Eagles fan is saved by DO during home game, Rowan-SOM presents award

The osteopathic profession is continually making strides, thanks to the many wonderful DOs and osteopathic medical students who excel in their roles. Following are some recent professional recognitions and accomplishments the profession is currently celebrating.

Dr. ‘Mummer’ saves fellow fan’s life

A man was on the ground at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, bleeding and blue in the face, when he was thankfully spotted by Vincent Basile, DO.

According to ABC affiliate WPVI, Dr. Basile, an emergency medicine physician at Einstein Medical Center, was wearing a pink dress and face paint, dressed as a “mummer,” when he spotted someone calling for help at the home game on New Year’s Day.

“He’s blue in the face,” Dr. Basile told CBS News. “He’s not moving. He’s not really breathing.”

He quickly joined a nurse who was also trying to help the man.

“I said, ‘Hey, I know I don’t look like it, but I’m an emergency medicine doctor,'” Dr. Basile recalled. “It’s a little hard to believe when I’m wearing that suit.”

After performing CPR on the man, the unconscious sports fan slowly woke up, and once he regained the strength to speak, he made sure to first ask the score of the Eagles game.

“It’s the most Philly thing to happen,” said Dr. Basile.

The Eagles lost 10-20 against the New York Giants, but Dr. Basile’s unexpected patient was the real winner of the day.

Rowan-Virtua SOM presents posthumous award to David Johnson, DO

The first-ever Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Distinguished Alumni Humanitarian Award was presented posthumously to David A. Johnson, DO, at the recent Rowan-Virtua SOM Alumni Reunion. The award recognizes an alumnus who, over the course of their career, has devoted significant time and energy to causes and projects that benefit the greater community and improve society.

According to Rowan-Virtua leaders, the award acknowledges Dr. Johnson’s commitment over his 30-year career to addressing the care of his patients, his community and the most vulnerable populations in underserved areas of the world. In addition to his extensive work in his community, Dr. Johnson worked tirelessly with the Hogares Luz y Vida Orphanage in Bogota, Columbia, to serve children with chronic medical conditions and challenging physical and mental disabilities.