Kirksville Osteopathic Alumni Association presents awards at 2025 banquet event
As part of Founder’s Day celebrations in October, the Kirksville Osteopathic Alumni Association (KOAA) presented several annual awards to recognize alumni and friends.
2025 Alumna of the Year
Karen Steele, DO, ’78, has built an extraordinary career devoted to the advancement of osteopathic medicine, with a particular passion for osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM). A proud graduate of ATSU-KCOM, Dr. Steele began her career in family medicine before discovering her true calling in OMM. In 1986, she left her family medicine practice to complete an OMM residency, marking the beginning of a lifelong dedication to the field.
Following her residency, Dr. Steele joined the faculty at ATSU-KCOM, where she served for many years as chair of the OMM department. Her influence extended well beyond Kirksville, Missouri. She played a pivotal role at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine as associate dean for osteopathic medical education – a groundbreaking role at the time – where she led efforts to integrate osteopathic principles and practice (OPP) throughout the curriculum.
Dr. Steele has a rich and diverse professional background, including advanced, self-initiated training with Richard H. Still, DO, great-grandson of A.T. Still, DO, founder of osteopathic medicine. This mentorship deepened her commitment to the roots and philosophy of the profession.
A respected author and educator, Dr. Steele co-authored “The Pocket Manual of OMT,” a widely used reference for students and practitioners of OMM. Her research and scholarly articles, particularly focused on the use of OMM in treating otitis media, have been published in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association and the American Academy of Osteopathy Journal.
Among her many trailblazing achievements, Dr. Steele became the first doctor of osteopathic medicine granted practice rights in South Africa, where she traveled to educate local physicians in the use of osteopathic techniques for treating ear infections in children.
In 2012, Dr. Steele transitioned from academic medicine to open a private practice focused on providing osteopathic care to children. She remains a powerful inspiration to students and colleagues alike, especially women in osteopathic medicine, admired for her leadership, mentorship, and unwavering dedication to the profession.
Living Tribute Award
Brian F. Degenhardt, DO, serves as assistant vice chancellor for osteopathic research at ATSU and is a distinguished f igure in osteopathic medicine and osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM). His pivotal roles include director of the Center for Research in Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine and director of DO-Touch.NET, both housed within A.T. Still Research Institute. Additionally, Dr. Degenhardt holds the prestigious Osteopathic Heritage Foundation Endowed Chair for Research in Osteopathic Diagnostic and Therapeutic Palpation.
Beginning with his bachelor of science degree in biology from St. Bonaventure University, Dr. Degenhardt’s academic journey led him to earning his doctor of osteopathic medicine degree from the University of Health Sciences (Des Moines University) College of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery, a rotating internship at Grandview Hospital in Dayton, Ohio, and a residency at Northeast Regional Medical Center. Joining ATSU-KCOM in 1993, his career progressed swiftly, taking on roles from lecturer and lab trainer to course director, co-chair of the College curriculum committee, co-director of the OMM and OMM+1 residency program, and ultimately, chair of the OMM department.
Dr. Degenhardt’s passion for OMM research became a driving force early in his career. He advocated for the development of clinical research at ATSUKCOM, which became an institutional priority. Alongside John Heard, PhD, and Gaylah Sublette, MBA, Dr. Degenhardt proposed establishing A.T. Still Research Institute, which was founded in 2001. Since that time, he has been instrumental in the institute’s success and has championed clinical research across the University. Aiming to provide an evidence-based foundation for osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), Dr. Degenhardt’s work delves into OMT efficacy and mechanisms. He is dedicated to improving reliability and standardization of osteopathic diagnosis and treatment through studies on palpatory test consistency, landmark accuracy, and objective measurement tools. A cornerstone of his contributions is the development of DO-Touch.Net, a practice-based research network crucial for conducting real-world observational studies on OMT outcomes.
Distinguished Service Awards
Dean Maag
Dean Maag has been a cornerstone of innovation and progress at ATSU since joining ATSU-KCOM in 1998. Beginning his career as a video production specialist and audiovisual hardware technician in the Multimedia department, Maag quickly distinguished himself with his technical expertise and forwardthinking approach to educational technology.
