Logan University - Summer Tower 2018

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TOWer THE MAGAZINE OF LOGAN UNIVERSITY | SUMMER 2018

Logan Preceptorships: Setting Students Up for Success

Health and Education Converge with Logan-UMSL Partnership Master’s in Health Informatics Graduates First Class of Students Clinician’s Testimony Helps Pass Missouri Bill to Expand Chiropractic Care


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22

Features

In This Issue

10 Hope Restored for Logan Patient Quality of life improves for patient with spinal stenosis and arthritis

5 Leaders Made

13 Health Sciences Gains New Directors Drs. Stephen Nickell, Theresa DeLorenzo aim to grow health sciences programs

12 College of Health Sciences

17 Research in Progress Logan launches patient-centered research at Affinia and CareSTL

18 Logan Connects

22 Athletics and Academics Students use passion for sports to help others lead healthy lifestyles

6 Mission Forward 10 College of Chiropractic 14 Alumni Feature 16 Research 21 The Insider 22 Student Life 25 Donor Snapshot 26 Spring Symposium 30 Admissions 34 Recognizing Success 36 Under the Tower 37 Industry Update 39 Postscript

2 SUMMER 2018 • LOGAN UNIVERSITY

TOWer

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Contents

26 The Tower is a publication of Logan University for alumni, students, employees and friends of the University

THE TOWER Vol. 2, SUMMER 2018 The Tower is published three times a year: Spring, Summer and Fall. On the Cover Warren Kalkstein, DC Photo credit: Sherrie Von Sternberg The Tower is produced by the Department of Marketing and Communications. Reader comments can be emailed to Tower@logan.edu. THE TOWER Logan University 1851 Schoettler Road Chesterfield, MO 63017 Tower@logan.edu | Logan.edu 1-800-782-3344


First

FOREMOST Logan University received a $1 million gift from William Purser, DC (1953) of Tavares, Florida. He presented Logan President Dr. Clay McDonald with a check at the 2018 Spring Symposium’s State of the University Luncheon and Address. Dr. Purser has been a tremendous supporter of Logan over the years, making financial commitments toward campaigns, student scholarships and capital improvement projects, such as the William D. Purser, DC Center. He continues to be an advocate for the chiropractic profession, referring 12 students to the University.

Brittany OvermanRamirez, DC, LAT, ATC, CCSP received a full-time faculty appointment as an advanced practice clinician and instructor. Dr. Ramirez’s office is located in the Mizzou Athletic Training Center, a Logan University Health Center partner site in Columbia, Missouri. Dr. Ramirez has exemplified outstanding work at Mizzou in the areas of patient care and student recruitment and is committed to expanding Logan’s relationship with the University of Missouri.

Athletes, coaches and members of USA Para Powerlifting gathered in March for the sport’s first International Paralympic Committee/World Para Powerlifting (IPC/WPP)approved event at its new home, Logan University. Para athletes from across the country competed to increase their world rankings, ultimately vying for spots at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games. Logan also hosted a training camp and qualifying meet in June. Next, the 2018 World Para Powerlifting Americas Open Championships will be held in Bogota, Colombia, in December. “The competition was a great success,” said Kelley Humphries, DC, MS, CSCS, EMT-P, LP, ICCSP, director of USA Para Powerlifting at Logan. “We will continue to develop the team, and all of these steps are marching the sport and its athletes toward the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games.”

Logan alumnus James Geiselman Jr., DC, MS, EMT-P (2015 DC, 2017 MS) recently helped establish a 3+3 agreement between Logan and Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa, where he teaches as an assistant professor of allied health. The 3+3 articulation program allows students to complete their first three years of undergraduate study at Graceland University, then transfer to Logan to start the Doctor of Chiropractic program. Graceland University is the second institution in Iowa to have a partnership with Logan. Dr. Geiselman is pictured on left. LOGAN UNIVERSITY • SUMMER 2018 3


Update from PRESIDENT CLAY MCDONALD

I’ve been honored to call Logan University home for five years now, and I couldn’t be prouder of where we stand today and the future ahead. Our continued success wouldn’t be possible without each one of you—whether you’re a student, a faculty or staff member, an alum or friend, you play a vital role. First, a heartfelt note of gratitude is due to William Purser, DC (1953) who presented a $1 million check to Logan University at the Spring Symposium in May. This generous gift will have a significant impact and will enable us to make investments to better serve our students, faculty and the community. Dr. Purser has been a tremendous supporter of Logan University over the years, making financial commitments toward scholarships, campaigns and capital improvement projects. This spring, we debuted the Leaders Made brand to better communicate our goals and vision for the 4 SUMMER 2018 • LOGAN UNIVERSITY

University. The brand’s foundation stems from Logan’s top strengths, discovered during the initial research phase of the branding project: our emphasis on hands-on learning, supportive campus community, world-class faculty and tailored curriculum. We’ve worked hard to make sure we continue to offer the programs students need to succeed in the health care fields of the future. To that end, we’ve updated the Doctor of Chiropractic program and added additional degrees, enabling students to choose from more pathways when it comes to their education. We’ve created and grown the College of Health Sciences, too—this spring saw the first ever Master of Science in Health Informatics class graduate. This innovative online-only program combines health care, technology and business practices to prepare students to be leaders in improving patient care and health care business practices. In the midst of all these changes, we’ve also continued our legacy of fiscal responsibility. Logan remains completely debt free with no deferred maintenance, and

from 2013 to today, we’ve grown our unrestricted cash and cash equivalents and investments from $35 million to $45 million. Our efforts have paid off. Enrollment is up, and this fall we expect approximately 1,500 students total, 200 more than last year. The class starting in the fall will be our biggest in a decade. We have also expanded partnerships with organizations and institutions that align with the University’s mission. Last year, we officially began offering expanded pediatric services through our Health Centers around the St. Louis area. Our partnership with the University of Missouri has grown to accommodate two full-time Logan chiropractors, and we were also recently named a high-performance management organization for USA Para Powerlifting. My hope for Logan University is that we continue to be a leader among small, conservative health sciences colleges across the country as we champion the chiropractic profession. The future looks bright around here— we look forward to your continued support as we help students become the health care leaders of tomorrow.


L E A DE R S MA DE

Logan University is a community of extraordinary leaders. Learn how these individuals are making an impact in their own communities, careers and beyond. Logan faculty member Kristina Petrocco-Napuli, DC, MS, FICC was named president of the new American Chiropractic Association’s Council on Women’s Health. The council, which Dr. Petrocco-Napuli established, is charged with increasing education, care and awareness of conditions that impact the female patient population. It will also identify and support research, patient-centered, evidence-based practices and relevant quality measures. Dr. Petrocco-Napuli says it is truly groundbreaking for the profession to take a stance on the health of female patients. “For a long time, women’s health has been clumped with pediatrics, but we believe it has its own place. When we work with women, we want to look at the true physiological journey of females so we can better address health conditions, whether that’s menstrual cramps, menopausal changes, hormonal changes or migraines.” Dr. Petrocco-Napuli says she is incredibly excited to see the council come together in a way that will have a lasting impact on patients and provide an avenue for practitioners to excel at providing quality patient care for women.

did he dream of being a part of the world’s largest sporting event. Earlier this year, Dr. Wilhelm took part in the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea, as the sports chiropractor for the U.S. Bobsled and Skeleton Team. “There just aren’t any words for it,” he said from his practice, Pro Chiropractic in Bozeman, Montana. “It’s the pinnacle of being a sports chiropractor.” Dr. Wilhelm provided performance and maintenance therapy at the actual Olympics venue as well as at the U.S. Olympic Committee’s sports medicine facility. “I got to know the medical physicians who saw me adjust athletes and asked me several times to help,” he noted. In total, he helped 10 different sports teams and treated eight Olympic medalists.

Jonathan Wilhelm, DC, MS, CCSP, CCEP, CSCS, ICSSD (2004) has loved the Olympics as long as he can remember, but never once

“It was surreal,” he recalled. “There you are living and working around the elite of the elite from our country and others. It was

an honor to be a part of such a rare and beautiful thing.” Jourdan Lewis, CNC always knew she wanted to own a business and be her own boss, and at just 26 years old she is living this dream while also pursuing her Master’s in Nutrition and Human Performance at Logan University. Jourdan is the owner of Summit Nutrition in Kansas City, Missouri, where she works one-on-one with clients to perfect their health with personalized nutrition plans. “I’m creating a lifestyle for my clients, not a diet,” said Jourdan. She works with many different clients and cases, including those with chronic illnesses, those trying to lose weight or improve athletic performance and more. She has also spent time working individually with a few Kansas City Chiefs football players and their wives. To continue elevating her career, Jourdan enrolled in Logan’s online master’s program in January 2017. During the week she spends 12 to 14 hours each day with clients, while weekends are dedicated to schoolwork. In her limited spare time, Jourdan practices CrossFit, provides educational videos on social media and is developing a new protein bar— the ACE Bar—that will be available online and in Kansas City retail stores this summer. LOGAN UNIVERSITY • SUMMER 2018 5


M I S S I O N F O RW ARD

Reporting for Duty: Chiropractors Keep Military Members Pain-Free The preceptorship program at Scott Air Force Base gives Logan University’s DC students a unique opportunity to treat active military personnel in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment. Led by Charles Portwood, DC (1991), the Air Force Chiropractic Clinic accepts six student doctors for eight months at a time—twice the length of a standard preceptorship. Located just across the river from St. Louis in St. Clair County, Illinois, Scott Air Force Base employs more than 5,000 civilians and 5,000 active-duty Air Force members as well as 2,500 National Guard and Reserve personnel. Dr. Portwood’s team works within a referral-based clinic that also includes an integrated team of physical therapy, sports medicine, family medicine, internal medicine, orthopedics, OB-GYN and radiology professionals. Chiropractic is in high demand on base—last year the clinic saw more than 7,000 patients, amounting to about 40 to 50 patients each day. After just two months at the clinic, Jacob Alvis, Trimester 9 DC student, said he’s already gained an invaluable amount of experience.

