Midwestern University GLENDaLE, aZ Tomorrow’s Healthcare ... · Photo Gallery .....16 Vital Signs...

President’s Message .....2

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

Administration Updates ........................7

Campus Events ............8

Faculty News ..............11

Student Activities ......11

Photo Gallery ............16

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 2015

By Marian P. O’Brien, M.S., Director Accreditation and Support ServicesThe Institute for Healthcare Innovation™ (IHI) is Midwestern University’s One Health initiative that will expand clinical research capabilities and educational op-portunities for all professional disciplines at Midwestern University. The IHI will be located in a new facility to be built on Midwestern University’s Glendale Campus and will contain three Centers of Excellence in Clinical Research, Qualitative Research, and Advanced Imaging.

The Midwestern University Downers Grove Campus will also develop a Clinical Research Center. The IHI will specialize in exploring medical problems in pets to find lifelong solutions.

“With doctors of osteopathic medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, optometry, and veterinary medicine working side-by-side, the IHI will become the true heart of One Health innovation,” says Theresa Fossum, D.V.M., M.S., Ph.D., DACVS, Midwestern University Vice President of Research and Strategic Initiatives. “The IHI will be a unique, academic research training resource for all Midwestern faculty and students.”

The IHI Clinical Research Centers in Glendale and Downers Grove will employ professional personnel spe-cializing in clinical operations, biostatistics, data manage-ment, regulatory affairs, quality assurance, subject re-cruiting, and veterinary technology. The clinical research personnel will focus on areas of oncology, neuroscience and behavior with an emphasis on neurodegenerative dis-eases such as Alzheimer’s, and the human-animal bond.

The Qualitative Research Center will contain a focus group room for interviewing volunteer subjects and pet owners who participate in clinical trials and will

Institute for Healthcare Innovation to Enhance One Health Opportunities for Midwestern University Students

Students on the Downers Grove Campus had the op-portunity to take a break from finals and interact with several therapy dogs. The dogs and their handlers visited from Rainbow Animal Assisted Therapy, a nonprofit organization committed to using the capabilities of dogs in therapeutic environments. The Counseling Center hosted the event in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month and as a way to ease students’ stress during finals.

“We are always looking at ways to support students during finals week,” said Carrie Torgerson, LCSW, Assistant Dean of Student Services. “The program was a huge success and you could see the joy on our students’ faces as they interacted with the dogs.”

Many of the more than 75 students who stopped by the Recreation and Wellness Hall expressed their delight and gratitude at having the opportunity to hang out with the friendly canines. Interaction with animals has been

shown in numerous research studies to help decrease the level of stress hormones in people. The University hopes to partner with Rainbow Animal Assisted Therapy in the future and provide more opportunities for students to interact with the specially-trained therapy dogs.

Dogs Relieve Stress during Finals WeekContinued on page 2

2 Vital Signs midwestern.edu

Dear Faculty, Staff and Students,Spring is finally arriving on both of our campuses. I am very grateful to the faithful and diligent members of campus facilities who kept the Downers Grove Campus thor-oughfares free of ice and snow and the offices warm and inviting. Also, for the Glendale Campus grounds and facilities teams who worked hard maintaining our landscaping during the colder winter months. In addition, they helped us open our newest campus facility, the Companion Animal Institute.

This edition of Vital Signs is long overdue! So much has happened during the fall and winter months that I hope you take a few moments to enjoy the stories and events that molded our past year.

As I look forward to our upcoming year, I am excited to reflect on the many students who will soon graduate from Midwestern University. The spring brings us a time of closure with those who have completed their programs while preparing us for new students and new challenges.

One important new challenge is our accreditation initiative for the Higher Learning Commission. Under new regulations, universities have an option to do additional site team visits including self-studies or prepare a quality initiative that will better the university and provide us with an educational opportunity. This year, we are launching the One Health Quality Initiative. Many of you have asked what will this mean for your own position, and your department and college. Here is an excerpt from our quality initiatives strategic plan that highlights the basic premise of our new program.

The One Health Quality Initiative is a multiyear effort to introduce, integrate, and measure the impact and improvements designed to systematically promote One Health principles across postgraduate academic programs on two campuses. Midwestern expects One Health principles and practices to inspire its faculty, staff, and students to work more collaboratively as respected colleagues who understand the nature and interdependency of humans, animals, and the environment, and strengthen their bonds as healthcare professionals through education and research to benefit the health, quality of life, and well-being of all species.

This holistic approach to the health of all living species has been endorsed by the American Medical Association, and in 2007 the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention “urged veterinarians and physicians to present a seamless front to protect human and animal health in a shrinking global environment” (p. 7). It will take healthcare teams, rather than medical or veterinary professionals, nurses, or experts in infectious diseases working in isolation, to combine their knowledge, skills, and expertise to face crises such as the recent Ebola outbreak.

I hope in the upcoming year you participate in one or more of our One Health opportunities. Consider doing research with colleagues from different colleges, look for opportunities to expand the curriculum, and let’s truly become the university that can exemplify the true healthcare team dependent on each other for the health and well-being of people, animals, and our environment. Your participation will be appreciated.

Thank you for being part of Midwestern University.

Dr. G.

President’s Message

Kathleen H. Goeppinger, Ph.D.President and

Chief Executive Officer, Midwestern University

Vital SignsThe news beat of Midwestern

University is published and distributed free to faculty, students, and staff.

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tony Johns

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investigate subjective likes, dislikes, and feelings of the clinical research participants. The Qualitative Research Center will be able to conduct qualitative in-home, in-office, in-store, and on-farm field studies and will provide a creative environment for the generation of new ideas and solutions for research study sponsors.

The Advanced Imaging Center will contain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography/computer-ized tomography (PET/CT) scanners for studying cancer and central nervous system diseases.

“The key equity of the IHI will be our ability to conduct high quality clinical trials rapidly,” says Kurt Weingand, D.V.M., Ph.D., DACVP (CVM), Associate Dean and Director of the IHI. “Successful delivery on this promise for research and development will truly change the game for healthcare innovation,” Weingand added.

The vision of the IHI initiative is to position Midwestern University as a leader in the global One Health Initiative, promoting collaborative research among physicians, veterinarians, and biomedical scientists to improve the health and quality of life for all species.

Institute (continued from front cover)

3Vital Signs

Research, Activities Update

APPoINTMENTS, AwARdS, ANd GraNTS

Farshad Agahi, M.D., FACOG (AZCOM), Chair, Obstetrics and Gynecology, began serving as the President of the Phoenix Obstetrical and Gynecological Society.

Sally Arif, Pharm.D., BCPS (CCP), Associate Professor, Pharmacy Practice, received funding from the American Heart Association for her project “Cardiovascular and Diabetes Screening Program for the Middle Eastern Community of Chicagoland” totaling $4,500.

Hari Avedissian, MS-II (AZCOM) and Michelle Dyrholm, MS-II (AZCOM), received $150 McGraw-Hill/Lange Medical Student Book Awards.

Anna Bieniek, PS-III (CCP), was appointed as the American Pharmacists Association’s Academy of Student Pharmacists liaison to the Editorial Board of the Journal of the American Pharmacy Association.

Bryan Bjork, Ph.D. (CCOM), Assistant Professor, Biochemistry, received an award notice from the National Institute of Health for his project “Prdm 16 and Mecom in Mouse Embryonic Mandible and Palate Development” totaling $446,940.

Shari Burns, CRNA, Ed.D. (CHS-GL), Director, Nurse Anesthetist Program, received funding from HRSA to support Nurse Anesthetist Traineeships totaling $25,818.

Melinda Throm Burnworth, Pharm.D., BCPS, FAzPA (CPG), Associate Professor, Pharmacy Practice, was named a Fellow of the Arizona Pharmacy Association (AzPA) and received the AzPA’s Pharmacy Appreciation Award for demonstrating special or unique interests and concerns for the advancement of Arizona pharmacy.

Jennifer D’Souza, Pharm.D., CDE, BC-ADM (CCP), Associate Professor, Pharmacy Practice, was named to the editorial board of Pharmacy Today.

Dominic Derenge, MS-V (AZCOM), Senior OMM Scholar, received first-place awards in three separate national academic competitions: the American Academy of Osteopathy (AAO) Poster Contest, the American College of Osteopathic Family Practice (ACOFP) Poster Contest, and the AAO A. Hollis Wolf Case Competition (oral). Mr. Derenge earned the awards for three different case presentations.

