Friday's Fun Faculty Facts: Part II

Faculty are the backbone of academic institutions inspiring and influencing students daily in the classroom, in clinical facilities, and out in the field. Our renowned faculty combined with a low student-to-teacher ratio helps students become the best healthcare professionals they can be. 

But did you know that often in their spare time, Salus faculty engage in extracurricular activities and have a diversified skill set ranging from theatrical artists, athletes, photographers, farmers, and more? 

This is the second of a series featuring interesting and fun faculty facts about how Salus faculty use their spare time. 

David Meltzer, OD ‘02, FAAO, (pictured above) assistant professor in the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO) at Salus University, once performed an eye exam on Saddam Hussein as a member of the First Armored Division, embedded with the 47th Forward Support Battalion stationed at the Baghdad Airport during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

He also is a member of the Philadelphia Flyers Warriors, a hockey organization for injured and disabled U.S. military veterans who have a Veterans Administration disability rating of 10 percent or more.

Jonette Owen, AuD ‘03, associate dean of clinical education and associate professor in the University's Osborne College of Audiology (OCA), currently has a photo on display at the Philadelphia Museum of Art as part of an international exhibition (pictured right).  

Old McDonald has nothing on Tracy Offerdahl-McGowan, PharmD, who is an assistant professor of pharmacology and therapeutics for the Optometry, Audiology and Physician Assistant (PA) Studies programs at Salus. But, when she’s not teaching Salus students in her role as a pharmacist, she’s a “farmacist”  - she lives in a historical farmhouse in Ivyland, Pennsylvania where her and her husband run a "gentleman's farm."  

Community Theater for the Win:   
Emily Vasile, MAT, TVI, MS '16, CLVTMS, an assistant professor in the University's College of Health Sciences, Education, and Rehabilitation, is a choral singer and performs in community theater. 

Kimberly Cafarella, MS, CCC-SLP,  (pictured right) an instructor in the University's Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) program and coordinator of the Post-bacc program, SLP track, not only plays the piano but she too performs in community theater.

Jennifer Pilchman, MSPAS, PA-C, assistant professor in the University's Physician Assistant Studies program, is the third faculty member involved in community theater, but mostly musicals. She likes to sing and dance, although she admits she’s mostly a singer.

Do you have a fun fact you can share? Use this link to submit your fun fact or email communications@salus.edu.