midwestern university glendale, az tomorrow’s healthcare ... · the news beat of midwestern...

President’s Message .....2

Research, Activities Update ..........................3

Administration Updates ........................8

Campus Events ............9

Student Activities ......17

Campus News ............22

Photo Gallery ............24

Vital SignsT h e n e w s b e a t o f M i d w e s t e r n U n i v e r s i t y

DOWNERS GROVE, ILGLENDALE, AZwww.midwestern.edu

Midwestern UniversityTomorrow’s Healthcare Team

Inside

Spring 2017

Student Volunteers Introduce Hundreds of High School Students to Medical CareersMidwestern University students on both campuses took time out of their exam preparations and studies to help stage the annual career exploration program for area high school students. As part of the University’s annual outreach to high school students, the Health Sciences Career Day events include a full day of activities designed to help teens consider healthcare as a future career.

Arriving in the early morning hours, the student groups paired with Midwestern University student mentors from several College programs and went on a whirlwind tour of the various healthcare careers offered at the University. Hands-on labs

and presentations allowed the high school students to get an up-close-and-personal look at a range of fascinating career possibilities, while the student mentors answered questions about prerequisites and how to prepare for healthcare careers.

Anthony Zaffino, a first-year AZCOM student and volunteer with Midwestern’s high school programs, believes that events like these are a positive experience for young people. “Events like this have the dual benefit of educationally engaging students outside of their normal schoolwork and actually being fun, which is a difficult thing to pull off,” he says. “Even if they decide against pursuing medicine as a career, we have shown young people that science can be fun, so hopefully it will lead to more STEM graduates in the future.”

High school students explore and consider healthcare as a future career at the Midwestern University Glendale, Arizona Campus.

Midwestern University faculty and students provided many hands-on learning opportunities for high school students.

2 Vital Signs midwestern.edu

President’s Message

Dear Faculty, Staff and Students,

Spring is an important time of year for our entire academic community. It represents the end of an academic year, the end of our fiscal year, and the end of many academic programs as our graduates prepare to walk across the stage and accept their degrees. Many of our students will be called “doctor” for the first time, following a lifetime of dreams, hard work, and commitment. Many of our graduates are entering residency programs, while others have accepted their first professional positions. It is indeed a very exciting time for our graduates as they complete their academic studies with us.

Yet, for all of us at Midwestern University, spring is a time of new beginnings. We have many new students beginning their journeys as healthcare professionals. We begin a new academic calendar that is filled with opportunities for service, research, and inquiry. So, as you reflect on all of our opportunities in the upcoming academic year, take a moment to review our past successes found in this edition of Vital Signs. I am so impressed with the awards bestowed upon our faculty by prestigious professional organizations, including the admired Hall of Fame. We set a very high hurdle to surpass when you note the many faculty and students presenting professional health education presentations, speeches, and seminars over the past year.

One very significant “One Health” community outreach initiative is found in our global activities. The articles about providing care to the underserved populations in the Kingdom of Tonga and Kenya are very inspiring. Our interdisciplinary approach to understanding the aging population is a significant contribution to our “One Health” endeavors by having health professions students and faculty work together to make a difference in the lives of those in need of healthcare services.

I was also very inspired to see so many students involved in campus, charity, and community events. Whether running a marathon to keep a healthy balance or participating in a health sciences career day for high school students, our students are contributing in ways that highlight their true, caring nature. It is impressive to know that because of our outreach efforts, we have introduced hundreds of high school students to medical careers available to them. One of our students, who reflected on his experience of the 900 students attending the “Welcome to Medicine” educational session, summarized the event by noting that even if a high school student ultimately decides not to go into a healthcare career, “we have shown young people that science can be fun.”

And finally, meet our two newest members of the Board of Trustees. We have a dynamic Board of Trustees who are dedicated to our mission and values. We believe Rear Admiral Ronald Tucker and Ms. Barbara Ralston can contribute to our mission through their past experiences and commitment to the community.

May this spring bring all of you renewed energy and growth as we begin a new academic calendar.

Thank you for your service and dedication to our mission.

Sincerely,

Dr. G.

Kathleen H. Goeppinger, Ph.D.President and Chief Executive Officer, Midwestern University

3Vital SignsSpring, 2017

APPOINTMENTS, AWARDS, AND GRANTS

Laura Addy, O.D., FAAO (AZCOPT), Assistant Professor, became a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry (AAO).

Sally Arif, Pharm.D., BCPS, AQ-Cardiology (CCP), Associate Professor, Pharmacy Practice, was named the Outstanding Faculty Advisor at the Midwestern University Student Leadership Recognition Night.

Jonathan Bardahl, MS-IV (CCOM), received the American Osteopathic Association Presidential Memorial Leadership Award at the Osteopathic Medicine Conference and Exposition (OMED 2016) in Anaheim, CA. This award honors and recognizes

an outstanding medical student who is committed to the principles of osteopathic medicine and has demonstrated exceptional leadership.

William Brachvogel, D.D.S. (CDMA), Clinical Assistant Professor, Russell Cyphers, D.D.S. (CDMA), Clinical Assistant Professor, and Rebecca Siscel, D.D.S. (CDMA), Clinical Care Coordinator, were inducted into the International College of Dentists.

Christine Conroy, PT, D.P.T., M.H.S., FNAP (CHS-Downers Grove), Associate Professor, Physical Therapy, received the Gregory Shaskan MD Memorial Award for her volunteer work with the Chicago Marathon. Dr. Conroy has volunteered on behalf of the marathon for 16 years and was honored for her commitment and professionalism. Dr. Conroy currently serves on the Bank of America Chicago Marathon Medical Committee as the Physical Therapy Captain and as a Spotter Tower Coordinator on race day. She is also active in volunteer recruitment for the event, not only bringing PT students to the event, but also encouraging professionals to serve as race day supervisors and mentors.

Susan Cornell, Pharm.D., CDE, FAPhA, FAADE (CCP), Associate Director, Experiential Education, was appointed chair of the 2017 American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE) Annual Conference Planning Committee.

Lindsay Davis, Pharm.D., BCPS (CPG), Associate Professor, received the Pharmacy Appreciation Award at the Arizona Pharmacy Association (AzPA) Annual Conference in Chandler, AZ.

John Francis, D.D.S., M.S. (CDMA), Assistant Professor, was awarded a scholarship from the American Academy of Periodontology Foundation to attend

the ADEA/AAL Institute for Teaching and Learning program in Atlanta, GA.

Annette Gilchrist, Ph.D. (CCP), Associate Professor, Pharmaceutical Sciences, is serving as guest co-editor for a “Chemokines and Bone” themed issue of Frontiers in Endocrinology Bone Research.

Caleb Hentges, MS-III (AZCOM), was named AZCOM Student D.O. of the Year.

Rebekah Jackowski, Pharm.D. (CPG), Assistant Professor, received the Excellence in Innovation Award at the Arizona Pharmacy Association (AzPA) Annual Conference in Chandler, AZ.

Denis Lawlor, MS-II (CCOM), received a first place award in the poster competition at the American Osteopathic Medicine Conference and Exposition (OMED 2016) in Anaheim, CA.

Beth A. Longenecker, D.O. (CCOM), Associate Dean, received the Willough by Leadership Award for female leaders, role models, and mentors in emergency medicine from the American College of Osteopathic Emergency Physicians (ACOEP).

David Lorello, D.P.T. (CHS-Glendale), Assistant Professor, Physical Therapy, was elected to the Membership Advisory Committee of the American Burn Association (ABA).

Nadia Marasti, OTS-III (CHS-Downers Grove), was named the Occupational Therapy Student of the Year at the Illinois Occupational Therapy Association in Naperville, IL.

Caitlin Miller, O.D., FAAO (AZCOPT), Assistant Professor, became a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry (AAO).

Research, Activities Update

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Continued on page 4


Robert Nithman, PT, D.P.T., GCS (CHS-Glendale), Associate Professor, Physical Therapy, was appointed to the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy Exam Development Committee.

Suzanne O’Neal, PT, D.P.T., NCS (CHS-Glendale), Assistant Professor, Physical Therapy, was appointed to the Arizona House of Representatives House Ad Hoc Committee for Multiple Sclerosis Awareness and Education.

Jennifer Phillips, Pharm.D., BCPS (CCP), Associate Professor, Pharmacy Practice, received the Chicago College of Pharmacy Outstanding Faculty Award.

Erin Raney, Pharm.D., BCPS (CPG), Professor, was inducted into the Arizona Pharmacy Association’s Hall of Fame at the AzPA Annual Conference in Chandler, AZ.

Fred Romano, Ph.D., M.S. (CHS-Downers Grove), Dean, was named a Fellow in the Association of Schools of Allied Health Professions (ASAHP) and elected to the ASAHP Nominations and Elections Committee.

