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VISTA VIEW
January 2020 Newsletter
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AACOM Excellence in Communications Award
NEWSLET
Leading the Next Generation of Healthcare Inside: A Lesson in Confidence During PA Rotations Page 4 Vista View
Research Day Showcases Innovation at RVU
Celebrating the Spooky Side of Medical School Page 7
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Amanda Sniadach, OMS II, and Jenny Wu, OMS I, rappel the side of a building for the Over the Edge fundraiser.
Table of Contents FEATURES
IN EACH ISSUE
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Leading the Next Generation of Health Care
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A Lesson in Confidence During PA Rotations
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Honoring Veterans in the RVU Community
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Celebrating the Spooky Side of Medical School
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Preceptors Recognized for Years of Service at Reception
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Research and Grants
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Welcome to Our New Faculty and Staff
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Promotions and Appointments
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Achieving New Heights
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Campus Tidbits
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From the RVU Alumni Association
The Vista View newsletter is published quarterly by the Marketing Department of Rocky Vista University. Please send your ideas, feedback, and submissions to Marketing@rvu.edu.
Want to see even more photos from each RVU event? www.facebook.com/RockyVistaUniversity www.facebook.com/RockyVistaUniversitySouthernUtah Visit the Prairie Dogs and Roadrunners blog at RVUBlog.com
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Leading The Next Generation of Health Care
Students from local high schools attended the Medical Academy of Science and Health (MASH) Camp in October at the Colorado campus, organized by the Rotary Community Corps of RVU. The camp gives high school students an interactive glimpse into the world and careers of health care. The event was filled with hands-on workshops like suturing, tourniquets, injections (including intramuscular, subcutaneous, and intradermal injections, with students practicing on oranges and hotdogs), ultrasound, placing an IV, and a cadaver lab demonstration. "I enjoyed getting to see the excitement in eager high school students," said first-year student Austin Dickerson, who volunteered at MASH Camp. "While many of them want to eventually get into medicine as a nurse, physician assistant, or physician, some want to go into business and were just there because they thought it would be interesting to learn. All of them were so respectful and willing to learn." While high-schoolers were put to work in Colorado, elementary-aged children took part in the Young Doctors Academy at the Southern Utah campus. To teach them about life as a medical student, the kids participated in a standardized patient encounter, acting as the physicians. The Academy has been an ongoing event, with the kids learning various aspects of life in medical school during each visit. The Young Doctors "graduated" in December, capping a successful year in the program.
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A Lesson in Confidence During PA Rotations
Unlike most physician assistant (PA) students around the country, students in RVU’s PA Program complete their clinical rotations in 15 months (as opposed to 12 months). For second-year PA students Maria Hipp and Alison Hart, the additional three months means more hands-on experience with patients in multiple specialties that include Women’s Health, Pediatrics, and Behavioral Health. They describe their most poignant experiences below.
Alison Hart, PAS II A little after midnight, a call came for Hart from her preceptor; she was needed for an emergent ischemic bowel resection for an elderly female with stage three colon cancer. "She had decided to fight [the cancer] and was now faced with part of her bowel dying off," Hart remembers. When Hart arrived at the hospital, the patient was sitting calmly in the pre-op area, which gave Hart pause. “She wasn’t confused or scared, as I would have been in that situation. [Instead], she was calm, trusting of us and ready for the surgery.” Once in the operating room, Hart saw that the patient had numerous adhesions due to the cancer that would make the surgery more difficult. After some time, the OR staff isolated the section of the bowel that needed resecting. Hart stapled the patient’s bowel together and closed up. "The procedure took about three hours and was a testament of the surgeon’s determination, the patient’s state of mind, and the abilities of medicine to overcome situations that sometimes seem insurmountable." "The most challenging, but rewarding, lesson [for me] has been about my own confidence and abilities," said Hart. "At first, I felt lost and confused and supremely overwhelmed. But I have learned that there is much to be said about self-confidence in situations where you don’t feel confident."
Maria Hipp, PAS II As part of an Internal Medicine rotation, Hipp dealt with a patient who had presented in the Emergency Department with a urinary tract infection (UTI). He also exhibited confusion and inability to walk. He was admitted and treated with intravenous antibiotics, but after 24 hours, his mental status and inability to walk were unchanged. The patient's wife reported that he had gradually lost the ability to stand upright and to walk for the past few months; his mental status had evolved to dementia-like symptoms at least a month previously. "I sat down with her for thirty minutes to hear her story." During the conversation, Hipp learned that at a past visit to the hospital, a neurologist had told the couple they needed to follow up for treatment. This was a game-changer for Hipp. "The patient had previously been diagnosed with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus—also known as ‘WET, WOBBLY, and WACKY’—and the man was supposed to follow up with neurology for the placement of shunts or the condition would be recurrent." But they never did. His wife had not connected the current UTI to the previous condition. Hipp recommended an MRI and the patient was flown out that night for treatment. The case was a comprehensive learning experience for Hipp. "Never underestimate the power of a thorough history," she said. "His wife was never asked about previous hospitalizations [in the ED]." In this case, a more thorough history would have sped up the patient’s treatment of the real underlying cause of his symptoms. Like what you read? For the full-length articles, as well as other stories, please visit our blog at RVUBlog.com.
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The PA Program held a bake sale in which they raised over $350 for a scholarship Fund. The scholarships will be awarded to PA Students, prior to entering their clinical year.
