Rocky Vista University - Vista View - September 2018 Issue by Rocky Vista University

Award Winning Newsletter

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AACOM

VISTA VIEW

September 2018 Newsletter

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Welcome, New RVU Students! Inside: The Importance of Healthcare Simulation

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Admissions Hosts Dynamic On-Campus Events

New Section: Research and Grants!

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Karen Norling, OMS II, posts flags around the RVU-CO campus on September 11th.

Table of Contents 4

Welcome, RVUCOM-CO Class of 2022!

The Importance of Healthcare Simulation

Welcome, RVUCOM-SU Class of 2022!

Reflection on Rural Medicine

RVUCOM Prepares for Med School During Orientation Week

RVUCOM-SU Hosts Faculty/Staff Awards

Campus Tidbits

RVU Welcomes PA Program's Inaugural Class of '20

Research and Grants

MSBS Class of '19 Inducted into RVU

Achieving New Heights

RVUCOM-SU Holds Multi-Agency Active Shooter Simulation

Welcome to our New Faculty and Staff

Letter from RVU Alumni Association President

Congratulations, New Alumni Association Board Members!

Advice from the Fellows

Meet the SGA

Want to see even more photos from each RVU event? Visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/RockyVistaUniversity!

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#PINKSOCKS

by Clinton E. Adams, DO, FACHE, President and CEO In the last issue of Vista View, I directed you toward a worldwide phenomenon of the #PinkSocks Tribe. Their motto is, "The world is full of good! When you believe it, you see it. Keep doing that." I want to continue to reflect on the significance of this message and its relationship to five of our Core Values: Collegiality, Diversity, Service, Compassion, and Integrity. As a University and as individual members of the RVU Team, how can we better live these values? As I tried to answer this question, I recalled a meditation quote from a book written by Eric Greitens, Resilience: HardWon Wisdom for Living a Better Life:

"I begin with humility, I act with humility, I end with humility. Humility (listening) leads to clarity. Humility (listening) leads to an open mind and a forgiving heart. With an open mind and a forgiving heart, I see every person as superior to me in some way; with every person as my teacher, I grow in wisdom. As I grow in wisdom, humility (listening) becomes ever more my guide. I begin with humility, I act with humility, I end with humility." I look forward to your thoughts and reflections.

Looking Back Over the Saddle

by Thomas N. Told, DO, FACOFP, dist., Dean and CAO, Vice President of Academic Affairs The fall has always been a special time for me: it was a time I rode into the high country with my ranching friends to gather livestock and view the condition of wildlife in preparation for the approaching big game seasons and winter. I must confess that the hands of time have made my bones and joints creak like the aging stirrup leathers on my saddle; the simple act of swinging into the saddle now causes pain and consternation to both horse and rider. Lately, I have made the trip partway in the seat of a four-wheeler. On horseback, however, one can appreciate all that is special about a wilderness trail. In the saddle, there are no mechanical sounds to drown out the diverse forest sounds around you. The steady rhythm of the horseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gait naturally brings relaxation and reflection.

the small dashes of color among the leaves which heralds that time in a few weeks when the mountainside will burst forth into vibrant fall colors of orange and yellow and red. The streams have slowed to a trickle and there is a hint of ice around the edges of the slowly emptying beaver ponds. At the edges of the meadows, small bands of deer and elk emerge to check us out. Some bucks and bulls still sport large racks of velvet, hiding large beams of boney spikes soon to be violently delaminated against stump and sapling in preparations for the all-important mating battles ahead.

We often ride into the big mountains that form the southern border of the Yampa Valley in northwest Colorado. The Flat Tops (or Mesas, as the more academic folks like to call them) are giant tables of rock tens of miles long in every direction that were thrust thousands of feet above the valley floor by ancient subterranean forces. Time and the power of gravity and erosion have left rolling hills, large meadows below the fortresses of rock, and sharp steep grades that guard the rich ecosystem which occupies the table land at the summit. In this environment of lush grass, crystal clear lakes, and small stands of trees, young animals both wild and domestic grow and gain weight quickly. The older members of the species come to eat the lush, high grass and bask in the long warm days of summer.

The trail suddenly courses sharply upward at the base of the Flat Tops, then narrows and forms a series of zigzags, or "switchbacks," up the steep rocky slope. Many of the trails still in use have been formed over the centuries by wild animals repeating this trip as winter snows recede and return each year. The rocks on the trail are loose and slippery and become a challenge to both horse and rider. New sounds ring out and the tempo quickens as metallic shoes meet solid rock on steep grades. Sparks often fly as iron cleats shod to powerful hooves fracture and sheer off small pieces of the flint in an effort to find firm ground. On this steep grade, horses can only go a few yards without stopping to catch their breath. This is the point where the rider must simply hang on and give the horse full control of bit and bridle, trusting the animal's experience and strength to find the surest footing on the trail. When summer storms wash out sections of the trail, leaving it too fragile and narrow for both horse and rider to cross, it is the rider's turn to dismount and find the path for both to safely cross. Near the summit the

The trail starts well below the summit and courses gradually up through meadows of saddle-high grass, usually turned yellow by an early fall frost by now. Riding through the little pockets of Aspen trees that dot the trail, you can see

Continued on page 37

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Welcome, RVUCOM-CO Class of '22 RVU-CO welcomed a new class of 162 student doctors to its College of Osteopathic Medicine with its annual White Coat Ceremony. The White Coat Ceremony, held on Friday, July 20th, took place at the University of Colorado South Denver. Thomas N. Told, DO, FACOFP dist., Dean and CAO of RVUCOM and Vice President of Academic Affairs, gave a warm welcome to the students, followed by Robert Sokol, member of the Board of Trustees, and Matthew McMaster, OMS II, President of RVU’s Student Government Association. "Never forget that you belong here," said SD McMaster. "Nobody earns a white coat by coincidence." Students were also addressed by keynote speaker Alissa Craft, DO, MBA, Assistant Vice President of Program Development at the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific – Pomona.

Shortly after, students took to the stage to be coated by faculty members. The act of being coated marks the beginning of each student’s career as a physician and symbolizes the compassion and honor with which each student will practice medicine in his or her chosen specialty. "When wearing my white coat," said Dr. Craft, "I [lose] my privilege of judgment. We provide care for everyone equally and without judgment. We are all humans and that is one of the most critical values in the osteopathic profession." Students recited their class vision statement, which was written collaboratively by class leaders during Orientation. In the statement, they outlined their hopes for the future and goals for the next four years. In addition to welcoming the Class of 2022, this was a time to honor the efforts of RVU faculty. Cathy C. Ruff, MS, PA-C, Program Director and Chair of the Physician Assistant Program, received the Faculty Innovator Award, which is given annually to a faculty member who demonstrates outstanding achievements in academic excellence. Ms. Ruff received the award for her work in developing the new PA program at RVUCOM. Debra F. Nickell, PhD, MBA, PA-C, former Associate Professor of PA Studies, was given the Star Award as she was the Founding Program Director for the PA Program and crucial in its early design and development.

Jonah Gevercer, Parker Lewis, and Daniel Wood recite the Class Vision Statement

Kaitlyn Crissinger, Elizabeth Yuen, and Taline Aydinian gather in the lobby after the ceremony

Johnathon Olivas is congratulated by a loved one

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RVUCOM-CO Class of '22 Overview Matriculants: 162 Selected from 4,748 Applicants 3.4% of Applicants Matriculated Among the matriculants was Amy Drabant (pictured third from right), 2018 graduate of the RVU MSBS program. "The MSBS program has more than prepared me for the demands of the COM. Although the program was challenging, choosing RVU was one of the best decisions of my life," she said. There were 11 other matriculants from the MSBS program at RVUCOM this year.

