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Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine
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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..

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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.

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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
Geriatrics

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.

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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

  1. Department Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine
    660-626-2304 (clinical appointments)
    Hours 8-5 M-F
    Family Practice
    Obstetrics/Gynecology
    Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine Specialty Care
     
  2. 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
     
  3. 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
     
  4. Hospital OMM Consultation Service
    Kelly Halma, D.O.
    Eric J. Snider, D.O., C-NMM/OMM
    Karen T. Snider, D.O., C-NMM/OMM

  5. 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

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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.

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