Preparing to Celebrate Our Graduates: Week of May 17, 2024

 

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

Good morning from Elkins Park where we are preparing for next week’s commencement ceremony and also welcoming students back to campus as our Summer Semester begins. Here are some other items I hope you will find of interest:

128TH COMMENCEMENT: John Fry, President of Drexel University, will deliver the keynote address at Salus University's 128th commencement ceremony at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 23, 2024, at the Kimmel Cultural Center in Philadelphia. Read more here.

SLP POST-BACC ADVANTAGES: The Post-baccalaureate Program in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) was designed to prepare students to excel academically and professionally by establishing a foundation necessary for their success in the field of SLP. And there are several advantages of being a part of the Post-bacc SLP program at Salus. For details, click here.

FROM DREXEL TO SALUS: Hearing about the upcoming merger between Salus and Drexel University seemed like an ironic coincidence for two second-year Physician Assistant (PA) Studies students, Emily Damico ‘24PA and Momina Khan '24PA. Although both will have graduated from Salus before the two institutions academic programs merge in the summer of 2025, they see a tremendous benefit for current and prospective students when it comes to the partnership. Read more here.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW: Alicia Reiser, MS, OTR/L, OTD ‘18, ADHD-RSP, was looking for the “missing piece” in her career. And, she found it in the Salus University Post-professional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD) program’s Remedial Vision Rehabilitation: Pediatrics and Acquired Brain Injury track. Click here to read more about her journey.

FINAL THOUGHTS: Next week is all about our students! The launch of our newest graduates presents an opportunity to thank our talented faculty and staff for preparing these young professionals to take on the challenges that today’s complex world presents to them. I have no doubt that our graduates have all the tools they need to excel in their given professions.

In order to effectively address a changing environment, it will be incumbent upon our new graduates, as you begin your new careers, to commit to life-long learning and a life of service as you navigate through these changes. I know I speak for the entire Salus community when I wish them the very best as they spread their wings and leave our nest.

If you’re preparing to graduate on Thursday, I hope you, your families and significant others take some time to enjoy the Greater Philadelphia area. Be safe, continue to look out for one another and remain SALUS STRONG!

- Mike

Managing Stress In Your Life: Week of June 2, 2023

 

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

Greetings on a beautiful June morning from our Elkins Park campus. With summer session well underway, there is nothing better than seeing students relaxing and studying pondside in the cool shade along with our resident family of geese! Construction on the first-floor renovation project has been moving along and we are beginning to see the open spaces that we will enjoy when our dining and gathering spaces are complete. It is exciting!

Here are other items of interest:

OT DEEP DIVE: In our latest podcast, Tara Schumacher, an assistant director of Admissions at Salus, talks about the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) program including tips and tricks for applying. Click here to read more.

CONGRATS NEW GRADS: Last week we celebrated our 126th commencement at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia and sent our graduates off with inspirational remarks given by Dr. Ala Stanford. We look forward to watching our graduates spread their wings as they leave our nest. Click here to read more about this year's commencement.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW: It was Sam Farrand's, MS '17, mother-in-law who suggested that he consider going into speech therapy. That turned out to be great advice. In 2015, Farrand entered the inaugural Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) program and hasn't looked back since. For more, click here.

FINAL THOUGHTS: As I reflect on our commencement ceremony last week, our future merger with Drexel, current national and international events, it’s incredible to consider how much is going on simultaneously. The level of stress generated by any one of these events is significant. Taken concurrently, the mental and emotional stress on our bodies increases appreciably.

While each of us has developed coping mechanisms for stress, the “wear and tear” of repeated exposure to stress has immediate and long term impacts on our bodies and brains. It’s imperative that we rigorously and deliberately work to mitigate stress to the best of our abilities. Some suggestions that have worked for me over the years include the following:

Develop a morning routine that’s sustainable - Sounds basic, but it makes a world of difference. Get up, make your bed (now you’ve accomplished at least one thing!), get some exercise, have breakfast, etc. 

Develop good sleep habits – We need sleep to remain healthy and fit. This 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. Prioritize sleep over other things and you’ll be more productive, resilient and attentive. Minimize screen time prior to going to bed as that can adversely affect sleep.

Get outside and enjoy the fresh air – There are so many places around us that you can go and safely walk around in nature that will help to calm your mind and present opportunities for some exercise at many levels.

Eat a healthy diet – Studies have found that eating hyper-processed foods and added sugars will add to perceived stress levels. Try to eat a balanced diet consisting of whole foods, protein, fruits and vegetables and pass on that extra bowl of ice cream or chocolate chip cookie.

Take a time-out – If you’re working on something or just feel a bit overwhelmed, take a minute or two to take a “brain break” and think about something enjoyable such as getting outside or your last fun vacation.

Start writing in a journal – Capture positive things that happen during the day and write them in a journal. Over time you’ll accumulate many positive experiences that will help you through challenging times when you look back on these journal entries.

Use social media purposefully and not nonchalantly – 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 new classmates or the people you miss seeing every day.

