Lake Erie Projects
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Experience Health at expERIEnce Children’s Museum Student Intern(s):
Shannon Moore, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Jennifer Szempruch, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Academic Preceptor(s):
Kim Moscatello, PhD, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Community Preceptor(s):
June Pintea, expERIEnce Children’s Museum
The Community Site:
The mission of expERIEnce Children’s Museum is to enrich the lives of children by providing a creative and interactive environment where children can experience learning as fun. View Community Partner Web Site
Healthy People of 2010:
Leading Health Indicators: Access to Health Care; Overweight and Obesity; Physical Activity
Focus Areas: Educational and Community-Based Programs; Health Communication; Nutrition and Overweight; Physical Activity and Fitness The Project:
Jennifer and Shannon designed camps for children that focused on nutrition, physical activity and oral health. The interns also presented a toddler- and preschool-oriented story time designed to make the children comfortable visiting their doctors and to interest them in the health-care field. Shannon noted, “Working at the expERIEnce Children’s Museum was a wonderful and rewarding experience because I believe that health-care education, especially in children, is extremely important.” Jennifer commented, “This summer has been a great complement to the education I have already received at LECOM. During the school year I gained the knowledge of medicine, responsibility, and professionalism. This summer I have learned creative ways to … instill knowledge in and gain the trust of my patients.”
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YMCA Kids Club: Staying Active and Healthy Student Intern(s):
Christopher Cook, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Academic Preceptor(s):
Jon Kalmey, PhD, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Community Preceptor(s):
Cherie Kinem, MSW, YMCA of Greater Erie, Kids Club at Erie Heights The Community Site:
The Kids Club at Erie Heights is a neighborhood service organization provided by the YMCA of Greater Erie. View Community Partner Web Site
Healthy People 2010:
Leading Health Indicators: Physical Activity; Overweight and Obesity; Substance Abuse
Focus Areas: Physical Activity and Fitness; Oral Health; Substance Abuse; Nutrition and Overweight; Heart Disease and Stroke The Project:
Chris’s activities at the YMCA Kids Club involved engaging the youth in physical activities, creating a video dance game for them, mentoring them at the golf and learning center, and providing lectures on nutrition, oral health, obesity and substance abuse. Chris noted, “This experience was as educational for me as it was for the kids … It is an important and crucial time in the life of these kids, and I wanted to make sure that they were surrounded by positive influences at all times during their stay at the Kids Club.”
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From Camp to Career Student Intern(s):
Ratna Ganabathi, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Academic Preceptor(s):
Michael Bradbury, PhD, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Community Preceptor(s):
Jane Mullinax, ME, Northwest Pennsylvania Area Health Education Center The Community Site:
The Northwest Pennsylvania Area Health Education Center (NW PA AHEC) is a program designed to bridge academic and community resources to meet the primary health-care needs of northwest Pennsylvania. View Community Partner Web Site
Healthy People 2010:
Leading Health Indicators: Access to Health Care; Overweight and Obesity; Physical Activity
Focus Areas: Access to Quality Health Services; Educational and Community-Based Programs; Health Communication; Oral Health; Respiratory Diseases The Project:
Ratna assisted with two separate academic summer camps for high school students from several counties of northwest Pennsylvania. NW PA AEC sponsored a health career camp designed to educate academically advanced students interested in entering a career in the health professions. The second camp, sponsored by Gannon University, was a six-week summer institute designed to help socioeconomically disadvantaged students strengthen their math and science skills. Ratna reflected, “Career camps … are an invaluable resource for high school students interested in entering these professions—even I learned a thing or two!”
