Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,A monthly update from Thomas A. Cavalieri, DO, FACOI, FACP, AGSF, Dean Volume 7, Number 6 June 2012

As you are aware, creating a unified system of higher educationin the state, and particularly strengthening the institutions of highereducation in Southern New Jersey, has been under discussion forover a decade. Bills to achieve this goal are expected to pass bothhouses of the New Jersey State Legislature by the end of June. Thebill will then be forwarded to Governor Chris Christie, who hadrequested that the Legislature take action by July 1st. At the variouslegislative hearings held this month, many, including UMDNJInterim President Denise V. Rodgers, MD, and a number of UMDNJ-School of Osteopathic Medicine (SOM) students, presentedtestimony in favor of SOM moving to Rutgers with the other schoolsof UMDNJ (see: http://www.osteopathic.org/inside-aoa/news-and-publications/blogs/daily-report-blog/Lists/Posts/Post.aspx?ID=2784). However, the proposal passed by the State Legislature on June28 moves sponsorship of SOM to Rowan University in July 2013.

Throughout the recent legislative process and during theplanning we anticipate will occur in the year ahead, our highestpriority is to ensure that SOM continues to offer outstandingeducational opportunities to our medical students, interns andresidents; high-quality care to our patients; cutting-edge research;and an environment in which faculty and staff can pursue rewardingand productive careers. To do so, we must maintain our osteopathic

identity and accreditation, and offer a complete mission ofeducation, research and health care delivery.  This goal has beenembraced by many partners, supporters and friends, including theAmerican Osteopathic Association (AOA), the New JerseyAssociation of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons (NJAOPS), theSOM Alumni Association, the SOM Faculty Senate, and others, andis reflected in the legislative language, which seeks to preserveSOM’s many strengths.

Change always poses opportunities as well as challenges. Wehave been operating with a degree of uncertainty for several yearsnow. With the reorganization process advancing, we look forward toa time of greater stability.  The new structure presents the potentialto make SOM an even more vital academic resource to the region.We remain unwavering in our commitment to our mission and toyou, our trainees, staff and faculty.

For an update and more information about the restructuring ofmedical and health sciences education in New Jersey, please planto attend the upcoming Dean’s Forums on Tuesday, July 10, 2012 at10:00 am or 3:00 pm in the Top Docs’ Café, Academic Center.Please consult with your department chair or supervisor. RSVP byMonday, July 9, 2012 at 566.6207 or email  sominfo@umdnj.edu.

GRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION (GME) GRADUATIONS

Each June, we celebrate theaccomplishments of our Graduate MedicalEducation (GME) trainees in pursuit of theircareer goals.

Each step of the GME process—internship,residency and fellowship—represents ahigher level of the skills and knowledge thatwill contribute to the success of thesedoctors-in-training. For over 30 years, theOsteopathic Postdoctoral Training Institution(OPTI) program has provided trainees with a

variety of collaborative clinical experiences at Kennedy University Hospital (KUH), Lourdes Health System (LHS), South JerseyHealthcare, Cooper University Hospital, Christ Hospital, Meridian Health System, Atlantic Health and dozens of affiliated training sitesacross New Jersey and the Delaware Valley region.

Class of 2012 Intern Graduates

KUH and LHS co-hosted the annual Internship GraduationCeremony at Shannon’s Catering in Atco, NJ on June 8th.

During the ceremony, Fredrick Ashong, MD, FAAP, MPH,director of Medical Education, LHS, honored Dr. Whitney Hustonwith the UMDNJ-SOM OPTI “Humanism Award,” which ispresented to the intern who best displays his or her ability tofoster relationships with patients, their families and othercaregivers while demonstrating compassion, altruism, respect,empathy and service.

Lora Donia, manager for the OPTI, presented Kimberly Deery,DO with the “Intern Service Award.” Russell Griesback, DO,associate professor, Medicine and acting assistant dean,Education, presented the “Intern Teaching Award” to ClaudioFernandez, DO. The “Graduate Medical Education Service Award”was given to Todd Ruderman, DO by Terry Brown, director of GME.

This achievement is presented to the intern who helps theUMDNJ-SOM GME Department with service to their fellow internsand to the hospitals.

Christopher Barone, DO, director of Medical Education, KUH,presented the “Intern of the Year Award” to Jay Kirkham, DO. Theinternship class votes on the awardee, and considers medicalknowledge, patient care and teamwork.

