ATSU proudly celebrates National Osteopathic Medicine Week
This week, we join osteopathic physicians, students, and educators across the country in celebrating National Osteopathic Medicine (NOM) Week. This is a special time to reflect on the unique principles and profound impact of osteopathic medicine, and there is no better place to celebrate than A.T. Still University.
We stand on historic ground. ATSU’s Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (ATSU-KCOM) holds the distinct honor of being the founding school of osteopathic medicine. It was here, in Kirksville, Missouri, where A.T. Still, DO, pioneered a revolutionary approach to healthcare focused on whole person wellness, the body’s innate ability to heal, and the interconnectedness of body, mind, and spirit. We carry Dr. Still’s legacy forward every day.
Our pride extends across the university. ATSU-KCOM and ATSU’s School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona, Arizona School of Health Sciences, College of Graduate Health Studies, Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health, Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health, and College for Healthy Communities are consistently recognized for their success in fulfilling a core part of our mission: preparing graduates who go on to practice in underserved communities. This commitment to service is a testament to the dedication of our students, excellence of our curriculum, and unwavering support provided by each of you.
Furthermore, our Kirksville campus is home to The Museum of Osteopathic Medicine, a treasure trove preserving our rich history and heritage. This vital resource ensures the story of osteopathic medicine, its challenges, and its triumphs are remembered and shared, inspiring future generations of healers. For NOM Week, the museum is highlighting Dr. Still’s treatment table. We encourage you to visit the museum this week, or whenever you are in Kirksville, to learn more about these pieces of osteopathic history.
Your work – whether in teaching, research, clinical care, administration, or support services – directly contributes to advancing osteopathic principles and fulfilling Dr. Still’s vision. You are essential to educating the next generation of compassionate, skilled osteopathic physicians and health professionals who embody our mission.
Thank you for your dedication, passion, and commitment to A.T. Still University and the osteopathic profession. Let’s take this week to celebrate our remarkable history, our impactful present, and the bright future of osteopathic medicine.
Four teams, each including two first-year and two second-year ATSU-KCOM students, rotated through four different patient scenarios. Each scenario provided teams 15 minutes to examine their patient and reach a proper diagnosis.
The team A.T. Still Alive, featuring Angelina Hein, OMS II, Laura-Ashley Childress, OMS I, Maggie Hatfield, OMS I, and Emily Dofing, OMS II, won first place and will represent ATSU-KCOM in a Regional Simulation Challenge in April on the University’s Kirksville, Missouri campus.
Check out these photos from the event, and follow us on Instagram to view video from the competition.
In fact, it was those experiences with people connected to the University that led him to apply.
“I chose ATSU because I had the opportunity to connect with alumni during my clinical experience prior to PA school,” he said. “Observing their development and success as confident providers solidified my belief that the PA program at ATSU is exceptional. As a current student, I am confident that I made the right choice, as the faculty here have done an outstanding job preparing me for the PANCE, our national certification exam.”
Sayed, a first-generation student, graduated from Arizona State University summa cum laude with a bachelor’s of science in biological science.
He serves as a student ambassador for Residential Student Life and the Leadership and Professional Development Chair with Kettel Society, the PA program’s student association.
“For Kettel Society, I love building up a campus culture to be proud of. Any PA program across the country will be very intense and demanding, so being able to provide opportunities and empower my peers to network and form intercollegiate relationships before entering the workforce is an awesome part of my role at Kettel. I wish nothing but the best for my peers. Additionally, as a student body, we help break the monotony of school. Remembering to decompress and prevent burnout among my peers means that we enter the workforce stronger together,” Sayed said.
“As a student ambassador, I take pride in reassuring prospective and accepted students that our school promotes a collaborative environment, rather than fostering competition. While we are trained to be ‘the most competitive applicants,’ in practice, we function as part of an interdisciplinary team, working together to enhance patient care. Serving as an ambassador also allows me to continually learn about the other programs, gaining insights I might not otherwise have.”
Off campus, Sayed enjoys hiking and working out, and also loves to cook.
“I believe food is the key to bonding, so making delicious food and sharing with the people I care about fills me with joy,” he said.
In the program, Sayed said his favorite part of being an ATSU student is the supportive atmosphere that fosters growth and development.
“We are encouraged to explore diverse perspectives on various healthcare modalities. For example, exposure to fields such as naturopathic medicine and chaplaincy, both of which were new to me, has broadened my ability to provide comprehensive care. This experience has reinforced the importance of recognizing that patients are multi-dimensional, and that being exposed to a wide range of approaches, within a nonjudgmental learning environment, is essential to providing holistic care,” he said.
