Roseman University of Health Sciences A Nevada Non-Profit Corporation 11 Sunset Way Henderson, NV 89014-2333
FALL 2019 • Publishing Semiannually | VOLUME 3 • Issue 1
INSIDE: Alumni Reflections PG. 4 Roseman Alumni Changemakers PG. 12 Dr. Thomas Hunt PG. 16
State of the University
How has Roseman University impacted its communities? In recognition of its 20 years of educating a new generation of pharmacists, nurses, dentists, and healthcare business leaders, Co-founder and President Dr. Renee Coffman will deliver Roseman University's "State of the University." She'll share how Roseman University's commitment to its Mission, Vision and Core Values has impacted Nevada and Utah, economically and socially, over the past two decades. She'll share a vision of Roseman University's next 20 years as it continues to grow to meet the healthcare needs of its communities.
HENDERSON CAMPUS
SOUTH JORDAN CAMPUS
April 16, 2020 5:30 to 7 p.m. 11 Sunset Way Henderson, NV 89014
April 23, 2020 5:30 to 7 p.m. 10920 S. River Front Parkway South Jordan, UT 84095
PUBLISHER Jason Roth
DESIGNER Eric Jones
GUEST CONTRIBUTORS
EDITORS Joslyn Hatfield Rachael Thomas
PHOTOGRAPHERS Loretta Campbell Francia Garcia Ryan Arakawa
Brenda Griego Vanessa Maniago
spectRUm is published two times per year by Roseman University of Health Sciences, A Nevada non-profit corporation. 11 Sunset Way, Henderson, NV 89014 | roseman.edu | 702.968.1633 | Š 2019
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Letter from the PRESIDENT Fall is officially here and with it comes the harbingers of the season that many of us love— changing leaves, pumpkin-spice everything, cooler temperatures, hockey and football, familiar routines, and planning for the holiday season.
As an educator and the president of a University, I, like many others in the education world, see fall through rose-colored glasses. Our returning students are back on campus, our new students have adjusted and now seem more confident in their academic journey, and the hallways are abuzz with learning and discovery. For Harry and I, our daughter is adjusting to life as a freshman in college, while we too adjust to having her away. Fall is magical in many ways, carrying with it excitement, promise, and this year, many exciting events and activities as we commemorate our 20th Anniversary year. I am honored to celebrate 20 years of Roseman with you. Our Board of Trustees, our faculty and staff, our community partners—many of you have been with us from the start. You believed in an idea and took a calculated risk with us, and your belief has buoyed us to the institution we are today, which continues to grow and evolve and respond to the needs of the communities we serve. Without your belief and trust, we might not be here today. As I reflect on this season of gratitude and thanks, I am filled with appreciation for the many lives that have intersected with our University. Thank you for being a part of this journey. Together we have educated more than 6,500 healthcare professionals and advanced healthcare education through our innovative educational model, we have created and disseminated new knowledge, we’ve impacted the health, education, and wellness of the communities we serve, and we’ve provided a collaborative and supportive environment that enables students, faculty, and staff to be successful. We will continue to stay our course, and appreciate your partnership as we move forward into the next 20 years. When we look ahead, the sky truly is the limit! In this issue, we highlight some exciting and important people and projects that have been critical to our success and in reaching this milestone, including alumni that are doing important work in the community, faculty that have been with Roseman since its beginnings, influencers and changemakers, and a faculty physician who is helping chart Roseman’s future College of Medicine. You’ll also read about some of the outcomes and achievements of incredible people coming together to advance our mission. Finally, with all of the many exciting activities happening on our campuses, I hope you will check our community calendar and join us for current and future events. I send my very best wishes to you all for a healthy and happy fall season, and for happy holidays ahead.
Warmly,
Renee Coffman President
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ALUMNI Re lections Reflections f
During this 20th Anniversary year, Roseman reached out to several alumni who were students in the first class that enrolled in their program and campus. Below, please enjoy their responses as they reminisce about their Nevada College of Pharmacy, University of Southern Nevada, and Roseman University experiences, share what they are doing now, and offer advice to Roseman students! RICH EPPERSON Doctor of Pharmacy, Class of 2004 Henderson Campus
Who were your favorite faculty members and why? I loved Dr. Rosenberg's teaching style. He could tell by the look on your face whether or not you understood the material and would stop and make sure you had it all down. Dr. Lacy always had various stories to tell while giving his lectures. They were always interesting and helped me to remember the material. During second year, he took time out of his busy schedule to listen to my 30-minute presentation and help me with some of the wording. What is your best memory while at Roseman? It’s really hard to say “best memory” as there are quite a few really good ones. When we moved from the Painter's Union Building and into the larger building on Russell Road; when I beat Heather by one point on five exams in a row; and when I shook Dr. Rosenberg's hand after I passed the NAPLEX. What are you doing now? I recently left Smith’s Food and Drug Inc. after 30 years of service and took a position at VA Southern Nevada Hospital as an Outpatient Clinical Pharmacist. I have been there for a little over two years. 4 |
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What will you be doing in ten years? In ten years, I see myself still working at the VA Hospital. That is where I plan to retire from. Whether or not I will be in the same position, only time will tell. How do you spend your free time? A majority of my free time is spent with my family. I have been married for almost seven years. I have two stepchildren that are 17 and 13. We try and plan fun activities on the weekends, like board game night, as often as possible. How did Roseman prepare you for where you are today? Roseman University did a wonderful job of teaching me the necessary skills that I needed. I feel that the block system was a big part of that. It was an easy way for me to learn the material and retain the knowledge that it takes to be a pharmacist. What advice would you give to students when entering their chosen healthcare professions after graduation? Always be professional even when those around you are not. Empathize with your patients. You are not seeing them at their best, but they need you to be at yours.
