Paul McCartney Performs Live Duet with Stevie Van Zandt

From 1999 to 2003, Dr. Erol Onel served as an assistant professor of urology at Tufts University/New England Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts. Now the vice president of Heron Therapeutics, he works with a team in an effort to get a long-acting non-opioid drug approved. In Dr. Erol Onel’s personal time, he is an avid fan of the Beatles. 

Former Beatles member Sir Paul McCartney, 75, recently surprised attendees at a Stevie Van Zandt show by taking the stage to perform the Beatles hit “I Saw Her Standing There” alongside Van Zandt. Inviting McCartney on stage, Van Zandt told the sold-out crowd, “We are going to finish this song we had started.”

Stevie was referring to a show that took place five years before at London’s Hard Rock Calling Festival, held in Hyde Park, where a power outage interrupted the duo’s first attempt at performing the Beatles song together. This time the two did finish the song, at which time McCartney praised Van Zandt, saying “We love you, Stevie, we love your band.”

The show was part of Van Zandt’s first major United Kingdom tour in over 25 years. The former E Street Band member is now touring with his own band, Little Steven & the Disciples of Soul, to promote the group's latest album, Soulfire.

Types of Violin Strings

The former vice president of Pacira Pharmaceuticals, Erol Onel leverages nearly two decades of medical and clinical research experience to lead Heron Therapeutics as vice president. Outside of work, Erol Onel maintains a passion for music and plays several instruments, including the violin.

Violin strings are divided into three general categories: steel core, gut, and synthetic core.

Gut strings, also known as gut core strings, are popular among violinists who enjoy playing baroque music. These strings, which create a warm sound with rich overtones, were the only type of violin string available until the 1800s. Unfortunately, gut strings are extremely temperamental and often change when exposed to humidity and different temperatures. Further, they are more expensive and less durable than other types.

Capable of producing a focused and bright tone, steel core strings were invented as an alternative to gut strings. As such, they improve upon many of the downfalls of gut strings, including sensitivity to temperature. Steel core strings are great for students because they are easy to work with in terms of tuning. Meanwhile, the brighter sound produced by steel core strings makes them a popular choice among violinists who play bluegrass, folk music, and jazz.

Synthetic core strings feature characteristics of both steel and gut core strings. Made from nylon and composite fibers, they feature the warm sound of gut strings and the durability and pitch stability of steel strings. This unique combination of attributes makes synthetic core strings a good choice for beginning and expert violinists playing a variety of musical genres.

Patriots' Julian Edelman to Miss Entire 2017 Season

A former assistant professor of urology at Tufts University and the New England Medical Center, Erol Onel is vice president of Heron Therapeutics, a California-based drug development company. Beyond his professional responsibilities, Erol Onel is an avid fan of the National Football League's (NFL) New England Patriots.

The Patriots are attempting to win their third Super Bowl in four seasons, but the team will have to do so without the services of Julian Edelman. A seventh-round selection of the Patriots in the 2009 NFL Draft, Edelman has played his entire eight-year career with the Patriots and led the team in receiving yards in two of the past four seasons. However, the 31-year-old wide receiver suffered a torn ACL in a non-contact play during a preseason game against the Detroit Lions and the Patriots later confirmed he would be out for the entire 2017 season.

Edelman recorded a career-best 1,106 receiving yards in 2016 and signed a two-year, $11 million contract with New England in the offseason. Throughout 103 career games, the California native has 4,540 receiving yards and 24 touchdowns.

The Career of Patriots Wide Receiver Julian Edelman

A former Albert Einstein College of Medicine Pfizer Scholar in Urology, Erol Onel has over two decades of experience in clinical research and education. When not providing scientific leadership as vice president of Heron Therapeutics, Erol Onel enjoys following his favorite National Football League team, the New England Patriots.

Last year, the Patriots won their fifth Super Bowl since 2001, and for the second time in the past four years, their leading receiver was Julian Edelman. A native of Redwood City, California, Edelman recorded a career-high 1,106 receiving yards on 98 receptions last year. He scored three touchdowns and rushed for 57 yards on 12 attempts. Named the AFC Offensive Player of the Week in Week 17 after accumulating 151 receiving yards in a 35-14 win over the Miami Dolphins, he caught 21 passes for 342 yards in three playoff games.

Throughout his eight-year career, Edelman has accumulated 24 touchdowns and 4,540 receiving yards. He was selected in the seventh round of the 2009 NFL Draft out of Kent State, where he played quarterback and threw for 30 touchdowns and 4,997 yards in three seasons. In his final season of college football, he displayed his versatility by rushing the ball for 1,370 yards and scoring 13 touchdowns.