Sayed says professionally, he’s committed to achieving excellence, and ATSU is helping him develop the tools to get there.
“To me, excellence is defined by saving lives, restoring trust in medicine, and delivering comprehensive, patient-centered care,” he said. “I am confident that ATSU has provided a strong foundation, and it is now up to me to apply myself fully in order to realize this goal.”
A.T. Still University-Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health’s Adepitan Owosho, DDS, FFAOMP, FAAOM, DABOMP, a professor of oral and maxillofacial pathology and oral Medicine, and the Specialty Care Unit director for oral medicine, dental oncology, and urgent care, recently served as a guest speaker at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center’s 2025 Annual Alumni Dental Meeting in New York.
Dr. Owosho’s presentation, “Transforming Smiles: Pentoxifylline and Tocopherol in Oncology Oral Care,” highlighted advancements in dental care for oncology patients. At the Dental Oncology Clinic at ATSU-MOSDOH’s St. Louis Dental Center, referrals are received for comprehensive dental management, preparing patients for oncologic treatment and ensuring optimal post-treatment oral care.
“I hope to become a competent and proficient dentist. Eventually, I would like to own my own practice and ATSU has helped me prepare for that because of the faculty here,” Shreeve said. “A lot of doctors here have owned their own practice and are great mentors in accomplishing this goal.”
Shreeve is from Auburn, California, and has his undergraduate degree from Brigham Young University in microbiology. At ATSU-ASDOH, he is a member of the Hispanic Student Dental Association (HSDA) and American Student Dental Association (ASDA), as well as serving as a student ambassador.
“I became a student ambassador because of my experience of touring ATSU when I was applying. I really liked the people that I met on that tour and the way this school was organized. I enjoy this role because of the opportunity I have to help future applicants by answering their questions about ATSU,” he said.
Shreeve enjoys playing tennis and basketball, going on hikes with his wife, and watching football in his free time.
He said he enjoys the camaraderie and interactions with his cohort, which helps the students bond and provide each other support.
“We all take the same classes together, which has allowed me to get to know my whole class individually,” Shreeve said. “My cohort has also found ways to do things together outside of the classroom, such as playing volleyball, pickleball, and having class parties. I also enjoy the pass/fail curriculum. This makes classes manageable and less stressful, especially, because there is less of a competitive feeling. We all want each other to succeed and become great dentists.”
I hope this message finds you safe and well. It is hard to believe April is already here. Graduation season will soon be upon us, with students, families, and friends celebrating across campuses
ATSU continues to monitor the changing higher education landscape while complying with all laws and staying true to its mission. To comply with legal guidance, you may notice updates to ATSU’s website and printed materials. As always, the University is committed to providing a quality educational experience for students and a safe, respectful, and culturally proficient environment for all.
If you have any questions or if I can be of assistance, please feel free to reach out to me at chancellor@atsu.edu.
Yours in service,
Craig M. Phelps, DO, ’84
For a long time, Christina Vu wasn’t sure becoming a physician was in her future. As a child of two immigrants who’d dedicated their lives to bettering their communities, she knew she wanted to live a life of service.
But during an internship at a medical examiner’s office in college, she pretty much ruled out medicine.
“I puked at my first autopsy,” Vu said, “and genuinely almost ruled out a medical career for good.”
The chief pathologist, Larry Czarnecki, DO, ’96, and other staff members, however, took time to mentor Vu and nurture her interest in public health. Those interactions helped change her view on what was possible, and what she wanted to do with her career, and led her to A.T. Still University’s Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (ATSU-KCOM).
“Dr. Czarnecki graduated from ATSU-KCOM, and seeing his passion for medicine and civic service really inspired me to follow in his footsteps,” Vu said. “Plus, I thought it was really cool that he still remembered his OMM (osteopathic manipulative medicine).”
Vu, OMS II, is from Chandler, Arizona, and has a bachelor’s of science in biomedical science and minor in chemistry from Northern Arizona University, graduating with honors, and a professional science master’s in forensic science from Arizona State University.
Her past experiences are shaping her future goals.
“My passion lies in public service and there is a huge need for forensic pathologists in our justice system,” Vu said. “There are about 700 medical examiners in the U.S. right now, but more than 1,200 are needed to handle the rising caseloads. ATSU’s mission lies in serving the underserved; I’d argue that this includes the people who, quite literally, cannot speak for themselves.
