Faculty & staff news
Posted: March 14, 2016
ATSU
Nelida Acosta is ATSU’s new senior administrative assistant for strategic university partnerships. She has worked at the University since 2011.
Kimberly Blackman was named associate director of alumni relations for the Missouri campus. She began her new role in April 2015.
Michael Chang, MNpS, is the new director of alumni relations. Chang received the Arizona campus Employee Excellence Award for the third quarter of 2014.
Rita Clem, printing technician, printing services, received the 2015 Missouri campus Distinguished Service Award.
Brian F. Degenhardt, DO, director, A.T. Still Research Institute, received the 2015 George W. Northup, DO, Medical Writing Award for his article, “Preliminary Findings on the Use of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment: Outcomes During the Formation of the Practice-Based Research Network, DO-Touch.NET,” which appeared in The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association’s March 2014 issue. The article, co-authored by Jane C. Johnson, MA, research assistant professor, A.T. Still Research Institute; Shanin R. Gross, DO; Celia Hagan, BSN; Gregg Lund, DO; and William J. Curry, MD, MS, is recognized as the best article published in the journal in 2014.
Vikki Driving Hawk, MEd, was selected as director for ATSU’s National Center for American Indian Health Professions. She holds a master’s degree in education for counseling and human relations from Northern Arizona University and previously worked at ATSU on the Arizona campus as associate director for residential admissions.
Judy Funk, graphic designer, communication & marketing, received the Missouri campus Employee Excellence Award for the fourth quarter of 2014.
Leonard Goldstein, DDS, PhD, was selected as assistant vice president for clinical education development in Academic Affairs in September 2014. He will work with deans, directors, and clinical partners, including community health centers, to create additional quality clinical opportunities for students.
Dr. Goldstein
Dr. Goldstein comes to ATSU from NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine, where he served as director of clerkship education and was responsible for developing and monitoring rotations for 600 medical students annually. His previous administrative positions include serving as an assistant dean for graduate program development, medical director of a hospital-based TMJ/Facial Pain Center, and program director for a master of science program in forensic examination.
Marsha Ham, PhD, was named inaugural director of the Center for Teaching and Learning and began her role on Aug. 1, 2015. Dr. Ham most recently served as associate vice president and dean of the College of Lifelong Learning and eLearning at the University of New Haven in Connecticut.
Dr. Ham earned her BS from Auburn University, MA from the University of Alabama, and PhD in higher education organization and administration from the University of Arizona where she also worked in several faculty development roles for more than 14 years.
Margaret Hoogland, MLS, distance support librarian, was approved for AHIP at the senior level. AHIP is MLA’s peer-reviewed professional development and career recognition credentialing program. The credential denotes the highest standards of professional competency and achievement in the field of healthcare information.
Katie Hubbard, MBA, writer/editor, communication & marketing, received the Missouri campus Employee Excellence Award for the second quarter of 2015.
Mike Kronenfeld, MBA, MLS, university librarian, and Harold Bright, MALS, distance support librarian, co-authored “Discovery in a Health Sciences Library,” which was published in Doody’s Collection Development Monthly. Kronenfeld also co-authored “Healthcare Reform in America: A Reference Handbook,” which was published in a second edition in April 2015.
Rosemary Jones, executive assistant to the vice president of strategic university partnerships, retired from ATSU on Aug. 31, 2015.
Jack Magruder, EdD, president emeritus, retired from teaching chemistry at Moberly Area Community College on May 12, 2015, after a 59-year career in education. Dr. Magruder was presented with a resolution in honor of his lifelong mission to educate students from the Missouri House of Representatives at the Hurdland, Mo., Annual School Reunion in July.
Brian McCarty, support specialist, information technology services, received the Missouri campus Employee Excellence Award for the third quarter of 2014.
Michael A. McManis, PhD, vice president, planning, assessment, and institutional effectiveness, retired June 30, 2015, concluding 39 years of full-time service in a variety of higher education roles. Dr. McManis joined ATSU in 2009 and held leadership roles in several key areas impacting ATSU’s mission, including strategic planning, assessment, and facilities development. He also served one year as interim senior vice president-academic affairs.
Beginning July 1, 2015, Rick Rieder, MBA, MM, vice president of finance/CFO, assumed responsibility for facilities, and O.T. “Ted” Wendel, PhD, senior vice president of strategic university initiatives, assumed responsibility for strategic planning.
Isaac R. Navarro, DMD, ’08, was named director of community-oriented primary care for SOMA, effective May 1. Previously, Dr. Navarro served as an ATSU Board of Trustees member.
Dr. Navarro received the Juan Carlos Olivares Hometown Scholar Advocate of the Year award at the NACHC Policy & Issues Forum held in Washington, D.C., on March 22, 2015.
