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Vital Signs
Vol. 43, No. 1 Winter 2021
4 COVID blueprint
James Augustine, M.D., ’83, manages
national COVID care guidelines.
COVID-19
How COVID-19 has impacted the Boonshoft
14
School of Medicine’s community.
New dean
New dean ready to take a great school
to new heights.
From the Dean What’s Inside
2 Vital Signs
020, I believe most will agree, was a year like were among some of the challenges created by
no other. Not only did we face a pandemic, the pandemic. I am impressed by the creativity
which caused dramatic changes to how we see of our dedicated faculty and staff who were able
4 20 24 34
patients, teach, learn, work and live, we to successfully navigate the changes necessary Vol. 43, No. 1
witnessed tragedies of social injustice and a to continue providing our students with quality Winter 2021
divisive presidential election. There are no words learning experiences.
to describe the pace of change and the number Assistant Vice President
You will read about an alumnus whose expertise Issues in Depth Giving Thanks Research In Good for Advancement
of issues our world has faced. Spotlight Company Angela Clements, C.P.A.
in dealing with disaster has put him in a position James Augustine, BSOM remembers
The Wright State University Boonshoft School of to assist the Centers for Disease Control and M.D., ’83, manages Catherine MT Steven Dale Writer and Editor
Jack Gruber, M.D., Lisa Coffey
Prevention and emergency medical services national COVID care Sherwin, Ph.D., Burdette, M.D.,
Medicine (BSOM) community should be proud of and how his
guidelines. FCP, answers the FIDSA, FACP, ’00, Design
all that has been accomplished during this nationwide, with guidelines for COVID-19 care. scholarship is quarantine is recognized as a Josh Trippier
turbulent period. Whether changing curricula and Another alumnus has been labeled a hero and helping many. question. COVID-19 hero.
Contributing Writer
courses on a dime, creating new processes on awarded for his dedication to COVID-19 care in Jim Hannah
the fly to continue research and other essential the Dayton area. Photography
Erin Pence
functions of the school, or providing outstanding,
Ask any parent of a school-aged child and they Chris Snyder
compassionate patient care, we have simply not
will agree their students’ education has been Faculty in Focus 10 On The Move 30 How to contact us:
missed a beat. Editor, Vital Signs
affected by COVID-19. K–12 students have been
Wright State University
In this issue of Vital Signs, we focus our attention challenged by not being in the classroom Faculty adapt delivery of education Boonshoft School of Medicine
on COVID-19 and how the BSOM community is consistently for almost a year. You will learn during COVID. 3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy.
Dayton, Ohio 45435
making significant contributions to fighting this about a study—made successful by Future Docs 32
Tel: 937-245-7634
disease, assisting the community around us and collaboration between BSOM, Dayton Children’s
the world at large. Faculty, students and alumni Hospital, and administrators from several A Closer Look 14
som_adv@wright.edu
medicine.wright.edu
from BSOM have been involved with COVID-19 southwest Ohio school districts—The results of
New dean ready to take a great
from testing to vaccinating, and all points in which played a role in getting kids back in the Alumni Notes 36
school to new heights. To submit Class Notes:
between. We have collaborated with each other classroom.
som_adv@wright.edu
and those outside our community during this Tel: 937-245-7634
I was thrilled in November to begin my role as
pandemic to provide solutions and support. 1,000 Words 22 Vital Signs is published each year
BSOM’s dean. I am excited to have the In Memoriam 40 for alumni, faculty, staff, and friends
Wright State University students from all across opportunity in this issue to share my story, so of Wright State University Boonshoft
you can learn more about me and what I will School of Medicine.
campus, aided by BSOM students and the
In Residence 28 © 2021 Wright State University
Department of Population and Public Health bring to BSOM.
Boonshoft School of Medicine
Sciences, provided contact tracing support to
As we continue into 2021 with the hopeful
area public health departments. You will read
promise of better things to come, I am grateful View Vital Signs online at
about a resident who organized a virtual
for the strong and dedicated BSOM community medicine.wright.edu/about/
symposium, attended by over 150 Dayton-area
and the support from the Wright State family and vital-signs/786
medical professionals, which provided critical
our many community partners. We are achieving
information about COVID-19 vaccines and ways
great things and caring for patients and our
to overcome vaccine hesitancy. We also share a
community, all while educating the next
story about our students who helped to get @WSUBSOM
generation of physicians.
those vaccines in arms at local COVID-19
@WSUBoonshoftSOM
vaccine clinics.
While COVID-19 was altering day-to-day life, at WrightStateMedSchool
BSOM, like all learning institutions, we were
having to make adjustments. You will see how @wsubsom
quickly switching to virtual instruction and trying
to maintain personal connections with students Valerie D. Weber, M.D., M.S. Wright State University
Boonshoft School of Medicine
2 Vital Signs Winter 2021 medicine.wright.edu 3
Issue In Depth Experience, Insight and Wisdom: A Blueprint for Handling COVID-19 4 Vital Signs Winter 2021 medicine.wright.edu 5
Issue In Depth
J ames Augustine, M.D., ’83,
Emergency Medicine, is quite
experienced at handling disasters. From
especially during the SARS crisis in 2003
and Ebola in 2014. He also worked with
the CDC in 2009 during the H1N1 flu
COVID-19 information and share it. “The
CDC supplies the science, and I work
with the IAFC, Eagles and fire and EMS
train derailments to pandemics, the outbreak. Augustine was able to build agencies across the country to formulate
emergency medicine physician, who also upon these past experiences with viral best practices for patient care,”
completed his emergency medicine outbreaks and working with the CDC said Augustine.
residency at Wright State University and use them as a blueprint
Boonshoft School of Medicine (BSOM), for COVID-19.
Augustine also shares the CDC’s science “Having options and a
he receives with the emergency
has assisted with disaster planning and
creating best practices for many crisis
Throughout Augustine’s career, he has physicians who are part of US Acute second dose is some-
served as medical director for fire and Care Solutions. US Acute Care Solutions
care situations. He is now using this
EMS with nearly 20 agencies between is a national physician group based in thing that’s never been
experience to assist with, and try to stay
one step ahead of, COVID-19.
Ohio and Florida. These roles facilitated
Augustine’s membership in 2009 with the
Canton, Ohio. Augustine is the
immediate past chair of the group’s
part of the pandemic
Augustine has been involved in helping International Association of Fire Chiefs National Clinical Governance Board. playbook.”
emergency physicians, firefighters and (IAFC) and “the Eagles.”
