Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2009
Photo/video opportunity – 11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
LECOM campus (enter through the north entrance)
1858 W. Grandview Blvd., Erie
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine students, faculty and staff will commemorate World AIDS Day in the school’s atrium on Tuesday, Dec. 1, by participating in a human red ribbon to help raise awareness about AIDS and reflect their support in the effort to eradicate it. The celebration is organized by Richard Ortoski, D.O., Chairman of the Department of Primary Care Education, with input from several LECOM clubs and organizations. Dr. Ortoski is recognized as a specialist in the treatment of HIV/AIDS by the American Academy of HIV Medicine and the HIV Medicine Association / Infectious Disease Society of America. He also serves as HIV Medical Directorships of Northwest PA Rural AIDS Alliance and Community Health Net.
In addition to the red ribbon, LECOM students have created several AIDS Memorial quilts that they will display at the school. Like the national AIDS Memorial Quilt that they are based on, these quilts are a poignant memorial and a powerful tool for use in preventing new HIV infections. Christine Kell, Ph.D., Associate Dean of Preclinical Education and Associate Professor of Microbiology, and Helen McKenzie, Assistant to the President, assisted in preparing the completed quilt. The LECOM Choir also will perform during the red ribbon gathering.
Second-year medical student Brenna Conroy is spearheading other events related to the official celebration, including a red T-shirt sale. The money raised from the sale will benefit the Northwest Rural AIDS Alliance.
In addition, Dr. Ortoski will present a lecture at the World AIDS Day Conference at Allegheny General Hospital on Dec. 2. The discussion, titled “HIV Treatment Update,” will help provide attendees with important information about treatment practices for newly diagnosed and longtime patients.
World AIDS Day, celebrated officially on Dec. 1, was first declared by the United Nations General Assembly and the World Health Organization in 1988. Since the declaration, this event has become one of the most successful campaigns to raise global awareness on the issue of AIDS.
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.