In 2008, Maag was named manager of the newly formed ATSU Academic Technologies team. Under his leadership, the department expanded its support to include the Mesa, Arizona, campus and ATSU’s growing online education presence. As technology rapidly evolved, so did the scope and sophistication of Academic Technologies. Today, the department plays a vital role in livestreaming all ATSU events, developing and deploying 3D modeling and printing capabilities, and integrating advanced tools, including virtual reality, augmented reality, and artificial intelligence, into the academic environment.
Maag’s ability to anticipate and adapt to technological change has been instrumental in supporting the University’s mission to deliver high-quality, innovative education. With ATSU’s continued expansion, including new campuses, community health centers, and clinical sites, Maag and his team have risen to meet the growing demands for equipment, instruction, and technical support across the institution.
Respected for his leadership and dedication, Maag is known not only for advancing ATSU’s technological capabilities but also for building collaborative, service-oriented teams, ensuring faculty, staff, and students have the tools they need to succeed in a modern learning environment.
He is honored to be recognized among this year’s award recipients and remains committed to empowering the future of education through innovation.
Bertha Thomas
Bertha Thomas has been a staunch, long-term supporter of ATSU. She has an unwavering belief in its mission, which is to prepare highly competent healthcare professionals through its innovative curriculum to bring whole person healthcare to underserved populations. During her years as assistant dean for multicultural affairs at Truman State University (1999-2014) and as Truman’s diversity and inclusion consultant in 2020, she relished her many opportunities to partner with ATSU on various initiatives connecting Truman students interested in healthcare fields with ATSU faculty, administrators, and student mentors.
In 2010, Thomas was awarded the Still Spirit Award, which recognizes members of the community who personify the community-giving spirit of ATSU’s founder, A.T. Still, DO.
Since the establishment of ATSU’s Diversity department in 2013, Thomas has been involved in several of ATSU’s fundraising and grant-funded partnerships, cultural proficiency programs, Martin Luther King Jr. celebrations, and mentoring programs.
Thomas insists that her service for nine years (2015-24) as a member of the ATSU Board of Trustees and as the board secretary for two of those years was “the honor of a lifetime.” She remains immensely proud of being part of the governance team, which supports the essential and laudable work performed every day by ATSU’s faculty, staff, students, and community stakeholders.
KOAA Honorary Membership Award
Roxana Ionas
Roxana Ionas, MD, FAAP, is a dedicated pediatrician with nearly two decades of experience serving and teaching in an underserved rural community. Since 2006, she has provided comprehensive pediatric care at Northeast Missouri Health Council in Kirksville, Missouri, while also teaching at ATSU and precepting medical students, interns, and residents at Northeast Regional Medical Center.
Dr. Ionas is deeply committed to improving child health through direct patient care, mentoring future physicians, and leading community and professional education initiatives. Her work reflects a longstanding dedication to equitable care, medical education, and health advocacy in northeast Missouri.
Dr. Ionas was the recipient of The Master Teacher award in 2011 and honored as the 2010 Primary Care Practitioner of the Year at Northeast Regional Medical Center. Through her work, Dr. Ionas continues to impact the College and community in a multitude of meaningful ways that are consistent with everything ATSU-KCOM stands for.
Jennifer Sargentini
Jennifer Sargentini and her late husband, Neil J. Sargentini, PhD, have supported ATSU since moving to Kirksville, Missouri, in 1991 through gifts of friendship, service, and financial contributions. Dr. Neil was a dedicated member of the ATSU faculty for more than 26 years, with his tenure culminating in service as chair of the Microbiology/Immunology department. Dr. Neil and Jennifer established and later endowed the Paul M. Sargentini Memorial Scholarship benefitting students at ATSU-KCOM in 2005 in memory of their son, Paul M. Sargentini. Paul tragically passed away on Sept. 15, 2001, at the age of 26 after a year-long battle with cancer and infections associated with cancer therapy.