Equally important in this process is
emergency medical service (EMS)
IAFC members are experts regarding sharing with the CDC what is going on in
agencies across the nation plan, prepare
policy for disaster response and public the field. Augustine communicates what
and execute processes related to
safety, and represent the leadership of IAFC and Eagles members, emergency
COVID-19 since before the first case in James Augustine, M.D., ’83
firefighters and emergency responders providers and the community are
the United States was confirmed.
worldwide. As the IAFC began planning experiencing day-to-day, what processes
When the Centers for Disease Control for the virus, Augustine was asked to join are or are not working, and what needs
and Prevention (CDC) first began to hear their COVID-19 Task Force. to be addressed. For example, since the Department medical director, also an of the Hospital Professional Technical and is doing well.
about the virus, preparations began. Part beginning of the outbreak, more Eagles member, shared the early Advisory Committee. The Joint
The Eagles, a de-facto coalition of the Augustine shared the initial focus of CDC
of that preparation included reaching out emergency care has been happening in experience of dealing with the first Commission is the accreditation group
Metropolitan Municipalities EMS Medical communication, including disseminating
to colleagues, including Augustine, to the home. People fear COVID-19 COVID-19 case in the country. Another for hospitals and is responsible for
Directors Alliance, is composed of most information to the public, caring for the
discuss how to plan for the disease, exposure and do not want to be Eagles member from Minneapolis, improving hospital disaster plans and
of the jurisdictional EMS medical infected, limiting the spread and
manage care and curtail the spread. transported to the hospital. Guidelines infectious disease expert Mike regulating care standards. He also
directors for the 60 to 70 largest cities’ improving the effectiveness of diagnostic
Eventually this group would become the are needed for this change in emergency Osterholm, Ph.D., M.P.H., who would served for six years on the Board of
911 systems in the United States. This testing, has now shifted into the next
CDC COVID Health Systems and Worker care. “Sharing of information is definitely later appear with some regularity on the Directors of the American College of
group also includes the chief medical steps. He is now working with the CDC
Safety Task Force, which has been a two-way street, and necessary,” news broadcasts, provided early insight Emergency Physicians (ACEP), a group
officers for several pivotal federal on COVID-19 vaccine distribution and
crucial to the CDC’s efforts in battling Augustine added. on how COVID-19 would affect people, involved with establishing clinical care
agencies such as the FBI, United States vaccine confidence. He recently
the pandemic. and how systems would have to standards within emergency medicine.
Secret Service and the White House This past fall, as COVID-19 cases began presented via a webinar on the vaccines
respond. Eagles members from Italy, He continues to serve with ACEP’s
Augustine’s working relationship with the Medical Unit, as well as numerous global to ramp up, Augustine coordinated fire to fire chiefs and EMS medical directors
Germany and France shared what was epidemic expert panel.
CDC began in 2001 while he was living counterparts, from Paris to Auckland, and EMS providers to assist with testing across the nation. “There are many
happening in their countries, enlightening
and working in Atlanta. During this time, and Berlin to Manila. This cohesive cadre at public health clinics and high-risk sites, Creating COVID-19 best practices, firefighters and EMS personnel who are
him as to what to expect in the United
he was assistant professor and vice chair of EMS specialists is responsible for such as nursing homes. Now, with the keeping providers safe and avoiding risk unsure about the vaccines. It’s important
States, so that preparations could be
of emergency medicine with Emory stewarding the medical protocols and rollout of the vaccines, he is organizing are also of the upmost importance. they understand that the vaccines are
initiated in hard-hit areas like New
University and medical director for both respective training for all aspects of fire and EMS personnel to assist with Augustine knows all too well how safe and that their families, co-workers
York City.
the city of Atlanta Fire Rescue day-to-day 911, 999, 112 and 000 type administering vaccines at many devastating this disease can be. In and the community need them to be
Department and Atlanta’s Hartsfield emergency responses within their community sites. Beneficial to Augustine in developing November of 2020, his son’s father-in- vaccinated,” Augustine added.
Jackson International Airport. respective jurisdictions, encompassing national COVID-19 guidelines is his law, a 52-year-old firefighter in Ohio, died
The IAFC and Eagles have been The technical issues around COVID-19
well over one-third of the population of experience in managing hospital from COVID-19. That same month,
As medical director for one of the busiest instrumental in providing insight and vaccines themselves are a challenge.
the United States and more than 130 operations and seeing the big picture. He Augustine’s son, a paramedic and
airports in the nation, Augustine worked helping Augustine stay one step ahead of “Never before in the pandemic playbook
million citizens worldwide. served from 2004 to 2011 with The Joint battalion chief, also in Ohio, contracted
with the CDC to establish guidelines for the virus in his planning. Before it was have there been multiple vaccine options,
Commission as a member and then chair COVID-19. Fortunately, his son recovered
international flights and travelers, Augustine’s primary role is to take national news, the Seattle Fire or those that must be given in two
6 Vital Signs Winter 2021 medicine.wright.edu 7
Issue In Depth
North Collier Fire EMS in Naples, Florida.
Throughout his career, Augustine has
contributed his wisdom and crisis care
experience to more than 250
publications and articles, including
“Emergency Considerations in COVID-19
Vaccine Administration” and “Physician
at the Scene of an Emergency.” He also
has held editorial positions with a half
dozen medical publications. Augustine
has received many awards and honors,
including most recently the Street
Medicine Society and the John P. Pryor
Award for exemplary service. He has
received multiple service awards with
Atlanta Fire and Rescue.
Augustine shared, “This past year has
truly been overwhelming,” but
emphasized that he is blessed to have
the opportunity to help other people. He
stated, “We will learn from this pandemic
and the world will be better for it!”
Augustine lives in Naples, Florida, and
Dayton, Ohio. His wife Linda is a 1981
Wright State University graduate with a
degree in nursing. They have three
grown children and four grandchildren.
—Lisa Coffey
doses,” said Augustine. These have with crisis care to experiences from his Augustine’s early learning in disaster triage and coordinated medics from Lessons learned there have allowed me
resulted in major logistics challenges, early years in Dayton. Working as an responsiveness was the train derailment nearly 30 jurisdictions to assist police to help so many.”
such as coordinating where people go emergency physician at Miami Valley in Miamisburg, Ohio, in 1986. The train, with evacuations and care for victims.
