Faculty and Staff
Administration : Faculty, Research, and Courses : Academic Organizational Chart : Employment Opportunities
Faculty, Research, and Courses
Basic Sciences
The Basic Science faculty at KCOM are organized in five departments, although teaching and research extend across departmental boundaries.
Anatomy : Biochemistry : Microbiology & Immunology : Pharmacology : Physiology
Anatomy
Dept. Chair: Edwin S. Purcell, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Interim Chair
| Faculty |
| Peter E. Kondrashov, Ph.D., Associate Professor |
| Edwin S. Purcell, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Interim Chair |
| Diana C.J. Rhodes, D.V.M., Ph.D., Associate Professor |
| James A. Rhodes, Ph.D., Assistant Professor |
| Lex C. Towns, Ph.D., Professor |
| Nandor J. Uray, Ph.D., Professor |
| Jeremy Houser, Ph.D., Adjunct Assistant Professor |
Staff
Sandi Catlett, Executive Secretary
Bill Wobken, Research Technician
Courses
Human Gross and Developmental Anatomy I, II & III
This is a dissection-oriented course in human gross anatomy. Didactic
hours are followed with cadaver dissection laboratory sessions. Gross Anatomy
I covers back, upper limb and thorax and is a prerequisite for Gross Anatomy
II. Gross Anatomy II covers abdomen, perineum/pelvis and lower limb and
is a prerequisite for Gross Anatomy III. Gross Anatomy III covers Head
and Neck I and II. Refer to the Policy on Prerequisite Courses as Gross
Anatomy is a prerequisite to other courses.
Histology I & II
This course studies the microscopic structure and normal development
of tissues and organs of the body. This course is aimed at the recognition
of that which is normal in order that modifications produced by pathological
conditions or congenital malformations can be recognized. Histology and
Embryology I & II are prerequisites for Pathology.
Neuroscience I
This course is taught by faculty from the Departments of Anatomy
and Physiology. The course is an introduction to the neurosciences that
emphasizes the cellular and neuroanatomical substrates for human central
nervous system function in health and disease. Specific topics include
an overview of neuroanatomy and neuronal function, the motor unit and
diseases of the motor unit, the anatomy of the neuraxis and special senses.
Neuroscience I is a prerequisite for Neuroscience II.
Neuroscience II
This course is taught by faculty from the Departments of Anatomy,
Physiology, Neurology and Pharmacology and emphasizes higher order central
nervous system function and introduces neurological and neuropharmacological
approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of disease of the human central
nervous system. Specific topics include sensorimotor integration and
movement, disorders of voluntary movement, cerebrovascular supply and
neurological deficits, higher cortical function and dysfunction, and
the neurology of trauma and disease. Neuroscience II is a prerequisite
for clinical rotations.
Biochemistry
Dept. Chair: Charles Ricky Fleschner, Ph.D., Professor and Chair
| Faculty |
| Richard J. Cenedella, Ph.D., Professor |
| James L. Cox, Ph.D., Associate Professor |
| Charles Ricky Fleschner, Ph.D., Professor and Chair |
Staff
Joanne Deiters, Executive Secretary III
Courses
Biochemistry I & II
This course describes the molecular basis of cell function and the
biochemical basis of structure and functions of the body. Special attention
is given to disease states caused by biochemical abnormalities as well
as genetic abnormalities. The broad objective of the course is to contribute
to the formation of a solid foundation of knowledge for future comprehension
of clinical diagnosis and therapy. Laboratories are intended to reinforce
basic concepts and to demonstrate the biochemical basis of key metabolic
diseases. Clinical case presentations and small problem-based learning
groups are used for instruction as well. Biochemistry I is prerequisite
to Biochemistry II and Physiology I. Biochemistry II is a prerequisite
for Physiology II, Immunology, Medical Microbiology and Neuroscience I.
Human Nutrition
This course describes human nutritional requirements in health, in
special conditions and in disease. The relationship of nutrition to biochemical
aspects of clinical status is stressed. This course integrates basic
knowledge with clinical information through presentations of both basic
science and clinical faculty members. Human nutrition is a prerequisite
for clinical rotations.