Jennifer’s generous charitable support has continued as she more recently established and funded the Neil Sargentini, PhD, Student Research Growth Fund at ATSU-KCOM in 2023. This fund memorializes Dr. Neil, who was passionate about teaching, research, and mentoring his students. Honoring those passions, the purpose of this endowment fund is to support the surging number of ATSU-KCOM student research projects, related research supply costs, and student research/scholarly publication costs and to subsidize student travel to present research/scholarly outcomes. Jennifer returned to Kirksville and ATSU-KCOM as the featured donor for the April 2025 Bridge Builder Break-Time where she shared her compelling story of charitable giving and long-term commitment to the University. Her story serves as an example for others as ATSU strives to build a stronger culture of philanthropy within the University community by fostering connections between students and those who support ATSU’s mission.
Jennifer now resides in Glen Carbon, Illinois, with her son Michael and his family. From her long-term meaningful engagement in the Kirksville community to her dedication to honoring the legacy of her family, Jennifer continues to embody the philosophy of charitable giving as an investment in the future – a way to empower others to dream bigger, achieve more, and make a lasting impact.
2024 Alumnus of the Year
Michael R. Jaff, DO, ’85, is chief medical officer and vice president of clinical affairs, technology, and innovation at Boston Scientific Corporation. A former professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, Dr. Jaff was the president of Newton-Wellesley Hospital from October 2016-December 2019.
Prior to that, Dr. Jaff was the inaugural Paul and Phyllis Fireman Endowed Chair of Vascular Medicine and medical director of the Fireman Vascular Center at Massachusetts General Hospital. He is an expert in all aspects of vascular medicine, including peripheral artery disease, venous thromboembolic disease, aneurysmal diseases, and all diagnostic strategies in vascular medicine.
Dr. Jaff is the founder of VasCore, the Vascular Ultrasound Core Laboratory, the largest of its kind in the U.S. VasCore has participated in trial design and independent analysis of vascular laboratory images for over 200 prospective multicenter peripheral vascular device and pharmaceutical trials across 66 countries.
With over 325 peer-reviewed publications and 10 textbooks, Dr. Jaff has published extensively in the field of vascular medicine. He is the past president of the Society for Vascular Medicine and Biology and is recognized as the first physician to receive the Master of the Society for Vascular Medicine designation. He is a registered physician in vascular interpretation and fellow of the American College of Physicians, American College of Cardiology, American Heart Association, and Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Intervention. In November 2011, Dr. Jaff became an alumnus of Harvard Business School after completing the General Management program.
Dr. Jaff is a stalwart advocate for ATSU-KCOM, osteopathic medicine, and its value in the realm of healthcare. He represents ATSU-KCOM around the world professionally and is proud of his osteopathic foundation.
(Dr. Jaff was unable to attend the 2024 ceremony due to professional commitments, and was honored at the 2025 event.)
Sass is a member of the Health Without Borders Club and a student ambassador at ATSU-ASHS.
Why did you choose ATSU-ASHS?
“I chose ATSU-ASHS due to the holistic approach as well as the mission to serve the underserved, which aligned closely with my values. I also really loved that I would be surrounded by other like-minded individuals pursuing healthcare, and was excited to be able to work interprofessionally even before graduating.”
What do you enjoy about being an ATSU-ASHS MSOT student?
“I enjoy being an ATSU-ASHS MSOT student because everyone here is empowered by the same goal: To ensure that everyone is able to live their lives to the fullest potential regardless of disability. The school as a whole, as well as faculty, is supportive and determined to ensure that all students are prepared to make a difference in whatever community they end up in. ATSU also has implemented many events and activities to ensure that students’ mind, body, and spirit are taken care of. This includes Wellness Wednesdays, Student Life pop-up events, and flag football!”
What do you hope to achieve professionally, and how is ATSU helping prepare you for your career?
“Professionally, I hope to advocate for those with disabilities as well as ensure everyone is able to live their life to the fullest potential and do the things they enjoy most. I also hope to spread awareness about what occupational therapy has to offer and how helpful it can be in different applications.”
Why did you choose to join different student organizations?
“I wanted to join Health Without Barriers for its emphasis on ensuring healthcare is equitable for all through advocacy and interdisciplinary work. An event through this organization I am very excited about is a class for performing CPR on people with different disabilities.”
