Get to Know: NEOMED (week of August 10)
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 Laura Colwell, Margy Sanders and Mate Soric.
Laura Colwell
What is your role here at NEOMED?
I am the Library Specialist here at NEOMED. I have worked at the University for 28 years. My job is sort of a jack of all trades. I lend books and articles between both OCLC’s WorldShare Interlibrary Loan and Docline through ILLIAD. This is the way I also obtain articles for our students, faculty and staff, saving the University subscription costs. We also use OhioLink/SearchOhio libraries to borrow the materials that are needed to assist with textbook affordability and research. I work daily with our affiliated hospitals with either circulation or hospital library courier questions. I also manage our department P-card, assist our students, faculty and staff with whatever they might need, and manage the supervision of our student assistants who work in the evenings and on the weekends.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
I enjoy the long-lasting relationships that we make with our students as they learn and grow throughout their careers. During my years with the University, I have enjoyed seeing positive changes on campus and look back on how my career has evolved. I am truly fortunate to worth with an amazing team here in the library and beyond.
What is a fun fact about yourself?
In my “spare” time, I enjoy taking care of our Guinea pigs (Spooky and Orea), Great Pyrenees (Maverick — Yes, the name suits him!), gardening, music, reading, etc. We also have three sons, so we never have a dull moment. I LOVE the ocean. Something about it just calms and resets me. The smell, sounds and sights!
Margy Sanders
What is your role here at NEOMED?
My role at NEOMED is associate professor of family and community medicine, as well as director of palliative care and director of geriatrics.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
What I enjoy most, hands down, is our students and building relationships with them and colleagues at NEOMED! I am all about relationships and fostering lifetime ones. I am also passionate about journeying with patients during end of life, as an anam cara apprentice (Irish for "soul friend").
What is a fun fact about yourself?
A fun fact about me is that I have five grandchildren, four of whom are adults and who I took on a National Park trip two summers ago. We started at Glacier National Park and continued to Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, Arches, Zion, Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon and ended up in Vegas! It was the best trip of my life!!! We are planning another shorter trip to the Great Smokie Mountain National Park next year!
Mate Soric
What is your role here at NEOMED?
I am chair and professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice. I teach pharmacy students about clinical reasoning, evidence-based medicine and other important skills needed to be a pharmacist. I conduct research on medication prescribing practices, pharmacy education and other internal medicine topics.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
Though I love being a chair and uncovering new knowledge in research, teaching students continues to be the most enjoyable part of my job. I love wrestling with a complicated topic and seeing the “lightbulb” moment when it clicks for the class. It is a fun puzzle to consider how to break down a challenging concept into more manageable parts or help students connect what is happening in the classroom with their future careers as clinicians.
What is a fun fact about yourself?
I’m an avid guitar player and had the chance to reunite with my old band this summer and play a couple songs to a raucous crowd in Put-In-Bay.
Share your story!
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