Thomas A. Cavalieri, DO, has been named Dean of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey School of Osteopathic Medicine (UMDNJ-SOM). Dr. Cavalieri has served as Interim Dean since April 2006 and has spent 30 years serving the university. The founding Director of the school’s Center for Aging, Dr. Cavalieri has helped guide the geriatric health and education programs through the development of the Center into the New Jersey Institute for Successful Aging.

MSUCOM Provides Funding for Malawi’s First MRI Facility 

Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (MSUCOM) has donated more than $400,000 to the Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre, Malawi, for the construction of a building that will house the country’s first magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) unit. Terri Taylor, DO, University Distinguished Professor of Internal Medicine at MSUCOM, spends January through June conducting research in Malawi. This summer, with the $1.3 million donation of the MRI unit from General Electric Company, Dr. Taylor and other physicians will gain a powerful tool to help them more accurately diagnose and evaluate patients. Sam Kampondeni, Malawi’s only radiologist, trained in MSUCOM’s Department of Radiology in 2007; equipped with knowledge of the technology, he will be able to interpret MRI images and even send them to MSUCOM for assessment. For more information visit: http://news.msu.edu/story/818/&keyword_search=MRI&keyword_action=all_words.

NSU-COM Lends Aid for Iowa Flood Relief

Cecilia Rokusek, EdD, RD, a disaster management official for the Center for Bioterrorism and All-Hazards Preparedness (CBAP) at Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine (NSU-COM), traveled to Iowa in June to assist residents with the cleanup of the destruction caused by the Cedar River’s floodwaters. Recently named Honorary Consul of the Slovak Republic, Rokusek specializes in disaster planning, preparation and recovery. After helping with recovery efforts at the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, Rokusek traveled to the University of Iowa, where approximately 10 university buildings had been submerged.

VCOM Hosts Summer Enrichment Program

In July, Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) welcomed more than 50 high school students for its first annual summer enrichment program, which was designed to provide exposure to the world of medicine and higher education possibilities. The students, who had been nominated by teachers, counselors or clergy members, engaged in activities such as building clay hearts in a laboratory, comparing healthy and unhealthy lungs on cadavers and observing lab demonstrations and lectures. The students spent a week learning about the human body and participating in stimulating activities.

LECOM Receives Annual Endowment

Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) has been awarded a $12,000 annual endowment from The Colby Foundation for the Colby Cassani Endowed Lectureship series. The funds will be used for seminars or events to educate medical students and the general public about all aspects of organ donation. The Colby Foundation, a non-profit organization established in 1995, also provides schools with educational materials and a base of knowledgeable speakers.