COM Outlook Spring 2019

up five osteopathic manipulation tables for soft-tissue massage, while the Ophthalmology Club performed vision testing. “Sigma Sigma Phi wrote personalized thank-you cards to more than 40 custodians, while the Photogra- phy Club documented the festivities,” Burns said. “Hispanic Osteopathic Medical Student Association members were on call as translators. Additionally, the Emergency Medicine Club and the Dermatology Club gave away instant icepacks and sunscreen, while several clubs brought homemade dishes and desserts.” Some clubs even stepped up monetarily by pro- viding funds to purchase six substantial gift cards to Delicious Raw, a nearby vegan restaurant. “The whole scene, replete with thank-you decorations and reggaeton music, was very moving,” Burns said. “The Student Lounge had never seen so much love.” Because proper nutrition is such a crucial tool in enhancing a person’s overall health, providing nutritious food to the custodial staff was a goal for Burns, who helped create the KPCOM’s Plant- Based Healthcare club in 2017. “We founded the club to educate classmates about the power of plant-based eating to prevent and reverse chronic illnesses like diabetes and cardiovascular disease,” Burns explained. During the students’ interactions with the appre- ciative custodians, one worker remarked in Spanish, “I’ve worked here for 15 years, and this is the first time anyone has done something like this for us.” Burns shared that one custodian who suffered from chronic back pain was referred to the nearby osteopathic tables, where a first-year student was able to practice soft-tissue techniques to relax her muscles. She was also given information about the college’s Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine Clinic. Another worker, who was overweight, raved about the plant-based meal he had just enjoyed and said, “Imagine if we ate like this all the time.” Burns then had a conversation with the custodian about barriers to healthy eating and provided concrete strategies for overcoming them. “He left the event after receiving a big hug—and with a cup of raw vegetables,” Burns remarked. o 16 | DR. KIRAN C. PATEL COLLEGE OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE QUIET | HEROES The students enjoyed getting to know the custodial workers who keep the Health Professions Division operational.