Achieving New Heights

from December 2021 Issue - Vista View Newsletter

Campus Tidbits

Arthur Armijo, OMS III, was selected by the Colorado Springs Osteopathic Foundation (CSOF) to receive a scholarship. The CSOF is a Colorado-based nonprofit organization which is positively impacting the state's physician shortage by drawing scholars back to Colorado after medical education and training.

Camille Z. Bentley, DO, MPH, FACOFP, Chair of the Department of Tracks and Special Programs, received the RVU Presidential Award for Excellence. She was nominated and selected for the award due to her excellent leadership qualities, her commitment to student success and her dedication to osteopathic education.

Amanda Brooks, PhD, Director of Research and Scholarly Activity, was elected as Secretary of the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Council on Research. She was also accepted for membership to the Sigma Xi Honor Society for Scientific Research, one of the oldest international organizations dedicated to science and engineering. Finally, Dr. Brooks was added to the editorial board for the Journal of Clinical Medicine Orthopedics.

Chinasa Ekweremuba, OMS I, (pictured at right with Dr. Heather Ferrill) received the 2021 Sherry R. Arnstein Minority Student Scholarship from the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM). "[This award] is a true testament to [SD Ekweremuba's] hard work, determination and commitment as a student that will make an impactful change as a future osteopathic physician and leader," said an AACOM representative.

Ashley Farmer-Hanson, EdD, Associate Dean for Student Affairs, was appointed to the Colorado Commission on Community Service - Serve Colorado by Governor Jared Polis. She'll be serving a two-year term. Dr. Farmer-Hanson will assist with reviewing grants and administering the funds received for fostering community service, volunteerism, mentoring, and literacy. She will also help with connecting volunteers with local community needs.

Ian George, PhD, Chair of the Department of Clinical Anatomy and Osteopathic Principles and Practice, received the RVU-CO Faculty Innovator Award. He was selected for the award due to his exceptional innovation, collegiality and service in multiple capacities. In particular, he converted a challenging and inherently hands-on course into a highly interactive, effective virtual course using new technology without sacrificing quality.

Molly Hunsberger, Coordinator for the Department of Primary Care Medicine, received the RVU-CO Administrative Support Personnel Award for Excellence. She was selected for the award due to her ability to wear many hats and provide support to both campuses. She is a problem solver who takes on each project with fantastic enthusiasm and never gives up when presented with a challenge.

Caitlin Magee, OMS II, has been awarded the 2021 Donald A. Pegg Student Leadership Award from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine for founding the Lifestyle Medicine Interest Group at RVU. "As a society, we dedicate so much of our valuable time, energy, and resources toward curing disease—yet we don't prioritize the root cause," she said. "I want to be a leader in the shift in medicine towards preventative care."

Lawsen Parker, OMS II, was inducted into Omega Beta Iota, the National Osteopathic Political Advocacy Honor Society. "I look forward to continuing to advocate for both my future patients and my peers in the medical field," he said. "A big thank you to everyone who has helped provide me with opportunities to learn and lead throughout my medical education!"

Aleesa Rosas, OMS I, was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Air Force.

Jake Roush, OMS II, was elected as the 2021-2022 Western Regional Representative of Student Section of the American Osteopathic Academy of Sports Medicine. In this role, he will help plan the Western Region Conference later this year.

Anna Shannon, OMS I, was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Air Force in August. "We are excited to welcome you into our HPSP family and we are here to support you as you move through medical school and your career," said Heather Martin, OMS I, 2nd Lt USAF.

Prakhar Singal, OMS III, was selected by the Colorado Springs Osteopathic Foundation (CSOF) to receive a scholarship. The CSOF is a Colorado-based nonprofit organization which is positively impacting the state's physician shortage by drawing scholars back to Colorado after medical education and training.

Andrew Stevens, Security Manager and Clery Act Coordinator, received the RVU-CO Staff Award for Excellence. He was selected for the award due to his commitment to serving the RVU community, including studying, researching, and implementing a program to make both campuses more environmentally friendly. This will make RVU one of only nine schools nationwide that have achieved a carbon neutral footprint.

MAJ Regan A. Stiegmann, DO '14, MPH, FACLM, Co-Director of the Digital Health Track, received the honor of being the 2021 AOF State Emerging Leader by the American Osteopathic Foundation. Nominated by Dr. Joseph Stasio, Dr. Stiegmann was honored as a "new physician in practice within the osteopathic profession" and selected due to her service to others through osteopathic tenets and principles, advocacy efforts, community service, and philanthropic spirit.