Get to know: NEOMED (week of Aug. 31)
We probably all know someone like this: You say good morning when you pass in the hall, you chat while waiting for your coffee order and you see them at University events and programs. But you don’t really know who they are or what they do at NEOMED. We’re here to help with the new feature, “Get to know NEOMED”! Each week we’ll share brief profiles of some new faces and some long-time staff.
This week we feature Stephanie Arnold, Jaclyn Boyle and Kaitlyn O'Donnell.
Stephanie Arnold
What is your role here at NEOMED?
College of Medicine curriculum site coordinator located at Summa Health. I am the liaison between NEOMED, Summa Health Systems Akron and Barberton, and the students.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
The people! I enjoy working with the variety of people from NEOMED and Summa. In addition, watching the students’ progress throughout the COM curriculum and feeling their excitement on Match Day is very rewarding. It is even more rewarding crossing paths with our students as they go through their residency at Summa.
What is a fun fact about yourself?
I grew up on a farm and both of my sisters and I built our houses within walking distance to each other on pieces of that farm. I am also proud I was the first person to get a college degree in my family . . . since then, both my nieces and my daughter have received their college degrees, and my son is working on his degree! And I am a camping fanatic!!!
Jaclyn Boyle, Pharm.D., M.S., M.B.A, BCACP
What is your role here at NEOMED?
Professor of pharmacy practice and director of practice transformation in the College of Pharmacy.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
My students—they continuously inspire me, motivate me and challenge me to be a better pharmacist. It is so rewarding to know that I have been a small part of their journey. My colleagues—who also inspire me, make work a fun place to be and work collaboratively to ensure that our students have the best experience while preparing them for the future. And, my work in teaching the next generation while impacting practice—I love bringing real-world conversations and challenges to the classroom to have students think bigger about what is possible for themselves and how our profession can continue expanding access to care for patients.
What is a fun fact about yourself?
My go-to fun fact is that I played rugby in college for Ohio State. It was one of the most formative experiences of my life; the discipline and dedication of my teammates and coaches were continuously motivating. Our team motto was “Whatever it takes,” and I carry that into my professional and personal life to this day.
Kaitlyn O’Donnell
What is your role here at NEOMED?
I’m the dental dispensing manager for the Bitonte College of Dentistry. I oversee the dispensing, tracking and inventory of all supplies and equipment used by D1 and D2 students and faculty during preclinical Sim Lab courses. I help lead the day-to-day operations of the Sim Lab to ensure each class is well coordinated and that students and faculty have the materials they need for a smooth learning experience. In addition, I support real-time troubleshooting of the simulation units, lab equipment and dental handpieces to help maintain efficient lab operations and minimize disruptions during instruction. A few of our current D2 students have recently coined some nicknames for me: “Keeper of the Cassettes,” “Handpiece Hero” and “Bur Boss” to name a few!!
What do you enjoy most about your work?
Before joining NEOMED, I spent 16 years working as a Certified Dental Assistant and Expanded Function Dental Assistant – primarily in community-based care working with underserved patients. I love that my personal values and dental background align with BCOD’s mission and that I get the opportunity to continue to grow and share my experiences with the next generation of dental professionals. Most of all, I truly enjoy working alongside our faculty and students. We’re full of personality in BCOD, and there’s never a dull moment!
What is a fun fact about yourself?
I work out before work at 4 am. It sets the tone for my day and allows me to have a clear mindset, so I’m ready for whatever gets thrown my way. This practice also serves as a perfect way to offset my love for cooking, baking and eating! I also love live music, going to concerts and spending time with my close friends and family.
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