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Honoring Veterans in the RVU Community
The annual Military Appreciation Ceremonies on both RVU locations honored and celebrated the military servicepeople in the RVU community. Captain K. Dean Gubler, MC (Ret.), gave the keynote address on the Colorado campus, acknowledging those who have served or currently serve in the armed forces yet their sacrifices are often disregarded upon their return. At the Southern Utah Veterans Home, the keynote address was delivered by Lieutenant General Douglas J. Robb, Air Force (Ret.). Veterans from each community were also recognized for their service with a military challenge coin, given to them by RVU military students. The RVU Color Guard carried out the Missing Man/POW Remembrance Ceremony at each campus, a tradition that honors the service of those missing in action, taken prisoner, or deceased. The ceremony concluded with the presentation of the Anthony J. LaPorta Order of Military Excellence. This award was given to Capt. Gubler and Major General Philip Volpe, MC, in Colorado and to Lt. Gen. Robb in Southern Utah. The award is given to people who offer unique and significant contributions to military medicine.
R&WM Students Practice Orienteering
Students in the RVUCOM-CO Rural and Wilderness Medicine (R&WM) Track engaged in an annual Orienteering course at Castlewood Canyon State Park on October 8th. Supervised by David Ross, DO, FACEP, Director of the R&WM Track, the second-year students used a map and compass to search for patients while enhancing their navigation skills. After locating patients off the main hiking trail, students assessed and treated simulated injuries that included a woman in premature labor and a hiker with a fractured femur. Students were assisted by the Franktown Fire Protection District, which showed students how to secure a patient to a rescue stretcher. Using manikins and other simulators, students also applied tourniquets, operated an EZ-IOŽ Intraosseous Vascular Access System—used in emergency situations to access the central vascular system with minimal trauma to the patient—and performed a chest intubation. Through the course, students learned to transport patients from isolated areas, navigate rough terrain, and work as a team to coordinate treatment in a high-stress situation. For students planning on practicing medicine in rural or remote areas, these skills will prove to be invaluable.
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Return to Somaliland's Edna Adan Hospital
Before he was even in medical school, Austin Forbes, OMS IV, was providing aid in any way he could. In 2013, he had been volunteering at a Ugandan orphanage and had just co-founded Gratis Humanitarian Aid Network. He was looking to help a hospital in an underserved part of the world, one that was logistically difficult to supply. He learned of Ms. Edna Adan, the former Foreign Minister of Somaliland who had founded a hospital in Somaliland. SD Forbes visited the Edna Adan Hospital unannounced, hoping to meet Ms. Adan (which, to his surprise, actually worked!). Following their meeting, he began collecting donations and returned to the hospital three years later with a shipping container full of medical supplies and equipment. In early 2019, SD Forbes again returned to Edna Adan Hospital, bringing with him Clarke Snodgrass, OMS IV, and Kaia Jystad, OMS IV...and a donation of over 400 surgical tools to enhance the neurosurgery and general surgery capabilities of the hospital. The students stayed at the hospital for a four-week international elective in Obstetrics/Gynecology and Surgery. During that time, they assisted in dozens of deliveries and C-sections (which took place mostly at night due to Ramadan). The students adapted to this cultural change by waking up in the middle of the day and began working when the fast broke in the evening, often assisting in labor and delivery until the early morning hours. "The midwives knew to call us at any time," said SD Forbes. "These all-night stints were some of the most rewarding work I have ever done." Learn more about the students' intense patient experiences at the Edna Adan Hospital at RVUBlog.com!
MSBS Students Give Back to the Community Students from RVU’s Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences (MSBS) program participated in multiple service projects in the community. In September, a group volunteered at MuckFest® Denver, an obstacle-course and race where all proceeds benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The students aided in running the obstacles and cheered on the participants. "We learned the importance of community, fundraising for research, and the support outside of clinics and hospitals," said Devin Thomas.
Other student groups served the homeless community in the Denver Metro Area at Urban Peak, a youth homeless shelter that provides essential services at no cost; Denver Children’s Home, which provides community-based services to at-risk or traumatized children; and Denver Rescue Mission’s (DRM) Lawrence Street Shelter. Through these experiences, students challenged their own preconceptions and biases. "Working with [DRM] was a humbling yet rewarding experience," said Harry Kranichfeld. "It placed me out of my comfort zone and challenged me to make a difference."
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Celebrating the Spooky Side of Medical School For RVU’s annual Trick-or-Treat Street, the Colorado campus hosted witches and wizards, tiny superheroes, a sleepy Alice in Wonderland, and a buzzing bumblebee. There was also a rare sighting of Waldo in the Finance Department. Or was he in the Dean’s Suite? On the Southern Utah campus, emojis, the PowerPuff Girls, a Chiquita banana, E.T., and a unicorn enjoyed a plethora of sugary treats.
Though it was officially the fall season, both locations held their annual Fall Festivals on exceptionally warm days. Families enjoyed a variety of activities hosted by student clubs and organizations including face painting, pumpkin decorating, and a Best Costume contest. On the Southern Utah campus, there was also an obstacle course, photo booth, pumpkin bowling, a corn hole toss, and, fittingly, a table for playing Operation. The festival took place in conjunction with the Boo Dash 5k, a race hosted by the City of Ivins that included music, selfie stations, and trick-or-treating along the course.
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More photos available at Facebook!