The interns were not the only group to receive awards thatevening. The educational expertise of the attending physicianswere acknowledged during the presentation of the “TeachingAttending of the Year Awards” to Raksha Kothari, MD, assistantprofessor of Medicine at SOM, KUH Cherry Hill; Stephen Daly, DO,KUH Stratford; Joshua Crasner, DO, KUH Washington Township;and Bruce McGann, MD, LHS.

1. L-r: ClaudioFernandez, DO andRussell Griesback,DO, associateprofessor, Medicineand acting assistantdean, Education. 2. L-r: FrederickAshong, MD, FAAP,MPH, director ofMedical Education,Lourdes HealthSystem and WhitneyHuston, DO.3. L-r: RakshaKothari, MD,

assistant professor, Medicine and Niels Snyder, DO, PGY I, Emergency Medicine4. Jay Kirkham, DO and Christopher Barone, DO, vice president, Medical Affairsand Graduate Medical Education, KUH 5. L-r: Steven J. Daly, DO, Cardiologist andJay Kirkham, DO, PGY 1, Internal Medicine

1.

INTERN GRADUATION

2. 3.

4.5.

RESIDENCY PROGRAM GRADUATIONSMore than 50 graduating residents and fellows were recognized for having satisfactorily completed their post-graduate training at

departmental graduation programs.

The Department of Family Medicine held their recognitiondinner on June 6th at Vitarelli’s at the Pennsauken Country Club inPennsauken, NJ. The ten graduate residents presented thefollowing awards to faculty:

“Kennedy Physician of the Year” to Terrie Ginsberg, DO,associate professor, Medicine and geriatrician, New JerseyInstitute for Successful Aging (NJISA)

“Lourdes Camden Physician of the Year” to Jason Smith, DO

“Lourdes Burlington Physician of the Year” to Sean McMillan,DO, clinical assistant professor, Surgery

“Master Educator of the Year” to Greg Barone, DO“Family Medicine Educator of the Year” to Adarsh Gupta, DO,

MS, FACOFP, associate professor, Family Medicine and director ofthe Center for Medical Weight Loss and Metabolic Control

The annual “Alan Z. Gartzman, DO Memorial Fund Award” fromthe Gartzman Foundation was presented to Hortense Russell, DO.

2012 Graduating class, back row, l-r: George C. Scott, DO, DPM, FACOFP, assistant professor, Family Medicine, program director, FamilyMedicine Residency Program; Shao-Chun Yeh, DO; Jonathan Torres, DO, chief resident; Scott Leggoe, DO and Edward Shadiack, DO. Front rowl-r: Daniel Giuglianotti, DO; Amy Maley, DO; Crystal Rivell, DO; Meredith Kenney, DO; Hortense Russell, DO; Gregory Sayegh, DO and AlisonMancuso, DO, assistant professor, Family Medicine and assistant program director, Family Medicine Residency Program.

FAMILY MEDICINE

6. 8.7. 9.

6. L-r: Bruce McGann, MD and Kay Yoon-Flannery, DO. 7. L-r: Terry Brown, director, Graduate Medical Education and Todd Ruderman, DO.8. L-r: Jay Kirkham, DO, PGY 1, Internal Medicine and Joshua M. Crasner, DO, Cardiologist. 9. L-r: Lora Donia, manager, OPTI and KimberlyDeery, DO.

1. 5.4.3.2.

1. Family Medicine Educator of the Year - Adarsh K. Gupta, DO, MS, FACOFP associate professor, Board Certified in Family Medicine and BariatricMedicine at the Center for Medical Weight Loss and Metabolic Control. 2. Kennedy Physician of the year - Terrie Ginsberg, DO, associate professor,Medicine, New Jersey Institute for Successful Aging (NJISA) 3. Lourdes Camden Physician of the Year - Jason Smith, DO 4. Lourdes BurlingtonPhysician of the Year - Sean McMillan, DO 5. Master Educator - Greg Barone, DO

Alan Z. Gartzman Award was presented to Hortense Russell, DO. L-r: Caryl Heaton, DO, associate professor and chair, Family Medicine;George C. Scott, DO, DPM, FACOFP, assistant professor, Family Medicine, program director, Family Medicine Residency Program; AlanGartzman, DO; Crystal Rivell, DO; Hortense Russell, DO; Meredith Kenney; Steven Gartzman and Carol Gooberman

The Department of Family Medicine’s Graduation Ceremony at Christ Hospital was held on June 7th at Liberty House Restaurant inJersey City. The program graduated two residents and seven interns, and is overseen by Antonios Tsompanidis, DO, ’94, assistantprofessor and program director, Family Medicine. The graduates are:

• PGY-3 Family Medicine Graduates: Jim Nguyen, DO, chief resident; and Judean Johnson, DO• PGY-1 Traditional Rotating Internship Graduates: Jason Arora, DO; G. Matthew Garcia, DO; Dellene Kornitsky, DO; Vasilios Kountis, DO;

Jade Smith, DO; Lauren Terranova, DO; Jennifer To, DO

CHRIST HOSPITAL PROGRAM

The Department of Emergency Medicine held its ceremony onJune 7th at Trump National Golf Club – Philadelphia in Pine Hill,NJ. The program graduated a total of ten residents: seven EMresidents and three IM/EM residents.

