LECOM Presents: Heroes In Training

LECOM Presents: Heroes In Training

LECOM presents: Heroes in Training tells the success stories of other LECOM students and alumni as they've transitioned into their chosen medical career. The importance of well-trained, empathetic healthcare professionals is at on all time high. We’ve learned of the heroic nature and sacrifices made by those incredible individuals . The Lake Erie College of Osteopathic medicine (also known as LECOM) has been providing training for these very professionals since 1993 and desire for you as a potential student to know and understand the opportunities for that await you here at our institution. As a student here, you are a Hero in training, and poised to make a massive impact to the world around you. This podcast was created to help you see a side of our institution in an effort to entice you to further your education and career here with us. Please visit LECOM.edu to learn more about the opportunities provided for your formal and graduate education. .

Episodes

April 8, 2026 31 mins
Host: Kathleen Spinazzola

Guests: Dr. Duane Ehredt, Dean, LECOM School of Podiatric Medicine
              Saundra Smith, Third-Year LECOM Podiatry Student
              Brij Patel, Third-Year LECOM Podiatry Student


Kathleen is joined by Dr. Duane Ehredt and third-year LECOM podiatry students Saundra Smith and Brij Patel, and they discuss the multifaceted role of podiatrists, beyond just foot care, and highlights the trailblazing Class...
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Host: Kathleen Spinazzola

Guests: Dr. Susan Calderbank, DMD, Director of Patient Services and Director of Outreach at the                      LECOM Dental Clinic
              Annika Scholten, Fourth-Year LECOM Dental Student
              Chloe Walls, Fourth-Year LECOM Dental Student


Kathleen is joined by Dr. Susan Calderbank and Fourth-Year LECOM Dental Students Annika Scholten and Chloe Walls, and they discuss Dr. Calderbank's role...
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March 31, 2026 24 mins
Host: Kathleen Spinazzola

Guests: Dr. Kevin Thomas, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs at LECOM Seton Hill 
                    

Kathleen is joined by Dr. Kevin Thomas, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs at LECOM Seton Hill, and they discuss his experiences from a recent trip to South Africa. He detailed his visits to Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Kruger National Park, where he encountered the Big Five: lion, elephant, rhinoceros, cape...
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Host: Kathleen Spinazzola

Guests: Dr. Susan Calderbank, DMD, Director of Patient Services and Director of Outreach at the                      LECOM Dental Clinic
              Carter Bedinghaus, Fourth-Year LECOM Dental Student
              Connor Boinski, Fourth-Year LECOM Dental Student and Presdient of LECOM's AAPD Club


Kathleen is joined by Dr. Susan Calderbank and Fourth-Year LECOM Dental Students Carter Bedinghaus and Connor Bo...
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Host: Kathleen Spinazzola

Guests: Ariana Incantalupo, Fourth-Year LECOM Student Doctor 
              Jillian Calabro Fourth-Year LECOM Student Doctor 
             

Kathleen is joined by Ariana Incantalupo and Jillian Calabro, both fourth-year LECOM Student Doctors in the LUMMOS program, and they share their tips and insights into their inspiration, how they got into the program, and how they balance school, work, life, and plans for ...
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Host: Kathleen Spinazzola

Guests: Dr. Jacob J. Cukierski, DO, Director of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) at LECOM
              Ryan Garich, Student Doctor at LECOM
             

Kathleen is joined by Dr. Jacob J. Cukierski, DO, and Ryan Garich, Student Doctor at LECOM, and they discuss how the LECOM Undergraduate Manipulative Medicine Osteopathic Scholars (LUMMOS) program is a scholarship designed to develop and further train...
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December 24, 2025 16 mins
Host: Kathleen Spinazzola

Guest: Scott Scouten - Fourth-Year LECOM Dual Degree Student
             

Kathleen is joined by Scott Scouten, a fourth-year LECOM dual degree student, and they discuss his journey from a biomedical sciences undergraduate to pursuing a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) and a PhD in Anatomy Education. Scott highlights the benefits of LECOM's postbac program, which includes a master's degree and a guaranteed...
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Host: Kathleen Spinazzola

Guests: Brian Martin - Fourth-Year LECOM Doctoral Student In Anatomy Education
             

Kathleen is joined by Brian Martin, a fourth-year LECOM doctoral student in anatomy education, and they discuss his journey from teaching high school mathematics to pursuing a PhD in anatomy. He details his coursework, including anatomy, histology, and physiology, and his dissertation on creating 3D models of the brai...
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December 11, 2025 15 mins
Host: Kathleen Spinazzola

Guests: Steve Blass, Former Pittsburgh Pirates Pitcher and World Series Champion


Kathleen is joined by Steve Blass, former Pittsburgh Pirates Pitcher and World Series Champion, and they discuss his pitching a complete game to clinch the 1971 World Series and his journey, emphasizing the importance of obsession, motivation, and loyalty. He reflects on his 66-year association with the Pirates and his 62-year m...
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October 22, 2025 19 mins
Host: Kathleen Spinazzola

