Thanksgiving Message: Week of November 23, 2022

 

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

At this time of Thanksgiving, we pause to count our blessings for the freedoms we enjoy in this great country and the many opportunities to achieve great things that freedom and privilege afford. Traditionally, individuals from all walks of life come together to celebrate this most American holiday with family and friends to recount the joys and blessings of the past year.

This year, in particular, with all that’s happening in the world, we have much upon which to reflect, and much for which to be thankful:

• Abundant thanks to our students for choosing Salus to advance your professional formation and for your continued partnership with us as we prepare you with the finest professional education available. You’re the reason we’re here. We are extremely thankful for that.

• Sincere thanks to our talented faculty and staff for all you do for our students and our institution. Your collective contributions, often made without fanfare, advance our mission in ways that are significant and enduring. 

• Deepest thanks to our volunteer Board of Trustees for your tremendous service to our Salus community. Your expertise, commitment and support inspire us to do our best work.

 

As many of our neighbors and friends lend a hand to those in need, we are also reminded of the indelible spirit of compassion and mutual responsibility that has distinguished our country since its earliest days. This spirit is alive and well here at Salus. Everyday throughout our Eye, Ear, Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language Institutes, in schools and across the many clinical settings we support, Salus people embody the Thanksgiving spirit. My admiration and thanks to our clinicians, staff, and students for the exceptional care you provide our patients across the Philadelphia region.

As we prepare for the holiday tomorrow, thank you for making Salus a very special place in which to learn, work and support our community. Please continue to follow CDC masking guidelines and other preventive measures, such as frequent hand washing, as cases of Covid and flu are still prevalent in our region.

Wishing you all a very safe and restful Thanksgiving.

-Mike

Vote Next Week: Week of November 4, 2022

 

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

Good morning on this beautiful Fall morning where our Elkins Park and East Oak Lane campuses have been buzzing with activity. We are nearing completion of minor renovations to The Eye Institute that will improve the patient check-in process and flow. And, of course, we are watching the Phillies, Eagles and Union!

Here are some other items of interest:

LOOKING OUT FOR KIDS: We are excited about our upcoming Looking Out For Kids charity fundraiser at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12. This year’s event will be held at the National Constitution Center where we will honor Professor Kovin Naidoo with our Lighthouse Award. If you haven’t already purchased your tickets, please consider going to our website here to help us provide healthcare for children in need.

VACCINATION EVENT: On Wednesday, Nov. 9 from 10:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. in the Hafter Center gym Salus will host a vaccination event, in collaboration with Walmart Pharmacy, that will provide the new bivalent COVID booster as well as the Flu vaccination.

EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION: This Sunday, Nov. 6, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. there will be the "Excellence in Education” annual conference in tribute to the late Dr. Joseph C. Toland, a PCO graduate and professor with more than 40 years of service. His avid support of optometric education and residency training have shaped how we practice optometry. Salus University extends our deepest respect and gratitude to Dr. Toland. In his honor, all proceeds from this annual event will directly benefit our residency program. Click here for more information, and here to register.

OT FACULTY FOCUS: Being in on the ground floor of establishing Salus University’s Occupational Therapy (OT) department was a memorable time for Caitlyn Foy, DOT, MOTR/L. Read more about Dr. Foy’s role in that here in this week’s Faculty Focus.

RESIDENCY CLASS OF 2023: Ryan Keenan, OD ‘22,’23 Resident, knew he wanted to get into healthcare when he entered college and explored several professions through volunteer opportunities. Now he’s one of our residents and he says his residency is everything he expected. Read more about Dr. Keenan here.

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME TO END: Remember to set your clocks back one hour on Saturday night as Daylight Savings Time ends at 2AM Sunday morning. We all get an extra hour of sleep!

FINAL THOUGHTS: Last week I wrote about the imperative of exercising your right and responsibility to vote for your candidate of choice on election day. Our democracy, and the right to vote, are more fragile than most realize. Your vote helps ensure that your voice is heard.

The day is now upon us: Tuesday, Nov. 8th. If you have not filed your mail-in ballot, please make time to vote!

As you consider for whom you will vote, check candidate voting records that can help predict how candidates will vote in the future. Remember that social media posts tend to represent opinions rather than facts. Verify facts using multiple sources before taking a position.

The weather is going to be amazing this weekend! Try to get out and enjoy it while we still have it! As you go about your activities over the weekend, please remember CDC masking guidelines and be cognizant of your surroundings at all times. If you haven’t already been vaccinated with the new COVID bivariant vaccine and flu vaccine, please try to register for our campus event or get them at your local pharmacies. It’s the safe and responsible thing to do.

Be safe, remain vigilant and stay SALUS STRONG!