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UWS Happenings
Intelligent.com Gives High Rankings to Sports Medicine and Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine Programs
UWS was recently awarded top recognition for the sports medicine and human nutrition and functional medicine (HNFM) programs by Intelligent.com, a website providing unbiased college rankings and research for prospective college students.
The sports medicine program earned a No. 2 ranking in the “Online Master’s in Sports Medicine Degree Programs” category and No. 5 ranking in the “Online Sports Medicine Degree Programs” category. The HNFM program was ranked No. 7 for “Online Nutrition Degree Programs.”
Each program is evaluated based on curriculum quality, graduation rate, reputation and postgraduate employment. The 2021 rankings are calculated through a unique scoring system which includes student engagement, potential return on investment and leading third-party evaluations. Best Value Schools Gives High Ranking to Sport and Performance Psychology Program
The UWS sport and performance psychology program (SPP) earned a spot on the “Top 15 Best Sports Psychology Degree in 2021” list by Best Value Schools. The program includes a master’s degree, two Doctor of Education (EdD) degree options and a graduate certificate. The curriculum supports students in preparing for the certified mental performance consultant (CMPC®) exam.
Connected Whole Health Now Open on the UWS campus!
Serving as Community-Based Internship (CBI) Clinic for Chiropractic Students Connected Whole Health at University of Western States is a world-class care destination that gives patients access to the support, resources and evidence-informed treatment they need to achieve optimal health and peak performance. Connected Whole Health is directed by Dr. William Moreau, UWS chief medical officer. Dr. Moreau is a renowned chiropractic physician who served as the United
L-R: Sarah Crockett, Jesse Gordon, Jasmine Piper, Monika Hernandez, Dr. Bill Moreau, Glenn Kasin, Emma Scaro
States Olympic Committee’s medical director and chief medical officer at four Olympic games. Dr. Moreau has cared for patients from all walks of life for 40 years. Now, Dr. Moreau brings the same level of integrated multiple disciplinary carriers to UWS, providing cuttingedge health care in a modern, comfortable setting.
Through its affiliation with UWS, Connected Whole Health has access to the most advanced medical research and clinical protocols needed to provide safe, evidence guided, minimallyinvasive and highly effective care.
Students who are placed for internship into this clinic will have access to:
• Advanced clinical workshops in a grand rounds format.
• Knowledge on how to build a successful practice, including understanding business models and financial education.
• Opportunities to work with various practitioners and specialists in the health care system to collaboratively care for patients. • A variety of cases focused on acute care, discopathy and sports medicine. • One-on-one mentorship with Dr. Moreau and Monika Hernandez, executive director of clinic business operations and finance, who has expertise in health care business including operating interdisciplinary clinics with multiple providers. • Dr. Moreau’s world-class networking opportunities. • Collaboration and publishing of research projects.
Cortny Williams Earns Highest Certification in Team-Based Learning Collaborative
Associate professor Cortny Williams, PhD, earned her certification from the TeamBased Learning Collaborative as a team-based learning (TBL) trainer and consultant.
Individuals who earn the certification partake in a rigorous two-year development program and compile a comprehensive portfolio showcasing their TBL capabilities.
“This certification allows me to train and consult others in TBL and they will know that the training is in alignment with best practices and grounded in theory,” said Dr. Williams. “What this means for UWS is that faculty interested in using TBL are welcome to ask me for training.”
UWS Happenings Continued
Dr. Williams also serves on the education development committee and represents UWS on a global scale. In this work, she coordinates TBL workshop series, leads quality improvement efforts and heads up an effectiveness research project.
“Being very active in service as a TBL gives me an advantage in developing my skills in learning from my peers and in staying up to date with innovations in TBL,” said Dr. Williams. “Taken together, students and faculty at UWS have an excellent resource for this highly effective teaching tactic.”
UWS Launches Doctor of Clinical Nutrition Degree
The UWS HNFM department has added a doctor of clinical nutrition (DCN) degree and is accepting applications for fall 2021.
The two-year online program includes 65 quarter credits with emphasis on developing stronger clinical skills while encompassing a broader range of conditions and therapies. Faculty of the program come from a variety of nutrition backgrounds and are highly respected in the field.
“During my years as HNFM program director, many of our master’s degree students have asked whether UWS would consider offering a clinically-focused doctoral program where they could continue their studies, deepening their knowledge of nutrition and functional medicine,” said Dr. Daniel Redwood, HNFM program director. “To have now reached the point where our DCN program is ready to admit students to its inaugural class is a moment of deep satisfaction and hope for the future of UWS and all those it serves.”
The UWS DCN program utilizes a functional medicine model, enabling students to integrate the best available scientific evidence with a comprehensive, whole-person care approach. With this knowledge, doctors of clinical nutrition can develop targeted, individualized prevention plans to help reduce the risk of chronic illness and support optimal physical, mental and emotional well-being for the patients and clients they serve.
