Leveraging AI Thoughtfully: Week of May 3, 2024

 

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

Greetings from our Elkins Park campus where we have welcomed a new family of goslings on campus (short video attached). Our students have been busy completing final exams and practicals, as faculty prepare grades. Only a couple of weeks until Spring Commencement! Here are some other items I hope you will find of interest:

COMMUNITY COLLABORATION: The Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO) at Salus University has continued a long-standing collaboration with Head Start programs in the Philadelphia area for more than 35 years. Head Start is a primarily federally funded program that provides education, health and social services to families with children aged three, four and five. For PCO/Salus, this has meant contributing to a variety of services, including primary eye care exams at Head Start centers and schools in the Philadelphia area. Click here to read more.

MERITORIOUS HONORS FOR SLP: The University’s Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) students really raised the bar when it came to their capstone projects this year. Out of the seven meritorious posters chosen to be featured at the annual Pennsylvania Speech-Language-Hearing Association (PSHA) convention April 10-13 in Pittsburgh, two of those were from research conducted by Salus SLP students. For details, click here.

O&P KENYA TRIP: During a humanitarian trip to Kenya, Victoria “Tori” Page ‘25O&P had a young patient who hadn’t walked since her leg amputation the previous year. Tori spent a long time working on a prosthesis trying to make her patient as comfortable as possible. At the end of her appointment, Tori asked the patient how her new leg felt. “She looked at me with a big smile and said, ‘I’m walking!’” Read more here about the O&P humanitarian trip to Kenya.

A SPECIAL PA OLYMPICS: This year’s PA Olympics took on a little more significance for students in the Physician Assistant Studies (PA) program at Salus because it honored one of the University’s former faculty members, Adam Moore, MHS, PA-C, ATC. Adam was an assistant professor for the Salus PA program from 2016 to 2022 and at Thomas Jefferson University until his passing in September 2023. During his time at Salus, Moore had served as a faculty advisor for the PA Olympics. Click here for additional details on the event.

DREXEL DEI RECOGNITION: Drexel Alumni is the recipient of the 2024 Alumni Association Inclusive Excellence Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the largest and oldest diversity and inclusion publication in higher education. In its inaugural year, this award recognizes Drexel Alumni for its programs, culture, and initiatives that encourage and support diversity, inclusion, and a sense of belonging for all alumni, across racial and ethnic backgrounds, sexual and gender identities, religions, socio-economic statuses and more. Read more here.

FINAL THOUGHTS: I have spent the last two days in DC this week attending the Special Medical Advisory Group for the Department of Veteran’s Affairs where I am the designated representative for optometry. Every time I attend these meetings, I am extremely impressed with all that the VA is doing to improve health care for our Veteran population. Administering the nation’s largest integrated health system, the VA is leading the way in digital health integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and other digital solutions responsibly and effectively into VA care. It’s a daunting task when you consider there are over 9-million veterans enrolled in the system.

One process the VA has been using to select the right industry partner to help them integrate AI into their patient care processes is called “AI Sprint.” AI Sprints are three-month competitive engagements that foster collaboration among industry, academia and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The Sprints are staged with specific challenges introduced into the process every 3 weeks to determine how teams might mitigate them. I see great value in academia adopting similar processes to devise solutions to some of the novel challenges we face in our higher ed/healthcare ecosystem. As we attempt to leverage AI and related technologies, we need to embrace best practices ensuring cybersecurity, patient, and student safety as well as accuracy and reliability. Our partnership with Drexel will help operationalize some of these processes

It looks like the weekend is going to be a bit cooler than it has been, so try and get out and enjoy the beautiful Spring weather while it still lasts. As you get to the last weeks of the semester, keep your eye on the ball concerning your studies and continue to look out for one another to remain SALUS STRONG!

- Mike

When Will We Address Gun Violence With Urgency? Week of April 14, 2023

 

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

Greetings on a beautiful Spring morning from our Elkins Park campus. Our students and faculty have been busy preparing for the last stretch of the semester with finals and practicals on many people’s minds. In other news:

MAKING CHANGE HAPPEN: This week Salus University faculty, staff and students attended the Equity in Medical Education Summit at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, hosted by the DelVal DEI Consortium, of which Salus is a member. The event was sponsored by Independence Blue Cross Foundation. Juliana Mosley Williams, PhD, special assistant to the president for DEI, was a panel moderator and Monica Scirrotto, director of Admissions, and Melissa Trego, OD '04, Resident '09, PhD, dean of the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO) were panelists at conference breakout sessions.

CONGRATULATIONS DR. A!: Congratulations to Dr. Radhika Aravamudhan who successfully defended her EdD degree at the University of Pennsylvania earlier this week.

FITCH AWARD WINNER: Congratulations to Mark Boas, OD ‘86, our 2023 Albert Fitch Memorial Alumnus of the Year. From 1998 to 2020, Dr. Boas was a consultant at The Eye Institute (TEI) of Salus University, eventually joining the TEI clinical faculty from 2001 to 2015 and then advancing to assistant professor at the College from 2015 to 2020. He retired from the faculty and as a member of the University’s Board of Trustees in 2020. To read more about Dr. Boas and his accomplishments, click here.

INTERNATIONAL SLP EXCURSION: Join Robert Serianni, MS, CCC-SLP, FNAP, chair and program director of the department of Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) at Salus University, as he speaks with a group of second-year SLP students about their international excursion in the Turks and Caicos Islands to provide clinical care. Click here for more.

SPRING FLING: The first Salus University Spring Fling will be held from 12:30 to 4 p.m. Thursday, May 11, on the Elkins Park, Pennsylvania campus. The afternoon will include carnival games, a DJ with dancing, group games and prizes and plenty of food. Come out to enjoy with colleagues and friends this fun event!

FINAL THOUGHTS: Just three days ago, yet another mass shooting occurred in Louisville, Kentucky, where over the course of one minute, five people were killed, including a 26-year old rookie police officer on the job for 10 days, and eight others were injured. As of mid-April, the Gun Violence Archive has counted at least 145 mass shootings in the United States this year. This is yet another mass shooting involving an assault-style rifle.

When will we, as a civil society, address this public health emergency with urgency? We know what works to intervene; we have evidence-based models and tools to blunt this epidemic. As healthcare providers, we can partner with all stakeholders – policymakers, business, civic and community leaders, law enforcement, faith communities, and health and social service providers, to advocate for sensible laws; invest in evidence-based interventions and prevention strategies; strengthen community based networks; and expand mental health and social supports. There is a role for each of us to play in saving lives, and we can achieve so much more together than individually.

As you prepare for the weekend, please keep all affected by gun violence in your thoughts and intentions. Think about what you can do to partner with others as you take action to reduce gun violence.