Mean Age: 25.2 Age Range: 21-39 Male: 45% Female: 55% Cumulative GPA: 3.59 Science GPA: 3.55 Average MCAT score: 505.06 Students from 33 states Top Feeder States: - Colorado (67) - California (26) - Florida (6) - Texas (6)

Dr. Told shakes the hand of Hannah Chong after she receives her white coat.

Jesse Burson looks out at the audience from the stage.

Students from 86 Colleges and Universities Top Feeder Schools: - University of Colorado (19) - Colorado State University (12) - Rocky Vista University MSBS Program (12) - University of California (8) Highest Degree Earned: - Bachelor degree: 75% - Master degree: 25% Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship Recipients: 11

Meg Free and Mayanka Kumar receive their white coats.

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Welcome, RVUCOM-SU Class of '22

The White Coat Ceremony for RVUCOM-SU’s Class of 2022 was held on Saturday, September 22nd at the Tuacahn Amphitheater. The ceremony, a rite of passage for those entering the medical profession, emphasized RVU’s commitment to educating future physicians who will practice medicine with compassion, integrity and in a collaborative manner. As the newest class of student doctors set out on their path to becoming practicing physicians, they bring with them a dedication to healing others. Following the student doctor processional, the students were welcomed by David Park, DO, FACOFP, Vice President and Dean for the Southern Utah Campus; Chris Hart, Mayor of Ivins; and Rep. Chris Stewart, Congressman from Utah’s 2nd District. Keynote speaker, Donna Milavetz, MD, MPH, FACP, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Medical Officer at OnSite Care Clinics, spoke about the importance of practicing self-care and being a compassionate physician. With over twenty years of experience in the medical profession, Dr. Milavetz is focused on improving healthcare outcomes and the quality of healthcare services across Utah’s communities. During the ceremony, students also learned about the significance of the white coat and how it became a symbol of compassion and integrity in the medical field. In addition to being coated (the act of officially receiving their white medical school coats) by faculty members, RVUCOM-SU’s Class of 2022 also received an Arnold P. Gold Foundation pin as a daily reminder to exhibit the values of humanism in medicine. In keeping with tradition, the students recited their Class Vision Statement and pledged to "foster a culture of excellence through encouragement and respect" and "above all, honor the intrinsic dignity of all individuals." The statement serves as a moment of reflection for the students, as well as an acknowledgement of the responsibilities they will undertake in both medical school and as future physicians. After the ceremony concluded, students and their guests proceeded to the new campus for a reception. Featuring a self-guided tour, an ultrasound demonstration, and an Osteopathic Principles and Practice presentation, the reception allowed students to share their accomplishments with family and friends.

Kathryn Forneris, Kasey Call, and Brock Orme receive their white coats.

Keynote speaker, Dr. Milavetz discusses the importance of self-care.

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RVUCOM-SU Class of '22 Overview Matriculants: 128 Selected from 2,094 Applicants 6.1% of Applicants Matriculated Mean Age: 25.55 Kyle Seljaas, Michelle Zhang, and Autumn Dach recite their Class Vision Statement.

Age Range: 21-38 Male: 69% Female: 31% Cumulative GPA: 3.59 Science GPA: 3.55 Average MCAT score: 505.79 Students from 30 states Top Feeder States: - Utah (56) - California (10) - Colorado (7)

Michael Stephens, President of the Class Council, leads the processional at the beginning of the ceremony.

Students from 65 Colleges and Universities Top Feeder Schools: - Brigham Young University (22) - University of Utah (14) - Utah State University (9) - Southern Utah University (7) Highest Degree Earned: - Bachelor degree: 83.6% - Master degree: 14.1% - Doctorate degree: 2.3% Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship Recipients: 9

Lotf Sennain greets loved ones after the ceremony.

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Stacy Forbes waits on stage to be coated.

RVUCOM Prepares for Med School During Orientation Week During RVUCOM-COâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Orientation Week, the new class of student doctors participated in activities that highlighted the importance of teamwork and instilled RVUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s core values of collegiality and service in the community. Activities included an icebreaker challenge, a University-wide scavenger hunt, and breakout sessions. As part of their Service Day Project, students created hygiene kits for the homeless in partnership with Denver Rescue Mission, Partners in Housing, and the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless. To conclude the week, RVUCOM-CO hosted a picnic including fun lawn games that encouraged students to get to know one another on a more personal level. As part of their Service Day Project, student doctors from RVUCOM-SU partnered with the Utah Food Bank, where they sorted over 28,000 pounds of products donated by Family Dollar Salvage. The service project is an important part of Orientation Week that introduces students to their new community.

Students also attended the Annual Family and Friends Day Reception, which featured a self-guided tour and faculty demonstrations while giving students the opportunity to meet fellow classmates and become acquainted with the campus. To top off the week, students enjoyed a barbeque during a class party at the Sand Hollow Aquatic Center (despite a flash flood and some rain), as well as swimming and recreation in the indoor pool. "Everyone had a great time with good games, swimming, and grub," said Marcus Oliver, OMS II. "Ten for ten, I would go again!"

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Kelle Rissmiller relaxes at the PA picnic after a busy week.

Stephen Fike and Jonathan Lale participate in a scavenger hunt.

RVU Welcomes PA Program's Inaugural Class of '20 A momentous occasion for students and faculty alike, the inaugural class matriculated into the Physician Assistant (PA) program the last week of August. For the new students, the journey to becoming physician assistants at RVU will not only enhance their knowledge and skillset, but also shape their early career path. To prepare for the 27-month-long degree program, students participated in an orientation that introduced them to fellow classmates, the PA curriculum, and the resources available to them at RVU. Starting with a welcome from Clinton E. Adams, DO, FACHE, President and CEO of RVU, and Thomas N. Told, DO, FACOFP dist., Dean of RVUCOM and Vice President of Academic Affairs, students took part in a wide-range of activities during the course of the three days. The icebreaker challenge, Missing Chair, required quick thinking on behalf of the students and allowed them to get to know one another. Other activities included their first reflection paper, an introduction to the curriculum, a scavenger hunt, and a diagnostic equipment demo. Faculty commemorated the studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s achievement of matriculating into the PA program by gifting them with an RVU-branded stethoscope. Orientation Week wrapped up with a family picnic during which students enjoyed a delicious barbecue surrounded by family and friends. The event was an opportunity for students to not only celebrate their incredible accomplishment with loved ones, but also to thank them for their support. As they have come to know, the commitment to becoming a practicing physician assistant is not without its sacrifices. For the past several years, students have spent time away from family and friends to study for exams, ace interviews, and exceed expectations. For one student, additional study in RVUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences program further prepared him for the challenges that lie ahead. As the students take the next step to becoming physician assistants, the continued support of those closest to them will prove to be invaluable. The students will be taught using an innovative curriculum designed by program faculty that will prepare the PA class to be competent, collaborative, and compassionate physician assistants. Students will learn foundational concepts during the Didactic Phase before moving on to the Clinical Phase, which is made up of supervised clinical practice experience and clinical seminars. In addition, PA students will have access to the Standardized Patient Lab, in which students will interact with standardized patients (actors selected to portray realistic scenarios and symptoms), as well as collaborate and rotate with RVUCOM students throughout the Mountain West Region. Under the instruction of RVUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dedicated staff, students are now one step closer to improving access to quality healthcare as part of a collaborative medical care team.