“The doctor of clinical nutrition program is a timely addition to the programs offered by UWS,” said Dr. Alisa Bates, dean, college of graduate studies. “Adding this additional option for those in the human nutrition and
functional medicine community allows us to expand our support of the professional field and the quality of clinical career provided through this lens. With faculty whose backgrounds integrate conventional medicine and nutrition-focused health care, we are eager to bring their experience to students through our curriculum and learning experiences.”
The DCN program is application-focused and supported by key clinical tools created by the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM), the organization which founded and developed many functional medicine concepts used today. UWS and IFM have a global agreement that leads to further collaboration between the two institutions, including integration of IFM’s novel patient assessment tools.
Graduates of the UWS DCN program may seek careers as a nutritionist, solo practitioner, health and wellness coach, educator, lecturer, author or within an integrated practice.
“The UWS DCN program will empower graduates to better address complex, challenging patient cases that require advanced functional medicine strategies to solve,” said Dr. Chris Browne, HNFM associate director. “By deepening their understanding of evidenceinformed clinical nutrition practice, DCN students will learn to deliver the very best in therapeutic and preventive care. In a competitive health care marketplace, these skills and knowledge will support our graduates’ clinical and career success. As functional medicine continues to grow and develop, we envision our DCNs as leaders in the field, helping more patients and communities to gain access to the healing power of nutrition.”
The doctor of clinical nutrition degree will be a meaningful extension to the robust Master of Science degree within the College of Graduate Studies at UWS. The enhanced clinical skillset conferred by the program will enable better realization of a whole-person care approach along with an improved capacity for developing and maintaining a meaningful therapeutic relationship with the patient.
Are you interested in applying for the program? Review the program requirements and apply here!
UWS Happenings Continued
UWS and IFM Extend Joint Educational Collaboration
UWS and the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) are pleased to announce the extension of their joint collaboration to incorporate functional medicine and functional nutrition coursework in the UWS Master of Science in human nutrition and functional medicine (HNFM) department.
“Our collaborative relationship with the Institute for Functional Medicine, now entering its 10th year, continues to be of great value for our HNFM students, as it provides access to educational content from IFM that is integrated into the high-quality courses developed and delivered by our expert faculty,” said Dr. Daniel Redwood, director of the HNFM program.
The UWS mission is to advance the science and art of integrated health care through excellence in education and patient care. This collaboration will enable UWS to better fulfill this mission and to prepare health professionals to address the 21st century epidemic of chronic diseases.
IFM supports the innovative UWS master’s, doctoral and graduate certificate programs through providing faculty training, faculty scholarships and curricular materials and tools. The UWS HNFM program has been met with enthusiasm and interest among students from around the world and from a variety of backgrounds, including dietitians, nurses, physicians and several other professions.
“The partnership between UWS and IFM is one that is meaningful for both organizations,” said Dr. Alisa Bates, dean of the college of graduate studies. “We are thrilled that our faculty and students have access to their timely learning materials that enhance their learning experiences in our programs. Beyond that, we are glad to be part of a collegial community that values and encourages ongoing professional learning in functional medicine and nutrition.”
UWS Students CNS Exam Success
UWS human nutrition and functional medicine alumni who took the most recent Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) exam achieved a 92% pass rate! All 13 UWS exam takers were taking it for the first time.
The pass rate for graduates of all programs combined taking the exam is 72%. We are so proud of our graduates!
The UWS clinical mental health counseling (CMHC) program is pursuing accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). This accrediting body is the gold standard for graduate counseling programs. Our process began with our self-study launched in 2020. Based on initial findings from the self-study, the CMHC program is making some updates to the curriculum and delivery of coursework to start July 2021. The CACREP application will be submitted in December 2021.
“We are so proud that UWS supports the pursuit of this important accreditation,” said Dr. Michelle Cox, CMHC program director. “Counselors contribute in significant and meaningful ways to the emotional, mental and holistic well-being of our community members across the United States. We want to make sure what our students are learning prepares them for exceptional careers of service in the mental health field. The process of pursuing CACREP accreditation causes us to review every component of our program and the supportive services of the university to ensure academic and clinical excellence.”
Other CMHC program updates include:
• Co-directed by the CMHC and sport and performance psychology (SPP) programs, the title of the Doctor of Education (EdD) in clinical mental health counseling degree has become an EdD in sport and performance psychology with clinical mental health counseling specialization.
• Students in this degree program will earn a master’s in clinical mental health counseling after the first 90 credits are successfully completed, allowing students to apply for licensure earlier. After completion of the entire degree coursework they will also receive a doctorate in sport and performance psychology.
• The master’s in CMHC conferred as part of the integrated EdD program now matches the standalone MS-CMHC program.
• The credits of the EdD in sport and performance psychology with clinical mental health counseling specialization program will increase from 138 to 142.
• The master’s in clinical mental health counseling remains 90 credits, but courses have changed to reflect CACREP requirements and to add elective options for students.