Michael Dietrich, Pharm.D. (CPG), Assistant Dean of Professional Programs, received funding for “Capturing the Growing Pharmacy Market” from Target totaling $3,000.

Michael J. Fay, Ph.D. (CCOM, CHS-DG), Biomedical Sciences Program Director and Professor, Pharmacology, was elected to serve a two-year term as Secretary of the Board of Directors for the Society for In Vitro Biology.

Rita K. Getz, Ph.D. (CCOM), Associate Dean, and Glenn Nordehn, D.O. (CCOM), Associate Dean of Clinical Education, have been selected as fellows in the Institute of Medicine-Chicago (IOMC).

Adam Glawe, MS-I (CCOM), received a $500 Student Abstract Prize for his work titled, “Continuous Epithelial Cell Heat Shock Protein 70 Expression Protects against High Fat, Diet-induced Obesity in Mice” at the Digestive Disease Week meeting in Chicago, IL.

John Graneto, D.O. (CCOM), Associate Professor and Chair, Clinical Integration, was elected Chair of the Society of Osteopathic Medical Educators (SOME) at the meeting of the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine in Washington, DC. Dr. Graneto also received two Medical Education Research Grants from the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine for the projects, “MBIT Personality Type of 4th Year Osteopathic Students and their Career Choice,” and “Relationship between Electives Chosen by Osteopathic Medical Students and their Ultimate Specialty Match Result.”

Anil Gulati, M.D., Ph.D. (CCP), Associate Dean, received the Paul R. Dawson Biotechnology Award during the Science Plenary at the AACP meeting, Pharmacy Education, in Grapevine, TX. The award recognizes his contributions to contemporary teaching and scholarship in biotechnology. Dr. Gulati also received a grant of $75,926 from Tian Medical, Inc. for his studies on “Regulation of Blood Brain Barrier by Sphenopalatine Ganglion.”

Jose Hernandez, Ph.D. (AZCOM), Associate Professor, Biochemistry, received a subcontract totaling $14,000 from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation through the Universidad Politecnica of Madrid for the project “NF Cereals-Engineering N2 Fixation in Mitochondria.”

Bruno Jham, D.D.S., Ph.D. (CDMI), Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs, participated in the Chairs and Academic Administrators Management Program (CAAMP) sponsored by the Academy for

Academic Leadership (AAL) at the Georgia Tech Conference Center in Atlanta, GA. Fifty-five academic administrators attended this interprofessional, open-enrollment program designed for leaders managing an academic department or academic program.

T. Bucky Jones, Ph.D. (AZCOM), Associate Professor, Anatomy, has received a subcontract from St. Joseph’s Hospital totaling $4,798 for her project “Motoneuron Pool Plasticity Following Spinal Cord Injury.”

Lori Kemper, D.O. (AZCOM), Dean, received the Mentor of the Year Award from the Arizona Osteopathic Medical Association.

Michael Kozlowski, O.D., Ph.D. (AZCOPT), Associate Professor, received an award from the Arizona Optometric Association (AOA) at their meeting in Tucson, AZ, recognizing his lobbying efforts for legislation extending the prescription authority of optometrists in Arizona.

John Mitchell, Ph.D. (CDMA), Director of Dental Biomaterial, received funding from Impladent, Ltd. in the amount of $4,410 in support of “Antibiotic Effects of Synthetic Bone Grafting Material.”

Erin Nicholas, DMS-IV (CDMA) and Christine Topliff, DMS-IV (CDMA), won the award for Best Poster by Dental Students for “Anticipatory Guidance for Medical Home Providers Regarding Training Cup Use” at the Western Regional Dental Conference in Phoenix, AZ.

Dana Osburn, MS-II (AZCOM), was selected to participate in the GE-National Medical Fellowship Primary Care Leadership Program (PCLP) at the Wesley Health Center in Phoenix, AZ.

Eric Romney, MS-III (AZCOM), was awarded first prize for his research poster that he presented at the Arizona Osteopathic Medical Association (AOMA) annual convention held in Scottsdale, AZ.

Lawrence Sands, D.O., M.P.H. (AZCOM), Clinical Assistant Professor, was appointed to the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME) National Faculty in the Preventive Medicine and Health Promotion – Division of Public Health and Preventative Medicine.

Ann M. Sauer, Ph.D., ABPP (CHS-DG), Associate Professor, Behavioral Medicine, and Sarah E. Getch, Ph.D. (CHS-DG), Assistant Professor, Behavioral Medicine, attended the American Psychological Association’s Site Visitor Training in Chicago, IL.

Continued on page 4

Faculty, Staff, and Student Research and Activities Update


Marc Scheetz, Pharm.D., M.Sc., BCPS (CCP), Associate Professor, Pharmacy Practice, received a grant from the National Institutes of Health for his project “Elucidation of an Informed Drug Dosing Scheme to Minimize Kidney Injury” totaling $458,764. The project is funded for three years. Dr. Scheetz also received a subcontract from Wayne State University funded through Cubist Pharmaceuticals totaling $10,479 for the project “Beyond Benchmarking: Evaluation of Carbapenem Utilization in a National Network.”

Hannah Tilden, MS-III (AZCOM) and Austin LaBanc, MS-II (AZCOM), were selected to participate in the Paul Ambrose Scholar Program sponsored by the Association of Prevention Teaching and Research. Upon returning from a three day Student Leadership Symposium in Washington, DC, both students will have up to one year to implement a community-based project that addresses one of the Healthy People 2020 Leading Health Indicators.

Kurt Weingand, D.V.M., Ph.D., DACVP (CVM), Associate Dean, received a three-year appointment from the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges to act as the liaison to the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Animal Welfare Committee.

Susan Winkler, Pharm.D., BCPS, FCCP (CCP), Professor and Chair of Pharmacy Practice, et al. received a Merit Award for the poster, “Identification and Resolution of Drug Therapy Problems by Community Pharmacists through Telephone Follow-up after Care Transitions,” at the American Pharmacists Association Annual Meeting in Orlando, FL.

Gregg Zankman, D.O., FACOP (AZCOM), Chair, Pediatrics, received the Humanitarian Award from the Arizona Osteopathic Medical Association in April.

Robin Zavod, Ph.D. (CCP), Associate Professor, Pharmaceutical Sciences, was appointed Chair for the Section on Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences at the American Pharmacists Association Annual Meeting in Orlando, FL.

As part of the scholarship awards cycle, the Department of Student Financial Services on both campuses announced the following scholarship awards:

$10,000 MWU SPIRIT OF SERVICE SCHOLARSHIPS

DOWNERS GROVE:

Sophia Bodnar, MS-III (CCOM)Alyssa Boer, CPS-III (CHS)

Kent Downing, DMS-IV (CDMI)Wesley Wang, PS-IV (CCP)

GLENDALE:

Hunter Bennett, DMS-IV (CDMA)David Larsen, MS-III (AZCOM)Desseree Lysne, DMS-II (CDMA)Matthew Muramoto, PS-III (CPG)Alexandra Schilling, CPS-IV (CHS)

Additionally, 92 students from Downers Grove and Glendale received $5,000 Spirit of Service Scholarship awards.

MWU PARTNERS SCHOLARSHIPS:

APS $1,500 Scholarship: Kimberly Mitchell, MS-III (AZCOM)

DWL Architects + Planners $2,000 Scholarship: Marcus Miyabara, PMS-III (CHS-GL)

TriWest Healthcare Alliance $2,000 Scholarship: Weston Goring, PMS-III (CHS-GL)

Wells Fargo $2,000 Scholarship: Alyson Keen, PAS-II (CHS-GL)

Blue Cross – Blue Shield $2,000 Scholarship: Nicholas Lueck, PTS-II (CHS-GL)

CCOM SCHOLARSHIPS:

Dr. David Monash Memorial Scholarship - $4,500: Allison Couture, MS-IV

Harold L. Hakes, Ph.D., J.D., Memorial Scholarship - $2,750: Ray Kleinfelder III, MS-IV

CCOM International Scholarship - $500: Linda Xiao-Chen Wu, MS-IV

Dr. Albert Molisky Memorial Scholarship - $5,000: Danisa Daubenspeck, MS-IV

CCOM General Scholarship - $4,000: Monica Huynh, MS-IV

Mabel Bramlet Memorial Scholarship - $2,750: Ramon Soi, MS-IV

Dr. Albert Molisky Scholarship - $5,000: Jordan Matthew Wyrwa, MS-III

CCOM General Scholarship - $4,000: Kasi Ann Eastep, MS-III

Mr. & Mrs. Frank Suchyta CCOM Scholarship - $1,300: Nikola Dukic, MS-III

Olympia Fields Scholarship - $4,250: Thomas Harrington, MS-II

CCOM General Scholarship - $4,000: Tyler Mitchell, MS-II

Dr. Richard J. Krejsa Memorial Scholarship - $1,300: Stephen Gunnick, MS-II

Norman J. Larson D.O. Memorial Scholarship - $1,500: Benjamin Ferrel, MS-II

CAMPUS SCHOLARSHIPS

GLENDALE:

