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

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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