New SAA Officers Elected

We are pleased to welcome our new SAA Board for 2012.

President: Namrata Desai
Vice-President: Becky Bacon
Secretary:  Laura DiTusa
Treasurer:  Brittany Panetta
Fundraising Committee Chair: Fatou Camara
Advocacy Committee Chair: Diya "Pennie" Guo

Congratulations, and thank you to all those who participated in the election process.

Another successful screening

This past Saturday, November 12, 2011 SAA participated in a Lions Club health at the Greater Philadelphia Overseas Chinese Association.  We screened over 40 patients in the span of three hours.  Much thanks to our SAA members Diya Guo, Megan Piekosz, and Dana McAdams for their participation.  Also, a special thank you our preceptor Dr. Hajdinaj.

The Salus Uinversity Chapter of SAA was also recognized by Lions Club for its continual support of Lion's Club Health Screenings throughout the year.

PUSH FOR DIRECT ACCESS!!!

Hello fellow SAA members,

Let's help push for Direct Access!  Just click on the link below, it is as easy as 1-2-3!!!

http://capwiz.com/audiology/issues/alert/?alertid=50920566

October Screenings

SAA OCA was invited to participate in two community screenings during the month of October.  The first was held at Wesley Enhanced Living on October 1st, 2011 in Philadelphia.  Thank you SAA members, LJ Gabbin, Jamie Guinan, Travis Deputy, and Cheryl Barron for their participation.    

The second screening was held by Lions Club in Chinatown, October 15, 2011.  Much thanks to SAA Members Kelly Flaherty, Sarah Schultz, Mandy Francisco, Kim Otero, Jon Brittain, Kamila Bome, and Abby Mott.  

Special thanks to Dr. Ponja Hajdinaj for supervising us.  

Walk4Hearing 2011

This year's Walk4Hearing was a success!  Thank you to all who contributed, especially to the friends and family of our team members, we could not have done it without you!!! This year the Salus University Walk4Hearing was able to raise $2,681.69.00

Guest Lecturer: Dr. Laurel Christensen from GN ReSound

SAA would like to thank Dr. Laurel Christensen from GN ReSound for giving us a most illuminating lecture on wireless technology tonight.  Those in attendance were able to benefit from Dr. Christensen's vast experience in the field of research within Industry.  The talk, spanning approximately 1hr and 30min, touched upon the science behind wireless technology, and featured demonstrations expounding the art aspects of it as well.  And, for the benefit of those in the audience who may not have had much exposure to hearing aids, Dr. Christensen gave an amazing overview of basic features as well.

We would also like to thank Mr. Michael Hahn, Regional Sales Manager of GN ReSound for making this lecture a reality as it is mostly through his coordination that we were able to host such a distinguish speaker.



Lecture slides and recording to be posted later, so do check back later.

Walk4Hearing Team Meeting

The Salus University Walk4Hearing team met today to discuss fund-raising ideas and logistics for the actual Walk on September 25, 2011.  We were also delighted to have special guests President of HLAA Philadelphia Chapter, Ms. Carolyn Meyer, and Dean Victory Bray to come visit and gave us pep talks.   

We are more than halfway of reaching our fundraising goal of 2000.  Great job team, and keep up the good work.  

Please support our team

http://hlaa.convio.net/goto/SAAOCA 

SAA Icebreaker Event

Hello,

Please know that the date and venue of the SAA Ice-Breaker has been changed to September 18, 2011 (Sunday) from 12:00pm to 4:00pm at Alverthorpe Park. As before, this will be  a great opportunity for all of SAA OCA chapter and friends to get together and relax.  Food will be part BBQ and part potluck.  Mentors will also formally be introduced to their wards.

More details to follow.

WALK4HEARING

Friends, Salusians, fellow colleagues,

Lend me your ears, a couple minutes of your time, and some mental processing capacity (boy, Shakespeare had it easy)!  It was not that long ago when people wearing glasses were met with some form of derision.   There was a stigma tied into being a four eye (and I have been told astigmatism as well). Let’s face it- it is kind of hard to be likeable when your eyes are dioptrically warped by windshield-size lens.  Glasses were considered socially awkward, by correlation to the usually nerdish being behind them, or the “old fogey” who relies on them.   Let’s just say back in the day, glasses and virility was rarely linked; but I digress.

What I am trying to say is there is now a parallel between vision problems and hearing loss.  As a budding audiologist, one of the most alarming statistics we learn is the exponentially growing number of people who have some form of hearing loss that goes undetected, or untreated due to a myriad of reasons.  Amongst them is the lack of awareness, and non-acceptance .   This is why it behooves us to raise awareness and campaign for the cause of our patients.

