2024 lake erie
projects
Barber National Institute
Empathy in Action: A Holistic Approach to Disability Support and Community Engagement at the Barber National Institute
Student Intern:
Faysal Abu-Samhan, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
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Academic Preceptor:
Colleen Cole-Jeffrey, PhD, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
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Community Preceptor:
Jay Rozelle, Barber National Institute
Community Site:
The Barber National Institute (BNI) is a comprehensive organization dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities through a wide range of services. Located in Erie, BNI offers day programs where clients engage in social activities, vocational training, and therapeutic exercises. The Institute is renowned for its holistic approach, addressing educational, social, and health needs from early childhood through adulthood. BNI’s staff are committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment, ensuring that every individual feels valued and supported. The facility’s expansive programs and compassionate care make it a beacon of hope and empowerment for the community it serves.
Team’s Experience:
The Bridging the Gaps student intern focused on enhancing the overall well-being of individuals with disabilities through a series of weekly activities, including an oral health presentation, meditation and spiritual wellness sessions, inclusive stretching exercises, and a cultural exchange on Middle Eastern traditions. The intern created a detailed poster on stretching exercises and materials for meditation techniques and presented an interactive cultural presentation and workshop that introduced participants to Middle Eastern cuisine. These activities aimed to promote holistic health, reduce anxiety, and foster cultural awareness among BNI clients.
Reflections:
Faysal Abu-Samhan: “The BTG CHIP experience at the Barber National Institute was transformative, profoundly shaping my professional and personal development. Working closely with individuals with disabilities, I learned the significance of creating inclusive and supportive environments. This project allowed me to develop and implement resources that directly enhanced the participants’ well-being and engagement. My time at the Barber National Institute has reinforced my dedication to advocating for individuals with disabilities, highlighting the importance of compassion and inclusivity in all health initiatives.”
Brevillier Village
Brevillier Resident Cookbook and Tasting Event
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Student Intern:
Ezri Yuen, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
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Academic Preceptor:
Robert Waters, PhD, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
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Community Preceptor:
Hannah Perrin, RN, IP-BC, Brevillier Village
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Community Site:
Brevillier Village is a nonprofit assisted living and home care facility for seniors in Erie, Pa. Levels of care range from independent living facilities to memory care, short term rehab, and skilled nursing.
Team’s Experience:
The Bridging the Gaps student intern collected family or favorite recipes from residents, or family members of residents, of both Ball Pavilion and Barnabas Court North and created a cookbook. Using four of the recipes from the cookbook, the intern organized a FORCS (Food Our Residents Can Sample) event where residents could sample each other’s recipes. The purpose of this event was to enhance the mental wellness of the residents by giving them an opportunity to enjoy their favorite or nostalgic foods and to allow them to socialize with each other and talk about memories or stories related to their recipes.
Reflections:
Ezri Yuen: “The experience this summer was vital for me not only professionally but personally because as someone who mainly worked in a pediatrics hospital and does not have many elderly family members, I do not know much about interacting with geriatric individuals. If I take away anything from my time this summer at Brevillier, it’s to approach interactions with elders with patience. Older individuals often have poor hearing and require things to be said louder, slower, and more clearly, which one should not approach with frustration. Just because they have difficulty hearing does not mean they should be treated as a screaming post. They also may have cognitive impairment and respond with something in conversation that does not necessarily make sense in context. They should not be criticized, as it is not their fault. They should also not be ignored in that moment or in the future because of it.”
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LECOM Nursing and Rehabilitation
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Empowering Physical Disability Through Active Fun and Engagement
Student Intern:
Rabab Alamairy, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Academic Preceptor:
Elizabeth Ferrer, PhD, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Community Preceptor:
James Stockhausen, NHA, LECOM Nursing and Rehabilitation
Community Site:
LECOM Nursing and Rehabilitation (LNR) is a skilled nursing facility that provides long- and short-term care for geriatric residents and rehabilitation patients. This 135-bed skilled nursing facility provides 24-hour, seven-day-a-week services, including a respiratory therapy team with a pulmonary specialist. LNR holds a deep commitment to enhancing the health of its community through service and whole-person lifelong patient care.
www.lecomhealth.com
Team’s Experience:
The Bridging the Gaps student intern’s project included bring in community volunteers to read to patients who are physically unable to leave their rooms, creating a drumming class with exercise balls to promote healing through music therapy, and hosting events like a Fourth of July party to foster togetherness. The intern also learned the importance of understanding nursing home policies and insurance procedures to ensure comprehensive care for residents.
Reflections:
Rabab Alamairy: “My time at LECOM Nursing and Rehab was an invaluable and incredibly fun experience that profoundly impacted me both personally and professionally. It reinforced my commitment to improving the lives of the elderly and solidified my belief in the power of community and creativity in healthcare settings. The residents taught me the importance of active listening and how it can create a more trusting relationship between healthcare providers and their patients. These moments of shared happiness I experienced through the Bridging the Gaps program highlighted the significance of holistic care that goes beyond medical needs.”
