“I chose ATSU-MOSDOH because of its strong commitment to serving underserved populations, which aligns closely with my goal of making a meaningful impact in rural and underserved communities,” Neville said. “Additionally, the school’s partnership with Affinia Healthcare provides students with exceptional hands-on clinical training, offering one of the most comprehensive educational experiences in dental education.”
Neville is originally from Hooker, Oklahoma, and attended Oklahoma Panhandle State University, where he graduated with a degree in biology and minored in chemistry. At ATSU-MOSDOH, Neville serves as president of Student Government Association (SGA) and member of the Christian Medical & Dental Association (CMDA), Dental Sigma Delta (DSD), and American Student Dental Association (ASDA).
“I joined these organizations to grow personally and professionally outside the classroom. Being part of SGA has allowed me to advocate for my peers and enhance communication between students and administration. CMDA provides a faith-based community that has strengthened my faith with a group of like-minded peers. Through DSD and ASDA, I have connected with a network of people who are passionate about dentistry and leadership,” Neville said. “These organizations have been a blessing and have provided me opportunities to participate in service projects, leadership development, and community outreach, which are some of the highlights of my ATSU experience.”
A bigger highlight is being able to do all of this alongside his fiancée.
“One of the things I enjoy most about being an ATSU-MOSDOH student is the opportunity to learn and grow in my dental journey alongside my fiancée. We met in dental school, and having a partner who understands the daily challenges and triumphs of this experience has been an incredible part of my time at ATSU. Sharing this journey has made the demanding aspects of dental school more rewarding and has added a unique and meaningful dimension to my student life,” Neville said.
Neville said he hopes to one day have his own private practice where he provides high quality dental care, with a focus on underserved populations.
“I hope to incorporate advanced technology into my practice to ensure that everyone has access to modern, comprehensive care. ATSU-MOSDOH has been instrumental in preparing me for this future, not only through a strong education but also through leadership opportunities like serving as SGA president and participating in the Smiles for Veterans scholarship program. These experiences have helped me step outside my comfort zone, build confidence, and stay committed to my mission of expanding care for those who need it most,” he said.
A.T. Still University of Health Sciences (ATSU) has signed a lease for a campus in San Luis Obispo, California. Located at 651 Tank Farm Road, the campus includes a 65,000-square-foot building and parking structure for 400 vehicles. Mindbody, Inc. previously leased the facility.
“The University will relocate its College for Healthy Communities (ATSU-CHC), which houses our Central Coast Physician Assistant (CCPA) program, from Santa Maria, California, to San Luis Obispo in summer 2026,” ATSU-CHC Dean Eric Sauers, PhD, said. “We remain strongly committed to the Santa Maria Valley and Santa Barbara County, where many of our students will continue to complete their clinical education. We are excited to extend our reach and impact through new program development made possible with this move, and will continue our focus on recruiting students from the Central Coast and educating them throughout the region.”
“The new campus will allow ATSU to expand health professions degree offerings and assist with solving local workforce, patient care, and health professions education needs,” said O.T. Wendel, PhD, president of ATSU’s Arizona and California campuses.
ATSU is a nonprofit university with campuses in Arizona, California, and Missouri. ATSU-CHC’s CCPA program is a 24-month master’s program with a goal of educating community-oriented physician assistants who will provide whole person primary care to underserved communities along the Central Coast and across the nation.
ATSU-KCOM’s master’s program provides a perfect opportunity for him to enhance his knowledge, skills, and application, as he pursues that goal.
“I chose this program to broaden my education through extensive research opportunities, namely through the MSBMS program, and move closer to my goal,” O’Connell said.
A graduate of Drury University, from where he holds a bachelor’s of science in biochemistry, O’Connell is from Republic, Missouri. At ATSU-KCOM he serves as MSBMS class president, president and volunteer coordinator with the Biomedical Sciences Club, member of the Christian Medical and Dental Association, and student ambassador.
“I became a student ambassador to pass along the many advantages of ATSU and the University’s exceptional caliber to prospective students, just as I experienced from previous student ambassadors when I was applying,” he said.
O’Connell competed as a member of the wrestling team at Drury and now coaches younger wrestlers when he has an opportunity. He also enjoys playing guitar, both electric and acoustic.
“My main influences are Eddie Van Halen, Glenn Campbell, and John Mayer,” he said. “A close second-favorite leisure activity is hiking and simply being in nature.”
O’Connell said there are ample opportunities to get involved with the ATSU community, which is something that enriches the student experience.