Clinton Normore, MBA, director, diversity, was selected as a participant scholar for the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities 2015 Translational Health Disparities Course: Integrating Principles of Science, Practice, and Policy in Health Disparities Research, held Aug. 3-14, 2015, in Bethesda, Md.
Craig M. Phelps, DO, ’84, president, presented the keynote address, “Keys to Taking Care of Yourself While Taking Care of Others,” at the Wellness Council of Arizona’s annual meeting in Phoenix. ATSU was presented the Process, Progress, & Leadership in Worksite Health Promotion plaque at the meeting, and Dr. Phelps accepted the award on the University’s behalf.
Alexandra Reel was selected as associate director of development – major gifts on the Missouri campus. She began her duties June 22, 2015.
Lizette Romero is the new coordinator of diversity and inclusion within ATSU’s Diversity department. Romero, who previously worked with Maricopa County Workforce Development as a youth guidance counselor, is based on the Arizona campus.
Thomas Van Vleck, MA, counselor, attended the Masters World Championship for the traditional Scottish Highland Games Sept. 12-14, 2014, in Inverness, Scotland. He won the weight over bar event and participated in the Guinness World Record caber toss.
O.T. “Ted” Wendel, PhD, senior vice president, strategic initiatives, presented a photo essay in June 2015 on his mission trip to Nepal with Project HOPE. A major earthquake rocked Nepal in April 2015, and Dr. Wendel was in Nepal when a second earthquake struck the area in May.
Ryan Yontanza, desktop analyst, information technology services, received the 2015 Arizona campus Distinguished Service Award.
ASDOH
George BlueSpruce Jr., DDS, MPH, assistant dean, American Indian affairs, was honored at a celebration held Nov. 12, 2014, on the Arizona campus. Faculty, staff, and other guests gathered to pay tribute to his lifetime contributions and encouragement of American Indian students to pursue a career in dentistry and oral health as well as other health professions.
Jonny Brennan, MD, DMD, MPH, ’12, is the new associate dean for informatics, innovation, and community partnerships. Dr. Brennan graduated from Arizona State University in 2005. He then earned his medical degree from the University of Toledo College of Medicine. In 2012, he graduated from ASDOH having earned his MPH and DMD degrees. In 2014, Dr. Brennan co-founded Brennan Dental.
Khanh Chu, DDS, was appointed assistant dean for clinical education. Dr. Chu has served ASDOH for more than nine years as a CCU director and floating CCU director. Dr. Chu began her role on July 1, 2015, and directly oversees the curricular/education component of the two-year clinical experience.
“In just one day, the teams screened more than 870 children who received free cleft repair surgeries and dental services across the five cities in Vietnam.” — Dr. Khanh Chu, Operation Smile
In addition, Dr. Chu, John Payne, DDS, and Mai-Ly Duong, DMD, MPH, ’12, participated in Operation Smile’s 25th anniversary in Vietnam, a mission called “The Next Era of Smiles.” From Nov. 17-21, 2014, Drs. Chu, Payne, and Duong participated in a three-city initiative to provide basic dental care that included cleanings, fillings, and extractions for more than 1,000 children.
Wayne Cottam, DMD, MS, was appointed as vice dean in June 2015. Dr. Cottam previously served as associate dean of integrated community service partnerships.
Janine Dumont, DDS, is the new CCU director. Dr. Dumont graduated from Northwestern University Dental School and has more than 30 years of general practice experience, including group and private practice. Prior to joining ASDOH, she served four years as a full-time clinical instructor at Midwestern University School of Dental Medicine.
Mara Giles, MA, is the new director of student success. Giles previously served as a learning enrichment adviser in Student Affairs on the Arizona campus.
Dr. Grubb
John E. Grubb, DDS, MS, adjunct professor, orthodontics, received the Earl E. and Wilma S. Shepard Distinguished Service Award from the American Board of Orthodontics. Dr. Grubb is a diplomate to the board, as well as a past director and past president.
Sabah Kalamchi, DDS, FFDRCS, assistant dean of oral and maxillofacial surgery, was named president of the Arizona Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons in May 2015.
Jill Matejcik joined ASDOH as an education specialist and supports the daily maintenance of the dental curriculum. Matejcik previously worked in the Mesa public schools system as a researcher and special education instructional assistant.
Angela Miller is the new clinic technology specialist and supports planning, testing, and implementing of the practice management system and student management system. Miller previously served as a dental assistant, serving the needs of CCU 3.
Jae Park, DMD, PhD, MSD, MS, director, postgraduate orthodontic program, presented a lecture, “Clinical and Biomechanical Considerations of Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs) in Challenging Cases: Sagittal Correction beyond Orthodontic Boundaries,” during the 2015 American Association of Orthodontists Annual Session held May 15-19, 2015, in San Francisco, Calif.
Hanann Tomeh, DDS, was named director of integrated human services, effective July 1, 2015. Dr. Tomeh previously served as an adjunct professor in the simulation clinic.