Microbiology & Immunology
Dept. Chair: Neil J. Sargentini, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Chair
| Faculty |
| Neal R. Chamberlain, Ph.D., Associate Professor |
| Neil J. Sargentini, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Chair |
| Vineet K. Singh, Ph.D., Associate Professor |
| Melissa K. Stuart, Ph.D., Associate Professor |
Staff
Kathy Krog, Executive Secretary
Betty J. Cox, M.A., Research Associate
Michael Syring, B.A., Research
Technician
Courses
Immunology
This course is concerned with the humoral and cell-mediated immune
systems of man and their role in autoimmunity, transplantation phenomena,
host-parasite relationships and disease. The laboratory allows hands-on
use of several clinical immunology-based test kits. The broad objective
of this course is to provide an understanding of the numerous immunologic
issues that will come forth in conditions taught in Medical Microbiology
and Infectious Diseases. Immunology is a prerequisite for Medical Microbiology.
Medical Microbiology
This course is concerned with the structure, metabolism and genetics
of viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites in relation to their identification,
pathogenicity and antibiotic sensitivity. This course focuses on learning
to associate microbial agents with diseases that they cause. The laboratories
cover basic microbiological procedures and techniques, and supplement
the material being covered in lectures. Some of the laboratories also
begin a series of clinical situations involving simulated patients (that
continues into Infectious Diseases), where students gain experience and
feedback in performing well in “physician-patient” interactions.
The broad objective of this course is to teach the basic understanding
of virology, bacteriology, mycology, and parasitology that will be required
for the understanding of the Infectious Diseases course. Medical Microbiology
is a prerequisite for Infectious Diseases, Pharmacology and Principles
of Medicine.
Infectious Diseases
This course uses an organ-systems-based approach to provide in-depth
coverage of the etiology, epidemiology, signs and symptoms, pathology,
lab tests, differential diagnosis, treatment and prevention of
infectious diseases. The laboratories provide experience in isolating
and identifying pathogenic microorganisms and in answering clinical situation
questions. Each of the five associated labs has a simulated patient component
that continues the “physician-patient” encounter series
that began in Medical Microbiology. The broad objective of this course
is to provide the essential information and skills needed for subsequent
clinical courses and rotations. Infectious Diseases is a prerequisite
for Women’s Health.
Pharmacology
Dept. Chair: Robert J. Theobald Jr., Ph.D., Professor and Chair
| Faculty |
| Yingzi Chang, M.D., Ph.D., Assistant Professor |
| John R. Martin, Ph.D., Professor |
| David S. Middlemas, Ph.D., Associate Professor |
| Julia M. Ousterhout, Ph.D., Assistant Professor |
| Robert J. Theobald Jr., Ph.D., Professor and Chair |
| Faculty Participating From Other Departments |
| Richard J. Cenedella, Ph.D., Professor, Biochemistry |
Staff
Ruth Chronister, Executive Secretary
Allison Slocum, B.S., Research Technician
Alan Coonfield, Student Laboratory Manager
Courses
Pharmacology I & II
Medical Pharmacology emphasizes the basic concepts of pharmacology
including the main classes of pharmacological agents. The course presents
a survey of general drug categories with a review of specific individual
agents to illustrate the concepts of pharmacological principles, pharmacodynamics,
pharmacokinetics, mechanisms of action, adverse effects, drug interactions
and therapeutic uses. The course is presented in a Team-Based Learning
format where students work as individuals and in teams to acquire a knowledge
base and to experience the application of their knowledge base to solving
clinical case-based problems. Course content is delivered in several formats,
including traditional lectures, handouts and application exercises. Pharmacology
I is a prerequisite for Pharmacology II.
Neuroscience II
This course is taught by faculty from the Departments of Anatomy,
Physiology, Neurology and Pharmacology and emphasizes higher order central
nervous system function and introduces neurological and neuropharmacological
approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of disease of the human central
nervous system. Specific topics include sensorimotor integration and
movement, disorders of voluntary movement, cerebrovascular supply and
neurological deficits, higher cortical function and dysfunction, and
the neurology of trauma and disease. Neuroscience II is a prerequisite
for clinical rotations.
Neuroscience III
This course is taught by faculty from the Departments of Neurobehavioral Sciences and Pharmacology and emphasizes higher order central nervous system function with respect to behaviors, and introduces neuropsychological and neuropharmacological approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of disease of the human central nervous system. Specific topics include thought disorders, affective disorders, personality disorders, anxiety disorders, and substance abuse. Neuroscience III is a prerequisite for clinical rotations.
