In addition to being an alumnus and a managing member of Midlantic Technologies Group of Colmar, PA, Sherman G. Lord Au.D., FAAA, is an adjunct faculty member at the Osborne College of Audiology.
When Dr. Lord discovered that Otometrics was loaning a select number of their new Madsen Astera clinical audiometers to audiology programs on a first come, first served basis, he lost no time in applying for one. Thanks to his initiative, the University's Osborne College of Audiology received a new audiometer for an open ended contract at an annual fee of $1.00.
     The Otometrics Madsen Astera is a state-of-the art clinical audiometer that combines newer computer-based capabilities with traditional stand-alone audiometer functions. This not only allows the audiologist increased flexibility in methods to test multiple patient populations but, as a computer-based system, helps the audiologist link to other in-office audiology software applications for more efficient workflow, including paperless offices. Additionally, the Astera offers a wide variety of advanced features supporting specialty and advanced evaluation techniques.
    Osborne College of Audiology students and faculty will use the Astera to assess hearing sensitivity at the Pennsylvania Ear Institute. This allows our students to experience advancements in clinical audiometers, particularly the new technologies used for evaluation in the pediatric population. Additionally, some of the Astera's advanced features will assist in the development of needed skills for the practicing audiologist, while other features will allow the clinical preceptor to more easily observe and assess students' performance.
    Now in service in one of the sound booths at the Pennsylvania Ear Institute (PEI), the new Astera audiometer offers students the opportunity to experience state of the art technology while developing their clinical skills and expanding their knowledge. With thanks to Dr. Susan Calantoni and Dr. Victor Bray for their contributions to this article. 

What was billed as the first annual SOSH Bowl-a-Thon was held on Friday January 22, as part of the fundraising efforts of  SOSH (Students in Optometric Service to Humanity) members for their annual optometric service trip. This year SOSH students will go to El Salvador and, in addition to Valentine's Day candy-grams and other fundraisers, the Bowl-a-Thon was one in a long list of fun and creative ways they are raising the money to go.
    Eight teams of students had a good time as they bowled, enjoying pizza and soft drinks. The winning team included first year OD student Joey Tran and his friends, Minh, Hai, Tuan, and Jay.
    SOSH members are dedicated to providing optometric services to those who would not otherwise receive eyecare and, in addition to vision screenings and eye exams, the group distributes reading and sunglasses.  

Currently teaching in the University's Clinical Medicine and Physiology blocks of Module 2 in the Optometry program, Sarah Ghantous, R.N, Mary Jo Thomas, O.D. and Melissa A. Vitek, O.D., successfully completed the Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) training course at Jefferson Hospital this past December.

     They were among healthcare professionals in a class that included hospital administrators, nurses, EMTs, and other medical professionals taking the course, which was taught by practicing field experts. Videos, lectures and workshops were utilized to cover the required material.  The ACLS faculty appear to have been especially attentive to optometric needs in that some of the case scenarios described instances where (1) a patient, undergoing fluorescein angiography, goes into anaphylactic shock, (2) a diabetic patient coming in for their diabetic eye exam goes into ketoacidosis, (3) a patient undergoing dilation as a means  to monitor their hypertensive retinopathy has a stroke or heart attack in the office.

    In addition, other applications of the algorithms were simulated. These situations were excellent training that can now be transferred into some of the laboratory applications in the PCO curriculum. CPS training at the provider level is part of the current Clinical Medicine curriculum and ACLS training is offered to third and

fourth year students as part of the Advanced Studies in Clinical Medicine, a course required for additional licensure by some state boards.

    All of the above three consultants assist in teaching the injectables laboratory that has been incorporated into the curriculum to prepare optometry students for the injectables section of the National Board examination.

    This added preparation for the NBEO Part 3 examination, and the development of some Advanced Studies courses reflect PCO's dedication to preparing our students for the ever changing and progressive state of practice in today's optometric profession.

     These consultants will join our other ACLS certified lecturer, Dr. James Fanelli in presenting an Advanced Clinical Medicine course that educates the students in the multiple areas of injectable drug therapy and anaphylaxis.