When Augustine isn’t wearing his
for the second shot and making a Hospital, Augustine was able to learn carrying phosphorus and sulfur, ignited
Augustine does not forget where it all “national hat,” as he calls it, he is
particular vaccine brand available upon emergency preparedness procedures and released a toxic plume over the
began. “I credit everything I know about teaching students at BSOM as a clinical
request. It’s also about addressing issues from physicians who, just a few years community, creating what was the
health care to Wright State,” said professor in emergency medicine.
after vaccinations, such as when will it be earlier, cared for victims of the 1974 largest evacuation in the nation’s history.
Augustine. He acknowledges the Additionally, he serves as medical
safe to stop wearing a mask. tornado in Xenia, Ohio. “Dayton has Augustine was serving as medical
community hospital experience at BSOM director for the Washington Township
great emergency preparedness and director with the fire department in the
Augustine sees vaccine confidence provides instruction in a variety of clinical Fire Department near Dayton, Ohio, and
provides great emergency care because Dayton suburb West Carrollton, in
growing and vaccine availability settings and allows first-hand learning with Forest Park Fire EMS, City of
of this tragic event. I am so fortunate to addition to working in the emergency
improving. “This pandemic has been about different approaches to care. He Morrow EMS, Hapeville Fire Department,
have had an opportunity to learn department at Miami Valley Hospital. He
different than any other, and different believes the diverse clinical settings allow South Fulton Fire Department and
emergency care in a Dayton area worked around the clock for two days
from what we planned and prepared for,” students to gain maturity by learning Riverdale Fire and Emergency Services
hospital.” and nights at the fire station, functioning
Augustine added. agility and how to think on their feet. “I’m all near Atlanta, Georgia. Augustine is
as command central, for emergency
An event which further expanded proud of my Wright State heritage. also associate medical director with
Augustine credits his success in dealing medical personnel. He assisted with
8 Vital Signs Winter 2021 medicine.wright.edu 9
Faculty in Focus
Q uickly switching to virtual instruction, maintaining personal
connections with students and shouldering an increased
workload were among the challenges created by the COVID-19
pandemic for the Wright State University Boonshoft School of
Medicine (BSOM) faculty.
However, the restrictions posed by the pandemic enabled
students, faculty and staff to adjust to and master virtual
instruction in multiple locations at the same time, creating new
educational possibilities for the future.
Boonshoft Tackles
Dr. Brenda Roman, associate dean for medical education and
chair of the Department of Medical Education, said, “The
pandemic has been a reminder of the incredible dedication of
our faculty and staff in having the flexibility to teach differently
Instructional
and spend many more hours in the day to accomplish the work
as facilitators of the students’ education. While it has been a
challenge to foster the close-knit environment that Boonshoft
has been known for, I am grateful for the grace of our faculty,
staff and students during these challenging times.”
Challenges Posed
Wright State moved to remote delivery for most courses in
March 2020 to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. BSOM
was forced to begin planning for virtual pre-clinical instruction
for first- and second-year students, only one day prior to
by COVID-19
switching to virtual instruction.
“Given that we have a lecture-free curriculum, this was a huge
undertaking, as we could not simply put lectures online,” said
Roman. “Our staff in the Department of Medical Education,
Restrictions
MedOps instructional technology support team, faculty and
students deserve so much credit in shifting to virtual instruction
literally overnight and not missing any crucial information in their
medical education.”
But while the students were having peer-instruction and
team-based learning sessions online, they were missing some
of the more subtle aspects of teamwork and the informal
aspects of getting to know one another.
Roman said there were only minor changes in the curriculum.
While the teaching styles have stayed the same with peer-
instruction and team-based learning, faculty use multiple
platforms to approximate in-person teaching.
“Students and faculty needed to have two to three platforms
running at once on a computer, or computer and phone, in
order to effectively move back and forth from large group
sessions to small group sessions,” she said.
Gregory J. Toussaint, M.D. Roman said the greatest challenge by far has been getting to
10 Vital Signs Winter 2021 medicine.wright.edu 11
know the first-year students and maintaining the personal due to the PPE shortages meant frequency of meetings for faculty and staff given the ease Roman said the most difficult thing has been having to
connection with all of the other students. fewer learning opportunities. of virtual meetings. hold a virtual graduation in 2020, and a small graduation
ceremony with a few faculty and limited number of
Moving to a virtual learning format did have a different “As hospital systems prepared for an “Maintaining work-life balance has been even more
guests in 2021.
impact on some students. Roman said, “Our pre-clinical influx of COVID-19 patients, elective surgeries were challenging as more meeting times creep into the
students did not feel that they were getting the same cancelled or postponed, so students did not get as robust evenings, and parents of younger children do double duty “The medical school graduation and hooding ceremony is
education, although content and engaged learning experiences as in the past,” she said. in having to home-school and care for their children while such an intimate affair with family and friends—truly a
methods did not change; it was just all done virtually.” She trying to get their jobs done,” she said. “For most faculty highlight for both students and faculty, a culminating event
“We continue to provide the best experiences possible
added, “Our test averages have remained the same and and many staff, workload has increased since the after all the years of hard work,” she said.
during the pandemic, but know that some students feel
we have been more transparent with showcasing the pandemic began. Our students who are parents are
more anxious, they do not feel as prepared to enter The fourth-year students also missed out on the Match
students’ and faculty’s efforts.” especially challenged with the rigors of medical school and
residency,” she said. “Our fourth-year students interviewed Day celebrations in 2020 and 2021, a time where they find
trying to balance their personal lives.”