Francis L. Levin, DO, FACEP, chair, Department of EmergencyMedicine, presided over the event. Anthony J. DiPasquale, DO,FACOEP, clinical assistant professor, Emergency Medicine andVictor J. Scali, DO, FACOEP-D, clinical assistant professor,Emergency Medicine, are co-directors of the EM Residency

program. Victor J. Scali, DO, FACOEP-D and Thomas Morley, DO,FACCP are co-directors of the IM/EM Residency program.

The “Foxhole Award to the Outstanding Resident” waspresented to Andrew Caravello, DO and the “Faculty ExcellenceAward” was presented to James A. Espinosa, MD. “ResidenceExcellence Awards” were presented to four graduates: Wasiu F.Adisa, DO; Matthew C. Cauchon, DO; Robin J. Lahr, DO; and JasonMorris, DO.

EMERGENCY MEDICINE (EM) AND INTERNAL MEDICINE/EMERGENCY MEDICINE (IM/EM)

MEDICINE

The Department of Medicine held its ceremony on June 13th atTavistock Country Club. The program graduated a total of 17residents: 14 IM residents and three IM/EM residents; and a totalof 12 Fellows from the Internal Medicine specialties.

H. Timothy Dombrowski, DO, MPH, FACOI, chair, Department ofMedicine, presided over the event. Ricardo Perez, DO, JD,

assistant professor, Medicine was the program director of theInternal Medicine Residency program. 

“Resident of the Year” was awarded to Mark Condoluci, DO; the“Intern of the Year” award went to Russell Mordecai, DO; a“Special Recognition” award was given to Alan Ghaly, DO; and the“Teacher of the Year” award was presented to Todd Levin, DO. 

1. L-r: Ashley Albers PGY III; Wasiu Adisa,PGY V; Michelle Berminghan, PGY III;Michael Bianco, PGY III; CostandinosTsagaratos, PGY V; Shelley Bianco, PGY III;Ann Fernandez, PGY III; Sona Kothari, PGYIII; Vincent Peterson, PGY III; AmandaValvano, PGY III; Alan Ghaly, PGY III; AmeeGarg, PGY III; Wei Chen, PGY III; BrianWeingart, PGY III; Amir Gerges, PGY III andAndrew Caravello, PGY V. 2. Teacher of theYear Award L-r: Ricardo Perez, DO, JD,assistant professor, Medicine and programdirector, Internal Medicine ResidencyProgram; Ann Fernandez, DO; Todd Levin,DO, award recipient, volunteer faculty,Garden State Infectious Disease Associates;Wasiu Adisa, DO; Vincent Peterson, DO andMichael Bianco, DO.

1.

2.

OB/GYN The Department of OB/GYN held its graduation

dinner on June 20th at Filomena’s LakeviewRestaurant in Deptford, NJ. Keith Williams, MBBS,DABOG, MBA, professor and chair, OB/GYNpresented Paul M. Krueger, DO, FACOOG with the“Chairman’s Award” for his 22 years of service tothe OB/GYN Residency Program.

Michelle Tartaglia, DO, FACOOG, assistantprofessor, OB/GYN, residency program director,presented certificates to Gyasi Askia, DO;Melissa Decker, DO; and Jennifer Gaide, DO.

Front row, l-r: David Grosiak, DO; Robin Lahr, DO; Andrew Caravello, DO; Victor Scali, DO, FACOEP-D, clinical assistant professor,Emergency Medicine, co-director, Residency Program. Back row, l-r: Anthony DiPasquale, DO, FACOEP, clinical assistant professor,Emergency Medicine, co-director, Residency Program; Brian Morgan, DO; Jason Morris, DO; Wasiu Adisa, DO; Olubusola Oyesanmi, DO;Matthew Cauchon, DO; Costandinos Tsagaratos, DO and Dilip Yarabothu, DO.

L-r: Jennifer Gaide, DO; Gyasi Askia, DO and Melissa Decker, DO.