“I’m grateful to be a student at ATSU because of the people I have been able to meet through the many events that occur throughout the year,” he said. “One example is the Founder’s Day flag football game!”
O’Connell is currently aiming to publish his research for his master’s thesis, which will lead to him completing his MSBMS degree.
“Ultimately, my goal is to practice as a rural general surgeon. ATSU-KCOM has provided the necessary resources to aid my efforts to achieve these goals by providing amazing faculty who genuinely want me to succeed and achieve my goals,” he said.
A.T. Still University (ATSU) students, faculty, and staff gathered in Centennial Commons on the University’s Kirksville, Missouri, campus Wednesday to celebrate the 197th birthday of Dr. A.T. Still, DO.
The event included music, desserts, and some words from Museum of Osteopathic Medicine Director Jason Haxton, MA, and Dalton Rolland, MPH, associate director of leadership and annual giving.
Rolland announced Aug. 6 marked the first ATSU Day of Giving in Dr. Still’s honor, and asked the ATSU community to join on a shared mission to support the next generation of students, leaders, innovators, and changemakers in whole person healthcare.
Today, Wednesday, August 6, we honor A.T. Still, founder of osteopathic medicine, who dared to question, innovate, and build something enduring. His life reminds us healthcare isn’t just about treating symptoms; it’s about treating the whole person, mind, body, and spirit.
No matter where you’re studying—Kirksville, St. Louis, Mesa, Santa Maria, or online—you’re walking in the footsteps of a pioneer. You are part of a legacy that began on this day in 1828 and continues to shape the delivery of healthcare.
Faculty, staff, and alumni, you continue his legacy each day through teaching, mentoring, researching, supporting, and caring for our students and communities. Whether you’re in the classroom, patient care centers, behind the scenes, or on the front lines, you are part of something extraordinary.
Today, let’s take a moment to celebrate:
Dr. Still, who started it all 197 years ago.
ATSU, the university we’re proud to call home.
And the meaningful work we do together to keep Dr. Still’s mission alive.
Thank you for all you do, and happy birthday, Dr. Still!
Fun fact: At 10 years old, Dr. Still used a rope sling to ease a headache. He later called it his first osteopathic discovery. (Still A.T., Autobiography. Published by the author. Kirksville, Mo., 1897, p 19)
Developed in conjunction with Delta Dental of Arizona, this intensive three-day continuing education program will provide hands-on training to meet the needs and demands of dental healthcare teams (dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, and front desk staff) who wish to enhance their knowledge and skills in caring for individuals with special health care needs, including those with disabilities and those who are frail and medically compromised older adults. The program will include observation, chairside opportunities, and live-patient direct care.
“At ATSU-ASDOH, we are not just educating future clinicians; we are shaping a more inclusive future for healthcare,” said Desmond Gallagher, BDS, ATSU-ASDOH dean. “Our collaboration with Delta Dental of Arizona drives this mission and demonstrates our belief education in care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities should be accessible to oral healthcare providers in our community, enhancing access to care. Through our immersive program, we aspire to make this compassionate approach the standard, not the exception.”
In addition to supporting this first-ever training program, in 2024, Delta Dental of Arizona added a Special Health Care Needs dental benefit to most of its dental plans. It covers additional dental visits and up to four dental cleanings per benefit year as well as treatment delivery modifications and the use of anesthesia when necessary to provide dental care.
“Arizona’s community health dentists and local nonprofits often face challenges when it comes to accessing dental training and continuing education,” said Michael Jones, president and chief executive officer of Delta Dental of Arizona and chair of the Delta Dental of Arizona Foundation board, who last year funded 15 scholarships for Arizona dental providers to take part in the intensive special needs training program through the New York University Oral Health Center for People with Disabilities. “We are proud to support A.T. Still University in bringing the first-ever special needs training for dental providers and community nonprofits to the Western United States.”
ATSU-ASDOH’s Inclusive Dentistry & Oral Health Immersion Program will be held Nov. 5-7, 2025, on ATSU’s Mesa, Arizona, campus. For more about the program, visit our website and click the “Submit Information” link. Additional information, including the application process and cost, will be shared in August.
Robert G.G. Piccinini, DO, D.FACN, was installed as president of the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) on Saturday, July 19, 2025, marking the first time a psychiatrist will serve as president in AOA history.
Dr. Piccinini assumed the presidency before osteopathic physicians, medical students, and guests at the AOA’s Annual Business Meeting in Chicago.
