Faculty and Staff
Administration : Faculty, Research, and Courses : Academic Organizational Chart : Employment Opportunities
Faculty, Research, and Courses
Clinical Sciences
The Clinical Science faculty at KCOM are organized in the departments listed below and share teaching and clinical care responsibilities.
Family Medicine, Preventive Medicine, and Community Health : Internal Medicine : Neurobehavioral Sciences : Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine : Surgery
Family Medicine, Preventive Medicine, and Community Health
Dept. Chair: Margaret A. Wilson, D.O.
| Faculty | Area of Focus |
| B. Douglas Blansit, MLS, Associate Professor | Community Health |
| Michelle R. Colen, M.D., Assistant Professor | Family Medicine |
| Michael F. French, B.S., Adjunct Instructor | Community Health |
| Ronald R. Gaber, Ed.S., Associate Professor | Community Health |
| John H. George, Ph.D., Professor | Family Medicine |
| Melanie S. Grgurich, D.O., Assistant Professor | Family Medicine |
| Lori A. Haxton, M.A., Instructor | Community Health |
| Janet A. Head, Ed.D., M.S., R.N., Assistant Professor | Community Health |
| John T. Heard, Ph.D., Assistant Professor | Community Health |
| Ian R. Levenson, D.O., Assistant Professor | Family Medicine |
| Howard S. Levine, D.O., Assistant Professor | Family Medicine |
| Jesse Lobb, M.D., FAAP, Assistant Professor | Family Medicine |
| Daniel M. Martin, M.A., Instructor | Community Health |
| Stuart Porter, D.O., Assistant Professor | Family Medicine |
| Curtis Roof, D.O., Assistant Professor | Family Medicine |
| Kenneth Ross, D.O., Assistant Professor | Family Medicine |
| Ionas Roxna, M.D., Assistant Professor | Family Medicine |
| Patricia S. Sexton, M.S., DHEd, Assistant Professor | Community Health |
| Jean L. Sidwell, M.A., Instructor | Community Health |
| Jeffrey A. Suzewits, D.O., MPH, FAAFP, Associate Professor | Family Medicine |
| Plato Varidin, D.O., Assistant Professor | Family Medicine |
| Margaret A. Wilson, D.O., Professor and Chair | Family Medicine |
Staff
Marianne Romprey, Post-Doc Project Coordinator
Mary Robertson, Enhancement Project Coordinator
Kelcy Smith, Administrative Associate
The Complete DOctor I, II, III, IV, V,
VI & VII
This course introduces the student to skills used in clinical practice
including professionalism, medical ethics, communication skills, and
all aspects of the physical examination. Also included in the course
are epidemiology, preventive medicine topics, public and community health,
human sexuality, and an introduction to geriatrics. Topics on behavioral
sciences, death and dying, and substance abuse are included. Small group
sessions, using videotaping of patient simulations, teaching with standardized
patients, school physicals, and a geriatric house call program are some
of the unique and effective means of delivery of this curriculum. Successful
completion of all quarters of the Complete DOctor is a prerequisite
for clinical rotations..
Internal Medicine
Dept. Chair: (Acting) Lawrence L. Ciesemier, D.O.
| Faculty | Area of Focus |
| Anirudha Halder, M.D., Assistant Professor | Pathology |
| Lawrence L. Ciesemier, D.O., Assistant Professor | Internal Medicine |
| Lloyd J. Cleaver, D.O., FAOCD, Professor and Chair | Dermatology |
| Maria L. Evans, M.D., Associate Professor | Pathology |
| David W. Gardner, M.D., Associate Professor | Endocrinology |
| Shawnee Kellison, FNP, Instructor | Geriatrics and General Internal Medicine |
| Robert D. Ligorsky, D.O., FACOI, FACP, FAHA, Professor | Hematology & Oncology |
| John H. Rickelman, D.O., Assistant Professor | Critical Care Medicine |
| Philip C. Slocum, D.O., FCCP, FACOI, FCCM, Professor | Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine |
Courses
Dermatology
This course is taught by the dermatology faculty and examines
the etiology, symptomatology, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of
the skin. The course also covers diagnosis of systemic diseases that
present as skin disorders. Dermatology is a prerequisite for clinical
rotations.