“I’ve had the opportunity to work under some pretty phenomenal doctors passionate about bringing justice to victims, to addressing the opioid epidemic, and contributing to public health education. Just two years ago, I watched my boss, the chief medical examiner of Fort Bend County, Texas, drive to the state capital to participate in hearings and advocate for change. I believe the culture of ATSU is one that cares deeply about service and selflessness. I see the same culture among forensic pathologists, who deal with the ramifications of violence, overdose, and public health daily to bring closure to families and justice to victims. Being at ATSU not only means that I receive a well-rounded education, but also that I am around like minded individuals who constantly drive me towards service, as well.”
Vu is president and founder of ATSU’s Pathology Club, president of Alpha Phi Omega, co-president of the MEDleys a capella group, vice president of practicals for the Wilderness Medicine Club, and secretary of the Sexuality in Medicine Club.
Vu enjoys some s’mores with members of the Simulation Club.
“As a medical student, I think it’s important to take time away from academics to recharge and ground myself,” she said. “School takes a lot of time, but I’ve still been able to participate in the things I really love, like being outdoors, choir, and service. I’m really proud of being able to start up Pathology Club with so many cool friends, too. We were just awarded the ‘Sparking Interest in Pathology’ award from the College of American Pathologists (CAP), and I’m hoping to use the award money to continue bringing attention to the field as a whole.”
Outside of class, Vu enjoys hiking, climbing, and volunteers with the Humane Society.
On campus, Vu appreciates how ATSU embraces individuality and the unique views, styles, and skills everyone brings to the community.
“ATSU strengthens individual learning styles through recorded lectures, hands-on labs, and online textbooks, and they encourage individual interests through the variety of clubs on campus,” Vu said. “I’ve never felt looked over because of my blue hair or tattoos or dorky interests. I don’t think there’s a one-size-fits-all approach to medical school, and more than anything I appreciate that ATSU supports our individuality and nurtures our strengths.”
Vu celebrates with her family at ATSU-KCOM’s White Coat Ceremony.
“I enjoy being an ATSU student because of the strong sense of community and support among both faculty and peers,” Gleason said. “The collaborative environment fosters personal and professional growth, making it an ideal place to learn and develop as a future healthcare professional.
“Student life at ATSU is dynamic and engaging. The balance of academic rigor with hands-on experiences makes my time at ATSU both challenging and fulfilling.”
Gleason is from Midlothian, Virginia, and has a bachelor’s degree in health sciences from James Madison University.
“I chose ATSU because of its holistic approach to the application and interview process,” she said. “The emphasis on considering the whole person aligns with my values. Additionally, the diverse specializations of the faculty were very appealing, as they provide a well-rounded education and a variety of perspectives in the field.”
Gleason is an active person, enjoying running, hiking, and traveling, and an active student, serving as a student ambassador and with the Move for Mason Committee.
“I was honored to be selected by my professors to join the Move for Mason committee, along with a group of dedicated peers. Our mission is to raise funds for the Move for Mason scholarship and give back to the community in Mason’s honor,” she said. “So far, we have organized a soccer tournament and sold popcorn and popsicles at flag football games. Currently, we are coordinating a group of students to volunteer with The Miracle League of Arizona, which provides opportunities for children and adults with physical and mental disabilities to play baseball.”
In her role as a student ambassador, Gleason enjoys helping prospective students navigate the process of applying to graduate school.
“Applying to graduate programs can be a stressful and overwhelming process. I became a student ambassador to help others navigate this journey by providing guidance and answering their questions. I enjoy being a resource for prospective students, offering support, and helping them feel more confident in their decisions,” she said.
Ultimately, Gleason aspires to become a skilled and compassionate physical therapist who makes meaningful differences in her patients’ lives.
“My goal is to provide individualized, evidence-based care that helps people regain function, improve mobility, and enhance their overall quality of life,” she said. “ATSU is preparing me for this career by offering a well-rounded education that emphasizes both academic excellence and hands-on clinical experience. The faculty’s diverse specializations provide valuable insight into different areas of physical therapy.”
“I chose A.T. Still University’s SLP program because of its small, close-knit community that fosters meaningful connections with faculty and peers,” the class of 2025 member said. “The program’s emphasis on whole person healthcare aligns with my passion for treating clients holistically, considering not just their speech and language needs, but their overall well-being. ATSU also provides full support through mentorship, hands-on experiences, and a collaborative learning environment, ensuring I develop into a well-rounded, compassionate clinician.”