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Preceptors Recognized For Years of Service at Reception RVU hosted a Preceptor Reception in November to celebrate preceptors who volunteer their time teaching our students. Preceptors provide opportunities for students to see patients in a supervised clinical setting, enhancing their skills and guiding their professional and personal growth. During the award presentation, certain preceptors received awards for their years of service to RVU. Anonymous comments from students were read to those being honored: • "Dr. Paul Dubé is very passionate about helping you learn, but not necessarily telling you the answer right away." • "Dr. John Gerald Beauman is a fantastic preceptor—he provides the perfect mix of ‘attending’ and mentor. He has high enough expectations, but not so high that I felt intimidated to ask him questions or answer a question incorrectly." • "Dr. Michele Su Kem Hor has many strengths among which are her energy, kindness, and clinical knowledge. It is clear she wants to help us succeed as much as possible." • "Dr. Alexios-Clark Christou Constantinides allowed me to do more on my own as the rotation went on and to feel confident about my [osteopathic manipulative medicine] skills." An extended article will be posted at RVUBlog.com in January.
Research Day Showcases Innovation at RVU Every year, student, faculty, and staff celebrate and showcase their innovative research endeavors at RVU on Research Day. Research is delivered through poster and oral presentations, with a panel of judges on both campuses then selecting winners amongst those competing. Each campus has a theme and guest speakers to present their own research at plenary talks. In keeping with Colorado campus’ "Biomarkers for Alzheimer’s" theme, Christina Coughlan, PhD, Senior Faculty Research Instructor at University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Center, presented research focused on finding biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease and screening drugs for their ability to inhibit the development and progression of the disease. On the Southern Utah campus, participants "questioned conventions"; keynote speaker Erick Ridout, MD, of Dixie Regional Medical Center, discussed his research on POKE, a program that prevents pain and organisms from skin and catheter entry. This program has been adopted throughout the Intermountain System and promoted nationally. Visit our Facebook pages for a list of the winners!
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Research and Grants Furthering the Pursuit of Innovation and Exploration in Healthcare and Education Jason Curtis, MLIS, Assistant Director of Library Services, presented a lightning talk at the 2019 Meeting of the Mid-Continental Chapter of the Medical Library Association in Nebraska in October. His talk, "Making Change Happen: Strategies to Initiate and Negotiate Change Successfully in Programs, Services, and Technologies," was well-received by the audience. Sarah Szybist, OMS III, represented RVU at the American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress 2019, where she gave an oral presentation on "The Effect of Immersion Trauma Training on Resiliency and Hardiness in Military Medical Personnel" in the Scientific Forum. Global Medicine Track students Amanda Andersen, OMS III, Austen Anderson, OMS III, and Sarah Pederson, OMS III, presented research at the American Academy of Family Physicians' Global Health Summit in Albuquerque, New Mexico in October. Their poster looked at the usage of traditional versus western treatment for different medical conditions in indigenous populations in South Dakota, Ecuador, and Guatemala (locations the Track had visited in 2019). "The physicians were extremely welcoming and eager to hear our opinions as medical students," said SD Andersen. "[They] left me very inspired and excited for my future career." Neal Ferrin, OMS V, Tylynn Zarbock, OMS IV, and Michael Tieman, MD, FACS, Director of Student Advisory Program, authored "Effect of Grading and Class Rank on Performance in a Surgical Simulation Course," which was published in the Journal of Surgical Education. The study evaluated the psychological and academic effects of
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grading a medical school simulation course. The study assessed whether a student's class rank affects these results and whether the academic effects of a simulation course persist long-term. Lon J. Van Winkle, PhD, Professor of Medical Humanities, and Rebecca Ryznar, PhD, Assistant Professor of Molecular Biology, coauthored a publication entitled "Amino Acid Transporters: Roles for Nutrition, Signalling and Epigenetic Modifications in Embryonic Stem Cells and Their Progenitors." This article was published with eLS Developmental Biology in October. The article discusses the known amino acid transport systems in mammals, including their activity, substrates, and functions in cells. It also dives into the roles of amino acids and their effect on human embryonic stem cells. Dr. Van Winkle and Dr. Ryznar also wrote a follow-up paper to this article on one-carbon metabolism and the role of embryonic stem cell fate through epigenetic modifications.
Alexis Horst, MA, Writing Center Coordinator, Jenifer Fisher, MLIS, Instructor of Medical Humanities, Lon J. Van Winkle, PhD, Professor of Medical Humanities, Brian Schwartz, PhD, MLIS, Director of Library Services, and Nicole Michels, PhD, Chair of the Medical Humanities Department, published, "Selecting and Performing Service-Learning in a Team-Based Learning Format Fosters Dissonance, Reflective Capacity, Self-Examination, Bias Mitigation, and Compassionate Behavior in Prospective Medical Students." It was published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, in their Special Issue, "Medical and Health Professions Education: Are We Stepping Forward?" It discusses the benefits of team-based service learning on students’ reflective capacity and compassionate behavior and uses data collected from RVU MSBS students.