Roman said having to remove third- and fourth-year for residency positions virtually and matched to programs out where they will go for residencies.
students from clinical instruction for three months was one in cities where they never visited before.” Roman said faculty and staff in the school’s Skills
“It is definitely a major disappointment for our students to
of the hardest decisions she had to make, but necessary Assessment Training Center (SATC) who lead clinical
Roman said welcoming the Class of 2024 virtually was not have these traditional medical school milestone
as that was the guidance nationally for medical schools teaching programs in the pre-clinical phase have had an
difficult for the students, faculty and staff. celebrations,” she said. “Both Match Day and graduation
due to concerns about the shortage of personal protection especially challenging time as they must prepare students
were times that students, faculty and staff could say
equipment (PPE). “We do not get to interact with our students in face-to- in clinical skill development.
goodbye to each other; not having those opportunities
face discussions that used to occur routinely in class,” she
“Faculty, especially our clerkship directors, had to become “In order to make the program work, significant leaves an empty place in our hearts.”
said. “We are more isolated from students than ever
very creative in their educational endeavors, such as adjustments have been made, which include wearing
before and they are isolated from us. They are also —Jim Hannah
quickly developing telemedicine rotations at the same time masks and face shields and having fewer people in the
isolated from each other; while discussions can occur in
that they were pivoting to conducting medical rooms together when assessing students,” she said.
small break-out rooms virtually, it limits the spontaneous
appointments virtually themselves,” she said. “Fewer people in rooms have meant that SATC faculty and
interactions and getting to know people on a
staff must also utilize Saturdays for many of our skills
Roman said maintaining similar levels of education has deeper level.”
training sessions to get all the students through
been more challenging in the clinical settings. Not having
Roman said there has been a massive increase in the each session.”
clinical students involved in the care of COVID-19 patients
12 Vital Signs Winter 2021 medicine.wright.edu 13
A Closer Look
New Dean Ready
to Take a Great
School to
New Heights
O n November 1, 2020, the Wright
State University Boonshoft School
of Medicine (BSOM) welcomed a new
good fit for me, especially my chosen
field of internal medicine,” she added.
After finishing high school, Dr. Weber
dean, Valerie D. Weber, M.D., M.S.,
attended Washington and Jefferson
FACP, the eighth in school history. Dr.
College in Washington, Pennsylvania,
Weber was hired as dean following the
and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in
June 2020 retirement of Margaret Dunn,
psychology. She then attended the
M.D., M.B.A., FACS.
University of Pennsylvania School of
A Pennsylvania native, Dr. Weber grew Medicine in Philadelphia, earning her
up in the small town of Harborcreek, Doctor of Medicine. She completed
Pennsylvania. She is the youngest of residency training, serving as chief
three children and enjoyed spending time resident, and completed an internship at
on the water during her childhood, the Graduate Hospital in Philadelphia, a
especially with her dad, an facility that at the time was an affiliate of
avid boatsman. the University of Pennsylvania Health
System. Her chosen specialty is internal
Dr. Weber’s interest in getting a good
medicine. “I often describe the choice of
education and pursuing medicine goes
Dr. Valerie D. Weber,
specialty as ‘finding your tribe.’ Internal
back to her childhood. “My father, an
medicine was always a natural fit for me;
engineer, made it very clear that
I didn’t experience the angst of career
education was the way out of poverty,”
choice that many of my classmates did,”
shared Dr. Weber, whose parents were
shared Dr. Weber. In 2008, she went
raised very close to poverty. Her mother,
back to the classroom to earn her Master
M.D., M.S., FACP
a homemaker, also volunteered in the
of Science degree in health care
community assisting the elderly, and Dr.
management from the Harvard University
Weber would often tag along with her.
Chan School of Public Health.
This led to her working as a candy
striper in the local hospital. “I think my Dr. Weber began medical practice in
interest in science, along with a Philadelphia as assistant medical director
fascination with older people and their for the J. Edwin Wood Clinic, a teaching
stories, made medicine a particularly clinic for internal medicine residents and
a provider of safety net care. She was
14 Vital Signs Winter 2021 medicine.wright.edu 15
A Closer Look
promoted to the position of medical new medical school, which awarded its of medical school faculty across a
director at J. Edwin Wood Clinic after first degrees in May 2013. 16-county region, establishing academic
only a year. Other clinical activities affiliations with nearly 30 hospitals,
When asked about creating a new
throughout her career included internal dozens of physician groups, and crafting
medical school Dr. Weber said, “It was
medicine practice with Geisinger Internal a robust assessment plan.
by far the most challenging role I’ve had
Medicine, Pennsylvania Department of
professionally, but it was also incredibly In 2014, Dr. Weber joined DUCOM,
Health tuberculosis clinics, and physician
serving as professor of medicine and the
volunteer with the Eliza Shirley Women’s
Clinic, part of the Health Outreach “I saw the notice for Deborah J. Tuttle, M.D., and John P.
Piper, M.D. senior vice dean for
Program at Drexel University College of
Medicine (DUCOM). the Boonshoft School educational affairs. Other administrative
roles at DUCOM included vice dean of
Along with being a practicing physician, of Medicine position, educational affairs and the William Maul
Dr. Weber has also been heavily involved Measey Chair in medical education.
in educating future physicians. Her most read the description of
Throughout her career, Dr. Weber has
recent positions include professor of
medicine with DUCOM in Philadelphia
what the school was been very active in community service.
She has volunteered her time with
and the Geisinger Commonwealth looking for in their next various groups and programs, including
School of Medicine (GCSOM), formerly
the Commonwealth Medical College, in dean, and it sounded Saint Francis of Assisi Soup Kitchen in
Scranton, Pennsylvania, and the Visiting
Scranton, Pennsylvania.
like a great fit. I had Nurse Association of Philadelphia. Weber
Throughout her career, Dr. Weber has has won numerous awards and honors.
been involved in innovation and been at DUCOM for She is a member of nearly a dozen
leadership. In 2000, Dr. Weber was medical professional societies, and has
department director for general internal many years as a vice held national leadership and institutional
medicine and geriatrics with Geisinger
Health System in Danville, Pennsylvania.
dean, and then as administrative committee positions. She
has served as principal investigator on
She later took on the duties of vice chair senior vice dean, so I grant awards for work in areas including
of the division of medicine. While with improving health outcomes in the rural
Geisinger, Dr. Weber led implementations was starting to think I elderly and establishment of an
of the advanced medical home model, as outcomes-based geriatrics
well as multiple other system might be ready to be a assessment clinic.
performance improvements and patient
safety initiatives. “As division chief of
dean” “I saw the notice for the Boonshoft
School of Medicine position, read the
internal medicine, I was challenged to
rewarding.” Dr. Weber was part of the description of what the school was
improve performance at many levels. We
team responsible for recruiting and looking for in their next dean, and it
were one of the first groups to implement
developing more than 400 faculty for the sounded like a great fit. I had been at
the EPIC electronic health record system,
departments of medicine, surgery, and DUCOM for many years as a vice dean,
open access scheduling, group visits and
psychiatry, as well as faculty leaders to and then as senior vice dean, so I was
medical home models,” shared Dr.