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RVU PA Class of '20 Overview Matriculants: 33 Selected from 454 applicants Mean Age: 27.8 Male: 33.33% Female: 66.67% Average GPA (overall): - 3.44 Average GPA (non-science): - 3.58 Average GPA (prerequisite): - 3.47 In-State vs. Out of State: - In-State Residents: 69.7% - Out of State Residents: 30.3%

Anna Nguyen, Ashley Falcon, Iman Mohamed, and Amy Knackendoffel race for empty chairs during the icebreaker.

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Diversity: - White: 75.76% - Hispanic: 9.09% - Asian: 6.06% - Black/African American: 3.03% - Did not report: 6.06%

MSBS Class of '19 Inducted into RVU RVU welcomed its third class of students into the Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences (MSBS) Program. MSBS Class of 2019 is made up of 27 enthusiastic students, selected from a pool of 158 applicants. Leading up to the Induction Ceremony, students participated in activities during Orientation Week to familiarize them with RVU’s campus and introduce them to faculty and staff. Students dove right into their icebreaker challenge, which involved putting together a story from a set of sequential images (without revealing their own assigned image). Together, students figured out the correct sequence and put to test their communication and problem-solving skills. Other activities included a scavenger hunt, a lunch and leadership segment, and a service project in which they created hygiene kits for the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless. The highlight of the week was the Induction Ceremony, held on Wednesday, August 8th. Students were greeted by Clinton Adams, DO, FACHE, President and CEO, and by MSBS Class of 2018 graduate, Onilia Zorio, now a first-year medical student at RVUCOM. Additional speakers included Matthew McMaster, OMS II, President of the Student Government Association; Dwight Hertz, MD, Professor of Pathology; and, Joel Roberts, MD, Instructor of Physiology for the PA and MSBS Programs. Speakers shared inspirational stories, offered words of wisdom, and emphasized the importance of the white coat. A recognizable feature of the medical profession, the white coat is a symbol of compassion and honor. Marking the transition from traditional learning to applying knowledge and developing clinical skills, the white coat and induction ceremony provides students with a time to reflect on the goals they hope to achieve. After announcing their names, hometown, and undergraduate institution, the students were coated by Francina Towne, PhD, Director of the MSBS Program. The ceremony concluded with beverages and hors d’oeuvres. Through the integration of case studies and service learning, the MSBS Program (a nine-month degree program) enhances student’s academic record and strengthens his or her candidacy for a professional or graduate degree. Students from the MSBS Program often go on to enroll in RVUCOM’s Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree program. "The MSBS Program gave me so much more than I could have ever asked for," said Kyle Pierce, OMS I. "The program provided a time and place for me to make mistakes, learn from those mistakes and become a better person through them. I knew that someday I would make it into a College of Osteopathic Medicine, however, this program took me from being able to survive in medical school to being able to thrive."

Lacie Phibbs is coated by Dr. Towne.

JaDonna Dorsey smiles after being coated.

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RVU MSBS Class of '19 Overview Matriculants: 27 Selected from 158 Applicants 17.1% of Applicants Matriculated Mean Age: 26.3 Students prepare packages for the service project.

Age Range: 22-39 Male: 44.4% Female: 55.5% Cumulative GPA: 3.22 Science GPA: 3.31 Average MCAT score: 498.5 In-State vs. Out of State: - In-State Residents: 14 - Out of State Residents: 13

During an icebreaker challenge, Christian Clodfelder, Spencer Cooper, Megan Hodes, and Sean Charczenko hold their individual pieces to the puzzle.

August Stuppy stands with his brother, Jacob, a second-year student at RVUCOM

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Sarah Dahl, Spencer Cooper, and Talon Harris listen during the opening session of Orientation.

RVUCOM-SU Holds Multi-Agency Active Shooter Simulation The RVUCOM-SU campus participated in an active shooter training to help University employees and first responders practice how to respond to this type of emergency. The exercise lasted about three hours and was conducted in the interior and exterior of the building. The purpose of the exercise was to assess and increase the ability of RVU's Security Team and other local entities to efficiently and effectively respond to and manage an active shooter event. Terry Meyer, Supervisor of Public Safety and Security, worked with a number of agencies over several weeks to arrange the training. Employees were briefed beforehand and informed that they must decide whether to run (evacuate) or shelter-in-place; fighting was not an option in the exercise scenario. Employees were evaluated and feedback was offered to improve processes. The training included a simulated active shooter wearing camouflage and a bulletproof vest who shot blanks inside the building and engaged with the police officers during the exercise. One goal of the training was to teach officers how to multitask and deal with distractions during an emergency. As officers entered the building, they discovered actors who were “wounded” on the ground, crying and asking for help. The active shooter training scenario was acted out approximately a dozen times, as there were more than 20 officers who entered the building in pairs. Each time the scenario was run, police officers searched for the shooter and apprehended him. Once the police had managed the situation and cleared the building, the fire department and emergency medical services trainees came in to practice triage and tend to the "wounded" actors. First responders practiced locating the most critically injured patients in order to treat them first. Two of the victims were actually loaded into the Intermountain Life Flight and Mercy Air (Nevada) helicopters that flew in for the event. The drill was a valuable learning experience for RVU employees and participants from various agencies. While mistakes were made during the drill, a debriefing following the drill allowed participants to process these mistakes and actions that can be taken in the future to increase the effectiveness of participants’ responses.

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CO Fellows: SDs Singh, Wojtanowski, Gould, and Rakestraw; Not pictured: SDs Zarbock and Maggard

SU Fellows: SDs Turnbull, Liehr, O'Laughlin, and Heser; Not pictured: SDs Grasse, Rempel, and Rodriguez-Brizuela

Advice from the Fellows Each year, students are chosen for one of two Fellowship programs at RVU: the Pre-doctoral Osteopathic Principles and Practice Fellowship or the Undergraduate Anatomy Fellowship. The programs increase the students' knowledge of these respective fields. The Fellows then provide extra support for their classmates, hold clinical responsibilities (for the OPP Fellows), and/or conduct research (for the Anatomy Fellows). Read on for the advice offered by this year's newest Fellows for successfully navigating medical school.

Colorado Campus Fellows "Make time for yourself and put it in your schedule! When you take care of yourself, you can better show up for your job (school), your friends, and your family. And do something that makes you smile every day." ~ Natalie Gould, OMS III (OPP) "Don't feel guilty or less than because your process looks different than anyone else's. Study hard, but give yourself some compassion as you're figuring out what will work for you in the long run. That being said, if you feel like your methods really aren't working, reach out for help sooner rather than later—don't feel like a failure because med school is harder than you anticipated!" ~ Alexandra Rakestraw, OMS III (OPP) "Self-doubt comes far too easily when medical school pushes us to our perceived limits, but it is at these boundaries most of our growth occurs. No victory is too small to celebrate and no setback too large to stop you. Each passing day is further proof you are taking a step towards your potential." ~ Jonathan Singh, OMS III (OPP) "Being 'yourself' isn't just something that gave you flavor on your medical school application or something that you 'turn on' at 5pm each weekday. Don't forget to show your personality in your professionalism. Embodying your 'you' is what adds humanity and self-fulfillment in our work." ~ Andrew Wojtanowski, OMS III (OPP) "Never lose your curiosity and remember why you went to medical school in the first place. The days of studying can

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feel like they go on forever, but the years fly by. Work hard, take breaks when you need them, and enjoy the journey!" ~ Tylynn Zarbock, OMS III (Anatomy)

Southern Utah Campus Fellows "Always maintain perspective. Medical school is important and hard work, but don’t let it take over your life completely. Volunteer somewhere outside of school, don’t spend every Friday night studying, and prioritize your own well-being above everything else." ~ Alexis Grasse, OMS III (OPP) "Be confident and remember why you are here and what you are working towards. Take one day at a time, encourage each other, and believe that you can and will succeed. It’s not going to be easy but it will be worth it." ~ Amanda O’Loughlin, OMS III (OPP) "Medical school can be like a roller coaster, with many highs and many lows. Your intuition has placed you on this ride and it is that same gut feeling that will help you see it through to the end, so trust yourself, sit back and relax. Remember you are not alone on this ride; the other passengers will be there to help you get through the scary parts." ~ Richard Rodriquez-Brizuela, OMS III (Anatomy) "Medical school is tough, but do not stop doing the things that you love. Study hard for your classes, but always maintain a balance. Have an outlet for yourself such as spending time with family and friends, exercising, journaling, etc. to help relieve the stress of school." ~ Dennis Turnbull, OMS III (OPP)

Meet the Colorado SGA

Kristin Lipe, Secretary: "I've trekked to Everest Base Camp."