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Research and Grants Furthering the Pursuit of Innovation and Exploration in Healthcare and Education
Sky Ridge Medical Center Residents Paula Watts, DO (Internal Medicine), and Christina Colosimo, DO (Surgery), presented posters at the HCA Healthcare Graduate Medical Education Leadership Conference in Florida in October. Dr. Watts presented, "Bleeding Risk with Rivaroxaban, Enoxaparin, and Aspirin Following Total Joint Arthroplasty or Revision," which included fellow residents and faculty as co-authors (including RVU alum Mitchel Brown, DO '16, and Dmitriy Scherbak, DO '12). Dr. Colosimo presented, "Effect of Marijuana Use on Pain Control in Trauma Patients," which also included residents and faculty as co-authors. Patrick Jenkins, MD, Internal Medicine Resident at Sky Ridge Medical Center, recently published research, titled "Ocular Stevens – Johnson Syndrome: An Important Condition for the Internist to See," in the International Journal of Academic Medicine.
Students from the Military Medicine program recently presented at the 2019 Annual Clinical Assembly of Osteopathic Surgeons in Colorado Springs, Colorado. • Chris Brazell, OMS II, gave an oral presentation titled, "From Sea to Air: Surgical Simulation in Extreme Environments." • Karen Norling, OMS III, presented the poster, "Gender Differences in Emotional Intelligence and Habituation in High Intensity Trauma Simulation Training." • Alissa Lenz, OMS III, and Nazar Dubchak, OMS III, presented the poster, "Self-Introduced Video to the 'Touch Surgery' improves understanding a 'SPECIFIC' Point in Training Life Saving Emergency Intervention." • SD Dubchak also gave an oral presentation titled, "Priming Students with an Interactive Tool (Touch Surgery) Improves Learning and Performance over Written Materials."
Welcome to our New Faculty and Staff! Benjamin (Ben) Brooks, PhD, MBA Assistant Director, MSBS Program; Assistant Professor of Biomedical Sciences, Dept. of Biomedical Sciences; RVU-SU
face Plasmon Resonance instrument that drug companies use to screen antibody-based therapies. Along with his wife, he began teaching at North Dakota State University and also managed National Institutes of Health grants.
Dr. Brooks has a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics, a Master of Business Administration degree, and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Molecular Biology—all from the University of Wyoming. He completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Pharmaceutics/Bioengineering at the University of Utah. After his fellowship, he led the engineering team at Carterra to develop a high-throughput Sur-
His passion for being a mentor and teaching students is what makes him thrilled to be a part of RVU. He is looking forward to creating an environment where students feel at home exploring their career opportunities and meeting their goals. "I love seeing students succeed and do great things!"
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Dr. Brooks and his family are excited to be in Utah and also closer to family: "Our parents, kids, and grandchildren all live in the area." When he can, he travels up north to Alaska,
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Welcome to our New Faculty and Staff! where his family owns land and are in the process of building a cabin. "Every time we visit, we have unbelievable experiences." When Dr. Brooks is not working or in Alaska, he serves on search and rescue (SAR) teams. He has a tracking/ trailing dog named Sigi that is certified in Human Remains Detection (HRD). "Sigi and I have trained and searched all over the country with different groups. It is extremely rewarding to work with SAR professionals and to help people," he says.
ing—it makes coming to work truly enjoyable." When he is not staying busy with family events, he can be found on the golf course. A fun fact about Michael is that he lists Brussels, Belgium as his favorite place to visit. Welcome, Michael! Christy Hardt Outreach Coordinator, Physician Assistant Program; RVU-CO
Welcome, Dr. Brooks! Joel Crane Assistant Controller, Dept. of Finance; RVU-CO Joel originally hails from the Atlanta, Georgia area. He moved to Texas, where he earned Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Abilene Christian University. Following graduation, he moved to Colorado "for the mountains." Prior to coming to RVU, Joel worked as Corporate Controller at the Grease Monkey International headquarters in Greenwood Village for over five years. Prior to that, he served as Senior Accountant at the RE/MAX headquarters for over five years. He is excited to now be part of a growing organization that is "building a positive future." He enjoys his work in accounting as it is all about "solving puzzles and creating efficiencies," he says. In his spare time, Joel enjoys automotive mechanics, electronics, and carpentry. He and his family also like vacations that involve camping and road trips. His favorite places to have visited include quite a few National Parks: Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Glacier, Rocky Mountain, Badlands, Black Canyon, and Theodore Roosevelt. Welcome, Joel! Michael DeLue Security Officer, Dept. of Public Safety and Security; RVU-CO Michael was born and raised in Colorado, though he lived in London for a period. He received a degree in Business Administration, with a minor in Economics, from Hastings College. Upon coming to RVU, he says, "The students, faculty, and staff have been incredibly welcom-
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Christy was born in Beaumont, Texas and had lived in that area for much of her life before moving to Colorado two years ago. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology from Lamar University. Prior to coming to RVU, Christy’s career was centered around non-profit work (with many years focused on healthcare) that included fundraising, business development, and volunteer recruitment. Of her new role at RVU, she says, "Everyone has been so nice. It’s refreshing to learn that they believe in the programs with which they are associated. I’m excited to be part of that!" Christy has been married for 23 years to her husband, Mitch. They have two daughters: Mackenzie, a junior at University of Colorado Boulder, and Cameron, a senior in high school. They also have a black, 16-year-old Labrador, Star: "She was recently diagnosed with doggy dementia, so [we may get a] younger dog to keep her company." In her free time, Christy and Mitch love to hike, often taking off for the day to explore Colorado. She also enjoys reading and working in her yard. "Most of my gardening skills reflect Texas gardening, so it's been quite a transition to learn what I can keep alive here." A fun fact about Christy is that she’s completed two Fourteeners (mountains that have elevations of at least 14,000 feet) since moving to the state. Welcome, Christy! Whitney Lambarri, MS, PA-C Assistant Professor, Physician Assistant Program; RVU-CO Whitney is a recent transplant to Colorado from Houston, Texas, where she spent the majority of her life. They moved to Colorado in 2019 for her husband's job. While in Texas, Whitney studied Nutrition Science at