Why did you become a student ambassador, and what do you enjoy about serving in this role?
“I wanted to become a student ambassador to share my insight on what ATSU-ASHS has to offer. I also really appreciated the kindness of the students I spoke to before deciding to come here and they ended up being the reason I chose ATSU!”
What are some of your interests, hobbies, or achievements outside of ATSU?
“CrossFit, obstacle course races, hiking, reading, and volunteering at a hippotherapy clinic back home. I also placed second in the Atlanta Spartan Super!”
Alex Casiano, EdD, DHSc, ’18, MHA, MSW, was appointed chancellor of the Metropolitan Campus of the Inter American University of Puerto Rico (Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico, Recinto Metropolitano) effective Nov. 1, 2025.
“This new chapter in my professional journey represents an opportunity to lead one of Puerto Rico’s most distinguished institutions of higher education, dedicated to innovation, service, and excellence,” Dr. Casiano said.
Founded in 1912, the Inter American University of Puerto Rico (IAUPR) is the leading private, nonprofit institution of higher learning in Puerto Rico, deeply committed to access, equity, and the holistic development of its students. The Metropolitan Campus, located in San Juan, is home to a diverse academic community engaged in teaching, research, and community outreach across fields such as health sciences, business, psychology, education, and social work.
IAUPR maintains full institutional accreditation by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) and several programmatic accreditations from recognized agencies including CSWE, CAEP, NAACLS, and AACSB, among others. The university serves as a vital educational bridge between Puerto Rico and the continental United States, fostering global perspectives through bilingual and intercultural learning experiences.
“As an alumnus of A.T. Still University of Health Sciences, where I earned my Doctor of Health Sciences with a concentration in Leadership in Health Services, I am profoundly grateful for the institution’s commitment to whole person healthcare and its philosophy of compassionate leadership,” Dr. Casiano said. “The osteopathic principles of treating the person as an integrated being – mind, body, and spirit -have shaped my approach to academic leadership, emphasizing empathy, integrity, and evidence-based decision-making.
“I look forward to maintaining a strong connection with the ATSU alumni community and to exploring opportunities for collaboration that advance shared goals in health education, leadership, and community well-being. It is my hope that this appointment will further strengthen the bonds between our academic communities and expand the legacy of excellence that A.T. Still University instills in its graduates.”
“I grew up in an underserved community, so I want to learn medicine in a way that really fits the needs of people like those I grew up around. ATSU-SOMA’s focus on community-based learning and service makes it the right place for me to do that.”
What do you hope to achieve professionally, and how is ATSU-SOMA helping prepare you for your career?
“I hope to build a career where I bridge the gap between medicine and the people who’ve historically been left out of it. ATSU-SOMA is helping me get there by letting me learn medicine hands-on in the communities that shaped me, where every patient interaction teaches me how to listen first and treat second.”
What do you enjoy about being an ATSU-SOMA student?
“Outside of school, I’ve loved exploring the Phoenix area. There are so many aesthetic cafés, each with its own unique vibe, and beautiful hiking trails where students love to go watch the unbeatable Arizona sunsets.
“Within school, I’ve made some of the best friends I’ve ever had. Even outside of class, it feels like everyone’s rooting for each other. We study together, de-stress together, and grow together.”
Why did you choose to join different student organizations?
“I joined the Latino Student Medical Association because it gives me opportunities to advocate for better care in Latino communities through outreach, mentorship, and cultural awareness. It’s also a way to build support, give back, and stay rooted in where I came from while growing into the kind of physician I want to be.
“I joined the Emergency Medicine Club because I’ve always been drawn to the fast-paced, hands-on nature of emergency care. I want to learn more about the field, explore different opportunities within it, and start preparing early for residency applications.”
“I joined the Medical Spanish Club because I know what it’s like for patients to feel discouraged by a language barrier. This club gives me a chance to step up for my community by helping teach medical Spanish to my peers and promoting cultural awareness in healthcare.”
Why did you become a student ambassador, and what do you enjoy about serving in this role?