Guests: Dr. Katie Zboyovski, Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice
             Rachel Zurn, First-Year LECOM Pharmacy Student


Kathleen is joined by Dr. Katie Zboyovski and Rachel Zurn, and they discuss the evolving role of pharmacists and the importance of their work. Dr. Zboyovski highlights the expanding responsibilities of pharmacists, including immunization, medication management, and health monitorin...
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October 15, 2025 29 mins
Host: Kathleen Spinazzola

Guests: Mark Badaracco - LECOM Executive Director of Enrollment Services & Information Systems
             Josh Centore - First Year LECOM DSP Pathway Medical Student
             Slate Bretz - First Year LECOM DSP Pathway Medical Student 

Kathleen is joined by Mark Badaracco, Josh Centore, and Slate Bretz, and they duscuss running, marrathon training and being a medical student at LECOM. Mark talks about...
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Host: Kathleen Spinazzola

Guests: Lauren Zemanek. Operations Manager at LECOM Medical Fitness and Wellness Center
             Mark Badaracco Executive Director of Enrollment Services & Information Systems


Kathleen is joined by Lauren Zemanek and Mark Badaracco to discuss the upcoming annual 5K event on August 9, 2023, to raise funds for the Student Scholarship Fund. Participants can run or walk the 5K or the one-mile wellness wal...
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July 2, 2025 39 mins
Host: Kathleen Spinazzola

Guest: Olivia D'Andrea and Shannon Klein, Master of Medical Science students  


Kathleen is joined by Student Doctors Olivia D'Andrea and Shannon Klein, Master of Medical Science students in the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) program at LECOM. Olivia, inspired by a friend, joined LECOM after a gap year working as a medical assistant. Shannon, a non-traditional student, transitioned from a physical ther...
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June 11, 2025 18 mins
Host: Kathleen Spinazzola

Guest: Dr. Randy Kulesza, Dean of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences 


Kathleen is joined by Dr. Randy Kulesza, Professor Of Anatomy and Dean of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, and they discuss the PhD program in Anatomy Education, which covers gross anatomy, neuroanatomy, embryology, histology, and medical education. The program spans four years, with the first two years focused on learni...
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June 6, 2025 38 mins
Host: Joseph Knight

Guest: Dr. Duane Ehredt, Dean of the LECOM School of Podiatric Medicine


Joseph is joined by Dr. Duane Ehredt, Clinical Professor and Dean of The LECOM School of Podiatric Medicine, and they discuss his journey from Altoona, Pennsylvania, to Cleveland, Ohio, and his transition to podiatry. He emphasizes the immediate impact of podiatric care, the technical challenges, and the growing need for podiatrists due to an ...
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May 15, 2025 17 mins
Host: Kathleen Spinazzola

Guest: Dr. Jon Kalmey, Dean of Preclinical Education, Professor of Anatomy, and Director of Lecture Discussion Pathway


Kathleen is joined by Dr. Jon Kalmey, Dean of Preclinical Education, Professor of Anatomy, and Director of Lecture Discussion Pathway, and they discuss the qualities of successful medical students: growth mindset, grit, resilience, self-discipline, and threat mitigation. Growth mindset empha...
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Host: Kathleen Spinazzola

Guest: Dr. Nicole Myers, D.O., M.S., Director of Osteopathic Principles and Practice


Dr. Nicole Meyers discusses her career journey, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and faith. She highlights her role in osteopathic medicine and the impact of mentors throughout her education. She underscores the significance of recognizing humanity and respecting diversity in healthcare. She shares personal anecdotes...
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Host: Kathleen Spinazzola

Guest: Dr. Marvin Hendon, Ph.D., MSCP, Director of Behavioral Health for the LECOM Bradenton Campus


Dr. Marvin Hendon discusses his career journey, emphasizing his 30 years of experience in treating patients with physical disorders and their mental and emotional impacts. He highlights the importance of addressing mental health without stigma and his mission to integrate mental health into medical education. ...
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Host: Kathleen Spinazzola

Guest: Dr. Teresa Hunter-Pettersen, MD, Institutional Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and an Associate Professor of Medical Education


Dr. Hunter-Pettersen discusses her 20-year tenure at LECOM, starting in 2004. She highlights her journey, including her role as a patient representative at the VA and her transition to LECOM. She emphasizes the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion, notin...
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May 22, 2024 7 mins

Guest: Dr. Rachel Ogden, Dean of the LECOM School of Pharmacy


Dr. Rachel Ogden reflects on her inspiring journey from a faculty member in 2008 to her current role as dean. She shares her passion for healthcare, memorable career moments, and valuable advice for women entering the field. Discover how embracing opportunities and staying open to possibilities shaped her remarkable career.

________

Please visit LECOM.edu for to learn more ...
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