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Shedding the “Dis” in Disability Student Intern(s):
Trevor Phinney, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Mary Rosendale, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Academic Preceptor(s):
Thomas Corso, PhD, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Community Preceptor(s):
Amy Will, RN, CDDN, Dr. Gertrude A. Barber National Institute
The Community Site:
The Dr. Gertrude A. Barber National Institute provides school-aged and adult services for those with developmental disabilities. These services range from early intervention (birth to 3 months old) to retiree care. View Community Partner Web Site
Healthy People 2010:
Leading Health Indicators: Injury and Violence; Overweight and Obesity, Physical Activity
Focus Areas: Disability and Secondary Conditions; Injury and Violence Prevention; Nutrition and Overweight; Physical Activity and Fitness; Heart Disease and Stroke The Project:
Trevor and Mary created a video providing safe, monitored exercises adapted to meet the physical and intellectual challenges of the Barber Center’s clients. Trevor stated, “I now have a good sense of the world of the mentally disabled and I feel compelled to share my knowledge with the rest of the community.” Mary noted, “BTG with the Barber Center has challenged my preexisting views on intellectually impaired adults.”
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The Student Parenting Program’s Community Collaborators Reference Manual Student Intern(s):
Robert B. Allison II, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Academic Preceptor(s):
Mark Andrews, PhD, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Community Preceptor(s):
Jeanne Bender, The School District of the City of Erie, Student Parenting Program The Community Site:
The Erie School District’s Student Parenting Program assists pregnant and parenting students with their dual roles as students and parents.
Healthy People 2010:
Leading Health Indicators: Responsible Sexual Behavior; Immunizations; Access to Health Care
Focus Areas: Access to Quality Health Care; Educational and Community-Based Programs; Health Communication; Immunization and Infectious Diseases; Maternal, Infant and Child Health The Project:
Robb worked in collaboration with several Erie community agencies to arrange a “Community Collaborators Reference Manual,” which is a guide to the multitude of organizations and agencies aimed at helping young families address maternal and child issues. The manual will be used by case managers who work with the students. Robb described his participation as “one of the best experiences” in medical school. He continued, “The people I’ve met, the connections I’ve made, and the opportunities I’ve had to work with the men and women of the Student Parenting Program are truly unforgettable.”
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Solutions for Seniors Student Intern(s):
Sara Crissman, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Academic Preceptor(s):
Donald Linville, PhD, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Community Preceptor(s):
Sr. Mary Herrmann, SSJ, Sisters of St. Joseph Neighborhood Network
The Community Site:
The Sisters of St. Joseph Neighborhood Network provides a variety of programs and services for residents in the Erie neighborhood of Little Italy. View Community Partner Web Site
Healthy People 2010:
Leading Health Indicators: Injury and Violence; Environmental Quality; Access to Health Care
Focus Areas: Access to Quality Health Services; Educational and Community-Based Programs; Environmental Health; Health Communication; Injury and Violence Prevention The Project:
Sara surveyed senior citizens in the Historic Little Italy Neighborhood to uncover their needs, frustrations, hopes, wisdom and life experiences. Sara addressed some of the needs identified in the survey and also created a binder and pamphlet listing resources and services for the elderly. Sara noted, “Interviewing the senior citizens has been an invaluable learning experience for me. The passion that they have for their neighborhood’s rich history, and the hope that they have for its future is inspirational. They have taught me a lot about seeing the world from their viewpoint.”
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SafeNet Safe Sex Student Intern(s):
Lisa Delluomo, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Academic Preceptor(s):
Beth Ann Ricci, DO, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Community Preceptor(s):
Kelly Kingston, SafeNet Domestic Violence Safety Network
The Community Site:
SafeNet Domestic Violence Safety Network provides emergency and non-emergency services to women who are victims of domestic abuse and their families. View Community Partner Web Site
Healthy People 2010:
Leading Health Indicators: Responsible Sexual Behavior; Access to Health Care; Injury and Violence
Focus Areas: Access to Quality Health Services; Sexually Transmitted Diseases; Family Planning; HIV; Oral Health The Project:
Lisa’s activities focused on sexual health. In addition to presenting information about safe sex practices, Lisa also shared information on available community resources with the women. To address the growing number of diabetic women who access SafeNet programs, Lisa provided a diabetes education program for the staff. Lisa noted, “As SafeNet’s main goal is to support and empower women, I am glad I had the chance to be a part of helping these women to hopefully raise awareness, make good decisions, and thereby lift their self-esteem.”
