As a faculty member at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Thomas Quinn (D.O., not M.D.) teaches in multiple departments. And that’s not unusual for a physician specializing in family practice, especially in the osteopathic tradition, which emphasizes a holistic approach. “Just about every course, I have my hand in a little bit,” he says. But that didn’t stop him from finding time to write a book. Entitled The Feminine Touch: Women in Osteopathic Medicine, the project took six years. And this month, a documentary based on Quinn’s book and produced by WEDU PBS-TV—The Feminine Touch: The Struggle for Equality in Medicine—has won the Suncoast Regional Emmy Award for best historical documentary.

The idea began back in 2006, when Quinn took a trip to Kirksville, MO, and the Museum of Osteopathic Medicine. Located at the site of the original school of osteopathic medicine, the A.T. Skill University Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (ATSU-KCOM), Quinn was struck by the black and white photos of the school’s opening, back in the early 1890s. “And every class had a large number of women,” says Quinn. “I knew that was extremely unusual for that time in history.” Looking closer, he found that ATSU-KCOM was actually one of the first medical schools in the United States to regularly accept women, beating Johns Hopkins School of Medicine by a year.

Through his book, Quinn chronicles the impacts of several women physicians through time, including LECOM’s own senior vice president and provost, Dr. Silvia Ferretti (D.O.), and found a surprising parallel narrative. “Women helped our profession, the same as the profession helped women,” says Quinn. Just as the osteopathic schools were quick to welcome women into the fold at a time when others would not, the achievements of these women in turn helped bolster the reputation of osteopathic medicine as a whole within the medical community still dominated by M.D.s as opposed to D.O.s.

The book and the film tell these twin narratives, and though the events of both may have roots back in the 19th century, Quinn believes the messages should and will still resonate today. “Because the struggle for both women and the osteopathic profession is still going on,” he says. “Both have made great strides, but the fight is not over.” 

Pictured: Director Christine Kelly sets up a shot during the filming of the documentary, "The Feminine Touch." Photo courtesy of LECOM.

Dare to be different in this snazzy piece from Apricot Lane. Wear this dress alone with no accessories in the day or pair it with a black choker and heels for an edgy dinner look. Light-wash denim meets a flowing design making a serendipitous combination in this piece by Naked Zebra. The 1250°C line is a playful take on classic denim, an American staple. This splendid mix of styles is reinventing the word casual with its down-to-earth feeling. The off-the-shoulder neckline adds a touch of skin with cascading bell sleeves, creating a flirtatious day look. Apricot Lane, $60. 

Apricot Lane, 464 John Ringling Blvd, Sarasota, 941-960-1435.

Apricot Lane

The first-ever Booker Bash VEX Robotics Competition will be held from 8am–noon, Saturday, Dec. 9, in the Booker High School cafeteria. The event will feature over 40 robotics teams from 13 Sarasota County schools, plus teams from Tampa, Naples and Orlando. Teams will compete in Robot Skills is an official VEX Robotics category that includes students and robots competing in one-minute driving and programming skills. Scores from this event may qualify teams for the Florida VEX Robotics State Championship in February and serve as practice for the Florida State Conference and Competition in Orlando in March. The Booker Bash is open to the public; admission is free. Concessions are available, with proceeds benefiting the Booker High Engineering Program and Key Club. The Robotics Education & Competition Foundation sponsors student competitions using the VEX system of components for programmable robots. The REC Foundation exists to connect students, mentors, and schools in every community to a variety of successful and engaging technology-based programs. 

Booker Bash VEX Robotics Competition

Sarasota attorney John D. Dumbaugh, a partner with the law firm of Syprett Meshad, has been inducted into the Riverview High School Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame. Dumbaugh was inducted during the Class of 1967's 50th reunion celebration. Classmate Cheryl Morey Stanzione was inducted as well. The Florida Bar has recognized attorney Dumbaugh for over 30 consecutive years as a board-certified attorney in the field of real estate law, which means he has continuously met The Florida Bar’s highest standards for special knowledge, skills and proficiency in various areas of law and professionalism and ethics in the practice of law. Only seven percent of eligible Florida Bar members have earned board certification. In 2014, Dumbaugh was recognized with the Legacy Award by Habitat for Humanity Sarasota, in honor of his 20-plus years of service to the organization. He has been a partner with Syprett Meshad since 1984, after joining the firm in 1974. His practice areas are focused on real estate development, international real estate investment, title insurance, lending practice and estate planning and estate administration. He is an Approved Closing Agent for all area institutional lenders, Old Republic National Title Insurance Company, and Attorneys' Title Fund Services. 

Syprett Meshad

Morton’s Gourmet Market has welcomed Lauren Bland as its new executive pastry chef. A graduate of the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, Bland will supervise the company’s extensive bakery and pastry operations. Bland most recently served in an executive role at Carmel Country Club in Charlotte, NC. In addition to earning a degree in baking and pastry from CIA, Bland completed an externship at The French Laundry, an award-winning fine dining restaurant in Napa Valley. She studied at Mami Camilla’s Cooking School in Sorrento, Italy where she earned a certification in Mediterranean and Neapolitan cuisine. She also received a degree in French cuisine from Liasion Culinary Arts College in Toronto, Canada. Her professional experiences include serving as a pastry chef at UNC – Chapel Hill and as a pastry coordinator at CIA’s Apple Pie Bakery and Café. Established in 1969, Morton’s Gourmet Market has been a Sarasota fixture for decades and is known for its award-winning catering services, talented in-house chefs, and personalized customer service. 

Morton's Gourmet Market