Greg Schuster, D.D.S. (CDMA), Clinical Care Coordinator, was inducted into the American College of Dentists.

Andrea Tukan, MS-III (AZCOM), received a first place award in the poster competition at the American Osteopathic Medicine Conference and Exposition (OMED 2016) in Anaheim, CA.

Kimberly Varnado, PT, D.P.T. (CHS-Glendale), Assistant Professor, Physical Therapy, was invited to serve on the Accreditation Service Committee for the American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education.

The following four students from the Chicago College of Pharmacy (CCP) were selected for the Pharmacy Quality Alliance-CVS Health (PQA-

CVS) Foundations Scholars program: Christopher Kapolas, PS-IV; Kavita Parikh, PS-IV; Anne Reda, PS-III; and Riley Stelzer, PS-III. As part of their applications, the students submitted a concept for a unique project they will develop throughout the academic year with the assistance of a mentor and then present during the PQA Annual Meeting in May 2017.

At the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) Annual Meeting in Anaheim, CA, the following faculty received recognition and appointments: Karen Nagel-Edwards, Ph.D. (CCP), Associate Professor, Pharmaceutical Sciences, appointed chair of the Pharmaceutics Section of AACP; Ana Quinones-Boex, Ph.D., M.S. (CCP), Professor, Pharmacy Practice, appointed chair-elect of the Social and Administrative Science Section; Timothy Todd, Pharm.D., FPPAG (CCP), Associate Professor, Pharmacy Practice, appointed chair of the Pediatrics Special Interest Group.

PRESENTATIONS, SPEECHES, AND COMMUNITY SERVICE

Minh-An Cao, PS-III (CCP), Zhong Zhang, M.D, M.S., (CCP), Research Associate, and Annette Gilchrist, Ph.D. (CCP), Associate Professor, Pharmaceutical Sciences, presented “Effects of CCR1 Antagonists on Proliferation of MCF and MDA-MB-231 Breast Cancer Cell Lines” at the 2016 World Congress on In Vitro Biology in San Diego, CA.

Susan Cornell, Pharm.D., CDE, FAPhA, FAADE (CCP), Associate Director, Experiential Education, presented “The AADE 2016 Pharmacotherapy Bootcamp Workshop” at the American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE) Annual Meeting in San Diego, CA; “Recognizing and Responding to Serious Safety Concerns

with Subcutaneous Insulin” in an Institute for Safe Medication Practices webcast; “The Demise of the Ominous Octet with the Dawn of the Egregious Eleven, and Missing Links: The Lesser Known Diabetic Neuropathies” at the 5th Annual Updates in Diabetes Management and Education in Oak Brook, IL; and “Special Situations in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes” at the Louisiana Society of Health System Pharmacists meeting in New Orleans, LA.

Anil Gulati, M.D., Ph.D. (CCP), Associate Dean and Professor, Medha Joshi, Ph.D. (CCP) , Assistant Professor, Pharmaceutical Sciences, et al., presented “Studies on Lyophilized Liposomal Formulations of IRL-1620 and their In Vitro Evaluation Using Cell Based Assays” at the 41st Annual Meeting and Exposition of the Controlled Release Society in Seattle, WA.

Sharon Karina, PS-III (CCP), took part in a leadership panel discussion called “Peace, Love, and Understanding Leadership” at the annual meeting of the Illinois Council of Health-System Pharmacists in Oak Brook, IL.

Robert Kramer, D.M.D., FICD, FACD, CS (CDMA), Director of Preclinical Faculty, and Dan Boden, D.M.D. (CDMA), Clinical Care Coordinator, presented dental career lectures to participants of the University of Arizona’s Scrubs Academy Program in Phoenix, AZ.

Margaret Luce, DMS-IV (CDMI), presented the poster “Exploring the Association between Periodontitis and Neurodegenerative Disease: Rat Brain Microglia Activation by Porphyromonas gingivalis Lipopolysaccharide” at the American Academy of Periodontology 102nd Annual Meeting in San Diego, CA.

Faculty, Staff, and Student Research and Activities Update continued from page 3


John Mitchell, Ph.D. (CDMA), Assistant Dean, and Teresa Pulido, D.D.S., M.S. (CDMA), Associate Professor, were presenters at the International Association of Dental Research in Seoul, Korea.

Karen Nagel-Edwards, Ph.D. (CCP), Associate Professor, Pharmaceutical Sciences, presented “Biosimilars and Their Impact on Pharmacy” at the North Suburban Pharmacists Association meeting in Northbrook, IL.

Randall Nydam, Ph.D. (AZCOM), Professor, Anatomy, et al., presented “Lizards and Snakes of the Morrison Formation (Upper Jurassic, USA) and the Early Global Distribution of Squamates,” “Tetrapodophis Amplectus (Crato Formation, Lower Cretaceous, Brazil) Is Not a Snake,” “More Than One? The Hidden Diversity of the Limbed Snakes of La Buitrera (Candeleros Formation, Early Late Cretaceous), Argentina,” “Terrestrial Vertebrate Diversity in Late Cretaceous North America,” and “Osteology, Phylogeny, and Functional Morphology of Two Jurassic Lizard Species Indicate the Early Evolution of Scansoriality in Geckoes” at the 76th Annual Meeting of the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology in Salt Lake City, UT.

Zina Peters, M.P.H., M.A., CPS-III (CHS-Downers Grove), attended the American Psychological Association, Minority Fellowship Program, Psychology Summer Institute (PSI) in Washington, D.C. where she co-presented “Cultural Competency – Measurement Equivalence”. PSI is an intense summer experience where students participate in professional development workshops and presentations while benefiting from mentoring opportunities. In addition, Ms. Peters; Diana Semmelhack, Psy.D., ABPP (CHS-Downers Grove), Professor, Behavioral Sciences; and

Karen Farrell, Psy.D., ABPP (CHS-Downers Grove), Professor, Behavioral Sciences, presented “Interactive World of Severe Mental Illness: Self Development, Graduate Students and Creativity” at the American Psychological Association 2016 Convention in Denver, CO.

Timothy Todd, Pharm.D., FPPAG (CCP), Associate Professor, Pharmacy Practice, presented “Pediatric Pearls – Updates in Pediatric Care” at the DuPage Pharmacists Association Meeting in Oak Brook, IL.

Katie Wdowiarz, Pharm.D., BCPS (CCP), Assistant Professor in Pharmacy Practice, and Maria Ochoa, PS-III (CCP), presented “Implementation of an Automatic Electronic Pharmacy Consult for Stress Ulcer Prophylaxis Management in the ICU” at the 2016 American College of Clinical Pharmacy Virtual Poster Symposium.

Volkmar Weissig, Sc.D., Ph.D. (CPG), Chair, Pharmaceutical Sciences, co-hosted and co-chaired the 7th World Congress on Targeting Mitochondria in Berlin, Germany. Dr. Weissig also presented “From Dequalinium to Mitochondrial Nanocarriers” as the opening lecture of the 8th Central European Conference “Chemistry towards Biology” in Brno, Czech Republic.

Andrew Yorgason, D.O. (AZCOM), Clinical Assistant Professor, presented “Environmental Health and Nursing” at the Valle del Sol chapter meeting of the American Association of Occupational Health Nurses in Phoenix, AZ.

Chicago College of Pharmacy (CCP) faculty members and students gave the following presentations at the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) Annual Meeting, in Anaheim, CA:

• Sally Arif, Pharm. D., Associate Professor, Pharmacy Practice, Jennifer Mazan, Pharm.D., Associate Professor, Pharmacy Practice, Brian Cryder, Pharm.D., BCACP, CACP, Associate Professor, Pharmacy Practice, Ana Quinones-Boex, Ph.D., Professor, Pharmacy Practice, Mizanur Miah, PS-III, et al., “Patient Case Video Vignettes to Teach Cross-Cultural Communication Skills in a Healthcare Communications Course”;

• Robert Chapman, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Margie Felczak, Pharm.D., BCPS, Assistant Professor, Pharmacy Practice, Jennifer Mazan, Pharm.D., Associate Professor, Pharmacy Practice, Milena McLaughlin, Pharm.D., M.Sc., BCPS, AQ-ID, AAHIVP, Assistant Professor, Pharmacy Practice, Jeffrey Wieczorkiewicz, Pharm.D., BPSP, Assistant Professor, Pharmacy Practice, and Paula Giometti, M.B.A., Assistant Dean, “Building the Pharmacy Pipeline: An Early Assurance Program and Relationship to Student Leadership and Academic Achievement”;

• Nancy Fjortoft, Ph.D., Dean and Professor, “Joseph T. DiPiro Excellence in Publishing Workshop”;

