September 2026

Celebrating 75 Years of MCW PM&R

"Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate 75 years of PM&R at the Medical College of Wisconsin. It was truly special to see so many alumni, faculty, residents, and friends of the department together in one place.

One of the most meaningful parts of the celebration was the opportunity to rekindle relationships, share memories, reconnect with colleagues and friends, and build new connections with so many people who care deeply about MCW PM&R. The energy, enthusiasm, and camaraderie throughout the celebration were a wonderful reflection of the people who make our department what it is.

I am incredibly proud to serve as Chair of MCW PM&R and especially proud to lead a department with such an illustrious 75-year history. We have a remarkable legacy to honor, but even more exciting is the opportunity to build on that legacy together.

Thank you for being part of our story and for your continued investment in the people, mission, and future of MCW PM&R. I hope the 75th celebration is not just a look back at where we have been, but an invitation to stay connected, stay engaged, and help us shape where we go next. There is tremendous opportunity ahead, and I look forward to continuing this journey together as we write the next chapter of MCW PM&R."

With appreciation,

-Christopher L. White, MD

Chair, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 

PM&R 75 Anniversary Reception and Symposium

The Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation celebrated a remarkable milestone this September as faculty, staff, alumni, trainees, friends, and family came together to commemorate 75 years of PM&R! The two-day celebration brought the PM&R community together for an evening of connection and celebration, followed by a morning of education, reflection, and excitement for the future of the specialty.

From left: Alumni Dale Colorado, MD; Jennifer Yacub Martin, MD; alumni Judith Kosasih, MD; Jennifer Yacub Martin’s husband, Pete, and David Del Toro, MD pose for a photo at the reception.

The evening featured welcome remarks from Department Chair Christopher White, MD, at 7:30 p.m., followed by a special department slideshow showcasing historical photos of past and present faculty, residents, fellows, chairs, and staff. Guests enjoyed delicious appetizers and desserts while catching up with longtime friends and colleagues, meeting new members of the PM&R community, and reminiscing about memorable experiences throughout the years.

More than simply marking 75 years, the gathering highlighted the relationships and sense of community that have remained at the heart of PM&R. As the specialty continues to grow and evolve, the evening served as a wonderful reminder of the people who have helped shape the department and the lasting connections that bring the PM&R community together.

The celebration continued Saturday morning, September 12, with the PM&R 75th Anniversary Symposium at the Medical College of Wisconsin. The half-day CME event brought faculty, alumni, residents, fellows, staff, and friends of the department together for a morning that celebrated the past while looking toward the future of rehabilitation medicine.

The morning began with breakfast and an opportunity for attendees to view research poster presentations from Sarah Golus, Clinical Research Coordinator III, Nicholas Kull, medical student, and residents Austin Gerdes, MD; Frederick Halfman, MD; Lea Jarrett, MD; James Jabara, MD; Cole McDonald, MD and Zachary Olivos, MD. Jennifer Yacub Martin, MD, CME Activity Director, officially welcomed everyone to the symposium. 

From left above: Alumni Sridhar Vasudevan, MD; Department Chair Christopher White, MD; Alumni Diane Braza, MD and Alumni John Melvin, MD. This group gave an excellent four-part presentation on the department's history. 

One of the highlights of the morning was a special Department History presentation featuring Department Chair Christopher White, MD; alumni Diane Braza, MD; alumni John Melvin, MD; and alumni Sridhar Vasudevan, MD. The presentation offered a meaningful look back at the people, accomplishments, and milestones that have helped shape the department throughout its 75-year history. It was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the department’s rich legacy and recognize the many individuals whose contributions have helped build PM&R into what it is today.

Following the history presentation, the symposium shifted its focus toward the future, featuring presentations on several important and evolving areas of rehabilitation medicine.

Dale Colorado, DO, MPH, explored innovation in PM&R and shared lessons learned along the way. Ellen “Ellie” Farr, MD, discussed current perspectives on disorders of consciousness and prognosis following severe traumatic brain injury. Mitchell O’Neill, MD, highlighted strategies for optimizing care in pediatric rehabilitation medicine, while Peter Connelly, MD along with Kristen Vaccaro, DO explored the opportunities and potential pitfalls of diagnostic neuromuscular ultrasound in PM&R, using the median nerve as an example. The symposium concluded with Nicholas Ketchum, MD, who discussed cryoneurolysis and its role in the management of spasticity and neurorehabilitation.