Donating to Goodwill

From 1999 to 2003, Erol Onel, MD, worked as an assistant professor of urology at Tufts University and New England Medical Center, where his work leading the urology resident training program saw him honored twice with Teacher of the Year awards. Aside from his career, Dr. Erol Onel has contributed to multiple charities, including Goodwill. 

Through the sale of donated goods, Goodwill strives to help people gain the education and skills they need to find work. In 2016, the organization helped over 313,000 people train for new careers in a wide array of industries. While shopping at Goodwill stores is one way to help the organization, another is to donate your own second-hand goods. 

Goodwill accepts most clothing and items in working condition, provided the items meet safety standards and have never been recalled. The organization’s website encourages potential donors to call their local Goodwill regarding any rules and restrictions when donating computers, mattresses, and vehicles. 

Once you have gathered the items you wish to donate, you can take them to a local Goodwill donation center or donation bin. Some branches offer a pickup service for people donating many items.

To learn more about Goodwill, what they do, how to donate, and how your donation helps, visit the organization online at Goodwill.org. The website also provides a place to find your nearest Goodwill store and donation center.

Wounded Warrior Project - Connecting Veterans to Stable Employment

Since 2016, Dr. Erol Onel has served as vice president of the pharmaceutical research and development company Heron Therapeutics. Dr. Erol Onel also offers support to several charitable organizations, including Wounded Warrior Project, which offers programming for veterans who have sustained injuries and their families to help them lead meaningful, secure lives.

One of the organization’s key programs, Warriors to Work, provides career counseling and other support services to individuals who have sustained physical and/or mental wounds, as well as to their families and caregivers. Transitioning to a civilian workforce presents a number of challenges, and the initiative provides the tools necessary to find and maintain rewarding employment. 

Specialists work with clients to write a comprehensive resume, prepare for interviews, and set attainable goals. In addition, Wounded Warrior Project helps individuals network with nearby employers, many of whom rely on the organization to connect them to qualified, dedicated candidates. The organization also provides training on combat-related injuries and necessary accommodations to ensure a positive onboarding experience and a productive work environment.

Sgt. Pepper 50 Years Later

In his role as a vice president at the biotechnology company Heron Therapeutics, pharmaceutical physician Dr. Erol Onel offers scientific leadership and exceptional clinical strategy experience. An avid music fan, Dr. Erol Onel plays several instruments, including the piano, violin, and guitar, and lists The Beatles among his favorite artists. 

June 1, 2017, marked the 50th anniversary of the release of The Beatles' masterpiece, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, which Rolling Stone selected as its greatest album of all time. Paul McCartney devised the concept of Sgt. Pepper, and wrote the title track. Beyond the music was the iconic cover showing The Beatles surrounded by historic figures, musicians, and celebrities. The album held the number one spot on the Billboard 200 chart and has sold over 16 million copies in the United States and the UK.

The album incorporates an array of studio techniques which are common today, but revolutionary then, and in addition to the title track, it includes some of the most enduring Beatles hits, including Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds and When I'm Sixty-Four. An enormous hit, the album won four Grammys, including album of the year in 1968 – the first rock album to do so.

Goodwill Organization's Good Results

Dr. Erol Onel is a medical practitioner with extensive experience in fields ranging from reproductive health to oncology and clinical research. A graduate of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Williams College, Erol Onel currently serves as the Vice President of Heron Therapeutics in California. Outside of his professional work, Dr. Onel is an active philanthropist who donates to organizations such as the American Heart Association and Goodwill.

Founded in 1902, Goodwill is a nonprofit organization that provides employment opportunities, skills training, and education to enhance the dignity and life quality of individuals. Currently, the organization works towards its mission through a network of 162 independent Goodwill operations that provide employment support and local programming to individuals in need.

Goodwill’s achievements include:
-In 2015, assisted over 300,000 individuals to gain career and skills training through employment.
-In 2015, provided credentials to over 42,000 individuals to increase their total lifetime earnings potential by 14.2 billion dollars.
-Provided services to an all time total of over 37 millions individuals, including two million who utilized career services and 35 million who accessed virtual training via mobile devices and computers.
In 2016, the organization achieved a number one ranking among brands doing the most good worldwide by the Brand World Value Index.

AMA Hopeful About HHS Strategies to Reduce Opioid Abuse

The vice president of Heron Therapeutics, physician Erol Onel has built a successful career in the medical and pharmaceutical industries. In his position, he provides scientific leadership to the company and its team of professionals as they seek approval for a long-acting non-opioid pain drug. Over the years, Erol Onel has belonged to numerous organizations, including the American Medical Association.