Robert Trombly, DDS, JD, joined the School in August 2015 as the new associate dean for clinical education and student success. Prior to joining ASDOH, he held various administrative positions at University of Colorado, Western University of Health Sciences, and University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry.
Jenifer Vetter, clinic manager, orthodontics, received her bachelor’s degree in healthcare management from University of Phoenix.
ASHS
W. Cody Black, MHS, PA-C, assistant professor, physician assistant studies, co-published an article titled “My patient wants to try e-cigarettes to quit smoking. What should I say?” in the August 2015 issue of Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants.
Brandi Buchanan, OTD, OTR/L, was named program director for the entry-level Occupational Therapy Clinical Doctorate program. She came to ATSU in 2010 from Long Island University in Brooklyn, N.Y., as an assistant professor.
Dr. Buchanan earned her BA degree in Spanish and humanities from Pacific University and her MA degree in occupational therapy and OTD from University of Southern California. Her areas of specialization include program development, pediatrics and early intervention, acute care and rehabilitation for adults with physical disabilities, public policy, and advocacy.
Erlinda Cisneros-Johnson, administrative assistant, occupational therapy, received the Arizona campus Employee Excellence Award for the fourth quarter of 2014.
Melissa Clark, DHSc, OTR/L, CES, CHT, assistant professor, occupational therapy, participated in a service learning mission trip to Guatemala Sept. 11-19, 2014, with 18 occupational therapy students and one alumna. The occupational therapy mission group collaborated with the sponsoring organization Service for Peace to prepare a need’s assessment for training, treatment, and healthcare supplies.
Randy Danielsen, PhD, PA-C, DFAAPA, dean, received an Award of Appreciation from Logan University (Chesterfield, Mo.) on Dec. 20, 2014, for recognition of his devotion and commitment to excellence in education and integrated healthcare. Dr. Danielsen was also the commencement speaker.
Dr. Danielsen was named the 2015 Eugene A. Stead Jr. Award of Achievement winner. This is the highest award given by the American Academy of Physician Assistants and is only the fifth time the award has been given in 15 years.
In addition, Dr. Danielsen and physician assistant faculty members Gerry Keenan, MMS, PA-C, and Ian McLeod, MEd, PA-C, presented educational sessions at the Arizona State Association of Physician Assistants annual fall meeting held Oct. 9-10, 2015, in Tucson, Ariz.
Rachel Diamant, PhD, OTR/L, BCP, is acting occupational therapy chair and is continuing her role as program director of the entry-level Oc
cupational Therapy program. Dr. Diamant has been part of the faculty since 1998. She teaches courses related to pediatric practice for the residential Occupational Therapy program and for the online Advanced Master’s in Occupational Therapy program.
Dr. Diamant received her master of science in occupational therapy from Boston University and her doctorate in health psychology/behavioral medicine through Northcentral University. She is board certified in pediatrics by the American Occupational Therapy Association and is pediatric NDT-certified.
Jim Farris, PT, PhD, chair and associate professor, physical therapy, recently completed the American Physical Therapy Association’s Education Leadership Fellowship, an accredited program through the American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education.
Dr. Farris was appointed chair of the ASHS Assessment Committee in September 2015.
Lesley Gilmer, PhD, was named anatomy director of lab safety and compliance, effective Dec. 1, 2014, within the Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences.
Keenan
Gerry Keenan, MMS, PA-C, associate professor, physician assistant studies, was named Special Olympics Arizona (SOAZ) Healthy Athletes Outstanding Clinician of the Year. He is a clinical director for the program and was presented with the award at a gathering of SOAZ clinical directors and key volunteers in June 2015. In July 2015, Keenan was elected to the Arizona State Association of Physician Assistants Board of Directors and will serve in the role of director at large until 2017.
Keenan, along with ASDOH’s Timothy Lukavsky, DDS, assistant director; Ann Spolarich, RDH, PhD, director of research; and Michael Lukavsky, D4, hosted a workshop titled “Coping with Illness and Intellectual Developmental Disabilities” at the American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry conference held in conjunction with the Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles in July 2015. Maureen Perry, DDS, MPA, associate dean, ASDOH, also attended the conference and served as a panelist during a seminar titled “Medical Immobilization in the Dental Setting.” Keenan was a medical services volunteer providing medical care to participants and spectators attending the World Games.
Chelsea Lohman, PhD, ATC, CSCS, assistant professor, was named anatomy director of curriculum and instruction, effective Dec. 1, 2014, within the Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences.
Dr. Lohman received the Young Investigator Award in June 2015 from Spine, a leading journal in neuroscience and orthopedics. Dr. Lohman’s dissertation research work was published in the July 2015 issue.
Tara L. McIsaac, PT, PhD, associate professor, physical therapy, was selected as a speaker for the 2015 Arizona Parkinson’s Disease Research Summit: Creating a roadmap for a shake-free environment, held Oct. 8 at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Ariz.