“We are here because our patients need our care,” said Dr. Piccinini. “Osteopathic medicine champions the whole-person perspective of body, mind and spirit. We put our patients first by fostering a culture of compassion, understanding and evidence-based modern medicine that ensures every patient receives care tailored to their unique circumstances. We fight for every patient’s active role in their health journey.”
A.T. Still University’s Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health (ATSU-MOSDOH) provided everything Lauren Bitar, D2, was looking for in a dental program. When the Sterling Heights, Michigan, native was deciding which dental school was right for her, ATSU-MOSDOH’s mission and curriculum aligned with her goals for the kind of dentist she strives to become.
“I chose ATSU-MOSDOH because of its strong emphasis on community-based dental education, whole person healthcare, and commitment to serving underserved populations,” she said. “I was drawn to the unique opportunity to develop clinical skills in a supportive and mission-driven environment, while also gaining experience in diverse settings. ATSU’s philosophy aligns with my values of service and leadership, and I knew it would help shape me into the kind of healthcare provider I aspire to be.”
Bitar graduated from Wayne State University with a degree in mathematics, concentration in general topics, and minor in chemistry. At ATSU-MOSDOH, she joined the Student Government Association and serves as the class of 2028 president.
“Being in this leadership position has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of my dental school experience. I truly enjoy advocating for my classmates, organizing class events, and acting as a liaison between students and faculty. It’s a role that comes with responsibility, but I thrive on the opportunity to support my peers and represent their voices. I also love attending leadership conferences and networking events, where I get to learn from others and grow professionally,” she said.
ATSU-MOSDOH class of 2028.
At ATSU-MOSDOH, Bitar has found a strong sense of community and support.
“ATSU also does a great job organizing fun and stress-relieving activities throughout the year. One of my favorite events was when the school brought in baby farm animals and provided lunch for students. Moments like these go a long way in helping us recharge after long weeks of lectures, simulation labs, and exams. It’s little things like this that make student life at ATSU special and remind us that we’re supported both academically and emotionally.”
Bitar (second from left) poses with friends, from left, Leila Alkarra, Eddie Vazquez Chapa, and Vikramjit Singh.
Outside of class, Bitar describes herself as “a proud shopaholic.” She loves clothes and accessories that express her personality.
“I also enjoy staying active and being social. Whether it’s going to the gym, attending events, or spending time with friends, I’m always looking for ways to balance the demands of dental school with things that bring me joy and keep me grounded,” she said.
Bitar is working toward becoming a well-rounded dentist who not only provides excellent clinical care, but also gives back to the community through advocacy and service.
“ATSU is preparing me for success through a rigorous academic curriculum and hands-on clinical training. We’re also being well-prepared for our national boards and ADEX (American Board of Dental Examiners) licensure exams for the near future,” she said. “The education and support I’m receiving at ATSU are equipping me with the skills and confidence I need to excel in practice and lead with purpose.”
Bitar (second from right) with friends at the DSD Formal in St. Louis.
“My favorite part about student life is the vibrancy of the community you get at ATSU due to the sheer amount of people on campus at once, whether from running into familiar faces at the YMCA, or studying at the library with peers and seeing what the other students in other programs are studying,” Chun said. “I also have felt very supported by the resources ATSU has to offer, such as the Learning Specialists, Peer-Assisted Learning tutors, and student counseling, all of which feel very accessible and are staffed by amazing people.”
Chun is from San Jose, California, and has a degree from University of California, Davis, where she majored in pharmaceutical chemistry and minored in psychology. When she decided to pursue becoming a PA, she looked for several different traits in a program. She found them at ATSU.
“ATSU’s strong commitment to serving diverse and underserved populations deeply resonated with me, as I am passionate about working in under-resourced communities as a future PA,” she said. “The curriculum emphasizes social determinants of health, patient advocacy, and cost-effective care throughout the curriculum, and I was especially drawn to the year-long community health center rotations. I was confident that these opportunities would prepare me to better understand and advocate for the vulnerable communities I aim to serve.
“The school’s whole-person healthcare model – addressing body, mind, and spirit – also aligned with my values, as my background in crisis counseling has shown me the critical role emotional and spiritual well-being plays in health, and has fueled my desire to advocate for my patients’ mental well-being as a future provider.”
Chun has gotten involved with several organizations at ATSU. She’s a member of the Kettel Society, serving as representative to the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) Assembly of Representatives and Arizona State Association of Physician Assistants, the PA student representative with the ATSU-ASHS Strategic Plan Student Ad Hoc Committee, and a student ambassador.