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Welcome to our New Faculty and Staff! Baylor University and earned a Masters degree from Baylor College of Medicine's Physician Assistant Program. "Physician assistants have the potential to elevate the patient experience in amazing ways!" she says. "I believe PAs have the distinct ability to provide therapeutic solutions and patient education in a way that expedites access to care and improves patient outcomes." Following graduation, she worked at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center for over nine years, specializing in breast surgical oncology and reconstructive surgery. She supervised the APP (PA and NP workforce) for all of their community centers across Houston. She received the institution's Outstanding PA Educator award in 2018. She came to work at RVU because of the mission and how it fosters academic excellence and that "great healthcare is done with great compassion. This iswhat I aspire to foster in our PA providers and also what I hope to [receive] as a patient." Whitney enjoys spending time with her husband and 9-month-old daughter. She loves to dance and to hike in the mountains. She also loves just sitting on a patio with live music and a margarita! Welcome, Whitney! Stephen Miller, DO, MPH, FACOFP Associate Dean, Dept. of Clinical Education; RVU-SU Originally from New Jersey, Dr. Miller has lived all around the country. He earned a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and a Master of Public Health degree from Tufts University. In the 1980s, he served as a National Health Service Corps Scholar in southwest Virginia, staffing the Intensive Care Unit of a critical access hospital and local Federally Qualified Health Center. He also solicited Health Resources and Service Administration for physicians and advocated for full funding of a county-wide EMS program and a full-range obstetrical service. "I have been passionately involved in community health over my whole career." Academically, he served as Department Chair of Family Medicine for DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine in Tennessee and as the Associate Dean of Clinical Sciences at Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine.
ral medicine which inspires him to work with preceptors at RVU. "[It is] the very real ways I can help build a network of community-based educators, capable of mentoring our students to become excellent physicians that may practice in rural areas." Dr. Miller enjoys playing the guitar and five-string banjo, hiking, flyfishing, and exploring new places with his wife, Kathy. Yet even in his home life, his dedication to medicine creeps in: "Some of my best memories are the times I have [sat] with a patient and their family, sharing a meal or a tune. It's special." Interestingly, Dr. Miller was the first osteopathic physician to practice in Lee County, Virginia—where A.T. Still, founder of osteopathic medicine, was born. Welcome, Dr. Miller! Mark Payton, PhD Chair of Department and Professor of Biomedical Sciences, Dept. of Biomedical Sciences; RVU-CO Dr. Payton grew up in rural southwest Missouri but is excited to be now living in Colorado (a state that had always been his favorite place to visit). He attended Missouri State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Math. He then attended Oklahoma State University, earning a Master of Science and a Doctor of Philosophy in Statistics. "I love to apply statistical knowledge and techniques to medical research." Dr. Payton served on the faculty of Oklahoma State University for 28 years as the Associate Dean and Interim Dean of the Graduate College, as well as the Head of the Statistics Department. At RVU, he is looking forward to working with the great people we have here, as well as undertaking exciting new challenges. Dr. Payton is married with four kids, ranging in age from 11 to 23. He also has a 100-pound Labrador Retriever named Waffles. In his free time, he loves to play board games and trivia. Welcome, Dr. Payton!
A rural doctor for nearly 30 years, it is his passion for ru-
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Welcome to our New Faculty and Staff! Kelsey Phillips, MA Simulation Coordinator, Office of Simulation in Medicine and Surgery; RVUCO Originally from the Pittsburgh area, Kelsey traded bridges for mountains and moved to Colorado after graduate school. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations from Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Arts degree in Communication with an emphasis in Health Communication from Kent State University. Kelsey’s background in medical education makes her the perfect fit for her role at RVU. Most recently, she worked as an Adult Oncology Institutional Review Board (IRB) Coordinator at the University of Colorado. Prior to that, she was an Instructor of Public Speaking and Health Communication at Kent State University. She has also presented research on simulation gaming at various academic conferences. "I think simulation is a valuable learning tool that can challenge anyone’s skillset. From in-person role-playing to virtual reality trainers, there are so many options to create scenarios that will better prepare and engage a group of learners. The technology for medical simulation in particular is astonishing." In her downtime, Kelsey enjoys a variety of athletic activities—running, cycling, swimming, yoga, weight-lifting, sand boarding, and hiking, as well as training for ultra-endurance races. She enjoys local fare from food trucks and claims, "You have not lived until you have eaten a fried avocado taco from Migration Taco!" Kelsey also enjoys watching documentary films with her boyfriend, Art. Welcome, Kelsey! Kay Stasinos Clinical Rotations Coordinator, Dept. of Clinical Education; RVU-SU Kay was born in Mexico but grew up in San Diego, California. "I served a mission for the Latter Day Saints and a lot of my friends on the mission were from Utah—that’s what brought me to the Beehive State. I came out for school and never left!" She attended Utah Valley University, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art and Visual Communications. She was also named Latina Student of the Year.