Try to get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather. It’s that time of the year when you should be using sunscreen, hydrating frequently and checking for ticks if you’re out in the woods. Be safe, continue to look out for one another and come back next week SALUS STRONG!

-Mike

Updating Our Salus Community: Week of March 17, 2023

 

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

Good morning on this Saint Patrick’s Day Friday! I hope the luck of the Irish finds its way to all of you! It’s been yet another busy week at Salus with many of our PCO students preparing to take Part I of the National Examiners in Optometry Board exam and others completing practicums in their respective professions. We’ve also seen a hint of Spring as we have 4 adorable goslings wandering around our pond (see below). Here are additional items of interest:

OFF-CAMPUS RESIDENCY: Halfway through his master’s studies, Alex Kass, OD, ’23 Resident, found himself burned out from his science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) studies, and he felt bleak about his future career options. As a result, he decided to take his studies and career in another direction by pursuing a Doctor of Optometry degree. To read more about Dr. Kass and his career path, click here.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW: After getting a degree in Communications Sciences and Disorders, Brianna Casey, AuD ‘20, wasn’t sure if she wanted to pursue a career in speech-language pathology or audiology. Click here to find out how her decision led her to Salus University’s Osborne College of Audiology.

PRESIDENTIAL AWARDS NOMINATIONS: The University is now accepting nominations for the 2023 Presidential Awards. Among the highest honors bestowed by the University, the Presidential Awards honor faculty and alumni work that reach well beyond our campus. Nominations are accepted from alumni, faculty, friends and students. Deadline to submit nominations is April 3, 2023. Click here for the nomination form. 

DEI Speaks!: On Thursday, March 23 from noon to 1:30 p.m our Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) will welcome Dee Singley, PhD, who will give a virtual presentation and lead a Q&A session on "Reframing Disability; Understanding Access and Success Through the Lens of the Unseen." We look forward to learning with Dr. Singley.

FINAL THOUGHTS: At this time every year, I like to check in with our University community on our strategic plan priorities. Here’s a recap of progress highlights I shared earlier this week:

1. Creating a Salus “Community of Excellence” is Goal #1. Lowering the cost of education through a $2 million state appropriation for in-state students pursuing optometry helps us and Pennsylvania attract and retain qualified and diverse students and graduates. We could not have done this without our legislative partners to whom we owe tremendous thanks;
2. Providing a superior educational experience includes inclusive excellence. We’re proud of achieving the highest rates of completion of our first-ever externally administered climate survey measuring the state of diversity, equity and inclusion efforts on campus. We’re also midway through a campus-wide compensation study to ensure we retain the best faculty and staff. And we’ve started our first-floor renovation creating new café and student lounge spaces;
3. Strengthening and growing clinical and educational programs is key to preparing exceptional graduates who will become leaders in their fields. Visits, collections and enthusiasm are “up” in our Chestnut Hill private practice model. New program development continues with a closer look at Health Informatics;
4. Exploring strategic alliances helps us achieve our mission to advance integrated healthcare through innovative education, research and clinical services. Over the past year, we’ve nurtured multiple, one-to-one relationships and network alliances through our SEPCHE consortium. There is no shortage of interest among institutions seeking to pursue a range of affiliations with Salus -- including program development, clinical affiliations and mergers, given our range of programs and strong financial standing.

I mentioned on Monday the types of partnerships we seek to nurture — those that reflect a shared vision to provide an educational program of the highest quality, that maximize opportunities for our graduates to achieve success in their practice and as leaders of the profession; that strengthen and expand enrollment and grow clinical training opportunities; and that expand research collaboration and grant funding.

You have my commitment that we will continue to be open and transparent about any partnerships we decide to pursue, and we will continue to seek input from the entire Salus community as we do.

I hope everyone has had a chance to adapt to the one-hour time change. Please continue to look out for one another and remain SALUS STRONG as you enjoy your weekend.

-Mike

The Importance of Human Connection: Week of February 17, 2023

 

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

I write this week’s update with a very heavy heart as we keep in our thoughts and prayers Michigan State University students who were killed and injured earlier this week and the entire MSU community in the wake of the terrible tragedy. These heinous acts of violence have become all too commonplace throughout our country. Confronting this public health epidemic must be front and center in discussions with our local politicians and policy makers.

We also keep in our prayers and intentions all who have been impacted by the devastating earthquake along the Turkish Syrian border. Please refer to my February 11th LinkedIn post for more information and donation links.

SALUS SOULMATES: Mike Guerriere, MMS ‘18, and Alexandra (Adolph-Gothier) Guerriere, MMS ’18, were in the same Physician Assistant (PA) Studies class when they met. They started out as friends, but then he shoveled her car out of the snow and that led to romance. Click here to read more about Salus University’s featured Valentine’s Day couple.

LGBTQ+ SAFE SPACE TRAINING: Back by popular demand, Stan Kimer will provide a two-hour training session via Zoom on Friday, Feb 24. from noon to 2 p.m. The main subjects covered will include basic terms and definitions, LGBTQ+ history, being an ally, understanding key LGBTQ+ issues and struggles, and understanding and supporting the “coming out” process.

INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION: Andrea Tyszka, OTD ‘18, OTR/L, SIPT, and Anna Grasso, OTD, MS, OTR/L, CAPS, ECHM, presented a poster at the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) international conference in Paris highlighting an innovative model of fieldwork that the Salus Occupational Therapy (OT) department utilized during the pandemic. To read more, click here. 

COMMUNICATIONS ON A ROLL: Congratulations to our Office of Communications for achieving two awards from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) and two CUPPIE awards from the College and University Public Relations and Associated Professionals (CUPRAP), in the categories of marketing/advertising outdoors and long-form story. So great to see their work recognized! 

DREAMSCAPES EXHIBIT: The newest art exhibit, titled “Dreamscapes,” featuring the work of Kathy Robinson and Jenn Hallgren, is now available to see through March 24, 2023, at the D’Arrigo Family Gallery located inside the Hafter Student Community Center on Salus University’s Elkins Park campus. Click here for a preview.

FINAL THOUGHTS: This week I am attending the annual meeting of the Society of Federal Health Care Professionals, AMSUS, in which our U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy has highlighted the epidemic of loneliness, despair and pessimism about the future of our country, and the importance of human connection. Especially among children, social media exposure has fostered feelings of loneliness, isolation and sadness. When people experience togetherness, this raises optimism and creativity. When they experience belonging, their lives are stronger, richer, and more joyful.