Drew Glerum, Office of Communication: "I am the second of ten kids in my family. Also, I taught myself guitar, mandolin, and banjo in middle school."

Tyler Crawley, Curriculum Representative: "I am an avid chef with a love for cooking New Mexican cuisine."

Keaton Maguire, Officer of Student Wellness: "I am currently working to open a cookie business in Colorado." Tesia Kolodziejczyk, Honor Code Committee President "My favorite activities are camping and lakefishing."

Matthew McMaster President: "I was born in London, I lived in Holland for 3 years, and my favorite sport is surfing."

Jesse Shulman, Treasurer: "I'm an avid guitar player and love seeing live shows of any genre of music."

Jared Keele, Vice President: "Every summer, I go back home to Alaska and commercial fish. Last season, we set a personal record with 240k pounds of sockeye salmon!"

Frank Dang, Class of '21 Council President: "I had 4 pet ducks who imprinted on me and then migrated south for the winter once they were all grown up."

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Marcus Oliver, Vice President of Communications: "I didn't know what PMS was until I was a sophomore in high school...it was all boys at my house."

John C. Evans, Class of '21 President: "I worked in the First Aid department at a Boy Scout camp in Southern Idaho while in high school."

Josh Lloyd, Treasurer: "I have been involved with many different sports...but the one I have played most is soccer (for about 12 years)."

Ben Robbins, Officer of Student Wellness: "I can juggle and unicycle simultaneously."

Meet the Utah SGA

Tyson Oswald Vice President of Clubs: "I love singing songs from the Rent soundtrack."

Taylor Yancey, Jake Eggett, Curriculum Representative: Honor Code Council "I boxed in college and made it to the President National Collegiate Boxing Associa"I write articles about betion in my sophomore year." ing in med school and I've been published online in Samuel Zarbock, Brett Steinicke, a couple places, including President: Secretary: KevinMD.com." "I am a self-proclaimed semi"I really enjoy playing sports. pro meatball sub maker. I can Basketball, soccer, football, also follow up a sub with a street hockey, volleyball, low-key legendary Oreo milkpickleball...I love it all." shake."

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Members of the competing simulation teams: (pictured l-r) Dr. David Ross, Ethan Sandler, Kaia Jystad, Danielle Glaze, Scott Slusarenko, Josh Smith, Charles Curtis, Clarke Snodgrass, and Jibran Khan.

The Importance of Healthcare Simulation Competing Nationally

After competing in RVUCOM’s simulation competition last December, two teams were chosen to attend the annual American Medical Student Association’s (AMSA) Convention & Exposition to compete in the SimChallenge. The RVUCOM teams competed against 14 teams of both DO and MD students from across the country. Both teams made it through the first round that included identifying ear and eye pathology on examination simulators, interpreting still-shot ultrasound images, caring for a virtual patient, and handling a coding, simulated patient onstage. The following days of competition consisted of head-to-head clinical scenarios on life-sized computerized simulators, as well as human actors wearing hyperrealistic simulating equipment, such as the Cut Suit®. Each clinical case required the teams to display medical knowledge, clinical skills, teamwork, and communication in front of a panel of judges and live audience. In the end, Team 1 made it to the semi-finals and Team 2 made it to the quarter-finals. Regardless of the outcome, both teams expressed an appreciation for the experience. "We often judge ourselves based on personal failures and accomplishments that come in the form of a numerical grade, forgetting that knowledge...is just a piece of the puzzle," said SD Snodgrass. "My experience demonstrated how vital teamwork is to being successful in medicine. It provided the opportunity to expand and apply medical knowledge and clinical skills, and develop communication, empowering myself to work effectively under pressure."

Bringing the Lessons home

Despite the many medical simulators and task trainers on the RVU-CO campus, their use is often reserved for a limited number of training opportunities. In order to prepare for the competition, the teams scheduled time with simulators, trainers, and faculty members to strengthen their skills, practice teamwork and communication, and receive feedback. "Preparing for and competing in this competition was...the most memorable of my time in medical school so far," said SD Glaze. "I became committed to [integrating] more simulation into the training opportunities available at RVU and [sharing] my newfound love and appreciation for simulation with our student body." On March 31st, the members of both teams came together to host "Simulation Experience" for 24 first- and second-year medical students. SD Glaze and SD Jystad developed a complicated patient scenario similar to a challenge at the national competition. They coordinated an interactive, hands-on experience centered around the case with multiple stations that allowed students to approach the patient’s care from various perspectives. The participating students alternated through different learning stations in the Harvey Lab and Standardized Patient Rooms. At one station, SD Jystad and SD Glaze worked with students on requesting and interpreting labs and imaging related to the case. "It was a great learning experience to break down the process of interpreting a chest x-ray in a systematic way to avoid any oversight," said SD Jystad. SD Curtis and SD Smith led an intubation station with task trainers, while SD Slusarenko led a crash course in ACLS protocol and the importance of prioritizing and recognizing critical physical exam findings. Dr.

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David Ross, SD Sandler, and Diego Puentes, OMS II, ran the simulation that incorporated all aspects of care and encouraged a team approach to the complicated case. Feedback from the participating students was very positive with many expressing interest in future sessions. "The [Simulation Experience] was one of the highlights of my first year at RVU," said Ashley Hooper, OMS II. "It incorporated many of the clinical things we learned in our system courses in a way that we hadn’t been exposed to. It was quite the awakening for me as I had not seen an EKG or chest x-ray since that system had been covered months before. I felt like I was in a real emergency room helping to manage a very sick patient, which is something I don’t think I would’ve experienced as a first-year medical student without [this event]."