Pathology I, II, III, IV
This series of courses has a portion in the first year and extends
through the second year to align with conditions discussed in other
courses. The course emphasizes disease as a manifestation of altered
function in relation to structural and homeostatic changes. The basic
pathological processes of inflammation, repair, degeneration, necrosis,
neoplasia, fluid and electrolyte disturbances, circulatory abnormalities,
and immune mechanisms are presented. Systemic pathology includes review
of diseases and disease mechanisms in all organ systems. Correlation
of pathological conditions with commonly used laboratory tests is
discussed. All parts of Pathology must be passed in sequence and the
course is a prerequisite for clinical rotations.
Principles of Medicine I, II, & III
This course focuses on historical and physical diagnosis of patients
with congenital and acquired medical disorders. The course offers
a general medicine and subspecialty presentation of curriculum in
Cardiology, Pulmonology, Allergy, Gastroenterology, Nephrology, Endocrinology,
Hematology, Oncology, Preventive Medicine and Geriatric Medicine.
The course emphasizes differential diagnosis and management of the
most common disorders that present in a primary care internal medicine
practice. Principles of Medicine I, II and III must be passed as prerequisites
for clinical rotations.
Radiology
This course is designed to introduce students to the utilization
of the modalities of diagnostic radiology and nuclear radiology.
The course demonstrates the use of radiology in diagnosis, techniques
of basic interpretation and the common radiographic findings in
those diseases seen most often in primary care. Radiology is a prerequisite
for clinical rotations.
Neurobehavioral Sciences
Dept. Chair: G. Barry Robbins Jr., D.O., FACN
Faculty |
Area of Focus |
| David E. Goldman, D.O., Associate Professor | Psychiatry |
| Rene J. McGovern, Ph.D., Professor | Behavioral Medicine |
| G.
Barry Robbins Jr., D.O., FACN , Associate Professor and Chair |
Neurology |
Mission Statement:
The mission of the Neurobehavioral department is to provide training and research in the areas of cognitive neuroscience and behavioral neuropsychology. Our mission is three-fold:
- Educational Program: To educate health care professionals in the neurobehavioral sciences who continuously develop and demonstrate compassion, integrity and the highest level of verbal and non-verbal communicational skills.
- Innovative Research: To encourage scholarly inquiry that anticipates and addresses society health care needs.
- Patient Care: To serve the medical, psychological and educational needs of individuals with neurobehavioral issues with a special emphasis on social-emotional issues of the geriatric population; and to develop leaders in improving community health and wellness with a comprehensive appreciation of the interaction of mind, body and spirit.
Courses
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.
Neuroscience III
This course emphasizes the application of the biopsychosocial model
with particular emphasis on clinical reasoning as related to the clinical
practice of psychiatry and the psychopharmacological approach to the
treatment of psychiatric disorders. Specific topics include affective
disorders, anxiety disorders, thought disorders, personality disorders,
addiction, psychiatric issues relating to child development and behavior,
and life-span issues and aging. Prerequisites are Neuroscience I and
II, Pharmacology I.
Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine
Dept. Chair: Michael D. Lockwood, D.O., FCA
Faculty
| John C. Collins, D.O., Assistant Professor |
| Christian Fossum, D.O. (Europe), Assistant Professor |
| Gary A. Fryer, Ph.D., BSc (Osteo), N.D., Adjunct Assistant Professor |
| Kelly D. Halma, D.O., Assistant Professor |
| Michael D. Lockwood, D.O., FCA, C-SPOMM, C-FP, Professor and Chair |
| Eric J. Snider, D.O., C-NMM/OMM, Assistant Professor |
| Karen T. Snider, D.O., C-NMM/OMM, Associate Professor |
| Billy W. Strait, D.O., C-SPOMM, Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor |
Staff Residents
Stephen Bergman, D.O., OMM Resident
Brett DeGooyer, D.O., FP/OMM Resident
Christopher Morse, D.O., FP/OMM Resident
Jerri Robertson, D.O., FP/OMM Resident
Michael Waddington, D.O., OMM Resident
Undergraduate Fellows
Jessica Alm
Nickolas Gillette
Kali Rubenthaler
Erica Waddington
Courses
Osteopathic Theory and Methods I,
II, III, IV, V, VI
The teaching of Osteopathic Theory and Methods and development
of specific palpatory skills for diagnoses and treatment extends throughout
the four-year curriculum. The four tenets of the osteopathic concept
and philosophy are fundamental to each aspect of the coursework: 1)
the human body functions as a unified being; 2) the physical structure
and tissues are interrelated with function; 3) the human body has a
natural tendency for healing with self-regulatory and restorative functions;
and 4) the osteopathic approach to healing and disease integrates the
first three tenets. The first two years’ coursework is divided
into six quarters:
Quarter 1 – The osteopathic paradigm, development of discriminatory and diagnosis touch, physiological motion of the spine, identification of somatic dysfunction, diagnosis and treatment of the extremities, thoracic spine, and ribs.
