“Professionally, I look forward to providing comprehensive care to patients in underserved areas while collaborating on medical teams to reduce medical errors. The PA program at ATSU prepares its PA students from day one to start practicing whole-person centered healthcare. They give students frequent practice experiences to ensure they build the confidence and attention to detail necessary to provide optimal patient care,” Weiner said.
Weiner is from Redondo Beach, California, and has a bachelor’s degree in nutrition and dietetics and a master’s degree in clinical nutrition. She is a registered dietitian and a certified nutrition support clinician.
Prior to attending ATSU, she worked for several hospital systems, home infusion pharmacies, and outpatient clinics. In 2024, Weiner was a speaker at the national American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) Conference. She is an active member with ASPEN, American Association of Physician Assistants, and Arizona State Association of Physician Assistants, and has applied to continue to volunteer with these organizations throughout her didactic year.
Additionally, Weiner serves as an ATSU student ambassador, providing information to prospective students.
“As a student ambassador, I have the opportunity to provide information from the viewpoint of a current student who entered the program as a non-traditional student,” she said. “I believe prospective students could benefit from my point of view and experiences within the program. The student ambassadors I met prior to starting at ATSU, provided a wealth of knowledge to me and helped me understand more about the PA program. I hope that I can continue to pay it forward by providing support to the next incoming class,” she said.
“As an ATSU PA student, I am part of a class of 100 students. I feel connected to many of my peer students and have enjoyed learning with so many people from diverse backgrounds. Day-to-day student life includes some long days of studying, but at ATSU I feel that the faculty cares about my success and the school provides a strong foundation of student support services. There are learning coaches, mental health counseling services, an onsite gym, and even a meditation room to provide some school/life balance.”
It’s a big part of the reason Waehrer wanted to become an ATSU student ambassador.
“I chose to become a student ambassador because I take great pride in being part of ATSU’s SLP program, and I’m eager to share that pride with others,” she said. “I enjoy the opportunity to connect with prospective students, sharing my experiences and helping them see the sense of community and diverse opportunities that ATSU offers. Applying to grad school can feel overwhelming. I remember feeling unsure of where to start. That’s why I want to be a resource for future students, offering guidance and support to make the process a little less daunting. It’s incredibly rewarding to play a part in their journey and help them envision themselves as part of this vibrant community.”
Waehrer glimpsed that community on ATSU’s social media channels, which first drew her interest to the program.
“I chose to attend ATSU for the SLP program because I was drawn to the unique sense of community, which I observed through images on Instagram. This strong, supportive environment was something I found to be distinctive to this program and is something I value very highly,” she said. “Additionally, the program’s focus on multicultural and linguistic diversity resonated with my personal and professional goals, as I am passionate about working in diverse communities, and addressing the communication needs of individuals from various cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
“I enjoy being an ATSU student because I have access to lots of study spaces on campus where I can work collaboratively with my peers and where our professors come and interact with us outside of class. There are tons of opportunities to volunteer, having the YMCA on campus with a complimentary membership, and opportunities to work interprofessionally with other students on campus is something that stands out about ATSU, and that I enjoy having access to as a student.”
Waehrer, from Washington, DC, attended the University of Vermont and has bachelor’s degrees in linguistics, with a concentration in psycholinguistics and Spanish. She is also TESOL (teaching English as a second or foreign language) certified.
In addition to serving as an ATSU student ambassador, she is a member of the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA).
Ultimately, Waehrer hopes to become a culturally competent clinician who is well-equipped to support her diverse clients.
“ATSU is helping me prepare for this by emphasizing the importance of treating patients as whole individuals, beyond their specific diagnoses. The program teaches us to recognize and respect our clients’ unique feelings, beliefs, and values, which may differ from our own, ensuring that we provide care that is both empathetic and inclusive. This holistic approach aligns perfectly with my goal of fostering a supportive, culturally sensitive environment for all my clients,” she said.
Samantha FitzSimmons knows a thing or two about higher education. She received her bachelor’s degree in exercise science from the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire, in 2022, and then in early 2024 completed her Master of Health, Nutrition, and Exercise Science degree at North Dakota State University.
“I chose ATSU for several reasons. As this is my third degree, I wanted to find a school that would truly prepare me to be the best occupational therapist I can be,” she said. “It was crucial for me to find a place that felt like a home away from home, and ATSU provided just that. The ATSU Department of Occupational Therapy has wonderful staff, hands-on classes, and exciting fieldwork opportunities that I am excited to participate in.”
FitzSimmons serves as a student ambassador, her way of becoming more involved in the school and helping to inspire and encourage future students.