From left: alumni Sridhar Vasudevan, MD; Peter Connelly, MD; alumni Nicholas Ketchum, MD; alumni Dale Colorado, MD; Ellie Farr, MD; alumni Diane Braza, MD; Department Chair Christopher White, MD; Mitchell O’Neill, MD and alumni John Melvin, MD gather for a photo after presenting at the symposium.

The success of the PM&R 75th Anniversary celebration would not have been possible without the many individuals and organizations who contributed their time, expertise, energy, and support. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped make this milestone celebration so memorable.

We would like to extend a special thank you to all individuals who has made generous donations towards PM&R. This also included AbbVie, Inc. who made a sizable donation to help sponsor the 75^th Anniversary.  Everyone’s support is very much appreciated!

A very special thank you goes to the PM&R 75th Anniversary Planning Committee members: Jen Yacub Martin, MD; Department Chair Chris White, MD; Diane Braza, MD; Karin Goodfriend, MD; Nanjappareddy Reddy, MD; Sridhar Vasudevan, MD; Kenneth Lee, MD; Leah Pape; Sarah Golus; Rhiannon Shewczyk; and Monika Szczerba, for the countless hours of planning, coordination, organization, and behind-the-scenes work that went into bringing this celebration to life. Your dedication helped create a celebration that honored the department’s history while bringing our PM&R community together. We also extend our appreciation to the CME Committee members: Jen Yacub Martin, MD (Activity Director); Heather Curtiss, MD; Carley Sauter, MD; Kim Zvara, MD; Charlotte Ball, MD; Mitch O’Neill, MD; Mary Voegeli, APNP; and Rhiannon Shewczyk, for helping coordinate and support the educational portion of the anniversary celebration. Thank you for helping make the symposium an engaging and meaningful educational experience for everyone who attended. Finally, we are incredibly grateful to all of our CME and Department History speakers: Department Chair Chris White, MD; Diane Braza, MD; Sridhar Vasudevan, MD; John Melvin, MD; Nick Ketchum, MD; Ellie Farr, MD; Peter Connelly, MD; Dale Colorado, DO; and Mitch O’Neill, MD and Kristen Vaccaro, DO for sharing their time, knowledge, experiences, and perspectives with our PM&R community. Your presentations helped bring the department’s history to life while showcasing the innovation and continued growth of the field of PM&R.

The PM&R 75th Anniversary celebration was more than an opportunity to mark an important date. It was a celebration of the people, relationships, accomplishments, and experiences that have shaped the department over the past 75 years—and an opportunity to look ahead to the future. From an evening filled with laughter, memories, and reconnecting with colleagues and friends to a morning centered on education, innovation, and the future of rehabilitation medicine, the two-day celebration beautifully reflected the history, strength, and continued growth of the PM&R community. Finally, we would like to thank Wisconsin Institute of NeuroScience (WINS) and Dr. Michael McCrea their continues support of PM&R. 

Here’s to 75 years of PM&R—and to the people, ideas, and possibilities that will shape the next 75!

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A Message from Dr. White as We Transition from One Academic Year to the Next!

"Happy June 30th!

It's hard to believe we're already closing the books on another academic year and welcoming new residents (and soon new Faculty) to our department.  

As we close out the academic year, I want to extend my sincere thanks to each of you for your dedication, collaboration, positive attitudes, and the way in which each of you have navigated a year of substantial change. Your efforts have not gone unnoticed, and I appreciate each and every one of you.  

This year brought its share of challenges and many proud moments. We have celebrated births, retirements, transitions at virtually all our sites, the hiring of a new MCW President and Dean, but WE MADE IT! 

As we look ahead, I’m excited about the opportunities before us.  I'm also excited this will be the year we celebrate the department's 75^th birthday!   In the coming year, we will continue to build on our strong foundation, grow clinical programs, further enhance our educational offerings for students (both MCW and visiting), focus on growing our global/community engagement with our new committee structure, and work towards the academic growth and professional development/advancement of each of you.  Our people are our greatest asset, and I want to make sure each of you have opportunities to make this next academic year even better than this one. 