SEPIDEH DAEERY Doctor of Pharmacy, Class of 2009 South Jordan Campus
Who were your favorite faculty members and why? Since I was part of the first class at the Utah Campus, we had a different experience with our faculty. We started in a small building and all of us would sit and eat and talk at the same place. This set-up allowed us to have a close and open dialogue with our faculty. With that said, it is really difficult to say who was the favorite! I remember Dr. Rose the most, aside from Dr. Fannin, of course! The reason for remembering him is that he had the most positive approach to feedback. He was new to the block system, and when he offered his first quiz to the class, the reaction of the students took him by surprise. He was so considerate and positive that he took the feedback, improved the class, and brought that class to be one of my most enjoyable classes. What is your best memory while at Roseman? My best memory was my time with our classmates and the faculty in the small building. We could just bring suggestions, feedback and discussions while we had a break or while eating our food. What are you doing now? I am a Market Health and Wellness Director for Walmart, overseeing Pharmacy, Vision and OTC. What will you be doing in ten years? I would like to teach at the University. I love school and I know I will enjoy that a lot. How do you spend your free time? I like to dance, exercise and cook. I enjoy quality time with my family and friends. How did Roseman prepare you for where you are today? Since we started in a small and close set-up, I feel like I was well prepared, especially with having a mentor like Dr. Fannin, I was able to start as a pharmacy manager after I graduated from Roseman. What advice would you give to students when entering their chosen healthcare professions after graduation? We know that pharmacy is a small world, so keep in mind that our biggest asset is our network and finding a mentor/mentors. If we leverage our mentors’ knowledge and find ways to adapt their experiences to work for us, then we will be successful. ELINA WEISS Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Class of 2007 Henderson Campus
Who were your favorite faculty members and why? My favorite faculty members were Professors Rebecca Cailor and Kathy Powell. They taught adult medicine and pediatrics and were amongst the best lecturers that I
have ever had. They also provided me with support throughout the program and I feel that they were instrumental in helping me to be able to get through it. They listened to me when I was stressed out and provided advice and encouraged me. The program was challenging for sure, but their confidence and encouragement made me feel like it was doable. What is your best memory while at Roseman? You’re going to think I’m crazy! My favorite memory is studying at the library with my group and just bantering back and forth about what we thought was going to be asked of us on the next test. I didn’t realize it at the time, but the group work helped me really solidify my knowledge and is what helped me pass. The studying at the time was stressful but I look back at it now and I remember how fun it was to study in a group! Also, I loved going out after every major test we had! It was as if all our hard work studying culminated and that was the relief. Always a good time. What are you doing now? I work as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist at a Kaiser Permanente Hospital in the Bay Area. I really enjoy what I do because I work to provide various types of anesthesia to a huge variety of patients and surgical cases from pediatrics to geriatrics to obstetrics. Every day is something different, and it never gets boring. I also enjoy the autonomy and hands on aspects of being a CRNA. What will you be doing in 10 years? Hopefully, I will win the lottery and won’t have to do anything but spend my millions! Realistically, I will probably be a CRNA working at a private practice setting. I work occasionally per diem as an independent CRNA at doctors offices and enjoy the flexibility of that so maybe I will do that a little more regularly. How do you spend your free time? I like to spend time with my family. My daughter is a toddler right now so she kind of rules all of our free time. I love to travel with my husband and spend time with friends going on ATV adventures and wine tasting. How did Roseman prepare you for where you are today? Roseman University changed my life! The program gave me a great profession and good clinical knowledge base. It also gave me the confidence to apply to CRNA school and get through that because of the work ethic that was instilled in me by the professors at Roseman University. They always pushed my classmates and I to do better and try to go into advanced practice. For those things I am grateful! What advice would you give to students when entering their chosen healthcare professions after graduation? My advice is to keep reading and keep yourself current. Don’t become one of those nurses that just does things because this is “the way we’ve always done it.” Complacency becomes the enemy of a lot of people and will keep you back in life. You are the face of your profession every time you take care of someone. You owe it to yourself and your patient to make sure that they are getting the best possible care. This means you need to continue learning!
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LEE HAMILTON Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Class of 2011 South Jordan Campus
Who were your favorite faculty members and why? Gigi Marshall was hard to top, she simply seemed to understand the appropriate balance between teaching us what we needed to know to pass the board exam and treating us like future colleagues. She was always there to teach us important aspects to nursing that perhaps would not be board exam questions, but important nonetheless. What is your best memory while at Roseman? You know I never felt like I would ever look back and think this, but my favorite memories were test days. The camaraderie was special. Seeing us grow as nursing students, the way we worked through questions together as a team was quite awesome. What are you doing now? I have been with the University of Utah since graduating in 2011. I am currently faculty staff with the U of U School of Medicine as a nurse practitioner. I have dual board certification in family practice as an FNP as well as psychiatric practice as a PMHNP. I actively practice in general psychiatry as well as chemical dependency. I have special interest in substance abuse as well as autism. What will you be doing in ten years? I love what I am doing now, however, I am sure in a few years I will be teaching more and working on policy change in advanced practice nursing. How do you spend your free time? I spend all the free time I have with my wife and two kids, ages 11 and four. I decompress when I am away from work, so my hobbies tend to be quiet and calm. We spend a lot of time outside, unplugged, experiencing things together. How did Roseman prepare you for where you are today? The programming at Roseman was quite intense and appropriately difficult, more so than any graduate work I have experienced since. This high level of difficulty in the context of high scholastic expectation applies just the right amount of stress, allowing a student to grow and learn in the discomfort and embrace challenges that come after graduation. What advice would you give to students when entering their chosen healthcare professions after graduation? Do not be afraid to practice in a specialty area you may not have a special interest in. Don't pigeonhole yourself and be flexible. Find a mentor that practices the way you see yourself practicing in the future and overwhelm them with questions. The best practitioners are lifetime learners, so always be open to learning.
