
September 11th is now designated as Patriot Day and a National Day of Service and Remembrance. On this day Americans across the country are called to volunteer in their local communities in tribute to the individuals lost and injured in the attacks, first responders, and the many who have been called to service to defend our freedom. It is my hope that 9/11 can also present an opportunity for all Americans to come together as a united country. Just like we did back then, when we rebuilt the World Trade Center and Pentagon, it’s time to reflect on what it means to be an American; united in cause, intolerant of racial injustice, sexual and gender inequality and dedicated to the betterment of society. It’s what we do as health care providers. I ask each of you to reflect upon what this day means to you, even if you weren’t born yet, and how you are going to embrace what’s best about our democracy to make others' lives better.
Enjoy the weekend. Please remember to socially distance, wear your face mask when around others and wash your hands frequently. Also remember that what you do off campus directly affects all of us on campus. Be safe, be responsible - remain SALUS STRONG!
Mike
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