Dr. Murthy identifies four strategies that mitigate and directly address the root causes of the crisis. These include:

1. Spend quality time each day with the person(s) you love. This could be as little as 15 minutes with those for whom you care most. 
2.  When talking with someone, give them your full, undivided attention with eye contact and active listening.
3. Embrace solitude through meditation, art, music, prayer, and time spent outdoors.
4. Help and accept help from others. Service is a human connection that helps to remind all of us of our value and purpose in life. Simple acts such as checking on neighbors, seeking advice or smiling at a stranger make us all stronger.

As healthcare providers, we are a vital part of this solution. Giving our patients and students our full attention with kindness, care and respect; limiting the use of social media, especially among our children; spending quality time with family and friends; taking time for self-care; helping and accepting help from others; are all important steps we can take to foster connection and belonging as an antidote to isolation, depression and sadness. While political vitriol, gun violence, social unrest and general pessimism dominate the headlines, the fullest majority of society is comprised of good people doing good things.

Sometimes we need to be reminded of this -- and all that we can do individually and collectively, in and beyond the clinic and classroom, to build a stronger, richer and more creative society.

As we approach this weekend, please take time to reflect upon the strategies that Dr. Murthy shared with all of us so we can all become better connected and in the long-run, better providers for those we care for. Be safe, continue to look out for one another and remains SALUS STRONG!

- Mike

Fly Eagles Fly! Week of February 10, 2022

 

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

Good morning from our Elkins Park campus where things remain busy and productive. We’re starting to move some offices and people around to make room for the renovation project on the first floor of the South building, which is exciting! In addition to this, here are some other items that I hope you will find interesting:

HUMANITARIAN TRIP: A group of Doctor of Optometry students from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO) at Salus University had the chance to go on a humanitarian trip to Nicaragua from Jan. 6-13, to help underserved communities in that country. Click here to read about their experiences.

SLP POST-BACC PODCAST: In our latest podcast, Robert Serianni, MS, CCC-SLP, FNAP, chair and program director of the department of Speech-Language Pathology at Salus University, speaks with adjunct faculty member Lauren Bevan, MS '17, CCC-SLP, about the Post-baccalaureate Speech-Language Pathology Track. For details, click here.

CAMPUS CLIMATE SURVEY: We are just past the halfway point of our Campus Climate Survey and according to Viewfinder, which is administering the survey for us, the typical completion rate for health professionals at the end of the first four weeks of the survey is 15 percent for students and 50 percent for employees. We have surpassed those numbers with 215 students (18 percent) and 189 employees (53 percent) participating. If you haven’t seen the survey in your email in-box, search for the word “Viewfinder” in your junk/trash folders. There’s still time to participate. Thanks to all of you who have completed the survey to this point.

CASE AWARDS: Congratulations to our Communications Department on receiving two Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) Awards: 

• Podcasts (Frequent) - Aphasia Client Shares Her Story of Recovery at SLI
• Writing: News/Feature (1,000+ words) - Grad a Strong Voice of Endurance and Strength

FINAL THOUGHTS: Last week Dr. Vitek and I had the opportunity to attend the annual awards banquet of The Four Chaplains organization. The organization honors four military chaplains who exhibited great courage, compassion and strength when their World War II transport ship, the U.S.A.T. Dorchester, was sunk by a German U-Boat off the coast of Greenland on February 3, 1943. Those chaplains were: LT. George L. Fox, Methodist; LT Alexander D. Goode, Jewish, LT John P. Washington, Roman Catholic; and LT Clark V. Poling, Dutch Reformed. With many men wounded and hurt, the chaplains made their way topside to where the lifejackets were housed and began to distribute them. When the supply of life jackets ran out, they gave their own life jackets to the next man in line. Through the course of the disastrous evening, these four Chaplains provided prayers, encouragement and comfort to survivors.

There are parallels between what these four Chaplains did on the deck of the Dorchester and what you do every day as healthcare professionals. Whether in our clinics, local community schools or via telemedicine, you provide hope and the promise of a better life through improved health, vision, hearing, speech and language, life skills or prosthetics to help others get around. Sometimes in the middle of a busy day, you might forget how the things you do or say affect those in your care. Just as the four Chaplains did on the deck of the Dorchester 80 years ago, you make a difference in everyone’s life daily through your work and commitment to help others.

As you prepare for the weekend, please try to reflect on the sacrifice, heroism and dedication of the Four Chaplains. Here’s a link if you’d like to learn more about their amazing grace under fire.

Also, remember this is Superbowl weekend with our Philadelphia Eagles poised to take on the Kansas City Chiefs. Please remember there will be many people out on the streets, especially in Center City, following the game on Sunday, win or lose. Please plan accordingly if you’re going to be out and about. We want everyone back on campus safe, sound and SALUS STRONG!

FLY EAGLES FLY!!!!

-Mike

The Importance of Being Proactive: Week of February 3, 2022

 

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

Good morning on a brisk Friday from our Elkins Park campus where all of our students, faculty and staff have been busy with classes, labs and clinics. Special thanks to our volunteer Board of Trustee members for their insights and participation at our Board meeting earlier this week. We deeply value their expertise and guidance. In addition, here are some other items of interest:

NEW SAFE ZONE LOGO: We are excited to introduce our new LGBTQ+ Safe Zone logo (see attached). Salus employees who complete one of the upcoming, two-hour "Safe Zone" trainings may wish to display the emblem in their office space to signify completion. Trainings are available virtually Feb. 24 and April 18. Registration information will be emailed in the coming weeks.

PA AND OT PANEL DISCUSSION: The Physician Assistant (PA) Studies program faculty, along with PA and Occupational Therapy (OT) students, will present a panel discussion titled "Learning the Challenges of Healthcare Access through a Medical Service Lens: Salus PA & OT Student Experiences in Guatemala,” at noon today, Feb. 3, in Room S-300. Go to cerbgistration@salus.edu to register.

COMMUNICATION TIPS: Please join CPPD's doctoral student trainees Andrew Jaskot and Janeyshka Ortiz-Flores for a communication “tips and tricks” tabling event from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9, outside the café. Students are encouraged to stop by to chat with the counselors, receive more information about communication styles in relationships, grab some treats, and receive more information about the 

CPPD. BLACK HISTORY MONTH: Wednesday marked the beginning of Black History Month commemorating and celebrating the history, accomplishments, leadership, and lives of Black Americans. Dr. Mosley-Williams sent out this week a powerful reflection that I encourage you all to read.

FINAL THOUGHTS: This week a friend reminded me of a quote attributed to President John F. Kennedy: “The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining.”

Good leaders, and those of us in healthcare, always need to be proactive. The way we do this at Salus is through scenario planning, a modeling exercise that systematically explores alternative futures in healthcare and higher education, in order to formulate strategies to address potential developments.

For example, while we could never have predicted a global pandemic, our scenario planning enabled us to respond effectively. One of our scenarios identified the need to expand hybrid education. As part of our strategic plan, we invested heavily in the necessary infrastructure to facilitate this. This investment allowed us to pivot to on-line teaching and learning over the course of a weekend when the pandemic hit.