“Dr. Portwood asks a lot of questions, which forces you to really know your stuff because you don’t want to be wrong in front of your peers,” he said. Chiropractic was first integrated into the Air Force clinic on a trial basis in 1995. Dr. Portwood’s predecessor, Jon Buriak, DC (1985), participated in the 1995 Chiropractic Health Care Demonstration Project that proved the efficacy of chiropractic in the military. In 2000, President Bill Clinton signed the Defense Authorization into law, expanding military chiropractic coverage. Demand steadily increased, and in 2010 Scott Air Force Base established a Training Affiliation Agreement with Logan after Dr. Portwood appealed to the Air Force Medical Group for help. The agreement allows Logan students the opportunity to practice with Dr. Portwood. Chiropractic serves a vital role in keeping military personnel in top shape and painfree. “Our job is to keep patients moving and avoid unnecessary surgery,” Dr. Portwood said. “They have to deploy and often have to perform the same task repetitively Logan DC student Olivia Johnson adjusts a military patient. and consistently.” 6 SUMMER 2018 • LOGAN UNIVERSITY

Dr. Charles Portwood with commemorative coins received for exemplary service.

Conservative health care is especially valuable on base, added Sam Durbin, Trimester 10 DC student who is also an active member of the 932nd Air Reserve Wing at Scott, serving as a technical sergeant and combat arms instructor. “These patients can’t afford to go on drugs like Flexeril or Vicodin—they won’t be allowed to do their jobs,” he said, “so it’s a huge deal for these people to have access to something natural to get them working and flying again.” Treating members of the military can be different from treating civilians. Because the stakes are higher, patients tend to be extremely motivated to get better, which isn’t always the case with the civilian population, Dr. Portwood explained. “Civilians have different goals,” said Olivia Johnson, Trimester 9 DC student. “They may want to get back on the floor to play with their grandkids, whereas this


MI S S I O N F O R WA R D

broader implications for the chiropractic clinicians may miss. For instance, interns population wants to get better in two profession as a whole, Dr. Portwood said. were recently palpating the neck of a weeks so they can deploy. It’s higher The clinic at Scott Air Force Base sees patient during a routine physical exam and pressure, especially if your patient’s job is approximately 20 percent of the base found a nodule. They were able to order critical to keeping our country safe.” population, while chiropractic as a whole a diagnostic ultrasound right away and It’s not unusual for Logan students only sees about 14 percent of the general send it to a radiologist for examination. at the base’s chiropractic clinic to see population. “When these patients leave the “Since the internship program began, we patients who are in so much pain they military, they’ve had great experience with have seen about 30 patients with thyroid can’t walk. “All of our patients are active chiropractic care and will likely continue to carcinoma—catching it early provides duty, so they often come in with extreme turn to chiropractors,” he said. a huge service to our patients and the complaints,” said Olivia. “Dr. Portwood has In the future, health care may look military,” Dr. Portwood said. taught me to feel comfortable putting my a little different on military bases. “The The clinic’s integrated setting offers hands on these patients instead of being Department of scared to jump Defense is moving in.” In addition away from each to boosting branch of the her confidence armed services treating patients, determining its Olivia’s experience own care to the on base has also Defense Health supported her Agency (DHA) career choice. managing care “When you see for all branches,” someone stuck Dr. Portwood over to the side explained. “Today in excruciating each Air Force pain from facility decides radiculopathy, how it will be run and after one and what care adjustment they’re will be included, standing up but we’re moving straight again, it’s toward each such an awesome branch being feeling—it’s really bound by the validated for me same rules.” how chiropractic Sam Durbin, Olivia Johnson, Dr. Charles Portwood and Jacob Alvis While it’s can help people,” not clear how this may affect access to another benefit to students and patients she said. chiropractic care on base, what is clear alike. Students are able to regularly Interns also get hands-on experience is that Dr. Portwood and his team of communicate with and refer patients to with advanced imaging tools, such as Logan students are providing a valuable, other clinicians as needed, while patients diagnostic ultrasounds and MRIs. “They appreciated service. Beyond the perpetually have convenient access to whatever have every diagnostic tool at their high patient demand, another indicator is care they need. “Communication has to disposal,” said Dr. Portwood. “They the approximately 400 commemorative be effective, so at the end of the day can order a radiograph and 15 minutes coins Dr. Portwood has been gifted, all everything we do centers around the later have the images displayed on their displayed proudly in his office. “Each is patient,” Dr. Portwood said. “There are monitor so they can make the best clinical personalized based on the unit it comes simply bigger ramifications when your decisions.” from and is given for exemplary service,” patient may be deploying to Afghanistan Paired with the students’ training to explained Sam. “The coins are a real the next day; we need to be able to offer perform comprehensive physical exams, compliment to both Dr. Portwood and the most appropriate care quickly.” access to diagnostic equipment means his interns.” The Air Force Chiropractic Clinic has students can catch conditions other LOGAN UNIVERSITY • SUMMER 2018 7


MIS S I O N F O R W ARD

Thriving Students: Logan and University of Missouri-St. Louis Partner for Health and Education Whether it’s providing opportunities for shared learning among health care disciplines or enabling access to health services, two local universities are ensuring students are set up for success, both in the classroom and in their lives. Logan University and the University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL) are strengthening their relationship with partnerships that benefit students— the most recent being free or reduced chiropractic and eye care services to students attending either school. The reciprocal program allows Logan students, their spouses and dependents to receive vision care at any of UMSL’s College of Optometry’s three full-service eye care facilities in the St. Louis area. In turn, enrolled UMSL students, their spouses and dependents are eligible to receive chiropractic services at either of

Logan University’s two Health Centers, located on campus in Chesterfield or in St. Peters, Missouri. Under the agreement, Logan will provide UMSL students with one complimentary new patient examination; ongoing office visits, re-examinations, X-ray views/ interpretations and diagnostic ultrasounds at a 50 percent discount; and spinal and extremity manipulations at a 50 percent discount. UMSL will provide Logan students with one annual complimentary comprehensive primary care examination; ongoing diagnostic services and procedures at

a 50 percent discount; 40 percent reduction on eyeglasses (frames and lenses); and 20 percent reduction on eligible contact lens materials. Calvin Thomas IV Calvin Thomas IV, chief of clinic operations and strategic innovation at Logan University’s Heath Centers, said he is delighted with the agreement. “The partnership exemplifies the sharing of health resources with an enhanced, programmatic, peer-to-peer clinical educational experience for our students,” he said. UMSL College of Optometry Dean Larry Davis agrees and said it’s a win-win for students. “Not only do we get to expand services to our respective students and their families, but we also get to give our optometry and chiropractic students access to more hands-on experiences at our clinics,” he said.

A Visual Experience

Dr. Meadow Campbell leads a joint orbit and eye dissection with Logan and UMSL students. 8 SUMMER 2018 • LOGAN UNIVERSITY

Logan and UMSL are collaborating in other ways that are helping expand the academic scope. Last fall, Erin Brooks, OD, MS, assistant clinical professor at UMSL, brought a group


MI S S I O N F O R WA R D

of optometry students to Logan’s cadaver lab for a joint orbit and eye dissection between Logan and UMSL students. It was each school’s first time participating in a collaborative dissection with students in separate health care disciplines. “It was amazing to see students interact with the same material at different levels,” said Meadow Campbell, PhD, Logan anatomy instructor. “The conversations between the students ranged from the dissection to their degree program, which to me, demonstrated a great shared experience.” Dr. Brooks said the collaboration is not only meaningful for her and students but also critical, as UMSL does not house human cadavers. “It’s a chance for the students to trust that what I’m telling them

is real,” she said. “We can now see what patients are going through when they have an orbit fracture, and we can examine real slides (human Dr. Erin Brooks tissue) as opposed to virtual slides from a computer system. That is unmatched.” Dr. Brooks said the collaboration has worked well because of a mutual understanding for knowledge and shared resources. “Dr. Campbell and I are similar in our teaching methods and expectations,” said Dr. Brooks. “From the beginning, she

understood what I was looking for and did everything possible to make it happen,” Dr. Brooks said. For Dr. Campbell, the partnership means an opportunity for Logan students to work alongside optometry students in an integrative, collaborative environment and to share their knowledge of anatomy with others. Dr. Brooks has since returned to Logan, providing lectures on clinical aspects of the eye. She and Dr. Campbell are already working on another joint student experience in Logan’s cadaver lab for the fall. “While we may not be able to treat some conditions, we have an understanding of them and can refer to another health care professional,” Dr. Campbell said. “I look forward to growing our partnership with UMSL.”