Shirley Ann Brysacz Memorial $2,500 Scholarship: Katy Lockhart, MS-III (AZCOM)

Chanen Student $2,000 Scholarship: Rachel Cetta, MS-IV (AZCOM)

Friedlander-Klasky Tikkum Olam $1,000 Scholarship: David C. Hatch, PMS-IV (CHS-GL)

Dr. and Mrs. Russell O. Gilpatrick $1,250 Scholarship: Eric Hu, DMS-IV (CDMA)

Dr. Donald and Mrs. Sharon Jarnagin $1,250 Scholarship: Micha Lundquist, OS-IV (AZCOPT)

Johnson & Johnson Wound Management $1,500 Scholarship: Weston Packard, PMS-II (CHS-GL)

2014 MWU FINANCIAL LITERACY SCHOLARSHIPS

DOWNERS GROVE:

$7,500 – Nicole Barkell, OTS-II (CHS-DG)

$5,000 – Jonathan Clifford, MS-IV (CCOM)

$5,000 – Melissa Wong, PS-IV (CCP)

$5,000 – Samreena Rasheed, PS-IV (CCP)

$2,500 – William Nichols, DMS-II (CDMI)

GLENDALE:

$7,500 – Justin Dickson, MS-II (AZCOM)

$5,000 – Chase Moffat, PMS-III (CHS-GL)

$5,000 – Brian Pearce, DMS-II (CDMA)

$5,000 – Rebecca Stier, OTS-II (CHS-GL)

$2,500 – Camilyn Jackson, PAS-II (CHS-GL)

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

5Vital Signs

LUCAS LOAN RECIPIENT

$5,500 – Chau Vu, MS-II (AZCOM)

EDNA DUNNING LOAN RECIPIENTS

$17,500 per award – Sophia Bodnar, MS-III (CCOM); Grant Johnson, MS-IV (CCOM)

PRESENTATIoNS, SPEEChES, ANd CoMMUNITy SERvICE

Debbie Bierwas, PT, D.P.T., D.H.Sc. (CHS-GL), Assistant Professor and Director of Clinical Education, Physical Therapy, et al., presented the poster “Clinical Instructor Use of Evidence-based Practice” at the American Physical Therapy Association Education Leadership Conference in Kansas City, MO.

Susan Cornell, Pharm.D., CDE, FAPhA, FAADE (CCP), Assistant Director, Experiential Education, presented “How Sweet It Is: 2014 Diabetes Update” at the University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy 29th Annual Seminar by the Sea, Northeast Regional Conference in Newport, RI, as well as at the ProCE Webcast on two occasions in March. Dr. Cornell, et al. presented “Ask the Experts: A Controversial Dialogue in Diabetes” in the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists Advantage Webcast.

Julie Fusco, Pharm.D., CGP, BCPS (CCP), Associate Professor, Pharmacy Practice, et al. presented “A Call to Duty: Responding to Mandatory Reporting Requirements for Elder Abuse” at the American Society on Aging’s 2014 Aging In America Conference in San Diego, CA.

Rita K. Getz, Ph.D. (CCOM), Associate Dean, and Sandy Frait, M.Ed. (CCOM), Education Specialist, presented, “Are Matriculants with Post-Baccalaureate Degrees Well-Positioned for Success in Medical School?” at the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine meeting in Washington, D.C.

David Jenkins, D.P.M., FACFAS, FAAPSM (CHS-GL), Professor, was an invited speaker at the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine (AAPSM) annual meeting held in Tampa, FL. Currently, Dr. Jenkins is the President-Elect for the AAPSM.

Medha Joshi, Ph.D. (CCP), Assistant Professor, Pharmaceutical Sciences, presented “Targeted Delivery of Tumor Antigens to Dendritic Cells for Efficient Vaccination” at the 3rd World Immunology

Online Conference. Dr. Joshi also served as conference session chair for the Vaccine Development track at this conference.

Kevin King, D.D.S. (CDMI), Assistant Clinical Professor, one of the founders of the Chicago Dental Society Foundation (CDSF) Clinic in Wheaton as well as a volunteer clinician, helped establish a partnership with the Dental Ministry at Hesed House to reduce the transportation and accompaniment obstacles for homeless patients living at the Hesed House and allow for greater follow-through with appointments. The CDSF Clinic provides people living in poverty and without dental insurance access to dental care.

Mary Ann Kliethermes, Pharm.D. (CCP), Professor/Vice Chair, Pharmacy Practice, presented “Outcomes Evaluation” at the American Society of Health System Pharmacists Ambulatory Care PPMI Conference and Summit in Dallas, TX. Dr. Kliethermes, et al. presented “Pharmacists’ Patient Care Process” at the American Pharmacists Association annual meeting in Orlando, FL and “Affordable Care Act and Its Impact on Pharmacy Practice” at 2014 Indiana Pharmacists Alliance spring meeting in Indianapolis, IN. Dr. Kliethermes, et al. presented “Qualilty Measures and Health-System Pharmacists: The Era of Accountability” at the Illinois Council of Health-System Pharmacists spring meeting in Bloomington, IL.

Kanika Kochhar, MABS-I (CHS-DG), Patrick Hines, MS-II (CCOM), Kurt Heinking, D.O. (CCOM), Department Chair, OMM, and Kyle Henderson, Ph.D. (CCOM, CDMI), Assistant Professor, Physiology, presented “Somatic Dysfunction and Effect of OMT on Pulmonary Function in Healthy Adult Male Subjects” at the Experimental Biology meeting in San Diego, CA.

Michelle M. Lee, Ph.D., ABPP (CHS-DG), Professor, Behavioral Medicine, Nathaniel Krumdick, Ph.D., IABMCPI (CHS-DG), Assistant Professor, Behavioral Medicine, Arthur Freeman, Ed.D., Sc.D., ABPP (CHS), Executive Director, Clinical Psychology Program, Hilary Linderman, CPS-II, and Lauren M. Sbarbaro, CPS-I, et al. presented “Older Adults: Avoiding and Dealing with Anxiety and Depression” as part of the ASK Seminar Series at Christ Church of Oak Brook in Oak Brook, IL.

Kelly Lempicki, Pharm.D., BCPS (CCP), Assistant Professor, Pharmacy Practice, presented “Men’s Health” at the Illinois Council of Health-System Pharmacists spring meeting in Bloomington, IL.

David Luce, M.M.S., PA-C (CHS-DG), Associate Professor and Clinical Coordinator, Physician Assistant Program,

presented “Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and Prostate Cancer: What’s New?” at the Illinois Academy of Physician Assistants Meeting at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science in North Chicago, IL.

Alejandro M.S. Mayer, Ph.D., M.S.Ed. (CCOM), Professor, Pharmacology, participated in the 17th World Congress of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology in Cape Town, South Africa. Dr. Mayer was an invited speaker in the Session IUPHAR Section on Natural Products – Pharmacology on the Natural and Traditional Medicines and presented “The Marine Pharmaceutical Pipeline.”

Paul F. McCulloch, Ph.D. (CCOM), Professor, Physiology, and Karyn DiNovo, B.S. (CCOM), Senior Research Associate, Physiology, presented “Neuronal Plasticity within the Medullary Dorsal Horn: The Nasopharyngeal Response Returns Three Days after Bilateral Sectioning of the Anterior Ethmoidal Nerve” at the Experimental Biology meeting in San Diego, CA.

Milena McLaughlin, Pharm.D., M.Sc., BCPS, AAHIVP (CCP), Assistant Professor, Pharmacy Practice, et al. presented “INSPIRE—Involvement of Student Projects in Research and Education” at the Illinois Council of Health-System Pharmacists spring meeting in Bloomington, IL.

Jennifer Phillips, Pharm.D., BCPS (CCP), Assistant Professor, Pharmacy Practice, et al. presented “Practical Applications of MedWatch Updates” at the Illinois Council of Health-System Pharmacists spring meeting in Bloomington, IL.