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Following graduation, she worked at Utah Valley Hospital in registration and billing. For the past five years, she worked with Precision Genomics at Dixie Regional Medical Center, working in the business side of cutting-edge genetic technology for stage four cancer, behavioral medicine, and more. She recently received a Recognized Caregiver Award for the Utah Governor's Medal for Science and Technology. She is inspired by helping others succeed. Over her career, she has mentored and tutored minority, inner-city, and troubled youth and has volunteered with young women in the community to enhance their skills, educational goals, and service opportunities. She decided to work at RVU because of her passion for education, mentoring, and teaching. "My favorite quote is from Epictetus: 'Only the educated are free.' I feel honored to be a part of the students' success, while they build a career in becoming phenomenal physicians." When not working, Kay enjoys photography, art, traveling (she will be visiting Brazil and Argentina in 2020), concerts, cooking, going to the movies, hiking, 1980s movies and rock music, and dystopian novels. She has been married to her husband, Nate, for seven years. Welcome, Kay! Fallon Stone Administrative Assistant, Dept. of Admissions; RVU-CO Originally from the Brighton area of Colorado, Fallon received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Science, with an emphasis in Community Engagement, from University of Northern Colorado. She traveled with AmeriCorps, responding to natural disasters throughout the South, canvassing flooded neighborhoods and providing local and state resources to those in need. She then worked as a Client Liaison and Executive Assistant for Lawrence Meals on Wheels and as a Receptionist and Event Coordinator for Kansas Health Institute. Fallon has been enjoying her time at RVU, attributing it to the great people and the dynamic atmosphere: "I get to collaborate with others and discuss applicants. I am continuously learning and that keeps me motivated and engaged." In her home life, she enjoys taking her dog on hikes and playing pool with her fiancé. Some fun facts about Fallon are that Mykonos, Greece is her favorite travel location and she was born on Easter. Welcome, Fallon!
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Welcome to our New Faculty and Staff! Isain Zapata, PhD, MS Assistant Professor, Research and Statistics, Office of Research; RVU-CO
University College of Veterinary Medicine. "My work in behavioral genetics has developed new ideas that allow us to see behavior and domestication in a novel way."
Dr. Zapata was born in Texas and grew up in Northern Mexico. Later, he moved to Ohio where he lived for almost fifteen years. He moved to Colorado to "enjoy the views, the weather, the people, the vibe, the initiative to pioneer, and a welcoming attitude to newcomers." He obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from the University of Ciudad Juarez and a Master of Science degree in Muscle Biology at the University of Chihuahua. After moving to the United States, he earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree at Ohio State University in the field of Muscle Proteomics and Applied Statistics.
Upon coming to RVU, Dr. Zapata is drawn to the potential: "If you are the type of person that is always looking for ways to develop new ideas, this is the environment you want to be in." He is passionate about research and is inspired most by the thrill of discovery. "Many people think that research is a planned-out, cold process; in reality, it is not. [It] requires a great deal of open-mindedness and creativity that will lead you to new ideas and new ways to materialize them. As a scientist you don’t want to do what everyone else does, you want to do what nobody else has or can do."
His experience of analyzing data while working on his PhD led to his position at the Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Ohio. He worked on a Department of Defense grant, developing models for cancer risk estimation and, in the process, he developed a new research line in Behavioral Genomics in dogs. He also worked at Ohio State
When Dr. Zapata isn’t working, he and his family like finding new places to eat, trails to explore, and people to meet. He also enjoys finding new music but loves making it even more, even releasing some of his own through several independent labels. He has this bit of wisdom to offer: "It’s all fun and games until you start eating ghost peppers." Welcome, Dr. Zapata!
Promotions and Appointments
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Colby Berry has accepted position of Print Center Assistant for the Department of Facilities and Grounds in Colorado. "His technical skills and previous electrical experience will no doubt be a great asset to the Print Center and Facilities," says Hannah Golesh, Print Center Administrator. He previously served as Security Officer. He has been with RVU since 2018. (RVU-CO)
Joel Roberts, MD, was appointed as the Assistant Director of the Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences (MSBS) Program in Colorado. In this role, he will assist with establishing policy and curriculum, while working on program review. He will continue to also serve as Assistant Professor of Physiology. He has been with RVU since 2017. (RVU-CO)
Heather Ferrill, DO, MS, MEdL, was appointed as Associate Dean of Preclinical Education. In this role, she will work closely with the Dean and the Associate Dean of Clinical Education. "We appreciate her skills, expertise, and the positive energy she brings," says Thomas N. Told, Dean of RVUCOM. She previously served as Chair and Professor of Osteopathic Principles and Practice. She has been with RVU since 2013.
John Villalva was promoted Security Shift Supervisor for the Department of Public Safety and Security. In this role, he will be assisting with a multitude of tasks and the important duty of keeping our Campus community a safe and secure environment. He has been with RVU since 2016. (RVU-CO)
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Achieving New Heights Highlighting the Accomplishments of Our Faculty, Staff, and Students
Natalie Gould, OMS IV, was nominated by her classmates as RVUCOM-CO's Student Doctor of the Year (SDOY). She was selected for her "excellent leadership in the RVU community [and her] dedication to the osteopathic profession that will take her far in the national SDOY competition." Each year, AACOM selects from those nominated students a national SDOY, which will be announced in April. Danielle Lattes, OMS IV, and Marina Leith, OMS IV, represented Colorado medical students at the 2019 American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) National Conference. They wrote articles about their experiences which were published in Colorado Family Physician magazine. "As the student delegate," wrote SD Lattes, "I interacted with AAFP leadership, received hands-on leadership training, learned how to write resolutions, engaged in reference committees, and participated in parliamentary procedure." Joseph Nathanson, OMS II, wrote an article titled, "How My Time Teaching Transformed My Outlook on Patient Care" which was published in The DO Magazine in September. The article discusses his experience as a middle school teacher in Chicago and how that impacted his life as a medical student and his future as a physician. Jan Pryor, DO, MPH, C-NMM/OMM, Vice Chair and Professor of OPP, was honored with the Faculty Innovator Award at the RVU-SU campus. This is an annual award presented to one faculty member who exhibits innovation in ideas, teaching methods, curriculum, and other areas that will further enhance the education of medical students.