Hoerner is from Palmdale, California, and has a bachelor of arts degree in communicative disorders and sciences, with an emphasis in speech-language pathology, and an associate’s degree in deaf studies with a certificate in sign language interpreting.
ATSU’s extensive number of on-campus events provide opportunities for professional growth and attention to personal well-being, Hoerner said, and are enjoyable diversions from coursework.
“From stress-reliever events, such as therapy dog visits, wellness workshops, and social gatherings, to career-building activities like guest lectures and networking opportunities, ATSU truly supports a balanced student experience,” she said.
“Beyond academics, ATSU provides unmatched support in both my personal and academic life. Whether it’s through faculty mentorship, student resources, or wellness programs, I have a resource for every need – ensuring I feel confident, prepared, and supported throughout my journey. The combination of a strong academic foundation, cutting-edge technology, and a compassionate, student-centered environment makes ATSU an incredible place to grow and thrive.”
That cutting-edge technology is giving students like Hoerner an advantage over others as she approaches graduation and her next steps as a professional.
“A unique highlight of the program is the opportunity to use advanced instrumentation that is only offered at five universities across the U.S.,” she said. “This hands-on experience allows me to develop specialized clinical skills that will set me apart in my future career as an SLP.
“Professionally, I hope to become a well-rounded and compassionate speech-language pathologist who provides individualized, evidence-based care, while advocating for inclusivity in communication. I am particularly passionate about working with individuals from diverse backgrounds, incorporating sign language and AAC, and promoting whole person healthcare,” Hoerner said. “ATSU is helping me achieve these goals by providing a collaborative and supportive learning environment, hands-on clinical experiences, and opportunities to work alongside students from other healthcare fields. The program’s emphasis on whole person healthcare aligns with my belief that communication is deeply connected to overall well-being. Additionally, ATSU’s focus on service and community engagement has allowed me to grow as a leader, advocate, and clinician, preparing me to make a meaningful impact in the field.”
Hoerner serves as vice president of the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association, an organization that provides a sense of community, opportunities of professional growth, and to give back through volunteer events. The organization also has an extensive mentorship program, connecting with students at different stages of their academic journeys.
Hoerner helps provide some of that mentorship before students even get started in a program, volunteering as a student ambassador at ATSU.
“I love being a student ambassador because it allows me to represent my program, connect with prospective and current students, and foster a welcoming, supportive environment,” she said. “I enjoy sharing my experiences, offering guidance, and helping others navigate their academic and professional journeys. One of the most rewarding aspects is the opportunity to meet and collaborate with students from other healthcare fields at ATSU, such as occupational therapy, physical therapy, and dentistry. This interdisciplinary experience enhances my understanding of whole person healthcare and prepares me to work as part of a collaborative healthcare team.”
“I enjoy being an ATSU student because of the strong sense of community, the supportive learning environment, and the university’s commitment to whole person healthcare,” she said. “The faculty genuinely care about student success, and there are ample opportunities for hands-on learning, collaboration, and professional growth. In the Audiology program, with the student organizations, networking events, and community outreach programs, there are numerous ways to get involved as a student in the profession.”
Dahdal is from Yonkers, New York, and has a bachelor of science degree in speech and hearing science, with a minor in family and human development, from Arizona State University. She was attracted to ATSU-ASHS Doctor of Audiology program for several reasons.
“I chose ATSU because of its strong commitment to whole person healthcare and its emphasis on inter-professional collaboration. The University’s focus on serving underserved communities and providing hands-on, patient-centered education aligns perfectly with my values and career goals in healthcare,” she said.
Dahdal is a member of the Student Academy of Audiology and also serves as a student ambassador.
“I became a student ambassador because I wanted to help prospective students navigate their professional journey, just as others once helped me. I enjoy connecting with future students, sharing my experiences, and highlighting the unique aspects of ATSU has been incredibly rewarding,” she said.
Professionally, Dahdal aspires to become a skilled and compassionate audiologist, dedicated to improving patients’ quality of life through better hearing and communication.
“I am particularly passionate about serving diverse populations, ensuring that everyone has access to quality hearing healthcare,” she said. “ATSU is preparing me for this career by providing a comprehensive, evidence-based audiology education with a strong emphasis on clinical experience.”