• Jacob Gettig, Pharm.D., M.P.H., BCPS, Assistant Dean and Professor, Jennifer Phillips, Pharm.D., Associate Professor, Pharmacy Practice, Medha Joshi, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jennifer Mazan, Pharm.D., Associate Professor, Pharmacy Practice, Susan Cornell, Pharm.D., CDE, FAPhA, FAADE, Associate Director, Experiential Education, and Timothy Todd, Associate Professor, Pharmacy

Continued on page 6


Practice, “Evaluation of the New Science of Learning Program in a College of Pharmacy”;

• Brooke Griffin, Pharm.D., BCACP, Professor and Vice Chair, Pharmacy Practice, Kathleen Vest, Pharm.D., CDE, BCACP, Associate Professor, Pharmacy Practice, et al., “Implementation and Evaluation of a Women’s Reproductive Health Certificate Program”;

• Spencer Harpe, Pharm.D., Ph.D., M.P.H., Associate Professor, Pharmacy Practice, et al., “Research and Evaluation Topics in Health Professional Program Accreditation Standards”;

• Kathy Komperda, Pharm.D., BCPS, Associate Professor in Pharmacy Practice, Kelly Lempicki, Pharm.D., BCPS, Assistant Director, Clinical Skills Center, “Evaluation of Medication Reconciliation Teaching Strategies in an Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience Course”;

• Denise Kolanczyk, Pharm.D., BCPS, AQ Cardiology, Assistant Professor, Pharmacy Practice, Sally Arif, Associate Professor, Pharmacy Practice, “Evaluating the Jigsaw Method to Teach Valvular Heart Disease Concepts in an Advanced Cardiology Elective”;

• Timothy Todd, Pharm.D., FPPAG (CCP), Associate Professor, Pharmacy Practice, et al., “Pediatric Pharmacy Special Interest Group: Simulation-Based Learning to Teach Pediatric Pharmacy: It’s the Educator’s Turn to Play with Toys”;

• Robin Zavod, Ph.D. (CCP), Professor, Pharmaceutical Sciences, “Mechanisms for Pharmacists—New Anticoagulation Reversal Agents and Existing Sunscreens.”

At the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) Microbe 2016 Meeting in Boston, MA, the following CCP faculty members and students presented:

• Milena McLaughlin, Pharm.D., M.Sc., BCPS, AQ-ID, AAHIVP, Assistant Professor, Pharmacy Practice, Inela Masic, PS-IV, et al., “Appropriateness of NRTI Dosing during CVVH at a Large Academic Medical Center”;

• Dr. McLaughlin, et al., “Safety and Tolerability of High-dose Oral Valacyclovir during a Shortage of Intravenous Acyclovir”;

• N. Jim Rhodes, Pharm.D., BCPS, Assistant Professor, Pharmacy Practice, and John N. O’Donnell, Pharm.D., BCPS, Infectious Disease Pharmacotherapy Fellow, et al., “Impact of Piperacillin-Tazobactam Prolonged Infusion Schemes on Clinical Outcomes: A Meta-Analysis and Meta-Regression”;

• Dr. Rhodes, Sheila Wang, Pharm.D., BCPS, AQ-ID, Associate Professor, Pharmacy Practice, Joshua Gener, PS-IV, Eileen Hang, PS-IV, Marc Scheetz, Pharm.D., M.Sc., BCPS, AQ-ID, Associate Professor, Pharmacy Practice, et al. “Multicenter Evaluation of Clinical Outcomes Among Cefepime-treated Patients with Gram-negative Bloodstream Infections (Gnbsi) According to S, Sdd, or R Category.”

At the Lifelong Learning in Pharmacy Bi-Annual Meeting in Split, Croatia, the following presentations by CCP faculty members occurred:

• Nancy Fjortoft, Ph.D., Dean and Professor, Jacob Gettig, Pharm.D., M.P.H., BCPS, Assistant Dean and Professor, et al., “CPD Across the Lifespan: An Examination of CPD in Four American Colleges of Pharmacy”;

Dr. Gettig, Milena McLaughlin, Pharm.D., M.Sc., BCPS, AQ-ID, AAHIVP, Assistant Professor, Pharmacy Practice, “Effect of an Elective Course on Pharmacy Students’ Confidence and Success in the Residency Application, Interviewing, and Match Process: Class of 2015 and 2016 Cohorts”;

• Dr. Gettig, Susan Cornell, Pharm.D., CDE, FAPhA, FAADE, Associate Director, Experiential Education, Christie Schumacher, Pharm.D., BCPS, CDE, BC-ADM, BCACP, Associate Professor, Pharmacy Practice, and Dr. Fjortoft, “An Analysis of Diabetes Focused Continuing Pharmacy Education (CPE) Activities Offered through a College of Pharmacy”;

• Dr. Gettig, Marc Scheetz, Pharm.D., M.Sc., BCPS, AQ-ID, Associate Professor, Pharmacy Practice, and Dr. Fjortoft, “An Analysis of Infectious Diseases Focused Continuing Pharmacy Education (CPE) Activities Offered through a College of Pharmacy”;

• Dr. Gettig and Dr. Fjortoft, “The Evolution of a College of Pharmacy’s Teaching and Learning Curriculum (TLC) for Pharmacy Residents and Fellows.”

At the 2016 National Pharmacy Preceptors Conference, in Washington, D.C., the following presentations by CCP faculty members occurred:

• Milena McLaughlin, Pharm.D., M.Sc., BCPS, AQ-ID, AAHIVP, Assistant Professor, Pharmacy Practice, Justin Schmidt, Pharm.D., BCPS, BC-ADM, Associate Professor, Pharmacy Practice, Radhika Polisetty, Pharm.D., BCPS, AQ-ID, Assistant Professor, Pharmacy Practice, Brooke Griffin, Pharm.D., BCACP, Professor and Vice Chair, Pharmacy Practice,

Faculty, Staff, and Student Research and Activities Update continued from page 5


Kathleen Vest, Pharm.D., CDE, BCACP, Associate Professor, Pharmacy Practice, “Facilitation of Pharmacy Resident Research: Charting your Course to Plan More and Stress Less”;

• Dr. Vest, Dr. Polisetty, Dr. McLaughlin, “Getting into the (Work) Flow – Extending the Role of Students to Help Them Help You.”

The following College of Pharmacy-Glendale faculty gave podium presentations at the Arizona Pharmacy Association (AzPA) Annual Conference in Chandler, AZ:

• Lindsay Davis, Pharm.D., BCPS, Associate Professor, and Elizabeth Pogge, Pharm.D., Associate Professor, Anticoagulation Certification Program;

• Suzanne Larson, Pharm.D., Director, Experiential Education, Preceptor Workshop;

• Dawn Gerber, Pharm.D., Associate Professor, Pharmacy Practice, Geriatric Controversies Session;

• Erin Raney, Pharm.D., BCPS, Professor, Female Sexual Health;

• Rebekah Jackowski, Pharm.D., Assistant Professor, and Nicole Murdock, Pharm.D., BCPS, Associate Professor, Transitions of Care.

As part of the MWU Community Health Lecture Series, the following Glendale faculty members have recently presented at the Glendale Library-Foothills Branch:

• Vladimir Yevseyenkov, O.D., Ph.D. (AZCOPT), Associate Professor, “The Aging Eye: What Is Normal and What Is Not?”

• Nancy Fitzgerald, D.M.D. (CDMA), Assistant Professor, and Tatiyana Trowbridge, D.D.S. (CDMA), Assistant Professor, “Low-Level Laser Therapy: The Healing Light.”

• Kathleen Muldoon, Ph.D. (AZCOM), Associate Professor, Anatomy, “Pregnancy and Infectious Disease: What You Should Know.”

The following Downers Grove faculty members developed a series of general interest health topics for presentations at the Downers Grove Public Library:

• Judith Ball, M.S. (CHS-Downers Grove), Clinical Assistant Professor, Speech-Language Pathology, “Stroke and Aphasia.”

• Maria Cucuras, O.D., FAAO (CCO), Assistant Professor, “eBooks, iBooks and the Eyes: Keeping Healthy Eyes in a World of Technology.”

• Teri Elliott-Burke, PT, M.H.S., WCS, PRPC, BCB-PMD (CHS-Downers Grove), Academic Clinic Coordinator and Tom Dillon, PT, D.P.T. (CHS-Downers Grove), Clinical Instructor, “Top 10 Tips and Exercises for Back and Neck Pain.”

• Kim Huntington-Alfano, D.O. (CCOM), Clinical Assistant Professor, “Wellness through the Adult Years.”

• Larry Williams, D.D.S. (CDMI), Assistant Professor, “Aging and Oral Health.”