Lendell Richardson, M.D. (CHS-DG), Associate Professor and Medical Director, Physician Assistant Program, presented “Recognizing Common and Critical EKG findings” at the Illinois Academy of Physician Assistants meeting at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science in North Chicago, IL.

David Rolf II, D.M.D., M.S. (CDMA), Professor, presented “Ethics and Excellence in Dentistry,” a half-day CE presentation, to members of the Arizona Academy of General Dentistry on the Glendale Campus, and to members of the Central Arizona Dental Association at the Arizona Dental Association in Scottsdale. Dr. Rolf also presented “Oral-Systemic Disease Relationships: New Developments for Clinical Practice” to Indian Health Service dentists and hygienists at the Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, Inc., in Phoenix. He also presented “Oral Health and the Physician” at the University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix.

Continued on page 6


Diana J. Semmelhack, Psy.D., ABPP (CHS-DG), Professor, and the WinQuest Theatre Company, a company for individuals diagnosed with severe mental illness performed The Sound of Music at the Winfield Woods care facility in Winfield, IL. Clinical Psychology students involved in the successful production included: Meghan Kennedy, CPS-III, Maureen Khan, CPS-IV, Lauren Jeffers, CPS-II, Deanna Marszalek, CPS-I, Kevin Kavanaugh, CPS-I, Kaila Mitchell, CPS-I, Jessica Adams, CPS-I, Laura Jurewicz, CPS-I, Nicole Kemper, CPS-I, Jayna Harthan, CPS-I, Nicolette Pilot, CPS-I, and Kyle Park, CPS-I.

Elizabeth Welshhans, MBS-II (CHS-DG), Katherine Clarizio, MS-I (AZCOM), Robert Murphy, M.S., Laboratory Manager, Physiology and Kathleen O’Hagan, Ph.D. (CCOM, CDMI), Department Chair, Physiology presented “Running Wheel Activity is Reduced in Rat Pregnancy” at the Experimental Biology meeting in San Diego, CA.

Susan Winkler, Pharm.D., BCPS, FCCP (CCP), Professor and Chair of Pharmacy Practice, et al. presented “Prevalence of Patient Self-Care Errors Associated with over the Counter Calcium Supplements;” “Identification and Resolution of Drug Therapy Problems by Community Pharmacists through Telephone Follow-up after Care Transitions,” as well as “Effectiveness of a Community Pharmacist-Provided Weight Management Program” at the American Pharmacists Association annual meeting in Orlando, FL. Dr. Winkler and Spencer Harpe, Pharm.D., Ph.D., MPH (CCP), Assistant Professor, Pharmacy Practice, et al. presented “Patient Perceptions and the Effects of Promoting the Use of a Single Community Pharmacy System: A Key Element for Improved Transitions of Care” at the same conference.

The following members of the Physical Therapy faculty (CHS-DG) made poster presentations, platform presentations, or presented at educational sessions at the American Physical Therapy Association’s Combined Sections Meeting in Las Vegas, NV:

Deborah Anderson, PT, M.S., PCS, Assistant Professor and Co-Director of Clinical Education, and Donna Cech, PT, D.H.S., PCS, Program Director and Professor, “Use of the Dynamic Gait Index with Typically Developing Children: Preliminary Data on Age-Related Child Performance and Inter-Rater Reliability.” Ms. Anderson, et al. “Participation Outcomes of a Group Therapy Program

for Children with Motor Coordination Deficits” and “Best Practices in Pediatric Clinical Education.”

Christian Evans, PT, Ph.D., Associate Professor, et al., “Does Inspiratory Muscle Training Improve Lung Function, Inspiratory Muscle Strength or Inspiratory Muscle Endurance in People with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy?”

Kathy D. Hall, PT, Ed.D., Associate Professor, “I Want to Start Teaching in the Classroom: What’s Next? Part 1 and Part 2.”

Timothy A. Hanke, PT, Ph.D., Associate Professor, et al. “Falls: Identification, Prevention, and Treatment: A Clinical Guidance Statement.”

Janet Helminski, PT, Ph.D., Professor, et al. “Translating the Biomechanics of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo to the Differential Diagnosis and Treatment.”

Janey Prodoehl, PT, Ph.D., Associate Professor, “Long-Term Exercise Improves Physical Function in Parkinson’s Disease: A Two-Year Randomized Controlled Trial” and “Two Years of Exercise Improves Spatiotemporal Gait Parameters in People with Parkinson’s Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial.”

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

Paula Handford, O.D., FAAO (AZCOPT), Assistant Professor, “The Road to Recovery: Visual Treatment Options for People with Acquired Brain Injury,” Juniper Branch; Sara Gaib, O.D. (AZCOPT), Clinical Assistant Professor, “Contact Lenses for All Ages,” Foothills Branch; Michael Quinlan, Ph.D. (AZCOM), Associate Professor, Physiology, “Habitats and Habits of Venomous Creatures in the Desert,” Foothills Branch; Lori Kemper, D.O., FACOFP (AZCOM), Dean, “A Personalized Approach to Hypertension,” Juniper Branch; Donald L. Noah, D.V.M., M.P.H., DACVPM (CVM), Associate Professor, “One Health: How Interdisciplinary Collaboration Improves Medicine,” Juniper Branch; Dawn Knudsen Gerber, Pharm.D., CGP, FASCP (CPG), Assistant Professor, “The Truth about Fish Oil and Good-For-You Dietary Supplements,” Foothills Branch. Balamurali Vasudevan, Ph.D. (AZCOPT), Assistant Professor, “Do You Have Computer Vision Syndrome?” at Juniper Branch; Robert Kramer, D.M.D. (CDMA), Pre-Clinical Leader,

“Beautiful Crowns for your Teeth… in Two Hours?” at Foothills Branch; Kurt Weingand, D.V.M., Ph.D., DACVP (CVM), Associate Dean, “Lessons in Leadership for Crisis Management: The Melamine Pet Food Recall” at Juniper Branch; Judy Woehrle, PT, Ph.D., OCS (CHS-GL), Associate Professor, Physical Therapy, “The Way You Walk Can Help You Stay On Your Feet!” at Foothills Branch; Angela Breitmeyer, Psy.D., CC-AASP (CHS-GL), Assistant Professor, Clinical Psychology, and DanThuy Dao, D.O. (AZCOM), Clinical Assistant Professor, “A Parent’s Guide to Autism Spectrum Disorder” at Juniper Branch; Jacqueline Spiegel, M.S., PA-C, Director, Midwestern University Clinical Skills and Simulation Clinic, “Thyroid Disease and You” at Foothills Branch.

STUdENT GRoUPS ANd UNIvERSITy AwARdS ANd SERvICE

The Behavioral Medicine Club hosted its eighth annual Charity Auction and Improv Show. The funds raised benefited The Wounded Warriors Project, Autism Speaks, and Planting Possibilities.

The PA Class of 2015 (CHS-DG) organized a fundraiser called “Casino Night”. The proceeds from the event benefited the Old Irving Park Community Clinic which provides free healthcare for the uninsured and assisted students traveling to compete in “Challenge Bowl,” a national competition for all PA schools which was held at the American Academy of Physician Assistants annual meeting in Boston.The Challenge Bowl team consisted of PA students Nicole McAdams, Kara McDermott, Christa Robbins, and Aimee Ambrose (alternate).

The Student Physical Therapy Organization (SPTO) has increased its presence on the Downers Grove Campus. A new logo was developed reflecting the organization’s mission and the SPTO welcomed the Class of 2017 with a pizza party and faculty/staff scavenger hunt. More than 100 physical therapy students from the classes of 2015, 2016, and 2017 attended the event. The mission of the SPTO is to give students an opportunity to gather and discuss opportunities for professional development and advancement of the profession. This event helped support the first-year students and welcome them into the physical therapy profession.

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

7Vital Signs

Administration Updates

CPG Develops Professional Development Outreach ProgramBy Lindsay Davis, Pharm.D., BCPS (CPG), Assistant Professor

Meeting the educational needs of the healthcare community through dedication of institutional resources is a well-established philosophy at Midwestern University.

The Clinician Educators Program, offered through the Department of Pharmacy Practice at the College of Pharmacy-Glendale (CPG), was designed with the vision of offering the skills, talents, and interests of our faculty to the Phoenix-area pharmacy community with a focus on post-graduate and experiential education. Through this program we hope to develop synergistic relationships that enhance the practice, education, and scholarship of pharmacy in Arizona.