Please, take some time to rest/recharge in the coming weeks, we're going to need it!  We will be having our Welcome/Kickoff boat again in August to welcome our new residents (and new faculty) so please plan to attend if at all possible.  These events are meant to be fun but also to make sure we stay connected to one another and sustain forward progress.  

Thank you again for all you do. I’m proud to work alongside you all and optimistic about what we will accomplish together in the year ahead.

Lastly, to our graduating residents, good luck in your future endeavors.  Stay connected to us at MCW and reach out anytime.   I look forward to seeing you in the future at upcoming conferences or events.   For those of you sticking around, I look forward to working with you further!"

With appreciation,

-Christopher L. White, MD

Chair, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 

Please Welcome Our New Providers to the Team!

Please welcome Harmanjot Singh, DO, who recently joined us as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation on July 27th. Dr. Singh is a Wisconsin native who grew up in the small town of Burlington, about 40 minutes east of Milwaukee. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin–Madison before moving to Colorado to attend Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine. He then returned home to complete his Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation residency and Pain Medicine fellowship at the Medical College of Wisconsin. A fun fact about Dr. Singh is that he competed in Bhangra, a traditional North Indian dance, for about 12 years. More recently, he has been learning salsa and bachata. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family, working out, coaching high school basketball, and reading mystery novels. We're excited to have Dr. Singh on our team. Please join us in welcoming him to the department!

Please Welcome Harmanjot Singh, DO

Please Welcome Daniel Caylor, DO

Please welcome Daniel Caylor, DO, who recently joined us as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation on August 17th. Dr. Caylor was born and raised in Green Bay, WI. He initially trained and worked as a luthier (guitar builder/repairperson) in Michigan before becoming interested in healthcare. He decided to pursue medicine after working as both a home health aide for an individual with a spinal cord injury and as an ER technician. He earned his medical degree from Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine and recently graduated from his PM&R residency at Rochester Regional Health. 

Please Welcome Janelle Petinga, APNP

Please Welcome Elizabeth Runge, MD, PhD

Please Welcome Rebecca Manson, PhD

Please welcome Rebecca Manson, PhD, who joined our department on August 1st as an Assistant Professor. Dr. Manson was born and raised in Illinois. She earned her Master’s in Counseling from Marquette University, followed by a PhD in Counseling Psychology from the University of Notre Dame. She then completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Roosevelt University in Chicago. Dr. Manson began her career at Froedtert in 2013 as a Rehabilitation Psychologist, working in both inpatient and outpatient neurorehabilitation before transitioning to a full-time inpatient role at Froedtert Bluemound Rehabilitation Hospital in 2022. She also serves as core faculty for the Health Psychology Residency Program within the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine. Her professional interests include supervision, teaching, and promoting coping and adjustment among individuals and families impacted by brain injury and stroke. 

Please Welcome Rian Kurzynski, APNP

Please be sure to welcome Rian Kurzynski, APNP, to the PM&R department! Rian is excited to join the department on September 28th. Her professional background includes experience working in the Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit at Froedtert Bluemound Rehabilitation Hospital, as well as at Aurora St. Luke’s. Outside of work, Rian enjoys spending time with her husband, Andrew, and their 18-month-old son, Dean. As a family, they love cheering on the Packers, attending Admirals hockey games, and trying new restaurants. When she has some quiet time, Rian enjoys curling up with a good book. Rian is looking forward to this next chapter—getting to know everyone, learning from her new colleagues, and becoming part of the PM&R family. We’re excited to welcome Rian to the department and look forward to having her as part of our team!

A Historic Achievement: Milwaukee VA Earns Joint Commission Primary Stroke Center Certification

The Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation is proud to congratulate our VA colleagues at the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center on achieving Joint Commission Primary Stroke Center Certification, effective July 1, 2026!

This prestigious designation recognizes the Milwaukee VA’s commitment to providing high-quality, evidence-based, patient-centered stroke care for Veterans. The Zablocki VA is only the third VA medical center in the nation to achieve this distinction, marking a significant milestone for our medical center and the Veterans we serve.

This achievement would not have been possible without the dedication and collaboration of the many teams involved in stroke care. PM&R has played an important role through both inpatient rehabilitation and outpatient chronic stroke services, helping support Veterans throughout their recovery and beyond.