Ian McLeod, MEd, PA-C, director, physician assistant studies, was a part of the medical staff for the USA Swim Team at the FINA Short Course World Swimming Championships held Dec. 3-7, 2014, in Doha, Qatar. McLeod assisted in injury evaluation and management, athletic-related illness evaluation and management, and massage therapy to assist with athlete recovery.
Tresa Moralez, administrative assistant, physical therapy, received the Arizona campus Employee Excellence Award for the second quarter of 2015.
Tabitha Parent Buck, AuD, chair, audiology, was appointed as chair of ATSU’s University-wide Assessment Committee.
Eric Sauers, PhD, ATC, FNATA, professor and chair, interdisciplinary health sciences, was the recipient of the Founders Award from the American Society of Shoulder and Elbow Therapists on Oct. 11, 2014. The award is the highest honor given to a member of the society.
Alison Snyder Valier, PhD, ATC, FNATA, was named a fellow of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association in 2015. Dr. Snyder Valier serves as a professor of interdisciplinary health sciences; director, Center for Clinical Outcomes Studies; and assistant director of research support.
Brian Taylor, AuD, adjunct professor, joined Turtle Beach Corporation’s audio business, HyperSound®, as the new senior director of clinical affairs.
Dr. Taylor has published more than 50 articles and book chapters on topics related to hearing aids, diagnostic audiology, and business management and authored four textbooks, “Fitting and Dispensing Hearing Aids,” “Consultative Selling Skills for Audiologists,” “Quality in Audiology: Design & Implementation of the Patient Experience,” and “Marketing in an Audiology Practice.”
Tamara Valovich McLeod, PhD, ATC, FNATA, professor and director, athletic training, was recognized during the National Athletic Trainers’ Association’s Women in Athletic Training reception held June 23-26 in St. Louis, Mo.
Dr. Valovich McLeod presented “Prevention through Education” and participated in an interactive panel discussion at the University of Michigan Injury Center Sport Concussion Summit in Ann Arbor, Mich., on Sept. 24, 2015.
Rupal Vora, MD, FACP, was named director, osteopathic student professional development, effective July 1, 2015. She previously served as coordinator.
Dr. Wilkinson
Tawna Wilkinson, PT, DPT, PCS, ’04, was named director of clinical education for the Doctor of Physical Therapy program. In her new role, she focuses on the development of external clinical internship sites, clinical instructors, and center coordinators of clinical education.
CGHS
Katherine Adler, DHA, FACHE, associate dean, academic success and assessment, and husband Felix were honored as Kiwanians of the Year in 2014 by the Kirksville Kiwanis Club. The award honors those who have demonstrated outstanding service to the club and community. This is the first time the Kirksville Kiwanis Club presented a joint award. Dr. Adler also received the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) Service Award for her volunteer service to the healthcare management profession and ACHE.
Donna Allen, PhD, assistant professor, attended the United Nations Global Quality of Life committee meeting in Savannah, Ga., in 2015. She was appointed to this committee in June 2014 and serves as an ambassador representing the United States on the Global Quality of Life Initiatives.
Donald Altman, DDS, DHSc, MPH, MBA, MA, ’12, dean, is president of the American Board of Public Health. He will serve as president until April 2016.
Dr. Altman
Dr. Altman; S.D. Shanti, DDS, PhD, MPH, associate professor; Marsha Presley, PhD, research associate; and Aesha Turner, MS, executive assistant, published “Blending Public Health into Dental Education: A.T. Still University’s DMD/MPH Program” in Journal of Dental Education.
Dr. Altman also presented “Integrating Innovation in the Public Health Curriculum into a Dental School Using a Hybrid Pro
gram” in October 2014 at the 10th Riyadh International Dental Meeting at the Riyadh College of Dentistry and Pharmacy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Joshua Bernstein, PhD, assistant professor, co-published “Perspectives of health promotion and primary prevention of cardiovascular disease: Revisiting the Social-ecological Model” in the 2015 issue of Evidence-based Medicine and Public Health and “Feasibility of Internet-based post-secondary nutrition education: Incorporating features of the Mediterranean diet” in the 2015 issue of Health Promotion Perspectives.
Jeff Chaffin, DDS, MPH, MBA, MHA, assistant professor, was appointed to a task force sponsored by the Children’s Dental Health Project to update recommendations for school-based dental sealant programs. He is one of eight members on the steering committee.
Dr. Chaffin completed his year as president of the American Board of Dental Public Health and will serve as past president until April 2016.
In addition, Dr. Chaffin co-authored “Single and Cumulative Relations of Social Risk Factors with Children’s Dental Health and Care-Utilization within Regions of the U.S.,” which was accepted for publication in Maternal and Child Health Journal.