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David Roos, EdD, MBA, Assistant Dean of Student Affairs, wrote an article for the St. George Wellness Magazine, titled, "The Healing Power of Gratitude," in which he spoke of the importance of showing gratitude and offered tips and ideas.
Chad Skidmore, OMS III, was nominated by his classmates as RVUCOMSU's Student Doctor of the Year (SDOY). He was selected for demonstrating excellent leadership skills and a dedication to the osteopathic profession. Each year, AACOM selects from those nominated students a national SDOY, which will be announced in April. Mark Wardle, DO, FAAFP, Assistant Professor of Primary Care, was awarded the honor of Fellow for the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). The AAFP is an organization that works toward advancing the specialty of family medicine and providing solutions to enhance patient care. Cole Zanetti, DO, Course Director for the Digital Health Track, received the James M. Lally, DO, National Emerging Leader Award by the American Osteopathic Foundation. He was presented with the award in October in Baltimore, Maryland at the annual OMED Conference. This award honors one national osteopathic leader whose accomplishments and actions have been instrumental in motivating and inspiring others for the betterment of the profession and public health. Dr. Zanetti also serves as primary care section chief of Veteran Affairs Eastern Colorado Health Care System.
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Achieving New Heights Highlighting the Accomplishments of Our Faculty, Staff, and Students
Colorado Medicine, a local health care-focused publication created by the Colorado Medical Society, features a section in each issue for osteopathic medical students to submit written pieces and share their thoughts, as well. The reflections will be published bi-monthly. If you would like to submit an essay, contact Alexis Horst in the Writing Center at ahorst@rvu.edu for assistance with editing and submission guidelines.
In the September/October Issue, Meng Smith, OMS IV, and Peter Stacy, OMS IV, co-wrote the article, "Processing the chaos of the first patient death: A conversation," in which they discuss their first experience with a patient death. This occurred during a shared rotation where they had consoled the patient and later performed chest compressions. Together, they discuss the emotional impact from such an experience. In the November/December Issue, Kate Wilcox, OMS IV, wrote the article, "Doughnuts with Abe." In the article, she describes a patient encounter with Abe, a "grumpy guy who had...struggled with drug and alcohol abuse." Instead of focusing on his long list of medical problems, though, she describes a different approach to patient care.
Campus Tidbits
In October, students and employees from the Colorado campus built bikes as part of the Wish for Wheels event. They built a total of 25 bikes, which were later delivered to a second grade classroom at Lyn Knolls Elementary School in Aurora. This event was in collaboration with the Denver Osteopathic Foundation and organized by Andrew Black, OMS II.
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Deidre McGee, Coordinator for Office of Military Affairs, was featured in the November issue of Red Tail Mail, the newsletter of the Tuskegee Airmen. Deidre has been involved with the Tuskegee Airmen and the newsletter for a long time in support of her son's heritage. Her son's grandfather, Colonel Charles McGee, was an original Tuskegee Airman pilot. "I feel it is important to keep the legacy alive. Future generations must know and understand the significance of the Tuskegee Airmen and how their bravery, knowledge, heroism, and relentless struggles against racism forged a path for equal rights." Read Deidre's feature and subscribe at redtail.org.
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Campus Tidbits Members of RVUCOM-CO's Student Association of Military Osteopathic Physicians & Surgeons (SAMOPS) hosted a 5k Veterans Run in November. Over $500 was raised and all proceeds went to the Veterans Home of Aurora, a rehabilitation home for veterans struggling with homelessness, drug abuse, and mental health issues. The purpose of the home is to help veterans cope with these issues and transition to independent living in civilian life. Members of the Sports Medicine club set up tents to educate the general public about osteopathic medicine and to perform treatments on participants. The Family Medicine club provided gift cards to the first-place runners. Students and community members (as well as eight dogs!) participated in the 5k race. Although there was snow and mud throughout the course, participants did not hold back and were enthusiastic to help the cause. Amanda Sniadach, OMS II, received 1st place for the women's division; Ross Tanick, OMS II, received 1st place for the men's division.
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Ross Tanick, OMS II, has created a podcast called Primary Care Podcast, which features interviews and stories with family physicians and other primary care doctors from a variety of backgrounds and styles of practice. The show dives into the journey of becoming a physician and choosing a specialty, as well as anecdotes and compelling cases. If you know of a primary care doctor who would like to be on the podcast, reach out to ThePrimaryCarePodcast@ gmail.com. You can find the show at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and many other podcast apps.