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JARED ERROR Doctor of Dental Medicine, Class of 2015 Orthodontic Residency and MBA, Class of 2018 South Jordan and Henderson Campuses
Who were your favorite faculty members and why? That's a tough question! Between dental school and ortho residency, I spent seven years as a student at Roseman, so I've interacted with so many that have had a profound impact on me and helped me get to where I am today— it's really tough to just pick a few. I'm really grateful to Dr. Harman, who mentored me as a leader and always provided me with the necessary perspective to be successful. Dr. Carroll, who taught me that chocolate could solve most problems and to never take yourself too seriously. Dr. Criddle, who interviewed me and was a major influence on my decision to attend Roseman in the first place. He encouraged me to be a part of something bigger than myself, and that has really stuck with me through all these years. Dr. Richards, who challenged me clinically and helped me to realize that just "okay" wasn't good enough, and helped me to realize that I could excel if I put in the work. Dr. Janus, who gave so much of himself and was always an example of service. Finally, all of the faculty in residency: Drs. Bollu, Roberson, Broadbent, Ahn, Stevens, and others whom I will always think of as friends and colleagues. I could really go on and on as so many of our professors embody the Lifelong Colleague Philosophy. What is your best memory at Roseman? Other than graduation day? I loved the late-night study parties, the feeling that you get on Friday after passing a test, and the first time that I performed a procedure on a very grateful patient. Most of all, I have many great memories of all the people! I love and miss many of my fellow classmates, co-residents, professors, and patients. I am still very close to many of them and I'm grateful to Roseman, if nothing else, than for providing me with some of my best friends. What are you doing now? I live in Austin, TX with my wonderful wife and four kids, and work in a large group specialty practice (orthodontics and pediatrics). I travel to eight different offices and am loving my time honing my skills as a new orthodontist. Where do you see yourself in ten years? I see myself owning the quintessential orthodontic practice of my area and being an influence on the people of my community. I want to have the type of practice where I can be an example and mentor to younger doctors, and have the flexibility to be able to teach in a more organized setting a couple of days a week. How do you spend your free time? While I would love to say that I spend my time productively trying to save the world, I'm pretty much a stick in the mud. I do, however, enjoy watching movies and sports with my wife and/or kids, playing basketball, playing the piano, and listening to podcasts. Once a year, I get to look forward to going on a guys' trip will all my Roseman buddies from dental school!
How did Roseman prepare you for where you are today? Roseman helped me become much of who I am and what I believe in today. Because of the philosophy we had, it helped me to focus on relationships, total patient care, and how to be successful in a group practice. From the first day, we had practice working in teams in a healthcare setting, which is completely applicable to my real-life setting of working sideby-side so many other talented professionals. As a student at Roseman, it never was about how can I look better in relation to my peers, but how when we work together, in the proper environment, how much more can we achieve. Even still, I was always amazed at how much I personally benefited—much more than I could ever benefit by myself. This has been a lesson that has continued to help and bless my life. What advice would you give to students when entering their chosen healthcare professions after graduation? First I would say to make sure to enjoy the journey. Too often I think we get too wrapped up in thoughts of the end, e.g., finally making money, being out of school, growing debt, etc., that we forget to stop and enjoy where we are! Some of my best years and memories were during the time that I was in school. When I finally graduated, the tears that I shed were not just tears of joy. Second is that being on your own as a healthcare professional is a big responsibility and can be hard sometimes! So many people will put their trust in you to help them make decisions that could be life altering. At first this can be a little overwhelming, but hard is good! It's usually during these times when we feel most stretched that we ourselves grow the most. You will (and should) continue to grow and learn all throughout your career. Stick with it, focus less on yourself and the stress that you feel, and more on those that you are serving. Try to make each patient's interaction with you one of the best experiences of their day and you'll be amazing with what you can accomplish. ALI KHAGHANI MBA - Class of 2006 Henderson Campus
Who were your favorite faculty members and why? Jack Zimmerman was my favorite professor because he had a strong focus on finance and great experience in the profession. He did an IPO, had worked for Cisco, and was a CFO. Plus, he was very relatable and easy to talk with. What is your best memory while at Roseman? My best memories relate to the people. We were the first MBA class and there were a few of us who got close. We hung out a lot, both studying and supporting each other as friends. One of them is a lawyer now and another works in New York City in banking. We all came from different places – I’m from Newport Beach – but had some crazy times and achieved our goals.
What will you be doing in 10 years? Maybe retired! My goal is to continue to move up in finance and get promoted to Vice President and then a CFO. Eventually I’d like to be a consultant, but that is farther off. How do you spend your free time? I work a lot, but I do enjoy traveling and experiencing different places. I went to Miami recently and to Fresno as well. I get to California quite a bit visiting new areas but also family. I’m also a foodie so I work that into whatever location I’m at! How did Roseman prepare you for where you are today? I think Roseman taught me how to be open to learning and change, and to think outside the box. The way I look at education is you take everything in and go step by step so you don’t get overwhelmed. Your job will teach you things you can never learn in school, but Roseman helped me learn how to approach that experience and to embrace it. What advice would you give to students when entering their chosen healthcare professions after graduation? To learn as much as you can and to be open to changes. You have to understand that you can’t learn everything in school—some things you can only learn at your job—but know that the learning doesn’t stop once you graduate.
Do you have memories to share?
Follow, like and tag Roseman University on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. Don’t forget to use hashtag #Roseman20.