STUDENT GROUPS AND UNIVERSITY AWARDS

Midwestern University was recognized by UMOM New Day Centers, Arizona’s largest homeless shelter, as a Five Star Corporate Partner at the shelter’s 7th Annual “Buckles and Bangles” fundraiser, held at the JW Marriott

Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort and Spa in October, 2016. The UMOM Five Star Corporate Partner award is given to an organization that has supported UMOM in five ways: through volunteer efforts, giving in-kind, sponsoring events, other donations, and leadership.

The Midwestern University Multispecialty Clinic in Downers Grove received two awards from the Chamber630 organization. The Multispecialty Clinic received the Business Excellence Award for Large Business and the Business of the Year Award at the annual Chamber630 Awards Gala. Chamber630 is one of the largest business organizations in DuPage County with more than 700 members.

The Office of Communications received a silver award for the Midwestern University Magazine in the category of Best Alumni/Institutional Magazine in the 2106 Pride of CASE competition sponsored by the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education.

The Student Physical Therapy Organization (SPTO) on the Downers Grove Campus hosted an annual fund raising event for the Virginia Commonwealth University-Marquette Challenge, where physical therapy students throughout the United States raise money to support research in the field. This year’s event, Karaoke with the Professors, raised more than $2,500 for PT research.


Research

Administration Updates

Grant Provides Funds for Diabetes, Heart Disease, Stroke Research Midwestern University researchers will benefit from a new grant created to encourage innovative scientific investigation. The Michael Walczak, D.O. Research Award is designed to encourage faculty members and students at the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine (CCOM) to create hypothesis-driven research that involves therapies and potential new therapies for diabetes, heart disease, or stroke.

The award will provide up to $25,000 over a two-year period for research where the primary investigator is a member of the

CCOM faculty. The intent of the award is to encourage the creation of new pilot data that can be developed into additional research projects focusing on the often-linked disease states of diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. According to the American Diabetes Association, people with diabetes have a higher-than-average risk of having a heart attack or stroke.

Michael Walczak, D.O., M.D., was an alumnus of the University (CCOM 1962) and spent his entire medical career in California. Licensed in internal medicine, he specialized in nutrition and sports medicine, hypothyroidism, and anti-aging. Dr. Walczak passed away in October 2015. He established this legacy grant to express his gratitude for his education at CCOM and to support Midwestern University faculty and student researchers, whom he believed will be leaders in unlocking answers to widespread and often highly preventable cardiovascular diseases.

Midwestern University Appoints Two New TrusteesKathleen H. Goeppinger, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Midwestern University, is pleased to announce that Barbara J. Ralston and Rear Admiral Ronald D. Tucker, USN (Ret.), have been appointed to the University’s Board of Trustees.

Ms. Ralston has enjoyed a long and distinguished career in banking and was recognized in 2004 as one of the top women bankers by American Banker Magazine. She is President of the Arizona Bankers Association and has served in many executive roles in the industry, including Phoenix Area President for First Interstate Bank; Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Chase Bank of Arizona; and founder of the Camelback

Community Bank. She serves on many boards of directors for foundations and community initiatives across Arizona, notably Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Arizona, the Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center, Arizona Town Hall, and Arizona Business Leadership. She was the recipient of the 1998 ATHENA Award from the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and was named 1996 Woman of the Year. Ms. Ralston most recently served as Executive Director of the

Homeward Bound nonprofit organization, which provides transitional housing and social services to families with children fleeing domestic violence and homelessness. She attended Maricopa Community Colleges and is a graduate of the Pacific Coast Banking School, Commercial Lending and Finance Division.

Rear Adm. Tucker has more than 40 years of professional experience in the U.S. Navy and with the Bechtel Corporation. As a Naval officer, he served as Director of Installations, U.S. Pacific Fleet; Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific; Commander Task Force 73 (Singapore); and Director, Surface Warfare Plans and Programs at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. He was also the last Commanding Officer of the battleship USS New

Jersey and commanded the Naval Station at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. He is active in numerous community and charitable organizations, and served on the National Board of the Pearl Harbor Memorial Fund. Admiral Tucker graduated from California State University, Northridge and the U.S. Naval War College.

Barbara J. Ralston

Rear Admiral Ronald D. Tucker, USN (Ret.)


Campus Events

Pediatrics Club Raises Money, Collects Hair Donations at Cuts for KidsThe Midwestern University Pediatrics Club was proud to host the 18th annual Cuts for Kids program on the Glendale Campus to raise money for the March of Dimes and obtain donated hair to benefit cancer patients.

The campus was opened to the community for haircuts from professional stylists to benefit children with special health and social needs. The event featured a fun carnival-style atmosphere, complete with live music, inflatables, face painting, balloon animals, fresh popcorn, cotton candy, and snow cones. Community booths provided attendees with healthy living information and screenings for blood pressure, body mass index, height and weight, and more.

Over 120 ponytails totaling over 1,400 inches of hair were donated to Pantene Beautiful Lengths — an initiative that collects hair to create real-hair wigs for women fighting cancer. The proceeds from haircuts, donations, and a raffle held during the event raised over $1,500 for March of Dimes’ March for Babies program.

Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Partners with MWU on Bone Identification LabMembers of the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue division and the FBI recently met with faculty and students from the Arizona School of Podiatric Medicine, the Glendale Campus Department of Anatomy, and the College of Veterinary Medicine for a lab workshop to help them differentiate human bones from animal bones.

“In many cases, it is difficult to differentiate human from animal bones, especially for searchers without a medical, veterinary, or biology background,” says David Jenkins, D.P.M., FACFAS (AZPod/CHS-Glendale), Professor, one of the event organizers and a member of the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office K9 Posse.

Bone samples and photos from similar human and animal physiological structures were presented side-by-side for participants to identify, physically handle, and differentiate. Animal and human bone specimens were provided by the Department of Anatomy and the College of Veterinary

Medicine. Attendance for this year’s lab doubled over last year’s inaugural event due to high demand.

Faculty organizers included Dr. Jenkins; Lance Wissman, D.P.M. (AZPod/CHS-Glendale), Associate Professor; Jeffrey Page, D.P.M. (AZPod/CHS-Glendale), Director and Associate Dean; Christopher Heesy, Ph.D., Professor, Anatomy; Jeff Plochocki, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Anatomy; and Nancy Bradley-Siemens, D.V.M., M.N.M. (CVM), Clinical Assistant Professor.

Dr. David Jenkins poses with bone and photographic samples.


Campus Events

CCOM Students Host Conference to Address Health InequitiesStudents from the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine (CCOM) hosted the second annual “Student Interventions in Health Inequities” conference on the Downers Grove Campus. The conference was developed by the Midwestern University Student Osteopathic Medical Association (SOMA) chapter to increase medical students’ knowledge about health disparities with a focus on how they can advocate for change. At the full-day conference, speakers with vast experience dealing with health inequalities addressed issues such as correctional medicine, LGBTQ health, poverty, mental health, and domestic violence. More than 60 medical students attended from CCOM, Rush University, Roosevelt University, and the University of Illinois at Chicago.

“I think it’s important that medical students get some sort of health disparities training before they graduate, especially because factors like poverty, education, socioeconomic status, and a person’s zip code have been shown to have a bigger impact on health than a person’s genetic code,” said Prarthana Pradeep, MS-II, one of the organizers of the event. “I think it not only gives us a different perspective through which to look at our patients, but also learn how to be an advocate in trying to address some of these factors,” she added.

CCOM students organized a conference to address healthcare inequalities.

Glendale Campus Littlejohn Award Winners HonoredRecipients of Midwestern University’s 2016 Littlejohn Awards were recognized by Midwestern University President and Chief Executive Officer Kathleen H. Goeppinger, Ph.D., at the University’s annual recognition dinner held in Glendale.

This year’s honorees are Midwestern University alumnus Virginia Boomershine, Pharm.D., Senior Manager at Banner Health in the Ambulatory Clinical Pharmacy System; faculty member Vladimir Yevseyenkov, O.D., Ph.D., Clinical Care Coordinator, Arizona

College of Optometry; and staff member Emily Gibson, Library Supervisor, Glendale Campus.

Dr. Boomershine is a 2008 graduate from the College of Pharmacy-Glendale. In addition to her role at Banner Health, she currently serves as Adjunct Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice for College of Pharmacy–Glendale, as well as the Director of the Post Graduate Year Two Ambulatory Care Pharmacy Residency Program.

Dr. Yevseyenkov came to Midwestern University in 2010 and was promoted to Associate Professor with Tenure in 2015. He specializes in advanced ocular disease and low vision at the Midwestern University Eye Institute.

Ms. Gibson was one of the first staff members to be hired on the Glendale Campus and helped to set up the Midwestern University Library. She was promoted to Library Supervisor in 2011.

The Littlejohn Awards, which have been presented annually since 2000 by Dr. Goeppinger, are Midwestern University’s highest honor. Littlejohn Award winners are selected from Midwestern faculty, staff, and alumni for their outstanding service to the community, the health professions, and the University.

