Orientation Week 2018

No matter the age, or how professional the schooling, the first day at a new University will always be scary. Stepping into Orientation week at Salus University, I didn’t know what exactly to expect. I was nervous to start professional school far from home where I knew very few people. Of course, I was also extremely excited to finally be here after working so hard for the opportunity to pursue a career in my dream profession, but I was still anxious. Thankfully I wasn’t the only one, as I could tell early on during Orientation week that many of these students and future health professionals were feeling equally as restless.

The first day was full of congratulations from faculty, welcomes from staff, and introductory ice breakers shared between students. Between the excess of important information and words of wisdom thrown our way, we left feeling possibly more overwhelmed than before we arrived.

However, with each passing day of the week, the academic building became more navigable, the faces on campus became a little more familiar, and the University felt more recognizable. The optional evening activities also helped to lift some of the stress of the week, with Trivia Night and a trip to Dave and Buster’s allowing friendships among peers to form.

Over the course of the week, we learned what it means to be a part of Salus University and also what it means to be invested in a greater health profession society. Being enrolled in professional school and pursuing a career in an admirable field inspires each student to hold themselves to a higher standard. Our week concluded with the ultimate symbolic representation of what it means to be a part of this professional community: the White Coat Ceremony.

On Friday afternoon, when more than 300 new Salus students stood together at the Kimmel Center proudly wearing our white coats, I couldn’t help but appreciate the magnitude of this moment. We are all from different geological locations. We are all at different stages of our lives, some of us married, with kids, engaged, or newly graduated. We are all from different backgrounds, have different stories, and have different paths that lead us to where we are now – but we are all here and all dedicated to the same mission: a passion for healthcare, a commitment to professionalism and a desire to help others. While it may just be a piece of clothing, the white coat symbolizes all of this and more, and the ceremony was a beautiful way to end our Orientation week while representing the start of our professional journey.

As classes pick up this week and the possible stress of the program heightens, I hope to remind myself of this important moment whenever times get rough. It will certainly be a challenging four years but I know this commitment to healthcare and helping others is what will make it all worth it in the end. 

-Olivia is a first-year optometry student at Salus University

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Summer Edition: Audiology Student Blog

Growing up, summer school was always for those who needed extra help with reading, writing, and/or math, or even the kids that didn’t have great conduct or behavior. Fortunately, in my 17 years of schooling I never had to go to during the summer. As a result, hearing that graduate school consisted of spring, fall, and summer semesters was definitely a bit of a shock to me. As a lifelong Philadelphia resident, the summer has and will always be my favorite season. I have been a hot weather, Jersey shore loving girl ever since I could walk. Every summer my family and I would travel down the shore to spend full days playing on the beach and nights on the boardwalk playing games and riding the rides. Now, the over 21-year-old Marisa has grown to love the adult night life. I have come to love the phrase “no shower happy hour.” Being able to go out and enjoy quality time with a big group of friends, all sunburnt and tan from the previous hours spent on the beach, not having to worry about school or work was what summer has always been about for me.

Going to school in the summer was and still is a huge adjustment for me. My days no longer start whenever I decide to roll out of bed. They start at 6/6:15 a.m. with 8 a.m. classes or clinic shifts at the Pennsylvania Ear Institute almost every day. In comparison to the spring and fall semesters, summer semester consisted of less classes, but increased classwork and hours in the clinic. We now have half day clinical shifts on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday and full day shifts on Tuesday and possibly Thursday (if you get the morning and afternoon shift). The first week of the semester started on a Monday with class from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. The next day I had my first shift in clinic which happened to be a full, seven and a half hour shift. My clinic partner and I were eager to start but nervous to be one of the first groups seeing patients. At this point in our Doctor of Audiology education and future careers, we were credentialed in more audiologic measures than before. This allows us to do and perform more during in-patient appointments. I was anxious but excited to start applying my knowledge and showing off my skills in appointments.

