LECOM Presents: Heroes In Training

Host: Kathleen Spinazzola

Guest: Dr. Michael Cline, DO, board-certified gastroenterologist and LECOM guest lecturer
              
Kathleen is joined by Dr. Michael Cline, DO, board-certified gastroenterologist and LECOM guest lecturer, and they discuss his career, including establishing Cleveland Clinic’s gastroparesis clinic, his 34 years at LECOM, and explains his path from orthopedics to GI. They highlight the fulfillment of patient care, the challenges of healthcare’s business demands, and osteopathic medicine’s whole-person approach. Dr. Cline also shares why teaching students remains meaningful after retirement and how adaptability has been the cornerstone of success for LECOM and in his own career.

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Host: Kathleen Spinazzola

Guests: Dr. Katie Zboyovski, LECOM Assistant Professor of Pharmacy and Pharmacist 
             Davina Toland, Second-Year LECOM Pharmacy Student
              
Kathleen is joined by Dr. Katie Zboyovski, LECOM assistant professor of pharmacy and pharmacist, and Davina Toland, second-year LECOM pharmacy student, and they discuss the significance of the pinning ceremony for second-year pharmacy students at LECOM, marking their transition from didactic training to advanced pharmacy practice experiences. The accelerated pathway, which completes the PharmD in three years, offers cost savings and continuous learning. They also highlight the distance education students' white coat ceremony and their active learning on campus. The "Script Your Future" initiative, led by LECOM pharmacy students, has reached over 200,000 people, focusing on medication adherence, mental health, and smoking cessation. The program emphasizes interprofessional collaboration and community impact.

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Host: Kathleen Spinazzola

Guest: Zachary Mendola, Fourth-Year LECOM Anatomy Student
              
Kathleen is joined by Zachary Mendola, Fourth-Year LECOM student in anatomy education and national vice president of SOMA, and they discuss his dual roles as a DO and PhD student in anatomy education. He shares his journey from musical theater to medicine, influenced by his passion for teaching and anatomy. Zachary highlights his involvement in SOMA, advocating for healthcare policy and professional development. He also discusses his role in the LUMMOS program, which focuses on teaching OMT and honing his skills. He is also preparing for his USMLE Step 2 exam and residency auditions, emphasizing the importance of lifelong learning and teaching in his career aspirations.

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Host: Kathleen Spinazzola

Guests: Dr. Duane Ehredt, Dean, LECOM School of Podiatric Medicine
              Matthew Rigaud, Second-Year LECOM Podiatry Student
              Alexandra Fitzsimmons, Second-Year LECOM Podiatry Student


Kathleen is joined by Dr. Duane Ehredt and second-year LECOM podiatry students Matthew Rigaud and Alexandra Fitzsimmons, and they discuss the transition from the first to the second year of the podiatric program, emphasizing the importance of the second-year class. Alexandra shares her journey from Scranton to LECOM, influenced by her Jesuit background and a pivotal shadowing experience. Matthew recounts his path from Miami to LECOM, driven by his work in a podiatry office. Both students discuss their strategies for board preparation and the importance of maintaining a balanced lifestyle. Dr. Ehredt also shares his military background and the integration of his military experience with his role at LECOM.

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Host: Kathleen Spinazzola

Guests: Dr. Duane Ehredt, Dean, LECOM School of Podiatric Medicine
              Saundra Smith, Third-Year LECOM Podiatry Student
              Brij Patel, Third-Year LECOM Podiatry Student


Kathleen is joined by Dr. Duane Ehredt and third-year LECOM podiatry students Saundra Smith and Brij Patel, and they discuss the multifaceted role of podiatrists, beyond just foot care, and highlights the trailblazing Class of 2027. Sandra shares her journey from Mooresville, North Carolina, to LECOM, influenced by her master's program and shadowing experiences. Brij, from Roanoke, Virginia, discusses his path from scribing to podiatry, drawn by LECOM's supportive environment. Both students detail their research presented at the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and their community outreach efforts, including volunteering at homeless shelters and foster care events.