“I am very grateful for this position. I love sharing my experiences, insights, and advice whenever I can. Moving across the country to be here at ATSU was a huge leap of faith, and it has been an incredible growing experience. As an ambassador, it has been immensely rewarding to impact future students and be a reliable source of advice and support,” she said.
FitzSimmons believes as an occupational therapist, she may enhance her clients’ daily lives by identifying challenges and implementing strategies to overcome and adapt to them. The OT profession blends her passion for helping others with her interests in exercise, nutrition, and healthcare.
“ATSU is providing me with all the tools I need to succeed in my future career. Having just completed my first block, I can confidently say that the staff have been incredibly resourceful. My classes are both informative and hands-on, providing a comprehensive learning experience. With each passing day, I feel one step closer to my future, and I believe ATSU is setting me up perfectly for that,” she said.
FitzSimmons keeps busy out of the classroom, too. She enjoys paddle boarding, hiking, swimming, sand volleyball, and going to the gym. She’s enjoying getting to know the game of pickleball, too, in Arizona’s warmer climate.
“Coming from the Midwest, where we get a lot of snow, I was ready for more sunshine,” she said. “I love the outdoors, and Arizona has been perfect for exploring and enjoying the beautiful weather.”
She also leans into her creative side, listening to music, painting, and drawing, but most enjoys her time spent with family and friends.
“I wouldn’t be the person I am today without them. They are my rocks,” she said.
“My favorite part about being an ATSU student is getting to meet all of our amazing faculty,” she said. “Each faculty member I have met has followed a unique path to their respective health science careers. We are fortunate to be constantly surrounded by people who are committed to shaping our futures as health care professionals.”
Felton is from Long Grove, Illinois, and has a bachelor’s degree in exercise science from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs.
“I chose ATSU-ASDOH because of its commitment to caring for patients with complex medical conditions,” she said. “This is a topic near and dear to my heart and I feel lucky to be part of a program that makes care for patients with complex medical conditions accessible and a priority.”
Felton is highly involved as an ATSU-ASDOH student. She’s a member of the social media committee for Arizona Oral Cancer Walk, costumes & carnival committee for Give Kids A Smile, and a student ambassador, in addition to serving as a member of the American Dental Education Association, Special Care Dentistry Association, American Student Dental Association, and Students United for America’s Toothfairy.
“I joined these organizations because I have a big passion for each of the populations they relate to. Coming into dental school, I knew I wanted to be active within the pediatric population, the special care population, and the pre-dental population,” she said. “I was inspired to become a student ambassador by the group of ambassadors who volunteered to participate in the Q&A session and campus tour on my interview day. As a pre-dental student, it was so nice to spend time with current dental students and be able to ask them what dental school was really like. Now that I am a D1, I wanted to have the opportunity to pay it forward to the next generation of pre-dental students.”
In her free time, Felton likes spending time with her dog, trying new coffee shops, and going on long walks with her husband. Prior to becoming a dental student, Felton was a competitive figure skater and member of the Israeli National Team, so she also enjoys putting in work at the local ice rink.
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But most of her time is focused on becoming the future clinician she wants to be, one who leads with compassion.
“ATSU places a big emphasis on whole person healthcare and I interpret that as looking out for my patients beyond just their oral healthcare needs. I look forward to putting what I learn at ATSU into action throughout my career in dentistry,” she said.
Hillier, born and raised in Arizona, didn’t need to go far to find a medical school, so the Mesa, Arizona, campus provided an opportunity to begin her studies near family. Also, ATSU-SOMA’s partnerships for clinical rotations around the country provided Hillier an opportunity to spend two years in Brooklyn, New York, honing her skills.
“My experiences there have shaped me into becoming an even more well-rounded physician,” she said.
Hillier, who has degrees in physiology and biochemistry from the University of Arizona, would like to go into family medicine, with a particular focus on geriatrics.
“ATSU places an emphasis on primary care medicine, so I feel that the clerkship rotations I’ve been provided have really prepared me for that setting,” she said.
Hillier is a member of ATSU-SOMA’s Student Government Association (SGA), serving as president, a representative with ATSU-SOMA’s Strategic Planning Committee, and a student ambassador.
“I joined SGA to not only be a voice for my classmates and advocate for our education, but to also challenge myself with my leadership skills. SGA has taught me a lot about time management, professionalism, and communication,” she said. “I find fulfillment in being a mentor to others and became a student ambassador for that reason. I think it can be so easy to compare ourselves to others throughout our medical journey, and I wanted to be someone that pre-medical students could come to with any questions/concerns they may have. Everyone’s path to medical school is different and I feel it can be motivating to hear from people who have been in similar situations and managed to succeed through it all.”