Stress affects all of us in different ways. Some stress in our lives is beneficial, as it helps us to focus and perform at a high level. When stress levels supersede that threshold, that’s when people start to exhibit symptoms. Try to stay ahead of the stress power curve!

For our students, skilled counselors in our Center for Personal and Professional Development (CPPD) are always available to assist with more advice on how to handle stress. All you need to do is make an appointment here. For faculty and staff, please contact your insurance provider who can provide mental health expertise.

Have a great weekend and enjoy the nice weather. Please remember to stay hydrated and use sunscreen when out and about. Continue to look out for one another and remain SALUS STRONG!

-Mike

New CDC Guidelines on Masks and Social Distancing: Week of May 14th, 2021

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

Good morning from a very sunny and nice Elkins Park campus. It’s been an extremely quiet week around campus as we are between semesters. While student and faculty have been getting some much needed rest, other activities have been taking place. Late yesterday, the CDC changed their guidelines regarding the wearing of face masks for fully vaccinated people. I address this in my “Final Thoughts” below.

MAY IS MENTAL HEALTH MONTH: It's Mental Health Month and I can't think of a better time to discuss the hardships our students have faced throughout the course of the pandemic. For more than a year, we've all been handling an added dose of stress from the unrelenting nature of the situation. Click here to read about how Robert O’Brien, MS, ATR, LCP, a counselor in the University’s Center for Personal and Professional Development (CPPD), and his fellow counselors have continued to help students weather tumultuous times combined with the challenges of graduate school.

MUSLIM STUDENT ASSOCIATION: One of our newest student organizations is the Salam Salus Muslim Student Association and I had the personal opportunity to address students face-to-face again, something I sincerely miss and enjoy. I hope the group's first meeting that was held in-person April 30 was the curtain opener to more on-campus student events as COVID-19 health guidelines begin to loosen and capacity limits increase throughout the state. Read more about our gathering, where we were masked and socially-distanced, here.

SPRING COMMENCEMENT: Speaking of student events, the Class of 2021 will also experience a memorable Commencement. The University's 122nd Commencement will be a hybrid celebration, including both in-person Graduate Recognition Events on Tuesday, May 25 and Wednesday, May 26 as well as a University-wide virtual Commencement ceremony on Thursday, May 27 at 2 p.m. The in-person recognition events are college-based and times vary. You can access the full schedule of events, FAQs and the livestreams at salus.edu/virtualcommencement. Read about our keynote speaker Congresswoman Madeleine Dean and our honorary degree recipient Robert E. Horne, who retired as vice president and dean of Student Affairs at Salus in 2012. Dean Horne will receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters during virtual Commencement.

ONGOING PODCAST SERIES: Join Robert Serianni, MS, CCC-SLP, FNAP, the chair and program director of the department of Speech-Language Pathology at Salus, as he speaks with the clinical education director and four current students about their collaboration with the ReMed Brain Injury Group at the University's Speech-Language Institute. Click here to listen.

RESIDENTS DAYS: Looking ahead, Dr. Shital Mani, director of the Off-Campus Residency Program and Dr. Bhawan Minhas, director of the On-Campus Residency Program, will host the sixth annual Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO) at Salus Residents Days next week on Thursday, May 20. Lectures will cover a wide range of topics including glaucoma, neuro-ophthalmic conditions, anterior segment, posterior segment, low vision, contact lens, peri-operative care, pediatrics, vision therapy and traumatic brain injury. The event will be livestreamed and you can sign up here.

FINAL THOUGHTS: Many of you have likely seen the new CDC guidelines published yesterday that were quickly adopted by Pennsylvania. Based on real-world, scientific studies, the new guidance states that fully vaccinated individuals (14 days after receiving their last dose) can “resume activities without wearing masks or physically distancing, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance.” This is great news and yet another reason to get your vaccination, if you already haven’t. It also suggests that we have turned a corner on the pandemic.

Accordingly, we are amending the Salus Safety Strategy to follow CDC’s updated guidance and provide that all people on the Elkins Park campus WHO ARE FULLY VACCINATED will no longer be required to wear a facemask or physically distance. Vaccination status will be measured according to the self reporting system. We will rely largely on your personal ethics, but will also conduct spot checks to ensure everyone complies. If anyone not wearing a mask has not self-reported being vaccinated, we will consider this a 1st violation and that person will receive a warning. A 2nd violation will result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal/termination. Face masks and physical distancing will still be required in all of our clinical areas. To view the new CDC guidelines, click here.

It’s also important to note that it is perfectly acceptable for people to wear their facemask, even if they are fully vaccinated. Please do what is within your comfort zone, understanding that for some it will take time to adapt to yet another new normal, which is perfectly okay.

If you are not fully vaccinated, you will still be required to wear a face mask and physically distance on the Elkins Park campus. I encourage you to talk to friends and other trusted information sources that can address any concerns you may have about getting vaccinated so you will feel more comfortable getting that extremely important jab.

This change is what everyone has been hoping for - so please, if you’re not yet vaccinated, take the initiative to get it done.