What are you doing now? I spent 13 years working at MGM Resorts and recently made the move to Golden Entertainment. I learned a lot at MGM and now I’m the director of strategic financing at Golden Entertainment and report directly to the CFO and president. roseman.edu/spectrum | 7
ROSEMAN UNIVERSITY by the numbers
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Responding to the Healthcare Needs of
NEVADA & UTAH By Jason Roth
It started with a need. In 1999, a shortage of pharmacists in Nevada was occurring at the very same time that a groundswell of demand for pharmacy education was growing. The University’s three founders, Drs. Harry Rosenberg, Renee Coffman and Charles Lacy, each coming from healthcare education, contributed $5,000 to start the Nevada College of Pharmacy—the first pharmacy school in Nevada. What is now Roseman University of Health Sciences remains the only pharmacy school in the state. The establishment of Nevada College of Pharmacy was a bold move. There hadn’t been a new college of pharmacy started in over 50 years that was not part of an existing institution. There were a lot of obstacles for such a project—financing, obtaining IRS non-profit status, incorporating, finding adequate facilities, gaining accreditation, obtaining licensure from the Nevada Commission on Postsecondary Education, and much more. To assist in this endeavor, the founders enlisted the support of the Nevada pharmacy community, contacting leaders in pharmacy organizations such as chain pharmacy managers, hospital pharmacy directors, pharmacists leading home health companies, and the Nevada State Board of Pharmacy. These individuals became the nucleus of the eventual Nevada College of Pharmacy Board of Trustees, and many are still valued members of the Board today. With the help, support, and advice of these caring leaders in the pharmacy community, the Nevada College of Pharmacy began to take shape.
and career opportunities. It was in that year that Nevada College of Pharmacy became a university. In 2006, the University expanded into Utah to meet the demand for pharmacy education in the state. In the following two years, new programs in nursing and dental medicine were added in Nevada to meet the need for more caring and compassionate healthcare professionals. The Colleges of Nursing and Dental Medicine were later expanded into Utah and new academic programs were added. The University created clinical practices in dental medicine to provide much needed patient care in Nevada and Utah. Today, Roseman University is poised to grow further to meet the healthcare needs of its communities. In 2013, in response to the dire need for physicians in Nevada, the University began creating a College of Medicine. The establishment of the College of Medicine, offering an MD degree, is a natural evolution for the University and reinforces its commitment as a transforming force in the most vital areas of healthcare education. The future College of Medicine complements the University’s mission to advance healthcare education through its innovative educational model and to positively impact the health, education, and wellness of the communities it serves. With the help of community partners, the development of the MDgranting medical education program is progressing.
With the establishment of a transformative educational model—the Roseman University Six-Point Mastery Learning Model—focused on excellence, the College began to graduate healthcare professionals recognized as highly competent and compassionate. The result was a trajectory of rapid growth.
In 2018, Roseman University established Roseman Medical Group, a medical practice to provide primary care and other specialties to the Las Vegas community. The practice offers a tremendous opportunity to build additional clinical practice sites that will allow Roseman to become a major provider of critical healthcare services in the region, with emphasis on underserved and rural areas.
Roseman actively listened to the healthcare community not only in Nevada, but also the surrounding region, looking for ways to respond to healthcare workforce needs. Its first expansion, in 2004, included the creation of a Master of Business Administration degree to provide pharmacy students an opportunity to enhance their education
With so much accomplished in just 20 years, Roseman University is looking forward to even more growth in future decades. To learn more, join Roseman University for its first-ever State of the University on April 16, 2020 at the Henderson Campus and April 23, 2020 at the South Jordan Campus. roseman.edu/spectrum | 9
COMMEMORATING 20 Years of Roseman University
Last month, community partners and alumni joined Roseman University for the Community Launch of 20th Anniversary celebrations on the Henderson and South Jordan Campuses. At the events, Roseman University Co-founders, Drs. Harry Rosenberg, Renee Coffman and Charles Lacy, unveiled an artistic timeline featuring important milestones in the University's short, but rich history. The timelines are prominently displayed on both campuses sharing with students, faculty, staff and visitors the remarkable growth Roseman University has experienced in just 20 years.
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Roseman University Alumni
CHANGEMAKERS Change in healthcare is neither easy nor immediate due to its size and complexity. To effectively promote change and successfully address humanity’s greatest healthcare challenges requires the tenacity of disrupters—forward-thinkers who recognize a problem and become vocal advocates for raising awareness and influencing thoughtful solutions. These are healthcare’s changemakers.
With Roseman University’s alumni numbering more than 6,500, many have had the opportunity to become changemakers. Armed with confidence, knowledge and skills, these healthcare professionals have led the way in promoting change in their communities, professions, and in some cases, addressing national or global healthcare challenges. Since graduating from Roseman University College of Pharmacy in 2007 and pursuing graduate education and research in infectious diseases, Dr. Ravina Kullar has dedicated her career to finding solutions to antibiotic resistance, one of the greatest threats to global health. Over the past decade, she has emerged as an expert in the worldwide effort to tackle a growing crisis. “Unfortunately, much of the public believes that we have a surplus of antibiotics, but we don't. We are currently living in the post-antibiotic era,” said Dr. Kullar. “Clinicians are responsible for this antibiotic resistance crisis via overusing antibiotics in their patients—giving antibiotics to patients ‘just because’ when there is no clear bacterial indication—and the public is responsible for overusing antibiotics when they are not necessary.” Watch Dr. Ravina Kullar deliver her talk, “Antibiotic Resistance: What You Can Do to Prevent a Future Pandemic” at TEDxBend
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The result is frightening. According to the Centers for Disease Control, antibiotic resistance is now one of the biggest public health challenges of our time, with at least two million people in the United States getting antibiotic-resistant infections and at least 23,000 people dying each year. Worldwide, an estimated 700,000 die annually due to antibiotic resistance, and it threatens the world’s progress in healthcare, food production and ultimately life expectancy.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has made it a priority to put antibiotic resistance at the forefront of its agenda as the crisis can only be solved if the entire world works together. Dr. Kullar said, “Whether it's the ‘nightmare bacteria’ or another resistant bacteria, they have been prevalent in other parts of the world for years. Bacteria could care less about borders—they don’t need a passport to enter and exit—we need to transform our minds from that silo mentality thinking. What's happening globally is clearly affecting us now in the U.S.” Dr. Kullar has embraced the WHO’s push for global awareness of antibiotic resistance becoming a highly respected expert educating the public and healthcare community through appearances at TED talks and on nationally syndicated public health television programs shows such as The Doctors. It’s not just the staggering statistics that spurred Dr. Kullar’s efforts to educate the public and clinicians about antibiotic resistance. As she shared for the first time in a TEDx Bend talk in 2018, it was a defining moment that forced her to grasp the dire crisis. In her first year of clinical residency in a hospital a little over 10 years ago, she met a patient named Jonathan. A young and active newlywed, Jonathan was in the hospital for a broken femur resulting from a skiing accident. After surgery, Jonathan contracted an infection.
