Dear Students, Faculty, Residents, Staff, Alumni and Board Members,
Good morning from Washington, DC where I have the honor of participating in the retirement ceremony of one of my Navy colleagues, Captain Marrie Read. It’s always fun to put my uniform back on (yes, it still fits!) and a privilege to recognize the distinguished career of one of optometry’s and our nation’s finest. On campus, our construction project is making good progress, although it doesn’t look like everything will be completed until late September, early October. In the absence of our forthcoming café, we have an alternative food service plan that we hope you enjoy. We also bid a fond farewell to our AUD bridge program participants who will be taking off this weekend for all points on the globe, to include Florida and Texas. In addition to all this, here are some other items I hope you find interesting:
PRESTIGIOUS AWARD: Obialo Osigwe, OD, ‘25PhD, MPH ‘18, FNOA, has received the Award of Fellow by the National Executive Council of the Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA). The designation is bestowed on optometrists of “impeccable character” who have been found to be of immense service to both the association and profession. To read more, click here.
FACULTY FOCUS: Over the past 20 years, Shital Mani, OD ‘03, FAAO, has made a name for herself at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University, rising from the ranks of the faculty to become director of off-campus residency programs. Click here to read more about Dr. Mani’s career journey.
A FAMILIAR ROLE: The National Academies of Practice (NAP) has elected Victor Bray, MSC, PhD, FNAP, associate professor at Salus University’s George S. Osborne College of Audiology (OCA), to the role of secretary/treasurer for the 2023-2025 term. He previously served in that role from 2017-2021. Congratulations, Dr. Bray!
FINAL THOUGHTS: As I was thinking about what to write this week, I decided to revisit my weekly updates from last year and the year prior during this same time period. It’s hard to forget that just a couple of years ago we were in the throes of the pandemic. Things are approaching what some would consider normal now, although COVID still is out there.
History has a strange, and sometimes cruel way, of repeating itself. It’s incumbent upon all of us to apply lessons learned during the pandemic so that when the next one comes along (and it will), we will be better prepared to act. As healthcare professionals and educators, people tend to trust our judgment and follow our lead. Because of this privilege, it is our duty to ensure that the systems we all work within are better prepared, better informed, inclusive and organized to meet the challenges of the future. Even if your expertise is not in public health, your background and training can help organizations make informed decisions through deliberate planning and strategic thinking. Think about how you will engage in these important discussions moving forward.
On a much lighter note, believe it or not, summer is about half over with our Fall semester starting in just a few short weeks. As we prepare for orientation and the excitement that always accompanies the beginning of a new academic year, this presents a great chance to disengage and recharge. Whether you’re a student, faculty, or staff, now is a great time to regroup and reconnect with family. Once orientation begins, everyone will be going full speed again in lectures, labs, clinics and travel.
As you prepare for the weekend, check out your favorite “fun” spots or discover a new one! As always, stay hydrated, wear sunscreen when outside and continue to look out for one another. Enjoy the time off! Together we are SALUS STRONG!
-Mike
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