The Clinician Educators Program provides a twelve-month longitu-dinal Teaching and Learning Curriculum intended to synergize and reinforce the knowledge and skills gained through practice experi-ence and residency/fellowship training with a focus on teaching, leadership, research, precepting, and assessment/feedback skills. This Clinician Educators Program is offered at no cost to participants or residency programs as a continuing professional development outreach.

Participants who complete the minimum program requirements re-ceive a certificate of program completion indicating advanced training in pedagogy and experience in implementation of effective teaching and learning techniques. There are several required components to this program, which include live teaching skills seminars, group work-shops, mentored teaching experiences, self-reflection exercises, and creation of a teaching portfolio and philosophy of teaching statement.

The inaugural offering of the Clinician Educators Program included 36 participants encompassing 12 residency programs in the Phoenix-Metropolitan area, including 18 PGY1 residents, three PGY2 residents, and 15 residency preceptors. The Program was developed, organized, delivered, and facilitated by 22 CPG faculty.

The second offering of the Clinician Educators Program began in July 2014 with the first of four planned live teaching skills seminars. That program hosted 77 enrolled participants including 24 pharmacy residents, 38 residency preceptors, and 15 IPPE/APPE preceptors, encompassing 16 pharmacy residency programs and representing over 29 employers.

Their passing comes as a sad loss for the entire University. We will remember them as good friends, caring individuals, and exceptional colleagues.

Midwestern University bestowed its highest honor – the Littlejohn Award – upon deserving individu-als representing members of the University faculty, staff, and alumni associated with the Downers Grove and Glendale campuses. The Littlejohn Awards are presented each year in recognition of service and commitment to the University.

In Downers Grove, the Littlejohn winners were alumna Kathryn Burke, D.O., Director of Medical Education at the Franciscan Alliance St. James Hospitals; faculty member Anil Gulati, M.D., Ph.D., Associate Dean for the Chicago College of Pharmacy; and staff member Amy Gibson, M.S., PHR, Director of Human Resources.

In Glendale, honorees were alumnus Howard B. Babcock, D.O., Chair of the Midwestern University Alumni Senate; faculty member Shari M. Burns, CRNA, Ed.D., Program Director, Nurse Anesthesia, College of Health Sciences; and staff member Judith A. DeLorme-Loftus, D.Min., M.S.W., LCSW, Manager of Student Counseling, Glendale Campus. A special Littlejohn Award was presented to John R. Burdick, Ph.D., Vice President of Clinic Operations and Dean of Basic Sciences, who will be

retiring from Midwestern University in January.

The Littlejohn Awards take their name from the Littlejohn broth-ers, physicians who in 1900 founded the American College of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery, the precursor to the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine which formed Midwestern University’s foundation. The awards have been presented annually since the University celebrated its centennial in 2000 by Kathleen H. Goeppinger, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Midwestern University.

Littlejohn Awards Honor Commitment to University

Downers Grove Campus Littlejohn Award winners: Dr. Gulati and Ms. Gibson (not pictured, Dr. Burke).

Glendale Campus Littlejohn Award winners (from left): Dr. Babcock, Dr. Burns, Dr. DeLorme-Loftus, and Dr. Burdick.

In MemoriamMidwestern University mourns the passing of three members of our academic community:

Kurtis (Kurt) Larson, fourth-year dental student, College of Dental Medicine–Illinois;

dean McLean, former Director of Risk Management from 1977 until his retirement in 2010;

Lawrence Suchocki, Senior Research Associate, Biochemistry, 1999-2014.


Cheryl Kibarian, B.A., AFC (AZCOM), Residency Program Coordinator – Postdoctoral EducationThe Midwestern University Osteopathic Postdoctoral Training Institute (MWU/OPTI) and the Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine (AZCOM) joined forces for the annual Rotation and Residency Opportunities Day (RROD). The event provides meaningful opportunities to assist second- and third-year AZCOM students with understanding clinical rotations and selecting residency programs as part of the continuum of education theme.

This year’s program was expanded from a half day to a full-day, three-part event featuring pro-

gram exhibits, expert panels of chief residents, and program director-led mock interviews. MS-II and MS-III students participated in Q&A panels focused on clinical rotations and residency program selection. Mock interviews were led by program director representatives from various programs: MWU/OPTI, local, statewide, and nationwide.

Participants included approximately 300 stu-dents, 13 program directors, six chief residents, clinical faculty, and 35 exhibitors representing specialties, hospital rotations, and residency programs from around the state and nation.

Administration Updates

AZCOM students are informed about post-graduate opportunities at the MWU/OPTI Rotation and Residency Opportunities Day.

AZCOM Students Get Rotation and Residency Advice

Campus Events

Students of the Midwestern University College of Veterinary Medicine’s inaugural class have begun the pursuit of their four-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees on the Glendale Campus.

These first 102 veterinary students to be trained in the state of Arizona are a diverse group of students representing a variety of backgrounds and specialty interests.

While 24 students in the class are residents from Arizona, 27 of the 50 states are represented. The majority of the class is female (89 of 102), which is consistent with other veterinary schools. The median age of the class is 24 years. Those new class members expressing a preference cited 17 different areas of interest; the most popular areas were small animal primary care, specialty medicine, and food animal/production medicine.

Midwestern University supports One Health, an approach where physicians, veterinarians, and other healthcare providers work together to improve the lives and well-being of humans and animals. These students will have a unique opportunity to work closely with other students in the health professions.

College of Veterinary Medicine Welcomes Inaugural Class

Speech Language Institute Hosts Let’s Talk! Speech Camp The Speech Language Institute of the Midwestern University Multispecialty Clinic hosted Let’s Talk Camp, a one-week, intensive therapy program for young children with severe speech impairment, provided in cooperation with The Apraxia Connection, a local advocacy group for children with apraxia of speech.

Speech-Language Pathology faculty and graduate student clinicians developed a dynamic therapy experience for six campers. Participants came from three different states and ranged in age from four to seven years. The program offered daily large and small group therapy, in addition to

two individual therapy sessions for each camper. For four days at the end of July, the halls of the Multispecialty Clinics were abuzz with sounds of the rainforest, this year’s theme for Let’s Talk!

Children who participated in the camp presented a range of disorders that make it difficult to learn to talk and speak intelligibly. Parent education sessions were provided daily for parents and grandparents of the campers. Speech-language pathologists worked with the families to help them understand their child’s speech problems and how to work toward a positive outcome.

The Apraxia Connection offered scholarships to support camp tuition for some campers, and provided daily parent education sessions during the camp. Due to the success of the camp, faculty members are busy planning two sessions for the summer of 2015.

The Let’s Talk Camp at the Speech Language Institute provided intensive therapy for children.

Thomas Graves, D.V.M., Ph.D., DACVIM, Associate Dean for Clinical Education (CVM), oversees students in a wellness exam lab.

9Vital Signs

Campus Events

$20,000 Raised for MISS FoundationMidwestern University served as the site of a commu-nity event to support families who have lost children.

The Kindness 5K and Memorial Walk, which raised funds and awareness for the MISS Foundation, featured a five-kilometer run and a memorial walk around the Glendale Campus. The MISS Foundation is 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 drew more than 200 people to the campus and raised more than $20,000 to support the MISS Foundation. The Foundation presented the University an engraved vase as a thank-you gift, accepted by Ross Kosinski, Ph.D., Dean of Student Services.

The MISS Foundation Kindness 5K and Memorial Walk was supported by the Midwestern University Clinical Psychology Program.

A “memorial wall” featuring photos of children who passed away too soon stands along the MISS Foundation Kindness 5K and Memorial Walk route.

By Kelsea Caruso, PS-III (CCP)The American Pharmacists Association Academy of Student Pharmacists (APhA-ASP) hosts a Student Leadership Institute (SLI) each summer at their headquarters in Washington, DC. The Student Leadership Institute is an opportunity for students from across the nation to join together and learn how to become successful leaders. The student pharmacists are then able to bring these skills back to their APhA-ASP Chapters, which will aid in future success.

Midwestern University had the opportunity to send three student pharmacists to SLI: Joseph Elashkar, PS-III (CPG), Jay Sheth, PS-III (CPG), and Kelsea Caruso, PS-III (CCP). At the time of the confer-ence, Mr. Elashkar and Ms. Caruso were both the Presidents of their respective APhA-ASP Chapters and Mr. Sheth served as the Policy Vice President for his chapter. All three students were able to con-nect for the first time to talk about the success of their chapters and brainstorm about future collaborations.

During the Institute, the students attended numerous leadership workshops that required them to identify their leadership style and were given advice on how they can continue to grow their leadership skills. The workshops included team building activities that allowed them to work with other student pharmacists to find solutions to complex problems.