Logan and UMSL students utilized Logan’s cadaver lab for a collaborative dissection. LOGAN UNIVERSITY • SUMMER 2018 9


COL L E G E O F C H I R O PRA CT IC

Janet Perkins

PATIENT SUCCESS STORY:

Janet Perkins had one goal: to walk her son down the aisle at his wedding ceremony. But earlier this year, that dream seemed out of reach. “I started having pain in both legs, and I could neither sit nor stand for very long,” said the 64-year-old from St. Louis. “It finally got so bad that I had to retire from my job of 31 years at the Hyatt Hotel.” The leg pain—coupled with arthritis in both knees—took a toll on Janet’s quality of life. She was no longer able to enjoy the things she loved. She couldn’t walk around the shopping mall, and going to the grocery store was difficult. When she had to walk downstairs to her basement washer and dryer, she’d have to climb back up on all fours. In January, Janet met with primary care physician Catherine Moore, DO at Affinia Healthcare. Initially, Janet was evaluated to determine if her pain was coming from narrowing of the arteries in her legs. After this was excluded, Dr. Moore recommended

that Janet consult with Integrated Health Center Clinician Patrick Battaglia, DC, DACBR, who practices chiropractic within Affinia’s Biddle Street location. “My first appointment was on February 4, and I got a good work over on the lower part of my back,” Janet said. “By the second appointment, things started getting better, and I began seeing Dr. Battaglia twice a week.” Dr. Battaglia found that Janet’s pain was originating from her back in a condition called spinal stenosis. He administered a combination of flexion-distraction therapy, aided by a specially designed chiropractic table and home exercise consisting of repetitive spinal flexion. He also advised a walking routine. Janet said within one month she no long suffered from leg pain. “I could walk for

five to 10 minutes without having to stop,” she said. “From February to the end of May, I feel like a brand new person, and I’m doing things I wasn’t able to before.” While Janet’s condition is not uncommon, Dr. Battaglia said the knee arthritis added another complication because it further limited her walking capacity. “The outcome, fortunately, has been extremely positive for Janet,” he said. When Janet returned to her primary care doctor, she was delighted to tell Dr. Moore that she had not used the handicapped sticker she was provided after the initial appointment. “I told her I didn’t need it,” Janet said. Additionally, on May 19, Janet walked her son down the aisle on his wedding day—a proud moment and accomplishment.

Chiropractic Care Expands Within Affinia Logan University has expanded its clinic presence within the Affinia Healthcare system to a second location at 3930 S. Broadway in St. Louis. Kelsey Lewis, DC, Logan’s integrated spine care resident, is overseeing chiropractic care to patients on Thursdays. In spite of being open only a short time, demand for chiropractic care has been 10 SUMMER 2018 • LOGAN UNIVERSITY

high, with new patients now scheduled more than one month in advance. Affinia Healthcare is one of St. Louis’s largest federally qualified health center organizations; it provides affordable primary and preventive health care to residents of St. Louis and surrounding areas. Logan has maintained a chiropractic presence with Affinia at its Biddle Street

location since April 2017. The collaboration has helped close the gap in accessibility and provide chiropractic care for all patients.


COLLE GE O F CH I R O P R A CTI C Janet Perkins worked with Dr. Patrick Battaglia to reach her goal of walking her son down the aisle on his wedding day.

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COL L E G E O F H EAL T H SCIENCES

Logan University Graduates its First Class of Master of Science in Health Informatics Students Using technology to improve patient care—that’s what the inaugural class of the Master of Science in Health Informatics program will focus on as they pursue careers in health care. This April marked a historical moment for Logan as it graduated the first cohort of the Master’s in Health Informatics, a degree program held entirely online. Developed and directed by Rosemary Walker DDS, MBA, MS, the program educates students on health care information systems and prepares them to use technology to improve patient care and health care business practices. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the demand for health informatics jobs is predicted to increase over the next decade, facilitating the need for more educated professionals in this area. Logan’s three graduates of the program— Christopher Dumas (Miami, Florida), Carlos Fillmann (St. Louis, Missouri) and Ben Kloepper (Spring, Texas)—say they are

enthusiastic about the possibility of careers designed to address both the safety and quality of patient care. Chris previously served as a member of the St. Louis Ryan White Planning Council and chair of the Council Policies and Procedures Committee. During his time at Logan, he was dedicated to helping patients thrive in the presence of chronic disease. Using evidence-based literature, he explored HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis online marketing campaigns, using prescription refill data to predict medication adherence. He also completed his capstone on the use of patient portals to create better outcomes for HIV and other chronic disease patients. The master’s program ignited Chris’s passion for public health and he is now pursuing his doctorate in public health at

Carlos Fillmann, Ben Kloepper and Christopher Dumas just before their May graduation ceremony at Logan. 12 SUMMER 2018 • LOGAN UNIVERSITY

East Tennessee State University. Carlos, who had previously earned a degree in biology, worked for Logan’s maintenance department while enrolled in the program. He was motivated by the vast curriculum, and is now applying for positions in the health care IT industry. “The program taught us to understand both the business and consumer sides of the industry,” Carlos said. “It touched on many things, including analyzing systems, managing data, using electronic health records and leadership skills.” In one course—Information Systems Management—students created a strategic plan to overhaul the IT infrastructure of a fictional hospital. “We looked at how to request, select, acquire, implement and support information technology solutions,” Carlos noted. Ben had spent more than a decade in the oil and gas industry until a layoff allowed him to reorient his career. He discovered his passion for health care after his youngest child was born with a tumor and surgeons saved his life. “The layoff presented an opportunity to look inside and decide what I really wanted to do and what I wanted my life’s work to encompass,” he said. Though the coursework was challenging, particularly the health-related courses, Ben said he was able to quickly bridge the gap. “I thank my classmates for assisting on the medical or clinical side because I didn’t have experience with that before starting at Logan,” he said. Christopher also said that he appreciated the support the group offered both inside and outside the classroom. “That was a critical success factor for me,” he said.


COLLE GE OF H E A L TH S CI E N CE S

New Program Directors Set Sights on Elevating Health Sciences Degrees Logan University’s College of Health Sciences recently hired new directors for two of its online master’s degree programs: Stephen Nickell, EdD, MA, ATC, program director of Master of Science in Sports and Rehabilitation, and Theresa DeLorenzo, DCN, RD, program director of Master of Science in Nutrition and Human Performance. dietitian in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Albany Medical Center—the first dietitian involved in the unit.

Tell us about your role as program director.

Dr. Stephen Nickell

Dr. Theresa DeLorenzo

Tell us about yourself and your professional experience. Dr. Stephen Nickell: I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in athletic training from Ohio University in 1999, then earned my master’s degree from Rider University in New Jersey in 2001. I completed my doctorate at the University of Missouri in July 2017. For the past six years, I have been the athletic training program director at Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau. Prior to that, I was the program director of athletic training and sports science for Urbana University in Urbana, Ohio, and before that I was a clinical athletic trainer for a school district in Ohio. Dr. Theresa DeLorenzo: I have taught in higher education for five years. Most recently, I taught in the undergraduate and graduate dietetics programs at State University of New York Oneonta. While there, I was also the director of the master’s program in dietetics as well as the dietetics internship. Prior to that, I was a clinical

SN: I oversee the curriculum for the sports and rehab program, which means designing it, maintaining course descriptions and syllabi and hiring and evaluating the professors who teach those courses. I collect and analyze data and outcomes from students on whether they met the program’s goals and success metrics. I also develop new courses and new curriculum related to the program, and I can potentially oversee the creation of a new program. TD: I oversee all three of the nutrition concentrations within the degree program. I work closely with the faculty to make sure the courses are streamlined so that they’re easy to navigate and are up to date to ensure students receive the best education possible. I also help students figure out next steps for their career based on their interests and the knowledge they’ve gained at Logan. Additionally, I develop new courses, train new faculty and recruit new students, and I’m currently working on a new track to add to the program.

What are your goals for this role and this program? SN: I’d like to see the introduction of an in-person, on-campus undergraduate program related to the master’s in sports and rehab program. I would also like to expand the current program and curriculum,

and get more students aware of and enrolled in the program. I have a deep interest in interprofessional medical care, so I am excited to work with the College of Chiropractic and other programs within the College of Health Sciences to incorporate more interprofessional education and work opportunities for our students. Doing so would continue to help the University set itself apart. TD: My goals are to continue to grow the program, to maintain quality courses and offer more tracks that appeal to students. We are continuously striving to elevate the courses and elevate the knowledge students gain through the program so that they are well prepared to work as leaders in the field of nutrition.

