Advertise on podcast: 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. Listen In! Thanks for listening to this episode of LECOM Presents: Heroes In Training

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. Listen In! Thanks for listening to this episode of LECOM Presents: Heroes In Training

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. Listen In! Thanks for listening to this episode of LECOM Presents: Heroes In Training

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. Listen In! Thanks for listening to this episode of LECOM Presents: Heroes In Training

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. Listen In! Thanks for listening to this episode of LECOM Presents: Heroes In Training

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. Listen In! Thanks for listening to this episode of LECOM Presents: Heroes In Training

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. Listen In! Thanks for listening to this episode of LECOM Presents: Heroes In Training

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. Listen In! Thanks for listening to this episode of LECOM Presents: Heroes In Training

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. Listen In! Thanks for listening to this episode of LECOM Presents: Heroes In Training

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.  Listen In! Thanks for listening to this episode of LECOM Presents: Heroes In Training

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. Listen In! Thanks for listening to this episode of LECOM Presents: Heroes In Training

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. Listen In! Thanks for listening to this episode of LECOM Presents: Heroes In Training

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. Listen In! Thanks for listening to this episode of LECOM Presents: Heroes In Training

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. Listen In! Thanks for listening to this episode of LECOM Presents: Heroes In Training

Host: Kathleen Spinazzola Guests: Mark Badaracco - LECOM Executive Director of Enrollment Services & Information Systems              Josh Centore - First Year LECOM DSP Pathway Medical Student              Slate Bretz - First Year LECOM DSP Pathway Medical Student  Kathleen is joined by Mark Badaracco, Josh Centore, and Slate Bretz, and they duscuss running, marrathon training and being a medical student at LECOM. Mark talks about utra marathon running and fundraising efforts for the LECOM Student Scholarship Fund. Josh and Slate highlight their experiences with the Run Club and the benefits of running for stress relief and academic performance. The conversation also touches on the Directed Study Program (DSP) and the importance of resilience and community support in medical school. Listen In! Thanks for listening to this episode of LECOM Presents: Heroes In Training