October 2003

In the Spotlight

Go Hokies!
When Hokies are injured in the line of duty, it's Gunnar Brolinson, D.O., '83, Blacksburg, VA., head team physician for Virginia Tech, who repairs them. Dr. Brolinson is starting his second year as the man who keeps Tech's athletes competitive. “There are 700 athletes at Tech,” he says. “That is my practice.”

Michael Sampson, D.O., '92, joined Dr. Brolinson at the school in August, and next month Jodi Pelegrin, D.O., '97, will “be an outstanding addition to the team,” says Dr. Brolinson.  

In addition to his work with the Hokies, Dr. Brolinson is a physician for the U.S. Olympic Ski Team. This year he'll spend two weeks in both Canada and France, preparing skiers for the 2006 Winter Olympic Games in Italy.

KCOM orientation
In August, the Class of 2007 began their careers as student-doctors at KCOM.  Between August 16 and 20, the students listened to welcoming addresses from James McGovern, Ph.D., ATSU president; Gerald Osborn, D.O., M.Phil., FACN, FAPA, '73, KCOM vice president, medical affairs and dean; and Ron Gaber, Ed.S., vice president and dean of students. They received a copy of the Drs. McGoverns' book Your Healer Within. The highlight of the three-day orientation was the Class Induction and White Coat Ceremony held on August 16.  During his keynote address to the incoming students, 1987 KCOM alumnus Andrew Barnosky, D.O., M.P.H, FACEP, emphasized the importance of collegiality and cooperation, saying, “Work together, learn together, grow together, and seek to promote the best in each and all of you.  The next generation of humanity requires the next generation of physicians to be all excellent clinicians.”   

This year, the white coats were purchased with money donated by alumni, faculty, staff, and friends.

Class of 2007, at a glance

Martin memorial
ATSU was saddened by the sudden death of Sean Martin, class of 2007, in September.  Martin was a dual degree candidate at KCOM, working on both his D.O. and M.S. degrees.  He is survived by his wife, Claire, and their two daughters.  To contribute to Martin's memorial fund, contact student affairs.

Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health opens
A. T. Still University welcomed its fourth academic institution this summer with the opening of the Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health (ASDOH) in Mesa. The school is committed to a community-based education model, with an emphasis on providing oral healthcare to traditionally underserved populations. For more information on the opening, click here.

Highway 63 update
The Highway 63 expansion bridge in La Plata will be finished on November 15, 2003. Bidding for the construction contract begins on November 18, 2003. The expansion will bring a four-lane highway between La Plata and Kirksville. For more information on the highway expansion, click here.

Breaking News

Notables

Click on each notable's name for the full story.
ATSU President James J. McGovern, Ph.D., receives ATSU's Above and Beyond Award.

Daniel L. Biery, D.O., '72, FACOI, FACG, is KOAA's 2003 Alumnus of the Year.

Fred C. Tinning, Ph.D., president emeritus, receives KOAA's Living Tribute Award for 2003.

Lex Towns, Ph.D., chair, anatomy, and Neal Chamberlain, Ph.D., associate professor, microbiology/immunology, both receive Gutensohn Teaching Awards from the KCOM student government.

Tritz retires
Gerald Tritz, Ph.D., retired in June from his position as chair of microbiology/immunology at KCOM.  Dr. Tritz had been with the College since 1976. During his tenure, he published scores of articles and abstracts, contributed chapters to textbooks, and delivered dozens of papers—all in addition to teaching.  His presence will be missed. 

On the road
The Admissions and Alumni Services team is hitting the road once again! Following is a broad view of where staff will be this fall, recruiting prospective students and reconnecting with alumni.

If you are interested in joining staff for a presentation, contact those listed below. They look forward to connecting with you on the road!

• AOA Convention, New Orleans (week of October 12): Kathy
• Arizona, California, Massachusetts, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah: Lindsey
• California (San Diego), Massachusetts, New Jersey, Ohio, Utah: Susan
• Colorado, Illinois (Chicago area), Oregon, Washington (west), Wisconsin: Michael
• Idaho, Iowa, Washington (east): Stacy
• Illinois (rural), Kansas, Missouri: Andy

Want to visit a college or university?
If so, we can provide you with all of the necessary materials you need to connect with prospective students and advisors. 

Contact Kristin Blunk (660-626-2410) if you are interested in this opportunity!

Board results
The A. T. Still University Board of Trustees met September 12-13, 2003, in Kirksville. Annual Reports were presented, and executive committee and Board members were elected. For more details, click here.