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Host: Kathleen Spinazzola

Guests: Dr. Susan Calderbank, DMD, Director of Patient Services and Director of Outreach at the                      LECOM Dental Clinic
              Annika Scholten, Fourth-Year LECOM Dental Student
              Chloe Walls, Fourth-Year LECOM Dental Student


Kathleen is joined by Dr. Susan Calderbank and Fourth-Year LECOM Dental Students Annika Scholten and Chloe Walls, and they discuss Dr. Calderbank's role in overseeing the fourth-year clinic at LECOM in Erie, Pennsylvania, and highlights the school's early acceptance program (EAP) for students from high school to junior year in college. Chloe shares her experience of entering the EAP in high school and how it helped her choose her undergraduate institution. Annika, who entered the EAP in her sophomore year, appreciates the program's certainty in her future. Both students describe their daily routines and community outreach activities, emphasizing the hands-on, practical nature of their training. Dr. Calderbank also mentions LECOM's involvement in community service, including treating underserved populations and receiving an award for their mission of mercy efforts.

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Host: Kathleen Spinazzola

Guests: Dr. Kevin Thomas, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs at LECOM Seton Hill 
                    

Kathleen is joined by Dr. Kevin Thomas, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs at LECOM Seton Hill, and they discuss his experiences from a recent trip to South Africa. He detailed his visits to Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Kruger National Park, where he encountered the Big Five: lion, elephant, rhinoceros, cape buffalo, and leopard. Dr. Thomas also visited Stellenbosch University's medical school and reflected on his high school years in Lesotho during the end of apartheid. He highlighted the beauty and diversity of South Africa, including its landscapes, wildlife, and friendly people.

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Host: Kathleen Spinazzola

Guests: Dr. Susan Calderbank, DMD, Director of Patient Services and Director of Outreach at the                      LECOM Dental Clinic
              Carter Bedinghaus, Fourth-Year LECOM Dental Student
              Connor Boinski, Fourth-Year LECOM Dental Student and Presdient of LECOM's AAPD Club


Kathleen is joined by Dr. Susan Calderbank and Fourth-Year LECOM Dental Students Carter Bedinghaus and Connor Boinski, and they discuss the unique structure of LECOM's dental program, which includes didactic training in the first three years and clinical training in the senior year, with students serving underserved communities. The early acceptance program (EAP) allows students to apply from junior year in high school to junior year in college, providing a guaranteed seat in dental school if certain requirements are met. Carter and Connor share their experiences, highlighting the benefits of the EAP and the value of LECOM's clinical training and community outreach programs.

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Host: Kathleen Spinazzola

Guests: Ariana Incantalupo, Fourth-Year LECOM Student Doctor 
              Jillian Calabro Fourth-Year LECOM Student Doctor 
             

Kathleen is joined by Ariana Incantalupo and Jillian Calabro, both fourth-year LECOM Student Doctors in the LUMMOS program, and they share their tips and insights into their inspiration, how they got into the program, and how they balance school, work, life, and plans for their very bright futures. They highligh the program's integration with their rotations and research projects. They also emphasize the importance of hands-on training, teaching, and the long-term benefits of the program, including improved patient care and career development in fields like emergency medicine and women's health.

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Host: Kathleen Spinazzola

Guests: Dr. Jacob J. Cukierski, DO, Director of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) at LECOM
              Ryan Garich, Student Doctor at LECOM
             

Kathleen is joined by Dr. Jacob J. Cukierski, DO, and Ryan Garich, Student Doctor at LECOM, and they discuss how the LECOM Undergraduate Manipulative Medicine Osteopathic Scholars (LUMMOS) program is a scholarship designed to develop and further train 4th-year D.O. students to become skilled teachers of osteopathic manipulative medicine. LECOM is cultivating a learning environment where students can take a deeper dive into OMM and learn how to teach it. Their knowledge is enhanced, they become better physicians, and the pool of excellent teachers grows. 

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