“I remember how scary and overwhelming it was to apply to medical school, and how grounding it felt to see a friendly face during those visits. I want to be that person for students exploring our program. Medical school is demanding, but it’s also a place to grow, make lifelong friends, and find a sense of home. As I continue to experience what this school has to offer, I hope to share that with others beginning their own journey.”
What are some of your interests, hobbies, or achievements outside of ATSU?
“I was a research intern with the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine, where I studied how microRNA regulation affects transcription factors following irradiation and its impact on cancer aggressiveness. I presented my findings at the CIRM Bridges Symposium and the Health Disparities Research Symposium at Loma Linda University School of Medicine.
“Outside of research, I love to read and enjoy an ice cold drink, whether it’s by the pool under the Arizona sun or while exploring new coffee shops.”
A.T. Still University’s Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health (ATSU-MOSDOH) participated in the biannual Give Kids a Smile (GKAS) dental clinic in October in St. Louis, providing free dental care to children ages 1 to 14. This marked the third time ATSU-MOSDOH had a robust presence at the event, located at the Center for Advanced Dental Education at St. Louis University.
Working alongside hundreds of volunteers and dental and healthcare professionals, 49 ATSU-MOSDOH dental students experienced firsthand what public health volunteerism can do for dental care access. Over the course of two days, volunteers treated 284 children and provided $163,409 in free dental care.
ATSU-MOSDOH’s third- and fourth-year students volunteered under the supervision of Mohamed Rahhal, BDS, PhD, MSc, associate professor, and Gabriela Torres, DMD, assistant professor, providing dental care in the clinic’s restorative section. Some students also worked in sterilization, patient education, and the Tiny Smiles program and served as ambassadors, taking children through various sections of the clinic.
In addition, ATSU-MOSDOH’s first- through fourth-year bilingual students worked as in-person and on-call interpreters under the direction of Romana Muller, EdD, MSDH, RDH, CEPH, ’22, associate professor and GKAS board member. Through ATSU-MOSDOH’s partnership with GKAS and the International Institute of St. Louis, the clinic served a record number of children from ethnically and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
As in previous years, the number of Hispanic children attending the clinic was high. However, the clinic also had increased participation from children who spoke Pashto, an eastern Iranian language spoken primarily in Afghanistan and Pakistan. This increase may be linked to the large resettlement of Afghan refugees in St. Louis in recent years.
Dr. Muller attributes increased access to linguistically appropriate free dental care to the growing team of volunteer interpreters.
“Three clinics ago, a group of 10 bilingual ATSU-MOSDOH students, passionate about serving their community, provided language assistance,” she says. “We made such a difference that we decided to do it again at the next clinic. By then, many bilingual students from other schools asked to join the team. This year, the interpretation team had over 60 volunteer interpreters from academic and community organizations, as well as community volunteers, collectively speaking 17 different languages. I am extremely grateful to all the volunteers on my team.”
Dr. Muller also acknowledges ATSU-MOSDOH’s participation in the most recent GKAS event would not have been possible without the support of ATSU-MOSDOH’s Shaista Rashid, BDS, MS, MPH, assistant dean of clinical affairs, associate professor, and Donald Altman, DDS, DHSc, EdD, ’12, interim dean.
The first GKAS event was held in St. Louis in February 2002 and the program launched nationally in 2003. Since then, under the sponsorship of the American Dental Association, the event has grown immensely and is held in numerous states across the U.S. A.T. Still University’s Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health hosts an annual GKAS event on the Mesa, Arizona, campus, and ATSU-MOSDOH students on the Kirksville, Missouri, campus participate annually in local GKAS events.
“The Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) Research Podcast,” co-hosted by DO-Touch.NET and A.T. Still Research Institute, is now live and available wherever you get your podcasts.
You may find the podcast on any platform by searching “The OMM Research Podcast.”
Upcoming episodes and release dates will be announced on DO-Touch.NET social media (Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn). Each episode will have a live premiere on YouTube at 2:00 p.m. CST on the first Friday of each month. You are welcome to watch the podcast episode live at this time and chat with other viewers in real time. After the premiere, the episode will be available for viewing anytime on YouTube.