By Jason Roth
Dr. Kullar, the pharmacist on the team caring for Jonathan, started treating him with antibiotics, as is standard, but ordered labs to confirm the type of infection Jonathan had contracted and what antibiotics would be most effective in treating it. Days later, Jonathan’s health was deteriorating. At the same time, Dr. Kullar received his lab report.
“I looked at that computer screen trying to figure out how to treat this infection, but there was the letter ‘R’ for resistant written next to every single antibiotic, meaning that the bacteria would not even respond to any antibiotics,” said Dr. Kullar. “I could do nothing.” Ultimately, Jonathan succumbed to the infection that had spread throughout his body and into his brain. He did not survive to celebrate his first wedding anniversary. “This experience fundamentally changed the course of my personal and professional life,” Dr. Kullar said in her talk. “It was a pivotal moment that led me into specializing in infectious disease research and eventually defending my thesis on the exact resistant pathogen that consumed Jonathan.” Since that experience, Dr. Kullar has published over 30 research papers on antibiotic resistance and has set out on a mission as a U.S. ambassador on antibiotic resistance, presenting at conferences around the world. In 2016, she was invited to the United Nations General Assembly Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance — Forum on Sustainable Access to Effective Antibiotics. Her overall goal is to arm the public with three action items that they can start implementing today to be part of the solution.
First, stop buying meat raised with antibiotics. Dr. Kullar says, nearly 80 percent of all the antibiotics in the U.S. are not taken by people, but are instead used in animals to promote growth. In 2013, more than 130,000 tons of antibiotics were used in animals worldwide, and is projected to exceed 200,000 tons by 2030. As people consume these animals they ingest the bacteria present in the meat. If an animal carries antibiotic resistant bacteria, it would be transferred to people as well as the environment. To be part of the solution, only buy and consume meat that is organic or USDA certified as raised without antibiotics. Likewise, when dining at the restaurant check the menu or inquire to ensure the meat is antibiotic-free. Second, use antibiotics sparingly. Dr. Kullar says that in outpatient settings, more than 250,000 courses of antibiotics are dispensed each year, with about one-third being inappropriate. Most of the time antibiotics are being dispensed to treat viruses, which is ineffective. Don’t insist on a prescription for antibiotics for a common cold. Finally, Dr. Kullar encourages the public to educate themselves about appropriate antibiotic usage and tell everyone. If together, we don’t take action, by 2050 antibiotic resistant infections will kill 10 million people per year annually around the world. The problem is dire. “We are now living in the aftermath of overuse,” said Dr. Kullar. “A simple cut can have you fighting for your life or common surgeries could start looking like Russian roulette.” While Dr. Kullar is fighting antibiotic resistance, another Roseman University alum is transforming the way dental care and treatment is delivered to patients. Shortly after graduating from the College of Dental Medicine’s Doctor of Dental Medi-
cine (DMD) program in Utah in 2018, Dr. Anna Cowdin relocated to her hometown of Dallas, Texas and immediately created a buzz within the community and the dental profession. Instead of joining an existing practice or opening an office, Dr. Cowdin implemented a vision to change the way dentistry is offered, making dental mobile through the creation of Nomad Dental. While the concept of mobile dentistry isn’t new, Dr. Cowdin’s approach is. Instead of retrofitting a van or a bus, she came up with the concept that embraces the recent popularity of the tiny house. “I chose a tiny house because people already are familiar with tiny houses and if you’re doing something unusual, I think it’s important to keep something about it familiar,” said Dr. Cowdin. A tiny house on a trailer offers versatility and space not offered in a van or bus. It also eliminates some limitations. “I wanted to be able to have three dental operatory chairs and a lot of windows, televisions, and phone chargers to help people feel comfortable when they step inside,” said Dr. Cowdin. “Retrofitting a bus or van was going to be expensive, and come with many potential mechanical problems. With our tiny house on a trailer, if the truck breaks down we just get a different truck to pull it and it’s not a big deal. The tiny house also allowed us to be completely off the grid. We bring all our own water and power—including solar—to each location, so we can essentially park anywhere.” Dr. Cowdin also shares that the cost of constructing her mobile dentistry office was cheaper than renting space. The tiny house cost about $250,000 compared to the average startup and leasing costs for a dental office, which hovers between $600,000 to $1 million.