As we emerged from the pandemic, we embarked on another round of scenario planning. While this evolution validated many of the findings from our last round, it also pointed to the importance of developing sustainable partnerships and affiliations with other institutions. Given the current landscape in higher education, we are proactively nurturing collaborative relationships with many schools, and in particular our consortium partners, to develop well-defined pathways from community colleges to our programs.

As healthcare providers, we develop differential diagnosis lists to provide the best possible care for patients as conditions and symptoms evolve. This is a form of scenario planning – exploring a range of potential treatment courses so that we are better prepared for the unexpected. As students, you also need to be thinking proactively about managing your time to effectively study for national board exams. When I was a student, we “budgeted” several hours a week just to stay on top of things – something I highly recommend. 

As we get ready for the weekend, please think about the importance of being proactive in all that you do. By planning ahead, you’ll be able to prioritize what’s important to you personally and professionally, because you will spend less time reacting.

Have a great weekend – Stay warm as it’s supposed to be extremely cold. Be safe, remain COVID vigilant, continue to watch out for one another and remain SALUS STRONG!

- Mike

Building Trust-Based Relationships: Week of January 20, 2023

 

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

Good morning from our Elkins Park Campus where it’s great to see students collaborating in our Learning Resource Center and walking around the campus! It’s been especially gratifying to see our Cristo Rey High School interns supporting several key areas while gaining experience and exposure to our health professions. Here are other items that I hope will be of interest to you:

FABULOUS FRAMING: When asked where she gets her sense of style, Nwamaka Ngoddy, OD ‘12, answers “from the school of life.” That awareness has helped Dr. Ngoddy expand her professional horizons. After years of practicing in retail optometry, she opened Anwuli Eyewear in 2019, where she designs frames specifically with African-American facial features in mind. Read more about Dr. Ngoddy here.

SENSE OF BELONGING: Strengthening a sense of belonging – the feeling that each of us is valued, connected and important, is something to which we all can actively contribute, and the research shows that belonging boosts engagement and retention. That was the message from Terrell Strayhorn, PhD, to faculty and staff at Salus University’s Development Day. Read more about Dr. Strayhorn’s presentation here.

PCO CAREER FAIR: The Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO) Career Fair will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 22, in the Hafter Student Community Center. PCO/Salus students can learn more about full or part-time clinical externship opportunities in local practices. Contact careerservices@salus.edu with questions.

SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER EVENT: Join CPPD's doctoral student trainees Andrew Jaskot and Janeyshka Ortiz-Flores for a Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) tabling event from 11 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. outside the café on Monday, Jan. 23. Students are encouraged to stop by to chat with the counselors, receive more information about counseling services, pick-up snacks, and enter a raffle to win a seasonal affective disorder light therapy lamp.

FINAL THOUGHTS: I have been reading a book about the Stoics and am struck by a quote from Marcus Aurelius, which is quite timely: “It’s the truth I’m after, and the truth never harmed anyone. What harms us is to persist in self-deceit and ignorance.”

With so many “alternative facts” floating around in the press and society, it can be hard to what and whom to trust. Healthcare should top the list of societal institutions in which we can place our trust and confidence. As healthcare professionals, we can help build this one patient at a time.

According to author Stephen Covey, trust is built upon credibility, consistent behavior, alignment, reputation and contribution. (The Speed of Trust: The One Thing That Changes Everything, 2008) We can actively build trusting relationships with our patients and clients by presenting evidence-based information, actively listening and responding consistently with kindness, care and respect; being reliability present and aligned in our words and actions; and actively seeking opportunities to contribute to the greater good within and beyond our professions.

While the current political and social divides in our country may create uncertainty, we can counter this by creating caring, trustful, reliable relationships that will serve our patients and clients well. The choices we make and the actions we take, individually and collectively, build personal, professional, institutional and societal integrity.

As you prepare for the weekend, I encourage you to reflect on the many ways you can develop the skills and behaviors that will foster trust-based relationships with each patient and client in your care.

Have a great weekend – be safe, continue to look out for one another and remain SALUS STRONG!

-Mike

Wishing Everyone Happy Holidays: Week of April 14th, 2022

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

Good morning on a beautiful Thursday! This week’s update is both a day early and abridged due to the upcoming holiday weekend.

Here are some items of interest:

COVID MONITORING: We have been closely monitoring the increase in cases nationally secondary to the the BA.2 variant of Omicron. Even though our positivity rates remain extremely low at the University, later today, out of an abundance of caution, Dr. Eckert will be sending out a message concerning a temporary modification to our masking policy beginning Tuesday, April 19. Please be on the lookout for that. 

INAUGURAL DEI EDUCATES! EVENT: In an effort to provide faculty and staff with a better understanding and to offer advice on how to be an effective ally to the LGBTQ+ community, our Diversion, Equity and Inclusion committee along with the Human Resources Department, recently hosted the inaugural DEI Educates! virtual event featuring Stan Kimer, president of Total Engagement Consulting, which specializes in diversity management and organizational effectiveness. Read more about the training session here. 

COMMENCEMENT KEYNOTE: Michelle J. Howard, Admiral, U.S. Navy, Retired, will be the keynote speaker for Salus University’s 124th commencement at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 26, at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia. I’ve known Michelle for years as we were both in the same Flag Officer indoctrination class. Read more about Admiral Howard here.

SLP CAPSTONES: Salus University’s Speech-Language Pathology program Class of 2022 students were able to demonstrate how well they worked together in small groups and communicated with each other during the annual Capstone presentations. Click here for details.

DEEP DIVE INTO POST-BACC: In this podcast, we talk with Candida Mulligan, an admissions officer in Salus University's Office of Admissions. She talks to us about the Post-baccalaureate program and how it is unique to Salus. Click here for more information.

FINAL THOUGHTS: As we continue Ramadan and approach Passover and Easter, I find myself reflecting on our important mission at Salus: We advance integrated healthcare through innovative education, research and clinical services.

Together, we do so much good for our students and the communities we serve. With everything happening in the world -- in Ukraine and in our own neighborhoods, Iet’s revisit the core values that have led most of us to the healing professions: gratitude, compassion, justice, honesty, humility, integrity, dignity and respect for human life, to name a few. No matter what holidays we celebrate, whether it be the continuation of Ramadan, Passover or Easter these practices are worthy of regular reflection and recommitment. Not only do they strengthen our service as educators and clinicians, they add meaning and purpose to our relationships. They enrich our shared humanity.

I hope you find some time for rest and relaxation over the holiday weekend.. Continue to be safe, continue to take all the appropriate precautions to prevent the spread of the virus and look out for one another. Together we are SALUS STRONG.