A recent announcement from the American Medical Association (AMA) shared the organization’s hope for combating the opioid epidemic in the United States. The statement was released in response to a new strategy put forth by Health and Human Services (HHS). This new strategy was outlined during the National Rx Drug Abuse & Heroin Summit, and involves using a $485 million grant to fund treatment and prevention activities within the various states.

Many of the strategies outlined by the HHS fall in line with the AMA’s continual efforts to reduce opioid use through a dedicated task force. The organization’s Task Force to Reduce Opioid Abuse encourages physicians to use a prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) to inform prescribing decisions. It also helps patients secure their prescriptions safely, improves physician education, and works to remove the stigma surrounding substance use disorders. These points were also presented during the Rx Summit by AMA board chair Patrice A. Harris, MD.

Wounded Warrior Project Connects Veterans with US Forest Service Jobs

An experienced physician and researcher, Dr. Erol Onel serves as vice president of Heron Therapeutics in La Jolla, California. Outside of his professional life, Dr. Erol Onel supports the efforts of the Wounded Warrior Project.

Recently cohosting an informational seminar with the United States Forest Service, the Wounded Warrior Project helped educate injured veterans about jobs with the Forest Service. At the event, veterans learned new job-search strategies, met with other service personnel, and were shown how to perform job searches with the US Forest Service database. 

Forest Service personnel informed veterans about jobs they may not have considered pursuing, such as careers in the administrative and information technology divisions of the agency. Veterans also were given resume-writing and interviewing tips. A question-and-answer period wrapped up the event, with veterans gaining insight from Forest Service personnel about their experiences in the agency and how their careers developed over time.

New England Patriots’ Offseason Moves - 2017

After Erol Onel achieved his BA from Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts, in 1988, he went on to earn an MD from Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City. A football player in high school, Erol Onel still enjoys following the game and is a fan of the New England Patriots.

Since their spectacular come-from-behind victory in the 2017 Super Bowl LI, the Patriots have made some significant off-season moves to keep their team at the top of the NFL. Due to the expiration of several contracts, they went into the off-season with $60 million in salary cap space.

One of the high-profile non-re-signings by the Patriot front office were tight end Martellus Bennett, since Rob Gronkowski’s health should be back to normal for the 2017 season. Instead, the team signed a cheaper backup in Dwayne Allen from Indianapolis for an undisclosed draft pick.

Patriot’s fans sighed in relief in mid-March when the Patriots re-signed the five-year NFL veteran, Dont’a Hightower (contract terms as yet unknown). The 6’3” middle linebacker from the University of Alabama was named a team co-captain for the past season and received his first Pro Bowl invitation. 

During Super Bowl LI, the Patriots were trailing 28-12 when Hightower strip sacked Matt Ryan and helped change the game’s momentum in his team’s favor.

What Is the Purple Heart?

Medical practitioner Erol Onel possesses diverse experience in reproductive health, urology, oncology, and clinical research. In addition to his current work as vice president of Heron Therapeutics, Dr. Erol Onel is a philanthropist who regularly contributes to organizations such as the American Heart Association, Boys & Girls Clubs, and Purple Heart Veterans.

A medal awarded by the United States Army, the Purple Heart is a military combat decoration. Recipients of the Purple Heart include those injured by enemy weapons, as well as family members of soldiers who die of their wounds in the line of duty or are killed in action.

Recipients of the Purple Heart comprise the Military Order of the Purple Heart, which was formed in 1932. In addition, wives and daughters of Purple Heart recipients are represented by the Ladies' Auxiliary of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. Both organizations are engaged in social service work for the benefit of veterans’ hospitals as well as hospitalized veterans and veterans in need of assistance. For additional information on the medal and the organizations that represent its recipients, visit www.purpleheart.org.

WWP, USAA, and NFL Treat Vets to Pro Bowl, Super Bowl Experiences

An experienced physician, Dr. Erol Onel serves as vice president of Heron Therapeutics in La Jolla, California. Apart from his day-to-day work, Dr. Erol Onel is a longtime supporter of the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP).

WWP and the United Services Automobile Association (USAA) recently partnered in an effort to serve numerous wounded veterans by giving them the opportunity to take in Pro Bowl festivities and gifted one veteran a pair of tickets to Super Bowl LI. Veterans also had the opportunity to take part in the NFL Experience, in which they were treated to free meals and the chance to meet several players. 

Through a deal with the NFL, USAA and WWP were able to send 50 veterans, as well as their families, to the Pro Bowl game in Orlando. They also provided these former servicemen the chance to network and socialize with other local veterans as a way to help strengthen their support bonds. In his comments, WWP’s CEO Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Mike Linnington thanked the USAA and the NFL for their continued support of wounded veterans. 