Listen to Dr. Anna Cowdin talk about Nomad Dental on the Nifty Thrifty Dentists Podcast
While cost is a factor, the ability to help people maintain their oral health is what inspired Dr. Cowdin. The mobility of Nomad Dental allows her to bring dental care to busy working adults, rotating at about a dozen locations and traveling to locations upon request throughout Dallas to work with people who need dental care, but don’t have the time to make it to an actual dentist office. Accessibility may be just one factor contributing to large numbers of people not seeing a dentist regularly. According to a Texas Health and Human Services 2016 report on Adult Oral Health, only 38 percent of adults in the Dallas/Fort Worth area reported seeing a dentist in the previous year. “I wanted to make it more convenient, and I wanted to come to them,” Dr. Cowdin said in an interview with WFAA-TV in Dallas. “Healthcare is really inaccessible for a lot of people, and the working hours conflict with the same hours that doctors and dentists are seeing patients.” While Nomad Dental is mobile, it offers dental exams and cleanings, in addition to crowns, x-rays, implants, bridges, dentures and anything else normally offered by a dentist. In the future, Dr. Cowdin plans to expand by building more tiny dental offices to either sell, franchise, or to hire associates to run. “The design and building process comes with an expensive learning curve, so we’re hoping to help people skip that step and just jump right into offering dentistry,” said Dr. Cowdin. Both Dr. Kullar and Dr. Cowdin epitomize the drive that many Roseman University students alumni possess. While Dr. Kullar is working to change the way clinicians and the public think about prescribing and using antibiotics in an effort to stave off a global health catastrophe, Dr. Cowdin is on the forefront of creating new ways to deliver dental care efficiently in a society that seeks its healthcare differently than the past. Changemakers like Drs. Kullar and Cowden inspire future Roseman University alumni to pursue their ideas and find solutions to improve the health and well-being of society.
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The Roseman Legacy of STUDENT COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT By Joslyn Hatfield
As Roseman University celebrates 20 years of excellence in higher education, it is an opportune time to reflect on the long history of service our students, faculty and staff have contributed to our local communities. Community engagement can be defined as the process by which organizations collectively build ongoing, permanent relationships for social benefit and outcomes. Given that the dissemination of knowledge and positive impacts on health, education and wellness of the communities we serve are central to our mission, community engagement and service are as Roseman as the roadrunner. There are more than 30 student clubs and organizations active on the Henderson, NV and South Jordan, UT Campuses. Areas of interest range from professional development and connection to social services and faith-based collectives. But, no matter which element of the student identity and experience is celebrated, the common thread among all organizations is service.
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In fact, many student organizations were formed to address specific community needs. The Drug Abuse Awareness Team (DAAT) is a student organization dedicated to educating youth about the abuse/misuse of prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and the dangers of drug addiction. Recent DAAT community outreach efforts in the month of September included the education of 160 high school students at Sunrise Mountain and Bishop Gorman High Schools.
ety of Health-Systems Pharmacists (ASHP) along with the Nevada Society of Health System Pharmacists (NVSHP).
October saw DAAT collaborate with the Rx Abuse Leadership Initiative (RALI) for a presentation at the Summerlin Campus on safe drug disposal.
Recent health and community outreach events for Roseman Student Alliance include, Armed Force Chamber Health Fair, 7th Annual Community Health Fair at Chinese Baptist Church, Spotlight Spectacular Health Fair at Texas Station, YMCA of Durango Hills, ACDC Family Day at Shanghai Plaza, Roseman Healthcare Day on the Henderson Campus, Thai Health and Wellness Fair at the Nevada Temple and Stroll N Roll with the City of Henderson.
Later in the month, students participated in the National Drug Take Back Day on October 26 at 11 locations in the Las Vegas valley. Founded in 2001, the Roseman Student Alliance is an “umbrella� organization that encompasses membership in the two largest professional pharmacy organizations in the U.S.: the American Pharmacists Association-Academy of Student Pharmacists (APhA-ASP) and the American Soci-
Student Alliance aims to assist student pharmacists with preparation for post-graduate training, navigating through school, exploring careers in the profession, providing community service, and networking with others, all while providing opportunities for professional growth and leadership.
The American Student Dental Association (ASDA) is a national student-run organization that protects and advances the rights, interests, and
welfare of dental students. It introduces students to lifelong involvement in organized dentistry and provides services, information, education, representation, and advocacy. Recent community outreach activities include a recent food drive for Utah Food Bank yielding nearly 1,200 lbs. of food, support of the Food & Care Coalition serving 212 homeless individuals, Family Refugee Night serving over 300 refugee children and their guardians and raising $5K for the Oral Cancer Foundation through participation in the Oral Cancer Walk. Founded in 2016, Critical Care and Emergency Student Nurses Association (CCESNA) seeks to fulfill the following roles: Prepare students intending to enter the critical care or emergency department fields of nursing regarding job-related experiences; help students practice interview techniques for future job hires; educate students about nurse residencies, internships, apprenticeships, and the key differences between them; encourage presentation from outside sources to educate students about what they may experience in related job fields; educate students about extracurricular programs and classes that can benefit those interested in critical care or emergency department nursing; and to give back to the community through means of community service. Community outreach for this organization has been complimentary to the efforts of other Roseman organizations and students have participated in the blood drive recruitment, Vitalient Blood Drive, Roseman Healthcare Day (health screenings), Heritage Harvest festival, Armed Forces Chamber of Commerce Health Day and Skin Cancer Prevalence Day.