Quarter 2 – Osteopathic manipulative diagnosis and treatment of the lumbar spine.
Quarter 2 – Diagnosis of somatic dysfunction and treatment of the pelvis.
Quarter 3 – Osteopathic approach to the cervical spine, osteopathy in the cranial field.
Quarter 5 & 6 – Introduction to application of osteopathic principles of outpatient health problems.
Quarter 7 – Introduction to application of osteopathic principles to the hospitalized and acute care patient.
The didactic instruction and supervised hands-on laboratory training experienced in the first year prepare for effective integration of the osteopathic approach into clinical situations and later into clinical rotations and future practice.
Excellent faculty-student ratios promote mastery of palpatory diagnosis and osteopathic manipulative techniques. These techniques include high velocity, low amplitude (thrust), muscle energy, counterstrain, indirect, myofascial release, and cranial osteopathy, as well as approaches to visceral dysfunction and myofascial pain syndromes. One-on-one assessment of skills enhances confidence that techniques learned are accurate and effective.
The interplay of the musculoskeletal system in health and disease is demonstrated throughout the course, and special emphasis is placed on recognition and treatment of factors which perpetuate and predispose to dysfunction and disease. Practical treatment designs are formulated to promote healing within each patient by maximizing circulatory and immune functions while enhancing the role of the autonomic nervous system.
Clinical
Service
Department of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine
- Department Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine
660-626-2304 (clinical appointments)
Hours 8-5 M-F
Family Practice
Obstetrics/Gynecology
Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine Specialty Care
- National Levitor® Center
Eric J. Snider, D.O., C-NMM/OMM, Director
For clinical appointments in Northeast Missouri, contact the Department of OMM (660-626-2304)
Hours 8-5 M-F
- Departmental members with outpatient clinical practice
Kelly Halma, D.O.
Michael D. Lockwood, D.O., C-SPOMM, C-FP, FCA
Eric J. Snider, D.O., C-NMM/OMM
Karen T. Snider, D.O., C-NMM/OMM
- Hospital OMM Consultation Service
Kelly Halma, D.O.
Eric J. Snider, D.O., C-NMM/OMM
Karen T. Snider, D.O., C-NMM/OMM
- Obstetrical Care, Women's Health
Michael D. Lockwood, D.O., FCA, C-SPOMM, C-FP
Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine/ Osteopathic
Manipulative Treatment (NMM/OMT)
Resident Training Program
As a clinical discipline, Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) is dedicated
to improving a specific aspect of total care for all patients through the support
of homeostatic mechanisms and maximum function specific to the individual. Manipulative
procedures address functional asymmetries in the neuromusculoskeletal system
and effects a return to mobile symmetry in formerly dysfunctional areas. Unique
about this approach to the neuromusculoskeletal system is the ability to diagnose,
and then influence, not only local effect in the neuromusculoskeletal function,
but also remote effects such as through circulatory and neural channels. This
residency training program will strive to teach this approach of treatment to
the NMM/OMT Resident.