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LECOM Senior Living Center ​
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Indoor Travel for Stress Relief
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Student Intern:
Fanny Chen, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
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Academic Preceptor:
Noelle Thielman, PhD, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
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Community Preceptor:
Mary Styn, LECOM Senior Living Center
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Community Site:
The LECOM Senior Living Center is a skilled nursing facility that primarily provides long-term care for geriatric residents and acute rehabilitation for postoperative orthopedic patients. The facility excels at providing physical and occupational therapy for both populations. Residents are provided personalized care that allows maximization of independence for the individual while in a community setting.
Team’s Experience:
The Bridging the Gaps student intern created a project that brought different countries to life for participating residents and showed them how the citizens of those countries tackle mental health and stress relief. The featured countries (Sweden, Korea, Australia, and Japan) each have different methods of improving mental health for elderly individuals. The goal of the project was to expose residents to different countries and a few cultural facts, give them a chance to to eat some cultural foods, and teach them various stress relief techniques.
Reflections:
Fanny Chen: “The experience that I had at LECOM Senior Living Center will always be a memorable experience for me. I have a great new appreciation for the geriatric population as each resident has their own unique personality and history. I will never forget how much love the Senior Living Center has for the staff and the residents, and I hope to continue what I have learned from them and utilize the knowledge to become a better physician. The Bridging the Gaps program has helped me become more well-rounded and communicative, as I will continue to use these skills for my future patients.”
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Mercy Center for Women ​
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Embracing Gratitude: Connecting Wellness to Community
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Student Intern:
Hannah Reynolds, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
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Academic Preceptor:
Leah Labranche, PhD, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
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Community Preceptor:
Anna Brzozowski, Mercy Center for Women
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Community Site:
The Mercy Center for Women is a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of Mercy and is committed to enhancing the dignity of each person they serve through healing of body, mind, and spirit. The Mercy Center for Women provides safe and supportive transitional housing for unhoused women with or without children and connections to social service agencies to form an ongoing network of support and education. The goal is to empower women to become self-sufficient through supportive services such as case management, education, life skills, and social connections.
Team’s Experience:
The Bridging the Gaps student intern developed several projects at the Mercy Center for Women. The intern led weekly dinner discussions on various health topics such as oral health, mental wellness, and immunizations; fostered the Mercy Center for Women’s mission of practicing gratitude by designing a space for the women to acknowledge acts of service toward each other; and organized a summer barbecue to boost residents’ morale and build a sense of community.
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Reflections:
Hannah Reynolds: “My time at the Mercy Center for Women was invaluable for developing the necessary skills to become a holistic-focused physician. I am eternally grateful to have had the opportunity to serve women in the Erie community and build meaningful connections with individual residents. Through the Mercy Center for Women, I gained a greater appreciation for the important role social services play in our healthcare system and the importance of navigating various systemic issues disadvantaged individuals face in their efforts to receive proper care. In the future, I want to be a physician that views her patients as a whole and without judgment as well as takes into consideration the unique obstacles they may face when receiving care.”
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Millcreek Community Hospital Child/Adolescent Behavioral Health ​
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Growing Through What We Go Through
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Student Intern:
Brian Shu, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
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Academic Preceptor:
Christopher Keller, PhD, CPH, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
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Community Preceptors:
Alexandria Bujnowski, BS, Millcreek Community Hospital
Danielle Lesik, MA, LPC, MT-BC, Millcreek Community Hospital
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Community Site:
Millcreek Community Hospital, part of LECOM Health, is an osteopathic acute care hospital located in Erie that provides inpatient, outpatient, and 24-hour emergency care. It is the largest regional provider of behavioral health in northwestern Pennsylvania and includes specialized units for children, adults, and older adults. The hospital also includes a psychiatric residential treatment facility and an ACE (Acute Care for Everyone) unit. Child and adolescent psychiatry at LECOM Health provides blended case management, inpatient mental health, intensive mental health, medication management, outpatient therapy, a psychiatric residential treatment facility, school-based services, and subacute extended care. www.lecomhealth.com
Team’s Experience:
The Bridging the Gaps student intern created a project in which patients planted succulents as a form of therapy. The project not only emphasized the importance of growth and change but also provided patients a chance to reflect on their personal goals for growth. The patients could then write their goals or decorate the cups in which they planted the succulents. The plants serve as a tangible symbol of individual growth and provide a sense of accomplishment and responsibility for the patients even after they leave the hospital.
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Reflections:
Brian Shu: “My time at Millcreek Community Hospital Behavioral Health was a priceless experience. What I have seen and learned during my internship has led me to develop an even greater appreciation for the healthcare workers in the field of psychiatry. Spending time with patients, physicians, and staff alike has taught me valuable lessons in approaching and caring for patients with mental illness, which I will carry with me as I strive to become a well-rounded physician.”