create and implement the curriculum. starting to think I might be ready to be a
Weber. Following her work with
She also led the development of the dean,” said Dr. Weber. She has a brother
Geisinger, Dr. Weber served as chair of
school’s innovative clinical curriculum, a in Dayton, another reason the opening
the Department of Clinical Sciences,
highlight of which is a third-year caught her attention. Dr. Weber also
associate dean for clinical affairs, and
longitudinal integrated clerkship, the considered the advice of a mentor, who
professor of medicine with GCSOM. As a
largest implementation of that model in encouraged her to take her career to the
member of senior leadership, she played
the world. This involved the development next level, and impressed upon her the
a major role in the development of the
16 Vital Signs Winter 2021 medicine.wright.edu 17
A Closer Look
need for more women medical music, traveling, and restaurants. I’m education and the tragedies affecting especially in the areas of chronic disease, medical school with a successful with preconceived ideas. Of course, I do
school deans. outdoorsy, so I’ve still been able to Black Americans, Dr. Weber wants to infant mortality and mental health. community-based medical education have ideas about things that I’d like to
continue hiking and rowing. I joined the use her voice as dean to improve their model. Her involvement in helping start a work on,” said Dr. Weber.
In July of 2020, Dr. Weber visited Wright Through its programs, Dr. Weber
Greater Dayton Rowing Association soon medical school experience, and hopefully medical school exposed her to what is
State campus, and after seeing firsthand acknowledges BSOM has already made Dr. Weber has big plans for BSOM. “In
after moving here,” shared Dr. Weber. have a positive effect on their lives as needed to begin to build a strong legacy
the quality of the people, BSOM’s a tremendous impact on the community 2020, BSOM graduated its 40th class of
She has two young adult children, a well. How does BSOM create a for a new institution. Weber sees
important organizational mission and and the region, and would like to see medical students. It has evolved as a
daughter who is 24 and a computer welcoming, more inclusive environment similarities with BSOM, which is still a
values, and its strong clinical partners, it these programs continue to grow and strong, community-focused medical
engineer and a son who is 21 and a for everybody? “I would like to see relatively young medical school with so
was an easy decision for her to make. “I provide even greater impact. Particularly, school that provides an outstanding,
junior studying business at West Chester BSOM be a beacon of diversity, equity much opportunity ahead for building
saw how great BSOM is, and felt certain she wants to see research funding state-of-the-art medical education, and
University. They remain in the and inclusion, a place where differences its legacy.
that I could help it become even better,” increase. Dr. Weber added, “Discovery is retains many of its brightest students in
Philadelphia region, so traveling to see are embraced, so that we can create a
Dr. Weber added. a vital part of what a medical school can The beginning of her time as dean, Dr. the region and the state. At this juncture,
them has been a bit more challenging strong and diverse health care workforce,
provide to a region.” Weber recognizes, will be spent learning we must ask what the next 10 years
She acknowledges that this last year has than she would like. reflecting the needs of society,” said Dr.
and becoming a part of the BSOM and will hold?”
been difficult for everyone, “Interviewing Weber. She wants to also see BSOM Dr. Weber brings years of experience
Noting the difficulties of the past year and Wright State communities. “This initial
for the dean’s position and moving to have a greater impact on the health with community-based medical schools, —Lisa Coffey
what students have been faced with, period of time is really about listening and
Dayton took some creativity, but disparities facing the Dayton region, serving in leadership roles, teaching
including the pandemic, changes to their learning. You can’t come into a place
everything went smoothly. I miss live students and, notably, helping to create a
18 Vital Signs Winter 2021 medicine.wright.edu 19Giving Thanks
Scholarship
Helps
Students
J ack Gruber, M.D., former vice chair
and professor with the department of
obstetrics and gynecology with the
internal review board for Miami Valley
Hospital in Dayton, Ohio.
by donating to the Jack Gruber Endowed
Scholarship in Obstetrics and
Gynecology. This scholarship is available
Gruber was born in Marion, Ohio, and
Boonshoft School of Medicine (BSOM), to any fourth-year BSOM medical
earned his undergraduate degree from
passed away in January 2021 as a result students who have expressed an interest
Otterbein College in Ohio. He attended
of complications from COVID-19. in obstetrics and gynecology. For more
medical school at The Ohio State
information on this scholarship, or to
Gruber joined the faculty of BSOM in University and completed residency
contribute please visit medicine.wright.
1976 as a professor in the department of training in obstetrics and gynecology at
edu/giving.
obstetrics and gynecology. He was BSOM in Dayton. His fellowship training
serving as vice chair of the department in gynecological endocrinology and —Lisa Coffey
when he retired as professor infertility was completed at Wayne State
emeritus in 2006. University in Detroit, Michigan.
Along with his position as a member of Following his retirement, Gruber settled
the faculty at BSOM, Gruber was also on a 35-acre farm in North Carolina, near
chair of the institutional review board, the Smoky Mountains. He saw it as
division director of reproductive returning to his roots of self-sufficiency
endocrinology and infertility, director of and living off the land.
teaching associates and clerkship
The Gruber family encourages friends
director. He also served as chair of the
and family to honor Dr. Gurber’s memory
20 Vital Signs Winter 2021 medicine.wright.edu 211,000 Words
T he incoming class of 2020. Taken
on July 13 2020, on Wright State
Unviersity’s campus. Before the students
arrived, markings were measured and
placed on the ground to ensure that
each student could stand 6 feet apart,
abiding by social distancing guidelines.
22 Vital Signs Winter 2021 medicine.wright.edu 23Research Spotlight
Research Spotlight
COVID-19 Protocols,
Ohio Schools are
Getting it Right
Q uarantining students for close
contact to a COVID-19-infected
classmate, even if they don’t become
training lead for the southwest Ohio
study site. She was involved in all visits
to schools and in training the BSOM
sick, is causing children to miss a students who volunteered to be part of
substantial amount of in-person class. In the study field team. Students were
a nine-week grading period, a 14-day trained on procedures required to be
quarantine, which health officials research assistants, and how to
recommended for most of the school administer the COVID-19 test. Staff from
year, would result in a student missing Dayton Children’s Hospital assisted with
nearly one-fourth of in-person class time. their training for COVID-19 testing.
Trainings were recorded and shared with
The Ohio Schools COVID-19 Evaluation
the other study sites statewide.
