What’s Happening - Eastern

Good to know:

2024-2025 Educator of the Year

We are thrilled to announce the nominees for this year's Educator of the Year award. Each of these outstanding educators has made a significant impact on their students, demonstrating exceptional dedication, knowledge, and mentorship.

Winner: Dr. Ankit Chalia

Dr. Ankit Chalia has been named Educator of the Year for his remarkable contributions during the Psychiatry rotation. Students praised Dr. Chalia for his approachability and dedication to their learning. One student shared, “Throughout our Psych rotation, Dr. Chalia was very approachable and made strong efforts to support us in our learning. The students in the clerkship had a group text with him that we could ask questions about content for the shelf exam or about confusing practice questions that we encountered - he would respond very quickly and thoroughly. He created a warm environment for us to learn and did a great job focusing on teaching us relevant information for the clerkship at a level appropriate for our stage in training.”

Nominees:

Dr. Ryan Miller - Dr. Miller was nominated for his exceptional teaching during the Family Medicine rotation. Students highlighted his patience, kindness, and profound effort in educating them. One student shared, “Dr. Miller embodies exactly what it means to be teaching faculty at a medical school; he is patient, kind, knowledgeable, and puts a profound effort into educating the medical students that rotate with him. He really helped me develop as a student physician with his emphasis on developing broad differentials and having a good plan for how I wanted to proceed with every patient I saw. His dedication to teaching was further emphasized by the independence he allotted me during my rotation; I saw almost every patient independently before presenting them and was given all the time I could possibly need to see each one. I was never rushed, and he always made sure to commend critical thinking when working up a patient, even if it wasn't the true diagnosis. All in all, Dr. Miller exemplifies what it means to be teaching faculty and I'm very thankful for the time I spent with him during my family medicine rotation.”

Dr. Frank Collins - Dr. Collins was nominated for his outstanding mentorship during clinical rotations. Students appreciated his technical expertise and approachable teaching style. One student shared, “Dr. Collins exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding teaching physician. He balanced technical expertise with always taking time to explain procedures, anatomy, and clinical decision-making in a way that’s both approachable and inspiring. He created an environment where I felt encouraged to ask questions and take an active role in patient care. His mentorship has significantly shaped my confidence and growth in the clinical setting. Dr. Collins has had a lasting impact on my education, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have learned from him.”

Dr. Kevin Hurtt - Dr. Hurtt was nominated for his exceptional guidance during surgeries and clinic rotations. Students admired his efforts to ensure true understanding and his kind-hearted nature. One student shared, “Dr. Hurtt was a phenomenal preceptor who made sure that I, as a medical student, really understood the purpose behind all the small details both during surgeries and in the clinic. He made a profound effort to help me not simply learn concepts but cement them through true understanding. Additionally, his strongest feature as both a physician and preceptor, is his kind heart. During my third-year clerkships, I have been introduced to many kind, knowledgeable physicians, but none of them truly could match the exceptional kindness Dr. Hurtt exuded with everyone he met.”

Dr. Jan Kletter - Dr. Kletter was nominated for his dedication and excellence during the Surgery rotation. Students valued his willingness to teach and his deep care for patients. One student shared, “Dr. Kletter is always so willing to teach and is an excellent surgeon. He cares deeply for his patients, and it is evident by how he approaches every single patient interaction. I am very thankful that I was able to learn from him during my surgery rotation.”

Congratulations to all the nominees for their exceptional contributions to medical education. Their dedication and passion for teaching have profoundly impacted our students and the future of healthcare.

Eastern Student Services

Hours are Monday – Friday from 8:00am - 5:00pm. Please stop by to enjoy a cup of coffee/tea or just to say Hi!  Don’t forget that your Student Lounge and Study areas here at the HSC Building are open for you to enjoy all hours with your badge access. Please enjoy the Keurig, Ping Pong, Foosball and much more.

Sharps Injury reminder for students – Should you experience an actual, possible, or “just not sure” blood or body fluid exposure, report it immediately to OR staff in the room, go to OR Charge Nurse for assistance. You will report to the ER for immediate follow-up. Must address within 2 hrs! When registering, DO NOT GIVE INSURANCE CARD, “tell registration that the guarantor needs to be a company bill to WVU Student Health-BMC” so it does not get charged to your insurance. Be sure to notify one of the campus Deans or Student Services Staff. The full needlestick policy is in the WVU MD Degree Handbook on SOLE.

Absent reminder for students - Please remember that you MUST coordinate with Eastern Student Services and submit a formal excused absence request if you need to be absent from a rotation or education. This is required for ANY absence as we must keep track of it for your academic record.

Eastern Student Health Provider Reminders:

Primary Care - tell the scheduler you are a medical student. If ANY trouble getting scheduled, call Student Services to facilitate. You do NOT need to tell what you need to be seen for:

Karen Miller, MD- Family Medicine, Primary Care - 5047 Gerrardstown Road, Inwood

Phone: 304-229-6343 https://doctors.wvumedicine.org/?FindADoc%5Bquery%5D=Karen%20Miller

Mental Health Services

University Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry - 2004 Professional Court Martinsburg Phone: 304-596-5780

Clinical Psychologist- Dr. Brian Creasy, PhD

Carruth Center Resources for Emergencies: https://mentalhealth.wvu.edu/

WVU Crisis Text Line: Text WVU to 741741 https://www.crisistextline.org/faq

Crisis/Urgent situations call 304-293-4431

Talkspace is an online therapy service that connects users across campuses to a dedicated, licensed therapist via private messaging and live video from a secure, HIPAA-compliant digital platform: https://carruth.wvu.edu/resources/talkspace

Volunteer/Community Service Opportunities:

As part of your graduation requirement, you must complete 100 hours of community service.  Please remember to document what you have already completed, and plan to start early on completing any additional hours needed.