Follow or subscribe to the podcast on your preferred platform to stay up to date as new episodes are released.
A.T. Still University-Arizona School of Health Sciences (ATSU-ASHS) Doctor of Physical Therapy program student Samantha Bryant, DPT, ’28, is originally from Wasilla, Alaska. Bryant has an associate’s degree in liberal arts from Scottsdale Community College and a bachelor’s degree in exercise science from Florida Southern College.
At ATSU-ASHS, Bryant is a student ambassador and member of the Sports Physical Therapy Club.
Why did you choose ATSU-ASHS?
“Their focus on whole person healthcare and close vicinity to family.”
What do you enjoy about being an ATSU student?
“I’ve enjoyed getting to know my cohort the most. Doctoral programs are difficult no matter where you go, but the people you’re with make it more fun.”
What do you hope to achieve professionally, and how is ATSU helping prepare you for your career?
“I hope to become a licensed physical therapist back home in Alaska and ATSU-ASHS is teaching me the materials I need to pass my national exam.”
Why did you become a student ambassador, and what do you enjoy about serving in this role?
“I’m new to the position but I have found it interesting to learn new things about the school and have enjoyed my experience so far. I wish to share it with others.”
What are some of your interests, hobbies, or achievements outside of ATSU?
“Volleyball, baking, writing, reading, and traveling.”
“I chose ATSU-CHC for its focus on whole person healthcare and service to underserved communities, which aligns with my commitment to compassionate, community-based medicine.”
What do you enjoy about being an ATSU-CHC student?
“What I enjoy most about being an ATSU-CHC student is the supportive environment created by both our professors and classmates. One of my favorite memories was our beach bonfire, celebrating the end of didactic year and the start of clinicals. It reminded me how grateful I am to learn alongside classmates who genuinely support and encourage one another, they really are the best!”
What do you hope to achieve professionally, and how is ATSU helping prepare you for your career?
“I hope to build a career as a compassionate PA dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-centered care. ATSU’s emphasis on whole person healthcare and comprehensive clinical training has prepared me to approach patient care with empathy, professionalism, and a strong commitment to service.”
Why did you choose to join different student organizations?
“I joined the student ambassador and mentorship programs to support incoming students as they transition into PA school. The mentorship I received from the class before mine made such a positive impact, and I wanted to offer that same support to others. It’s been really rewarding to connect with new students and contribute to the supportive community at ATSU.”
Why did you become a student ambassador, and what do you enjoy about serving in this role?
“I became a student ambassador to help new students feel welcomed and supported as they start PA school. I know how intimidating those first few weeks can feel, so it’s been rewarding to share what I’ve learned and help make their transition as smooth as possible!”
What are some of your interests, hobbies, or achievements outside of ATSU?
“Outside of ATSU, I enjoy cooking, practicing yoga, and spending time with my family at our cabin in northern Wisconsin. It’s a great way to relax, stay balanced, and recharge outside of school.”
Buhk is from Jenison, Michigan, and has a degree from Michigan State University in human biology, statistics, psychology, and neuroscience, with a minor in bioethics and mathematics.
Buhk is president of the Sexuality in Medicine Club, and is National Liaison Officer for the ATSU-KCOM Chapter of the Student Osteopathic Medicine Association (SOMA), with seats on the National Community Outreach Committee and the National Resolution Committee. Buhk is also a member of the First Generation Student Physician Club, Pediatric Club, and serves as both a mental health ambassador and student ambassador. Additionally, Buhk is part of The Miller Lab.
Congratulations on being named SGA Student Researcher of the Quarter! What can you tell us about your research?
“The research I’m working on with Dr. Miller is considered computational chemistry, so we use computer simulation and the principles of biochemistry to evaluate thousands of potential drug candidates. Specifically, the project I’m working on evaluates the Multiple Lineage Leukemia (MLL) transcription factor cMyb:KIX:MLL complex. We know that this complex is involved in activating transcription and when mutations occur, transcription is allowed to happen unregulated and leads to leukemia (AML and ALL). By focusing on where MLL binds to KIX, we are testing thousands of potential drug candidates to see if any would bind as a competitive inhibitor for MLL and thus would treat leukemia. We do this with a lot of computational modeling, simulation, and data evaluation.