With proper time management and lighter weeks, I was and am still able to spend some weekends down the shore with my friends and family. During the weeks approaching a shore weekend, I am doing my best and working my hardest to get as much as I can done so I am able to fully enjoy my time down the shore. I don’t want to spend my time relaxing on the beach worried about everything I still have to get done or study for when I get home. I know I will always have work to do when I come back, but the less I have to do, the better. Summer session has taught me a lot about time management and sacrifice. Working and using my time efficiently during the week has given me the opportunity to spend some weekends with the people I love in the place I love. But, I can’t always be there when my friends are because school is my top priority. Being an audiologist has been my dream since I was a little girl. Everything I am doing now, all the time and effort I am putting into my school work, will benefit me in the long run. 

  -Marisa is a second year audiology student at Salus University

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Local Eats

Nothing brings together a couple of strangers trying to navigate a new school and city like a good restaurant. Here at Salus, we’re lucky enough to be surrounded by so many local cafes, restaurants, and bars. Starting graduate school, the first thing you need to know is where your closest coffee shop is located. For those early morning lectures, stop by the White Horse Coffee Creamery for a cup of coffee and something sweet. If you’re in a rush, the Daily Grind is just minutes from the Elkins Park campus. For those late night cram sessions, most big chains are open later, and, fortunately, we have both Dunkin’ Donuts and Starbucks. 

Photo Credit: Bernie's Glenside

The best time of the day is dinner, and the options are endless. If you’re want something quick, grab some Chipotle or Jules Thin Crust Pizza. But if you have some time, and you just finished a big exam, grab some friends and head on over to Iron Hill Brewery in Huntingdon Valley or Chestnut Hill or Bernies in Glenside – both just a few minutes away. In the summer, the outside patio at Iron Hill is the perfect local spot for a class social. Another all-time favorite for Salus students is Drake Tavern, and they’ve got specials every day of the week! The list of restaurants near Salus University are endless and you’ll always find something to satisfy your cravings. 

- Niki is a third year optometry student at Salus University

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Attractions in Philadelphia Feature: Magic Gardens

My name is Sonia Panchal and I am a first year student at Salus University Pennsylvania College of Optometry. Living so close to Philadelphia means there is never a dull weekend. There is so much to explore--cool restaurants, interesting museums, historical sites, and the whole center city area to name a few things. This city is filled with many attractions that are perfect for college and graduate students. 

One of my favorite sites I have visited in Philadelphia is Magic Gardens located on South Street. It is an entire three city lot- span of unique artwork created by the mosaic artist Isaiah Zagar. The site consists of both an indoor gallery and a large outdoor mosaic “maze” with staircases, walls, and arches made entirely of various mosaic tiles and objects. I recommend going on a warm sunny day so you can appreciate how incredible the outdoor mosaic is put together. 

Photo Credit: Philadelphia Magic Gardens

Magic Gardens is a popular tourist site, especially in the summer when they host movie nights, socials, and lavish ticketed events with live bands and food. You could spend a good few hours here just looking at all of the mosaics pieced together with unique objects such as kitchen utensils, parts of bikes, dishware with Latin American art, and other colorful items placed on the walls. Many people come to take pictures in front of the art and look for hidden words and symbols on the tiles.

Another bonus of visiting this unique art exhibition is that Magic Gardens offers student discounts! ($8.00 admission if you present your student ID). I highly recommend checking it out!

- Sonia is a first year optometry student at Salus University

A Day in the Life: Doctor of Audiology First Year Graduate Student

My name is Marisa Fassnacht, and I am first-year student in the Salus University Osborne College of Audiology. I went to Temple University for my undergraduate school and received a bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders. Fortunately, I knew that I wanted to study audiology going into college. 