“We are continuously striving to elevate the courses and elevate the knowledge students gain through the program so that they are well prepared to work as leaders in the field of nutrition.” – Dr. Theresa DeLorenzo LOGAN UNIVERSITY • SUMMER 2018 13


AL UM N I F EAT U R E

Dr. Jeff King: Empowering and Educating Patients Logan alumnus Jeff King, DC, MS did not take the typical path to becoming a chiropractor, but he wouldn’t change anything in the series of events that led him to his current position. As an undergraduate biology student at Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois, Dr. King planned to become a dentist. However, when he landed an internshipturned-summer job in a dental office, he quickly realized dentistry wasn’t the career for him. Still desiring a career in the health professions, Dr. King continued pursuing his biology degree and began shadowing health care professionals, including the football team’s chiropractor. Dr. King became intrigued. “I worked construction in high school and college, so the hands-on nature of chiropractic was appealing to me,” he said. Dr. King decided to give chiropractic a try and enrolled at Logan. The choice was easy—he felt confident Logan would prepare him to work in an integrated setting and appreciated the opportunities the school offered to experience other health care professions outside of chiropractic. While at Logan, Dr. King participated in a study program to observe a neurosurgeon interacting with patients and performing surgery in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Dr. King also completed two community-based internships that provided exposure to other health care professions, taught him how chiropractors can successfully collaborate with other professionals to treat patients and better understand how these methods can be put into practice. After Dr. King earned his DC in 2011 and his MS in Sports Science and Rehabilitation in 2012, he moved to Madison, Wisconsin, where he worked in clinic practice, before joining the team

14 SUMMER 2018 • LOGAN UNIVERSITY

at Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin SpineCare Program in Milwaukee. The SpineCare Program employs a variety of medical professionals who treat back pain, including chiropractors, physiatrists, neurosurgeons, pain psychologists and physical therapists. This team-based approach to patient care more closely aligned with Dr. King’s integrated approach to healing. “I’m fortunate to have an adventurous wife that allows me to pursue my career dreams,” he said. With the move, Dr. King’s career focus shifted from working with athletes to treating adults with spine-related issues. One thing he’s learned throughout this experience is that the messages patients receive are critical to their recovery. Back pain can be scary and debilitating, but Dr. King believes providers can greatly influence patients’ thoughts about their back pain with the words they choose. “We can either increase our patients’ sense that they are unfixable and disabled, or we can increase the patients’ sense of resiliency and self-efficiency,” he said. “For the majority of patients, we should de-emphasize any fear they have and highlight that our spines are robust and tolerant structures that are capable of a great deal.” Dr. King also believes educating patients is key to the recovery process. He has found success in providing an honest opinion about what is going on with each patient’s body and goals, because patient expectations are a crucial factor in the ability to recover. “I try to educate patients and help them understand that back pain is not

necessarily a life sentence,” said Dr. King. “I also strive to make it clear that one of the most important predictors of their ability to recover is being an engaged and active participant in their treatment.” This can be a challenge: It is sometimes difficult to inspire patients to take an active role in their rehab with lifestyle changes, such as walking every day or completing their home exercise program. These challenges, however, don’t dampen the enthusiasm Dr. King feels in caring for his patients. “The best part about my job is getting to know my patients and seeing how excited they are when they make progress in their recovery,” he said. “When a patient tells me she was able to get on the floor and play with her grandkids or run the 5k she was working toward, it’s meaningful to me. “My advice to a Logan student would be to get exposed to many other health care professionals because at the end of the day everyone is trying to help patients,” said Dr. King. “Understanding how you can be a part of a patient team is crucial in chiropractic.” Dr. King also believes it is important to find a good mentor and to get involved on campus and in industry associations. When he is not in the clinic, Dr. King is active in multidisciplinary associations, such as the North American Spine Society, as well as chiropractic associations, including the State Chiropractic Examining Board and the American Chiropractic Association. He also serves as a committee member in his state association.


A L U MN I F E A TU R E

“My advice to a Logan student would be to get exposed to many other health care professionals because at the end of the day everyone is trying to help patients.” – Dr. Jeff King

LOGAN UNIVERSITY • SUMMER 2018 15


R E S E AR C H

Pain and the Brain: Harvard Medical School Clinician Addresses Psychology’s Link to Chronic Pain Pain originates in the brain just as much as in the part of our body in distress, said Robert Edwards, PhD, associate professor of Harvard Medical School’s Department of Anesthesiology, during a presentation at Logan University’s Chiropractic Grand Rounds this spring. Dr. Edwards is a clinical psychologist with expertise in chronic pain; he spoke at the invitation of Norman W. Kettner, DC, DACBR, FICC, chair of Logan’s Department of Radiology, who collaborated with Dr. Edwards on recent chronic pain research.

According to the biopsychosocial model of pain, pain involves psychological, social, contextual and environmental factors. Dr. Edwards studies the underlying causes of these different factors by applying standardized stimulation to test subjects under controlled lab conditions and measuring individual differences in pain sensitivity. Dr. Edwards’ research focuses on catastrophizing—a set of cognitions, emotions, attitudes and beliefs that can come in the form of ruminations, feelings of helplessness or pain magnification.

Dr. Norman W. Kettner introduces Dr. Robert Edwards at the Chiropractic Grand Rounds. 16 SUMMER 2018 • LOGAN UNIVERSITY

Individuals with a tendency to catastrophize are also at higher risk for developing a chronic pain condition. The highest catastrophizers among chronic pain patients are also least likely to benefit from pain interventions. Among this population, opioid misuse is elevated. Using functional neuroimaging techniques, Dr. Edwards showed that individuals with high catastrophizing scores have disruptive patterns of brain connectivity to the painful stimulus. “It appears as if catastrophizing drives connectivity between networks that are responsible for processing somatosensory information— these networks are not normally connected,” Dr. Edwards said. The good news for chronic pain patients with high levels of catastrophizing is that there are a number of treatment methods to weaken the disruptive neural connections, noted Dr. Edwards. A study of randomized patients with chronic back pain found that active physical therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and a combination of both successfully reduces catastrophizing and, in turn, reduces pain symptoms. Fibromyalgia patients, for example, received five weeks of yoga intervention and experienced approximately 25 percent reduction in catastrophizing. Acupuncture yielded a similar result, as did mindfulness meditation and manual therapy. The patients whose catastrophizing scores improved the most also experienced the greatest improvement in symptoms over the course of the treatment.


R E S E A R CH

Logan’s Integrative Health Centers Participate in Research Studies on Opiod Use, Patient Care Affinia Healthcare and Washington University Logan University’s Integrated Health Center Clinician and Assistant Professor Patrick J. Battaglia, DC, DACBR gained Institutional Review Board approval for a joint research project that will involve the investigation of patient response to care, including opioid use reduction. Two groups of patients will be studied: those receiving chiropractic care for spinal pain, and those receiving care for the same conditions from an interdisciplinary

pain management team. Patients will be followed for several months to evaluate outcomes and opioid use. “This is a multisite collaboration pilot study between Logan University, Washington University and Affinia

Healthcare that will hopefully lead to funded projects in the future,” said Dr. Battaglia. Representing Washington University in the research study is Christopher W. Prater, MD, an instructor in the School of Medicine. Dr. Prater is a primary care physician trained in internal medicine and pediatrics with a focus on immigrant and refugee populations. He has specialized interest in the quality of refugee and immigrant health care delivery and innovative roles of community health workers.

CareSTL Health and Affinia Healthcare Trimester 10 student Ahmad Abdella, along with Dr. Battaglia and Ross Mattox, DC, RMSK™, integrated health center clinician and assistant professor at CareSTL Health (formerly Myrtle Hilliard Davis Comprehensive Health Centers), are currently awaiting approval from the Institutional Review Board on a study that will investigate chiropractic patient demographics within two separate federally qualified health care systems. The information will be used to identify most commonly seen diagnoses, gender,

age groups and a host of other factors that may influence care outcomes and ultimately clinician development activity. “Access to this information will give us a greater understanding of how to meet patient needs and provide the right skill set of our clinicians to treat the patients we are seeing,” said Dr. Battaglia. Ahmad is the principal investigator on the project and is currently a preceptor at Affinia. Dr. Battaglia said he hopes to have the data published by early 2019.

“Access to this information will give us a greater understanding of how to meet patient needs and provide the right skill set of our clinicians to treat the patients we are seeing.” – Dr. Patrick Battaglia

Ahmad Abdella

Dr. Patrick Battaglia

Dr. Ross Mattox LOGAN UNIVERSITY • SUMMER 2018 17


L OGA N C O N N EC T S

Preceptor Program Provides Students with Valuable Real-World Experience Logan University’s Preceptor Program allows students to leave campus during their final trimester of studies to work in a clinical atmosphere and gain real-world experience. Logan works with students to identify valuable practice opportunities that are suited to each student’s interests. Meet Warren Kalkstein and Dalton Wood, two recent Doctor of Chiropractic graduates who found preceptorships—one in a national medical center and the other in a private practice—that are helping kickstart their careers. Warren Kalkstein For Warren Kalkstein, DC (2018) the opportunity to work in the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) in Bethesda, Maryland, was an honor and dream. The Logan graduate recently completed a 15-week preceptorship where he provided chiropractic care for the nation’s heroes under the guidance of chiropractic clinicians Francisco Fernandez, DC and Terence Kearney, DC. “This opportunity is truly unique, and I know how fortunate I am as a chiropractor to get to work at Walter Reed,” he said. Prior to working at Walter Reed, Dr. Kalkstein provided chiropractic care to the underserved population at Affinia Healthcare in St. Louis under the supervision of Patrick Battaglia, DC, DACBR, integrated health center clinician and assistant professor. It was there Dr. Kalkstein found his calling to help eliminate barriers to chiropractic and conservative care to the public. “I see incredible opportunity for growth in the field, and I think it is important that our profession expands so the public has access to high-quality conservative musculoskeletal care,” he said. “I’m ready to be an advocate for the kind 18 SUMMER 2018 • LOGAN UNIVERSITY

of care that I know chiropractors are providing for their patients all over the world.” At Walter Reed, Dr. Kalkstein worked alongside physical medicine and rehabilitation doctors in an amputee clinic, where he helped manage pain conservatively with manual and laser therapy. He also rotated through the radiology, neurosurgery and orthopedics departments while serving in the chiropractic clinic, which offered varying perspectives of patient care. Dr. Kalkstein said he looks forward to being a part of a profession that holds so much potential as a catalyst for change in the health care model as well as striking a balance between evidenceinformed and patient-centered care. “I strive to be a lifelong learner, to be a role model to my patients and to change people’s lives,” he said. “I honestly cannot imagine a better profession to do that.”