2016 Littlejohn Award winners, from left to right: Emily Gibson; Vladimir Yevseyenkov, O.D., Ph.D. (AZCOPT); Virginia Boomershine, Pharm.D. (CPG ’08).


Speaker Shares Bright Future for OT ProfessionOccupational therapy students had the opportunity to hear more about the future of their profession from Dr. Virginia “Ginny” Stoffel, who visited the Downers Grove Campus. In addition to being an associate professor at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Dr. Stoffel is the immediate past-president of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). Prior to being the AOTA president, Dr. Stoffel served as vice president and was part of the committee that created the “centennial vision.”

The year 2017 marks 100 years of both AOTA and the OT profession. The centennial vision states, “We envision that occupational therapy is a powerful, widely recognized, science-driven, and evidence-based profession with a globally connected and diverse workforce meeting society’s occupational needs.”

Dr. Stoffel answered questions about leadership, her career, and where she sees occupational therapy in the future. The students were given sound advice about taking each and every opportunity possible and going out of their comfort zone for the greater good.

Virginia Stoffel, Associate Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, spoke with OT students on the Downers Grove Campus.

Midwestern University Honors Trustee, BHHS Legacy CEO at Bright Lights, Shining Stars GalaAcademic, healthcare, business, and community leaders from around the Valley of the Sun joined together at Midwestern University for the annual Bright Lights, Shining Stars gala, which recognizes and honors individuals for their commitment to community service and leadership.

This year, Kathleen H. Goeppinger, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Midwestern University, presented the 2016 COMET (Community Outreach: Motivating Excellence for Tomorrow) Award to William D. Andrews, M.B.A., Chair of the Midwestern University Board of Trustees, in recognition of his dedication and commitment to healthcare education for more than 30 years.

In addition to the COMET Award, Dr. Goeppinger presented the 2016 Shooting Star Award to Mr. Gerald L. Wissink, FACHE, of the BHHS Legacy Foundation for his continuing work and numerous contributions in the health-related nonprofit industry for over 40 years.

Five Spirit of Service scholarships were awarded at the gala to students representing two Midwestern University colleges for

the 2016-2017 academic year. Scholarship recipients include: Amanda Gill, Hunter Housley, and Alexandra Sales from the College of Dental Medicine-Arizona (CDMA); Kolette Butler from the College of Health Sciences Clinical Psychology Program; and David Kapplan from the College of Health Sciences Nurse Anesthesia Program.

The black-tie-optional event, which raises over $100,000 annually in scholarship funds for students in all of Midwestern University’s colleges, also featured a formal dinner, live entertainment, and a silent auction.

From left to right: Arthur G. Dobbelaere, Ph.D., Midwestern University Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer; COMET Award winner William D. Andrews, M.B.A.; Shooting Star Award winner Gerald L. Wissink, FACHE; and Kathleen H. Goeppinger, Ph.D., Midwestern University President and CEO.

Campus Events


Campus Events

CDMA and Aspen Dental Offer Free Care to AZ VeteransFaculty and students from the College of Dental Medicine-Arizona, in partnership with Aspen Dental, spent a day providing free dental screenings and routine cleanings to veterans in need.

The event took place at an Aspen Dental location in Surprise in coordination with the Aspen Dental MouthMobile, a 42-foot mobile dental office. Midwestern faculty practitioners and dental students joined dentists from Aspen Dental to provide services to veterans in conjunction with the U.S. Veterans Initiative (USVETS), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides transitional and permanent housing, financial assistance, outreach and counseling, and workforce related activities for veterans across the Valley.

Third- and fourth-year CDMA students – several of whom currently attend Midwestern University on military scholarships

– met with veterans to identify their chief complaints, prescribe radiographs, and determine necessary treatment to address any pain or tooth decay. The event provided over $20,000 worth of dental services, from basic fillings and cleanings to extractions and delivery of removable prostheses.

CDMA students and faculty provide dental work for veterans.

CVM Class of 2018 Begins Clinical Rotations with Pinning CeremonyThe inaugural class of College of Veterinary Medicine students has begun providing clinical care to animal patients, closely supervised by College faculty, at Midwestern University’s Animal Health Institute in Glendale.

The College held a pinning ceremony in the Glendale Campus Auditorium, where each Class of 2018 member received a special pin from faculty to mark their transition to clinical rotations. The students heard remarks from Midwestern University President and Chief Executive Officer Kathleen Goeppinger, Ph.D.; Dean A. Rice, D.V.M., Adjunct Faculty and Director of Veterinary Science at the Arizona Agribusiness and Equine Center; and Thomas Graves, D.V.M., Ph.D., DACVIM (CVM), Dean. Brian K. Sidaway, D.V.M., M.S., DACVS (CVM), Associate Dean for Clinic Operations, administered the Veterinarian’s Oath.

“You will become Midwestern University to every patient you treat,” Dr. Goeppinger said. “You will forever be the lasting memory of how you have been trained at Midwestern University.”

Following the ceremony, the students processed from the academic campus across the street to the clinical campus,

where they were met by two horses that led them to the three Animal Health Institute clinics - the Companion Animal Clinic, the Diagnostic Pathology Center, and the Equine and Bovine Center. The students then separated to begin fulfilling their clinical responsibilities.

Horses meet the CVM Class of 2018 to lead them to the Animal Health Institute, where students began their first clinical rotations.


Campus Events

MWU Pharmacy Students Celebrate Their Profession During American Pharmacists MonthMidwestern University’s pharmacy programs on both the Downers Grove and Glendale campuses celebrated American Pharmacists Month with special events designed to help pharmacy students promote their profession.

The Chicago College of Pharmacy’s American Pharmacists Association-Academy of Student Pharmacists (APhA-ASP) chapter took part in several events, including a Downers Grove Village Council Proclamation, the Midwestern University Community Health Fair, a downtown Chicago advocacy event, and more.

The Honorable Mayor Martin T. Tully of Downers Grove officially kicked off the celebrations when he proclaimed October as American Pharmacist Month in the Village of Downers Grove. At the health fair, pharmacy students provided glucose screenings, blood pressure readings, flu shots, and health education.

In Glendale, College of Pharmacy-Glendale (CPG) students and faculty enjoyed guest presentations on a variety of topics, including opportunities to participate in national pharmacy organizations, applications in specialties such as oncological

pharmacy, and information on residencies and pharmacy ownership.

Students and faculty also participated in several campus events, including the always-popular Ice Cream Compounding Event, which helps to illustrate to non-pharmacists what it means to compound a medication. The Glendale APhA-ASP chapter also held the annual Pharmacy Olympics at the Campus Ramada with games designed to help students promote pharmacy awareness.

CPG alumni also contributed to the proceedings, holding a roundtable discussion with second-year CPG students to discuss rotation and career opportunities.

CCP students promoted the pharmacy profession at the Downers Grove Village Council Meeting and several other events.

PT Program Holds Wellness Fair for Glendale CampusStudents from the Glendale Campus Physical Therapy Program held a Health Promotion and Wellness Fair in Recreation and Wellness Hall to let faculty, staff, and students view presentations and participate in health screenings.

Student booths included presentations on topics such as: Addressing Childhood Obesity through Nutrition; Adult Diabetes and Fast Food Trends; Heat Stroke; and Stress Management Strategies for Banner Health. Interactive displays allowed attendees to receive ergonomic assessments and discuss methods of avoiding headaches and neck and upper back pain while working.

The event was organized and hosted by third-year PT students as part of the Health Promotion and Wellness in Physical Therapy course.

Physical Therapy Program students illustrate ways that families and children can stay healthy at the MWU Fit Families booth during the Health Promotion and Wellness Fair.


Campus Events

Glendale Campus Hosts Arizona Regional Brain BeeMidwestern University’s Glendale Campus welcomed some of Arizona’s top high school students for the annual Arizona Regional Brain Bee, an educational competition similar to a spelling bee that focuses on neuroscience. The 2017 Arizona Regional Brain Bee at Midwestern University was presented in partnership with the BHHS Legacy Foundation.

Eighty-five students from 16 Arizona high schools converged on the University’s Glendale Campus to test their knowledge of the human brain, how it governs human behavior, and the science that helps medical professionals understand brain function.

The top three Brain Bee finishers, in order, were Rahul Jayaraman, Grace Xu, and Latavya Chintada, all from BASIS Chandler. BASIS Chandler won the team prize for the overall high score for the third straight year.

For his performance in the Brain Bee, Mr. Jayaraman won a $2,000 scholarship towards tuition in any Midwestern University program at either campus, as well as travel expenses to the United States Regional Brain Bee in Baltimore, MD.

BASIS Chandler students Latavya Chintada (3rd place), Rahul Jayaraman (1st place), and Grace Xu (2nd place) were the top three finishers in the Arizona Regional Brain Bee.