Recently formed in 2019, Asian American Pacific Islander Nurses Association of Nevada – Roseman University Student Nurses Association (AAPINA of Nevada – RUSNA), wasted no time jumping into community engagement activities. The growing organization is comprised of 30 students who have already had a significant impact on the local community. Students have provided health screenings (blood pressure and BMI) and health surveys at events such as the St. Rose San Martin Family Day event in April and the Armed Forces Chamber health fair in September. Founded in May 2018, the RUHS Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Ally Student Association (LGBTQA) mission is to create a safe and supportive environment for university students identifying as LGBTQ and their allies, for the purposes of creating a sense of community within the university, to create a positive image for LGBTQ healthcare workers in the community at large, and to promote the overall health and wellness of LGBTQ students. Recent and upcoming community outreach efforts include volunteering with Three Square Food Bank to assist with the packaging of 14,350 Kids Cafe meals for distribution valley-wide, marching in the Las Vegas Pride parade, hosing an Ally Appreciation Day and apparel flash sale during Pride Month. Students developed activities to increase awareness about the types and meanings of various pride flags and challenged the University community to include preferred pronouns in email signatures to bring awareness to the importance of proper pronoun usage for medical professionals. Founded at the Henderson Campus in 2014 and later expanding to the South Jordan Campus in 2019, Movimiento Estudiantil Roseman (M.E.R.) is committed to promoting awareness and education on the essential role of Spanish-speaking health professionals within the Latino community. Members advocate the practice of Spanish-speaking skills in multiple settings including school, hospital and community sites through language workshops and practice sessions led by M.E.R.’s existing active members, fellow alumni or interested community volunteers. M.E.R. promotes student leadership opportunities that will complement the goals and interests of the organization and supports individual and collective projects or philanthropic endeavors regarding community health issues. The Latter-day Saint Student Association (LDSSA) is a University-wide club with a purpose to provide an opportunity for LDS students at Rose-
man to connect. The LDSSA at Roseman University came at the invitation of the founding board of directors for the South Jordan Campus of Roseman —so it has existed here since the inception of the South Jordan Campus. While meetings are geared to the interests of LDS students, are open to all Roseman students. All community outreach for the Roseman chapter of LDSSA has funneled through the other two local programs (Sandy and Jordan Institutes). Recent projects have included support for the SLCC garden (weeding, watering and help with harvest for their food pantry) and providing winter kits for the homeless via the Rode Home. The mission of the Roseman Jewish Club is to inspire and uplift Jewish students from all backgrounds to share, learn, and partake of all that our beautiful heritage has to offer. Through classes, outings, shabbas, and holiday dinners all provided by Chabod’s non-judgmental environment and acceptance of all’. The club is open to people of all backgrounds who are interested in learning, observing and sharing the Jewish tradition. Future plans for the club include connection with the community, resources and hosting university events for Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) in April of 2020. While this list is certainly not comprehensive, it is representative of the good work our students, faculty and staff are doing in the communities we serve. Only time will tell what the next generation of community involvement and service will look like. One thing is certain, Roseman University student organizations will continue to disseminate knowledge, to positively impact health outcomes in the communities we serve and continue a legacy of wellness for the next 20 years and beyond. It is after all, the roadrunner way. roseman.edu/spectrum | 15
On Top of His Game:
DR. THOMAS HUNT By Vanessa Maniago
Dr. Thomas Hunt knew at an early age that he was meant for a life in medicine. As a middle school aged student growing up in the suburbs of Boston, Dr. Hunt had a natural affinity towards math and science. The eldest of five children, Dr. Hunt was a natural caretaker and communicator, bridging the gap between his younger siblings and his parents. 16 |
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His training took him between the two coasts, first, completing his undergraduate work and medical school training in New York state, and then to the golden state of California to complete his medical residency in family medicine. Dr. Hunt’s interest in family medicine was not one widely supported by his peers. “Many people encouraged me to go into another specialty, but I knew that I wanted to be a family doctor,” said Dr. Hunt. At that time, there was a dearth of comprehensive family medicine training programs on the East Coast. The specialty itself was established in 1969 and today 3,848 medical students and graduates matched to family medicine residencies, the most in family medicine’s history as a specialty. To receive his training, Dr. Hunt ventured west where the practice of family medicine and training of family physicians was robust and thriving. He completed his training at Merrithew Memorial Hospital in Martinez, California. Using an integrated, versatile, and patient-centered approach to wellness, family doctors diagnose and treat a variety of health related issues and can work in a variety of healthcare settings. In an average day, a family physician could deliver a baby or tend to a patient in a nursing home, make rounds at a local hospital, or counsel a patient on issues related to their mental health. This broad-based approach requires excellent communication skills, an empathic and attuned diagnostic process, and the ability to build long-term relationships with patients. As medicine has evolved, more family physicians have moved away from smaller, individually owned practices towards larger corporate practices. For many family physicians, achieving greater work-life balance along with the ability to focus more time on patient care is ideal. As this generation of medical students graduate and determine their paths, more students are seeing the unique attributes of family medicine. This is good news for Nevada, a state with a shortage of primary care physicians (48th in the nation, for per capita primary care physicians, United Health Foundation’s America’s Health Rankings 2018) that can offer this broad based and intimate level of care. While Dr. Hunt has spent his lifetime practicing family medicine, he has found curriculum development and medical education to be yet another facet of his passion for providing complete care to the patient. While in New York, Dr. Hunt played an integral part as preceptor of a nine-month long rural residency program, the RMED Rural program at Syracuse University, which embedded students in rural communities to learn the nuances of family medicine. Whatever specialty these students ultimately chose, their training was rooted in the model of family medicine, with long-term care of a patient, understanding the intricacies of running a practice, to honing expert diagnostic and listening skills. “These students came away with an altogether different experience and orientation. They knew their patients and had a 360 degree experience which prepared them for a life of medicine in a completely different way,” said Dr. Hunt.