Lori Dewald, EdD, associate professor, presented “Best Practices in Blazing a Trail for Teaching Health Education Online” and “Breast and Testicular Self Examination Practices in College Students: Results from the ACHA-NCHA Data” at the April 2015 Society for Public Health Education conference in Portland, Ore. Dr. Dewald presented “Addressing Sexual Assault and Interpersonal Violence – Athletics’ Role in Support of Healthy and Safe Environments” and “The Current State of Faculty and Staff Health and Wellness Programs: Results from the 2014 ACHA Survey” at the May 2015 American College Health Association conference in Orlando, Fla. She also presented “Addressing Sexual Assault and Interpersonal Violence – Athletics’ Role in Support of Healthy and Safe Environments” at the June 2015 National Athletic Trainers’ Association conference in St. Louis, Mo.
Dr. Dewald co-published “Feedback as a Tool to Promote Learning and Encourage Persistence” in the summer 2015 issue of Delta Kappa Gamma International Journal for Professional Educators.
Kathleen DiCaprio, PhD, chair, doctor of health sciences, provided interviews as a subject matter expert on Ebola for several writers and news reporters who contribute to Newsweek, health sections of the New York Times, and local new stations in New York City and Kirksville. Her research efforts have contributed to the creation and testing a promising vaccine, VSV-Ebola, which is currently being used in clinical trials with World Health Organization and international collaborations.
Lihua Dishman, PhD, assistant professor, presented her research titled “Examining the Roles of Securitization in Risk Management: An Application in Healthcare after the Financial Crises” at the May 2015 Industry Studies Association Annual Conference in Kansas City, Mo. She presented a poster, “Improving Hospitals’ Patient Experience, Revenue Cycle Management, and Financial Performance by Utilizing an Expanded Donabedian’s Structure-Process-Outcome Framework,” at the International Hospital Federation 39th World Hospital Congress held Oct. 6-8, 2015, in Chicago, Ill.
Dr. Dishman’s abstract titled “A Whole-System Based, Integrated, and Interdisciplinary Framework to Improving Patient Experience, Revenue Cycle Management, and Financial Performance of U.S. Hospitals” was accepted for the March 2015 Michigan Academy Conference in Berrien Springs, Mich.
Additionally, Dr. Dishman and John Fick, EdD, associate professor, prepared and presented a professional development session at the CGHS graduation meeting on Triple Aim and how it is operationalized in healthcare organizations today. Joining them for the panel presentation was Vicki Schroeder, MA, adjunct faculty, health administration; DHA candidate Alice Snyder; and Banner Desert Medical Center CEO Laura Robertson.
Helen Ewing, DHSc, RN, adjunct professor; Ade Anast, PhD, director, online writing center; and Tammy Roehling, PT, DPT, director, transitional doctor of physical therapy, had their paper, “Addressing Plagiarism in Online Programs at a Health Sciences University: A Case Study,” accepted by Assessment and Evaluation in Higher Education, a peer-reviewed British journal.
John Fick, EdD, associate professor, attended the annual meeting of the Society for Healthcare Strategy and Market Development of the American Hospital Association held Oct. 11-14, 2015, in Washington, D.C.
Jaana Gold, DDS, PhD, MPH, associate professor, attended the ADA Advanced EBD Workshop Feb. 9-13, 2015. Dr. Gold earned her master of public health degree from University of Florida and is a member of the review committee for HRSA-15-051 Postdoctoral Training in General, Pediatric, and Public Health Dentistry grant applications. She is a member of the Communication Action Team of the Oral Health Florida coalition. She is also a member of the Council on Educational Affairs for American Association of Public Health Dentistry.
Dr. Gold’s manuscript, “Streptococcus mutans is vertically transmitted from mother to child,” was accepted for publication in the June 2015 issue of Journal of Evidence-Based Dental Practice. She also had her abstract titled “Oral Health Needs of WIC Children and Women in North Central Florida” accepted for the American Public Health Association annual meeting in Chicago, Ill., in fall 2015.
Additionally, Dr. Gold co-published “Knowledge and Behaviors Regarding Early Childhood Caries Among Low-Income Women in Florida: A Pilot Study” in the April 2015 issue of Journal of Dental Hygiene.
Colleen Halupa, EdD, associate professor, doctor of health education, was named to the editorial board of Journal of Academic Ethics. Dr. Halupa co-published “A Comparison of a Two Engineering Statics Courses: Lecture-based and Lecture-based with Supplemental Online Video” in the February 2015 issue of International Journal of Higher Education and “Student Perceptions of Self-Plagiarism: A Multi-University Exploratory Study” in the March 2015 issue of Journal of Academic Ethics. She had her manuscript, “Exploring Video-Intensive Delivery in An Online and Face-to-Face Statics Course,” published in the June 2015 issue of Journal of Online Engineering Education. She also published a new textbook, “Transformative Curriculum Design in Health Sciences Education,” with chapters by Donna Allen, PhD, assistant professor; Lynda Konecny, DHEd, MS, CHES, ’08, associate professor; and Warren McDonald, PhD, associate professor.
