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Chamber Members to Equip Med Students with Medical Bags!
On July 1, 2010, Western University of Health Science’s, Dr. Clinton Adams, and Chamber President, Rick Petersen signed a memorandum of understanding between Western University/COMP-Northwest and The Lebanon Chamber of Commerce pledging a gift to the Medical Students of COMPNorthwest for the Chamber to purchase each students instrument bag for the next four years.
Lebanon will become a University Town in August of 2011 when the “Founding Class” of 100 students begins their medical education program with the special “The White Coat Ceremony”. The idea of sponsoring the Medical bags was born out of a question at the Chamber Economic Summit when long-time member, Larry Spires asked Dr. Bill Bryan from Western “What can we do to support the start-up of the medical school in our community?” Dr. Bryan’s response was “to be your selves and stay involved with integrating the medical school into the community.”
I met with Dr. Bryan and Dr. Paula Crone, Dean of the COMP-Northwest Campus, to discuss how the Chamber and the business community could demonstrate that support. Dr. Crone shared the sentimental value doctor’s place upon receipt of their very first medical bag. She had carried her Grandmothers bag for years because it was so special. Each new student receives a stethoscope and medical bag along with their white coat at the traditional ‘White Coat Ceremony’ welcoming them to their program. I felt strongly that the opportunity to provide that bag to each student was something that would be supported by our Business community. Dr’s Bryan and Crone agreed and my Chamber board of directors unanimously voted their support, while many pledged their 4-year commitment right there!
Dr. Clinton Adams put together the MOU along with the following recognition program for our donors:
- COMP-NW will name the Executive Conference Room (Space 211) as The Lebanon Chamber Conference Room. A Recognition display will specifically name individual businesses and donors that contribute to the program for four years.
- COMP-NW will organize an exclusive Annual Chamber Reception” to recognize the Chamber contributors.
- COMP-NW will work with the Bag Supplier to attach a permanent Lebanon Chamber of Commerce tag on each bag.
- Lebanon Chamber of Commerce will provide a special sticker that recognizes the donors who supported the COMP-NW Medical students. These stickers are given only to donors and may be displayed in business windows, or on vehicle bumpers.
Donations are $50. Donors may choose to be part of this program for one to four year duration. Their $50 pledges assures a medical bag for every student. Members may choose to pay for one year and include remaining years with their annual Chamber dues in January, or a onetime $200 if they chose to commit to all 4 years.
If you would like to support the Medical Instrument Bag Program, please call me at the chamber 541-258-7164 or email me at shelly@lebanon-chamber.org.
The forms are also available on the Chamber website www.lebanon-chamber.org
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