“I represent my PA school class at PA advocacy organizations at the state and national level at meetings and conferences, such as the annual AAPA conference, and facilitate communication between these organizations and my cohort. Through this role, I’ve had the privilege of learning more about policy and advocacy, and meeting so many passionate PA students and practicing PAs,” she said.
As a student ambassador, Chun has a chance to serve in a role where she found helpful people during her time as a prospective student.
“I welcomed the chance to join outreach events and connect with prospective students. I had previous experience with mentorship and thoroughly enjoyed the experience, and wanted to have the opportunity to continue to do it here,” she said. “I also had very positive experiences with PA program student ambassadors during interview day, private tours, and orientation. Their personal, helpful guidance made my move from California to Arizona much less daunting.
“I wanted to be able to provide that same feeling to other students in the future, and make their transition into school life more comfortable. My favorite part about this role is being able to connect with prospective students and incoming students through informational sessions, interview day lunches, student tours, and emails.”
In her free time, Chun enjoys indoor cycling, going on walks and hikes, and karaoke.
“I also have a passion for playing in music groups, and have played in concert bands, marching band, and Japanese-American taiko groups,” she said.
As for her future, Chun says she’s currently most interested in working in psychiatry and primary care. ATSU-ASHS’ PA program’s Didactic Clinical Experiences afforded her the opportunity to shadow practicing PAs in these and other specialties, which helped both solidify and expand her professional interests.
“ATSU also prepares me well to become the competent, confident PA I aspire to be through hands-on experiences, such as mock patient encounters through our standardized patient experiences, clinical skills days, and communication drills, where we practice navigating difficult patient encounters and situations in front of our peers,” she said.
“Working closely with other healthcare providers is essential to providing high quality care as a PA, and ATSU’s interprofessional experiences, such as shadowing and collaborative activities, have allowed me to better understand what other specialties offer patients and gain new perspectives, both of which will also make me a stronger provider.”
“I chose ATSU-CHC because of my deep commitment to serving the Central Coast of California – my home – as a primary care provider,” Van Beurden, of San Luis Obsipo, California, said. “When I learned that ATSU was launching a new PA program in this part of California, it truly felt like a dream come true. This region has long faced a shortage of healthcare programs and providers, so the opportunity to be part of a solution in my own community was a no-brainer.”
But proximity was only part of the equation.
“What drew me in even further was CCPA’s mission to train humble, diverse physician assistants equipped to serve medically underserved communities,” Van Beurden said. “I’m proud to be part of a program that aligns so closely with my calling, and I can’t wait to join the growing number of ATSU-CHC graduates already making a tangible difference in our local clinics and beyond.”
Van Beurden, who has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in kinesiology, believes he made the right decision.
“My favorite part of being an ATSU student is getting to learn medicine on the Central Coast alongside my amazing classmates. We’ve built strong bonds through study sessions, workout classes (shoutout to Run Club, CrossFit, and cycling), and are making the most of the outdoors, whether it’s beach volleyball or hiking local trails,” he said. “It’s inspiring to share this journey with people who are not only passionate about becoming healthcare providers, but also know how to have fun and support each other along the way.”
Van Beurden joined Student Government Association at ATSU-CHC and serves as the CCPA’s class president. He calls the role humbling and is honored to serve his classmates, foster relationships with faculty, and contribute to a healthy culture within the program.
“Leadership comes with its challenges, but it also offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful, lasting impact, especially when you’re working in service of a mission you deeply believe in,” he said. “I’m grateful for the chance to be a part of the lives of so many amazing future PAs.”
He also serves as a student ambassador, sharing the program’s mission with others. That’s something he said comes naturally and began before he joined the program himself.
“I’ve been genuinely excited about what this program stands for and the impact it’s making locally. What I love most about this role is seeing the spark of possibility in someone’s eyes, the moment they realize that becoming a PA in this community could be a possibility in their future. Being part of that moment is my favorite part of the role,” he said.
Van Beurden’s goal is to make a lasting impact in serving patients on the Central Coast. He said he’s passionate about being part of the healing and transformational journeys of individuals in his community, especially those who most need compassionate, accessible care.
“I want to be a provider who will stick by their sides throughout their life,” he said. “I also hope to take on leadership and teaching roles as a PA-C, working to expand access to care and enhance the quality of healthcare delivery across the region. ATSU is preparing me for this path by surrounding me with dedicated professors and mentors, people who are already living out these goals and who inspire me to grow into the kind of provider I hope to become.”