For more information about WWP and its efforts to help wounded veterans, visit www.woundedwarriorproject.org.

AHA Report Suggests Meal Timing Impacts Heart Health

Since 2016, Dr. Erol Onel has served as vice president of Heron Therapeutics, where he has spearheaded an effort to get a new non-opioid pain drug to market. Outside of his work life, Dr. Erol Onel supports numerous charitable organizations, including the American Heart Association (AHA).

According to researchers at the AHA, eating breakfast every morning and having a set plan on when to eat meals lead to healthier overall diets and a decreased risk of heart disease. This opinion was published in a recent issue of Circulation, an AHA peer-reviewed journal.

According to Columbia University nutrition professor Marie-Pierre St-Onge, PhD, the time at which a person eats each day can have an impact on heart health, given its effect on the internal clock. While eating healthy foods is still the biggest factor of cardiovascular health, studies have shown that individuals who eat breakfast every morning are less apt to experience high blood pressure or increased cholesterol levels. Conversely, those who do not eat breakfast every day are more likely to be overweight, have poor nutrition, and experience a higher risk of developing diabetes. 

There have yet to be any large-scale studies that track meal timing over significant periods of time, however. Dr. St-Onge said that more research needs to be conducted to confirm how the timing of when a person eats affects his or her health over a long-term period.

Three Simple Wine Pairing Guidelines

Since 2016, Erol Onel, MD, has served as the vice president for Heron Therapeutics. Outside of his work, Erol Onel finds joy in experimenting with different food and wine pairings. 

You do not need to be a wine expert to find a bottle that goes well with your next meal. Follow these three basic guidelines to help find the perfect pairing. 

1. Regional Pairing - While not a die-hard rule, you can usually get away with pairing wine with food from the same region. For example, a nice Chianti is a safe bet for pairing with pasta Bolognese, as both are Italian.

2. Choose a Sweeter Wine - Generally speaking, you want to choose a wine that is sweeter than the meal you serve with it. Pairing wine with sweeter food will often make the wine taste more tart and bitter than it would in a proper pairing. Similarly, you never want to pair a bitter wine with a bitter dish, which will only exacerbate the bitterness of both. 

3. Highlight the Wine - The goal with a wine pairing should be to bring out the wine’s best properties. A sweet red with high tannin can taste even sweeter when paired properly, like with a salty dish. Figure out your wine’s key.

Partnership between Samsung and Boys and Girls Clubs Promotes STEM

A vice president at Heron Therapeutics, Dr. Erol Onel has been working as a pharmaceutical physician for more than a decade. A graduate of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, he is experienced with all phases of clinical development. Maintaining an active community presence outside of work, Dr. Erol Onel donates to several charities, including Boys and Girls Clubs of America, an organization dedicated to helping youth reach their full potential.

Thanks to a partnership with Samsung Electronics America, Boys and Girls Clubs of America promotes youths’ interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Together, the organizations created the Climate Superstars Challenge. This first-of-its-kind challenge motivates youth to take action to protect the environment. Over the course of seven weeks, members of Boys and Girls Clubs of America participate in sustainability activities, and a single chapter is selected as the grand-prize winner.

The challenge focuses on individuals between the ages of 11 and 13. Now in its second year, it has enjoyed the participation of more than 180 chapters from around the United States. Each weekly activity that each chapter must complete during the competition focuses on a core theme. These themes include reducing waste and conserving water. The specific activities of each chapter are highly creative and can range from interpretive dance videos to hosting a recycle party. Winning chapters receive a technology makeover using ENERGY STAR-certified products.

The AUA Annual Meeting Provides Invaluable Information

An accomplished pharmaceutical physician, Dr. Erol Onel serves as a vice president of Heron Therapeutics in California. In this capacity, he provides scientific leadership to the company and attends meetings to develop clinical plans and strategies. Dr. Erol Onel has been a member of several professional organizations over the years, including the American Urological Association (AUA).

Since 1902, the AUA has been using research and education to promote the highest standards of clinical care. One of the organization’s premier educational and networking events is the AUA Annual Meeting. As the world’s largest gathering of urologists, the AUA Annual Meeting provides attendees with access to groundbreaking research, information about advances in neurological medicine, and details about new guidelines pertaining to the field.

The 2017 AUA Annual Meeting will be the event’s 112th. Scheduled from May 12 to 16, the event will be held in Boston and continue the meeting’s legacy of providing invaluable information to attendees. Urologic health care professionals and urologists from around the world are encouraged to attend. This year’s meeting is expected to feature more programming and educational offerings than meetings in the past, and the organization hopes that attendance will exceed the over 16,000 figure for the 2016 meeting.