The Creation of simconnect

The Simulation Experience closed with an exciting announcement about the future of simulation at RVU-CO. "SD Jystad and I had presented a proposal to Dr. Ross about incorporating simulation into the curriculum," said SD Glaze. "This first Simulation Experience was a trial run of that original idea, called SimConnect. I wanted to develop a way to blend the various components of our medical education— systems courses, clinical skills and procedures, patient care—into an integrated experience focused on a single patient’s clinical scenario." SimConnect is a student-run program that will coordinate more of these hands-on, case-based simulation sessions throughout the year. "We hope to host a SimConnect session each month that coordinates with the curriculum for first- and second-year students. However, students from [MSBS and PA programs] are welcome to join," said SD Glaze. The same multi-station approach will be applied to each SimConnect session, with student scholars preparing short interactive lesson plans for their stations. "We hope these exercises will strengthen the understanding of concepts, skills, and procedures taught in class for both the scholars and participating students. The goal is to synthesize the various lessons through the team-based simulation station and the following debriefing session." SD Jystad added, "I think most of us fear the inevitability of being responsible for a patient whose life hangs in the balance [and that] inertia associated with this fear will hurt a patient who needs quick and resolute action. Simulation allows you to rely on foundational knowledge to act without hesitation." As an example, she described an incident in which she and several other students were sitting at a coffee shop and another patron began to seize. "The ideas of assessing scene safety, protecting their airway, and putting them in a safe position were reflexive. Preparing and competing in simulation competitions has taught me that some of the most basic actions can be the most life-saving. That’s what we hope to bring to our classmates through SimConnect." The SimConnect team is growing. Dr. Ross serves as the primary faculty mentor and SD Glaze leads a team of many of the inaugural simulation team members. SD Hooper leads several second-year students: "I feel as though simulation training should be incorporated into all medical school curriculums. Taking the learning outside the classroom and into [something like] the real thing was extremely beneficial to my own learning. This single experience has inspired me and my peers to [continue the SimConnect idea] and formally research whether simulation training helps with retaining the enormous amount of information presented in the first and second years of medical school." Photos provided by Danielle Glaze. Students should look for upcoming announcements via email and on the class Facebook pages for sign-up instructions. For more information about SimConnect or to offer ideas for future sessions, please contact Danielle.Glaze@rvu.edu or Ashley.Hooper@rvu.edu.

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Reflection on Rural Medicine by Anne Ickes, OMS IV

When I set up a rural rotation in my hometown of Lewisburg, West Virginia, I thought my experience would be geared towards finding a solution with minimal resources. Lewisburg has approximately 5,000 in population with a 113-bed hospital. I have romanticized returning home to learn from the community physicians and to treat my neighbors. In the Rural and Wilderness Medicine Track, we had courses on stabilizing and treating in situations where time and tests would not be available. We learned how to stabilize broken femurs, pelvis, ankles and major joints for ligamentous tears. As a group, we spent a week in Craig, Colorado, learning the tricks of the trade of rural medicine. Some of the lessons were directed on using common household items for rescue splints and stretchers, as well as suture materials. For example, we transformed a backpack into a stretcher with a neck brace. We made a nail into a fishing hook. A silver mug and a stick with a piece of cloth stabilized a broken femur. We practiced knot tying so that if we only had a rope we would be able to make a stretcher, perform a river rescue, and be able to tie up a horse. Our time in these extra classes were a lot of fun, to say the least. Rural and poverty live hand-in-hand. West Virginiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economy has been progressively failing for decades with the strict regulations placed on coal production.1 The largest city is its capital, Charleston, with 49,138 people in population. To put the number into perspective, Pueblo, Colorado has a population of 110,291, making it the 10th largest city in Colorado. The people of West Virginia have been seeking new job opportunities elsewhere so that they may provide for their families. The median income of Greenbrier County is $39,746.3 What I have found in my rotation in Lewisburg is that the biggest battle for rural physicians is with insurance coverage and patient care. In a conversation with Dr. X, my preceptor, she stressed her concerns for the future of healthcare: "We have to get out from under the grip of insurances. I am unable to fully treat in the way that I need to for some patients. It is a disservice to their health, as well as their mental fight."2 I agree with Dr. X. The treatment and medications are limited regardless if it is a private insurance or Medicare/Medicaid. The different insurance plans and coverage [options] were not part of the curriculum for the first two years. I thought I knew the first line of treatment for certain conditions. When you put insurance limitations in the mix, it adds multiple steps to the treatment plan algorithm. I found that rural medicine was not just what can you do with little materials but more what can you do to fight for your patients care and well-being.2 When I continued to answer the first drug or test of choice wrong to my provider, I was discouraged and felt incompetent. I realized that it was extremely difficult to relate hypothetical cases and board-style questions to real patients. Insurance was a factor but also the complexity of an individualâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s case. When you include multiple comorbidities, past history, and their financial situation, the first-line treatment or test may not be an option (or some other modality has to be tried beforehand). Caring for the whole patient took on a new definition. I decided to dive in and absorb as much of this experience as I could. My time in a family medicine private practice was extremely humbling. Dr. X is a friend, a confidant, a community leader, and advocate for her patients. She will fight for her patientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s treatment with hope, faith, and trust as the cornerstone of her practice. I decided to view my family practice experience as a member of the office team. I stopped trying to get the answer right and started listening. If a flu shot needed to be given, I was the first to volunteer. I took my practice wherever I could receive it. I started asking questions for different cases that were more complex. I viewed the patients as people instead of chief complaints. Once I tailored my history taking skills to the specific insurance and patients' chronic illnesses, I found that I was helping the physician instead of holding her up throughout her hectic day. By the end of my rotation, I felt like a member of the practice, a piece of the machinery that moves without error. My rural family medicine rotation was not what I expected, but I dove in and took advantage of every opportunity. I realized that insurances and treatment plans will always change but the patient-centered care will stay the same. 1. 2. 3.

Bell, S. E., & York, R. (2010). Community economic identity: The coal industry and ideology construction in West Virginia. Rural Sociology, 75(1), 111-143. Dr. X. ( September 10) Conversation. Lewisburg WV USCensusBureau. (n.d.). Retrieved September 22, 2017, from https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/charlestoncitywestvirginia,pueblocitycolorado,greenbr iercountywestvirginia/PST045216

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Library Expo Introduces Students to Variety of Resources

RVU held its first-ever Library Expo on September 14th on both campuses. The two-hour event introduced students to the impressive resources available to them, including online question banks of over 5,000 interactive questions and software that can be downloaded straight to smartphones and tablets. Information booths set up throughout the library featured topics such as Point-of-Care Resources, Research 101, and Medical Humanities. Students were able to get hands-on experience with the library’s entire selection of anatomical models, including a didactic human skull. Special guests joined students for discussion sessions, including Ian George, PhD, Assistant Professor of Structural Medicine, Jenifer Fisher, MLIS, Reference Librarian, and Garret Smith, OMS II. In addition, Alexis Horst, Writing Center Coordinator, discussed tips for becoming a better and more productive writer during medical school and beyond. Attendees entered a raffle for the chance to win one of three Amazon gift cards. Another resource is the online virtual tour online created by the RVUCOM-SU library staff, to familiarize students and employees with their various services. The Utah Library Virtual Tour is located on the library website at https://library.rvu. edu/framl/virtualtourutah. The Library, in conjunction with the Global Medicine Track, the Marketing Department, and the Office of the Dean will be hosting a reception on November 12th, from 3:00-5:00pm, to celebrate the important work of global medicine in medically underserved communities. Appetizers and refreshments will be served. RSVP at https://bit.ly/2M846qW.

