Dear Students, Faculty, Residents, Staff, Alumni, Board Members and Friends,
Greetings on a bright, crisp morning in Elkins Park! I hope you all saw that beautiful, red sunrise! It’s been another busy week on campus with lectures, labs and clinics. This week I attend the bi-annual meeting of the Department of Veteran Affairs Special Medical Advisory Group, of which I am a member. I had the unique opportunity to brief members and the Undersecretary of VA Health on the critical ways that optometry serves our veterans and why it’s important for optometrists to practice at their highest levels of training. It was extremely well received.
Here are some items that I believe would be of interest to you:
QUARTERLY BOARD OF TRUSTEE MEETING: On Monday, 19 September, we will look forward to hosting our fabulous volunteer Board of Trustees on campus. If you have the opportunity to meet any of them, please take the time to thank them for their extraordinary service to Salus.
ANNUAL RECOGNITION RECEPTION: Our annual Recognition Reception highlighting both Alumni Association Awards and Presidential Medal of Honor recipients will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, September 19, at Morris Arboretum. To register for the event, click here.
LOFK CHARITY FUNDRAISER: Mark your calendar for Saturday, November 12, 2022, for the 15th annual “Looking Out for Kids” (LOFK) charity fundraiser at the National Constitution Center. This year’s Lighthouse Award recipient is Kovin Naidoo, Global Head of Advocacy and Partnerships for OneSight EssilorLuxxotica Foundation, and former CEO of Brien Holden Vision Institute. For information and to purchase tickets and sponsorships, click here.
NEW RESIDENT: Andrew Kageyama OD, ‘23 Resident, is following in his parents’ footsteps. Although Dr. Kageyama was practically born into the profession, it wasn’t until the start of his undergraduate career that he confirmed the career path he wanted to pursue. And now he’s one of our 2022-2023 residents. Read more about Dr. Kageyama here.
FINAL THOUGHTS: As everyone gets into their normal “battle rhythm” for the Fall semester I want to remind you to take care of yourselves physically and mentally. With the nicer weather, it’s going to be much easier for all of us to get outside and enjoy all the great parks and trails that we’re lucky to have nearby. These are great opportunities to relieve stress and get exercise. Here are some additional suggestions to help you manage stress as you get into this semester’s work:
Stay focused on your studies - Keep up with your learning and try not to fall behind. Not only is focusing on school a great break from focusing on what’s going on in the world, it’s also a way to progress in your life while everything else seems like it’s on pause.
Develop a routine you can stick to - Sounds basic, but it will make a world of difference. Get up, make your bed (now you’ve accomplished at least one thing!), exercise, have breakfast, etc.
Get enough sleep – This also sounds pretty basic, and to some, it may seem like “mission impossible,” but the better rested you are, the more capable your body and mind will be at handling things that come your way including stress. Prioritize sleep over other things, and you’ll be more productive, resilient and attentive.
Get outside and enjoy the fresh air – There are so many places around us that you can safely walk in nature that will calm your mind and recharge your energy while exercising.
Make sure you have what you need for the next day - Check the schedule, lay out your clothes, make your lunch, etc.
Use social media purposefully – Limit your screen time and refrain from posting for “likes” or for the sake of making the “best content.” Use social media to connect with some new classmates or the people you miss seeing every day.
I understand what you’re going through, as I feel many of the same stressors. In addition to the steps mentioned, I find it helpful to remain focused, stay healthy and keep an optimistic outlook on things. I strongly encourage you to contact the skilled counselors in our Center for Personal and Professional Development (CPPD) who are there for you. All you need to do is make an appointment here.
As you prepare for the weekend, try to get out and enjoy the great weather. Before we know it, we’ll be shoveling snow! It’s also time to think about scheduling your COVID-19 booster as well remaining vigilant in your prevention activities such as following CDC masking guidelines.
Be safe, be smart, continue to look out for one another and remain SALUS STRONG!
-Mike
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