Thank you to everyone who practices at our VA site and contributes to the care of our Veterans each day. This accomplishment reflects the expertise, teamwork, and dedication of our interdisciplinary teams across PM&R, Neurology, Radiology, Nursing, Pharmacy, Laboratory, Rehabilitation, EMS, and many others.

Congratulations to our VA colleagues on this incredible achievement! Together, we are helping set a new standard for stroke care and making a meaningful difference in the lives of our nation’s Veterans!

PM&R Faculty 'Top Docs' Featured in Milwaukee Magazine

The Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation is proud to celebrate several of our faculty members who were featured in the July issue of Milwaukee Magazine as highly regarded medical professionals in the Milwaukee area. The physicians recognized in this year’s issue were selected from professionals practicing across Milwaukee, Waukesha, Ozaukee, Washington, and Racine counties. The selection process included verification of professional licensing and a review of applicable records, including information from various boards, agencies, and rating services. We are excited to recognize our PM&R faculty members featured in this year’s issue: Carley Sauter, MD; David Del Toro, MD; Charlotte Ball, MD; Department Chair Christopher White, MD and Kimberley Zvara, MD. Congratulations to our outstanding faculty members on this well-deserved recognition! We are proud to have you represent the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

Milwaukee Eagles Make History with Four-Peat National Championship

The Milwaukee Eagles Wheelchair Lacrosse Team made history this year at the Wheelchair Lacrosse USA (WLUSA) National Tournament in Buffalo, New York, capturing their fourth consecutive National Championship. The Milwaukee Eagles are part of the Wisconsin Adaptive Sports Association (WASA), an organization supported by the Medical College of Wisconsin Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (MCW PM&R). Through this partnership, MCW PM&R provides medical support for the team as well as valuable educational opportunities for PM&R residents. Entering the tournament as three-time defending champions, the Eagles faced a challenging six-game competition against some of the top wheelchair lacrosse teams in the country. They ultimately prevailed, becoming the first team in WLUSA history to win four consecutive national championships.

The Eagles' performance was remarkable. Across six games, the team scored 38 goals while allowing only six, demonstrating the skill, teamwork, and determination that have helped establish them as a national powerhouse in adaptive sports. Among the team's standout athletes is captain Mike Zvara, a Coast Guard veteran and relative of MCW PM&R's own Kimberley Zvara, MD. Mike's leadership and athleticism were an important part of the Eagles' championship run.

MCW PM&R physicians also played an important role throughout the tournament. This year's Eagles medical team included Kenneth Lee, MD; Lauren Shuda, MD; SCI fellow Kristen Vaccaro, DO and resident Austin Gerdes, MD.

The physicians provided medical coverage for the Eagles and also assisted the tournament's medical team when additional support was needed. Their involvement extended well beyond medical care. The team helped with tournament logistics, team building, and event setup, arriving early to assist the host organization with setting up goals, transporting sports chairs to the locker rooms, and preparing the medical station.

For Kristen Vaccaro, DO and Austin Gerdes, MD the tournament also provided a unique opportunity to experience adaptive sports medicine firsthand while supporting the Eagles on their historic championship journey.

The success of the Milwaukee Eagles highlights the impact of adaptive sports in creating opportunities for athletes with disabilities, including the many Veterans who participate in wheelchair lacrosse. The partnership between WASA, the Milwaukee Eagles, and MCW PM&R demonstrates the department's ongoing commitment to supporting adaptive athletics and providing meaningful clinical and educational experiences for the next generation of PM&R physicians.

Congratulations to the Milwaukee Eagles on their incredible four-peat championship! A special thank you to Kenneth Lee, MD, and the entire MCW PM&R team for their continued dedication and support of the team and adaptive sports.

Spasticity Journal Club Final Outing for the Academic Year

For the PM&R Department’s final Spasticity Journal Club of the academic year, members set sail on Lake Michigan to celebrate their last meeting of the year—and a special milestone: the graduation of fellow Noelle Liska, DO! The event was a wonderful way to wrap up another year of learning, collaboration, and camaraderie while celebrating Noelle and all she has accomplished. Congratulations, Noelle! We will all miss you! :) 

Above: Members of the Spasticity Journal Club gather for one final group photo on Lake Michigan as the sun sets, celebrating another year of learning, friendship and good times!