Digital Health Day Celebrates Healthcare Innovation On September 17th, RVU students on both campuses learned about digital health and engaged with healthcare innovators during RVU’s first annual Digital Health Day. A growing movement driven by the rapid advancement of technology, digital health is also the result of the rising cost of healthcare, poor care coordination, and prevalent chronic illness in the United States. Digital Health Day showcased the important applications of technology in healthcare delivery services, such as telemedicine, remote monitoring, and sensors, and how they empower individuals to become more active in their own health management. In particular, Digital Health Day provided students with an insight into how technology will impact their careers as future physicians. Starting with an address from keynote speaker Katherine S. Richardson, MD, Health Innovation Leader and Director of Physician Experience at Kaiser Permanente, students listened to leaders in the field of digital health. A panel of healthcare entrepreneurs—Arlen Myers, MD, MBA, President and CEO of the Society of Physician Entrepreneurs; Jonathon Savage, DO, FAAEM, Founder and President of Care on Location; Louise Schottstaedt, MD, MBA, Chief Medical Informatics Officer at Centura Health; and Jadon Webb, MD, PhD, Assistant Clinical Professor at Yale School of Medicine and Chief Medical Officer at the Colorado Department of Human Services—shed light on the challenges facing the nation’s healthcare delivery system and how digital health seeks to optimize health and wellness for patients. During an interactive vendor session featuring companies such as Care on Location and CORHIO, students sampled digital health products including a digital stethoscope. With the digital health movement, everyday technologies such as smartphones and cloud storage can be leveraged to manage illness and promote healthy lifestyles. Digital health technology can take on many forms, from fun games to engage younger generations to technologybased tools to assist those suffering from chronic illness such as heart disease, diabetes, or obesity. In terms of a physician’s approach to patient care, digital health gives providers access to a detailed and complete patient record, leading to more timely and accurate diagnoses and improving quality of healthcare services.

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Admissions Boosts Awareness of RVU Admissions Virtual Fair

Both Campuses The Admissions Department held a successful (and quite busy!) Virtual Fair on August 6th. Starting in the early morning and lasting nearly ten hours, a staff of fifteen answered questions from student candidates via electronic booths (public and private chat rooms). Growing in popularity and an alternative to physical fairs, the virtual fair provided a convenient environment for prospective students to ask questions and expand their school options, while giving RVU the opportunity to efficiently communicate the University’s mission and programs to over 4,100 participants.

Health Career Exploration Camp and Career Day

Southern Utah Campus Every year, Southern Utah University holds a three-day camp, called Health Career Exploration Camp, for high school students interested in pursuing a future career in health care. As part of the event, RVUCOM-SU hosted thirty high school students for Med School Day on June 22nd, where they were introduced to life as a medical school student and found out more about what it is like to be an osteopathic physician. Students learned health care skills and engaged with RVUCOM students and faculty during demonstrations focused on anatomy, ultrasound, and osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM). In a separate event also focused on career exploration for younger generations, Fellows Hannah Houck, OMS IV, and Amanda O’Loughlin, OMS III, participated in Lava Ridge Intermediate School’s Career Day and spoke to over 500 students about the osteopathic profession.

Pre-Med Academy

Southern Utah Campus On June 27th, RVUCOM-SU held a Pre-Med Academy for high school seniors from the Washington and Iron County School Districts. To participate, the students needed to have a minimum GPA of 3.4 in addition to a letter of recommendation from an academic counselor. A unique opportunity, the Academy provided a three-day experience for students that included a tour of the new campus, introductions to faculty and staff, and hands-on activities such as suturing, ultrasound technology, injections, clinical simulations, and much more. For the healthcare-oriented seniors, the course was a great introduction to medical school and the osteopathic medical profession. Upon graduation from the Academy, students were presented with a certificate.

Admissions Open House

Colorado Campus RVU-CO’s Admissions Open House took place on September 14th and offered an exciting snapshot of program offerings and resources. During the general information sessions, almost 100 visitors learned about RVU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine, the Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences program, and the Physician Assistant program. An interactive event, the Open House featured a Suture Lab taught by RVU faculty, a Cut Suit® Lab in the Surgical Simulation Center, and demonstrations in OMM, ultrasound, and emergency medicine. For those wishing to explore the campus at their own pace, a self-guided tour allowed prospective students to visit rooms, attend sessions that most interested them, and engage with Student Ambassadors who offered a unique student perspective. For interested individuals, the Department of Admissions provided additional information on programs and the application process. Afterwards, visitors raved about their experiences. "I learned a great deal more about RVU and the PA program," said one attendee. "I’m very excited to be applying." RVUCOM-SU will hold a Pre-Med Open House on Friday, November 2nd from 3 – 7 pm and feature a panel of guest speakers and a tour of the campus.

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RVUCOM-SU Hosts Faculty/Staff Awards RVUCOM-SU held the first annual Faculty and Staff Innovator Award Ceremony on September 19th, recognizing two members of the RVU family for their dedication and innovation. The Staff Innovator Award was given to Rick Simmons, IT System Engineer. Rick was completely shocked when Dr. David Park called his name: he continued sitting for a moment until he realized he had been called, then headed to the stage to collect his award. Rick was recognized for his innovation around campus, with improvements to the phones, computers, network, his development of the iNet, and much more. Rick is constantly seeking new ways to improve the processes at RVU and to make the campus run more efficiently. The Faculty Innovator Award was given to Ben Wilde, DO, Vice Chair and Assistant Professor of Primary Care and OPP, for his innovative ways of teaching Principles of Clinical Medicine and for working with Standardized Patients. He advises two student clubs (SOMA and ACOFP), teaches in the OPP lab, and juggles clinical care activities at the Southern Utah Veterans Home and Doctors Volunteer Clinic. Additionally, he recently submitted a manuscript for a book chapter on immunizations. Rick and Dr. Wilde are just a couple of the amazing faculty and staff who make RVU a better place. Congratulations!

Campus Tidbits RVUCOM-SU was a sponsor for the 2018 Ivins Heritage Days. Heritage Days began September 6th, marking the 100th anniversary of the Ivins Reservoir at Fire Lake Park. Without the construction of a canal and reservoir, the City of Ivins wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t exist. On September 8th, first- and second-year students marched in the parade for RVU, throwing bouncy balls to promote physical activity and prevent childhood obesity. After the parade, many of the students participated in a blood pressure booth under the supervision of faculty. Some of the second-year students assisted the first-years, providing valuable teaching lessons. Ivins City Mayor Chris Hart specifically thanked RVU for participating in the Heritage Days, as it made a huge difference to the community.

Michele Sobczyk, Executive Assistant to the Dean of RVUCOM, gave birth to a boy, Quincy Jeffery Wilkerson, on June 20th. Dr. Thomas Told said upon announcing the birth, "Michele is noted for doing everything with quality and completeness and this project was no exception." Quincy is now three months old and loves his big brother, Isaiah, trying to roll over, and playing on his tummy. Congratulations, Michele and Jeff!

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Get to Know the RVU Staff Cassidy Chambers, MPA Job Title: Assistant Director of Admissions • Cassidy has been with RVU for nearly seven years, ever since graduate school. She lives with three bird friends. "I love coming home to their sweet little songs." • She's a Colorado native who prefers to be outside: running, hiking, camping, paddleboarding, watching the sun go down and the stars come out, reading under a tree, and porch wine ("that's where I sit on my porch with a glass of wine and wave at passing neighbors"). Despite the population boom happening in Colorado, she still has a few, secret trails she loves to hike (and no, she won't tell you where they are). She also tries to walk around the RVU campus every day: "Feel free to join me!" Who inspires you and why? I love the passion our faculty have for what they do. I love watching students go after their goals. I love the compassion that flows under all of it, the desire to be healers. Reading applications gives me a window into the amazing things our students have done even before they set foot on campus, the struggles they’ve overcome, and their incredible heart for service. I’m excited to see what [they] do in the future. What's the greatest bit of advice you have been given? Little by little. This applies to a lot of things in life that can feel overwhelming. Break it into smaller, manageable bits, then do what you can where you are—one day at a time. And be encouraged by the progress you do make!