CDMI Students Volunteer at Back to School FairA group of Midwestern University dental students volunteered at the DuPage County Health Department’s “Back to School Fair.” The annual event is sponsored by Catholic Charities to provide health services and school supplies to eligible families. The students from the University’s College of Dental Medicine-Illinois assisted representatives from the DuPage County Health Department through a full day of dental screenings and provided oral healthcare information to families at the fair.

“With the students’ help, we were able to assess the oral health needs of 146 children and 33 adults. These assessments revealed that 85 of the children and adults screened had a total of 296 teeth with apparent decay, 51 teeth with apparent severe decay, and one tooth with an apparent abscess,” said Laura K. Gibson, Senior Dental Hygienist, DuPage County Health Department.

“We cannot thank CDMI enough for their dedication to the oral health of the community, and we look forward to working with them on future Health Department projects,” she added.

In addition to providing assistance at the fair, the Midwestern University students also expanded on their own dental educational experience with the interactions they had with the doctors, patients, and staff. Midwestern University’s College of Dental Medicine-Illinois is committed to educating compassionate, patient-centered, experienced dentists.

Students from Midwestern University’s College of Dental Medicine-Illinois help provide dental care to community members.


MISS Foundation Run/Walk Triples Previous Year’s Fundraising TotalsThe 6th Annual MISS Foundation 5K Run and Memorial Walk, supported by the Midwestern University Clinical Psychology Program and held on the Glendale Campus, shattered its previous fundraising total as campus and community families came together to support a good cause.

Student volunteers reported that the event raised $67,000 in support of the MISS Foundation, a 501(c)(3), volunteer-based organization committed to providing C.A.R.E. (Counseling,

Advocacy, Research, and Education) services to families experiencing the death of a child. The event featured a five-kilometer run and a memorial walk in honor of families who have lost children.

Participants of the MISS Foundation 5K Run and Memorial Walk gather in front of Sahuaro Hall for a group photo.

Event Helps Faculty, Students See Dementia through New Eyes By Lauren M. Sbarbaro, M.A., LADC, CPS-III (CHS-Downers Grove) and Michelle M. Lee, Ph.D., ABPP (CHS-Downers Grove), Professor, Behavioral Sciences

The Midwestern University Geriatric Research and Education Facilitation Grant, the College of Health Sciences-Downers Grove, and the Freda Joyce Brint Foundation co-sponsored a two-day educational interdisciplinary event from international dementia expert Cameron Camp, Ph.D.

The first day of the event featured a workshop on evidence-based cognitive techniques for persons with dementia, such as spaced retrieval, which allows individuals with dementia to learn new information and retain it over time through the use of implicit memory. Day two of the workshop discussed evidence-based behavioral techniques for healthcare providers working with patients with dementia in medical and long-term care settings. The emphasis was on problem-solving to determine why particular behaviors occur.

Throughout the workshop, Dr. Camp spoke about the importance of knowing and understanding the background and culture of the person with dementia during assessment and treatment planning. Further, Dr. Camp emphasized assessing an individual’s spared abilities, rather than merely

focusing on deficits, as a necessary part of treatment planning. “We need to look at dementia with different eyes and a new set of assumptions,” Dr. Camp said.

He encouraged participants to target what a person with dementia can still do, to utilize those abilities and enhance them, in an effort to transform them into something meaningful. Dr. Camp’s workshop inspired those in attendance and demonstrated the importance of changing how we, as current and future healthcare providers, assess, treat, and care for persons with dementia.

In the words of Janet Helminski, PT, Ph.D. (CHS-Downers Grove), Professor, Physical Therapy, “Dr. Camp emphasized that persons with dementia have enjoyed lives rich with experiences. The activities they enjoyed earlier in life are the activities they still enjoy when they experience dementia. They need to be treated with respect and dignity.”

An interdisciplinary group of students and faculty learned more about dementia from Dr. Cameron Camp (center) pictured with Dr. Michelle Lee (left) and Lauren Sbarbaro, CPS-III.

Campus Events


Campus Events

Downers Grove Multispecialty Clinic Hosts Falls Screening EventA multidisciplinary group of Downers Grove Campus and clinical faculty came together to provide a falls screening event for the community. This project, supported by a Midwestern University Geriatric Education and Research Facilitation Grant, was based on the Center for Disease Control’s Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths and Injuries (STEADI) guidelines.

Twenty-five participants, age 65 and older, were screened by behavioral medicine, family medicine, occupational therapy, optometry, pharmacy, and physical therapy professionals. Participants received a summary of findings to bring to their primary care physicians with the intent of highlighting areas that can be addressed to prevent any future falls.

Midwestern University occupational therapy, clinical psychology, pharmacy, and osteopathic medicine students were also involved in providing a portion of the screenings, as well as helping with the logistics of the event.

Lisa Knecht-Sabres, D.H.S., OTR/L, Professor, Occupational Therapy, remarked that “it was a wonderful service provided to the older adult population in our community. Many of the participants remarked that they appreciated this opportunity and felt they learned a lot of valuable information by attending.”

The group hopes to make this an annual or bi-annual event. Analysis of participant responses will be completed and the data shared as a poster at the Midwestern University Kenneth Suarez Research Day.

Some of the Midwestern University faculty and students who participated in the fall prevention clinic included (left to right), Thomas Dillon, PT, D.P.T.; Kim Huntington-Alfano D.O.; Lisa Palmisano Pharm.D., BCACP; Jennifer Mazan, Pharm.D.; Teri Elliott-Burke, PT, M.H.S., WCS; Alex Lam, PS-IV; Kevin Lawlor, PS-IV; Maria Doelman, O.D.; Kiara Mason PS-IV; Naureen Haroon, O.D.

AZCOM Supports National Mental Health Awareness InitiativeThe Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine (AZCOM) has taken steps to support a national initiative to understand the mental challenges of osteopathic medical education and improve the health of D.O. students.

The Council of Osteopathic Student Government Presidents (COSGP) created the Mental Health Awareness Task Force (MHATF), a first-of-its-kind survey focusing specifically on the mental wellness of osteopathic medical students. The survey results, which included more than 10,000 responses from D.O. students around the nation, were presented at the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine 2016 Annual Conference, where osteopathic medical education leaders came together to discuss topics, including mental health among medical students. Caleb Hentges, MS-III (AZCOM), serves as the national MHATF Coordinator.

AZCOM’s Student Government Association (SGA) recently distributed mental health awareness cards to all students. The SGA also circulated suicide prevention cards provided by the Advocates for the American Osteopathic Association (AAOA) in conjunction with the Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program.

AZCOM is helping to improve the mental wellness of D.O. students nationwide.


Student Activities

Kingdom of Tonga Becomes Second Home to CDMA Students, FacultyMidwestern University College of Dental Medicine-Arizona (CDMA) students and faculty visited the Kingdom of Tonga on three separate dental service mission trips in 2016.

Each trip featured 16 volunteer students and four to five clinical faculty members who paid their own airfare and expenses. Additionally, Midwestern University donors contributed $60,375 last year to help the CDMA volunteers provide care for the underserved of this small island kingdom in the South Pacific. A free clinic has been established in Tonga over the years, and is home to Midwestern when the CDMA volunteers visit to help the people. In addition, Stephen S. Johns, D.D.S., FAGD, and his wife Sue Rae are currently volunteering full time there for two years. Dr. Johns is an adjunct faculty member at Midwestern University’s Glendale Campus.

Volunteers each spend one week providing comprehensive dental care to patients who could not afford any type of care if

it were not for this free clinic. During the period the students and faculty are in Tonga, they treat an average of 300 patients. The procedures range from simple and complicated extractions to interim partial dentures (made by the students while the patients are in the clinic), root canals, crowns, dentures, and fillings. Patients are also provided with toothbrushes and toothpaste, and students educate the patients on how to avoid cavities and gum disease. All supplies are donated by generous individuals and companies.

Students and faculty from the College of Dental Medicine-Arizona visited Tonga three separate times in 2016 to provide care and services.

Aphasia Event Seeks to Increase AwarenessMidwestern University’s National Student Speech-Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA) hosted the third annual Stroke and Aphasia Awareness Event at the Midwestern University Multispecialty Clinic in Downers Grove.

The idea for this interdisciplinary, community event came about when a current client from the Midwestern University Speech-Language Institute, who has aphasia, expressed concerns that aphasia is not widely known or understood. Her student clinician, second-year speech-language pathology student, Jessica Hushka, took on the role of planning the event this year with the help of Judy Ball, M.S., CCC-SLP (CHS-Downers Grove), Assistant Professor, Speech-Language Pathology.