Dr. Halupa presented “Exploring Student Self-Plagiarism in Higher Education” at the Association for Educational Communications and Technology International Convention in November 2014; “Impact of Technology and Online Learning on Youth Physical, Social and Emotional Health” at the Youth Health Risk International Conference in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, in January 2015; and “Integrity – The problem with Self-plagiarism,” in May 2015 as part of a webinar for Online and Distance Learning Association of Australia’s Research Bytes.
Keondra Harris, MAEd, joined CGHS in February 2015 as an academic adviser on the Arizona campus. Harris received her MAEd in educational leadership from Argosy University and previously worked in admissions and academic advising at Fortis College in Miami, Fla.
Lynda Konecny, DHEd, MS, CHES, ’08, associate professor, doctor of health education,
submitted her proposal, “Insulin Restriction and Disordered Eating-Related Behaviors among Adolescents with Diabetes,” which was accepted for a roundtable session at the sixth annual International Conference on the Health Risks of Youth in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The conference was held Dec. 31, 2014, through Jan. 3, 2015.
Dr. Konecny, Joshua Bernstein, PhD, assistant professor, and Meg Sheppard, PhD, assistant professor, had their abstract titled “Online wellness resources for graduate-level students: Self-directed or facilitated?” accepted for the American Public Health Association’s 143rd Annual Meeting in Chicago, Ill., in November 2015. Drs. Konecny, Bernstein, and Sheppard also had their abstract, “Assessment and enhancement of a university worksite wellness program,” accepted for the October 2015 Texas Society for Public Health Education annual conference in Austin, Texas.
Kathleen Mathieson, PhD, CIP, associate professor, doctor of health sciences, was selected to serve on ATSU’s Higher Learning Commission steering committee.
Eric Matthews, PhD, associate professor, doctor of health sciences, accepted a two-year appointment as a peer reviewer with the Higher Learning Commission and has also completed a Master Reviewer Certification for Quality Matters.
Dr. Matthews published “Adverse Effects of Iodine-derived Intravenous Radiopaque Contrast Media” in the July/August 2015 issue of Radiologic Technology. Dr. Matthews, along with Tracy Matthews, PhD, adjunct professor, doctor of health sciences, had their article, “Medical ethics and law in radiologic technology,” accepted for publication in the November/December 2015 issue of Radiologic Technology.
Sue McDaniel, instructional designer, presented at the 2015 U.S. Distance Learning Conference in St. Louis, Mo., April 26-29. She presented with Karly Good, instructional technology specialist at Grand View University, on “Creating, Gathering, and Using Big Data.”
McDaniel is ending her year-long tenure as president of the Iowa Distance Learning Association (IDLA). On Sept. 25, 2015, she presented “Making Your Online Course or Training Accessible to All” at the IDLA fall symposium.
Susan Miedzianowski, PhD, adjunct faculty, doctor of health administration, published an article titled “Various Forms of Ongoing Education about Normal and Pathological Aging for Patrol Officers and Other Human Service Professionals” in the 2014 conference proceedings for the National Organization for Human Services.
Patrick A. Palmieri, DHSc, EdS, MBA, MSc, MSN, adjunct professor, doctor of health sciences, was selected as one of 163 global nursing leaders to be inducted to the American Academy of Nursing’s 2015 class of fellows.
Dr. Palmieri co-published “Spreading knowledge and preventing infections in developing economies: A pilot program to reduce healthcare acquired infections in Peru” in the June 2014 issue of American Journal of Infection Control.
Marsha Presley, PhD, joined the Master of Public Health program as a research associate in October 2015. Dr. Presley previously served as an academic adviser.
S.D. Shanti, DDS, PhD, MPH, associate professor, presented at the annual Virtual Dental Student Fair for the American Dental Education Association on April 2, 2015. She had her abstract, “Social Determinants of Health and Economic Development,” accepted for presentation at the Northwestern Interdisciplinary Global Health Symposium in November 2015.
Dr. Shanti and Ashley Love, DrPH, MPH, MS, associate professor, received a grant for and attended the IPE Certificate course in Toronto, Canada.
Mary-Katherine Smith, DrPH, MPH, MCHES, CPH, was named chair, public health, in December 2014. Dr. Smith previously served as associate professor, MPH program, and has been with ATSU since 2007.
Dr. Smith holds a DrPH with an emphasis in social and behavioral sciences from the University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth, a master’s in rural public health from Texas A&M University Health Science Center School of Rural Public Health, and a bachelor’s in biology from Texas A&M University. She is a master certified health education specialist and certified in public health. She obtained her online teaching certificate from Sloan-C and is also a certified online instructor as recognized through Learning Resources Network.