What are Cassidy's FAQs? Can I talk to the interviewees/tour group? Absolutely! We would love for you to help us welcome them to our campus. We'll let you know if you need to move on, though, so please help us stay on track. Do you need any more interviewers to sign up? Just kidding, we normally don't have faculty ask this. But the answer is probably yes, so we'd love it if you would ask. Are there any brownies left? Maybe! You are always welcome to stop by and check...then while you're here, you can update us on how you are doing. From prospective students: Does this requirement apply to me? YES!

What would you like to be known for? Kindness. I hope people feel cared-for when they are with me. If you could have a super power, what would it be and why? I would be Storm! It would be so fun to control the weather. Itching for a good powder day? I’ve got you covered. I might have missed a calling as a meteorologist. What is your favorite place in the world? When I turned 30, I went on a trip with my brother to the Redwood Forests in northern California. We spent several days hiking through the trees to secluded beaches and encountered very few people. Sun, solitude, ocean, giant trees—definitely my happy place. What has been your favorite part of working at RVU? Definitely the people! This is such a great collection of talented, smart, funny, hard-working people. We have a great team in Admissions and I love coming to work with them every day. Plus, I get exclusive access to Katy’s world-famous brownies. What is the best part of your job? Probably the part where we get to tell people they’ve been accepted into medical school! I’ve been here long enough to see students I worked with before admission graduate and move onto residency.

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Research and Grants Furthering the Pursuit of Innovation and Exploration in Healthcare and Education

An important resource for students, faculty and staff, the Office of Research* provides support and guidance for research activities, such as statistical consulting, an intramural grant program, and a searchable database of extramural grant opportunities. Students interested in research must complete two CITI courses: "Basic Biosafety/Biohazard Training for Medical Students" and "Introduction to Research." All research dealing with human subjects must also be approved by the RVU Institutional Review Board (IRB), which complies with federal regulations set forth by the Office for Human Research Protections. *The Office of Research takes on the full responsibilities of the Research and Scholarly Activities Committee, which is no longer active. Susan Carter, MD, Director of the Institute of Medical and Surgical Simulation, published an article titled, "Female Athlete Triad/Relative Energy Deficiency," in the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism. The article details an interview with a renowned, female physiologist. This is a followup to an earlier published work regarding female athletes and relative energy deficiency in sport. Fernando Gomez, MD, Professor of Pathology, presented at the World Summit on Pediatrics in June in Madrid, Spain. His presentation, "Pathogenesis of Congenital Microcephaly Due to Intrauterine Infections: Zika Virus and Other Intracellular Pathogens," was well-received with lots of audience questions and requests for copies of the publication. Joel Roberts, MD, Instructor of Physiology for MSBS Program and PA Programs, was awarded a Travel Award by International Association of Medical Science Educators. The 2018 Travel Award supports students and junior faculty in their efforts to attend the IAMSE Annual Meeting, covering trav-

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el expenses such as conference registration, lodging, and airfare. Dr. Roberts submitted two projects for the award: "Learning by Observing: Anchoring New Understandings Through Legitimate Peripheral Participation, A Pilot Study" and "Learning by Teaching: Articulating Clinical Reasoning From Medical Students to Masters Students, A Pilot Study." Paulina Altshuler, OMS IV, Anatomy Fellow, along with Mike Jorgensen, PhD, Assistant Professor of Structural Medicine, published a case report in July titled, "Treatment-refractory vulvodynia from nutcracker syndrome: A case report" in Case Reports in Women's Health. It details a unique case of nutcracker syndrome and highlights the complex presentation of pelvic venous disorders, along with the lack of a current standardized diagnostic approach. It is time again for the annual Research Appreciation Day! The event will be held this year on November 6, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM on the RVU campus. This year's topic is "Hot Topics in Neuroscience." The program will include both faculty and student oral and/or poster presentations as well as three guest Plenary speakers, including Dr. Rebecca Ryznar who will be speaking on her research at Swedish Medical Center in the laboratory of Dr. David Bar Or. The second guest speaker is Dr. Diego Restrepo, Professor of Cell and Developmental Biology at UC Denver, who will discuss his work with the BRAIN consortium. The third speaker will be Dr. Robert Valuck from the Department of Clinical Pharmacy at the Skaggs School of Pharmacy at the University of Colorado. He will be speaking on the opioid crisis in Colorado. A reception will follow the awards ceremony. Watch for email invitations to submit your presentation.

Research and Grants Furthering the Pursuit of Innovation and Exploration in Healthcare and Education

RVU Military Students Lead the Charge in Research Over the last month, students in RVU's Military Medicine Track have stormed various conferences with their research.

Military Health System research symposium

• Steven Prueitt, OMS III, gave an oral presentation on "Effect of Sea State on Motion Sickness Incidence and Task Load Index While Performing Traumatic Damage Control Resuscitation and Surgery," a presentation that a fellow student called "phenomenal." Co-Author: Dr. LaPorta. • Holly Spitzer, OMS III, presented a poster titled, "Assessing Surgical Task Load: A Comparison of the Effect of Simulation Versus Maritime Operation." Co-Authors: Dr. LaPorta; SD Lindemann; Hayden Springer, OMS III.

• Joshua Bradford, OMS III: Effect of Sea State on Resuscitation and Intraoperative Tasks. Co-Authors: Dr. LaPorta; Benjamin Ehrlich, OMS IV. • Bryan Eldreth, OMS II: Effect of Increased Task Load Index on Surgical Performance at High Seas: Co-Author: Dr. LaPorta. • Cameron Lindemann, OMS III, was awarded 1st Place for his poster: Efficacy of Medical Operations and Layout Planning Onboard Non-Traditional US navy Vessels at High Seas. Co-Authors: Dr. LaPorta; Tina Wilson, OMS III. • Steven Prueitt, OMS III: Effect of Sea State on Motion Sickness Incidence and Task Load Index while Performing Trauma Damage Control Resuscitation and Surgery. Co-Authors: Dr. LaPorta; SD Roberts. • Karl Riecken, OMS II (below): Team Training with Objective Measures of the Team monitored by Heart Rate Variability. Co-Author: Dr. LaPorta.

• Tina Wilson, OMS III (above), presented a poster titled, "Efficacy of Medical Operations and Layout Planning Aboard Non-Traditional U.S. Navy Vessels at High Seas." Co-Authors: SD Lindemann; Dr. LaPorta.

UC Health Committee on Trauma

• Corin Archuleta, OMS III: The Effects of Sea States on the Ability to Perform Resuscitation in a Naval Forward Surgical Unit. Co-Authors: Joshua Smith, OMS III; Dr. LaPorta. • Danyelle Beltz, OMS IV: Exploring the Effect of Light Hue on a Medically Related Task. Co-Authors: J. Preston Van Buren, DO '18; Jared McLaughlin, DO '18; Dr. LaPorta. • Nicholas Bittner, OMS II: Development of an Ultrasound Simulator for Training REBOA Procedure at Point of Injury on the Battlefield. Co-Authors: Kaia Jystad, OMS III; Hannah Douglas, OMS II; Dr. LaPorta. • Nicholas Bittner, OMS II: Effect of Increased Sea States on Surgical Performance. Co-Author: Dr. LaPorta.

• Susan Roberts, OMS II: The Impact of High Intensity Simulation Training on Gender Differences of Military Medical Students in the Role of Emotional Intelligence Variable on Habituation. Co-Authors: Dr. Rebecca Ryznar; Karen Norling, OMS II; and Dr. LaPorta. • Holly Spitzer, OMS III: Assessing Surgical Task Load: A Comparison of the effect of Simulation versus Maritime Operation. Co-Authors: Hayden Springer, OMS III; SD Lindemann; Dr. LaPorta. • A recent RVU graduate also participated in the Resident Competition and even took second place! James Poling, DO '18, presented a poster titled, "Updating How We Measure Human Performance." Co-Author: Dr. LaPorta.