Mike

Remembering Those We've Lost: Week of March 25th, 2022

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

Good morning on a chilly Spring morning for Elkins Park. It’s been another busy week at Salus as our students prepare for boards and exams in addition to their busy didactic and clinical schedules. We continue collect clothing, medical supplies and non-perishable foods in the lobby outside our cafeteria in support of families displaced by the war in Ukraine. We also keep all Ukrainians in our thoughts as they courageously defend the sovereignty and freedom of their country.

Other items of interest include:

UKRAINE ADOPTION ODYSSEY: It’s been a long, challenging and sometimes dangerous journey for Maryana Kravchenko, OD ‘12, and her husband Dmitriy, to adopt a Ukrainian teenager. And, it’s not over yet. Read more here about Dr. Kravchenko’s firsthand experience with the war currently raging in Ukraine.

TEI EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR: Congratulations to our Patient Care Services Team Employee of the Year 2021, Teryl Simmons! This award recognizes exemplary performance by the Patient Care Services Team (Patient Service Representatives and Medical Records Clerks) who have been identified by their supervisors, peers and providers as having consistently excelled in their positions and demonstrated integrity and a strong commitment to The Eye Institute’s mission.

DEI SPEAKS! EVENT: Nydia Han, an investigative reporter and a Sunday morning co-anchor with 6ABC Action News in Philadelphia, was the featured speaker at our recent DEI Speaks! event. She shared excerpts from her work #ThisIsAmerica (issues of race, discrimination, and bias) documentary. Read more about the presentation here. 

WHERE ARE THEY NOW: Our next Where Are They Now features Allison Bicskei, MSOT ‘16, OTR/L, LSVT. Allison’s father is an occupational therapist, so she’s had a front-row seat for seeing how great of an impact OTs can have on someone’s life. Read more about Allison here. 

REMEMBERING DR. RAGONE: Lawrence A. Ragone, OD ‘53, FAAO, who joined the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO) faculty in 1965 and at the time of his retirement in 1993 held the rank of associate professor, passed away March 7, 2022, at the age of 94. Read more here.

FINAL THOUGHTS: This week began with the tragic loss of two, brave Pennsylvania State Policemen and the person they were aiding, and ended with the passing of former Secretary of State Madeline Albright. Secretary Albright was a beacon of democracy and honesty during her tenure as Secretary of State. As the first female to serve in that position, she set the bar extremely high for anyone, man or woman, who would follow. This week we have also seen the utter destruction of the city of Mariupol in Ukraine contrasted by the resilience and bravery of the Ukrainian people still living there. Our hearts and thoughts go out to all who have been affected by these tragedies.

There are people here at home who are trying to raise awareness and assist those currently in harm’s way. Our colleagues at Manor College have been leading the charge in collecting food, clothing and medical supplies for Ukrainian refugees. What most people don’t know is that Manor has a well-established museum of Ukrainian Heritage which I had the opportunity to visit yesterday with Manor College President Jon Peri. Visiting helped me fully appreciate the culture, creativity and spirit of the Ukrainian people and their determined resistance to Russian dominance.

Our world is experiencing traumatic, era-defining changes. Not since the beginning of World War II have we seen this level of atrocity in Europe, nor have we seen environmental challenges wrought by climate change in our lifetimes. While it’s easy to get pretty depressed over all of this, I do believe it’s also important to highlight the things we have that are good. We are so very lucky to live in a country where we are free to express our opinions, go about freely and get the type of education you all are engaged in now. I am optimistic, even with the current state of affairs, that good will prevail in Ukraine, and we will find strength in solidarity. Take pride in the professions you’ve chosen to help others and make their lives better because, in the end, what matters most is what each of us individually can do to make another’s life better. We cannot control world events, but we certainly can control our own actions to care for others.

As we approach the weekend, please keep the families of our Pennsylvania State police tragically killed as well as Madeline Albright’s family and all those suffering in Ukraine in our thoughts and prayers.

Take care of one another, wear your face mask when around large crowds, wash your hands frequently and remain SALUS STRONG!

Mike

Keeping Ukrainians in Our Thoughts and Prayers: Week of March 4th, 2022

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

Good morning on this brisk Friday. It’s been an eventful week, both on and off campus. Let me begin our weekly update with campus happenings: 

ACCELERATED OD PROGRAM EXTERNSHIPS: Our next series features Rachel Brackley, OD ‘09, Resident ‘10, PCO assistant professor, and Bhawan Minhas, OD, FAAO, Resident ‘14, sharing more about externship options and the selection process for our OD Accelerated Scholars program. Students Michael Furey ‘22OD and Anna Hess ‘22OD provide student perspectives in selecting externships. Click here for more. 

LATINO HEALTH DISPARITIES: David X. Marquez, PhD, an expert in health disparities within the Latino community, spoke to our Salus community during a recent DEI Speaks! event about the genesis of his research: his personal connection to Alzheimer’s disease. Read more here and view on our YouTube channel here.

NO MOUNTAIN HIGH ENOUGH: Our next Where Are They Now? features Michael Baertschi, PhD ‘15, a Swiss optometrist who graduated from our Biomedicine program. His thesis, “Factors influencing retinal venous pressure,” led him on an amazing scientific and adventurous journey that culminated on the summit of Mount Everest. Read more about Dr. Baertschi’s experience here.

NEW SLI EDUCATORS: The Speech-Language Institute (SLI) at Salus University welcomes Emily Jett, MA, CCC-SLP, Caitlin Raymond, MS, CCC-SLP and Kelly Snyder, MA, CCC-SLP, as clinical educators. They will oversee Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) students as they work with clients at SLI. Read more about them here.

AID FOR UKRAINE: We are collecting non-perishable food, first aid supplies, OTC medicines, and various hygiene products to help the people of Ukraine. A box has been placed in the main lobby on the Elkins Park campus for an indefinite amount of time. The donated goods will be given to a collection site in Philadelphia, which will send the donations to Ukraine. For additional information, contact PA 2022 Class Council (ccpa2022@salus.edu) or PA student Alexandra Domaradsky (axd0008@salus.edu). Additionally, Manor College has established a website that provides information on additional ways we can support the Ukrainian community.

DEI SPEAKS!: Nydia Han, an investigative reporter and a Sunday morning co-anchor with 6ABC, helped us continue our DEI Speaks! series this week with another virtual event based on her work on #ThisIsAmerica (issues of race, discrimination, and bias). The documentary is a digital series about race and who we are as Americans. This was created after Han’s Facebook video response to a driver who yelled, “This is America,” went viral. I urge everyone to watch the event recording, listen and learn. Han’s perspective and the lived experiences highlighted in her work offer insight about the scars of racism, and the needed change to work toward an anti-racist society.