In her free time, Hillier enjoys baking, and last year made cakes for each member of her cohort. She’s enjoyed the strong relationships she’s made with her fellow student doctors.
“I love my classmates! I felt really lucky to have the CHC (community health center) cohort I had and I’ve made some of the best friends thanks to medical school,” she said.
A.T. Still Research Institute (ATSRI) hosted the annual Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research Symposium (IBRS) Saturday, Nov. 16, in Kirksville, Missouri.
The event featured oral and poster presentations of research studies by ATSU graduate students, faculty, and staff; StillOPTI resident physicians; Truman State University undergraduate students; and other biomedical researchers and students.
Chad Cook PT, PhD, FAPTA, provided the keynote lecture. Dr. Cook is a tenured professor in the Department of Orthopaedics at Duke University. He has secondary appointments in Population Health Science and the Duke Clinical Research Institute. Dr. Cook has over 34 years of clinical experience as a physiotherapist and 25 years as a faculty member. He is a prolific researcher with over 375 peer reviewed publications and has presented over 200 keynote lectures in 40 different countries.
IBRS winners were as follows…
Jack Magruder Research Award – $150 (undergraduate student award)
Author:Christine Chen (Truman State University)
Sponsor: Bill Miller, PhD, associate professor, biochemistry, A.T. Still University-Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (ATSU-KCOM)
Project:Studying disaggregation effects of polyphenols on Amyloid Beta in silico
Neil J. Sargentini Memorial Award – $150 (basic science graduate student award)
Author: Ethan Schlegel (ATSU-KCOM) Ethan Schlegel, ATSU-KCOM Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences (MSBMS) student; Keith Elmslie, PhD, professor and chair, pharmacology, ATSU-KCOM; Jeong Sook Kim-Han, PhD, director core imaging, pharmacology, ATSU-KCOM
Sponsor: Dr. Elmslie (ATSU-KCOM)
Project:Synergistic Enhancement of NaV1.9 Current by Muscle Metabolites
MAOPS President – Chris A. Paynter, DO – Clinical Graduate Student Research Award – $150 (MAOPS)
Author: Patrick Chan (Kansas College of Osteopathic Medicine) Aliasgher Sabir (Kansas College of Osteopathic Medicine) Miraj Rawal (KansasCOM) Kevin Ha (Kansas Health Science University ) Vaidik Patel (Kansas College of Osteopathic Medicine)
Sponsor: Cameron Jeter (Kansas College of Osteopathic Medicine)
Project: Walking With Parkinsons
Max Gutensohn Award – $150 (resident or post-doctoral fellow award)
Author:Alan Boruch, DO, resident, ATSU-Kirksville Family Medicine (NRMC)
Sponsor: Kayla Chomko, NSU Health Neuroscience Institute; Lauren Tabor-Grey, NSU Health Neuroscience Institute; Duardo Locatelli, NSU Health Neuroscience Institute
Project: Transcutaneous Spinal Stimulation in Patients with PLS: A Pilot Study
Best Oral Presentation – $150
Author:Hannah Lee, D4, ATSU-Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health (ATSU-ASDOH)
Sponsor: Joseph Creech, DDS, adjunct faculty, ATSU-ASDOH, Stefanie Sotello, DDS, assistant professor, ATSU-ASDOH, Sara Karlin, DDS, adjunct faculty, ATSU-ASDOH, Mitzi Wasden, DDS, MS, adjunct faculty, ATSU-ASDOH, Ann Spolarich, RDH, PhD, assistant dean, research, ATSU-ASDOH
Project: Computational inhibition of the KIX protein to treat acute myeloid leukemia
1st Place Overall Student Competition Winner – $150
Author: Madisen Bromfman (Truman State University)
Sponsor: Bill Miller, PhD, associate professor, biochemistry, ATSU-KCOM
Project:Computational inhibition of the KIX protein to treat acute myeloid leukemia
2nd Place Overall Student Competition Winner – $150
Author: Diana Mahmoodi, D4, ATSU-ASDOH
Sponsor: Diana Mahmoodi, D4, ATSU-ASDOH; Tamer El-Gendy, DMD, BDS, MS, professor, ATSU-ASDOH; Ahmed Mahrous, BDS, MS, associate professor, ATSU-ASDOH
Project:Zirconia Value Discrepancy Post-Sintering Compared to Manufacturer’s value
Today, and every day, we are thankful for the generosity and dedication of our students, faculty, staff, and alumni. It is the hard work and commitment from each of you that allows ATSU to successfully live its mission.