The Department of Surgery held its graduation dinner on June 14th atThe Mansion on Main Street in Voorhees, NJ. The following awards werepresented: “Academic Achievement Award” to Anna Goldenberg-Sandau,DO; “Surgery Student Award” to Maximillian Bekhit, DO; The Frederick G.Meoli Scientific Paper Award” to Catie Campo, DO; and the “Clinical andLeadership Award” to Brandt Jones, DO.

Plaques were presented to the department’s chief residents: AliaAbdulla, DO; Yury Bak, DO; Christopher Falcon, DO; and Wanda Good, DO.Sohail Mamdani, DO received a plaque for a bariatric fellowship.

The Orthopedic Surgery Residency program celebrated four graduateson June 12th at Filomena Cucina Italiana in Clementon, NJ. John D.Burrow, DO; Emily Keener, DO; William Neway, DO; and Julianne Sees, DOgraduated from the program.

SURGERY

L-r: Alia Abdulla, DO; Yury Bak, DO; Wanda Good, DO andChristopher Falcon, DO

Assemblywoman Gabriela Mosquera (center) from the FourthLegislative District presents Thomas A. Cavalieri, DO, Dean,UMDNJ-School of Osteopathic Medicine (UMDNJ-SOM) and AnitaChopra, MD, FACP, AGSF, CMD, professor, Medicine and director,New Jersey Institute for Successful Aging (NJISA) with aproclamation celebrating NJISA’s 25th anniversary.

More than 300 seniors visited the Stratford campus onJune 13th to get an “A+ in Aging” at the Ninth Annual SeniorHealth and Fitness Day. The event provided area seniors witha chance to mingle with representatives from a wide range ofproviders of specialized services for people over the age of 55.

Anita Chopra, MD, FACP, AGSF, CMD, director, New JerseyInstitute for Successful Aging (NJISA) and I welcomed apacked auditorium of seniors who had gathered to hear the

PSYCHIATRYThe Department of Psychiatry Residency program dinner was on June 1st at Maggiano’s in Cherry Hill, NJ. The three program graduates

were: Dara Abraham, DO; Justin Faden, DO; and Jeffrey Bolger, DO. At the dinner, it was announced that Justin Faden, DO, will be staying with the department as an assistant professor and will work with

Camden County Health Services Center. Carolyn Bernacki, DO will continue her education as a Child/Adolescent Fellow.

GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRYChristian White, DO graduated from the Geriatric Psychiatry Fellowship program on June 7th at a reception held at Tavistock Country

Club in Haddonfield, NJ. He was awarded the “2012 Excellence in Teaching in Geriatrics and Gerontology” award.

NINTH ANNUAL SENIOR HEALTH & FITNESS DAY

STRATFORD CAMPUS TO BECOME TOBACCO-FREE ON JULY 1ST

Effective July 1st, the Stratford campus will be tobacco-free.We are the second UMDNJ location to go tobacco-free and thefirst full campus of UMDNJ to do so.

“Tobacco use remains the single most preventable cause ofdisease and premature death among Americans,” remindsKatharine Garnier, MD, assistant professor, Family Medicine anddirector, Student and Employee Health. “The personal cost oftobacco use goes beyond the money you spend for yourpreferred brand of cigarettes. When you smoke, you are literallypaying with your life.”

According to the American Cancer Society, tobacco smokecontains more than 7,000 compounds, of which 250 are knownto be harmful to humans and more than 60 have been shown tocause cancer.

UMDNJ’s commitment to go tobacco-free in Stratfordunderscores not only its commitment to the health of its patientsbut also the well being of everyone on its campus.

That is because tobacco use doesn’t just harm those whosmoke. Everyone who comes in contact with tobacco smoke is atrisk for potential harm and children are particularly vulnerable.The American Cancer Society estimates that as many as onemillion children suffer worsening asthma-related symptoms andapproximately 150,000 children under the age of 18 months

develop respiratory tract infections due to their exposure tosecond-hand smoke.

To help you kick the habit, the Stratford campus is offering anew six-week tobacco cessation program, “Quit Today, We CanHelp You!” which is available to all faculty, employees andstudents. This FREE program will be offered on six Tuesdays –July 10, July 17, July 24, July 31, August 7 and August 14 from5:30 pm to 6:30 pm in Suite 1200 in the UDP.

Through the program you will receive:• A tailored program to fit YOU• Support from certified smoking cessation counselors• Optional medical consult for prescriptions

and medicationsThe UMDNJ Wellness Center will offer a concurrent,

complementary six-week membership to “Quit Today”registrants. To register or for more information, contact UMDNJEmployee Student Health Service at 856.566.6825, fax856.566.6188 or email emeryc1@umdnj.edu.