Dr. Smith
Dr. Smith was appointed to serve on the National Rural Health Association (NRHA) Government Affairs Committee and was invited to join the NRHA Health Equity Council. In addition, she was selected as a volunteer expert content writer for the Certified Public Health Exam with the National Board of Public Health Examiners.
Dr. Smith and David Line Denali, PhD, associate professor, were keynote presenters at the National Rural Health Associations 20th Annual Rural Multiracial and Multicultural Health Conference in April 2015 in Philadelphia, Pa. Dr. Smith also spoke at the 2015 Annual Research in Action Conference hosted by the University of North Texas Kristen Farmer Autism Center.
Richard Suminski, PhD, MPH, adjunct faculty, public health, received a National Institutes of Health grant to study ways to increase support for physical activity in low-income, minority children. He was awarded a $453,000 two-year grant.
Melanie Tidman, DHSc, ’11, adjunct faculty, published a book titled “Families in ICU: A Survival Guide.”
Aesha Turner, MS, executive assistant, attended the 2015 Arizona Public Health Association annual reception and meeting where she was presented with the $500 student scholarship and was elected as student representative to the board.
Terry Wise, PhD, JD, DMin, is the new associate dean of online operations. He began his duties July 1, 2015.
KCOM
Dr. Brechue
William Brechue, PhD, is the new physiology chair. Dr. Brechue previously served as a professor at the United States Military Academy in West Point, N.Y., and director of its Center for Physical Development Excellence.
Maria Evans, MD, associate professor, internal medicine, retired June 30, 2015. Dr. Evans served at the College since 2000.
Peter Kondrashov, PhD, chair, anatomy, spoke on anatomy education at the annual winter meeting of the Association of Anatomy, Cell Biology, and Neurobiology Chairpersons held Jan. 21-24, 2015, in Los Cabos, Mexico. Dr. Kondrashov was invited by Gray’s Anatomy author Richard Drake, PhD.
Dr. Kondrashov presented “Phylogenetic relationships of archaic ungulates based on dental, cranial, and postcranial data” at the fourth international Palaeontological Congress in Mendoza, Argentina, held Sept. 28-Oct. 3, 2014, where he was coordinator of the oral session on “Cenozoic Continental Faunas.”
Tatyana Kondrashova, MD, PhD, assistant professor, family medicine, co-published “Innovative Approach to Teaching Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine: The Integration of Ultrasonography” in the April 2015 issue of The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association.
In addition, Dr. Kondrashova; Peter Kondrashov, PhD; Robert Baer, PhD; and William Sexton, Ph
D, were selected as finalists at the 2015 Joint American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine/Association of Osteopathic Directors and Medical Educators Annual Conference for their poster, “From Form to Function: Bridging a Gap Between Anatomy and Physiology in OME.”
Richard J. LaBaere II, DO, MPH, FAODME, associate dean of postgraduate training, Still OPTI academic officer, was named to Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education’s Institutional Review Committee in February 2015. He is the first osteopathic physician to be appointed to the committee.
Dr. LaBaere presented the first Mitchell Kasovac, DO, Memorial Lecture along with Karen Snider, DO, assistant dean of osteopathic principles and practice integration and chair of Still OPTI’s OPP committee, at the Osteopathic Medical Education Leadership conference.
Patricia S. Sexton, DHEd, MS, ’08, associate dean for curriculum, co-authored “Is this what you expected? First-years’ candid thoughts on med school” with medical education fellows Jessica Lapinski, OMS IV; Amanda Schoenfuss, OMS IV; and McKenzie Tate, OMS II. The study examined first-year medical students at KCOM and their perceptions about their first year of medical school.
Dr. Sexton
Dr. Sexton and Lapinski also co-authored “Acceptance of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Patients, Attitudes About Their Treatment, and Related Medical Knowledge Among Osteopathic Medical Students,” which was published in The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association.
In addition, Dr. Sexton received the Innovation in Medical Education Award for “Diversity Redefining Education and Medicine – LGBT Curriculum” from American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine’s Society of Osteopathic Medical Educators in April 2015.
Vineet K. Singh, PhD, professor, microbiology/immunology, co-published “Regulation of Staphylococcal Superantigen-like Gene, ssl8, Expression in Staphylococcus aureus strain, RN6390” in the March 2015 issue of Clinical Medicine & Research.
Karen Snider, DO, assistant dean of osteopathic principles and practice integration, received her fellowship in the American Academy of Osteopathy in March 2015. Dr. Snider’s mentor was Karen Steele, DO, FAAO, ’78.
MOSDOH
Clatt
Bethany Clatt, senior administrative assistant, received the Missouri campus Employee Excellence Award for the first quarter of 2015.
SOMA
Jessi Barriga, administrative assistant, received the Arizona campus Employee Excellence Award for the first quarter of 2015.