In observance of Thanksgiving, ATSU offices and patient care centers at the Kirksville, Missouri; Mesa, Arizona; Santa Maria, California; and St. Louis, Missouri, locations will close at 5:00 p.m. local time, Wednesday, November 27, 2024, and reopen Monday, December 2, 2024.
The Missouri Thompson Campus Center will close Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at 8:00 p.m. and reopen Sunday, December 1, 2024, at 8:00 a.m.
Please click here to view library hours at each location.
“During my interview at ATSU-ASDOH, Austin, the student ambassador, embodied everything an ASDOH student should be: kind, caring, honest, and supportive. After I was waitlisted, a stressful and uncertain time in my application process, Austin continued to be there for me. He kept in touch, offering guidance, support, and encouragement, and even prayed for me until I received my acceptance,” Ishu said.
“Austin’s support showed me the values that ASDOH students embody, inspiring me to choose ASDOH and eventually become a student ambassador myself. I wanted to give back to the next generation of applicants and offer them the same support I received,” she said. “Reflecting on my role, I am proud to have helped applicants by providing advice, guidance, and words of encouragement. It’s incredibly rewarding to see them get into dental school, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of their journey.”
It shouldn’t be a surprise, then, that people are Ishu’s favorite thing about ATSU-ASDOH.
“My favorite aspect of being an ATSU student is connecting with the people who make ASDOH special. From students and faculty to staff, I cherish seeing everyone daily,” she said. “ASDOH fosters a collaborative and supportive environment where we all work together toward common goals. It feels like a family here, and despite only being together for only two and a half years, the relationships I’ve built are deep and enduring. I can’t imagine not seeing these wonderful individuals after graduation. At ASDOH, I’ve formed meaningful friendships with classmates, faculty, and staff – each contributing to the unique sense of community that defines our school.”
Ishu is from Glenview, Illinois, and was originally interested in ATSU-ASDOH due to its outstanding clinical experience, comprehensive curriculum, and early patient exposure that sets it apart from other dental schools.
“ATSU-ASDOH places emphasis on student-centered learning, providing students with tools and the latest technology to enhance their educational experience. ATSU also gives students the liberty of treating patients independently and on their own with faculty guidance and support, allowing hands-on experiences very early in the curriculum. This approach ensures that students will be well-prepared for real-world dental challenges,” Ishu said.
In addition to serving as a student ambassador, Ishu is president of Healthcare for Hunger, program liaison to the Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary with the American Dental Education Association chapter, and member of the ASDOH Association of Women Dentists, Students United for America’s Tooth Fairy, and Orthodontic Specialty Club.
“ATSU-ASDOH has instilled in me the importance of comprehensive care and meticulous treatment planning for patient care,” Ishu said. “Orthodontics plays a crucial role in general dentistry and comprehensive treatment planning by addressing malocclusions and contributing to overall oral health and functional efficiency. Proper teeth alignment can prevent or mitigate a range of dental issues, including uneven wear, tooth decay, and gum disease. By improving bite function and alignment, orthodontics can enhance chewing efficiency, reduce jaw strain, and alleviate issues like temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, provided the treatment is executed with the broader picture in mind.
“I aspire to be an orthodontist who prioritizes comprehensive treatment plans over mere aesthetics. ATSU-ASDOH has taught me the importance of a multi-disciplinary approach to patient care. Beyond ASDOH’s robust and detailed curriculum covering all aspects of dentistry, ATSU has offered me numerous research opportunities to engage in projects related to orthodontics. Additionally, I have access to unlimited opportunities for shadowing and volunteering in the orthodontic clinic, allowing me to deepen my understanding of the specialty and gain invaluable hands-on experiences.”
Outside of class, Ishu enjoys expressing her creativity through painting, drawing, and sewing. Nature is also a big inspiration, and she enjoys finding beauty in it, especially flowers. Spending time with family is also incredibly important to her, and she said she cherishes every moment they have to share.
“Cooking is another passion of mine,” she said. “Moving to Arizona and having my own space has been a great experience, giving me the chance to delve deeper into my culinary interests and try out new recipes. I love experimenting with new flavors, making the most of my love for cooking and creativity.”
Ultimately, Ishu would like to become a skilled and exceptional orthodontist, dedicated to improving her patients’ oral health and enhancing their quality of life.
“Unfortunately, orthodontists are often dismissed as actual dentists by the profession itself, based on the misconception that they solely focus on aligning teeth,” she said. “While some orthodontists concentrate on aesthetics alone, my goal is to offer a more holistic approach. I am committed to becoming a provider who emphasizes comprehensive care.”
When Yesenia Maldonado, PA, ’25, was looking for a physician assistant program that fit within her life as a mother on the Central Coast of California, she didn’t need to look far.