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Learning the Whole Story
Student Intern(s):
Crystal L. Roman, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Academic Preceptor(s):
Theodore A. Makoske, MD, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Community Preceptor(s):
Sr. Stephanie Schmidt, OSB, House of Healing The Community Site:
House of Healing is a residential program that gives women involved in the criminal justice system the opportunity to build a better future for themselves and their children in a structured, caring learning environment. View Community Partner Web Site
Healthy People 2010:
Leading Health Indicators: Overweight and Obesity; Physical Activity; Responsible Sexual Behavior
Focus Areas: Nutrition and Overweight; Oral Health; Physical Activity and Fitness; HIV; Sexually Transmitted Diseases The Project:
Crystal provided basic health-care information, created an exercise program, and produced portable medical histories for the women residents at House of Healing. To ensure a lasting presence, she also produced a reference book of pamphlets and booklets on various medical issues. Crystal said, “I believe this experience has helped me approach patients more holistically, and thus will help me become a better health-care professional. I am happy to have had these women in my life to help me realize their side of the story.”
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Geriatrics: Staying in Touch with Present and Future Student Intern(s):
Filip Moshkovsky, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Nicole B. Cerklewich, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Academic Preceptor(s):
Mathew Bateman, PhD, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Community Preceptor(s):
Amanda Lis, Millcreek Community Hospital, Millcreek Manor The Community Site:
Millcreek Manor, part of the Millcreek Community Hospital system (MCH), provides skilled and long-term care. View Community Partner Web Site
Healthy People 2010:
Leading Health Indicators: Mental Health; Environmental Quality; Access to Health Care
Focus Areas: Access to Quality Health Services; Environmental Health; Oral Health; Mental Health and Mental Disorders; Education and Community-Based Programs The Project:
Nicole and Filip assisted in daily living activities of the Millcreek Manor residents. In addition, the interns acquired computers and then introduced the residents to the computer skills needed to communicate electronically with family and friends. Filip commented, “As a future physician I have come to learn that health, especially in geriatrics, is not only what the labs and x-rays tell you, but for a majority it is the interaction and communication with their loved ones.” Nicole said, “The idea to help the residents learn to use e-mail came about after learning that many had family and friends at a distance … At first it was a bit of a challenge to overcome their reluctance to try a new technology, but once people received their first e-mail the excitement grew.”
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Geriatrics: Mental and Physical Well-Being Student Intern(s):
Beena Iype, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Academic Preceptor(s):
Ann Stephanie Stano, SSJ, PhD, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Community Preceptor(s):
Allen L. Bonace, MSN, MBA, RN, Saint Mary’s at Asbury Ridge
The Community Site:
Saint Mary’s at Asbury Ridge is a continuing care retirement community. View Community Partner Web Site
Healthy People 2010:
Leading Health Indicators: Physical Activity; Mental Health; Access to Health Care
Focus Areas: Access to Quality Health Services; Health Communication; Mental Health and Mental Disorders; Oral Health; Physical Activity and Fitness The Project:
Beena’s activities at Saint Mary’s included working with the residents on a newsletter and assisting individuals with the computer skills needed for this project. To promote physical activity, Beena instituted a weekly Tai Chi class. For residents of the Alzheimer’s unit, she promoted physical activity and hand-eye coordination. An oral health presentation educated the residents about oral health, denture care and recognizing oral health diseases. Beena said, “I believe that this internship has not only educated me on the physical challenges but the mental challenges that the elderly face … I know that these skills will help me take a holistic approach to treating my geriatric patients.”
