COM Outlook - Winter 2016

i Nova Southeastern University THESE ARE EXCITING TIMES in medicine. There are a variety of new things that physicians must be knowledgeable about, such as designer drugs, robotic surgery, and diagnostic radiology. There are also newly explored fields, such as genomics and the human brain project, that will redefine the ways physicians promote health and treat diseases. In order to remain at the forefront of medical progress, the college has been actively engaged in a yearlong project of curriculum revision. We have been exploring what medical schools are teaching across the United States, what new materials are necessary for our students to learn, what are the most effective modalities of teaching, and how NSU-COM can present the optimal curriculum that allows our stu- dents to emerge as stellar medical residents and physicians. So far, we are impressed by how well we meet the national standards, and we are stimulated by the areas that afford us opportunity for growth. Additionally, we have not lost sight of our mission—to help patients achieve wellness. To this end, the COM is recommitting to the well- ness of its students and faculty and staff members. Wellness projects are introducing us all to opportunities, such as humor as a healing art, guided meditation, yoga breathing, food as medicine, and the impor- tance of exercise and sleep. It is only when we ourselves are happy and well that we can assist our patients in this journey. Research is blossoming as our faculty members find new ways of understanding health literacy, post-traumatic stress disorder, Gulf War syndrome, patient compliance to medications, the genomic basis of disease, and HIV. Education is flourishing as the COM has recently added two new master’s degree programs in medical education and nutrition, as well as a certificate program in social medicine. Service continues to be a core value of the COM as faculty members and stu- dents are engaged in more community service projects than any other college at the university. The COM is undergoing a renaissance in health. Keep an eye on us. The best is yet to come. Dean’s Message COM Outlook Volume 16, Number 3 COM Outlook is produced by Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine 3200 South University Drive Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33328-2018 http://osteopathic.nova.edu Connect with us on Facebook www.facebook.com/novaosteopathic/ NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY George L. Hanbury II, Ph.D. President and Chief Executive Officer HEALTH PROFESSIONS DIVISION Frederick Lippman, R.Ph., Ed.D. HPD Chancellor COLLEGE OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE Elaine M. Wallace , D.O., M.S., M.S., M.S. Dean EXECUTIVE EDITOR Scott Colton , B.A., APR COM/HPD Director of Medical Communications and Public Relations (954) 262-5147 scottc@nova.edu ASSOCIATE EDITOR Debra R. Gibbs , B.A. Medical Communications Coordinator (954) 262-1545 dgibbs1@nova.edu ART DIRECTOR Randall McCafferty Senior Graphic Designer Office of Publications OFFICE OF PUBLICATIONS Ron Ryan , Director Sheryl Koral , University Editor Carol Reynolds-Srot , Assoc. Editor/Copywriter Roberta Harris , Graphic Production Manager ELAINE M. WALLACE , D.O., M.S., M.S., M.S.