The event brought together 80 individuals consisting of clients, caregivers, community members, students, and faculty. Student speakers from the Speech-Language Pathology and Physical Therapy programs, Amber Arvin, SLPS-II, Jessica Byczynski, SLPS-II, Irma Garza, PTS-II, Sarah Toth, PTS-II, presented information and tips regarding stroke and aphasia. Five clients from the Speech-Language Institute and two caregivers shared their personal experiences. Pamphlets and handouts were also provided for more information about stroke and aphasia.

Speakers from the Stroke and Aphasia Awareness Event were (from left), Sara Toth, Irma Garza, Amber Arvin, Jessica Byczynski, and Judy Ball, M.S., CCC-SLP.


Student Activities

CCOM Student Receives Volunteer of the Year AwardEsther Kwak, MS-II (CCOM), was honored as the Volunteer Medical Student of the Year at the CommunityHealth Clinic in Chicago for her service at the clinic during 2016. Founded in 1993, the CommunityHealth Clinic provides a wide range of services including primary, specialty, and dental care, preventive health screenings, vaccinations, diagnostic testing, and related services to low-income patients. As a student volunteer, Ms. Kwak worked alongside attending physicians to manage patients’ health and helped connect them to appropriate healthcare resources.

“CommunityHealth is the largest free clinic in the United States and five of the Chicago medical schools sponsor ‘student-run-clinic nights’ at their facilities. The selection of Esther as the Volunteer Medical Student of the Year is the first time a CCOM student has received this honor. We are very proud of her,” said Karen J. Nichols, D.O., M.A., MACOI, CS, Dean, Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine.

In addition to working with patients, Ms. Kwak developed a user guide for a new electronic medical record (EMR) system at the clinic. “I am so grateful to have received this award, and

I think that it is merely a testament to all the dedicated CCOM volunteers of the past and presently in our clinic,” Ms. Kwak said. “I am well aware of the great impression that CCOM students leave on the staff and the patients, and I am encouraged by the dedication and hard work that students from CCOM bring forth to make sure that our patients are well taken care of. I think it’s especially important for us to be involved in our communities because there’s always great need around us, and I believe there’s so much we can do to fill those needs.”

Esther Kwak, MS-II, received the 2016 Volunteer Medical Student of the Year at the CommunityHealth Clinic.

OT Students Educate Downers Grove Campus about Backpack SafetyDid you know a backpack should only weigh 10 percent or less of the wearer’s body weight? Wearing a heavy backpack for a long period can cause a variety of problems, including headaches, reduced breathing capacity, scoliosis, and muscle spasms according to American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc. (AOTA, 2016).

In honor of National Backpack Day, student members of the Midwestern University Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA) on the Downers Grove Campus spent their lunch in the Commons educating their fellow graduate student peers on the importance of wearing a backpack correctly. The SOTA members provided the future healthcare practitioners with AOTA’s “Backpack Strategies for Parents and Students” fliers in order to provide them with important information about wearing a backpack safely. A poster was set up with backpack trivia questions for Midwestern University students to answer. The SOTA members also helped to properly adjust some students’ current backpacks as a way to attempt to change the wearing habits and routines of some graduate students.

Being a graduate student includes carrying around plenty of heavy books, which increases stress on the student’s body. SOTA felt that it was important to not only try to educate graduate students about backpack safety for their own sake, but also to possibly provide them with the knowledge for their own future area of healthcare practice.


Student Activites

CDMI Student Advocates for Research OpportunitiesA student from the College of Dental Medicine-Illinois spoke with legislative leaders about the importance of funding research in all areas of healthcare. Adam Parikh, DMS-II (CDMI), advocated on behalf of the American Association for Dental Research as part of their August Advocacy Challenge. His advocacy was in support of the Labor, Health, and Human Services and Education Appropriations Bill to fund the National Institutes of Health and the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.

Mr. Parikh worked with Elizabeth Guirado, a DMS-II/Ph.D. student from the University of Illinois at Chicago’s College of Dentistry, to discuss the value and importance of funding dental, oral, and craniofacial research with Tran Nguyen, an aide for U.S. Senator Richard Durbin of Illinois.

“Student advocacy is such an essential component to ensuring that the government continues to invest in our future healthcare providers, educators, and researchers,” says Mr. Parikh. “The advocacy challenge was an excellent opportunity to share with Senator Durbin’s staff the importance of funding research and how it is affecting the next generation of healthcare providers’ education.”

In addition, Mr. Parikh represented CDMI at the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) meeting to address the need for dental students to pursue academic careers. According

to current research from the ADEA, only one out of every two-hundred recent dental school graduates would consider joining academia full-time.

“It was a wonderful experience not only to represent CDMI, but also listen to the work of other dental students and educators working to address the future of dental education,” Mr. Parikh said. The event consisted of several workshops, networking events and even a tour of the University of Texas-Houston’s Dental School.

Adam Parikh, DMS-II (CDMI) met with legislative leaders to discuss the importance of funding healthcare research. (From right) Elizabeth Guirado, Tran Nguyen, U.S. Senate Aide for Senator Richard Durbin, and Adam Parikh, DMS-II at CDMI.

CCP Students Promote Health in CommunityStudents from the Chicago College of Pharmacy (CCP) are committed to serving their community and promoting good health. CCP student members of the Polish American Pharmacists Association provided free blood pressure and blood glucose screenings to patrons of Rich’s Fresh Market in River Grove, Illinois.

First, second, and third-year pharmacy students provided screenings to patrons while Margaret Felczak, Pharm.D., BCPS, Associate Professor, Pharmacy Practice at Midwestern University, provided consultations and answered patients’ questions. The students and Dr. Felczak were able to provide services to more than 40 patients in both Polish and English.

CCP students provide health screenings to the community.


Student Activities

National Campaign Calls Students to Action By Shruti Patel, MS-II (CCOM) and C.J. Skok, MS-II (CCOM) ED to MED Campus Ambassadors

Congress is currently negotiating the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act (HEA), the law governing federal student financial aid programs. Many of these programs impact osteopathic medical and other graduate/professional student loans and repayment options. Students must have a unified voice to ensure they have a seat at the table.

That’s where the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM)’s ED to MED campaign comes in. ED to MED gives students, medical educators, and other advocates a platform to make their voices heard on the public policy issues affecting the future physician and healthcare workforce.

ED to MED advocates can get involved by joining virtual town halls, spreading the word on social media, sending emails and letters to elected officials, and educating your professional and social circles on the importance of advocacy.

There’s a lot to be done to transform the conversation on the issues facing medical and professional students. Your voice will make a difference. Visit www.EDtoMED.com for more information, or contact us at [email protected].

Marathons Provide Healthy Balance for Dental Medicine StudentBy Lauren Kersjes, DMS-III (CDMI)

I started running my junior year of high school. I walked on to the Syracuse University cross-country and track and field teams for my freshman and sophomore years of college. I stopped running competitively for my junior and senior years to spend more time on academics and pursue my dream of going to dental school. I still trained and raced my first half marathon during my junior year. I didn’t get into racing seriously again until June 2015 when I joined the New Balance Chicago racing team.

My first marathon was the Bank of America Chicago Marathon in 2015 and I ran 2:44:28. (20th female, 8th American woman) That time qualified me to run in the United States Olympic trials in Los Angeles, CA in February of 2016. However, I became injured in January 2016 and only ran five miles of the course with another teammate who had also qualified and became injured. Even with the injury, it was an experience of a lifetime and just to qualify was beyond my wildest dreams.

The 2016 Chicago Marathon was my second marathon and I ran 2:49:52. (33rd female, 20th American woman) Because of my injury, I didn’t run after the Olympic trials until June. I trained for the marathon for a little over four months. I wasn’t sure I’d even be ready to run the marathon this year. Despite being injured all spring, I could not be happier about the race result.

Running is my chance to relax after school. I manage my time better when I run. During marathon training, I run about 10 to 12 hours each week. I hit several 100-mile weeks while training for my first marathon. I meet with my teammates for long runs every Sunday and alternate a track workout and hill workout every week.

Dental school and training keep me very busy but both are things I absolutely love. My dad is a physician so I grew up surrounded by healthcare. I decided to pursue a career in dental medicine after shadowing a dentist in my hometown of Grand Rapids, MI, and falling in love with the field.

I never imagined my running would ever be at this point. It has been such an adventure to train so hard and reach such big goals. I am so thankful for all the support everyone has given me. I cannot wait to see where the next year takes me.

Lauren Kersjes, DMS-III, finished in the top of her field at her first Chicago Marathon.


Student Activities

PT Students Active in Community ServicePhysical Therapy students on the Downers Grove Campus contributed to the Global Day of Physical Therapy Service by volunteering at several different venues. PT students staffed the Illinois Physical Therapy Association’s “FitKids” station during the annual Chicago Special Olympics Bocce Ball Tournament; more than 50 students volunteered to pack food at Feed My Starving Children in Aurora, IL; and students, faculty, and staff contributed to a food and clothing drive for the FISH Pantry in Downers Grove.