National
Levitor® Center
Director: Eric J. Snider, D.O., C-NMM/OMM
Phone: 660-626-2537
Fax: 660-626-2952
Hours 8-5 M-F
Research Activities in Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine
- Osteopathic Clinical Research on Osteoarthritis of the Knees
- Cranial Osteopathic Manipulation in Recurrent Otitis Media
- Stillwell Program
- The Efficacy of Osteopathic Manipulation in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- The Efficacy of OMT to Improve Response to the Influenza Vaccine in Elderly Nursing Home Residents
- Presence of Segmental Bone Mineral Density Variation in the 20-40 age group
- Relationship between the Presence of Somatic Dysfunction and Segmental Bone Mineral Density T-score Variation in the Lumbar Spine
- Retention of Interexaminer Reliability in Palpatory Evaluation of the Lumbar Spine
- Evaluating the Efficacy of a Simple Osteopathic Treatment Approach in Dysmenorrhea
- Patient-Oriented Outcomes of OMT: An Epidemiologic Perspective
| C-NMM/OMM | Board Certification in Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine |
| C-SPOMM | Board Certification in Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine |
| C-FP | Board Certification in Family Practice |
| FAAO | Fellow of the American Academy of Osteopathy |
| FCA | Fellow of the Cranial Academy |
Surgery
Dept. Chair: Toni R. Smith, D.O., FAOCA
| John E. Bodell, D.O., FACOS, Associate Professor | General Surgery |
| Ralph O. Boling, D.O., Associate Professor | Obstetrics & Gynecology |
| E. Glenn Browning, D.O., Associate Professor | Orthopedics |
| Kelly D. Burchett, D.O., Assistant Professor | Surgery |
| Timothy D. Ernst, D.O., Assistant Professor | Anesthesiology |
| Stephen D. Laird, D.O., FACOS, Associate Professor | General Surgery |
| Lawrence I. Miller, D.O., FACOO, Associate Professor | Ophthalmology |
| Toni R. Smith, D.O., FAOCA, Associate Professor and Chair | Anesthesiology |
| Harry B. Young, D.O., Associate Professor | Ophthalmology |
Courses
Emergency Medicine
This course covers the presentation of the traumatic and medical
emergency patient. Emergent diagnosis and management are emphasized.
ATLS and ACLS standards and protocols are incorporated. Successful
completion of Emergency Medicine is a prerequisite for the Emergency
Medicine and Critical Care rotations.
Obstetrics and Gynecology
This course includes genetic screening and common aspects of prenatal
care, labor and delivery of the infant. Also included are acquired and
congenital disorders of the female urogenital tract. The course covers
medical and surgical management of the female as well as all pertinent
women's health issues not covered elsewhere in the curriculum. This course
is a prerequisite for clinical rotations.
Ophthalmology
This course emphasizes the examination, history, diagnosis and treatment
of common pathological conditions of the visual system. While diagnosis
is emphasized, medical and surgical treatments are discussed. Systemic
diseases that affect the visual system are also considered. Ophthalmology
is a prerequisite for clinical rotations in Internal Medicine, Surgery
and Family Medicine.
Otorhinolaryngology
This course examines the etiology, symptomatology, clinical evaluation
and treatment of disorders of the head and neck. Included are congenital
and acquired diseases, trauma and surgical procedures.
Pediatrics
This course covers growth, development, and health care from birth
through adolescence. Examination, diagnosis, and treatment, as well as
etiology and symptomatology of disease, are emphasized. Acute and chronic
conditions are taught. Both ambulatory and critical care topics are included.
Curriculum content in Pediatrics extends through clinical rotations in
the third and fourth years.
Principles of Surgery I, II & III
This course emphasizes the presurgical history and physical findings,
and acquired diseases and congenital abnormalities of the gastrointestinal,
urological, thoracic, vascular and abdominal systems. Diagnosis and surgical
treatment of common conditions seen in primary care are emphasized. The
basic physiological aspects of general surgery are stressed. Preoperative
and postoperative care is stressed. Anesthesiology is included with emphasis
on the preoperative evaluation, acute and chronic pain management, anesthesia
on the patient with co-existing disease and fluid resuscitation in trauma.
A laboratory experience includes hand-on practice and instruction in operating
room protocols, surgical scrubbing and gowning, gloving, lesion removal
and suturing techniques, central line placement, intubation and airway
techniques, ABG draw, urinary catheter placement, and chest tube placement.
This series of courses must be passed in sequence.
Women's Health
This course presents care of the female patient during and after her reproductive
life. Management of the pregnant female from preconception to delivery, including
genetic screening, is presented. Medical, surgical, and pharmacologic treatment
approaches to disorders of the urogenital tract, as well as other health
care issues that affect women, are also covered.