FINAL THOUGHTS: I can’t help thinking about the barbaric and calculated destruction of Ukrainian cities that has resulted in thousands of innocent deaths. In just the past week, over a million citizens have fled the country seeking refuge to a destiny still very much unknown. Violence of this magnitude, with an authoritarian despot willfully invading a democratic republic, has not been seen since World War II. Our entire Salus community is very much engaged in what’s happening in Ukraine.

With all of this happening, please know there are resources available if you want to talk through some of the things that may be on your mind. Students can access CPPD counselors here and faculty and staff can access counseling services through their health plans.

If there is a silver lining, democracies around the world have united against this cruel onslaught, and Americans have come together in support of Ukraine. At Salus, we too, are doing our part to support families in need. Special thanks to several of our Class Councils for organizing our relief efforts. We applaud and support your leadership and initiative.

As you prepare for the weekend, I ask that you keep the Ukrainian people, both here and in Ukraine, in our thoughts and prayers as they persevere through these awful events. Even as masking rules have been relaxed both on campus and in our region, please keep in mind our fellow citizens who may be immunocompromised. Continue to mask up in places such as grocery stores and areas where there are high concentrations of people – for their protection and yours.

Stay warm, stay smart, continue to look out for one another and remain SALUS STRONG!

Mike

Get Your Booster Now: Week of January 28th, 2022

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

Good morning on yet another frigid morning in our region! This is our second full week back on campus for many, and things have been going very well. Our COVID positivity rate has been 0.8%, with some face-to-face classes and labs and clinics going full speed. This past weekend our Board of Trustees, along with representatives from faculty, students, staff and administration spent several hours in our second round of Scenario Planning to update our current strategic plan. I look forward to sharing with you during our February town hall some of the exciting ideas we discussed.

Other happenings that may be of interest to you:

UD DAY: Our faculty explored teaching and learning trends in higher education and shared anecdotes and best practices in meeting the current educational needs of our students at our recent University Faculty Development Day. To read more, click here.

DEI STRONG: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) remains very active and Salus Strong with the addition of Dr. Juliana Mosley-Williams, special assistant to the president. Read a Q&A with Dr. J. here. Our updated DEI website contains a great deal of interesting and informative information about Salus that you will want to check out here.

DEI SPEAKS!: Dr. J will be hosting a “DEI Speaks!” event on February 18th at 12 PM featuring Dr. David Marquez, who will be discussing, “Importance of Culture in the Health of Latino/a/xs. You can read more about the DEI Speaks! Series here.

CLIMBING TO NEW HEIGHTS: Our latest Students At Leisure (SAL) story features Shayna Sawyer ‘24 AUD, who has taken up rock climbing for both her physical and mental health. Read more about Shayna here.

CAPSTONE FINDINGS: Physician Assistant Studies alum Eric Nguyen, MMS ‘21, used his capstone project to weigh the risks of electronic vs. traditional cigarettes. Read more here. 

FINAL THOUGHTS: A debt of thanks to our Deans and Directors and our COVID Advisory Group for helping to ensure our safe return to campus. Developed with their advisement, our pandemic safety strategy along with proven mitigation measures — boosters, upgraded facemasks, social distancing and handwashing, are working effectively to keep us safe. As conditions change, we will continue to tap the CDC, our resident experts and local health department guidance to help us meet whatever comes next. We are excited to host a booster event on our Elkins Park campus later today! I hope all in need of the jab have made appointments. Only 40% of the fully vaccinated U.S. population has gotten a booster to date [1], even though data strongly validates the importance of getting one to be protected from severe disease. [2]

This weekend the weather guessers are talking about some snow in our area with the potential for significant accumulations along the coast and possibly around here. Please monitor the weather if you plan to head out to ensure you’re not caught by surprise.

Be safe and look out for one another. Together we remain SALUS STRONG!

Mike

References:

[1] Anderson, M. (2022). COVID-19 vaccine booster drive is faltering in the U.S. Associated Press News: 2.26.22, https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-492fb86ff65c0f9a2d87b129e5da90a4

[2] Thompson MG, Natarajan K, Irving SA, et al. Effectiveness of a Third Dose of mRNA Vaccines Against COVID-19–Associated Emergency Department and Urgent Care Encounters and Hospitalizations Among Adults During Periods of Delta and Omicron Variant Predominance — VISION Network, 10 States, August 2021–January 2022. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2022;71:139–145. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7104e3external icon.

https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/mm7104e3.htm?s_cid=mm7104e3_x

The Importance of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Healthcare: Week of October 22nd, 2021

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

Good morning on a beautiful Fall morning from our Elkins Park campus! It’s hard to believe that October is almost gone with Halloween just a week away. As you will see below, our students, faculty and staff have had an extremely busy week between routine classes, both in-person and virtually, labs and clinics as well as some very special events:

MSCHE SITE VISIT: After countless hours were spent preparing our accreditation self-study report, we will host our site visit team virtually next week. Thanks to all who participated in preparing our self-study and to our steering committee and standard representatives who will be participating in question and answer sessions. You should all be very proud of your efforts in demonstrating how Salus meets its accreditation requirements. A special thank you to co-chair Brooke Kruemmling for leading our efforts.

NEW DEI SERIES KICKOFF: I hope you got a chance to attend or watch live-streamed on Instagram our new event series for the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, DEI Speaks! This series seeks to explore and share with the University community, diverse topics, speakers and events that will illuminate differences in cultural perspectives, sharpen understanding of interconnectedness, and provide educational enrichment of the highest quality. The inaugural event, co-sponsored by our very own Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO), was held this week and featured Paula Harmon Boone, OD, Director of the National Optometric Association (NOA) “Visioning the Future” HBCU Mentorship Program and NOA Trustee for Region I, who talked about “Diverse Representation Matters in Healthcare.” 

COMMENCEMENT FOLLOW-UP: If you haven’t already had a chance, check our website for stories about last week’s commencement ceremony at the Kimmel Center, our Graduate Awards Luncheon and the Physician Assistant (PA) Studies program’s Long White Coat ceremony and a feature on one of our legacy families.

SOCIAL MEDIA STAR: Shanae Johnson, an Admissions officer at Salus before leaving at the end of September, has always liked to cook. So TikTok videos were a way for Shanae to share some of what she learned about making her favorite dishes and recipes. And now, she’s a social media star. Read more about Shanae’s journey here.

STAFF SPOTLIGHT: This week’s Staff Spotlight is on Caren Cremen, a digital communications specialist in our Communications department. Caren loves seeing student-generated content on our social media sites and part of her role is reaching out to students to share that content. Read more about Caren here.