In addition, 38 students volunteered at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, working alongside physical therapists at aid stations or assisting runners and mobile triage teams at the finish line.

Closer to home, members of the Student Physical Therapy Organization hosted an informational booth about office

ergonomics at the Midwestern University Community Health Fair held at the Downers Grove Park District and volunteered at the pumpkin toss booth at the Halloween Fest on the Downers Grove Campus.

Members of all three Physical Therapy classes volunteered at Feed My Starving Children.

Students Take Interdisciplinary Approach to Understanding the Aging PopulationBy Brooke Long, CPS-I; Caroline Hogan, OTS-I; Lin Adams, OTS-I; Anna Ciampanelli, CPS-I; Angela Green, CPS-I; Mikayla Hilt, OTS-I; Jessica Larson, OTS-I; Ryan McGillicuddy, CPS-I; and Mackenzie Muersch, OTS-I (CHS-Downers Grove)

As the baby-boomer generation continues to enter their later years, the need for geriatric care is growing exponentially. Currently in the United States, there is a severe shortage of medical professionals interested in working with this population.

For five weeks, nine first-year students from the Clinical Psychology and Occupational Therapy programs on the Downers Grove Campus participated in a research study designed to evaluate their perceptions about working with the aging population. This experience provided the opportunity for students to work interprofessionally in teams of two or three, learning more about their respective fields and how each profession plays a role in patient care.

This study was directed by College of Health Sciences faculty Lisa Knecht-Sabres, D.H.S., M.S., Professor, Occupational Therapy; Minetta Wallingford, DrOT, OTR/L, Associate Professor, Occupational Therapy; Michelle Lee, Ph.D., ABPP, Professor, Behavioral Sciences; James Gunn, M.M.S., PA-C , Assistant Professor, Physician Assistant Program; Nathaniel Krumdick,

Ph.D., Associate Professor, Behavioral Sciences; and Esperanza Anaya, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Behavioral Sciences, and was supported by a Midwestern University Geriatric Education and Research Facilitation Grant.

An interdisciplinary group of students from the Downers Grove Campus participated in a geriatric research study.


New OT Doctoral Degree Offered on Downers Grove CampusMidwestern University announced a new Occupational Therapy Doctoral Program on the Downers Grove Campus starting in the fall of 2017. Students enrolled in the Doctor in Occupational Therapy (O.T.D.) program will benefit from extensive academic coursework, diverse clinical experiences, and additional research opportunities.

The curriculum is a continuous, full-time program, extending 33 months. Upon graduation, students will be able to provide occupational therapy (OT) services in the home, community, and at clinical practice settings that require independent judgment, leadership, and self-directed practice. The new program replaces the master’s degree awarded by the University since 1995.

In addition, Midwestern University will offer an advanced Tiered Occupational Therapy (TOT): Preparing Scholars to Work in School Mental Health training program. The TOT is a federally-

funded, one-year intensive training program created to prepare highly qualified doctoral-level OT scholars to work within school communities in Illinois to address the mental health needs of children and youth. Scholars selected for the TOT program will receive a tuition reduction to offset the cost of their education, and will agree to work in schools or early intervention for two years after graduation.

Midwestern University is offering a new Occupational Therapy doctoral degree and advanced training program on the Downers Grove Campus.

CDMA Contributes Resources, Expertise to Help Kenyan Clinical EffortsThe administration and faculty of the College of Dental Medicine-Arizona is expanding its international outreach by donating equipment and sharing expertise with a delegation from Kenya.

CDMA recently welcomed a delegation from the Kilifi Province in Kenya to inspect the College’s facilities and receive advice on logistical planning for a new hospital and dental clinic initiative underway in the province. The Honorable Amason Jeffah Kingi, the provincial governor, was accompanied by Dr. Lameck Nyakweba and Dr. Joe Maniga, as well as Euphrase Nyokwoyo, RN.

Dr. Nyakweba, a 2004 graduate of the College of Pharmacy-Glendale, is now the CEO of Global Diagnostics, LLC, which works with U.S. companies to provide medical and dental equipment to Kenyan medical schools, dental schools, and clinics.

According to Governor Kingi, his province has a population of 40 million but only two dentists, making the new Kilifi educational and clinical facilities critical to improving his citizens’ health. Brad Smith, D.D.S., Dean, CDMA, has pledged to support Governor Kingi’s new initiative with unused dental equipment and supplies, as well as share important lessons learned from building Midwestern University’s own dental education programs.

From left to right: The Honorable Amason Jeffah Kingi, Governor of Kilifi Province, Kenya; Dr. Lameck Nyakweba; Dr. Brad Smith, Dean, CDMA.

Campus News


Speech-Language Institute Opens in GlendaleThe Midwestern University Multispecialty Clinic in Glendale is now home to the new Speech-Language Institute (SLI), offering dedicated speech, language, and communication services in a caring learning environment for children and adults. Dedicated Speech-Language Pathology students and faculty work collaboratively with patients and families to help them live up to their full communicative potential.

The Speech-Language Institute evaluates and treats a wide range of speech, language, and swallowing disorders. Practitioners serve individuals with developmental delay, cognitive impairment, aphasia, traumatic brain injury, autism, learning disabilities, hearing loss, social communication disorders, voice disorders, and stuttering, as well as assessing and remediating feeding and swallowing difficulties encountered by children and adults.

The College of Health Sciences Speech-Language Pathology Program matriculated its first class of Glendale Campus-based students in fall 2016.

Speech-Language Pathology students provide patient care at the SLI.

Campus News

Nurse Anesthesia Hybrid Doctoral Program Provides Versatility, Blended LearningBy Shari Burns, CRNA, Ed.D. (CHS-Glendale), Program Director, Nurse Anesthesia

Recently, 12 Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) from across the country came to Midwestern University to participate in the first of two week-long campus residencies as part of the newly launched Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (D.N.A.P.) Program. The purpose of the doctoral residency was to orient students to the new online learning platform, begin the first two courses, and provide a solid foundation for successful program completion. Once the students completed the residency, they returned to their homes across the United States prepared to embark on the doctoral journey.

The diverse inaugural cohort represents CRNAs from eight states who engage in full- or part-time clinical practice or are nurse anesthesia faculty from other universities. One student is an active duty Navy officer who represents the

vast capability and opportunity to learn online. Lieutenant Commander Andy Lum, NC, USN, is the sole anesthesia provider aboard the USS Wasp (Fleet Surgical Team-2). LCDR Lum actively engages in the weekly discussions, conducts literature searches, prepares and submits assignments, and communicates via email with ease.

The successful start of the D.N.A.P. Program coincides with the tenth anniversary of the Glendale Nurse Anesthesia’s inaugural class.

Class of 2018 D.N.A.P. student Lieutenant Commander Andy Lum, U.S.N., CR NA, trains medical personnel aboard the USS Wasp. (Photo: US Navy/Chief Mass Communication Specialist William Tonacchio)

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Members of AZCOM’s Sports Medicine Club performed athlete physicals at Grand Canyon University. Top row from left: Chris Tomby, MS-IV; Jonathan Del Mundo, MS-II; Sasha Hallett, MS-III; Carol Chang, MS-II; Joel Sellers, D.O., FAOASM, GCU Team Physician. Bottom row from left: Michael Johnson, MS-II; Andrea Mathiason, FNP-C, Nurse Practitioner, Sonoran Medical Center; Shamii Goh, MS-II; Nina Kokayeff, MS-II.

John R. Gimpel, D.O., M.Ed., FACOFP, FAAFP, President and CEO of the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME) visited with AZCOM students to present and answer questions about the COMLEX-USA board examinations and the differences between COMLEX-USA and USMLE. From L to R: Evelyn Schwalenberg , D.O., M.S., Associate Dean; Tracy Middleton, D.O., FACOFP, Chair, Clinical Education; Dr. Gimpel; Ryan Dyches, MS-II (AZCOM); Charles Finch, D.O., Chair, Clinical Education.

Third-year students from the Chicago College of Pharmacy (CCP) enjoyed breakfast and networking opportunities with

CCP alumni who visited campus to share their experiences in their chosen pharmacy careers.

Student members from the College of Dental Medicine-Illinois Hispanic Student Dental Association Chapter participated in the All Hallows Eve Program hosted by the Berwyn Park District. The HSDA volunteers provided oral hygiene instruction, diet recommendations, and handed out toothbrushes. They served an estimated 250 people, including children and adults.

One of the Glendale Campus’ newest facilities: a new playground in campus housing. The playground has padded turf, newer play areas, and more room for Midwestern kids to roam. “It’s a mommy and kiddo paradise!” enthused Adrienne Linton, wife of Taylor Linton, OS-III (AZCOPT).

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