Comments from the Chair
Pharmacology, the study of how living cells and organisms interact with
their environment, is a basic biomedical science that encompasses many
other scientific disciplines. Scientists who define themselves as pharmacologists
use methods of other disciplines, such as molecular biology, neurophysiology,
surgery, biochemistry, and many others, to conduct studies into areas
that have fascinated the human race for millennia. Encompassing great
scientific minds of the distant past, such as Socrates and Avicenna, to
more recent scientific greats, such as Jonas Salk and Sir James Black,
pharmacology bridges the basic sciences. Fundamental understanding of
chemistry, molecular actions, and toxicity are linked to clinical application
of therapeutics involving mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics and drug
interactions. In the discipline of pharmacology, a scientist can delve
into the mysteries of life and how it interacts with its environment,
on any level desired, from the molecular to the whole organism, and anywhere
in between.
The faculty of the Department of Pharmacology at the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine participate in the discipline through research to expand the knowledge base. The faculty are involved in research in several areas, including studies of the behavioral and physiologic effects of cannabinoids and serotonin derivatives, studies on the central nervous system mechanisms controlling blood pressure, studies on tracheal smooth muscle and vascular smooth muscle functions, and regulation of lower urinary tract function. Collaborative efforts with other institutions occur in several of these areas. Although the KCOM graduate educational program is very new, our faculty have significant experience in graduate education through collaboration with Truman State University. Numerous students have done their research in department laboratories, directed by our faculty. These students have been successful, and all have continued on to further education opportunities. Our own students are now actively pursuing research in the KCOM Masters Program.
The Department is very active in medical education, as well as research. Several innovative student activities have been developed over the years, including a computerized problem based learning case, use of several Patient Oriented Problem Solving cases, student writing exercise, and student oral presentations. The use of these innovative activities has led to initiation and development of educational research activities in the department. The Department also is actively involved in curricular integration of material with clinical faculty. We believe that this provides students with a better appreciation of the relevance of the information they are seeking to understand.
In summary, the Department of Pharmacology is actively involved in all phases of our discipline, research, education, and the development of better methods of guiding student learning, both in medical education and graduate education. Please contact our department with any questions or interest relative to our program.
Sincerely,
Bob Theobald
Physiology
Dept. Chair: D. Fred Peterson, Ph.D., Professor and Chair
| Faculty |
| Robert W. Baer, Ph.D., Associate Professor |
| C. George Carlson, Ph.D., Professor |
| Timothy P. Geisbuhler, Ph.D., Associate Professor |
| D. Fred Peterson, Ph.D., Professor and Chair |
| William L. Sexton, Ph.D., Professor |
| Michael Taylor, Ph.D., Adjunct Instructor |
| Faculty Participating From Other Universitys |
| Jerry Mayhew, Adjunct Associate Professor |
Staff
Jan Dabney, Executive Secretary
Bonnie King, Technician
Courses
Physiology I & II
Physiology I and II include the study of the normal function of each
of the organ systems in the human body. Emphasis is placed on basic principles
and mechanisms that have broad application throughout all areas of medical
practice. Physiology I includes cellular, autonomic, cardiovascular and
endocrine physiology. Physiology II includes respiratory, renal, acid-base,
and gastrointestinal physiology. Problem-based workshops in each quarter
emphasize concepts and clinical correlations. Laboratories demonstrate
and reinforce the systems covered in lectures. Physiology I is a prerequisite
for Physiology II, and Physiology II is a prerequisite for Pathology I,
Neuroscience I and Pharmacology I.
Neuroscience I
This course is taught by faculty from the Departments of Anatomy
and Physiology. The course is an introduction to the neurosciences that
emphasizes the cellular and neuroanatomical substrates for human central
nervous system function in health and disease. Specific topics include
an overview of neuroanatomy and neuronal function, the motor unit and
diseases of the motor unit, the anatomy of the neuraxis and special senses.
Neuroscience I is a prerequisite for Neuroscience II.
Neuroscience II
This course is taught by faculty from the Departments of Anatomy,
Physiology, Neurology and Pharmacology and emphasizes higher order
central nervous system function and introduces neurological and
neuropharmacological approaches to the diagnosis and treatment
of disease of the human central nervous system. Specific topics include
sensorimotor integration and movement, disorders of voluntary movement,
cerebrovascular supply and neurological deficits, higher cortical function
and dysfunction, and the neurology of trauma and disease. Neuroscience
II is a prerequisite for clinical rotations.
