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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Host: Kathleen Spinazzola

Guest: Scott Scouten - Fourth-Year LECOM Dual Degree Student
             

Kathleen is joined by Scott Scouten, a fourth-year LECOM dual degree student, and they discuss his journey from a biomedical sciences undergraduate to pursuing a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) and a PhD in Anatomy Education. Scott highlights the benefits of LECOM's postbac program, which includes a master's degree and a guaranteed spot in the medical program with a certain GPA. He details the intensive first year of the PhD program, which covers anatomy, embryology, histology, and neuroanatomy, and his focus on cognitive load in medical education for his dissertation. Scott emphasizes the commitment required but also the satisfaction and competitive edge gained from the dual degree.

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Host: Kathleen Spinazzola

Guests: Brian Martin - Fourth-Year LECOM Doctoral Student In Anatomy Education
             

Kathleen is joined by Brian Martin, a fourth-year LECOM doctoral student in anatomy education, and they discuss his journey from teaching high school mathematics to pursuing a PhD in anatomy. He details his coursework, including anatomy, histology, and physiology, and his dissertation on creating 3D models of the brainstem and kidney development using MRI stacks and software like Mirror Viso and Blender. Brian emphasizes the importance of passion in education and advised prospective students to have a strong support system. He also expresses his interest in teaching undergraduate students and medical school students, highlighting his extensive teaching experience.

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Host: Kathleen Spinazzola

Guests: Steve Blass, Former Pittsburgh Pirates Pitcher and World Series Champion


Kathleen is joined by Steve Blass, former Pittsburgh Pirates Pitcher and World Series Champion, and they discuss his pitching a complete game to clinch the 1971 World Series and his journey, emphasizing the importance of obsession, motivation, and loyalty. He reflects on his 66-year association with the Pirates and his 62-year marriage. He will address first and second-year medical students, focusing on life lessons, the value of time, and the significance of caring in healthcare. The episode also promotes the upcoming student scholarship auction and gala, highlighting the importance of supporting medical education.

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Host: Kathleen Spinazzola

Guests: Dr. Katie Zboyovski, Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice
             Rachel Zurn, First-Year LECOM Pharmacy Student


Kathleen is joined by Dr. Katie Zboyovski and Rachel Zurn, and they discuss the evolving role of pharmacists and the importance of their work. Dr. Zboyovski highlights the expanding responsibilities of pharmacists, including immunization, medication management, and health monitoring. Rachel shares her interest in pharmacy, influenced by a family member, and her current studies, which cover drug interactions and community pharmacy. They also discuss the "Script Your Future" program, which promotes community service and education, and the benefits of pharmacy education at LECOM, including distance learning options.

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