Beyond our skills as diagnostic clinicians, we owe it to our patients to provide them with the knowledge and support that they require to get them through some rough patches.  It would be foolish for us to handle this all on our own, and luckily, there are resources available.  This brings me to the reason I am writing this letter to you.

One of the organizations that is intricately involved in helping individuals with hearing loss is The Hearing Loss Association of America.   Each year, various local chapters of HLAA host the annual Walk4Hearing event to garner funding and awareness.  This year is no exception as the Pennsylvania Chapter of HLAA will be hosting Walk4Hearing on September 25th, 2011 (Sunday) at Ridley Creek State Park at Newtown Square PA.   They are in need of our assistance in whatever form we can provide, be it monetary or physical, to make this event a success.   It is for the reason that I appeal to each and every one of you to become involved.

As of now, we are in need of volunteers to help at the event; we need more team members to walk during the event; any amount one can donate; and we need individuals to help push for the event with whatever talent they can offer.  Please, this is an important event for HLAA, whose mission closely aligns with that of SAA in its endeavor to advocate for hearing loss patients. It is also an important event for SAA too as part of the funds raised will go twards SAA's operational budget in future screenings, securing equipment, and inviting guest lecturers to campus.  Your services, in whatever form will be greatly appreciated.

I have enclosed herewith a volunteer form for you to fill out should you be available to help out at the event.  I have also enclosed instructions on how to be join the Salus University Team.  We will also be in need of creative talent to design T-shirts for the event.   If you feel called to any of the abovementioned aspects, of if you have other gifts you can provide towards the cause, please do not hesitate to let me know.

On behalf of SAA and HLAA, my sincere gratitude towards your willingness to help in this endeavor.

Sincerely,
Andy Lau
President, Salus University chapter of SAA


How to join the Salus University Walk4Hearing Team
1.  Click on the following link:
http://hlaa.convio.net/site/TR/Teamraiser/PennsylvaniaWalk/1993330749?pg=team&fr_id=1901&team_id=19930
2.  Click on "Join Team" and follow the steps.



SAA at Osborne College of Audiology

Follow us on online: saa-oca.blogspot.com
E-mail: saa@salus.edu

SAA Spectacular September Events

Hello everyone,

Get out your calendars because SAA has fun filled events in store for you this September!

Guest lecturer:

• We are delighted to have Dr. Christensen and Mr. Michael Hahn come speak with us September 15th, 2011 (Thursday) at 5:30pm in Room 304S.  Light snacks will be provided afterwards in the Cafeteria.

Walk4Hearing:

• Pennsylvania Walk4 Hearing is scheduled for September 25th, 2011 (Sunday) from 9am to 1pm at Ridley Creek State Park, Pavilion 11b, Newtown Square, PA. 
• We are in need of team members and fund raising (sign up here: http://hlaa.convio.net/site/TR/Teamraiser/PennsylvaniaWalk/1993330749?pg=team&fr_id=1901&team_id=19930)
• Volunteers for the event is also needed, please fill out form and return to any of the officers if you can help out with registration on the day of the event
• We are also accepting designs for T-shirts for the Salus University team, so please submit your design to us (saa@salus.edu) no later than  September 9th, 2011 for a chance to have your logo imprinted.  T-shirts will be $10 each, or if you raise over a certain amount (details to follow), it will be free to you. 

Ice-Breaker Event

• We are tentatively scheduling SAA Ice-Breaker Event at Alverthorpe Park on September 11th, 2011 (Sunday), in the afternoon.  An evite and Facebook message will be sent out shortly with details, please indicate whether you can make it or not.  The event will be part BBQ, and part Potluck.  It will offer a great opportunity for everyone to get together, have some fun.  If you are interested in helping out with the event, please let Andy (alau@salus.edu) know.

Stay tune for more information!!!

SAA Board



SAA at Osborne College of Audiology

Follow us on online: saa-oca.blogspot.com
E-mail: saa@salus.edu

Get psyched for WALK4HEARING!!!

Hello everyone,

We are currently recruiting volunteers to help out with the actual Walk4Hearing event, all that is required is 1 hour of your time on the day of the walk.  So if you can help out, please e-mail Andy (alau@salus.edu).  The date, time and venue is as follows:

Sunday, September 25, 2011 | Distance 5K (3.1 miles)

Ridley Creek State Park
Pavilion 11B
Newton Square, PA 19073


We do have a team set up for the event, it is currently called "Salus University".  So when you sign up for the walk, please look us up and join the team (
http://hlaa.convio.net/goto/SAAOCA).