Founder's Weekend a success
Approximately 90 physicians from 15 states attended Founder's Day weekend this year.  Richard L. VanBuskirk, D.O., Ph.D., FAAO, delivered the Scott Memorial Lecture, “What the Still Technique Teaches Us About Osteopathy,” and Felix J. Rogers, D.O., '73, delivered the annual Founder's Day Address.  Both speakers discussed the importance of OMM in the practice of osteopathic medicine, emphasizing the unique role that osteopathic physicians can—and should—play in healing.

Next year, Founder's Day events will coincide with ATSU's “Still—the Best” Alumni Weekend, which will be held October 15-16, 2004.

Alumni News

KOAA Board nominations
The Nominations and Awards Committee of the Kirksville Osteopathic Alumni Association (KOAA) Board of Directors encourages you to recommend alumni to serve on the Board. In addition, the Committee seeks recommendations for KOAA awards.

To learn more about KOAA Board membership and KOAA awards, including qualifications, go to alumni information.

The Nominations and Awards Committee will begin work in February for candidates for Board membership and awards. Their recommendations will be presented to the KOAA Board of Directors during their spring meeting. Please submit your recommendations online by January 24, 2004, by completing the recommendations form.

Yearbooks available
ATSU Alumni Services has available copies of KCOM's yearbook, Osteoblast, for 1991, 1992, 1993, 1995, 1996, and 1997. There is a limited number, so requests will be filled while the supply lasts.

Please submit a check made payable to ATSU/KCOM in the amount of $5.00 for shipping and handling for each yearbook requested by November 17 to:

Admissions and Alumni Services
Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine
A. T. Still University of Health Sciences
800 West Jefferson Street
Kirksville, MO 63501

Alumni Updates

• Delbert E. Maddox, D.O., FACOFP, FAOASM, '55, Kirksville, has been named Grand Marshal for Truman State University's Homecoming Parade to be held October 18. He received a bachelor's degree in education from Truman in 1937, and a master's degree in education from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1939. He later taught physical education at Truman and was once the athletic director for the University.  Dr. Maddox is Emeritus Professor of General Practice, KCOM.
• Joseph J. Richert, D.O., '58, New Boston, Mich., and his wife, Jean, have received the 2003 Legacy Society Community Service and Leadership Award from the Brain Injury Association of Michigan.  The Richerts, who founded the Special Tree Rehabilitation System in 1974, were honored for pioneering numerous rehabilitation concepts and for their leadership and commitment to persons with brain injuries and their families.
• Karen M. Steele, D.O., FAAO, '72, Lewisburg, W. Va., has been named to a three-year term on the Board of Trustees of the American Academy of Osteopathy. An associate dean for osteopathic medical education at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, she is also coordinator of the graduate teaching assistant program and OPP courses at the School.
• Jonathan D. Colen, D.O., '94, Shiloh, Ill., has completed a psychiatry residency at the University of Missouri School of Medicine, where he was honored as “Outstanding Senior Resident of the Year.”
• Jeffrey D. Davis, D.O., '00, Memphis, Mo., was selected to receive the 2003 Outstanding Resident Award from the American Osteopathic Foundation.
• Justin D. Floyd, D.O., '00, Columbia, Mo., is a fellow in hematology/oncology at the University of Missouri Ellis Fischel Cancer Center. Dr. Floyd received the three-year fellowship after completing an internal medicine residency at Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville, where he was the chief resident last year and the Intern of the Year for 2000-01. He and his wife, Melanie, have four children, Abby, Liv, Jack, and Sam.

Upcoming Events

“Still—the Best” Alumni Weekend, 2004
Next year's alumni weekend will be held October 15-16, 2004. The weekend will coincide with Founder's Day and CME. For photos of past alumni events, click here. And keep checking your mail for more details!

CME
The next CME program, Primary Care Update, will be held December 4-5 in beautiful Branson, Mo., the Nashville of the Midwest. For more information on this and other CME dates, click here.

Get Connected

KCOM Alumni Diplomate Volunteer Program
Dr. Max video
Submit contact information and class notes
Class notes
View practice opportunities
Register your practice opportunity
The Healer Within
Suggestions Box

Until Next Time

Thank you for reading Vital Signs! If you have feedback or suggestions, please contact Robin Becker. Look for the next edition in January 2003.

Contacts

Lori Haxton, assistant vice president, admissions & student/alumni services Phone: (660) 626-2237

Janet Bunch, director, alumni services
Phone: (660) 626-2307