As NEOMED prepares for this year’s Embracing Diversity Series to begin, you are invited to attend one, two or even all of the events below. Not only do these events shed light on how diversity affects the health care field and individual patients; they also give NEOMED students, faculty and staff a chance to share their own cultural experiences with others.
2019-20 Embracing Diversity Programs
SafeSpace Training for NEOMED Students
September 19 from noon-1 p.m. in Liebelt
Sexual orientation is an important component of the University’s discussions around diversity and inclusivity. Understanding LGBTQ students’ needs and developmental processes can greatly help them flourish at NEOMED.
To further Northeast Ohio Medical University’s commitment to creating a diverse and welcoming environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) students, faculty, staff and guests, the University launched an initiative called SafeSpace in 2013. The SafeSpace initiative is designed to provide dedicated resources to members of the LGBTQ community at NEOMED, their allies, family, and friends.
Students are invited to attend this training session offered by Dr. Bruce Manapace. (Another session was previously scheduled for faculty and staff.) Lunch will be provided to those who RSVP.
Pick of the Litter
October 2 from noon-1:30 p.m. in NEW 2017
Join us for free popcorn and a movie where attendees will follow the journey of five puppies as they are trained to become guide dogs for the blind. You might want to bring a tissue for happy tears. RSVP for an accurate popcorn and refreshment count.
Ticcing My Way Through Life: A Woman’s Journey with Tourette Syndrome
October 10 from noon-1 p.m. in Liebelt Hall
Britney Wolf is a 29-year-old woman who was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome at age 7. Despite the stigmas, misunderstandings, and ignorance surrounding this disorder, Wolf chooses to see the positive side of what it has brought into her life. She has spent years spreading awareness and education about what Tourette Syndrome really is – and how it differs from what’s often shown in movies and on television. With videos, social media, and speaking engagements, Britney has been able to reach audiences all across the country.
For this event, Britney will be discussing some of her personal stories about living with Tourette Syndrome. She will share what it was like to be diagnosed at a young age, what the tics felt like when she first noticed them happening, and how they have progressed over the years. With vulnerability and a personal touch, she will be able to explain how to best deal with a patient who might have Tourette Syndrome and how having a doctor who believes them and how getting the diagnosis can make a huge difference in a patient’s life.
Lunch will be provided to those who RSVP.
Día de los Muertos
October 28-November 1 in the Inclusivity Center
Please join the Latino Medical Student Association to honor those who have passed on over the last year. We invite the NEOMED community to bring a photo of your loved one and a small item (whether it’s a piece of candy, a small toy or memento) to display on the ofrenda (altar) as we remember and pray for our family and friends who are no longer with us. Día de los Muertos (The Day of the Dead) is a Mexican holiday and is viewed not as a day of sadness, but rather a day of celebration of life.
Photos and mementos can be dropped off any time during the week but must be retrieved by 5 p.m. on November 1. Please place your name on the back of any photos submitted.
Native American Month Celebration
November 1 from 4-7 p.m. in the NEW Center atrium
More details to come.
Veterans Day Presentation on PTSD
November 6 from noon-1 p.m. in F-118
Gretchen Foley, M.D. (’06) completed a psychiatry residency at Wright State University's combined civilian and military training program in conjunction with Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. She is an active duty Air Force psychiatrist stationed at Wright-Patterson, where she serves as medical director for the Alcohol Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment (ADAPT) Program.
An assistant professor in the Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine's Department of Psychiatry, Dr. Foley provides clinical supervision for residents at all training levels and leads didactic instruction on topics including post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, suicide prevention, substance use disorders, psychopharmacology, neurobiology and military specific issues. Last year, she authored a book chapter, “Traumatic Brain Injury and Co-Occurring Mental Illness,” which was published in summer 2019. Dr. Foley also serves on the Alcohol Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) Board of Trustees for Montgomery County.
Lunch will be provided to those who RSVP.
Diwali Celebration
November 18 in the NEW Center Ballroom
Faculty, staff, students and the community are invited to join the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin and NEOMED’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for this year’s Diwali Celebration. Diwali is the Indian culture’s Festival of Lights and signifies the true essence of life, where good overcomes evil. The evening will include food, a live DJ, interactive activities and more.
Tickets will be on sale in November.
Valuing Community and Diversity Reception
November 21 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in Cook Alumni Hall
Learn about outstanding work by students and hear the annual State of Diversity Address, demonstrating the University’s continued commitment to embracing diversity and fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment.
During the reception, the Community Builder Award and the Pharmacy Diversity and Inclusion Excellence Award will be presented. Each award is made annually to deserving students who have been nominated by the NEOMED community and their mentors.
Tickets are free and light refreshments will be provided. RSVP by November 12.