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

December 17, 2025 12 mins
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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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.

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Please visit LECOM.edu for to learn more ...
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Guest: Taylor Altidor, LECOM School Of Pharmacy


Taylor Altidor is a pharmacy student and a member of the distant education pathway class of 2026! Taylor tells us today why she wanted to be a pharmacist and her journey to pharmacy school.




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Please visit LECOM.edu for to learn more about the educational opportunities available at our institution.
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April 12, 2023 8 mins

Guest: Sally Ghannam, LECOM School Of Dentistry

Sally Ghannam​ is a first-year dental student at the LECOM Bradenton Campus and discusses the LECOM Dental program, why she wanted to become a dentist, and any tips she has for future dentists. ​



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Please visit LECOM.edu for to learn more about the educational opportunities available at our institution.
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March 29, 2023 19 mins
Host: Monsignor David Rubino, Ph.D.

Guest: Dr. Tim Zurn, Pharmacy Manager of LECOM Pharmacy


Dr. Tim Zurn discusses the differences between LECOM pharmacies and chain pharmacies, taking time to explain different medications to patients, and working with physicians and insurance companies.

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Please visit LECOM.edu for to learn more about the educational opportunities available at our institution.
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March 23, 2023 17 mins
Host: Monsignor David Rubino, Ph.D.

Guest: Dr. Jaime Babiak, Director Of Operations at the LECOM Senior Living Center


Dr. Jaime Babiak discusses her work at the Institute For Successful Aging, some of the challenges facing the aging population, determining what level of care might be appropriate in your senior years, employing an attorney to determine the financial ramifications of senior care, and the psychosocial benefits of senior...
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February 15, 2023 22 mins
Host: Monsignor David Rubino, Ph.D.

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


Dr. Rachel Ogden discusses the evolving role of the pharmacist, the greater accessability of pharmacists, the LECOM distance education program, and specifics about the pathways to becoming a pharmacist.

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Please visit LECOM.edu for to learn more about the educational opportunities available at our institution.
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February 8, 2023 21 mins
Host: Monsignor David Rubino, Ph.D.

Guest: Dr. Susan Calderbank, Director of Patient Care at the LECOM Dental Clinic


Dr. Susan Calderbank discusses the correlation between oral health and overall physical health and the preventative and advanced care services provided by the LECOM dental clinic.


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Please visit LECOM.edu for to learn more about the educational opportunities available at our institution.
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February 1, 2023 19 mins
Host: Monsignor David Rubino, Ph.D.

Guest: Dr. Jaime Babiak, Director Of Operations at the LECOM Senior Living Center


Dr. Jaime Babiak discusses the various personal care services that seniors need as they age and different home care services that are available along the health care continuum through the LECOM Senior Living Center.


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Please visit LECOM.edu for to learn more about the educational opportunities available at our in...
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