Non-smokers on campus will benefit from cleaner air and thestrong statement, we, as a health care institution, will make withour tobacco-free policy, approved recently by all six Deans of theschools in Stratford.

STUDENTS AND GRADUATES TAKE SOM’SMISSION ON THE ROAD

Current and former SOM students recentlyspent 10 days in Kingston, Jamaica, where theytreated approximately 400 adults and 150children from shelters built by the Missionariesof the Poor. Their efforts exemplify SOM’smission and values.

lecture by Terrie Ginsberg, DO, associate professor, Medicineand geriatrician, NJISA that kicked off Senior Health andFitness Day. Dr. Ginsberg delivered a lively, thought-provokingtalk on “100 Candles: Wellness beyond Retirement,” whichfeatured healthy aging tips and insight on why living until 100 isno longer an unrealistic goal for today’s seniors.

Exiting from the lecture, the attendees were greeted by 50displays from businesses and health care providers set upthroughout the atrium and multi-purpose room of the UMDNJAcademic Center. Staff members from the NJISA and TheUniversity Doctors joined several vendors who offered a widerange of health information and an array of free screenings formacular degeneration, balance, blood pressure, body fat, bonedensity, blood oxygen and glucose levels.

Special guests at the program included Stratford Mayor JohnGentless and representatives from Senator Robert Menendez’soffice. Fourth Legislative District Assembly representativesPaul Moriarity and Gabriela Mosquera also attended.Assemblyman Moriarity introduced his 90-years-young motherand delivered congratulatory remarks to the attendees.Assemblywoman Mosquera presented Dr. Cavalieri and Dr.Chopra with a proclamation acknowledging the 25th anniversaryof the establishment of NJISA.

One of the day’s highlights occurred with the celebration ofthe successful aging efforts of the three oldest men and womenwho attended. Each was awarded with a framed certificateinducting them into the “A+ in Aging – Class of 2012” at NJISA.

Senior Health and Fitness Day concluded with demonstrationsof brain and memory “exercises” led by Tanya McKeown, acommunity wellness program manager at Kennedy HealthSystem, and “strengthen and stretch chair exercise” by TinaErmert Bortner, community health educator at the LourdesWellness Center.

Recipients of the “A+ in Aging – Life in Your Years” awards are: l-r,standing: Anthony Kolody, 93 years young; Norman Oken, 92 yearsyoung and Bud Fogel, 89 years young. L-r, sitting: Ethel David, 96 yearsyoung; Margaret Murray, 89 years young; Janice Young, 88 years young.The “Life in Your Years” awards were presented to the three mostsenior male and three most senior female attendees at the 9th AnnualSenior Health and Fitness Day.

UPCOMING EVENTS

My best regards,

Thomas A. Cavalieri, DO, FACOI, FACP, AGSFDean

DEAN’S FORUMS – JULY 10, 2012For an update and more information about the restructuring of

medical and health sciences education in New Jersey, pleaseplan to attend on Tuesday, July 10, 2012 at 10 am or 3 pm in theTop Docs’ Café, Academic Center. Please consult with yourdepartment chair or supervisor. RSVP by Monday, July 9, 2012 at566.6207 or email  sominfo@umdnj.edu.

WALK THE WALK WITH DEAN CAVALIERI –JULY 23, 2012

As part of UMDNJ’s focus on health and wellness, outdoorwalking paths have been created on each campus. Join DeanCavalieri on Monday, July 23, 2012 at 12 noon as he takes a walkon the Stratford Campus path. Walk will be held rain or shine.Water will be available for all walkers and a discounted healthylunch menu will be offered in Top Docs’ Café following the walk.Stay tuned for more information about the walk as we get closerto the event.

15TH ANNUAL UMDNJ-SOM GOLF CLASSIC –SEPTEMBER 30, 2012

Join alumni, faculty, students and staff at the 15th AnnualUMDNJ-SOM Golf Classic, Sunday, September 30th at 8:45 am(shotgun start). The tournament will be held at Harbor Pines GolfCourse in Egg Harbor Township, NJ, featuring large fairwaysgreat for golfers of all skill levels, a driving range and newclubhouse. The Golf Classic includes 18 holes of golf, continentalbreakfast, lunch, gifts and prizes. Proceeds from the eventsupport student scholarships at UMDNJ-SOM. For moreinformation, call the Office of Alumni & Student Affairs at 856-566-6740.