SUPPORT THE SAA: Come support the Student Academy of Audiology (SAA) at its “Dine and Donate” fundraiser from noon to 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 21, at White Horse Coffee and Creamery, 700 W. Ave, Jenkintown, Pennsylvania. 

AUDIOLOGY GRAND ROUNDS: Don’t forget about today’s Audiology Grand Rounds today at 12:15 p.m. Presenters Zachary LaBarth and Carleigh Leman will talk about the “Sudden Onset of Tinnitus, Hyperacusis and Hearing Loss." Click here to join the meeting.

RESIDENT CLASS OF 2022: This week’s new resident feature is on Elizabeth Marunde, OD, ‘22Resident, who decided at an early age to become an optometrist. Read more about Dr. Marunde here.

MEDAL WINNER FEATURE: The final winner spotlight in our 2021 Presidential Medal of Honor series is John J. Fitzgerald III, DO, FACOG, associate director of the Physician Assistant (PA) Studies program. Read more about Dr. Fitzgerald's honor in receiving the award and how much the recognition means to him here.

FINAL THOUGHTS: I’d like to close this week’s update with both a thank you and a reminder. I’d like to take this opportunity to once again thank Dr. Paula Boone for spending the day with PCO students and faculty to share her story of success as a Black optometrist leading the charge to provide excellent eye care where ever she was. For those of you who didn’t have the opportunity to meet Paula, you really missed an opportunity to remind us how inequities in healthcare impact thousands of people annually. Her message spoke to the core of what we are trying to accomplish at Salus – expand opportunities for all people, but especially Black, Hispanic and other people of color to become healthcare professionals so they can help to alleviate some of the systemic challenges currently resident in American healthcare delivery.

Our current Summer Enrichment Program has been a great first step in providing opportunities for students to excel in our optometry program. I’d like to see this expanded, university-wide as we gain more insights into how effective this program has been. Thanks to a grant we received from National Vision, Inc. last year, we have been able to energize our current program. Working together, we need to garner additional support so we can effectively build upon the success this program currently enjoys. At Salus, we’ve always led the way with our innovative and progressive clinical programs and now I believe it’s our time to take the lead in providing additional opportunities FOR students of color, whose path to becoming a healthcare provider is challenging, at best. Let’s put our collective efforts together to help realize this goal.

As you prepare for the weekend, please continue to be vigilant with wearing your face mask, social distancing and washing your hands. Boosters have now been approved for all of the vaccines so, if you are eligible (and most of us are as healthcare providers, including our students), I would strongly encourage each of you to consider getting one.

Be safe, please continue to look out for one another and remain SALUS STRONG!

Mike

Welcome New Students: Week of August 27th, 2021

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

Good morning from a warm and rather steamy Elkins Park campus that has been buzzing with activity since our new and returning students have arrived on campus. It has been wonderful to see our parking lot filled (although not everyone shares my joy in this) and smiling eyes filling every other seat in many or our classrooms. Here are some things that I thought might be of interest to you as you read through this update: 

ORIENTATION WEEK HIGHLIGHTS: Last year for the first time, Orientation Week was a hybrid experience for students — mostly virtual with some on-campus elements of small groupings based on programs, practicing social distancing and mask-wearing rules established to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. But this year, everybody was back in-person, masked and mostly vaccinated. And what a great Orientation Week it was! Click here to read more about it.

WHITE COAT EMOTIONS AND EXCITEMENT: The annual White Coat ceremony, which capped off Orientation Week at the University, had a bit of a twist this year. Because there was no face-to-face ceremony last year due to COVID-19 protocols, this year’s event featured five separate White Coat ceremonies over a two-day period Aug. 19-20. It reminded me of running a marathon and having fun in the process. Read more about this special event for students and their families here.

COVID UPDATE: I am very happy to report that as a campus community we are more than 96% vaccinated. In addition to those who are required to test weekly (approved exemptions and others), we will be commencing a routine testing program in the upcoming weeks. This will allow us to “check the health” of our Salus community over time, allowing us to make adjustments, as needed. To that end, I want to thank everyone for strictly adhering to our masking policy and getting vaccinated and ask that when you sit in the cafeteria, you socially distance yourselves so that there are no more than four people at any table. All these efforts will keep us all healthily and safe in the long run!

INTERNATIONAL FOCUS: Antonio Martinez Barrera considers the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO) at Salus University the perfect place to continue his dream of becoming a licensed optometrist in the United States. Antonio was among the international students we’ve had on campus recently as he pursues a Master of Science (MSc) in Clinical Optometry degree through the University’s Department of International and Continuing Education (DICE). Read more about his journey here.

STAFF SPOTLIGHT: This week’s Staff Spotlight is on Carlos Rodriguez, Director of the Department of Safety and Security at the University. You’ll notice that Carlos always leaves the door to the Security office open so that students, staff and faculty can feel free to interact with any member of the security team. To read more about Carlos, click here.

THE IMPORTANCE OF DEI: Check out the latest podcast with Dr. Juliana Mosley-Williams, the special assistant to the president for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), as she talks about how important it is for the University to have a DEI Committee on campus. Click here for details.

NEW RESIDENT SPOTLIGHT: This week’s Class of 2022 new Resident Spotlight features Dr. Liana Ferreira, OD ‘21, ‘22Resident. Read about how her mother, a nurse practitioner, helped fuel Dr. Ferreira’s decision to pursue a career in healthcare. For the full story, click here.

ARTWORK RETURNS TO GALLERY: After months of having been bare, the wall of the D’Arrigo Family Art Gallery outside of the Bennett Lounge within the Hafter Student Community Center is once again alive with spectacular artwork. An exhibit titled “Textures” was installed Aug. 3, 2021, and will be displayed through September. It features the work of Elynne Rosenfeld, the gallery’s curator, and local artist Rhea Dennis. Check it out next time you’re in the Hafter Center. Read more about it here.

FINAL THOUGHTS: I again would like to welcome all our new students to campus. We are thrilled that you’ve entrusted your professional education to us. You won’t be disappointed! A great deal of thought and planning has gone into preparing for your arrival this semester with much of the credit belonging to our fantastic faculty and staff here at Salus. I want to publicly acknowledge their efforts throughout the pandemic, as they have worked to ensure all our students receive the best professional education possible. While Superman was faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive and able to leap tall buildings at a single bound, he is no match for our faculty who were able to pivot from face-to-face teaching and learning to a totally virtual environment over the course of a single weekend last March. They are incredible and I believe you will see that, firsthand, as you begin or continue with your academic and clinical endeavors this semester.

I’d also like to thank Dr. Jim Caldwell and his very talented and energetic team for their herculean efforts in flawlessly organizing both our Orientation program and the five White Coat ceremonies that culminated orientation week. In addition to this, Dr. Caldwell and his team also organized our vaccine and testing tracking programs which are now in place.