Dr. Warren Kalkstein outside the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.

Dalton Wood “We live in an increasingly progressive society where health care trends are taking a turn from traditional medicine toward a more innovative approach to patient care and treatment,” said Dalton Wood, DC (2018). “The body can heal itself naturally. That’s why I fell in love with chiropractic.”


L O GA N CO N N E CTS

“I see incredible opportunity for growth in the field, and I think it is important that our profession expands so the public has access to highquality conservative musculoskeletal care. I’m ready to be an advocate for the kind of care that I know chiropractors are providing for their patients all over the world.” – Dr. Warren Kalkstein

During his three years at Logan University, Dr. Wood’s deep-rooted passion for combining chiropractic and rehabilitation was further enhanced through a variety of clubs and organizations—including Motion Palpation Institute and Rehab 2 Performance—where he was given hands-on experience with functional medicine. When looking for a preceptorship, Dr. Wood knew he wanted to work under someone with similar beliefs about chiropractic and the future of the profession. “My clinician, Dr. Jason Goodman, knew what kind of doctor I wanted to be and helped me find the right fit.” Dr. Goodman recommended Southern Chiropractic and Acupuncture, a progressive practice owned by Krista Martin, DC (2010), FASA and Brock Martin, DC (2010), FASA in the small town of Huntington, Tennessee.

Dr. Dalton Wood near Southern Chiropractic and Acupuncture in Huntington, Tennessee.

“Krista and Brock have molded their practice around high-quality, evidence-based treatment, with a focus on chiropractic in tandem with acupuncture,” said Dr. Wood. “I knew within a few days of shadowing them that I wanted to learn from them.” It wasn’t long before Dr. Wood was examining new patients, which quickly turned into hands-on treatment. Specifically, he designed rehab programs for athletes using techniques he had learned at Logan. “One of my athletes was experiencing chronic back pain on the basketball court, and nothing he tried had helped,” said Dr. Wood. “I revised his treatment plan and began implementing various rehab techniques that strengthened his back and core. It was super rewarding to watch him get stronger week by week and watch his pain slowly slip away.” Also on the agenda for Dr. Wood’s preceptorship was training in acupuncture treatment techniques—something he had neither experienced nor tried with his own hands prior to his experience at Southern Chiropractic. Dr. Wood’s goal for the future is to open a practice with his girlfriend, Kristen

“The body can heal itself naturally. That’s why I fell in love with chiropractic.” – Dr. Dalton Wood

Zumberger, DC (2017), where together they can advance chiropractic in the community, much like what Dr. Wood experienced during his preceptorship. “You see a lot of chiropractors who join boards or chambers in their communities— but the Martins don’t just participate as individuals in their city, they immerse the clinic as a whole,” said Dr. Wood. “The pair has woven together their passions for chiropractic, acupuncture and serving others in such harmony—and their patients reap the benefits, which is the ultimate goal. I hope one day Kristen and I can do the same.” LOGAN UNIVERSITY • SUMMER 2018 19


LOGA N C O N N EC T S

Expanding Access to Chiropractic Ross Mattox, DC, RMSK™, integrated health center clinician and assistant professor, knows firsthand the value chiropractic care brings to low-income patients. Over the past year, Dr. Mattox detailed his experiences at CareSTL Health (formerly known as Myrtle Hilliard Davis Comprehensive Health Center) to Missouri legislators. His testimony, along with research and evidence presented by additional chiropractors, was key in the recent success of a bill that requires Missouri to offer chiropractic care under Medicaid.

Until now, most Medicaid patients in Missouri had zero access to chiropractic care. Chiropractors have been working tirelessly for more than a decade to change that. CareSTL Health is a valuable resource because it’s one of the few places offering chiropractic to Medicaid patients. “The federally qualified health center’s relationship with Logan University means we have been able to provide care to Medicaid patients in the past regardless of insurance coverage,” Dr. Mattox said. “Because of that unique experience, I was able to give those patients a voice in this legislation.” During his testimony, Dr. Mattox stressed chiropractic’s role in battling the opioid 20 SUMMER 2018 • LOGAN UNIVERSITY

epidemic. He pointed to research showing that areas where patients have access to chiropractic also have decreased opioid prescription rates and that the Medicaid population is prescribed opioids at a disproportionately high rate compared to the general population. CareSTL Health backs up those research findings. “CareSTL Health is located in a community with high Medicaid and high opioid prescription rates, and we wanted to provide a non-pharmacological option for treating pain there,” Dr. Mattox said. “Since we opened the clinic in 2015, the opioid prescription rates have gone down.” Research shows that in addition to improving care for Medicaid patients, allowing access to chiropractic also represents sizable cost savings. This is due to a variety of reasons, including that Medicaid patients visit the hospital for episodes of pain at a higher rate than non-Medicaid patients, so offering a non-pharmacological, proven solution to pain would drastically reduce those visits. Decreased opioid use also leads to fewer overdoses, which in addition to the tragic human toll, costs the state significant resources. The chiropractic profession benefits as well, although some have raised concerns about poor Medicaid reimbursement. “That’s true for all providers across the board, not just chiropractors—we must look at the bigger picture,” Dr. Mattox said. “Granting Medicaid patients access means we will be able to join many other states doing research and providing data on cost

“The federally qualified health center’s relationship with Logan University means we have been able to provide care to Medicaid patients in the past regardless of insurance coverage. Because of that unique experience, I was able to give those patients a voice in this legislation.” – Dr. Ross Mattox

savings of Medicaid patients who utilize chiropractic care versus pharmacologic treatment for back pain. It’s going to help promote chiropractic care to all populations as a less expensive alternative for treatment of spine pain.” The legislation was passed with almost unanimous support from both Democrats and Republicans and Gov. Parson signed it into law in early July.


TH E I N S I DE R

Devon Ackroyd, DC, CSCS Devon Ackroyd, DC, CSCS is an advanced practice clinician at Paraquad, a nonprofit that empowers people with disabilities in the St. Louis area. As an athlete, particularly as a Division I collegiate swimmer, Devon witnessed firsthand how sports medicine and chiropractic could make a difference in an athlete’s overall performance and health. That realization inspired him to seek a career in chiropractic. Originally from Toronto, Dr. Ackroyd came to the United States on a swimming scholarship to Syracuse University, where he earned his undergraduate degree in biology and met his future wife, who was also a swimmer at the university. After graduating, he returned to Canada to attend the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, from which he graduated in 2010. “As an athlete, I understood the value of chiropractic, and I decided it would be a great career fit for me,” he said. He spent the next eight years in private practice in Toronto, working at a sports medicine clinic. “I enjoyed working in an interdisciplinary environment with physical therapists, chiropractors, surgeons and physiotherapists,” said Dr. Ackroyd. “I learned a lot from the various practices and from the collaborative environment.” In 2017, Dr. Ackroyd and his wife, a St. Louis native, decided to relocate to St. Louis so their two children could be closer to family. Dr. Ackroyd planned to go into private practice but received an unexpected job offer he could not turn down. “When I heard about this position at Paraquad, I was intrigued. It was so different and challenging, and I could not pass up the opportunity to bring my experience to this facility,” he said. As the advanced practice clinician at Paraquad, Dr. Ackroyd works with patients to meet their individual goals. “Each patient has a unique set of goals—whether it be to walk with a cane or restore hand movements,” said Dr. Ackroyd. “Creating a strategy tailored to their needs to help them achieve more independence keeps me focused every day.” His personal philosophy of utilizing evidence-based treatment approaches aligns with Paraquad’s mission of empowering people with disabilities to increase

their independence through choice and opportunity. Dr. Ackroyd’s previous experience working with Paralympic athletes in swimming and wheelchair basketball gave him a glimpse into what this work at Paraquad would entail. In addition to his clinical duties, Dr. Ackroyd is also enrolled in Logan’s online Sports Science and Rehabilitation master’s program and is teaching a physical rehabilitation class at Logan. Through each of these roles, he looks forward to helping improve the lives of others. “Working with patients with disabilities and mentoring interns and residents is incredibly rewarding,” Dr. Ackroyd said.