In addition to leadership and educational workshops, leaders from APhA spoke to the student pharmacists about updates within the or-ganization. The APhA currently has a bill (H.R. 4190) in the House of Representatives that pushes for pharmacists to be considered providers under federal law and would allow pharmacists to receive compensation for more of the services provided to the patients. APhA leaders also gave advice on how student pharmacists can play an active role in the provider status campaign (Pharmacists Provide Care).

Student Pharmacists from Both Campuses Explore Leadership

SOTA Marches in Disability Pride ParadeThe Midwestern University’s Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA) participated in the annual Disability Pride Parade held in Chicago, Illinois. This is the second year that SOTA has marched in the parade and run a children’s booth as part of the event. The parade is organized by vol-unteers from various disability-related organizations and affiliations. People with and without disabilities march in the parade to advocate for and support the rights of those with disabilities to be full participants in society. The parade, along with the post-parade event on Daley Plaza, showcases how people with disabilities are a part of a diverse hu-manity and despite societal challenges, lead meaningful lives.

Occupational Therapy (OT) students from the Downers Grove Campus marched alongside other parade par-ticipants including organizations such as Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Healthcare of Illinois, 3E Love, Family Resource Center for Disabilities, Access Living, and many others. SEIU Healthcare is a union of healthcare, child care, home care, and nursing home workers.

Informational booths were set up by organizations to educate people on disability issues and access to resources. Midwestern OT students manned the kids craft tent for the post-parade event. The booth included games, face painting, and crafts. Several SOTA members at the craft table helped children and adults draw and design foam visors to wear. Two other SOTA members helped face paint with SOTA advisor Lisa Mahaffey, M.S., OTR/L (CHS-DG), Associate Professor, Occupational Therapy. Lastly, to round out the fun, several SOTA members helped children and adults participate in a game of bozo buckets to win candy prizes.

Students show their support at Chicago’s Disability Pride Parade.


Campus Events

By Anthony Mollica, PMS-III (AZPod/CHS-GL)Undergraduate students interested in pursu-ing a career in podiatry were offered a rare glimpse into the unique world of second-

and third-year podiatry students through the Arizona School of Podiatric Medicine (AZPod/CHS-GL) Undergraduate Immersion Program. The students were given a special opportunity to learn lower extremity anatomy first-hand in the labora-tory. The program was made possible by AZPod faculty members Lance Wissman, D.P.M., Associate Professor, Donald Curtis, D.P.M., Assistant Professor, and Julie Brooker, Senior Administrative Assistant, as well as third-year podiatry volunteers.

The program was an intensive two-day immersion into the world of postgraduate podiatry school. The day started promptly at eight in the morning with a brief introduc-tion to the anatomy lab. The undergraduates were then able to work with AZPod second-year students and learn anatomy from lower extremity specimens. Afterward, they were taken on a volunteer-led tour of the campus and visited the Foot and Ankle Services at the Midwestern University Multispecialty Clinic. The event concluded on the second

day with the students attending a lecture on Advanced Pathomechanics, and an interac-tive question and answer session.

“It is reassuring to see that students have this great opportunity to be immersed in podiatry and see the full spectrum of what it’s like to be a student in this excellent field,” says volunteer Kent Jarvis, PMS-III.

The Arizona School of Podiatric Medicine is actively involved in showcasing podiatry as a career choice. They have not only served as hosts for undergraduate students at this event, but also for high school students during the Health Sciences Career Day. In addition, AZPod faculty and student volun-teers are also active in coordinating Fit Feet events at the Special Olympics, which in-volves foot screenings for disabled athletes. David Jenkins, D.P.M., FACFAS (AZPod/CHS-GL), Professor, states, “Through these outreach events it is the hope that we educate others on what a podiatrist does and also promote podiatry as a career choice for interested undergraduate students.”

Undergraduates Gain Hands-on Experience at AZPod

John Tassone, D.P.M. (AZPod/CHS-GL), As-sociate Professor showed the use of ultrasound to perform guided injections.

By Richard Schuster, PS-IV (CPG)Midwestern University students in Glendale have partnered with the Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCPDH) to form the campus’ first student organization focused solely on tobacco education and cessation efforts.

MWU’s IGNITE—which stands for Midwestern University’s Influence, Guide, Network for Intercollegiate Tobacco Education—is aimed at helping MWU’s students practice advocacy and integrate tobacco cessation messages into their projects and activities, and promoting tobacco cessation among users by providing resources to those who want to quit.

Students collected nearly three gallons of cigarette butts during two service events focused on removing tobacco-related waste from campus. “Our goal was to demonstrate that tobacco use on campus is not only a health issue, but also an aesthetic issue,” said Nathaniel Poole, D.O., PS-IV (CPG), IGNITE Co-President.

The new organization is led by students Richard Schuster, PS-IV, and Dr. Poole, and advised by faculty members Elizabeth Pogge, Pharm.D., M.P.H. (CPG), Associate Professor, in Glendale, and Larry Williams, D.D.S. (CDMI), Assistant Professor, in Downers Grove. MWU’s IGNITE is currently composed of about 80 stu-dents and faculty members from programs including Osteopathic Medicine, Pharmacy, Physician Assistant, Dental Medicine, Nurse Anesthesia, and Optometry.

MWU’s IGNITE also held a tabletop presentation in the cafete-ria to remind students about the harmful effects of tobacco use.

Participants won prizes for answering tobacco trivia questions and had their breath carbon monoxide (CO) levels measured. Breath CO levels are used to determine a person’s smoking status—a high CO level indicates that a person is a smoker.

As future healthcare providers, students should be aware of the prevalence of tobacco use in their community and be proficient in educating patients on cessation. A survey conducted by students indicated that eight out of ten Midwestern University students and faculty members would support a policy that prohibited tobacco use on campus.

New MWU Student Organization Partners with Maricopa County for Tobacco Education

IGNITE volunteers (left to right) Danny Anouti, PS-IV; Evan Gilbo, PS-IV; Keith Walker, Maricopa County Department of Public Health; Nathaniel Poole, PS-IV; and Richard Schuster, PS-IV. In their jars are about three gallons of cigarette butts collected during campus cleanup events.

11Vital Signs

By Tracy Middleton, D.O. (AZCOM), Chair, Family MedicineWe left Phoenix with a mission team from Christ’s Church of the Valley, headed for Kenya, wondering what needs and disease states we would encounter. Anxiety and excitement were tempered at the airport when we were reassured to find that the majority of the medical team providers were from Midwestern University.

Of the six providers, four were graduates or current/past faculty members, including my-self and my husband, Don Middleton, D.O.; Scott Gibson, D.O., an orthopedic fellow and 2008 graduate of AZCOM; and his wife Jane Pavlas Gibson, PA, a 2007 graduate from the College of Health Sciences (CHS-GL). Many of our pharmaceutical supplies were gener-ously donated by Midwestern alumnus and 2004 Littlejohn Award winner Kevin Borg, Pharm.D., from CPG’s class of 2001.

There in the slums of Nairobi, a makeshift pharmacy, optometry clinic, and medical clinic were created. There was no electric-ity, and rooms were dark, but the smiles on the faces of the many children and thankful mothers made up for that. Medical care pro-vided ranged from the management of acute hypertensive emergencies, pneumonia with sepsis, scabies, and impetigo, to the provision of glasses and braces fashioned for those with foot drop from polio.

It is nearly impossible to adequately describe the smells and sights of this impoverished community, the joy of hundreds of students proud to share a song they memorized in English, the desperation of a one-year-old deprived of water for days, the many people in line as we left for the night, and the tears of children as we said our final good-byes.

It was an honor to have the opportunity to care for the underserved members of the

Korogocho community and to experience their heartfelt gratitude and love. It is simply something that must be experienced, and for those who have been considering a mission trip or international rotation experience, know that it will be something you will never regret or forget.

Faculty News

MWU Campuses Recognize Student, Faculty ResearchBy Lindsay Goboly, M.S., Research Coordinator, Office of Research and Sponsored ProgramsMidwestern University’s Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP) held its annual Kenneth A. Suarez Research Day on both the Glendale and Downers Grove cam-puses. The event was the 16th annual celebra-tion of research in Downers Grove and the 8th for Glendale.

Research Day is named in honor of Kenneth A. Suarez, D.O., whose leadership guided the ORSP from 1998-2007. The annual event celebrates the research endeavors and ac-complishments of Midwestern University’s students, faculty, and staff and provides an open forum for discussion of future research on campus.