“I’m specifically interested in practicing pediatric hematology oncology, so gaining such an in-depth understanding of how leukemia can occur is really fascinating to me. I’ve always enjoyed understanding the full spectrum of how processes work, and being able to investigate this protein and trial drugs this way has really opened my eyes to elements of research and scientific advancement I hadn’t considered. I really enjoy it.”
Why did you choose ATSU-KCOM?
“I chose ATSU-KCOM because on my interview day, everyone felt like a family and every individual seemed truly happy to have me there. In my entire application and admissions process, instead of making me feel like I would be lucky to attend, they made me feel like they would be lucky for me to choose ATSU, and that is something truly unique for the world of medical school.
“Academically, I love that it is a graduate-only campus, so everything is focused and centered on graduate education, and this allows me to take full advantage of every opportunity and build personal relationships with staff and faculty, because they really are here for us.”
What do you enjoy about being an ATSU-KCOM student?
“I love being an ATSU-KCOM student. I feel truly supported here by faculty, staff, and my classmates. We are in a small town where ATSU is at the center of a lot, and because of that we really do become a family. The staff is so welcoming and approachable, everyone is here to help us succeed, and they do an amazing job of making us feel supported.
“I enjoy the variety of opportunities here. From running different cases in the Human Patient Simulation Lab, to practicing ultrasound skills, there is always something I can try and learn that will better my abilities for my future patients.
“All in all, it is clear that everyone in the ATSU community is dedicated to the same principles that A.T. Still, DO, started the school with: to care for patients holistically and to best prepare physicians to do so. Taking it a step further, they want us to treat ourselves like we do our patients, prioritizing our own body, mind, and spirit. I could have never imagined being a medical student in a place that embodies the idea that I can’t care for others if I don’t first care for myself, and it inspires me every day to work hard and carry that attitude into the medical field and share it with those around me, patients and caregivers alike.”
What do you hope to achieve professionally, and how is ATSU-KCOM helping prepare you for your career?
“I hope to practice in pediatric hematology oncology and ATSU-KCOM is integral in this journey for me. There is pediatric material integrated into every unit that we study, which has allowed me to remain connected to the content that excites me the most. Our Pediatrics Club has given me the opportunity to step into this content further, as well as the chance to speak to pediatric subspecialists to better understand my options.
“The coursework and academic opportunities are allowing me to be a well-rounded medical student and preparing me for the necessary testing, but outside of the classroom, I’ve been able to experience the many facets of research and feel more comfortable with research presentation and the scientific process, skills I will use as I continue my journey into residency and fellowship. I’ve also been able to attend several national conferences where I’ve been able to network and better understand the options I have for postgraduate training.
“ATSU was also able to place me with a pediatrician for my two-week clinical experience, which was a great experience and allowed me to be directly in the field, strengthen my understanding of the patient-parent-physician dynamic in pediatrics, and practice my exam skills on patients ranging from birth to 18!”
Why did you choose to join different student organizations?
“I joined SOMA because, as a first-generation medical student, I wanted to get involved with the osteopathic medical profession and be an active part of the field I will be entering. SOMA has introduced me to so many resources and opportunities to be an active member in the profession, even as a student, and helped me to realize all the ways I belong and that I can use my voice to better the osteopathic medical student experience.
“With SOMA, I have been able to attend three conferences focused on leadership and policy, including DO Day on Capitol Hill, the American Osteopathic Association House of Delegates, and most recently the Osteopathic Medical Education conference (OMED).
“I joined the Sexuality in Medicine Club because I know from both personal and professional experience that the LGBTQ+ community is often excluded from the conversation, and being intentional about guiding students to accurate resources and better understanding this community will help all of our future patients. With this club I’ve been able to help organize educational events and build a safe space in our ATSU community for all to come to freely and know they are accepted and belong.”
What are some of your interests, hobbies, or achievements outside of ATSU?