PM&R Attends Imagine More Dinner 

The Imagine More Dinner took place on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at Discovery World in Milwaukee, bringing together supporters and members of the community to help advance neuroscience research at the Medical College of Wisconsin.

The 13th annual event was held from 5:00–8:00 p.m. at Discovery World, located at 500 N. Harbor Drive in Milwaukee. The evening highlighted the hope that innovative research and new treatments bring to individuals and families facing diseases, disorders, and injuries affecting the nervous system.

Proceeds from the Imagine More Dinner directly support the Medical College of Wisconsin Neuroscience Research Center, helping fund innovative treatments, potential cures, and pioneering research focused on disorders of the nervous system.

More than an evening of celebration, the Imagine More Dinner serves as a catalyst for progress and discovery. By supporting this event, attendees help advance research that has the potential to transform lives and shape the future of neuroscience.

Above: PM&R Department attendees Erin McGonigle, MD; Department Chair Christopher White, MD; Research Coordinator III Sarah Golus, and Haley Willarson, MD pose for a photo at the Imagine More Dinner.

Please Welcome our 7th Resident to the Department!

We were thrilled to welcome Talha Ahmad, MD to the MCW PM&R Residency Program as our seventh resident, who joined the department on July 1st. Dr. Ahmad joined the program as part of our recently approved complement increase and became a member of the PGY-2 class for the 2026–2027 academic year. We were excited to welcome Dr. Ahmad to our growing residency program and PM&R family. His knowledge, experiences, and fresh perspectives have already added to our department, and we look forward to all he will accomplish during his time at MCW. Welcome to MCW PM&R, Dr. Ahmad! We’re so happy to have you on our team! 

Congratulations to Dr. Joshua Kim on His Recent Nuptials!

A very huge congratulations to our resident, Dr. Joshua Kim (PGY-3), and his stunning wife, April Wang, on their recent wedding! The couple celebrated their special day in Manhattan, with a beautiful collection of photos capturing memorable moments throughout their celebration. The photos include outdoor portraits by the lake in Central Park, along with meaningful moments at First Baptist Church—the place where they originally met and where they later returned to exchange their vows.

PM&R Annual Summer Cruise Party

On Thursday, August 20th, our department hosted our annual Summer Welcome Cruise Celebration! It was a wonderful evening for our new and current residents, fellows, staff, and faculty to connect, celebrate, and get to know one another.

Attendees boarded the Miss Wisconsin and enjoyed a beautiful cruise along the Milwaukee River from 6:30–8:30 p.m. The evening featured beautiful views, great food, and plenty of conversation, providing a fun opportunity for both new and familiar faces to build connections within our department.

A very special thank you to Administrative Supervisor Monika Szczerba for her incredible work organizing and putting together such a memorable event!

Here’s to another great year together! 🛥️☀️

Above: faculty, staff, residents and fellows stand together for a memorable group photo. 

PM&R Philanthropy Case 

Please contact Meg Bilicki, Senior Director of Development  mbilicki@mcw.edu for more information.

To support Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation click on this link!

Department Mascot's Outfit for this Quarter

In this quarter’s newsletter, our favorite mascot, Randy the Rhino, shares a special photo from the PM&R 75th Anniversary Reception held Friday, September 11^th at the Wisconsin Club. It was a wonderful evening filled with celebration, connection, and memories as our PM&R community came together to celebrate 75 years of excellence!

The answer to the riddle below will be provided in our next newsletter. 

"Going forward I am heavy, but going backward I am not. What am I?"

Answer to our last newsletter's riddle: "Easily, since the concrete floor will not crack."

Wellness Feature: Reducing Sodium to Improve Heart Health

Taking care of your heart is one of the most important things you can do for your overall health. While heart health is often associated with exercise and diet, there are many factors that contribute to a healthy heart, including maintaining a healthy weight, managing stress, getting enough sleep, and keeping conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes under control.

Cardiovascular disease refers to conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States and can contribute to serious health conditions, including heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, and peripheral artery disease.

