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Lycoming College White Coat Mentors
The Lyco White Coat program pairs students interested in pursuing a career in medicine with accomplished mentors who are intimately familiar with medical school application procedures and requirements. Our mentors have a wide range of experience and are at all stages of their medical careers, from seasoned physicians to those in their residencies. These mentors work closely with students to provide individualized advice, feedback, and support through every step of the medical school preparation and application process.
Meet the Mentors
Dr. Marina N. Vernalis, D.O. FACC ’73
Dr. Vernalis, a Lycoming College Trustee, alumna, and retired U.S. Army Colonel, is a nationally recognized cardiologist and recipient of the Legion of Merit and prestigious Paul Dudley White Award for Worldwide Cardiovascular Leadership. She earned her D.O. from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) and served as the first woman chief of cardiology at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. A former cardiovascular consultant to the White House and Congress, Dr. Vernalis also brings decades of experience in M.D. and D.O. medical school admissions and mentoring. As the leader of Lycoming’s Lyco to White Coat physician mentorship program, she is dedicated to guiding the next generation of physicians.
Fun Fact: Dr. Vernalis was the first person in history to perform a trans esophageal echocardiogram in weightlessness for NASA!
Dr. Curt P. Swagler, D.O. ’74
Dr. Swagler brings four decades of experience in family and community-based medicine, women’s health, transgender care, and medical education—anchored by a B.A. in biology and psychology from Lycoming College and a D.O. from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM). After completing medical training and serving as a U.S. Public Health officer, he provided full-spectrum primary care in rural, academic, and college health settings and led care initiatives in OB/Gyn, geriatrics, and sexual assault response. As a medical educator and preceptor at PCOM, Hershey Medical, and Lock Haven University, he has mentored hundreds of medical students and residents. His lifelong commitment is to foster future physicians who lead with integrity, cultural humility, and a clear sense of purpose. As a lead Lyco to White Coat physician mentor, he will strive to pass on clinical insight and human-centered values that prepare emerging physicians to meet the evolving needs of the communities they serve.
Fun Fact: Curt has been to Disney World over 40 times and is an avid Penn State sports fan.
Dr. Todd Villines, M.D.
Dr. Villines is a distinguished graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point—finishing in the top 5 percent of his class. Dr. Villines went on to earn his M.D. from the University of Oklahoma. With more than two decades in military medicine, he deployed to Afghanistan, where he was awarded the Bronze Star for his service. At Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Dr. Villines served as fellowship program director, director of cardiovascular research and cardiac CT, and was recognized as a Master Clinician. He has extensive medical school admissions experience. Today, as professor of medicine and vice chair for clinical services in cardiology at the University of Virginia, he brings a wealth of experience, and passion for mentorship to helping Lycoming premed students achieve their dreams.
Fun Fact: Todd was a quarterback at West Point and continues to pursue physical hobbies including long-distance biking, running, and golfing.
Dr. Joseph M. Kaczmarczyk, D.O. ’74
Dr. Kaczmarczyk, a proud Lycoming College graduate ’74 and former vice dean at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM), brings over 40 years of experience in medicine, education, and leadership — from serving as a U.S. Public Health Service Captain to earning national awards for service and medical education. He is eager to guide Lycoming’s pre-med students, helping them navigate the path to medical school while fostering resilience, professionalism, and a commitment to service. Dr. Kaczmarczyk’s distinguished career encompasses senior leadership roles during the COVID-19 pandemic, oversight of national clinical research initiatives, and a lifelong dedication to advancing diversity and student well-being. His experience building educational programs and mentoring future physicians allows him to offer invaluable insight to students at every stage of their pre-med journey. Driven by his passion for service and education, Dr. Kaczmarczyk hopes to inspire Lycoming students to reach their highest potential and embrace the values fundamental to compassionate, effective healthcare.
Joan Stearman, M.S.W.
Joan Stearman has a long and decorated career in advancing health professions education and mentoring future medical leaders. For more than thirty years she has served as director of admissions at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS), where she has played a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of military and public service physicians. She began her career at USUHS in 1976 as a research assistant, advancing through roles as associate director and then director of admissions. Joan is a respected leader in health professions advising, being an active member of the National Association of Advisors for the Health Professions since 1986. She has also volunteered as a judge and advisor with HOSA–Future Health Professionals since 1998. Her lifelong commitment to service also includes volunteer work with the Bethesda Chapter of the USO. Ms. Stearman bring her wealth of experience in the medical school admissions process to our Lyco White Coat Mentoring program.
Fun Fact: Joan was a Gerber baby model and loves opera and ballet – she’s even traveled to Russia to see a ballet!
Dr. Rachel Fritz, M.D. ’18
Dr. Fritz is an accomplished scholar and dedicated medical professional, honored as valedictorian of both Lycoming College and the University of Florida College of Medicine. As a recipient of the U.S. Army Health Professions Scholarship, she now serves as academic chief resident in anesthesiology at Brooke Army Medical Center—where she combines clinical excellence with a commitment to leadership and education. Dr. Fritz joined the Lyco to White Coat physician mentor team to empower aspiring pre-med students, sharing her journey and helping them navigate the path to a career in medicine.
Fun Fact: Rachel enjoys distance running, playing the guitar, and travelling to our beautiful National Parks.
Dr. Alec Wheeler, D.O. ’17
Dr. Wheeler, a senior year medical student at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) is planning to specialize in psychiatry. He earned a Bachelor of Science in biology at Lycoming College, where he was a Dean’s List honoree and a member of the Beta Beta Beta Biology Honor Society. He subsequently earned a master’s degree in biomedical sciences at Duke University where he published case studies on public health topics. Prior to medical school he worked at the U.S. Surgeon General’s Office on Health Policy where he gained leadership experience. While in medical school he has continued to volunteer as a youth mentor and conducts PCOM medical school interviews.
Alec is excited to join the Lyco to White Coat mentorship program for future physicians, continuing his commitment to service and guiding others on their path.
Fun Fact: Alec is a marathon runner!