The Medical Spanish Elective at RVUCOM-SU added something new to the course this semester: native Spanishspeaking Standardized Patient (SP) encounters! Students tested what they had learned in the Medical Spanish class by rotating through four cases at each event. The volunteer SPs were native Spanish speakers, speaking only Spanish during the entire case. At the end of each case, the students received feedback on their communication, as well as cultural tips from the SPs. The cases ranged from abdominal and chest pain to opioid withdrawal and delivering a baby (with the help of the Sim-Mom simulator). The events were well-received by the students who expressed the desire that it will become a regular part of the elective.
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Campus Tidbits RVUCOM-CO students from the Global Medicine Track and the Rural and Wilderness Medicine Track, as well as several faculty members, traveled to the mountain town of Nederland to assist at the 9News Health Fair. Shivaun Hoyl, DO '14, (who was in the R&WM Track herself while at RVU) has returned to Colorado to practice family medicine in Nederland and called upon the students to help at the health fair.
Fernando Gomez, MD, Professor of Pathology, officially became a United States citizen! He took the Oath of Allegiance at the naturalization ceremony. In order to become a citizen, he had to submit an application (then wait for five months for it to be processed!), pass history and language exams, and participate in a formal interview. RVU faculty and staff attended the ceremony to cheer him on.
At the Southern Utah campus, the Department of Public Safety and Security, STIGMA, and the American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA) sponsored a two-hour Women’s Self-Defense Workshop taught by Popke Defense Solutions. This workshop was loaded with realistic safety methods and self-defense techniques. The workshop included: Abduction/Assault Prevention; Assertiveness Skills/Rape Prevention/Proactive and Reactive Skills; Body Pressure Points/How to strike; Safety while Shopping, Jogging and Walking; Safety Skills while Traveling; and, What to do in Worst Case Scenarios. RVUCOM-CO's Student National Medical Association Club members volunteered at the American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event for October's Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Despite the cold weather and snowy conditions, the students showed up to represent RVU, volunteer, and give back to the community.
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V U A
From the Rocky Vista University Alumni Association
LU M N I
A SSO C I AT ION
Letter from the Alumni Association President The end of each year has always been very special to me because no matter the religion, nationality, or age, most families are able to spend extra time together with the ones they love. As a student, the holidays were a time that I could decompress from the perils of the prior semester. It was also my last chance to prepare for and review interviews before I finalized my rank list for the upcoming match year. As a resident and fellow, I was blessed with a mandatory week of vacation so I could spend quality time with my new family. No matter who you are or where you are at in your medical studies, I hope you reflect on this great quote by Kurt Vonnegut: "Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you’ll look back and realize they were the big things." The RVU community has had so many exciting events since the last time I wrote. On Veteran’s Day, we celebrated those who have served or currently served in the military, including fellow students. To them, I say thank you! Some of our students were blessed with hearing personally from Osi Sladek, a Holocaust survivor, regarding his family’s escape from Nazi Germany during WWII. What a blessing to experience a story of perseverance in such dangerous times. Lastly, members of the osteopathic profession gathered in Baltimore, Maryland for OMED 2019. I hope all that were able to make it enjoyed the festivities, education, and fellowship with others of your profession. Congratulations and gratitude are in order for a few RVUers. First, I would like to congratulate Chad Skidmore, OMS III, and Natalie Gould, OMS III, who have been chosen as the 2019 Student Doctors of the Year for the Southern Utah and Colorado campuses, respectively. It is also a time to show gratitude to those student doctors who have chosen to spend an extra year in medical school to help strengthen yours and their practice in osteopathic manipulation and anatomy. In Colorado, we want to thank the OMM Fellows—Rachel Baldwin, Ashley Hooper, Emma Vaudreuil, and Gage Williamson—and the Anatomy Fellows—Alexandra Koontz and Conner Roggy. In Utah, we wish to thank the OPP Fellows—Joanna Durfee, Jacob Eggett, Emily Jensen, and Paolyne Meza—and the Anatomy Fellows—Chad Skidmore, Rebecca Witt Thomas, and Taylor Yancey. The new group of Fellows will be announced soon. Finally, a special thanks to all the students, faculty, and staff that keep the most awesome osteopathic medical school going day by day and year by year! In closing, I ask for your support and involvement in the Alumni Association so that we may continue to give back by providing scholarships, mentorship, and support for all future alumni. The Alumni Association is so thankful for your support over the years! I thank you for your time and wish you the best in your pursuit to learn from yesterdays, live every day as a new day, and never give up hope for each new tomorrow. As always, I look forward to hearing of all the wonderful things you have been up to before the next time I have to pleasure to address you again. Christopher Mutter, DO ‘14 Alumni Association President Milestones, Awards, and Accomplishments Michael Palash, DO '16, accepted a new position as a family medicine physician at Elmhurst Memorial Medical Group in Oak Park, Illinois. He completed his residency at MacNeal Hospital in Berwyn, Illinois.
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Regan Stiegmann, DO '14, MPH, Course Director for RVU's Digital Health Track, appeared in a documentary, "The Game Changers," which focuses on the impact of food on athletic performance and health. In the film, she served as Military Liaison Officer, providing insights as a USAF Flight Surgeon and Lifestyle Medicine physician.
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The Vista View is created and published by the Rocky Vista University Marketing Department. Kristen Kaiser Catherine Lewis Saenz
Gina Marzulla Kelli Petersen
Julie K. Rosenthal
To make comments, suggestions, submissions, or to be added to the newsletter mailing list, please email marketing@rvu.edu.
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