(OSCE) created a study in the fall of 2020
to answer the question: If a child in a The field team for the study site
supervised setting was in close contact consisted of Sherwin and BSOM
to another child with COVID-19 and both students who traveled weekly to
children were wearing masks properly, designated schools within southwest
did the close-contact child need to stay Ohio to perform COVID-19 testing. “The
at home to quarantine? students were great and contributed a lot
of hours and dedication to this project; I
The OSCE used The Centers for Disease
couldn’t have done it without them,” said
Control and Prevention (CDC) definition
Sherwin. BSOM students participating in
of close contact for their study purposes.
the project included Hilary Kleppel,
The CDC defines close contact as being
Amber Prater, Cameron McGlone, Charu
Schools within 6 feet of an infected person, for a
Gupta, Mirjana Grocic, Abigail Schmidt
total of 15 minutes or more over a
are doing 24-hour period. That applies to the two
and Kyle Henneke.
days before a person is symptomatic or The study also received support from
it right, the tests positive. school administrators. To encourage
protocols Catherine MT Sherwin, Ph.D., FCP,
participation and build confidence in the
safety of the process, the superintendent
Wright State University Boonshoft School
in place of Medicine (BSOM) vice chair for
of Mason City Schools, near Cincinnati,
was videoed being COVID-19 tested.
pediatric research, professor of pediatrics
are and pharmacology and toxicology, and
The video was shared throughout the
district for parents and students. “We
working. director of pediatric clinical pharmacology
with Dayton Children’s Hospital, along
also relied on good communication
between the school superintendents and
with several BSOM students, participated
principals, and our team,” said Sherwin.
in the six-week study that took place in
Every Monday, the field team received
November and December of 2020.
reports from the districts on the numbers
Sherwin’s role was field supervisor and of positive COVID-19 cases, along with
24 Vital Signs Winter 2021 medicine.wright.edu 25Research Spotlight
confirmation on which students focused on information regarding policymakers for the purpose of been exposed to COVID-19. As school ‘like normal,” said first-year
were allowed to be tested. This prevention practices at home, and improving the state’s health long as students in the classroom BSOM student Hilary Kleppel.
information dictated which schools stressors related to the pandemic. systems. Timothy R. Sahr, director wore masks and complied with “Participating in this study
70%
the team visited that week. Teachers were asked about school of research with GRC, was social distancing, they had no re-emphasized the importance of
structure, class activities and mask principal investigator with the increased risk of catching teamwork,” said fourth-year BSOM
COVID-19 rapid-tests were given
usage, and district superintendents project. The GRC kept the teams COVID-19 from a nearby student, student Cameron McGlone. “I’ve
to students, twice weekly for
answered questions related to amply stocked with testing kits as compared with students further never seen science move as fast
children who had been in close Over 70 percent of
pandemic communications, equity and personal protective equipment away in the same classroom or in as the OSCE study,”
contact with an infected students believe masking
challenges and paths forward. (PPE). Sherwin chuckled as she the same grade outside that McGlone added.
classmate, and once weekly for stops the spread
recalled her dining room filled with classroom.
the comparison group of students OSCE included over 700 children of COVID-19. “This was the fastest study I’ve
boxes of test kits and PPE.
of the same age and grade who in the study, with nine Ohio school Survey findings showed over 70 ever seen; it went at lightning
had not been in close contact with districts participating in the survey Jonathan Thackeray, M.D., served percent of students believe speed! I credit Wright State
an infected student. “I was portion, and seven of the nine as the project’s medical advisor. masking stops the spread of University and Dayton Children’s
surprised by how many students participating in both the survey Thackeray is vice-chair and COVID-19, and that student mask Hospital for pulling this off. They
volunteered to be part of the and COVID-19 testing. The professor of pediatrics with BSOM, usage in school is high. Teachers provided great volunteers and
comparison groups,” participating schools and districts and chief medical officer of also believe masks prevent the support throughout the project,”
Sherwin added. included Marysville Exempted population health with Dayton spread and reported high mask said Sherwin. She also specifically
97%
Village and Whitehall City Schools, Children’s Hospital. Sherwin usage by students. Administrators thanked John Duby, M.D., chair
To be included in the project,
in the Columbus area; Lakota shared how much she appreciated responded that masking was near and professor of pediatrics with
close-contact children had to have
Local Schools, Mason City his support during the project, 97 percent in the schools, and that BSOM. “This project was a little
been exposed to a COVID-19
Schools and Princeton City including filling in for her on field nearly all schools had a mask out of my scope, but it’s because
case in school, been within 6 feet Administrators responded
Schools near Cincinnati; Ashland testing when she was out. policy. They also found that of Dr. Duby’s support I became
for more than 15 minutes, and that masking was near 97
City Schools and Champion Local exposure outside of school was involved.”
both COVID-19 infected and close OSCE was managed by several percent in the schools,
Schools near Cleveland; Athens substantial, with participation in
contact students were wearing entities in the state of Ohio, and that nearly all schools OSCE was a pilot evaluation and
City Schools; and Troy City out-of-school activities high and
masks appropriately. Students including The Office of the had a mask policy. not intended to answer mask and
Schools, near Dayton. mask usage low. During exposure
exposed to COVID-19 outside of Governor, the Ohio Department of quarantine questions definitively.
to other children outside of school
school, for example, during The schools were chosen Health, the Ohio Department of The schools saw value in the data
in informal settings, mask
extracurricular activities, were not intentionally by the state. Effort Medicaid, the Ohio Department of collected, and the results from this
usage was low.
eligible to participate. was made to ensure the schools Insurance and the Ohio Pandemic project are helping Ohio’s health
had a reasonable representative Leadership Team. Funding was Sherwin’s big take-away from the officials modify school quarantining
Schools could choose whether to
sample with regard to provided by two grants through study is that schools are doing it protocols to get more kids back in
have close contact children
characteristics that included Wright State and came via the right; the protocols in place are the classroom.