Stanley Brysacz, DO, assistant professor, was elected as a representative for Faculty Council at large. His two-year term began in July.
Bobbi Catton is the new curriculum coordinator for OMS II and began her role in July. Catton previously served as the assistant curriculum coordinator and as the recorder for the SOMA Curriculum Committee and At-Risk Committee.
Courtney Cross, PhD, assistant professor, joined the basic science faculty in October 2014. Dr. Cross earned her PhD in preventive medicine from the University of Texas, Medical Branch, Galveston, and finished a postdoctoral fellowship in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
John George, PhD, was appointed acting associate dean for academic affairs beginning July 1, 2015. Prior to this role, Dr. George served as director of re-accreditation services.
Kelli Glaser, DO, FACOFP, was appointed chair for family and community medicine. She joined the Clinical Science department as associate professor of family medicine in 2014.
Samuel Ikonne, PhD, assistant professor, was elected to the SOMA Faculty Council as a basic science representative. His two-year term began in July.
Joy Lewis, DO, PhD, FACP, director, and Catherine Shanahan, MD, regional director of medical education, HealthSource of Ohio, were accepted for publication in Journal of Interprofessional Care for their article, “Effect of Clinical Simulation on Perceptions of Interprofessional Education among Medical and Nursing Students.”
Dr. Lewis was appointed to a three-year term as chair of the American Osteopathic Association Bureau of Scientific Affairs and Public Health.
Lise McCoy, EdD; Robin Pettit, PhD; Joy Lewis, DO, PhD, FACP; Thomas Bennett, DO; Noel Carrasco, MD, FAAP; Stanley Brysacz, DO; Inder Raj Makin, MD, PhD; Ryan Hutman; and Frederic Schwartz, DO, FACOFP, published “Developing Technology-Enhanced Active Learning for Medical Education: Challenges, Solutions, and Future Directions” in the April 2015 issue of The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association.
ASHS faculty members Tamara Valovich McLeod, PhD, ATC, the John P. Wood, DO, Endowed Chair for Sports Medicine; Eric Sauers, PhD, ATC, FNATA, professor and chair, interdisciplinary health sciences; Alison Snyder Valier, PhD, ATC, FNATA, professor; and Cailee Welch, PhD, ATC, assistant professor, joined the SOMA faculty in the Basic Medical Science Education department.
Dr. McQueen
Gregory McQueen, PhD, senior executive associate dean and professor, co-published a study, “Enhancing physician leadership resilience,” in the winter 2015 issue of The Canadian Journal of Physician Leadership.
Dr. McQueen retired in June 2015. He joined the School in 2012.
Christine Morgan, EdD; Lawrence LeBeau, DO; and Lisa Watts, DO, were selected to host a session at the 2015 American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine/Association of Osteopathic Directors and Medical Educators Annual Conference in April on their project titled “The Design and Delivery of GME at a Distance Using Video Teleconferencing.” Drs. Morgan, LeBeau, and Watts, along with Thomas McWilliams, DO, were also selected for a poster presentation on their project titled “A SWOT Analysis of a Distributed, Multi-Site Family Medicine Residency Program.”
Dr. Morgan
Jeffrey Morgan, DO, MA, FACOI, was named dean in January 2016. Dr. Morgan is a general internist and fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Internists. He provided primary care medicine in Arizona for 18 years prior to joining SOMA in July 2013 as associate professor of internal medicine and public health. He currently serves as chair of clinical science education and chair of the Student (Academic) Performance Committee, and he is acting director of the Clinical Education department.
Frederic Schwartz, DO, FACOFP, began his new role as professor and senior adviser to the dean in July. He previously served as associate dean for clinical education and services.
Dr. Schwartz; Mohsen
Sharifi, MD, adjunct professor; and Curt Bay, PhD, professor, interdisciplinary health sciences, ASHS, published an original peer-reviewed article titled “Low Incidence of Post-Thrombotic Syndrome in Patients Treated with New Oral Anticoagulants and Percutaneous Endovenous Intervention for Lower Extremity Deep Venous Thrombosis” in the April 2015 issue of Vascular Medicine. Drs. Schwartz, Sharifi, and Bay were accepted to present a poster at the American College of Cardiology Scientific Session & Expo in March 2015 on their project, “Percutaneous Endovenous Intervention Plus New Oral Anticoagulants in Cancer Patients with Lower Extremity Deep Venous Thrombosis.” They were accepted for publication in Thrombosis Research for their article, “New Oral Anticoagulants in the Treatment of Heparin-Induced.” Additionally, the team was accepted for publication in the March 2015 issue of Lung for their article, “Transforming and Simplifying the Treatment of Pulmonary Embolism: ‘Safe Dose’ Thrombolysis Plus New Oral Anticoagulants.”
Susan Steffans, DO, assistant professor, was re-elected to serve as a physician representative on the SOMA Faculty Council. Her two-year term began July 1, 2015.