Although there are several risk factors for heart disease, many can be influenced by the choices we make each day. Eating a balanced diet, staying physically active, avoiding tobacco products, limiting alcohol, managing stress, and getting enough sleep can all contribute to better heart health. The good news is that improving your heart health doesn't require making dramatic changes overnight. Small, consistent choices can make a meaningful difference over time.

One place to start is by taking a closer look at how much sodium you consume. Sodium is an essential mineral that helps maintain fluid balance and allows our muscles and nerves to function properly. However, too much sodium can raise blood pressure, which is an important risk factor for heart disease and stroke.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), more than 40% of the sodium Americans consume comes from 10 common food sources: pizza, sandwiches, deli meats, soups, cheese, tacos, chips, fried chicken, breakfast egg dishes, and breads and rolls. The recommended daily intake for sodium is less than 2,300 mg, or approximately one teaspoon of table salt. However, most adults consume around 3,400 mg of sodium each day. Because so much of the sodium in our diets comes from prepared and processed foods, reducing sodium isn't always as simple as putting down the salt shaker. Instead, it often starts with being more mindful about the foods we purchase, prepare, and order.

A heart-healthy diet begins with the choices we make at the grocery store. When possible, choose fresh fruits and vegetables, skinless poultry, fish, and lean cuts of meat. Limiting frozen meals, packaged snacks, canned soups and broths, and processed meats such as bacon, ham, and deli meats can also help reduce sodium intake.

Reading nutrition labels is another simple habit that can make a difference. Pay attention to the amount of sodium per serving, as well as the number of servings in a package. When purchasing canned or frozen foods, look for options labeled sodium-free or low-sodium, and remember to check sauces and seasonings for added sodium.

If navigating nutrition labels feels confusing, consider seeking advice from a registered dietitian. Many grocery stores offer nutrition services or consultations that can provide helpful, individualized guidance.

Cooking at home gives you more control over the ingredients that go into your meals. Rather than relying on the salt shaker for flavor, experiment with herbs, spices, garlic, citrus, and salt-free seasonings. You may even discover new flavors and favorite recipes along the way.

Canned vegetables and beans are convenient and nutritious options, but they can contain added sodium. Rinsing them with water before using them can help remove some of the excess salt. It's also important to remember that sodium can hide in foods we may not think of as particularly salty. Condiments such as ketchup, barbecue sauce, and salad dressing can quickly add up. Choosing low-sodium options or making your own sauces and dressings can be an easy way to cut back.

Eating at a restaurant can still fit into a balanced lifestyle. A little planning can go a long way. Many restaurants provide nutrition information online, making it possible to review menu options before you arrive. When choosing a meal, look for foods that are grilled, baked, or steamed, and be mindful of creamy sauces and dressings, which can contain additional sodium. Don't be afraid to customize your order. Asking for no added salt or requesting sauces and dressings on the side can give you more control over what you're eating.

Portion sizes are another consideration. Restaurant meals are often large enough to provide more than one serving. Sharing a meal or boxing up half of your entrée before you start eating can help with portion control while giving you another meal to enjoy later.

Improving your heart health doesn't have to mean completely changing your lifestyle. It can begin with something as simple as choosing a low-sodium option at the grocery store, preparing one more meal at home each week, taking a walk during your lunch break, or finding a few minutes each day to relax and manage stress.

The goal isn't perfection—it's progress. By making small, realistic changes and turning them into everyday habits, you can take meaningful steps toward a healthier heart and a healthier life. You can find more information here. 

Featured Healthy Recipe - Tajín Mango Cucumber Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 large mangos, peeled and diced.
• 1 large English cucumber, diced or sliced.
• Juice from 2 fresh limes.
• 1 to 2 tablespoons of Tajín seasoning.
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced (optional).
• 2 tablespoons, fresh cilantro chopped (optional).
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional for a richer dressing.

Directions:

1. Dice the peeled mango and cucumber into bite-sized pieces. Thinly slice the red onion if you are using it.
2.  Place the mango, cucumber, and red onion in a large mixing bowl.
3.  Squeeze the fresh lime juice over the mixture and drizzle with olive oil.
4. Sprinkle the Tajín seasoning and fresh cilantro on top.
5. Toss and serve: Gently toss everything together. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to let the flavors blend.