M
quarantine at home or remain in ost COVID-19
number of recent COVID-19 Medicaid Technical Assistance and working. Most COVID-19
school with regular testing. transmission was Educators agree it is important to
cases, school size, location, Policy Program (MEDTAPP), a transmission was happening in the
Close-contact children were happening in the commu- have the kids in the classroom.
instruction model (hybrid or federal program that provides community and away from the
identified by the schools, who nity and away from the Their social, emotional and
in-person) and proportion of funding solely to universities from school setting. “I was surprised
worked with their local health school setting. academic well-being is more
impoverished students and the department of health, Medicare and pleased by how good the
departments. All children with a important now than ever.
students enrolled in Medicaid. and Medicaid, for students were at following safety
positive test were isolated, and the
research purposes. protocols, mask wearing and —Lisa Coffey
local health department Sherwin worked closely with other
social distancing, especially in the
was informed. program participants, The Ohio Overall, results from the study
high schools,” said Sherwin.
State University and the Ohio showed that children who were
Surveys were also administered as
Colleges of Medicine Government appropriately masked and in close “I loved engaging with the
part of the project. Children were
Resource Center (GRC). The GRC contact to an infected student in communities. Going into a school,
asked about interactions with
partners faculty at Ohio’s colleges school had rates of COVID-19 I enjoyed seeing students following
friends and exposure to people
of medicine with state health similar to children who had not safety guidelines, but going to
beyond school. Parent surveys
26 Vital Signs Winter 2021 medicine.wright.edu 27In Residence
BSOM dean, who spoke about addressing vaccine
hesitancy as just one part of BSOM’s goal of
supporting the community. Ohio Governor Mike
Boonshoft School of
DeWine and Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley also spoke
and provided information on vaccine roll-out plans
and goals for the state and the Dayton area. Several
physicians and medical professionals from BSOM
Medicine Resident Creates
and the Dayton area presented on topics including
COVID-19 virology and management, COVID-19
vaccine misconceptions and unanswered questions,
Task Force Focused on
vaccine distribution, and how to communicate with
patients about the vaccine. The event ended with a
COVID-19 Vaccines
The
T his past December, a few medical
colleagues, including We’am
Hussain, M.D., ’18, a third-year internal
professionals, we believed that it would
trickle down from provider to patient.”
With this realization, the idea of formally
professor and chair of internal medicine
and neurology; Cynthia Sheppard
Solomon, B.S.Pharm, R.Ph., FASCP,
Boonshoft
School of COVID-19 vaccine, the task force recommended
panel discussion to answer questions.
Medicine providers understand their patients, concerns and
medicine resident at Wright State sharing information about the vaccines registered pharmacist and clinical
COVID-19 recognize that people may have been hearing The vaccine task force also compiled information,
University Boonshoft School of Medicine with the Dayton area health care assistant professor of internal medicine;
Vaccine Task contrasting information. The team suggested health creating a library of resources to share with the
(BSOM), were enjoying a cup of tea community grew from concept to reality. Steven Burdette, M.D., division director
Force. From care professionals educate themselves as much as Dayton area medical community, including recording
together. They were discussing how they of infectious disease and professor of
Hussain and Anam, with assistance from left to right, possible about the vaccine, so they could better the virtual symposium and making it available online.
could give back to the community. internal medicine; Jonathan Miller, M.D.,
Glen Solomon, M.D., BSOM chair of We’am explain it to patients. The task force also It can be viewed on the BSOM website, medicine.
resident physician in psychiatry; and H.
During that same time, pharmaceutical internal medicine and neurology, began Hussain, M.D., recommended using motivational interviewing to wright.edu, as well as on the Wright State University
Bradford Hawley, M.D., professor
companies Pfizer and Moderna began reaching out to others in the BSOM Anam Hussain, discuss the vaccines. Motivational interviewing is a YouTube channel. Search for COVID-19 symposium.
emeritus with the BSOM internal
announcing the release of COVID-19 community and finding experts in other M.B.A., Glen type of communication that involves collaboration
medicine department, and past president The goal of this task force was to help the community
vaccines. Hussain, her sister Anam medical specialties who were interested Solomon, M.D., and good listening. It requires engaging with patients
of the Infectious Diseases by helping local clinicians partner with their patients,
Hussain, M.B.A., a third-year medical in becoming involved, and formed a Cynthia as equal partners and empowering them to make
Society of Ohio. to inform them and instill confidence in the vaccines,
student at BSOM, and others they knew COVID-19 vaccine task force. Sheppard decisions, while refraining from scare tactics,
Solomon, B.S. and get vaccinated. Hussain added, “Ultimately
in health care began fielding questions The focus of the task force was to warnings or confrontation.
“We wanted to provide knowledge from a vaccines are only beneficial when they are
from friends and hearing a lot of provide information about the vaccines Pharm, RPh,
diverse group of medical experts,” said In an effort to share information with the Dayton-area appropriately distributed and used. This is our vision
misinformation concerning the vaccines. and techniques to help providers talk to FASCP, Steven
Hussain. The COVID-19 vaccine task medical community, the task force held a free virtual for the Dayton community.”
This situation helped Hussain and Anam patients about them. “Often times the Burdette, M.D.,
force included BSOM faculty, residents symposium in January of 2021. Nearly 150 people
realize that sharing what they learned way we present information to patients is Jonathan Miller, —Lisa Coffey
and students, representing various attended. Those invited to the event consisted of
about the COVID-19 vaccines with the just as important as what we are saying,” M.D., and H.
disciplines and specialties, and was members of the BSOM community and providers at
community, was their opportunity to help. said Hussain. “We saw two aspects to Bradford
supported by BSOM and the Department the hospital systems in the Dayton area, including
communicating with patients, first, Hawley, M.D.
Hussain and her colleagues recognized of Internal Medicine and Neurology. Dayton Children’s Hospital, Dayton VA Medical
understanding their concerns, and Bradford
there was often a delay regarding Center, Kettering Health Network, Premier Health and
Along with Hussain and Anam, the second, having the appropriate Hawley, M.D.
accurate health care information getting Wright-Patterson Medical Center.
vaccine task force included the following knowledge to share,” Hussain added.
to the general public. Hussain said, “By
BSOM clinicians: Glen Solomon, M.D., The virtual event opened with Valerie Weber, M.D.,
first getting information to health care When talking to patients about the
28 Vital Signs Winter 2021 medicine.wright.edu 29On The Move
disparities and are destructive, physically As director of medical
Erica Taylor, M.D., completed her internship in
internal medicine and pediatrics and spiritually. student education, Lader is
named assistant in 2007, and in 2010 completed —Lisa Coffey
responsible for designing,
dean for diversity residency training in internal
medicine and pediatrics,
managing and evaluating
the program, as well as
and inclusion both at BSOM. communicating
“As an alumnus of BSOM, I am Boonshoft School of expectations of the
pediatric clerkship to
aware of the rich legacy of Erica Taylor, M.D. Medicine grad to BSOM students, faculty,
Miri Lader, M.D.