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Parkside Regency at South Shore ​
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Resilience in Action at Parkside Regency
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Student Interns:
Austin Pense, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Jenna Sins, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
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Academic Preceptor:
Jack Lee, PhD, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
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Community Preceptor:
Marie Heberlein, TRS, PCHA, Parkside Regency at South Shore
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Community Site:
Parkside Regency at South Shore is a full-service senior community situated along the beautiful tree-lined streets of the former Strong Estate in Erie. The Regency offers independent living and personal care options for residents. Amenities include meal services, van transportation, home maintenance, housekeeping, and a long list of daily activities. www.lecomhealth.com
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Team’s Experience:
The Bridging the Gaps student interns organized movement and social health events aimed at encouraging residents to engage actively outside their rooms. Recognizing the significance of adapting care to meet individual patient needs, they tailored their activities to resonate with the residents’ preferences. Their events were meticulously planned to accommodate both small and large group dynamics, ensuring inclusivity and comfort for all. From promoting physical movement and walking to fostering communication, social interaction, and memory aids, their initiatives encompassed diverse aspects of well-being. Moreover, the interns imparted medical knowledge, focusing on podiatric, oral, and mental health through engaging presentations and interactive games, and fostered a nurturing environment in which residents could both participate and learn.
Reflections:
Austin Pense: “I have gained numerous insights into the diverse aspects of aging. Some individuals require additional care due to frailty and illness, while others remain vigorous and mentally sharp, embracing life with youthful enthusiasm. Witnessing the geriatric population participating in events, enjoying time with friends, showcasing their talents, and sharing life lessons has been incredibly enriching. They are not only valuable for medical education regarding their care needs but also exemplify traits of perseverance and commitment. This experience has equipped me with tools to respect each individual regardless of their health status, allowing me to see beyond their medical condition to appreciate their past, present, and future selves. My time at the Regency has profoundly influenced my medical philosophy and reinforced my dedication to delivering exceptional quality of care as a podiatric specialist.”
Jenna Sins: “This summer during my internship, the most valuable lesson I gained was experience in effectively communicating with and understanding senior living residents and their environments. As a future physician, I learned the crucial importance of tailoring communication to meet the unique needs of the elderly population, ensuring they trust, learn effectively, and understand their healthcare providers. Additionally, I developed a deep appreciation for patient-centered care by learning to adapt events and services to accommodate both physical and mental abilities. A significant challenge arose when we had to pivot from our planned projects to address a health crisis during a COVID outbreak at our site, highlighting the critical importance of flexibility and responsiveness in healthcare settings. Through these experiences, I gained practical skills and insights that will profoundly influence my future medical practice.”
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Voices for Independence ​
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Learning Through Listening
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Student Interns:
Bailey Cramer, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Ramya Nissankula, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
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Academic Preceptor:
Randy Kulesza, PhD, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
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Community Preceptors:
Tiffany Frey, Activities Director, Voices for Independence
Rachel Thorpe, Activities Coordinator, Voices for Independence
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Community Site:
Voices for Independence serves individuals with disabilities throughout Western Pennsylvania, helping to improve the quality of life, independence, and dignity in the community. They work to ensure that the nursing home transition is smooth by helping to make sure that homes have what they need to be fully accessible, such as wheelchair ramps, accessible kitchens, and roll-in showers. Voices for Independence advocates for the equality and civil rights of people with disabilities by teaching people with disabilities how to become their own voice, using either individual or group advocacy techniques.
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Team’s Experience:
The Bridging the Gaps student interns worked with the social media department at Voices for Independence to create a video with testimonials from staff and clients. The video provided a platform for individuals with disabilities to discuss what they find important when working with healthcare professionals and included personal experiences, communication and adaptive technologies, and advice for healthcare providers. The video can be shown to healthcare students and professionals alike to further their understanding of working with individuals with disabilities. The interns also worked with the activities department, assisting with scheduled activities and initiating new ideas such as Zumba classes.
Reflections:
Bailey Cramer: “Voices of Independence was an absolutely fantastic site to work at, and I can say I grew tremendously throughout the experience. Through working with individuals with a range of disabilities I learned how diverse the disability community is, and that each person has their own adaptations they use to live more independently. This experience challenged me to identify what biases I had about the capabilities our clients possessed. It helped me to expand what I viewed as being independent. It also demonstrated how being patient leads to experiences I would have never had if I rushed through interactions. When clients felt heard, they opened up and shared things that helped me learn who they were. The relationships I made at Voices for Independence will stay with me throughout my lifetime, and I am forever grateful to have been welcomed into their community through this experience.”
Ramya Nissankula: “Working at Voices for Independence has been an eye-opening and transformative experience for me. As part of the activities department, I had the privilege of working closely with individuals from the disabled community. Through my time, I learned firsthand about the diverse challenges and unique strengths within this community. This experience taught me the importance of empowering individuals to advocate for themselves and being patient with individuals with varying capabilities and communication styles. Stepping out of the classroom and into the community allowed me to view the disabled community as humans rather than defining them by their disabilities. Working at Voices for Independence has definitely had a great impact on me, and I am so thankful for the relationships I built there.”