“Like many others, I chose ATSU because of their holistic approach to patient care, which focuses on cultivating well-rounded healthcare providers who see beyond the symptoms to treat the whole person,” Maldonado said. “The program’s location in my hometown is a significant advantage for me, given that I have a 3-year-old boy. Beyond that, their partnership with community health centers was a crucial factor, as it shows ATSU’s commitment to serving underserved communities. This aligns with my goal to make a meaningful impact, particularly in my hometown, Santa Maria, where there is a large population of low-income, uninsured migrant workers with language barriers, and a significant shortage of medical providers.
“My professional goal is to become an exceptional physician assistant who continually grows in knowledge and skills to better care for my patients and save lives. ATSU supports this goal by offering a holistic approach to care, exposure to simulated challenging scenarios, case studies, and insights from our very own professors’ career experiences. These are all crucial components for helping me develop into a highly effective and compassionate healthcare provider.”
Maldonado plays an active role in student life as a student ambassador. It was a natural fit, given her genuine passion for helping others succeed.
“Being inherently self-motivated is a significant part of who I am, and it has allowed me to inspire others, especially within my community,” she said. “The student ambassador program enables me to use my strengths to make a positive impact, whether by supporting my peers or contributing to the overall growth of the PA program.”
Her involvement led to her playing a part in a presentation at her alma mater, Pioneer Valley High School.
“It was meaningful to return to the very high school that I graduated from and share my story while engaging high school students about the PA profession,” Maldonado said. “One of my focuses is guiding prospective students by exposing them to the PA profession and showing hope by demonstrating that someone like me – who sat in the same seat and lacked the typical family or financial support – can still succeed. I want to convey that no matter who you are or where you come from, you can achieve your goals, too!”
Maldonado’s passion for helping others extends beyond her coursework and career goals. In her spare time, she enjoys building “splinter-proof” picnic tables for children.
Overall, Maldonado said her experience as an ATSU-CHC student is challenging, but also incredibly rewarding, knowing she will one day make a difference in the lives of others. She’s also enjoying the experience of getting to know her classmates and establishing relationships that will last a lifetime.
“I have particularly enjoyed the opportunity to learn about the diverse backgrounds of my classmates. For instance, I vividly remember being assigned to my first group table, when I bravely suggested to my group, ‘Let’s all share where we come from, I’ll go first.’ Although my group seemed a bit hesitant at first, it turned out to be a nice experience that allowed us to connect and better understand each other’s backgrounds.”
“I was drawn to ATSU-ASDOH’s innovative curriculum that embraces new dental technology and prepares students for the future of dentistry,” she said. “Early patient exposure was also crucial, as ASDOH’s curriculum allowed me to build my hand skills almost instantly, further enhancing my confidence in my practical skills. Equally important was the sense of community, where close-knit student-to-faculty relationships foster a supportive and collaborative learning environment.
“I am grateful that ATSU-ASDOH took a chance on me and allowed me the opportunity to realize my dream of becoming the first dentist in my family. The program has instilled a strong sense of comfort and confidence in my hand skills. Compared to my peers at other dental schools, I feel fortunate to have gained extensive procedural experience, and I’m beyond excited to see my first patient in the coming weeks. In the future, I hope to return back to my home state and build my own practice as a cosmetic dentist.”
Elizondo, of Houston, Texas, is vice president of the Hispanic Student Dental Association and part of the Give Kids A Smile public relations committee.
“I became a member of the Hispanic Student Dental Association to help cultivate a strong community for the increasing number of Hispanics entering the dental profession. I joined the Give Kids a Smile public relations committee to ensure that children in Mesa, Arizona, receive essential dental care, particularly those in need. Growing up, I witnessed firsthand how the lack of financial resources affected my family’s access to dental services, which deeply motivated my commitment to promoting and helping organize this event,” she said.
Elizondo also serves as an ATSU-ASDOH student ambassador, a role she cherishes for the opportunities to inspire and mentor other first-generation pre-dental students.
“This role also offers me the chance to give back to the community that has supported me, fostering a network of future first-generation dental professionals. Additionally, I am committed to empowering fellow Hispanic students in dentistry, ensuring they know they are not alone and that together we can break down barriers and achieve our dreams,” she said.
She said ATSU-ASDOH provides an excellent work-life balance, allowing her to thrive both academically and personally.
“Having moved a thousand miles away from everyone I know, I was definitely appreciative of how kind and welcoming classmates and faculty were. Everyone is so open to helping each other and I truly enjoy the collaborative, non-competitive environment. Phoenix is also very similar to Houston, so I really do feel like I’ve found my home away from home,” Elizondo said.