I have been involved in audiology almost my entire life. I was born with a growth called a cholesteatoma in my left ear in front of my eardrum. It was not found until I was about 7 or 8 years old. I had one surgery to remove the growth, and a second to put prosthesis in place of the bone that I lost. Since then, I have always wanted to become an audiologist. My main goal is to help children who may be experiencing hearing difficulties like I have in the past. I want to relate my story to them, so they will feel comfortable sharing their worries and triumphs with me while growing and developing with their hearing disabilities.

So now that we are properly acquainted, let me bring you into a day in the life of a first-year Doctor of Audiology graduate student.


6:30 a.m. I usually start off the day by pressing the snooze button about three times. 

7:00 a.m. I check my phone, going through my Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter and e-mail.  Then, I roll out of bed (finally) and get myself together.

7:30 a.m. Breakfast!  Probably my favorite thing to make besides eggs benedict – Ezekiel toast with avocado and an over-easy egg on top. While cooking my egg, I pop a K-Cup into my Keurig and select the biggest cup setting possible (because coffee=survival).  I re-check my class schedule on Typhon (our online clinical scheduling portal) just to make sure nothing has changed. After this, I relax while I eat and watch an episode of Friends on Netflix (my favorite TV show ever). 

7:50 a.m. After inhaling my breakfast, it’s time to pack up and head out to school. I always make sure I have my ID, laptop, lunch and coffee before I leave the house. I commute to school, so I always try to give myself about 45 minutes to get to there. My route to school is pretty easy; thankfully, I don’t have to take any major roadways. 

8:20 a.m. I arrive at school and grab a great parking spot right in the front. If you get to school any later than 10 a.m., you either have to park in “Guam” or tail anyone that looks like they’re pulling out of a spot. 
I like to get to campus early to give myself time to drop off my lunch in my locker, get to the classroom and set up my laptop. When I get situated, I pull up the lecture needed for the class and chat with my friends.

9:00 a.m. Class time - from now until 11:00 a.m., I’m in Molecular and Cellular Processes.

11:15 a.m. I’m just hanging in the classroom doing some school work or a collaborative study, as well as eating lunch with my friends. We’ll stay here until we have to head to lab or clinic.

12:45 p.m. I’m heading over to the Pennsylvania Ear Institute (PEI) for clinical. From now until about 5 p.m., I’ll be observing and interacting with patients in their hearing appointments with my faculty preceptor. 

5:00 p.m. Time to head home, but first: traffic!

5:45 Dinner time! Honestly, it’s my favorite part of the day. I love coming home after a long day to a great home cooked meal and hanging out with my parents. It’s nice to catch up and see how their days were.

6:15 p.m. I get changed into comfy clothes and start another round of homework and studying. Homework and studying takes about four to five hours depending on my upcoming schedule of assignments combined with exams.

11:30 p.m. *Belly flops onto bed because my bed is the greatest thing ever, and I missed it!* At this point, I’m exhausted and ready to go to sleep. I settle in, check my social media for a little, and watch some vlogs and tutorials on Youtube of one my favorite Youtubers (Sarah Day, Jaclyn Hill, Chelsea Trevor, and Danielle Mansutti to name just a few). I think about upcoming classes, clinic and assignments, but then I feel my eyelids getting heavy and I’m out. Grad school will do that to you!

  -Marissa is a first year audiology student at Salus University

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To a New Beginning in Healthcare, Our First Steps

Orientation in the Hafter Center

I wanted to come to Salus University since I was 14 years old with a dream of becoming an optometrist. With eight years of anticipation and diligent preparation, orientation week began. It took a solid hour just to choose an outfit for the first day. Even though orientation started at 8:30 am, I, along with numerous others, arrived before 7:30 am. We waited in our cars anxiously for someone to get out and walk in first. As we walked in, I could feel the excitement and nervousness in the air.

What should have been an hour wait, felt like mere minutes. Students poured into the Hafter Center dressed professionally and ready to become graduate students of a heath profession. Dr. Michael H. Mittelman, President of Salus University, greeted us and offered inspirational advice on becoming great healthcare professionals. He stressed empathy, which I found to be a very insightful tip that I hadn’t previously considered.