E rica Taylor, M.D., ’05, is the new
assistant dean for diversity and
wonderful physicians this medical
school has supported, with an
help students go staff and administration. “I
would be honored to be
inclusion at the Wright State University understanding that even with the position. She is currently assistant
from good to great considered the link combat infantry drill sergeant and was
Boonshoft School of Medicine (BSOM). progress we have made as an institution, professor and clerkship director for the
department of pediatrics at BSOM. Taylor between students and faculty during the with the Israeli Army for 30 months.
Taylor transitioned into the role in fall we have an obligation to continue to be
is also community medicine residency pediatric portion of their medical Lader shared, “I believe that guiding
2020 from her previous position as an ally, advocate and voice for our
BSOM pediatrics clerkship director. She
will continue to serve as a pediatric
patients and our community,” said Taylor.
Taylor added, “I have directly benefited
elective director with the integrated
pediatric residency program. M iri Lader, M.D., FAAP, a 2014
graduate of the Wright State
University Boonshoft School of Medicine
education,” said Lader.
John Duby, M.D., FAAP, CPE, chair of
soldiers to be the strongest warriors they
can be is not unlike guiding future
physicians to become the strongest
hospitalist at Dayton Children’s Hospital. Taylor’s past roles with BSOM have the BSOM Department of Pediatrics,
from a rich legacy of wonderful leaders in (BSOM), is the new director of medical warriors they can be.” Following her
included clinical preceptor for internal shared, “As a graduate of the Boonshoft
In her new role, Taylor is supporting the diversity and inclusion. From my first day student education with the BSOM military service, Lader attended Cornell
medicine and pediatrics, clinical assistant School of Medicine, and the Integrated
development of future physicians who on campus, leaders such as Alonzo Department of Pediatrics. Lader comes University where she earned a Bachelor
professor and associate clerkship Pediatric Residency program, Miri brings
will provide excellent medical care with Patterson, M.D., shared that BSOM’s into this role from Dayton Children’s of Science in Biomedical Ethics.
director for the department of pediatrics. a depth of understanding and experience
compassion and cultural humility, helping goal of not only recruitment, but Hospital where she was a pediatric
that has prepared her well to continue According to Lader, “The classic model
to maintain the BSOM commitment to a matriculation of its students was Taylor has served on nearly 20 local and hospitalist and director of continuing
our legacy of providing high-quality of education, where the teacher bestows
diverse student and faculty population important. In my class there were 17 national committees throughout her medical education.
clerkships in our primary care specialties. knowledge onto young and curious
reflective of today’s multicultural society, minority students, which created an career. Her most recent roles include Lader, who began in this role in January I greatly appreciate her passion for and pupils, does not necessarily fit the
and helping to provide a supportive, safe environment rich in support and teaching and learning lead for the 2021, shared, “I was drawn to the commitment to assuring that our complexities of medical education.” She
environment that allows students to encouragement. This is the reason that I national nonprofit Aquifer Educators position because the education I students see pediatrics as a fulfilling, yet believes that becoming a great physician
develop their skills and discover their stand here today. Students’ journeys are Consortium, chair of the BSOM student received at BSOM needs to be challenging profession. She is highly requires more than memorizing facts and
place in the medical community. challenging, and not just reflective of their promotions committee, member of the
carried on.” respected by her fellow faculty members numbers from books. Learning the art of
Collaboration with faculty and staff is also academic performance, but of BSOM doctoring committee, and and the entire team at Dayton Children’s medicine, intertwined with the science,
a goal for Taylor, including working with knowledge of self and knowledge of member of the residency education While completing rotations at Dayton
Hospital, and will represent our helps separate good from great. “I have
BSOM in developing strategies that others (or the mature recognition of a committee at Dayton Children’s Hospital. Children’s Hospital as a BSOM medical
profession well to our future physicians.” been exceptionally lucky to have had
support curricular diversity, organizational lack thereof). BSOM has a longstanding student, Lader fell in love with the field of
Taylor has been published several times, mentors take the time to teach me their
needs assessments in the areas of vision of providing a medical community pediatrics. “Kids are all little miracles, When asked why she is a good fit for this
and presented with multiple awards, art,” shared Lader. “I would be
diversity and inclusion, and coordination that is reflective of the national landscape and I wanted to spend my days position, Lader shared that she has been
including the Dr. Algernon B. Jackson dishonoring my mentors if I kept their
and support of longstanding pipeline and supports the need to demonstrate watching miracles take place,” said a leader and caregiver most of her life.
Award of Distinction in Medical Education teachings to myself.”
programs for increasing diversity why diversity is important. Wright State Lader. She felt a strong sense of Born in Brooklyn, New York, and the
in medicine. and the Leonard Tow Humanism in belonging while at Dayton Children’s oldest of seven children, her mother —Lisa Coffey
University’s celebration of the 50th
Medicine Award. Hospital as a student and chose to stay passed away when she was young,
“We hope to serve as a safe space for anniversary of the Bolinga Black Cultural
Resource Center is a testimony to our Taylor received her undergraduate on for her internship and residency thrusting her into a leadership role of
students to discuss concerns, and to
community’s commitment to advocacy, degree from Xavier University of training. Lader became chief resident, caregiver to her siblings. Her family
provide the supportive environment that
activism and representation.” Louisiana in New Orleans in 1998, and remained on staff full-time after traveled extensively, due to her father’s
is needed for success for BSOM
graduating cum laude. graduation. She added, “Professionally I career with the U.S. Army, and she
students, as well as support of the Taylor’s academic appointments with
grew up where my students will be graduated from high school while living in
development and retention of inspired BSOM go back to 2010, when she was Taylor said there is no more critical time
completing rotations, offering me a Israel. Soon after graduation, she was
and dedicated faculty,” stated Taylor. chief resident with the BSOM integrated than today to continue speaking up, and
unique opportunity to show them what I recruited by the Israeli Army, and and
A 2005 graduate of BSOM, Taylor pediatric residency program. Taylor was for understanding how policies that are
have learned.” enlisted at age 17. She served as a
the first African American to hold this rooted in systemic racism create health
30 Vital Signs Winter 2021 medicine.wright.edu 31You can also read
