Eighteen physicians were inducted, May 18, 2013, into the new OOA Mentor Hall of Fame.

1. CAREERS IN OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE:
The OOA is proud to induct its first
class into the Mentor Hall of Fame
and announce the recipient of the
George L. Eckert, Jr., DO, Mentor of
the Year award.
Mentor & Networking Reception
Saturday, May18, 2013 • 6:15-8:30 pm
Columbus Hilton at Easton
Regent Ballroom

2. John R. Alway, DO
Dayton • Otolaryncology – Facial Plastic Surgery
Dr. Alway has been my key mentor…supporting me
and making graduation a reality. He has organized
rotations at other prestigious institutions to fill in
some weaker points in our specific programs. These
institutions are so impressed with the quality of the
ENT training program that Dr. Alway has built.

3. Gregory P. Bloxdorf, DO
Cleveland • Family Medicine
In all of the years that I have been at St. John’s there is
no single person who has devoted more effort to the
students, interns, and residents than Dr. Bloxdorf. He
is my role model for how an Emergency Department
physician should be.

4. Joni S. Canby, DO
Youngstown • Obstetrics & Gynecology
She is the perfect role model for a compassionate,
knowledgeable, and professional doctor. From my one-
month rotation with her, I amassed as much
information as I learned in my previous five months
combined. Not only did she teach me techniques,
procedures and surgeries, but she taught me empathy,
compassion and the business of medicine.

5. Constance P. Cashen, DO
Toledo • General Surgery
Dr. Cashen models not only exemplary medical care
and decision-making, but also excellent bedside
manner and patient care. She is trusted by her
colleagues, loved by her patients, and looked up to by
her residents.

6. Richard M. Garwood, DO
Cleveland • Family Medicine
Dr. Garwood has been a team player ever since his
days playing basketball at Catholic University in
Washington, DC. This fact is important as it
illustrates how he continues to emphasize the
importance of team as a cardinal rule in our Family
Medicine residency.

7. Byan T. Grischow, DO
Columbus • General Surgery
Dr. Grischow is brilliant, highly proficient, and
confident. He treats every patient as a family member.
He gave me his time and uninterrupted attention, and
was readily available for patient case discussions and
academic principles. He has had a major influence on
me, helping to clarify my vision to become a surgeon.

8. Dennis E. Kane, DO
Cleveland • Anesthesiology
I was able to turn to Dr. Kane for advice, direction,
and career opportunities. He patiently listened,
questioned my career goals, and ultimately directed
me towards a career in radiology (not his specialty).
His slogan “My door is always open” is proof that he
is available for all students and residents.

9. Louis D. Leone, DO
Chardon • Family Medicine/Sports Medicine
As a clinician, Dr. Leone demonstrates compassion
while working with learners, staff, and most
importantly, patients. He is encouraging to learners at
all levels. He is caring, respectful, and thoughtful. He
is the very definition of integrity.

10. Andrew C. Liu, DO
Cleveland • Pulmonology / Critical Care
Dr. Liu’s scope of training is outstanding and he
expects nothing less of his residents and students. He
is an amazing physician who cares about each person
he teaches.

11. Eric E. Mast, DO
Sandusky • Family Medicine
His passion for teaching comes across in everything he
does. He is a constant advocate for osteopathic
principles and manipulative techniques. He challenges
students (one of his favorite phrases is “Let me play
devil’s advocate”) and teaches them the finer points of
patient care.

12. Ronald J. Russ, DO
Hudson • Family Medicine
Dr. Russ believes in a hands-on approach to
learning…he would allow me to diagnose, discuss
treatment plans and perform OMM. He models a
successful work/family balance and is active in the
community, coaching sports and offering a free sports
physical program every year.

13. Dawn L. Sammons, DO
Athens • Dermatology
Dr. Sammons’ passion for dermatology is infectious.
During my first year of medical school, she gave a
crash course in skin disease during our Infection and
Immunity block. I felt inspired by her enthusiasm and
passion about her field. It gave me hope that I, too,
would feel the same way some day.

14. Philip A. Starr, III, DO
Warren • Family Medicine
Dr. Starr has shown an abundance of compassion and
friendship not only to his patients, but also to the
residents, students, and staff. He is a wizard at OMM
and encourages it in clinic in order to ensure patients
experience the highest standard of care.

15. David L. Tolentino, DO
Cleveland • Family Medicine
His kindness and patience display his genuine
concern…a hug, kiss or sitting to hold hands with an
elderly woman who has just lost her husband are not
uncommon occurrences in his clinic. I have found a
friend and mentor to whom I will forever be connected
and grateful.

16. Shannon Campbell Trotter, DO
Columbus • Dermatology
Dr. Trotter shared her passion for unifying the field of
dermatology and the osteopathic profession--including
OMM. She brings sunshine to our profession and
without her guidance, I really do not know where I
would be today.

17. Geraldine N. Urse, DO
Columbus • Family Medicine
Her perpetual thirst for knowledge, in addition to
personal and professional achievement, is inspiring.
She always maintains an open-door policy. She
nurtures the concept of our residency being part of her
extended family by providing encouragement, opening
her home for social gatherings, and filling our
mailboxes with homemade sweet treats.

18. Michael Valle, DO
Centerville • Neurology
He is a man who takes interest in his residents to
produce not only great neurologists but great
professionals. He exemplifies a model physician…kind,
caring, brilliant and always willing to take time to
make sure his patients understand the disease process
and treatment plan.

19. Charles E. Wilkins, MD
Youngstown • Internal Medicine / Geriatrics
His strong personal commitment, compassion, and
understanding with his patients show in the trusting
relationships he has with them. Though not trained as
an osteopathic physician, he understands, respects,
and encourages use of OMM.