Dave & Buster's in the
Plymouth Meeting Mall

Orientation week was full of resources meant to aid us in our preparation for our respective fields. This included a resource fair full of clinics, banks, information on The Eye Institute, Learning Resource Center, and military programs. We had a session on financial planning that opened my eyes into the world of investing and reminded us to still live like students the first few years out of school. We were also introduced to budgeting apps and debt calculators. I found the session on cultural awareness to be very interesting and insightful. Coming from a rural town in Pennsylvania, I was not used to much diversity, while Philadelphia is rich in other cultures. This session went over how to be sensitive to patients and intuitive to the various cultures one encounters when working in the healthcare field.

While it was nice to spend our days in orientation, it was wonderful having the after-orientation events. These included trivia and a trip to Dave and Busters. I was quite worried for trivia, as it was entitled, “Pop Culture Trivia” and I know very little to nothing about this topic. All and all my team didn’t do too shabby. It was a great way to interact with our classmates and make some new friends. Dave and Busters was a great time too -- their Dance Dance Revolution machine was far harder than we had anticipated but we made it out alive. Just as my card ran out, I miraculously hit 1,000 tickets. It was a nice end to a long day!

President Mittelman speaking at
theWhite Coat ceremony

While orientation week was exciting, I was itching to start classes. But first, we had the White Coat Ceremony. This year it was held in the Kimmel Center in Center City, Philadelphia. This was the first time I had taken a subway into Philadelphia, but alas, I made it unscathed. The venue was absolutely beautiful, with glass windows surrounding us and wood paneling coating the theater. The ceremony was very inspirational as it welcomed us into the world of health professionalism. With our white coats on, we recited in unison the Oath to Professionalism. It felt like a graduation in a sense, like we were ready to take on the world. In reality, we are just getting started to take on the challenges of graduate school. It was a great way to begin our new journey! 

White Coat Ceremony
at the Kimmel Center

 ~ Sabrina is a first-year optometry student at Salus University

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Summertime in Philly

Photo Credit: www.americantrails.org

Summertime on campus has been refreshing in comparison to the hustle and bustle of fall and spring semesters. The whole campus has seemed to quiet down, with everyone more relaxed and enjoying the beautiful weather.  Another great perk of being in the area are all the activities going on in Elkins Park and Center City, Philadelphia. Summertime is a great opportunity to get outside and truly explore your new home!

A new summertime favorite of mine has been exploring the parks and hiking in the area. Just last weekend, I was able to make a trip down to Delaware to Brandywine State Park. Fortunately we had great weather, and hiked both Saturday and Sunday for a total of 8 miles! If traveling to Delaware seems too far, it is always great to check out things we have in our own backyards like Valley Forge. In addition to learning about American history, there are running and hiking trails galore. The park is huge, and you can also explore by car. When I went, it ended up raining so I was able to tour around the park in my car while listening to a “cell phone tour”. It was a great activity for a rainy day. If you’re looking for something even closer to home, Elkins Park and Cheltenham have a great system of public parks for walking or running.

            
Another great aspect of summertime in Philly is all the wonderful concerts and talented musicians who come to town. Philly has great venues perfect for any genre of music. On my list to check out this summer are the Mann Center, World Café Live, and The Electric Factory. Each of these venues offers something unique and brings in great talent. The Mann Center for example is bringing Harry Potter to life at the end of July with the Philadelphia Orchestra. With lawn seating available, most concerts are reasonably priced and not to be missed!

Photo Credit:  http://www.visitphilly.com

                

Lastly, Philadelphia is a great city for beer lovers! Philly has a beer garden for everyone that each offers a unique experience. It’s a great way to be outside and enjoy a cold one. With so many options, there is always a new place to check out and explore with your friends.

No matter what you decide to do, the Philly area has something to offer to anyone. So take a break from school when you can, and get out there to explore!

-Elisa is a second year audiology student at Salus University

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