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VNA Hospice: Total Team Care Student Intern(s):
Brian Singeltary, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Academic Preceptor(s):
Steven Levy, MD, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Community Preceptor(s):
Jean Kennedy Keck, LPC, Visiting Nurse Association of Erie County
The Community Site:
Visiting Nurse Association is a network of services and treatment for patients and their families that encompasses pain and symptom management; physical, emotional, and psychological care; spiritual support; and grief support. View Community Partner Web Site
Healthy People 2010:
Leading Health Indicators: Physical Activity; Mental Health; Access to Health Care
Focus Areas: Access to Quality Health Services; Educational and Community-Based Programs; Mental Health and Mental Disorders; Nutrition and Overweight; Oral Health The Project:
Collaborating with staff, patients and their families, Brian created a bereavement packet to address the needs of the family members of deceased hospice patients. Brian stated, “It has been an amazing experience working with the VNA Hospice and their patients. I have gained so much insight into both the medical and psychological aspects of end-of-life care.”
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Applying Osteopathic Philosophy to Alzheimer’s Care Student Intern(s):
Peter Thomas, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Academic Preceptor(s):
Ann Stephanie Stano, SSJ, PhD, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Community Preceptor(s):
Barbara Elliott, RN, Saint Mary’s East, The Gallagher Center The Community Site:
The Gallagher Center, a program of Saint Mary’s East Continuing Care Retirement Community, is a freestanding unit providing care for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. View Community Partner Web Site
Healthy People 2010:
Leading Health Indicators: Mental Health; Physical Activity; Environmental Quality
Focus Areas: Mental Health and Mental Disorders; Physical Activity and Fitness; Oral Health; Environmental Health; Health Communication The Project:
The goal of Peter’s project at the Gallagher Center was to demonstrate the effectiveness of a holistic approach in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. To achieve this goal, he organized and led both group and one-on-one activities designed to address all aspects of health. Peter reflected, “I learned much about Alzheimer’s disease and the positive influence of a treatment plan grounded in osteopathic philosophy.”
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St. Joe’s Games Student Intern(s):
Michael Yurkewicz, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Academic Preceptor(s):
Christopher C. Keller, PhD, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Community Preceptor(s):
Kim L. Whelan, MS, Housing and Neighborhood Development Services, Elderly Division
The Community Site:
Housing and Neighborhood Development Services (HANDS) helps people with disabilities, homeless people and senior citizens find quality affordable housing in the Erie county region. View Community Partner Web Site
Healthy People 2010:
Leading Health Indicators: Physical Activity; Overweight and Obesity; Mental Health
Focus Areas: Access to Quality Health Services; Educational and Community-Based Programs; Mental Health and Mental Disorders; Oral Health; Physical Activity and Fitness The Project:
The St. Joe’s Games are a series of events from June 11 through August 6, designed specifically for the elderly residents of the St. Joseph Apartments, a component of HANDS. Michael noted, “I learned a lot about the way the elderly population has to live … Many times they do not get much money from their social security, and have to rely on the many organizations that are out there to help them get by … I am very glad to have met some of the fantastic people who work in this area; they are truly bettering the lives of others.”
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Utilizing Neighborhood Resources to Build Stronger Families Student Intern(s):
Kelly Birchenough, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Academic Preceptor(s):
Margaret Latimer, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Community Preceptor(s):
Maureen Dunn, Erie DAWN The Community Site:
Erie DAWN, in partnership with area landlords and realtors, provides safe, affordable housing, advocacy, and support services for low-income women and children. View Community Partner Web Site
Healthy People 2010:
Leading Health Indicators: Access to Health Care; Mental Health; Tobacco Use
Focus Areas: Educational and Community-Based Programs; Immunization and Infectious Diseases; Maternal, Infant and Child Health; Oral Health; Tobacco Use The Project:
Kelly assisted in planning and executing a six-week program centered on the relationship between mother and child, and a five-week program for school-aged girls, highlighting body image, diversity and tolerance. Kelly also compiled a resource book with articles on health and safety issues pertaining to women and children. Kelly noted, “This experience has been an amazing opportunity for me to see how women can really work together to build better families and thus stronger communities in the process.”
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