As you prepare for what looks like a very nice weekend, please continue to wear your face mask indoors if you are not vaccinated, socially distance and wash your hands frequently. Also, as you go out and about, it appears several businesses will still require masks to be worn inside, whether you're fully vaccinated or not. So, please be sure to adhere to local rules. 

Be safe, stay smart and remain SALUS STRONG!

Mike

The Importance of Getting Vaccinated: Week of April 9th, 2021

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

Greetings from our beautiful Elkin Park campus. While this has been another short week, it’s also been a busy week on campus between practical examinations, practice for national boards and all the labs, clinics and classes that have been going on. In addition to all that, here’s some more great information about some of our staff and activities happening around campus:

LOOKING OUT FOR KIDS: We’re closing in on the date for Salus University’s 14th annual “Looking Out for Kids” fundraiser, which will be held virtually at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, May 1. This year’s event will honor TD Bank as the “Lighthouse Award” winner. Once again, NBC10 News anchor Rosemary Connors will host the event. To purchase virtual tickets or VIP reception boxes online, visit here.

DEI COMMITTEE RESTRUCTURING: Our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) committee is undergoing a restructuring. Dr. Juliana Mosley-Williams, the University’s special assistant to the president for DEI, is accepting applications from those who would like to serve on the committee. It will consist of 15 members from across the University to ensure diverse and inclusive representation. The three colleges will have a student and faculty representative (six members). Additionally, several areas have been suggested for possible member representation for the remaining seven members. Dr. Mosley-Williams will serve as chair and I will serve as an ex-officio member. All committee members will be expected to serve a two-year term, and may serve for one additional term. Please contact Dr. Mosley-Williams for details on how to apply.

FACULTY FOCUS: This week’s Faculty Focus is on Kenneth Newton, CCC-SLP. Ken is known affectionately in the Speech-Language Pathology department as “Zen Ken” because he likes to remind students to relax and breathe while they navigate the challenges of graduate school. Read more about Ken here.

SPRING COMMENCEMENT KEYNOTE SPEAKER: I am extremely happy to announce that Congresswoman Madeleine Dean has agreed to be the keynote speaker for our Spring Commencement ceremony. Congressman Dean has focused on decency and the common good throughout her years in public service. She has worked to address issues that affect all of us, including stopping gun violence and guaranteeing health care for all. I had the opportunity to talk with the Congresswoman last week and I’m certain that her message will resonate with all of us.

SALUS SUPERSTAR: We sadly bid farewell recently to a Salus superstar, Donna Agnew, MSPAS, PA-C, DFAAPA, director of the University’s Physician Assistant (PA) Studies program, who has taken on a new challenge at the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). Donna’s leadership and expertise has resulted in this program becoming one of the leading PA programs in the country. Thank you for all you have done for Salus, Donna. We wish you all the success and will miss you. In Donna’s absence Mr. Dan Pavlik will serve as the interim director of the program. Read more about Donna’s farewell here.

SALUS SUPERSTAR, TAKE 2: We also recently said goodbye to Francine Pearlman-Storch, OD ‘79, Resident ‘80, who retired after more than 40 years in the Clinical Skills lab at Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University. Read more about her career and the farewell ceremony we had for Dr. Pearlman-Storch here.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW: This week’s Where Are They Now features Arieneh Tahmasian, OD ‘17. The training in pediatrics and traumatic brain injuries she received at PCO/Salus made her an appealing addition to a practice in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Read more about Dr. Tahmasian here.

FINAL THOUGHTS: While I was walking around campus this morning, watching all the activity, I was struck by what the campus looked like 13 months ago. We were about 2 weeks into the pandemic, not knowing what was to come next. I went back to look at the Weekly Update I wrote that week to get a sense of what we might have been thinking at that time. Governor Wolf had just closed all K-12 schools until the end of the academic year, we were beginning our plans to return to clinics and labs, if permitted, and continuing with virtual classes. What a difference 13 months makes.

We’ve been through what, hopefully, has been the worst of the pandemic. Thanks to the new, miraculous, careful development of highly safe and effective vaccines being deployed regionally and nationally, unless things change, we are anticipating a “normal” Fall semester opening. This means we’ll have in-person classes, labs and clinics for all programs. Since getting vaccinated is such an important part of getting back to normal, I strongly encourage all of you to get vaccinated. These vaccines have been developed with over 10 years of research and close scrutiny. They are safe and proving to be extremely effective. It’s truly amazing, that after a very slow start, almost half of our country has received at least one dose of the two dose vaccines and the deployment is accelerating over time (see chart below).

Even with all this good news, as I’ve reminded you before, now is not the time to let our guard down. There are still variants of the virus in our area that are more contagious and potentially more deadly. Please continue to wear your double face mask when around others, socially distance and wash your hands frequently. Once fully vaccinated (two weeks following your last vaccine dose), you can meet in small groups at home or other places with others who have also been fully vaccinated, without a mask. We are not relaxing our mask or social distance requirements on campus since not everyone is vaccinated.

I hope you all get out and enjoy some of this nice spring weather this weekend. It’s only going to get nicer as the weeks roll by. As you do get out and about, please continue to follow all of the CDC guidelines to stay safe, stay healthy and remain SALUS STRONG!

Mike