On display were 129 posters for the Glendale Campus and 159 posters for the Downers Grove Campus. Students display their research photos on

the Downers Grove Campus.

Practicing Volunteer Medicine in Kenya

Residents of Korogocho in Nairobi, Kenya line the street to receive medical care from American volunteer workers that included Midwestern faculty and alumni.

Student Activities

By Amanda Gibson, NAS-II (CHS-GL)Throughout the course of the academic year, the Nurse Anesthesia Class of 2015 participated in several on- and off- campus community service and outreach events.

On campus, members of the class volunteered at Safe Halloween, New Years in New York, Cuts for Kids, A Night Around the World, and Easter Fest. Class of 2015 students also participated in interdisci-plinary education by assisting with intravenous access labs with the Podiatric Medicine and Physician Assistant programs.

During National Nurse Anesthetists Week in January, the Nurse Anesthesia cohort volunteered at Scottsdale Healthcare and Fit City’s Annual Health and Wellness Expo. Students assisted with a video-game-inspired obstacle course and fun run designed to encourage

Glendale Nurse Anesthetists Engage in Volunteer Service

Class of 2015 Nurse Anesthesia students volunteered at Scottsdale Healthcare and Fit City’s “Annual Health and Wellness Expo” during National Nurse Anesthetists Week.

physical activity and recreation in children and teenagers. The commitment to the betterment of the community demonstrated by the Nurse Anesthesia team will undoubtedly continue now that students have embarked on their clinical residencies.


Student Activities

CDMI students provide education about oral health to senior citizens.

By Valerie Schwartz, MS-II (CCOM) A handful of MS-II students from the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine (CCOM) volunteered at the Abilities Expo–a gathering for people with disabilities, their families, and healthcare professionals to come together as a community. The Abilities Expo aims to empower disabled individuals to accomplish any task they desire with the help of determination and creativity. This mission was accomplished though a wide array of initiatives that ranged from the newest developments in wheelchairs to interac-tive activities to performances.

We had the privilege of working with Dwayne Szot of Zot Artz to help individuals with a variety of disabilities express themselves through large-scale art projects. Zot Artz makes adaptive art tools for those of all abilities that include chalk drawers, bubble blow-ers, and stamp rollers that are pushed by wheelchairs. Mr. Szot was

inspired to create innovative art tools while growing up with a dis-abled family member and started putting his creative genius to work for her, but later expanded his vision to serve a larger population. In doing so, he has taken a wheelchair and turned it into an instrument of limitless artistic expression. In addition to selling these innova-tive art tools, Zot Artz also hosts special events to make larger than life murals and art pieces.

Though many of the people at the expo had previously participated in traditional art projects, their sense of accomplishment was evident as they painted the floor – or actually, a floor-sized mural. Many of these individuals had previously experienced limitations when attempting art projects that required more than just a table-top. It was rewarding to interact with the people who visited the Zot Artz booth and to help them transcend their artistic barriers.

CCOM Students Help People of all Abilities

By Anand N. Subramanian, MS-II (CCOM)The Riverwalk in downtown Naperville, Illinois was home to the 6th Annual Autism Awareness Walk and Fun Run, also called Step Up! for Autism. Little Friends, a private, non-profit organization based in Naperville which serves children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities, organized the event.

The Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine (CCOM) chapter of the Student Osteopathic Medical Association (SOMA) has long cultivated a partnership with Little Friends, and this year incoming SOMA Vice President Morgan Tarbutton, MS-II, and Brendan Sullivan, MS-II, reached out to Little Friends to offer support for the walk.

Leading the way for CCOM SOMA’s team were Thomas McCartney, MS-II, and myself. Incoming SOMA President Jonathan Bardahl, MS-II, made it a team of three. As we walked, we discussed our thoughts on the importance of spreading awareness about autism. While many people are familiar with the general attributes of autism patients, there is also plenty of ignorance and misinformation concerning the condition. While research in the area has yet to yield conclusive causative factors, earlier hypotheses, such as the danger-ous one implicating vaccinations, have been discredited. However, this discredited theory and others continue to carry influence with many parents fearful of their children developing the condition. Those with autism are also unfairly stigmatized by those who are insufficiently educated about the nature of the condition.

Our participation in the walk proved enormously fulfilling. Mr. McCartney had this to say about the experience: “I think the energy and enthusiasm Midwestern students bring can greatly benefit Little Friends’ mission, and that this is the start to a great partnership.” We all intend to participate again next year, and will share our experi-ence with our peers and incoming first-year CCOM students in order to continue our support for the efforts of Little Friends.

CCOM Students Step Up for Autism Awareness

At the finish line are (from left) Jonathan Bardahl, MS-II, Anand N. Subramanian, MS-II, and Thomas McCartney, MS-II.

CDMI Students Educate Seniors on Oral HealthMembers of the College of Dental Medicine-Illinois provided an afternoon of oral health education to the senior residents of the Wyndemere Life Care Services facility in Wheaton, Illinois.

Lauren Hoye, DMS-III, Ryan Baxter, DMS-III, and Niveditha Rajagopalan, DMS-III, developed an education program and presented it to more than 28 residents and staff members of the full-service senior living community. Ms. Hoye coordinated the event and worked with the other students to create an interactive program that covered the impact of aging on the oral cavity, various aspects of oral health, and hygiene education.

13Vital Signs

The Special Olympics Arizona Summer State Games held at Grand Canyon University were an opportunity for Midwestern University fac-ulty and students to share their expertise with the event’s athletes and organizers.

Students from the Arizona School of Podiatric Medicine (CHS-GL) participated in Fit Feet foot screenings for over 175 Special Olympics athletes. Supervising the event were David Jenkins, D.P.M., FACFAS, FAAPSM, Professor; Lance Wissman, D.P.M., Associate Professor; Melanie Violand, D.P.M., FACFAS, FAPWH, Assistant Professor; and Donald Curtis, D.P.M., Assistant Professor. This event also provided a venue for Dr. Jenkins to train and certify Rachel O’Connor, D.P.M. (AZPod Class of 2010) for the position of Fit Feet Clinical Director for the State of Arizona.

Athlete screenings were also provided by stu-dents from the Arizona College of Optometry

(AZCOPT) under the direction of Alicia Feis, O.D., Assistant Director, Clinical Rotations; Physical Therapy students supervised by Robert Nithman, Ph.D., PT, D.P.T., GCS (CHS-GL), Assistant Professor; and students from the College of Dental Medicine-Arizona (CDMA).

Student Activities

Dr. David Jenkins and Dr. Donald Curtis with MWU alumna and Fit Feet Clinical Director for the State of Arizona, Dr. Rachel O’Connor

MWU Students, Faculty Contribute to Special Olympics

By James F. Gunn, M.M.S., PA-C (CHS-DG), Assistant Professor, Physician Assistant Program

In an effort to prepare the healthcare workforce for working optimally and cost-effectively to meet the healthcare needs of patients and communities, many health professional organiza-tions are encouraging more coopera-tion among different health profes-sionals during the delivery of care. To this goal, health professions educa-tional institutions are being called on to prepare students for interprofes-sional collaborative practice.

To help Midwestern students acquire the skills needed for this collabora-tive approach to healthcare deliv-ery, the College of Health Sciences (CHS-DG) Interprofessional Education Committee facilitated an Interprofessional Learning Activity at the Multispecialty Clinic in Downers Grove.

As part of the CHS Interprofessional Learning Activity, approximately 50 students were assigned to teams with which they worked and discussed a mock clinical case. Each interprofes-sional team was made up of approxi-mately seven to eight different health-care disciplines. The clinical scenario involved a patient with metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Each team worked through the case and discussed various topics such as the patient’s barriers to posi-tive health outcomes and the different disciplines needed in the patient’s care team to provide the most effective care.

Students from multiple disciplines work on a mock case.

Interprofessional Learning Activity Hosted by CHS

CCOM Students Volunteer in NicaraguaA group of students from the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine (CCOM) elected to spend the first week of their summer break helping people in rural Nicaragua. A total of 24 CCOM stu-dents participated in the medical volunteer trip in conjunction with the non-profit agency Global Medical Training. The goal of the trip was to provide medical care to impoverished areas throughout Nicaragua, primarily focusing on rural areas that have little to no access to medical care.

“The trip not only allowed students to provide medical services to those in need, but it also served as an opportunity for us as medical students to practice the skills that we have acquired throughout the first year,” said Jennifer Becker, MS-II (CCOM), President of the International Health Club on the Downers Grove Campus.