“Outside of ATSU, I love staying active by walking my two dogs (Archie is a deaf Standard Australian Shepherd and Nala is a mini Australian shepherd mix, both of whom we rescued from the local humane society). I also love to travel whenever possible. Recently my wife and I went to St. Louis for a concert and Kansas City for a football game, and we travelled to Door County, Wisconsin last summer.
“I’m a big fan of live music and never miss watching a Detroit Lions game. I enjoy cooking and baking and unwinding with a good book, movie, or a TV show!”
The event featured oral and poster presentations of research studies by ATSU graduate students, faculty, and staff; Still OPTI resident physicians; Truman State University undergraduate students; and other biomedical researchers and students.
Jeffrey C. Winer, MD, MA, MSHS, MHIIM, FAAP, provided the keynote lecture. Dr. Winer serves as chief medical informatics officer at Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare and adjunct associate professor at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. With degrees from Harvard, Yale, George Washington University, and Tennessee, he integrates clinical expertise, data science, and health informatics to advance healthcare.
Dr. Winer has authored over 40 peer-reviewed publications and 60 invited reviews, and is particularly recognized for his dedication to academic mentorship – supporting over 50 medical students, residents, fellows, and faculty in launching and sustaining scholarly projects in clinical research and quality improvement.
IBRS winners were as follows…
Jack Magruder Research Award Poster Presenter: Dagmawit Kebede, senior, interdisciplinary studies major, Truman State University Author: Bill Miller, PhD, associate professor, ATSU; Haleluya Merga, junior, biochemistry and molecular biology major, Truman State University; Makda Gebreegziabher, senior, biology major, Truman State University; Arsema Woldeamanuel, junior, nursing major, Truman State University Sponsor: Dr. Miller Project:Allosteric inhibition of MMP-9 in silico as a potential cancer therapeutic
Neil J. Sargentini Memorial Award Poster Presenter: Sydney Christopherson, OMS III, and Ashley Quintana, OMS III Author: Christopherson and Quintana Sponsor: Pinak Shah, MD, FACP, associate program director, Internal Medicine Residency program, Mountain View Hospital, Las Vegas Project:HRT and Autoimmunity: What We Know and Where Research Must Go.
Max Gutensohn Award Poster Presenter: Alan Boruch, DO, physician and research scientist, Northeast Regional Medical Center Author: Dr. Boruch and Brian Degenhardt, PhD, professor Sponsor: Dr. Degenhardt Project:Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy in an Infant with Inclusion Cell Disease
Best Oral Presentation Oral presenter: Madison Richards, OMS I Author: Madison Richards, OMS I Sponsor: Karl Jepsen, MD, PhD, associate dean for research, University of Michigan Project:Reevaluating the cortical fraction
Graduate Case Report Poster presenter: Sydney Christopherson, OMS III Author: Christopherson Sponsor: Pinak Shah, MD, FACP, associate program director, Internal Medicine Residency program, Mountain View Hospital, Las Vegas Project:An Undiagnosed Case of Persistent Leukocytosis and Multisystem Involvement
MAOPS President Clinical Graduate Student Research Award Poster presenter: Ava Thielman, OMS III Author: Thielman, Lydia Lundquist, OMS IV; Brooke Johnson, OMS IV; Ahmed Baghdady, DO, resident, Henry Ford Warren-Madison Heights; and David Siegel, DO, surgeon, Henry Ford Warren-Madison Heights Project:A Rare Case Presentation of Merkel Cell Carcinoma
MAOPS Rising Star Student Competition Winner Poster Presenter: Sydney Christopherson, OMS III Author: Christopherson Sponsor: Pinak Shah, MD, FACP, associate program director, Internal Medicine Residency program, Mountain View Hospital, Las Vegas Project:An Undiagnosed Case of Persistent Leukocytosis and Multisystem Involvement
MAOPS 1st Place Overall Student Competition Winner Poster presenter: Nicholas Noyce, DO, Still OPTI Author: Dr. Noyce; Brock Davis, DO, Still OPTI; and David Cleaver, DO, Still OPTI Project:When Cancer Changes Costume: The importance of full body skin checks