Looking forward to seeing everyone there.  Please do not hesitate to e-mail should there be any queries.


SAA Board




SAA at Osborne College of Audiology

Follow us on online: saa-oca.blogspot.com
E-mail: saa@salus.edu

PAA Advocacy Panel a Success

Thank you to all who attended the PAA Advocacy Panel today, we hope that it was an educational experience for everyone, and that you are now all a bit more motivated to get involve. Special thanks to Dr. Mindy Brudereck, Dr. Bre Myers, and Dr. Ralph Belsterling for gracing us with their presence and wisdom.

All the best!

PAA Advocacy Panel

Hello everyone,

You are cordially invited to the PAA Advocacy Panel, held on Friday, July 22nd, 2011 from 12:00pm to 1:00pm in Rm. S300.

Members on the current Board of Directors of The Pennsylvania Academy of Audiology will be speaking on matters relating to advocacy and current state of affairs within the field of audiology. This will be a great opportunity to interact with the shakers, the movers and the trailblazers of our field. You will learn about what is going on in the field of Audiology both within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and at the National level. You will also learn about how to get involve.

If you have not heard from them before, these are the individuals who will inspire fire in your hearts for the field, so I urge you to come join us for this special event! 

Thank you.

SAA Board

Walk for Hearing Event

We invite everyone touched by hearing loss in any way
to learn about the nation's largest walk
for hearing loss awareness and fundraising by attending
the Kickoff or visiting the Walk4Hearing website at
walk4hearing.org 

KICKOFF EVENT PENNSYLVANIA WALK4HEARING KICKOFF Sunday, July 31, 2011 | 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Maggiano's 160 North Gulph Road  King of Prussia, PA 19406  Directions RSVP by July 22, 2011 Reply now by filling out the online form or contact: Amy Hampel ahampel@comcast.net215-493-1108 Anyone interested in learning about how they can support the Walk4Hearing may attend this free event. Space is limited, so please RSVP early. Kickoff Co-Chairs: Denise Trimble and Amy Hampel WALK EVENT PENNSYLVANIA WALK4HEARING Sunday, September 25, 2011 | Distance 5K (3.1 miles) Ridley Creek State Park Pavilion 11B Newton Square, PA 19073 Walk Chairperson: Ronnie Adler radler@hearingloss.org walk4hearing.org

SAA Bake Sale

We would like to thank the following members for making the SAA Bake Sale a success.
Becky Bacon, Dana McAdams, Namrata Desai, Laura DiTusa, Kira Salemi, AjaFatou Camera, and Brittany Panetta



It was also a wonderful display of the talents, many people have been impressed by the taste and presentation of the baked goods.  Thank you once again.

Annual Cheltenham Police Bike Rodeo

SAA OCA members were once again invited to participate in the Annual Bicycle Safety Rodeo hosted by the Cheltenham Police Department.  For their efforts, please find below a letter of acknowledgement from Officer John Slevin of the Cheltenham Police to Ms. Peggy Shelly of Salus University

"Just wanted to pass along a copy of the press release I sent out this afternoon for our Children's Bicycle Safety Rodeo on May 7th. The Salus Staff and students provided hearing exams to approximately 65 children. They were great with the kids and I appreciate them volunteering their time and talents. A copy of the story should be in our local newspaper the Times Chronicle in a week or two. Please pass along our thanks to everyone."  

SAA OCA join in thanking all those who participated, especially in lieu of finals.  

Preceptor:  Dr. Melissa Caine

Students:

- Andy Lau

- Kelly Flaherty

- Cheryl Boston

- Anita Avila

- Kira Pozdnyakova

- Brittany Panetta

- Dana McAdams

- Namrata Desai

- Kristen Conley

- Rebecca Bacon

Upcoming Screenings

Hello everyone,

Just wanted to keep you posted on upcoming screenings. 