Dr. Hunt brings this expertise to Roseman University. He joined Roseman University in August 2015 after spending nearly 16 years at University of Nevada School of Medicine (UNSOM). At UNSOM, Dr. Hunt was integral to the development and implementation of the new medical school curriculum, provided clinical training for both students and residents while at the same time continuing to practice and seeing patients. Roseman University’s College of Medicine was a natural fit for Dr. Hunt. With an unyielding desire to make a difference, Dr. Hunt felt that the values of Roseman University reflected his own. An innovative curriculum, empathic patient care, and standards that focus on mastery, competence, collaboration and interdisciplinary practice, Roseman is charting its own course in developing the first MD-granting (allopathic) private medical school in Nevada. Dr. Hunt is also the program director of the Valley Health Systems’ Family Medicine Residency Program. Residency programs or Graduate Medical Education (GME) are essential to a community intent on growing its medical community and resources. Residency programs allow for teaching, learning and delivering patient care in our communities and anchor training physicians to our state as roughly 70 percent of residents stay in the state in which they train. Residency programs create opportunities for learning for not only residents, but also for faculty as the team strives to work together to find the best solutions for patients. Dr. Hunt also continues to practice family medicine at Roseman University’s Roseman Medical Group (RMG) Practice, adjacent to Spring Valley Hospital. RMG is home to roughly seven practitioners including family medicine, neurology, and pediatric nephrology physicians. The clinic is accepting new patients and also offers an onsite lab, Spanish-speaking practitioners, same-day appointments, and a dedication to deliver empathic and exceptional patient care. “My commitment to medical education for students and residents reflects my focus on preparing the next generation of healthcare providers to succeed and thrive in their profession, all while delivering evidence-based, high-quality healthcare to our community.” says Dr. Hunt. As the Chair of the Department at Roseman University, and a member of the search committee for a Dean of the medical school, Dr. Hunt will continue to make his mark on curriculum development and creating medical education that goes far beyond the status quo. Dr. Hunt’s personal and professional lives are intertwined as he puts into practice the tenets of his belief system. A family man, Dr. Hunt is active and involved with his family while enjoying sports, the backyard, and dining out. Just recently, Dr. Hunt helped relocate both his brother and mother to the area. As a sixth grader wanting to make a difference, to a physician determined to help patients not only survive, but thrive, Dr. Hunt has built a lifetime of achievements in changing the lives of students, patients, and the communities of which he’s been a part. As Dr. Hunt says, “We were put on this world to make it a better place before we leave. So let’s do that.” To make an appointment with Dr. Hunt or any of the other RMG physicians, please call the clinic at 702-463-4040. roseman.edu/spectrum | 17
Longtime Employees Reflect on Their Experiences at
ROSEMAN UNIVERSITY By Rachael Thomas
The University is where it is today because of the dedication and support of employees. Over the past 20 years Roseman has had many unforgettable employees, some of which have been at the University for over ten years. Read below about some of their favorite memories and most rewarding aspects of working at Roseman University.
WESTON BOYACK Director of Finance and Administration “Roseman has given me the opportunity to be successful by working with teams inside and outside of finance. Because of Roseman’s enhanced growth, I have gained experience to help manage change and how to operate as a leader. It is professionally rewarding and will help carry me throughout my career.”
GAYE D’AGATA Technical Services Librarian “The most rewarding part of my job has been being able to share who Roseman is with the community. When I leave work at the end of the day, I’m still wearing my ID. If I stop to run an errand on my way home, almost always the person helping me notices my ID and asks me about it. Their knowledge varies, but always includes favorable comments. I often find myself giving a brief history of our growth, including our expansion to South Jordan and Summerlin and the number and kinds of health programs we have and the community activities in which our students participate.” 18 |
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DR. JENÉ HURLBUT VBSN & RNPC Project Director Professor “Being involved over the last several years with the education of so many students who went on to become successful practicing registered nurses across the country has been the most rewarding aspect of my tenure at Roseman.”
SARAH ISAAC Accounting Operations Manager “Watching Roseman grow into the University it is today has been the most rewarding part of my tenure with the University. When I started, Roseman was the University of Southern Nevada with only a Pharmacy and MBA program. It has been a joy to see Roseman expand its programs and campuses. I'm excited to see what comes next!”
LINDA NEWILL Director of Student Accounts, Bursar “My favorite memories include seeing the students walk across the stage to receive their diplomas or seeing a former student in the community working in their profession.”
JACKIE SEIP Executive Assistant to the President “The most rewarding part of my job has been being at Roseman University from the beginning and seeing the growth. It has been so rewarding to me, both personally and professionally, to have been part of the development and growth of Roseman. It’s been a wonderful journey.”
Roseman Dental, the clinical practice of Roseman University College of Dental Medicine, is proud to offer affordable dental and orthodontic care for children, teens, adults, and seniors at state-of-the-art clinics in Utah and Nevada. All of our patients have access to the latest in dental technologies to ensure that they receive the highest level of care from teams of trained student, resident and faculty dentists.
ROSEMAN DENTAL Utah
General Dentistry | Advanced Dentistry | Urgent Care 10894 S. River Front Pkwy South Jordan, UT 84095 801-878-1200 @RosemanDentalUT Dental services in Utah are provided by students in the Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) Program and resident dentists enrolled in the Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) Residency Program. All care is supervised by faculty members who are licensed to practice dentistry in Utah.
ROSEMAN DENTAL Nevada
General Dentistry | Advanced Dentistry | Orthodontics 4 Sunset Way, Buildings B and C Henderson, NV 89014 702-968-5222 @RosemanDentalNV Dental and orthodontic services in Nevada are provided by resident dentists, under the supervision of faculty, in the Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) and Advanced Education in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics/MBA (AEODO/MBA) Residency Programs. All faculty and resident dentists are licensed to practice dentistry in Nevada.
rosemandental.com roseman.edu/spectrum | 19
SAVE THE DATE
You are warmly invited to join your fellow Roseman alumni, partners, benefactors, faculty and staff, and friends in celebrating the milestone of the University’s 20th Anniversary! NEVADA CELEBRATION Saturday, April 18, 2020 | 6 – 9 PM The M Resort 12300 Las Vegas Boulevard South Las Vegas, NV 89044 UTAH CELEBRATION Saturday, April 25, 2020 | 6 – 9 PM The Garden Place 2601 East Sunnyside Avenue Salt Lake City, UT, 84108 Cocktails and Hors D’oeuvres Cocktail Attire Tickets: $50
Join us! Visit 20.Roseman.edu.