UWS Happenings Continued
Congratulations to all the 2020-21 nominees! Kimberly Davis, DC Class of 2008 Paul Dhaliwal, DC/MS-ESS Class of 2013 Zane Gard, DC Class of 2000 Noah Goodwill, DC Class of 2002 Gary Hodge, DC Class of 1991 Cara Olsen, DC Class of 2006 Cynthia Peterson, DC Class of 1984 Ron Rogers, DC Class of 1989 Teddy Sim, DC Class of 2010
UWS is pleased to open nominations for the annual UWS Alumni Recognition Award. Nominations will close August 31, 2021. Alumni from all UWS academic programs are eligible for nomination. Our goal is to highlight the exceptional work of our graduates that Take the Lead in the field as they advance the science and art of integrated health care. Nominations will be considered based on professional, scholarly and community contributions that represent the core values of UWS. Stephanie Halloran, DC, MS, was named the UWS 2020 Alumna of the Year. The distinction recognizes and honors the accomplishments of outstanding UWS graduates as they continue the university’s mission to advance the science and art of integrated health care. Read the extended profile of Dr. Halloran that was originally featured in the UWS 2020-21 Annual Report. Please help us showcase the outstanding accomplishments of our alumni as we work together for the good of the patient. Nominate the 2021 Alumni Recognition Award winner!
Check Out the UWS Podcasts!
UWS is proud to announce the newest editions to our podcasting channel! Our shows are available anywhere people consume podcasts as well as on the UWS podcast webpage.
UWS Life Podcast The UWS Life podcast features esteemed members of the UWS community. From students, alumni, faculty, staff, donors and friends, our community is comprised of unique personalities who support the UWS mission of advancing the science and art of integrated health care through excellence in education and patient care.
UWS Mindfulness + Mental Health Podcast The UWS Mindfulness + Mental Health podcast features Ami Brimhall and Dr. Michelle Cox, clinical mental health counseling program director. From
topics ranging from time management, self-care and, of course, mindfulness, tune in to gain insights into living a more balanced life.
Dr. Moreau Featured Author in Sports Medicine Publication
Bill Moreau, DC, DACBSP, FACSM, who leads the new Connected Whole Health clinic and serves as the chief medical officer at UWS, was recently published in co-authoring a chapter for a sports medicine textbook. The textbook is titled “Sports-related Fractures, Dislocations and Trauma: Advanced On-and Off-field Management.” The article is entitled Sports Coverage for Traveling Teams – Moreau and Nathan.Khodaee M, Waterbrook AL, Gammons M, editors. Springer International Publishing 2020. doi:10.1007/978-3-03036790-9. Learn more.
UWS Faculty Members Chosen to Present CERF Conference
The Chiropractic Educators Research Forum (CERF) held a virtual conference in December entitled “Harnessing the Web: How Chiropractic Education Survives and Thrives in the COVID-19 Pandemic.” The presenters were selected by submitting an abstract. Impressively, 10 abstracts, including 11 presenters, were selected from the UWS faculty, and UWS represented 30% of the presentations. Presenters also served as panelists who engaged in discussion about the future of education.
The abstracts were also published in the Journal of Chiropractic Education. The success of having so many UWS faculty deliver such high caliber presentations during the COVID-19 pandemic is thanks to faculty dedicated to innovation and the collaborative efforts and passionate supporters in the UWS center for teaching and learning, the faculty development committee, and the community of research practice.
UWS Library Accolade
The UWS library was invited to join an elite group of libraries for the OCLC’s Express digital delivery program! The Express program connects high-performing libraries committed to delivering digital resources within 18 hours.
UWS was invited to join the Express program because of the team’s fast turnaround for article requests. As a member of this program, the UWS library is able to get articles for users more quickly from libraries who have a similarly demonstrated commitment to fast turnaround. We salute the excellent service our library staff provides!
UWS Happenings Continued
UWS New Hires
Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Bola Majekobaje Bola Majekobaje comes to UWS with more than 10 years of experience building DEI programs for students and employees in a higher education setting. She served in previous DEI roles at Washington State University at Vancouver and Central Washington University. Most recently, Majekobaje served as the executive director of Palau Conservation Society.
As Majekobaje begins her work at UWS, she will partner with the previously established university DEI committee and various stakeholders across campus to socialize and operationalize a multi-year DEI action plan in support of university strategic priorities.
Director of Sport and Performance Psychology (SPP), Sarah Castillo Dr. Sarah Castillo comes to UWS from National University in San Diego, Calif., where she served as the program director for the bachelor’s in sport psychology program, acted as editor-in-chief for the online Journal of Performance Psychology and was co-director of the Center for Performance Psychology. Prior to her tenure at National University, she spent nine years as a performance enhancement instructor at the United States Military Academy, West Point. During her time with the Army, Dr. Castillo worked extensively with more than 15 intercollegiate, intramural and club athletic teams.
Dr. Castillo is a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC®) and approved CMPC mentor through the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP). She currently serves on the AASP executive board as the professional standards division head, overseeing activities related to certification, ethics and continuing education.