May 7, 2011 (Saturday) - Cheltenham Police and Fire Department Bike Rodeo
- Pediatrics screening

June 11, 2011 (Saturday), 8:00am - 5:00pm - Special Olympics Healthy Hearing in New Jersey held at the Special Olympics New Jersey Sports Complex
- Pediatrics screening

June 12, 2011 (Sunday), 8:00am - 5:00pm - Continuation of Special Olympics Healthy Hearing in New Jersey held at the Special Olympics New Jersey Sports Complex
- Pediatrics screening

June 16, 2011 (Thursday) 9:30am – 12:00pm - Rep. Mike Gerber's Senior Citizen Fair held at  the Plymouth Whitemarsh High School (west cafeteria) on 201 E. Germantown Pike, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462

- Geriatrics screening

Lion's Cub Screening at Lansdowne YMCA

On April 16, 2011, members of SAA OCA participated in hearing screening as part of a larger Health Fair organized by Lion's Club at the Lansdown YMCA.  Although inclement weather did reduced the number of children attending the event,  nonetheless, it was a fun experience.  We would like to thank Dr. Melissa Caine for supervising us.  We would also like to thank the following members for venturing out in the rain:

- Kelly Flaherty

- Mandy Francisco

- Lisa Mariello-Baiada

- Andy Lau

- Katie Steinhafel

- Megan Myers

- Namrata Desai

- Aja Fatou

- Rebecca Bacon

Advocate for audiology! Do it, I just did!

Can 15 seconds really save you 15% or more of your troubles down the road?  Come find out!

Show your support for audiology! It takes no more than 15 seconds to do! Click the link, enter your zip code, look for the different issues you can advocate for, fill out your information (replace the word "audiologist" with "student audiologist"), and the letter gets sent to your congressman/ senator!

Legislative Action Center

audiology.capwiz.com

SKATE FOR HEARING!!!

Hello everyone,


Please come join SAA this Thursday, April 14, 2011 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm at The RINK for our FUNdraising event.


Anyone who comes (THIS EVENT IS FOR ANYONE! students or non students) will be getting a 10% discount. Ice skating for those two hours plus skating rentals is a total of $9.

Location:  
The Rink
8116 Church Road
Elkins Park, PA

THIS EVENT IS FOR STUDENTS AND NON-STUDENTS!! Guests can bring guests!
Come take a break from the hectic school schedule on Thursday night and enjoy some ice-skating with friends/bfs/gfs/husbands/wives/kids! :)
Even if you don't know how to ice-skate, come and learn and watch your friends fall!

Directions from school: take a right onto Old York Road. Drive about 1 mile to church road (where Cosi is). Make a right on Church. Look for the sign that says "The Rink" (about halfway down the block) Their number is 215-635-0331 just in case anyone needs it.

The Yorkhouse Screening

SAA would like to thank the following members for their involvement at The Yorkhouse Screening held this past Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Kelly Flaherty
Rebecca Bacon
Mariana Coleman
Laura DiTusa
Brittany Panetta
Zarina Naizam,
Namrata Desai
Whitney Hill
Aja Fatou Camara

Precepted by Dr. Zorina Mikhelson

The Yorkhouse
5325 Old York Rd, Philadelphia, PA 19141-2900 US

SAA Events at AudiologyNow 2011

Hello everyone,

Just an update on what is happening with SAA at AudiologyNOW in Chicago!

Wednesday, April 6

SAA Board/Undergraduate Students Information Session
Time: 4:00 PM – 4:45:00 PM
Location: Chicago Hilton - International Ballroom North

All undergraduate student attendees are invited to attend this informational session to learn more about the exciting profession of audiology, ask questions about applying to graduate school (even the questions you’ve been too afraid to ask!), and get the opportunity to meet the SAA Board of Directors.

SAA First-Time Attendee Orientation – Students Only!
Time: 4:45:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Location: Chicago Hilton - International Ballroom North

Navigating AudiologyNOW! can feel more overwhelming than your first day of graduate school. Come to the First-Time Attendee Orientation for student-compiled tips and tricks to make the most of AudiologyNOW! 2011 in the Windy City.

SAA Mix & Mingle
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Chicago Hilton - International Ballroom North

All students, undergraduate and graduate alike, are invited to the SAA Mix & Mingle. Network with students from audiology programs across the country and around the world, cheer on your school, and enjoy food and beverages before you head off to Celebrate Audiology. Sponsored in part by Phonak

Thursday, April 7

SAA Chapter Advisors Meeting
Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Location: 184A

All SAA chapter advisors and all prospective advisors for chapters in development (or on the drawing board!) are invited to an SAA Chapter Advisors Meeting immediately prior to the SAA Annual Membership Meeting. Kristiina Huckabay, AuD, the SAA’s national advisor and the SAA Advisory Committee chair (dual role), will lead the discussion. Come hear the latest updates on the SAA, share ideas for chapter development and growth, and participate in a great networking opportunity with your fellow SAA chapter advisors.

SAA Annual Membership Meeting
Time: 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Location: 375A

The Student Academy of Audiology (SAA) is the official student organization of the American Academy of Audiology. Everyone is encouraged to attend the SAA Annual Membership Meeting. Members of the SAA Board of Directors, including president Ryan Bullock, along with SAA Advisory Committee members, other SAA and Academy leaders, and invited guests will be in attendance. Come join us at the meeting and be a part of the future of the SAA.

