The parallel between medical practice and military service is found at the heart of this year’s Veterans’ Day tribute. In addition to maintaining a rigorous course of study and to preparing for residency, over one hundred thirty students across the three campuses of the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine commit their time and skill to serving in the United States Armed Forces. Major Regan Shabloski, DO, Medical Corps, Pennsylvania Army National Guard and Director of Clinical Education at LECOM spearheads the Military Club in Erie, Pennsylvania, and he oversees two specialized groups of militarily engaged students.
The students at LECOM who participate in the Health Professionals Scholarship Program of military medicine commit themselves to the discipline and effort of both physical training and to medical preparedness. Students work through the program with the rank of Army Lieutenant and after completing their studies and military requirements; they are commissioned to the rank of Captain. Once they complete their compulsory residency, the members will select their military branch and carry out their pledge by dedicating a payback period of between eight to 12 years in military medicine, after which they have the opportunity to pursue other careers or to re-enlist.
The second military option for students is that of National Guard Resident Recruiter. Students serve in active duty roles while attending LECOM. The college welcomes with pride the wearing of the uniform during the students’ course of study. The physical presence of active duty military on campus is a symbol to all in attendance of the supreme sacrifice that is made by our men and women in service; and it provides a reminder that while one may enjoy the comforts of a warm and safe educational environment, there are many who have paid, and are paying yet, the ultimate price to make certain that freedom remains unaltered.
The Resident Recruiters and all members of the military medicine club representing the Army, Air Force and Navy, routinely take time from their demanding studies to raise monies for troops in Iraq. Last Spring, the group raised $350 and collected more than 3,000 goods and necessities to send to soldiers on the front lines.
LECOM annually sponsors a military commissioning ceremony that is a highly regarded military tradition. Every year, the college celebrates the advancement of rank for those members of the graduating class who are officers in the US Armed Forces. After graduating from LECOM, the military officers continue medical training at respected military and civilian programs around the country. LECOM has held 10 commissioning ceremonies that have honored between 13 to 15 students each year.
This year, Dr. Shabloski served as the Clinical Operations Officer directing the medical operations in the Joint Operations Center at the G-20 Summit in Pittsburgh, Pa. _Just recently, Dr. Shabloski was awarded his Lieutenant Colonel pin, an achievement noting his promotion from the title of Major. The informal ceremony took place at the LECOM student Center with Dr. Silvia Ferretti, as Provost, Senior Vice President, and Dean of Academic Affairs affixing the pin to the deserving service man, while Military Club members looked on in support.
In 2005, Dr. Shabloski made the courageous journey to Iraq, where he served in various units supporting front line operations. He remained in the field, serving in both Bagdad and Ramadi until 2006. During his service, Dr. Shabloski tended to troops from forward-based provisional emergency rooms designed to treat the field injured. Dr. Shabloski is heralded for his commitment to service and for his selfless dedication to ministering to the seriously injured combat troops. While on the battlefield, Dr. Shabloski attended to soldiers seriously wounded and injured as active duty casualties. The conditions in war zones of the Middle East are less than hospitable, and that arena of medicine presents a consistently urgent environment. Dr. Shabloski’s unfailing service and dependable care to our fallen heroes is wholly endorsed by LECOM.
LECOM strenuously supports the men and women, staff and student alike, in the service of our nation. The National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve recently recognized Dr. John M. Ferretti as “Patriotic Employer”. Dr. Ferretti was distinguished for his contribution to national security and to protection of liberty by supporting and bolstering his employees in their service to America’s National Guard and Reserve Force.
This Veterans’ Day strikes a chord that dedication and discipline are cornerstones of steadfast service, whether to country or to countrymen, the parallel between medical training and medical service are strong in the staff and student body at LECOM.
The Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine and LECOM School of Pharmacy offer innovative and affordable education in osteopathic medicine and pharmacy. From campuses in Erie, Pennsylvania, Greensburg, Pennsylvania and Bradenton, Florida, LECOM provides student-centered pathways to prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals. Prepare yourself for medicine as your life’s profession.