LOGAN UNIVERSITY • SUMMER 2018 21


STUDEN T L I F E

STRIKING

a Balance

Athletics and Academics Create Opportunities for Students

For many students, sports provide a healthy outlet from rigorous coursework. For others, athletics provide the tools to become better problem solvers, communicators and confident leaders. Meet three Logan University students who are using their passion for sports to their advantage and turning skills acquired in the gym, on the court or on the track to help others lead a healthy, active lifestyle.

22 SUMMER 2018 • LOGAN UNIVERSITY


S TU DE N T L I F E Cami Cleaveland For Trimester 8 student Cami Cleaveland, boxing began as a tool to strengthen her leg muscles after a soccer injury in college left her unable to run. She quickly realized boxing’s physical benefits as well as the emotional benefit of relieving the frustration of not being able to play soccer. Six months later, she was hooked and began training to become an instructor. Today, Cami divides her time between earning her Doctor of Chiropractic degree and serving as a boxing and kickboxing instructor at Title Boxing Club in Ballwin, just a few miles from Logan’s campus. “I have developed great interpersonal skills from being an instructor and from my time at Logan,” she said, adding that her two pursuits have complemented each other in the name of leadership. “I look forward to using those skills after graduation to encourage people to live a healthier lifestyle.” Alex Midkiff Alex Midkiff’s curiosity about chiropractic led him to Logan. Now, as a Trimester 3 student, he’s not only learning how to care for others, but he’s also applying that knowledge to help care for his own body while playing physically demanding sports. “Before, I knew the basics of stretching and preparing my body to play,” he said. “Now, I am so much more aware and mindful, and I have more in-depth knowledge about how to train and prepare.” When Alex is not studying to be a Doctor of Chiropractic, he can be found on the racquetball court—a sport he’s played since he was just 5 years old. His mother, a collegiate racquetball player, first encouraged him to learn the rules of the game since the sport was close to her heart. Although Alex began playing when he was very young, it wasn’t until college that he began to seriously focus on the competitive aspect of racquetball. His most memorable accomplishment is winning the Men’s Singles Open division at the Mizzou Fall Shootout Racquetball Tournament in fall 2017.

LOGAN UNIVERSITY • SUMMER 2018 23


S TUD EN T L I F E Alex most recently competed in the 2018 National Intercollegiate Racquetball Championship held in March in Minneapolis, where he finished ninth. He is currently ranked third in men’s singles in Missouri. “Racquetball has been a great outlet for me to help manage the stresses of school,” said Alex. “School always comes first, but whether I need a break or to burn off some energy, playing racquetball helps me live a healthy lifestyle.” Garrett Panno June 23, 2007, is a date Trimester 5 student Garrett Panno will never forget. It was the day he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Despite his diagnosis coming with struggles, Garrett has never let diabetes define him. Instead, he uses it as motivation for changing how the world views people with diabetes, having completed his first marathon with his sights on a second. The turning point was October 2016. Garrett went for an early morning run, and without his glasses or phone, he got lost. “I ran six and a half miles, which was the farthest I had ever run,” Garrett said. “It was the day I first realized I could really push myself and my limits.” One year later, he finished running his first marathon for the American Diabetes Association and raised more than $1,800 for the organization. Through training and completing this marathon, Garrett gained a better understanding of blood sugar control and improving his long-term blood sugar levels. From running and living a healthy lifestyle to studying chiropractic, everything Garrett is doing now serves to help prepare him for his future plan to open a diabetescentered and functional medicine-based clinic. “I don’t like the term chiropractic ‘practice.’ It shouldn’t be ‘practice’ when you’re working with a patient,” he said. “School is the time for practicing and learning … but helping patients, that’s game day.” 24 SUMMER 2018 • LOGAN UNIVERSITY


DO N O R S N A P S H O T

Dr. Dana Underkofler-Mercer Dana Underkofler-Mercer, DC, MS spends the majority of her time with students, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. Dr. Underkofler-Mercer, Logan alumna, associate professor, clinician and development officer, works with students beginning in Trimester 1 through Trimester 6 as well as in the clinics. “I know the students personally and I know their struggles—I also know how the gift of scholarship can make a world of difference as they fulfill their dream,” she said. Her personal connection to the students compelled Dr. Underkofler-Mercer to donate to the Forever Chiropractic, Forever Logan Endowed Scholarship Initiative, a campaign that supports chiropractic scholarships into perpetuity. A donation of $10,000 or more to the initiative ensures access to tuition support for generations of chiropractic students to come. “It’s rewarding to give back in this way because I can see firsthand how the scholarships impact the students,” said Dr. Underkofler-Mercer. Since making her own donation, Dr. Underkofler-Mercer now serves as an ambassador for the campaign, traveling to raise awareness among alumni. She also explains the uniqueness of the campaign’s twofold impact: helping students working toward their degree, which in turn positively impacts our communities. “Contributors to the endowment have a direct hand in helping individuals who will benefit from the students’ care in the future,” she said. In addition to choosing how they would like to give, whether it’s monthly, yearly or a one-time pledge, donors have the ability to see who is benefitting from their generosity. Scholarship recipients write personal letters of thanks to contributors in addition to being announced in The Tower and recognized at Symposium each year. “The Forever Chiropractic, Forever Logan campaign is important because it allows doctors in the profession and Logan alumni to help pave the way for the future of chiropractic,” said Dr. Underkofler-Mercer.

Do you have a story to share about why you give to Logan? Email Alumni@logan.edu. Visit Logan.edu/Give for giving options.

LOGAN UNIVERSITY • SUMMER 2018 25


W E R E YO U T H ERE?

SPRING

SYMPOSIUM 2018

Logan’s Spring Symposium event held May 3-6 drew 674 attendees—a record number since Logan began the annual continuing education and social event in 2014.

26 SUMMER 2018 • LOGAN UNIVERSITY


WE R E YO U TH E R E ? The four-day event featured nearly 30 speakers on topics such as integrating physiotherapeutics and laser therapy, metabolic detoxification and pediatric chiropractic. Highlights included a discussion on the impact of chiropractic care on women’s health by Jean Moss, DC, MBA, who was also presented with the Dr. Beatrice Hagen Speaker Award. In addition, Tom Daly, DC was presented with an Honorary Doctor of Humanities degree from Logan, while Pat Montgomery, DC, MS, FASA received the Fellowship in International College of Chiropractors award. Next year’s Spring Symposium will be held May 2-5, 2019.

LOGAN UNIVERSITY • SUMMER 2018 27


W E R E YO U T H ER E?

SPRING 28 SUMMER 2018 • LOGAN UNIVERSITY

SYMP


POSIUM 2018

WE R E YO U TH E R E ?

LOGAN UNIVERSITY • SUMMER 2018 29


AD M I S S I O N S

Summer 2018 Doctor of Chiropractic White Coat Ceremony

30 SUMMER 2018 • LOGAN UNIVERSITY


Club Day

O N TH E S CE N E

On May 23, Logan students were invited to check out more than 30 clubs and organizations the University offers on campus.

LOGAN UNIVERSITY • SUMMER 2018 31


GR A D U AT I N G C LASS

Class of April 2018

Zachary T. Grant

Warren M. Kalkstein

Dalton V. Tolliver

Benjamin L. Gokenbach

James M. Billingsley

Eric D. Blank

Emily E. Blau

Jon Luke Bloomberg

Eric J. Conner

Muhammad I. Dalal

Tyler G. Gagon

Dalton M. Gean

President

Vice President

Secretary

William H. McGilberry Jr. Jeffrey S. Mechtenberg

Ruth L. Varney

32 SUMMER 2018 • LOGAN UNIVERSITY

Warren D. Varney

Treasurer

Matthew J. Merritt

Robert J. Watson V


GR A DU A TI N G CL A S S

Doctor of Chiropractic Graduates

Education Coordinator

Tillie Bill Dowd

Education Coordinator

Amanda J. Kellerman

Athletic Director

Regan J. Buck

Nicholas J. Venturini

Harpal S. Brar

Landon T. Bruner

Kimberly A. Cerf

Victoria B. L. Chamberlin

Spencer R. Gunn

Victoria V. Koenig

Jacob B. Little

Brett J. Lux

Ana M. Murillo

Carrie A. Santore

Daniel T. Spitler II

Michelle A. Withington

Dalton K. Wood

Athletic Director

LOGAN UNIVERSITY • SUMMER 2018 33


R E C OG N I Z I N G S U CCESS BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREES

Michael A. Williams Caitlin Worsham

Human Biology Jospeh Adebowale Adeniyi Nicholas Olorundamilola Adeniyi Brenna Lynn D’Amato Kayla Lynne Elie Sakar Sabir Ronni Van Meter Zeta Zavradinos

MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREES

Life Science Noah Tater Aldridge Adam Aleto Nicholas T. Altherr Trevor C. Butler Michelle Brungart Kristi Leigh Church Rachel Marie Delaney Derek M. Dimenna Danton Dye Rebecca Dyer Kaylei Fischer Tabitha Frakes Keya Gordon Sara Hartzell Justin James Christopher D. Jones Warren Michael Kalkstein Brooke Alexandra Korhammer Brett J. Lux William H. McGilberry Jr. Christopher Thomas Mckechnie Chase F. Mecham Jackson Meeks Michelle A. Méndez Torres Danielle Elizabeth Nash Anthony Pacheco Ryan Power Kennedy Rensing Mei Ling Watel Robin Joshua Rood Molly Rood Jacob Roland Justin Nicholas Roth Caleb Sanders Jacob Aaron Schmitz Abigail Marie Smith Brian Sylve Maran Tennis Ryan C. Tinsley Dalton T. Thurman

Health Informatics Christopher Dumas Carlos Fillmann Ben Kloepper Nutrition and Human Performance Blaine Bartholomew Beebe Jon Luke Bloomberg Paige Blythe Young Ho J Bok Hannah E. Boulaiche Chelsie Shay Boyer Monique Amber Brown Tasha Burks Emily Burns Kristina M. Campione Michael Chiapetto Eric Joseph Conner Dana Elizabeth Csengody Walaa Mohammed Daffaalla Muhammad Ismail Dalal Emma Dalzell Eryn David Kurtis Dennis Rachel Dawn Donaldson Timothy Dean Driscoll, DC Elizabeth Ann Freesmeier Dalton Matthew Gean Christie Gerndt Gregory Deion Green Ashton Griffen Lindsey Gail Henslee Harrison L. Higgins Taylor Nicole Lafond Megan Elizabeth Lautz Carolyne Marino Katie I. Metz Patricia S. Mills Elina Murphy Cheryl Patrick Kelsey Ann Pezzuti Denise L. Rhoad Jennifer Rodriguez Michelle M. Roseberry Sara A. Royce Kaitlyn Rutledge

34 SUMMER 2018 • LOGAN UNIVERSITY

Lili Sadr Mirhosseini Roxanne Smyser Tracie Lynn Snavely-Harrah Sandy Ann Stevens Sheree E. Werner Garrett Lee Winkler Sherene Young Sports Science and Rehabilitation Harpal Brar Caitlyn Renee Hannold Warren Michael Kalkstein Amanda Jo Kellerman Amari J. Kimble Alexandra Miller Charese Reed Scott Jason Rosner Joshua J. Secraw Daniel Thomas Spitler II Nicholas J. Venturini Robert James Watson V Cora Elizabeth Wright

HONORS AND AWARDS Doctor of Chiropractic Summa Cum Laude Ruth Lynette Varney Valedictorian Warren David Varney Valedictorian Robert James Watson V Valedictorian Magna Cum Laude Tillie Bill Dowd Carrie Anne Santore

Cum Laude Jeffrey Scott Mechtenberg Dalton Victoria Tolliver Dalton Kyle Wood Master of Science in Health Informatics Summa Cum Laude Christopher Dumas Valedictorian Carlos Fillmann Valedictorian Magna Cum Laude Ben Kloepper Master of Science in Nutrition and Human Performance Summa Cum Laude Young Ho Bok Valedictorian Emily Burns Valedictorian Dana Elizabeth Csengody Valedictorian Emma Dalzell Valedictorian Eryn David Valedictorian Rachel Dawn Donaldson Valedictorian Elizabeth Ann Freesmeier Valedictorian Megan Elizabeth Lautz Valedictorian Elina Murphy Valedictorian Kelsey Ann Pezzuti Valedictorian


RE C O GN I Z I N G S U CCE S S Sara A. Royce Valedictorian Kaitlyn Rutledge Valedictorian Blaine Bartholomew Beebe Hannah E. Boulaiche Chelsie Shay Boyer Eric Joseph Conner Kurtis Dennis Lindsey Gail Henslee Katie I. Metz Patricia S. Mills Magna Cum Laude Kristina M. Campione Muhammad Ismail Dalal Christie Gerndt Ashton Griffen Taylor Nicole Lafond Carolyne Marino Roxanne Smyser Sandy Ann Stevens Cum Laude Paige Blythe Michael Chiapetto, DC Timothy Dean Driscoll, DC Denise L. Rhoad Jennifer Rodriguez Master of Science in Sports Science and Rehabilitation Summa Cum Laude Amari J. Kimble Valedictorian

Charese Reed Valedictorian Scott Jason Rosner Valedictorian Robert James Watson V Valedictorian Magna Cum Laude Daniel Thomas Spitler II Cum Laude Amanda Jo Kellerman Joshua J. Secraw Academic Excellence Awards Ruth Lynette Varney (DC) Warren David Varney (DC) Robert James Watson V (DC) Christopher Dumas (MHI) Carlos Fillmann (MHI) Young Ho Bok (MSN) Emily Burns (MSN) Dana Elizabeth Csengody (MSN) Emma Dalzell (MSN) Eryn David (MSN) Rachel Dawn Donaldson (MSN) Elizabeth Ann Freesmeier (MSN) Megan Elizabeth Lautz (MSN) Elina Murphy (MSN) Kelsey Ann Pezzuti (MSN) Sara A. Royce (MSN) Kaitlyn Rutledge (MSN) Amari J. Kimble (MSSR) Charese Reed (MSSR) Scott Jason Rosner (MSSR) Robert James Watson V (MSSR)

President’s Honor Roll Ruth Lynette Varney (DC) Warren David Varney (DC) Robert James Watson V (DC) Zeta Zavradinos (DC)

Warren Michael Kalkstein Brother: Blake Kalkstein, DC (2012) Warren David Varney Father: David Warren Varney, DC (1986)

Class of April 2018 University Mission Awards

FACULTY AWARDS

Evidence Informed Award Robert James Watson V Christie Gerndt Zeta Zavradinos

College of Health Sciences Outstanding Faculty Award Dr. William Huber University Basic Science Outstanding Faculty Award Dr. Atanas Ignatov

Maximize Human Performance Awards Kimberly Ann Cerf Lili Sadr Mirhosseini Kristi Leigh Church

College of Chiropractic Outstanding Pre-Clinic Faculty Award Dr. Jane Wibbenmeyer

Service Award Warren Kalkstein Brian Sylve Anthony Pacheco

College of Chiropractic Outstanding Clinic Faculty Award Dr. Jason Goodman

Hugh B. Logan Clinic Excellence Award Kimberly Cerf

LOGAN LEGACIES Eric Joseph Conner Grandfather: Leo (Lee) D. Sowle, DC (1988)

College of Chiropractic Outstanding Clinic Faculty Award Dr. Norman Kettner Hugh B. Logan Outstanding Faculty Award Dr. Meadow Campbell

LOGAN UNIVERSITY • SUMMER 2018 35


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Faculty and Staff News Congratulations to … Stacey Cornelson, DC, Fellow in Logan’s Diagnostic Imaging, who passed the American Chiropractic Board of Radiology’s ACBR Part I examination on the first sitting. Steven C. Roberts, Esq., Logan University Board Member Emeritus, who was elected to the American Chiropractic Association’s Board of Governors, making him the first public member among all Doctors of Chiropractic. Patrick Montgomery, DC, MS, FASA, professor, who presented the Academician of the Year Award to John Stites, DC, director of community clinics at Palmer College of Chiropractic-Davenport, during the National Chiropractic Leadership Conference.

Dr. Montgomery has served on the ACA’s Awards Committee since 2016, the same year he received the Academician of the Year Award. The award recognizes an individual for his or her efforts in advancing the profession through academic or educational excellence. Lee Van Dusen, DC, dean of academic continuous improvement, who was recognized for outstanding service to the nation as a member of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award Board of Examiners. Ellen Dickman, MLS, director of Logan’s Learning Resources Center, who was elected to a three-year term on the MOBIUS board as an at-large representative. MOBIUS is a partnership of libraries in Missouri providing access to shared information resources, services and expertise.

Value Awards Five faculty members and staff received the University’s inaugural Logan Value Awards, presented in May: • Carpenter Joe Munsinger (Agility and Innovation Value Award) for his work in the Learning Resources Center Bone Room.

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In Memoriam Theima Baumann, PhD February 18, 2018

• Director of Strategic Performance Laurinda Smith (Strives to Maximize Performance in Others and Ourselves Value Award) for promoting continuous quality improvement and making data available and understandable for datadriven decision makers. • Associate Professor Daryl Ridgeway, DC (Promotes Evidence Informed Learning Centered Communities Value Award) for explaining why Logan is the top choice for chiropractic education. • Program Director of Health Informatics Rosemary Walker, DDS, MBA, MS (Agility and Innovation Value Award) for designing, developing, teaching and graduating the inaugural class of Master of Health Informatics.

Dr. Patrick Montgomery (right) with Dr. John Stites.

Community Members and Holds Each Accountable Value Award) for not being afraid to speak up, step up and show true leadership.

• Professor Robin Bozark, DC, MA, DABCO (Empower All

Dr. Baumann was a longtime Logan instructor who taught histology—the microscopic study of cells and smalltissue structures—and was honored to contribute to the hard science background of the young doctorsto-be. She passed away at age 96. Dr. Baumann is fondly remembered by all her students and faculty members who had the pleasure of working with her.


Alumni Notes Congratulations to … Class of 1986

I N DU S TR Y U P DA TE Year Award, recognizing exceptional service, achievement or leadership to the profession.