Friday, April 8

PhD Students Networking Breakfast
Time: 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
Location: 179B

Bring your appetite and network over breakfast with fellow PhD students who share your interest in the science that is the foundation and the future of audiology. This year we are also inviting AuD students interested in pursuing a PhD, current post-docs, and first year faculty members! Take advantage of this excellent opportunity to discuss research opportunities and goals with fellow emerging scientist at different points on their career path. We look forward to seeing you in Chicago! Sponsored in part by the AAA Foundation

SAA Advocacy Summit
Time: 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Location: 179B

Come be a part of the evolution of Audiology at the first ever SAA Advocacy Summit. Sometimes trying to understand the governmental jargon can be both overwhelming and confusing. Student attendees will learn about current legislation, how students can advocate, and what the jargon really means! We’ll wrap up with an open forum and you’ll leave with the tools necessary to take action and help make a change in this rapidly growing profession.

PhD Programs Fair
Time: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Location: Level 3, Main Concourse

Are you interested in pursuing a PhD? Stop by the PhD Programs Fair at AudiologyNOW! to meet with university PhD program representatives. The fair will take place prior to the Learning Module presentation “Launching Your Research Career Trajectory Through the NIDCD." Sponsored in part by the AAA Foundation

Saturday, April 9

SAA Expo Hall Student Scavenger Hunt
Time: Orientation 9:30AM - 10:00AM. Event 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Location: SAA Central

Be part of the first ever SAA Expo Hall Student Scavenger Hunt at AudiologyNOW! 2011. This Chicago-themed scavenger hunt will give you the opportunity to explore the expo hall, learn more about the newest technology, become familiar with companies in the hearing healthcare field, and – most importantly – have a great time! Sign up in SAA Central.

Audiology Unplugged: Conversations with Audiologists You Want to Meet
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Location: 179B

Students are invited to speak with some of the best known authors, scholars, and practitioners in audiology. What an incredible opportunity to meet some of the Academy’s most distinguished members.

Screening at St. Charles Community Center a success!!!

Hello everyone,

Today's screening at St. Charles Community went very well. Thanks to the SAA members who came out and served in more ways than one (as you will see from the photos, we ended up serving food to the community as well).

Special thanks to our colleagues in the PA program, Nellie Kippley and Caitlin Clompus, for carrying out the vision and blood pressure portion of the screening. The participants really appreciated it.

Thank you to Dr. Shqiponja.Hajdinaj (fellow alumni) for supervising us today.

This is the first time we field tested the screening equipment provided by Dean Bray at the recommendation of Dr. Lord. Without their generous input, our humanitarian endeavors would have a really rough start, so SAA at Salus would like to extend a special thank to them. Thanks to Dr. Patricia Dabrowski as well for graciously allowing us use of PEI's screening video otoscope.



In attendance:
Andy Lau (Class 2013)
Anita Avila (Class 2013)
Casey Amann (Class 2013)
Kalie Stoneman (Class 2013)
Kelly Flaherty (Class 2013)
Latoya Shuler (Class 2012)
Mariana Coleman (Class 2014)
Megan Myers (Class 2012)
Nellie Kippley (Class 2012, PA)
Caitlin Clompus (Class 2012, PA)
Supervised by: Dr. Shqiponja.Hajdinaj

We hope to have many more of these screenings in the future, so please check back regularly for calendar updates.

SAA General Meeting

SAA General meeting was held today during lunch at the Small Cafe. Topics discussed includes
1) Definition and requirements of being an active member of SAA Chapter
2) Setting up and recruiting members for new committees

• Humanitarian/Screening Committee
• Educational Committee
• Fundraising Committee
• Social Committee

Thank you to all who attended. Minutes from meeting will be sent out shortly, and also be made available to all members via google group.

Screening at St. Charles Senior Community Center

Hello everyone,

I am writing to inform you of a screening opportunity that will take place on March 12. The St. Charles Senior Community Center (about 30 min drive from school) will be hosting a Spaghetti and Bingo events for their senior participants from 10am to 3pm. As part of the program, they would like for us to participate in performing hearing screenings.

We are in need of at least 7 volunteers. Please let me know at your earliest convenience if you can participate.

The center address and contact is as follows:
St. Charles Senior Community Center
1941 Christian St.,
Philadelphia. PA, 19146
(215) 790-9534

Thank you once again. I do look forward to working with everyone.




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