*If you would like to share a favorite healthy recipe in next quarter's newsletter please email Rhiannon Shewczyk at Rshewczyk@mcw.edu

July is Disability Pride Month

Disability Pride Month celebrated every July to honor the history, achievements, and identity of the disabled community. The month-long observance coincides with the anniversary of the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which was signed into law on July 26^th, 1990.

Other July Month-long Observations

• French-American Heritage Month

Important July DE&I Calendar Dates:

• July 1 – Canada Day (Canada)
• July 4 – Independence Day (USA)
• July 10 – Martyrdom of the Bab (Baha'i)
• July 11 – World Population Day
• July 14 – Bastille Day (French)
• July 14 – Non-Binary People's Day
• July 18 – International Nelson Mandela Day
• July 22-23 – Tisha B'Av (Jewish)
• July 24 – Pioneer Day (Mormon)
• July 26 – National Disability Independence Day
• July 29 – Asalha Puja Day (Buddhism)

August is National Civility Month

August is National Civility Month, an annual observance that encourages empathy, respect, kindness, and positive communication in our communities and workplaces. Established as a response to increasing polarization and incivility, National Civility Month reminds us of the importance of treating others with respect—even when we disagree. It encourages us to listen, communicate thoughtfully, and replace hostility with constructive dialogue.

Important August DE&I Calendar Dates:

• August 1 – Lughnasadh (Wicca/Paganism)
• August 2 – International Day of Friendship
• August 7 – Purple Heart Day
• August 9 – International Day of the World's Indigenous People
• August 13 – Left-Handers Day
• August 17 – Marcus Garvey Day (Jamaican)
• August 19 – World Humanitarian Day
• August 21 – Senior Citizens Day
• August 27 – Obon (Buddhism)
• August 26 – Women's Equality Day

September is World Alzheimer's Month

September is internationally recognized as World Alzheimer's Month, a global campaign to raise awareness and challenge the stigma surrounding Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.

Other September Month-long Observations

• Hispanic Heritage Month
• National Guide Dog Month
• Suicide Prevention Month

Important September DE&I Calendar Dates:

• September 4 – Krishna Janmashtami (Hindu)
• September 5 – International Day of Charity
• September 7 – Labor Day
• September 8 – Paryushan Parv (Jainism)
• September 11 – Rosh Hashanah begins (Jewish)
• September 15 – International Day of Democracy
• September 16 – Mexican Independence Day
• September 18 – International Equal Pay Day
• September 20-21 – Yom Kippur (Jewish)
• September 21 – International Day of Peace
• September 21 – World Gratitude Day
• September 22 – Mabon - (Northern Hemisphere) Wicca/Paganism
• September 22 – American Business Women's Day
• September 23 – Bi Visibility Day
• September 25 – Sukkot begins (Jewish)
• September 30 – National Day for Truth & Reconciliation (Canada)

COVID-19 Guidelines 

MCW and our affiliate hospital partners are committed to containing the spread of COVID-19 and its variants. MCW includes COVID-19 vaccination in our Mandatory Vaccination Program requiring students and learners who participate in clinical care to be fully vaccinated or have an approved exemption accommodation to be considered compliant. The COVID-19 vaccine requirement has been discontinued for employees effective June 13, 2023, following recent guidance from the CDC and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). 

Learners who participate in clinical care will submit proof of COVID-19 vaccination prior to commencement of their educational program at MCW or MCWAH (residents). To be compliant, individuals must have received both doses of a two-dose vaccination.

To submit proof of vaccination, please send a picture or screenshot of one of the following documents to IOHCovid@froedtert.com:

• CDC vaccine card
• Epic record
• Wisconsin Immunization Registry record (or other state registry)

MCW continues to strongly recommend COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters to protect against COVID-19, but vaccination is not required as a condition of employment with MCW. While COVID-19 vaccination is no longer required for employees at this time, MCW reserves the right to modify requirements under this program at any time.

Learners who obtain boosters somewhere other than Froedtert IOH should submit their documentation to IOHCovid@froedtert.com with the subject line, “ COVID Vaccine Records.” Additionally, School of Medicine and School of Pharmacy students should upload documentation to CastleBranch, and Graduate School students should email it to Angela Backus.

You can learn more information here.

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