Career Day at Spring Mills Primary on Monday, May 3. The afternoon session is with Kindergarten and First grade students starts at 12:50 and runs until 2:50. The school would ideally like to have 2 different speakers, one for each grade level. Presenters should plan to arrive by 12:35 for check-in and set-up. There will be 5 groups of students rotating around every 20 minutes for each speaker. WVU Medicine give aways to the students can be provided. Contact Dana Dejarnett dana.dejarnett@wvumedicine.org  if interested

Run, Walk or Volunteer at Harpers Ferry Half Marathon/5k on Saturday, May 17. The event includes a Half Marathon and 5K run/walk in scenic and historic Harpers Ferry, WV. Start and finish is at River Riders. WVU Medicine and WVU Health Sciences Eastern Campus are proud sponsors! WVU also has 30 first come first serve codes for free entry THXWVU25. Race t-shirts, pizza and post-race beverage for runners and volunteers to enjoy! The Harpers Ferry Half Marathon is a part of the Freedom’s Run Race Series. All proceeds from both events contribute to the Freedom’s Run Grant hosted by our Eastern Area Health Education Center.

Volunteer needed - 7am-10am Sat May 17 and - 10am –12n Sat May 17 contact Mark Cucuzzella MD  cucuzzellam@hsc.wvu.edu and Information on running the event is http://www.harpersferryhalf.org

Community Meal – Tuesday, June 17 at 3:30-6pm at Charles Town Baptist Church 222 South Mildred Street, Charles Town, WV (meals are 3rd Tuesday of the month in June, August, and December). Food prep and serve for 60-70 people starts around 3:30 and they can use some extra hands; serving begins at 5:30pm. (There is a large parking lot across from the cemetery - turn into the parking lot and there are some white columns and double doors that lead into the back of the church.) Call Dr. Humerick at 240-405-4426 if you get lost. Contact Dr. Humerick if interested in helping madison.humerick@hsc.wvu.edu  

ACS (American Cancer Society) –Looking for a Relay for Life team www.relayforlife.org/berkeleywv contact Penny Horner 607-423-4311 penny.horner@cancer.org

HSTA- The Health Sciences and Technology Academy’s vision was founded in 1994 on the faith, resilience, spirit and commitment of individuals, communities, and universities throughout the state. HSTA is a 9th-12th grade STEM enrichment program built in West Virginia, by West Virginians, for West Virginians which encourage aspirations, opens doors, and empowers minority and underrepresented students and communities. The program focuses on increasing the number of underrepresented students who pursue degrees in Health Sciences and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, with the long-term goal of increasing the number of health practitioners & advocates in the medical field locally. www.wv-hsta.org/ Contact Aaron Ruffner HSTA Field Site Coordinator, Eastern Panhandle 540-818-0224 email: aaron.ruffner@hsc.wvu.edu

Project Linus - Eastern Panhandle Chapter provides handmade blankets to children in the Martinsburg area. Blanket Days once a month on Saturdays to collect/label blankets. Help needed w/delivering blankets to different organizations in Martinsburg. Everyone is happy to teach you how to make blankets if you are interested. Contact Sara Novotny sanovotny@mix.wvu.edu with questions or if interested in volunteering.

Stepping Stones/Good Samaritan Free Clinic –601 S. Raleigh Street, Martinsburg 304-264-4049. Volunteers needed every Wednesday at 5pm and first Tuesday of each month at 5pm. Volunteer sign up at https://www.goodsamaritanfreeclinic.org/ or Karen Newell karenlnewell@goodsamaritanfreeclinic.org

MS3 Class of 2027:

MIDBLOCK FEEDBACK:

Thursday, May 22, 10:00am-11:00pm: Psych

Friday, May 23, 1:00pm-1:30pm: IM

Wednesday, May 28, 3:00pm-4:00pm: Surgery

MIDTERM EXAM SCHEDULE:

Friday, May 23, 9:00am-10:30am: Surgery

Friday, May 23, 9:00am-10:30am: IM Quiz #1

Friday, June 13, 9:00am-10:30am: IM Quiz #2

SHELF EXAM SCHEDULE:

Friday, June 20, 9:00am-12:00pm: Psych, IM and Surgery

REMINDERS:

1. Please remember to update your case logs in E-Value regularly. All case logs MUST be complete prior to taking the final NBME clerkship exams as part of the course requirement.

2. Make sure you are filing your required number of graded H&P’s for each clerkship in the Eastern Student Services office files that are assigned to you.

3. Please remember to return your Textbooks to Student Services when you come to take your exams.

Peds Grand Rounds

https://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/pediatrics/students/pediatric-grand-rounds/schedule-2022/

Above is the link that has the schedule of speakers/topics. Call in number is 646-558-8656 and then it will ask you to enter the meeting ID 678 188 7494#. Zoom link https://wvumdtv.zoom.us/j/6781887494

Class of 2025:

Awards Convocation: Thursday, May 15, 2025 at 5pm (more information to come)

Graduation Day: Friday, May 16, 2025

Breakfast will take place at the Alumni Center (time to be determined)

Ceremony/Investiture will take place at the Coliseum at 4pm and Reception to follow at the Alumni Center

Important Dates:

Congratulations to the Eastern students Nick Coyne, Emma Coyne and Bri Caison on your induction into the prestigious Gold Humanism Honor Society this past Saturday, April 26, during a ceremony in Morgantown!