Susan M. Schultz, DC, MHSA on being named one of the University of Arkansas for Medical Science’s Phenomenal Women of 2017. Dr. Schultz also had an article published in the November 2017 edition of Dynamic Chiropractic.

In Memoriam

Class of 1989

Class of 1960 Harry Moore, DC October 23, 2017

Kathy Boulet, DC, DAAPM, FIACA, CCAC on being elected to the American Chiropractic Association’s (ACA) Board of Governors. Dr. Boulet also received the ACA’s Delegate of the

Class of 1951 Earlie R. Hill, Jr., DC February 23, 2018 Class of 1957 Robert La Follette Thatcher, Sr., DC February 6, 2018

Class of 1962 John Perestam, DC March 24, 2017

Class of 1980 Karl Lamb, DC February 12, 2018 Class of 1985 Mark Baker, DC April 24, 2018 Dr. Baker is survived by family members, including son Jason Baker (student); brother Dennis Baker, DC (1977); sister-in-law Susan Crump-Baker, DC (1967); niece Kristine Baker, DC (2001); and nephew Steve Baker, DC (2007). Class of 1996 Andrew Slavik, DC April 22, 2018 Class of 2011 Paul DeClue, Jr., DC May 17, 2018

Remembering Dr. John L. Dishauzi Class of 1983 John L. Dishauzi, BS, DC March 5, 2018

Dr. Dishauzi is survived by his parents John and Rose Marie Dishauzi; his siblings David Dishauzi, DC (1992), Karen Dishauzi, DC (1994) and Douglas Dishauzi, DC (2000); his in-laws Debra Hopp, DC (1992) and Robert B. McCauley;

and his beloved pet Doberman, Tuffy. Dr. Dishauzi established Sheffield Chiropractic Clinic in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, providing patient care for 35 years. He was passionate about chiropractic, and his siblings followed him into the profession. He was a dedicated mentor to new practitioners. He belonged to the Pennsylvania Chiropractic Association as well as many clubs and organizations. He was an avid bowler and enjoyed golf and all of the Pittsburgh area sports. Dr. Dishauzi is remembered most for having an infectious

smile and a great sense of humor and traveling the world with family and friends. He loved his patients and friends and received that love in return. Dr. Dishauzi will be remembered for his contributions to the community with his caring nature—giving freely of his time, housing the homeless, supporting youth groups and giving the shirt off his back to those in need. As a testimonial to him, more than 400 people came from the community and from afar to pay their respects. “Doc” will be forever missed.

Industry Organizations Champion Chiropractic at Home and Abroad ACA-Backed Bill Expands Chiropractor’s Role in the VA

Years of legislative advocacy by the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) culminated in March with the Dr. David Herd passage of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2018, which included a plan championed by ACA and its congressional allies to expand access to chiropractic’s nondrug approach to pain relief to veterans— many of whom suffer from back pain and other musculoskeletal conditions. The act was supported by veterans groups and championed in Congress by Sens. Jerry Moran (R-Kansas), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Johnny Isakson (RGa.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.). The approved language calls for the Continued on page 38 LOGAN UNIVERSITY • SUMMER 2018 37


Industry Organizations Champion Chiropractic At Home and Abroad Continued from page 37 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to expand the availability of chiropractic services at no fewer than two medical centers or clinics in each Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) by no later than Dec. 31, 2019, and at no fewer than 50 percent of all medical centers in each VISN by no later than Dec. 31, 2021. The measure also, for the first time, codifies and broadens chiropractic services in the VA to include services provided by doctors of chiropractic under the Preventive Health Services and Medical categories (in addition to existing coverage under Rehabilitative Services). This places chiropractors in service categories previously closed to them. Also in March, ACA delegates elected a new six-person Board of Governors at their annual meeting in Washington, D.C. The new board includes Kathy Boulet, DC of Lewiston, Maine, a 1989 graduate of Logan University. The board later elected N. Ray Tuck, Jr., DC, of Blacksburg, Virginia, to serve as ACA’s new president.

FICS Moves Chiropractic Forward Through Sport

One of FICS’ primary objectives is promoting high standards Dr. Pete Garbutt of education and practice in sports chiropractic worldwide, in part through the development of postgraduate sports chiropractic programs. As we approach the halfway mark of 2018, I am reminded that as fast as things seem to be going, we are playing a long game. Within this long game, our short-term goals should be supportive of our long-term 38 SUMMER 2018 • LOGAN UNIVERSITY

aspirations. Two major events occurred this past month that underscore this sentiment. One was the SportAccord Convention, where FICS represented the chiropractic profession in the world of sport. Here we continue to strengthen our relationships with international federations, such as the International Powerlifting Federation, as we build new relationships with sports such as gymnastics, volleyball and water skiing. There are some promising projects within these partnerships, which should increase opportunities for creating access to sports chiropractic for athletes around the world. The second event was the FICS annual meeting held at Surfers Paradise in Australia. We engaged in phase two of our organizational strategic plan development process, with phase one having been rolled out electronically over the previous three months. This was an exciting exercise combining passion with strategic thinking and visionary ideas to solidify smart objectives to move FICS and chiropractic forward through the medium of sport. It was encouraging to see the strong emphasis being put on students to lead us into the future, and it’s important to us to continue creating better engagement with universities and more opportunities for students. The FICS value statement as a part of this outcome states: As the leaders in Sport Chiropractic we strive to provide equitable access to sports chiropractic care, education, mentoring and research to all athletes and sport chiropractors regionally, nationally and internationally. In the coming month we will be rolling out the full suite of outcomes and our vision for the future. I encourage you to keep a close eye on the exciting changes to come.

WFC Tackles Global Health Issues The closing months of 2017 were a busy time for the World Federation of Chiropractic. Secretary-General Dr. Richard Brown participated in the annual meetings of both the African Chiropractic

WORLD FEDERATION OF

CHIROPRACTIC Federation in Stellenbosch, South Africa, and the Latin American Chiropractic Federation in Florianópolis, Brazil. The WFC worked Dr. Richard Brown successfully with the Emirates Chiropractic Association in the Middle East, securing a reversal of a ban imposed by the Dubai Health Authority on chiropractors using the doctor title. The WFC is currently undertaking a large project to document the legal and practicing status of chiropractic throughout the world, while also completing a governance and strategic review that will set a plan for the coming years and streamline its processes and procedures. Regional WFC seminars will be held in Bahrain and Lima, Peru. Planning is also well underway for the WFC/ACC Education Conference, to be held in October 2018 in London, England. Logan President Dr. Clay McDonald is one of the co-chairs of this event, titled “Empowered to Teach, Inspired to Learn: Excellence in Chiropractic Education.” Finally, the WFC’s Public Health Committee has identified healthy aging, opioid abuse, and women’s, children’s and adolescents’ health as its key focus areas, while the new WFC Disability and Rehabilitation Committee is developing a range of materials to support chiropractors in their offices with integration rehabilitation strategies. Meanwhile, the WFC continues its work with the World Health Organization as a nongovernmental organization.


Walk to Cure Arthritis

P O S TS CR I P T

Logan University was proud to host the 2018 Walk to Cure Arthritis on June 8. More than 300 members of Logan University and the surrounding community participated at this event held on Logan’s campus to support the Arthritis Foundation. A special thanks to all for the fundraising efforts through bake sales, auctions and raffles. More than $90,000 was raised.

LOGAN UNIVERSITY • SUMMER 2018 39


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1851 Schoettler Road | Chesterfield, MO 63017

P OS TG R AD U AT E EDU CA T IO N | July 2018 – October 2018 July 14-15 Pediatric Certificate Program #1 Instructor: Suzanne Seekins, DC, DICS August 11-12 Pediatric Certificate Program #2 Instructor: Suzanne Seekins, DC, DICS August 25-26 Performance Health Rehab – Session #1 Instructors: Jeff Tucker, DC, DACRB & Debbie Denno, DC September 8-9 Performance Health Rehab – Session #2 Instructors: Jeff Tucker, DC, DACRB & Debbie Denno, DC

September 15-16 Basic Acupuncture – Session #1 Instructor: Zev Myerowitz, DC, Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), Lac. September 22-23 Diagnosis & Management of Complex Cases Instructor: Michael Thompson, DC September 22-23 Musculoskeletal Diagnostic Ultrasound Certification #1 Introduction and Cross-Sectional Imaging Instructor: Daniel Haun, DC, DACBR

Location is Logan University Campus unless otherwise noted.

September 29-30 Pediatric Certificate Program #3 Instructor: Suzanne Seekins, DC, DICS October 6-7 Basic Acupuncture – Session #2 Instructor: Zev Myerowitz, DC, Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), Lac. October 6-7 Performance Health Rehab – Session #3 Instructors: Jeff Tucker, DC, DACRB & Debbie Denno, DC

October 13-14 Integrating Electrotherapeutics & Laser Therapy Instructor: Nelson Marquina, MSc., PhD, DC October 20-21 Musculoskeletal Diagnostic Ultrasound Certification #2 The Shoulder Instructor: Ross Mattox, DC, RMSK Visit Logan.edu/Seminars for additional information and dates. To register for postgraduate seminars, visit Logan.edu/alumni-friends, call 1-800-842-3234 or email postgrad@logan.edu.


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