As you begin this semester, I’d like to remind you about the importance of taking care of yourselves, both physically and mentally. That means eating healthy, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep. While I realize everyone will have busy schedules I want you to think about now how you’re going to prioritize these things into your busy professional lives. For our new students, I strongly encourage you to get into those good habits now – they will be much easier to maintain later. If any of you are feeling a bit overwhelmed this first week, know that it’s not unusual, as the pace here is probably much greater than it was in undergraduate school. If you feel you need to reach out and talk with someone, please don’t forget about our counseling center in the Center for Personal and Professional Development. You can easily make an appoint to speak with any of our counselors by hitting this link. It’s okay to reach out when you think you need some help – believe me, you are not alone!

We’ve made it to the weekend – so I encourage you to get out and enjoy some fresh air and get some exercise. As you go out and about, please remember to wear your face mask when around others and to continue to wash your hands frequently. Be safe, look out for each other and remain SALUS STRONG!

Mike

Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy: Week of April 30th, 2021

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

Greetings from a very pollen covered Elkins Park Campus. It’s been another busy week with practical exams, in-person classes and labs and bustling clinics. Here are some additional pieces of information that I wanted you to have: 

MIDDLE STATES ACCREDITATION: This fall we will virtually host a team of peer reviewers on behalf of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) as part of the University's ongoing two-year self-study review process. This process focuses on the University's commitment to continuous improvement and the ability to meet the required standards for re-accreditation. While a group of faculty and staff volunteers have been collaborating on this essential process, we all have a role to play by raising our awareness of their efforts. Over the coming months, in my weekly updates, I will provide some background on the subject matter of each of the seven MSCHE standards and introduce you to those in the Salus community that are doing this important work. More information can be found on our website. Up first, Standard I - Mission and Goals.

BIG RED BUS UPGRADE: In honor of her family’s more than 100 years of combined service to the optometric profession, to patient care and professional education, and after seeing first-hand the benefits of providing early vision care to students at their schools, Cathie Muhr has donated $100,000 toward replacing our aging vision van, so the “Looking Out for Kids” program may continue in a more suitable environment. Cathie is the third generation of her family to work in optometry. She joined the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO) family as a technician more than 40 years ago. We cannot thank Cathie enough for generosity and dedication to our LOFK mission. Read more about Cathie’s generous gift here. And don’t forget the annual LOFK charity fundraiser is Saturday, May 1. For information, click here.

DEI COMMITTEE APPLICATIONS: There has been a good response to the call for applications for the DEI Committee, however there is still a need for more student participation. So, Dr. Juliana Mosley-Williams has extended the deadline for applications through the end of today, April 30. Contact Dr. Mosley-Williams at JMWilliams@salus.edu for an application. 

NEW ORGANIZATIONS FOR STUDENTS: White Coats for Black Lives, Salus Hearts in Motion, National Perinatal Association, and Salam Muslim Student Association are just a few of the new organizations on campus that further emphasize the wide variety of student involvement the University has to offer. Read more about ways to foster engagement for Salus students here.

BLACK EYECARE PERSPECTIVE: Salus University alumni are leading a dialogue asking for 13 percent Black representation in the optometry community through the Black EyeCare Perspective. Dr. Jacobi Cleaver, OD ‘11, shares his experiences and thoughts surrounding his PCO optometry journey, beginning in the PCO Summer Enrichment Program (SEP), which will relaunch in June as the Robert E. Horne SEP after a six-year hiatus. Read more about Dr. Cleaver here.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW: This week’s Where Are They Now features Casey Heffelfinger, MS ‘20, CCC-SLP, a speech-language pathologist in a skilled nursing facility in Pottsville, Pennsylvania. Find out why she said Salus was the right place for her to further her professional aspirations at salus.edu/CaseyHeffelfinger.

OUTDOOR OPPORTUNITY: The parking lot area outside the South building lobby on the Elkins Park campus has been fenced in for dining, meeting, studying and general use. This area will hold up to 44 people, with the chairs and tables placed accordingly to ensure social distancing. There are sanitizing supplies to wipe down the area you used. Access and egress from this area must be done through the South building lobby. We ask that you do not enter or go through this area from outside the fenced area or from the parking lot. You must be screened at the main entrance prior to using it. This area can be reserved for student events/meetings and can be scheduled through the facilities department at facilities@salus.edu.

FALL 2021 COMMENCEMENT: Salus University’s fall commencement will be Tuesday, Oct. 12. More details will be announced as they become available.

FINAL THOUGHTS: I wanted to take some time to share my thoughts about vaccine hesitancy. If you’ve been reading my Weekly Updates you will know that I strongly believe in the importance of being vaccinated and how that remains our primary path out of the pandemic. You should have also picked up on the fact that I believe, as healthcare professionals, we need to set the example for everyone and get vaccinated. Frankly, it is our professional responsibility to get vaccinated to ensure the safety of our patients and those working with us. These vaccines are safe and effective and have already begun to help curtail the spread of the virus in places where they have been widely distributed. The sooner we can reach herd immunity the more lives can be spared. In addition to receiving the vaccine ourselves, we also should be playing a key role in acting as vaccine advocates and educators to those who might be hesitant to receive it. There are several independent, scientific resources that will help debunk inaccurate theories and help to educate those who might be reticent to be vaccinated. They include: The Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins Medicine, New England Journal of Medicine, The Lancet, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), WebMD, and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, to name just a few. Additionally the Black Doctors Consortium has been extremely successful in decreasing vaccine hesitancy amongst the African American community in Philadelphia. You can learn more about their efforts here. I would encourage you to review some of these resources to help educate yourself and others about the safety and efficacy of these miraculous vaccines.

As you probably read last week, we have announced that beginning June 1st, we will authorize university-sponsored travel for those who are vaccinated. We’ll be adding more incentives within the coming weeks to include a requirement to be vaccinated to use the fitness center. External to us, most clinical externship and clerkship sites are requiring students to be vaccinated, and we are considering the same for TEI, PEI and SLI. Please don’t put your professional education in jeopardy by not getting vaccinated. If you haven’t already received the vaccine, I strongly advise you to take the initiative and get it done now! 

As you prepare for the weekend, try to get out and about and enjoy the spring weather. With the updated CDC guidelines addressing the use of face masks, remember, if you’re vaccinated, you still need to wear your mask if you attend a crowded, outdoor event. If you are not vaccinated, you should be wearing your masks when attending small outdoor gatherings, even with vaccinated people, when dining outdoors and attending crowded outdoor events. Just some more incentives to get vaccinated! Enjoy the weekend. Be safe, make arrangements to get vaccinated, if you haven’t already and remain SALUS STRONG!

Mike