May 12
NEOMED Honors Military Service to Our Country
In observation of National Military Appreciation Month, Northeast Ohio Medical University recognizes and thanks the NEOMED alumni, faculty, staff and students who have served or are currently serving the United States.
NEOMED’s own President John T. Langell M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H., M.B.A., is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. He served as chief of general surgery at the George E. Wahlen VA Medical Center and maintained his reservist status while serving as CEO (Commander) of Air Force Health Care Facilities. Over the course of 11 years ― 2006 to 2018 ― he led four separate Air Force Reserve medical facilities. He was responsible for the leadership and management of all medical and allied health professionals as well as administrators.
NEOMED also salutes those who are now beginning their military careers. The following 2020 graduates plan to immediately use their skills in medicine to serve as officers in our country’s armed forces:
- Nicholas D’Amico, M.D. (’20) – Air Force
- Michaela Randall, M.D. (’20) – Air Force
- Ajay Bhola, M.D. (’20) – Army
- Brenna Walters, M.D. (’20) – Army
- Cyril Harfouche, M.D. (’20) – Navy
- Tanner Mathews, M.D. (’20) – Navy
Below are stories of those who have served or plan to serve our country — whether through military service or science.
Get to Know NEOMED’s Future Military Physicians
In 2018, College of Medicine students Corey Herman (Army), Shane Kaplan (Navy) and Shane Mathew (Air Force) explained what it’s like to prepare for the military while going to medical school.
From the Military to the Pharmacy
NEOMED holds an annual ceremony to honor veterans such as Daniel Sevarns on the occasion of Veteran’s Day. On Monday, Nov. 6, 2017, NEOMED’s Future Military Physicians gathered to raise and lower the American flag outside the visitor entrance to the NEOMED Education and Wellness (NEW) Center.
Scott Coberly Becomes College of Pharmacy’s First Military Graduate
Scott Coberly, Pharm.D. (’19), reached a significant milestone on May 18, 2019, when he collected his Doctorate of Pharmacy degree during Northeast Ohio Medical University’s Commencement Ceremony. On that day, Dr. Coberly also earned the distinction of becoming the first member of the military – namely, the U.S. Air Force – to graduate from the University’s College of Pharmacy.
War and Medicine
In 2018, fourth-year College of Medicine students taking a War and Medicine elective taught by Roger Vazquez, M.D. (’85), were treated to a surprise visit by Fred Marquinez, M.D. (’85), clinical associate professor of internal medicine. Dressed in Union army military regalia for the occasion, Dr. Marquinez dispelled myths and brought to life the practice of medicine during the Civil War.
From the Navy to NEOMED: Stephen Grossi
Over time, Stephen Grossi has earned the title of brother, husband, father and U.S. Navy veteran, but it’s the title of physician that the College of Medicine Rural Medical Education (RMED) Pathway student is now working toward.
Veterans to be Honored
NEOMED alum Jeffery Hess, M.D. (’91), joined NEOMED’s Future Military Physicians for a flag-raising ceremony in 2015 and discussed how his military experience helped him to land a dream job as corporate medical director for General Motors.
Bones in the News
Northeast Ohio Medical University researcher Fayez F. Safadi, Ph.D., and his team received a grant from I-Corps@Ohio (funded by the Ohio Department of Higher Education) allowing them to explore the marketability of a novel protein therapy called Osteoactivin, used for bone regeneration. This new therapy, developed by Dr. Safadi and his lab, could help people injured while serving in the military, among others.
