Away Rotations 101 for DO Advisors: Preparing Students for the 2024 Application Season - October 24

Don N. Peska, DO, MEd, FACOS

Don N. Peska, DO, MEd, FACOS, is the Executive Vice-President of Academic Development at the Center for Health Education and Access and Professor of Surgery at the Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Dr. Peska served as Dean & Chief Academic Officer for the college following his term as Dean of the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine at the University of North Texas Health Science Center in Ft. Worth, Texas. During his tenure at TCOM, Dr. Peska led the growth of the college’s graduate medical education programs serving as a residency director and Director of Medical Education. Dr. Peska was responsible for the successful introduction of the Advisory College programs at both schools.

James Toldi, DO, FAAFP, CAQSM

Dr. Toldi is currently the Assistant Dean of Clinical Education and Assessment for Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Bradenton, FL. He is also proud to call himself an alumnus of the very same school. He is board certified in Family Medicine and Sports Medicine, having completed his residency and fellowship through Florida State University College of Medicine and the University of New Mexico, respectively. Dr. Toldi’s medical career has been rooted in education and program building. He is honored to have twice served as the Founding Program Director for 2 different Sports Medicine Fellowships: first at the University of South Alabama and then at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, FL. Dr. Toldi’s clinical and research interests include sports related concussions and pediatric overuse injuries. He serves on several national committees and regularly presents at regional and national conferences.

Carrie Champine, DO, FACOOG

Carrie Champine DO, graduated from the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology. She received her Master’s in Health Professions Education from Michigan State University. She is currently the Discipline Chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Associate Dean of Fourth Year and Graduate Medical Education at the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in Blacksburg, VA. Dr. Champine has special interests in assisting students in their transition to residency.

Jess Nicholson, MAT

Jess’s undergraduate studies were in Biology and Psychology with a focus on Neuroscience from Earlham College in Richmond, IN. She then completed a Masters in Teaching, concentrating in secondary science and math education. Since 2006, she has worked teaching environmental science, outdoor education, biology, and science communication courses at the high school and college levels in Indiana, New York, California, New Zealand, and Virginia. She joined the world of medical education in 2020 as VCOM’s Director of 4th Year Clinical and is working alongside Dr. Carrie Champine to support 4th year VCOM students along the path to residency.

Robin Carle
Senior Director, VSLO
Association of American Medical Colleges

Adriane Lopez
Engagement Specialist, VSLO
Association of American Medical Colleges