During the trip, CCOM students had the opportunity to practice their physical exam and patient interviewing skills, in addition to further developing their ability to form a differential diagnosis. Students provided care under the direct supervision of licensed physicians and gained important clinical experiences while broadening their understanding of global health issues.

CCOM students spent part of their summer break volunteering at clinics in Nicaragua, including this one near the village of San Ramón.


Student Activities

CPG Students Provide Health Education to AZ Adults

By Kelsea Caruso, PS-III (CCP)As part of our commitment to community service, the American Pharmacist Association-Academy of Student Pharmacists (APhA-ASP) Chapter at the Chicago College of Pharmacy collected and donated more than $300 of art supplies for the Ronald McDonald Children’s Hospital at the Loyola University Medical Center craft room. Our student pharmacist members delivered these art supplies to the pediatric patients in order to boost their holiday spirit and assisted the children in crafting a snowman.

The Ronald McDonald Children’s Hospital at Loyola University Medical Center provides pediatric care for children with various medical conditions. Their healthcare team works diligently to provide the best patient care for the children and their families. The hospital has a game room for the pediatric patients, which allows them to interact with other patients and their families. Furthermore, the children’s craft room fosters the patients’ creativity through interactive projects and experiments.

Our student pharmacist members were inspired by the children and families they met through this invaluable experience and have made plans to return to Ronald McDonald Children’s Hospital.

Volunteers from CPG’s AzPA SPA Health Fair

The Arizona Pharmacy Association Student Pharmacist Academy (AzPA SPA) at MWU’s College of Pharmacy – Glendale held the 2nd Annual Health Fair at the Glendale Adult Center. We had ap-proximately 40 students participate and reached over 100 patients. We offered screenings for diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and hyperten-sion, along with educational booths on the topics of blood glucose, cholesterol, sodium intake, smoking cessation, aspirin use, and blood pressure management. This fair served as a great opportunity to refine counseling skills as well as help educate the public on ways to improve their health.

Dr. Whitney Rice from Fry’s Pharmacy donated the blood glucose and cholesterol supplies and offered preceptorship for the screen-ings. Justin Dang, Pharm.D. (CPG ’13); Kacey Carroll, Pharm.D., Visiting Instructor; and Kelly Smith, Pharm.D., Visiting Instructor precepted and oversaw the event.

As pharmacists transition into more direct patient-care roles, the value of showcasing our knowledge and skills to patients is increas-ingly important. It is our hope that events such as this help lay the foundation for student pharmacists as they learn to provide hands-on care that makes a meaningful impact on the patients we serve.

Pharmacy Students Brighten Children’s Hospital Stays

Student pharmacists and CCP faculty members volunteer at the Ronald McDonald Children’s Hospital.

Pharmacy Fraternity Brings Hope to Local ShelterBy Kailey Murphy, PS-IV (CCP)As one of many community outreach projects, the members of the Delta Nu Chapter of the Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity, Inc. on the Downers Grove Campus have partnered with the Family Shelter Service in Downers Grove, IL. This site is a local safe haven for those who have been victims of domestic violence crimes and supports women and children who are homeless as a result of domestic abuse.

For our event at the shelter, our members spend time with children and their families each December. We bake Christmas cookies, decorate their Christmas tree, play games with the children, put up holiday lights for the shelter, and wrap and package gifts for the families.

This event is extremely important to our fraternity as our members strive to make their passion for service felt in our community. Opportunities like this event help better our chapter locally, within our province, and on a national level.

Since starting this event a few years ago, our chapter has been fortunate enough to be asked to revisit the shelter and the families for three additional service projects throughout the year. Being there even for only a few hours each month brings happiness to the children and their families and to our members as well. Those families, each in their own way, have found their way into our Kappa Psi family and have permanently found a place in our hearts.

By Lindsay Davis, Pharm.D., BCPS (CPG), Assistant Professor, Pharmacy Practice

15Vital Signs

By George M. Lessmann, MS-II (CCOM)A group of osteopathic medical students participated in a “Recipe for Healthier Patients” cooking class and eating event in Palos Heights, IL. This was no ordinary cooking class, however. The Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine students were able to learn and cook under the instruction of John Principe, M.D., of WellBeing MD. Dr. Principe advises and treats patients with the philosophy that what we eat plays a large role in our overall health.

Dr. Principe is so dedicated to the health and well-being of his patients that he renovated the bottom floor of his practice site, turning it into a gourmet kitchen and dining area. It is there that he teaches his patients how to cook healthy foods and live healthier lifestyles. Dr. Principe taught the CCOM students primarily about his Roadmap to Wellness program, a six-week program targeting nutrition, exercise, and stress reduction. Dr. Principe also places emphasis on preventative medicine, helping his patients not only to recover, but to improve overall health and prevent recurrence of disease.

The CCOM students who participated in the class were treated to a great educational and dining experience. During the course of the class, they received wellness and cooking advice regarding everything from the quality of the food we buy to the amount of stress we deal with on a daily basis. Dr. Principe was assisted by two of his success stories, patients who had completed his Roadmap to Wellness program. Both were very competent in the kitchen and served as excellent and entertaining instructors.

Students were divided up into groups of four, with each group being responsible for an individual meal. The end result of a few hours of cooking and fun was some delicious cuisine. Every student dined on a homemade avocado and spring green salad to start. A side dish consisted of re-imagined dolmades made with kale leaves, instead of the traditionally-used grape leaves, stuffed with unique mixtures of organic grains, organic feta cheese, and sesame seed oil. The main course was delicious horseradish-crusted wild-caught salmon. The meal ended with dessert consisting of organic brown rice pudding topped with berry-based liquor sauce.

On a personal note, I thoroughly enjoyed preparing a delicious and healthy meal with my classmates. This class was a great way to learn about the benefits of eating well and taking good care of oneself.

CCOM Students Cook Up Healthy Living Lesson

CCOM students learned the importance of healthy food choices at the “Recipe for Healthier Patients” cooking class.

Student Activities

Ten third-year students from Midwestern University’s College of Dental Medicine-Illinois participated in the Chicagoland Special Olympics, Special Smiles program held at Eckersall Stadium in Chicago.

These students helped with more than 620 dental screening exams as well as oral health education for the athletes and their caregivers. One key outcome of this event was that the students were given firsthand experience in using the “Tell, Show, Do” technique to help calm several of the special needs athletes who were nervous receiving their dental screening.

The students also benefited from working closely with residents from both the Illinois Masonic and Loyola General Practice residencies, as well as dentists from the local Chicago area.

Midwestern University volunteers at the Special Smiles event were (from left): Larry Williams, D.D.S., Assistant Professor; CDMI students: Richie Tran, Joshua Talley, Danielle Piano, Brittany Shubert, Elena Zakharian, Michael Kelly, Lauren Hoye, Chessa Calabrese, Anna de la Fuente, and Tabasam Akbar.

CDMI Students Provide Dental Care to Special Olympians

Students Receive Stethoscopes from FoundationDuring orientation for the new classes for the Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine (AZCOM) and the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine (CCOM), special presentations were made to the incoming D.O. students from the Jason Madachy Foundation.

Each member of the two Classes of 2018 received with a new stethoscope with the words “Excel in Leaving a Mark” engraved in the metal.

The presentation was made by Dolly Madachy, the mother of the late Jason Madachy, a medi-cal student at Marshall University’s Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine who passed away unexpectedly in 2007.

The students will also be invited to attend a pre-graduation reception that will be co-spon-sored by the Foundation in 2018. The recep-tion will be held to invite the students to reflect on the moments that followed their receipt of the stethoscopes and encourage them to give back in kind to future classes.

Vital Signs

Downers Grove Campus

Glendale Campus

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AZCOPT students created a parody video of the popular song “What Does the Fox Say?” on YouTube to explain the challenges of their first year of study.

The Student Professionalism and Ethics Association (SPEA) in Dentistry organization on the Downers Grove Campus provided oral health education to the students of Hitch Elementary School in Chicago. The SPEA members, Hitch Elementary staff, and approximately 160 kindergarten through 2nd grade students enjoyed a variety of presentations on dental health and hygiene.

Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine students celebrated National Osteopathic Medicine (NOM) Week with community service projects, educational events, and a proclamation by the Village of Downers Grove, IL. At the Village Council Meeting , Downers Grove Mayor Martin T. Tully praised the students and Midwestern University for their service to the community.

Forty-eight high school students explored healthcare careers first-hand at Midwestern University’s eight-day Health Careers Institute for High School Students.

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