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Achieving New Heights Highlighting the Accomplishments of Our Faculty, Staff and Physicians in Training

Clinton Adams, DO, FACHE, President and CEO of RVU, was honored with the Presidential Citation at the American Osteopathic Association House of Delegates meeting. The Citation, which is the AOA's highest honor, was given to Dr. Adams for his "exemplary career of military service, outstanding osteopathic medical education, and advocacy on behalf of the profession. Pariss D'Spain, OMS I, received the Colorado Medical Society Education Foundation (CMS EF) annual scholarship. CMS EF is a private foundation that provides scholarships to prematriculating students based on their desire to practice in rural or underserved areas, as well as other criteria. While working as an ophthalmic technician and as an EMT, SD D'Spain worked in rural Southwest Colorado, driving her desire to provide healthcare to underserved patients in the future.

Teodor Huzij, DO, Assistant Professor of OPP, was appointed as an American Osteopathic Association Physician Executive Consultant for the American Osteopathic Board of Neurology and Psychiatry. This position will act as an interface between the AOA and the certifying board to "serve as the subject matter expert and leader for the evaluation and improvement of board-specific programs related to specialty board physician certification." Leah Levulis, OMS I, received the Colorado Medical Society Education Foundation (CMS EF) annual scholarship. CMS EF is a private foundation that provides scholarships to prematriculating students based on their desire to practice in rural or underserved areas, as well as other criteria. "I believe that, by working as a primary care physician, I can contribute to solving the healthcare shortages seen in many rural and underserved areas within Colorado."

Students Commissioned into Armed Services

HPSP students from both campuses attended the Air Force Commissioned Officer Training in Montgomery, Alabama in July. This is an immersive training that teaches leadership and military skills and prepares future physicians to fulfill their roles as officers in the military. Meanwhile, David Langley, OMS I (pictured at left), was commissioned into the Navy by none other than Dr. Clinton Adams, who officiated the process.

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Back Row, l-r: S. Szybist, J. Van Weezep, S. Stolle, C. McWhorter, J. Corless, T. Hamilton, A. Kimber, J. Calvano. Middle Row: J. Valenta, R. Carney, S. Montenegro, J. Hoobler, L. Muir, A. Klomp. Front Row: G. Betancourt, G. Edry

Achieving New Heights Highlighting the Accomplishments of Our Faculty, Staff and Physicians in Training

Cathy C. Ruff, MS, PA-C, Program Director for the PA Program (above), was awarded the Faculty Innovator Award at the White Coat Ceremony in July. She was selected for the award for her innovation in developing the curriculum for the new Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree program. Under her direction, it has become the first PA program in the United States to base its entire curriculum on competency using entrustable professional activities. She had previously analyzed models used in Europe and by the Association of American Medical Colleges, as well as other professional programs within the country, to create the curriculum in just 26 months.

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 July/August Issue, Annelisa Pessetto, OMS III, wrote the article, "Examining the emotional side of medicine." The article discusses her trepidation at beginning clinical rotations, in particular the emotional cases she will encounter. She relates a story of a patient she met who suffered from Alzheimer disease and the emotional burden this places on a young physician.

RVUCOM Receives AOA's STAR Award During a recent American Osteopathic Asso-

ciation House of Delegates meeting in Chicago, RVUCOM was honored with the Strategic Team Award and Recognition Award. This award "recognizes contributions made by state and specialty affiliates, osteopathic medical schools and non-practice affiliates in enhancing the osteopathic medicine culture." RVUCOM was presented the award for its commitment to stewardship and leadership in osteopathic medicine at every level. The college supports state osteopathic associations in Colorado and Utah by providing speakers for CME events, free membership and medical equipment for educational and service activities, and financial support. RVUCOM was also commended for its efforts to address diversity and gender equality and its focus on leadership in its new Academic Medicine and Leadership Track.

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Welcome to our New Faculty and Staff! Jean M. Bouquet, DO Assistant Professor of Family Medicine, Department of Primary Care Medicine; RVU-CO

She completed an internship at the University of Texas Houston Hermann Hospital/MD Anderson Cancer Center and her OB/GYN residency at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center.

Dr. Bouquet was born at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, but was raised in Rockville, Maryland. He returned to Colorado to attend the University of Colorado Boulder, where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry. Dr. Bouquet received his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine and subsequently completed a rotating internship at the Kirksville Osteopathic Medical Center. Most recently, he completed a fellowship focused on wilderness medicine with the Wilderness Medical Society.

Most recently, Dr. Carter served as the Medical Director of Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery at Banner Health Clinic and as faculty in the Surgical Excellence Network at the American Institute of Minimally Invasive Surgery. In her new role at RVU, Dr. Carter is excited to be working with the Institute of Medical and Surgical Simulation that "has placed us as leaders in the industry, with limitless possibilities for the future."

Dr. Bouquet has 27 years of experience in Family Medicine, the past 15 years of which he has been running his practice in Parker, Colorado. Throughout his career, he has precepted students in Missouri and Colorado, including students from RVU. He is excited to continue working with RVU and, in particular, the students who brought "enthusiasm, goodwill, and work/life balance" to his practice in Parker. In his spare time, he enjoys acrylic and watercolor painting, as well as playing tennis, skiing, and hiking. Dr. Bouquet has been married for 29 years to Britta, a writer, and has one son, Julien, a middle school teacher. Something you may not know about Dr. Bouquet is that his grandfather, Camille Chautemps, was Prime Minister of France on three occasions in the 1930s! In addition, he has a U.S. and Canadian patent for a new medical device that helps to screen women for cervical cancer. He started Cure Cervical Cancer, Inc., a nonprofit, and has partnered with Project C.U.R.E and other organizations to "eradicate this very preventable cancer." Welcome aboard, Dr. Bouquet! Susan Carter, MD, FACOG, FACS Director of the ACS-AEI Comprehensive Simulation Center, Department of Specialty Medicine; RVU-CO Dr. Carter hails from Galveston Island, Texas, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Texas at Austin and her Doctor of Medicine degree at the University of Texas Medical Branch.

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She has been married for 33 years to Douglas, an ophthalmologist, and has four grown children: Josh, Tori, Cameron, and Spencer. In her spare time, Dr. Carter enjoys Zumba fitness dancing, attending book club, British cars, and most outdoor activities, such as camping with Douglas in their 1954 Airstream named "Beluga." Welcome, Dr. Carter! An Dang, PhD Post-Doctoral Anatomy Fellow, Instructor of Structural Medicine, Department of Structural Medicine; RVU-CO As a Colorado native, Dr. Dang has not strayed far from home. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Neuroscience from Colorado College and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Biomedical Sciences from Colorado State University (CSU). Her studies also include the completion of a Molecular, Cellular, and Integrative Neurosciences Program from CSU. Teaching and learning is an integral part of life for Dr. Dang. The best advice she has received is that you shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t worry about "making it" in this world, but instead focus on the lessons you learn and the people you meet along the way. In her new role at RVU, she is excited to work with "passionate and dedicated faculty and students who want to make a difference in the world." She strives to share her excitement for science and understanding of the human body, while making it her goal for students to appreciate the body as a whole system, rather than simply memorizing details in isolation. In her spare time, Dr. Dang enjoys cooking and spending time with family and friends. Her favorite place she has visited is Botswana because "the people were so kind and

Welcome to our New Faculty and Staff! openhearted to others." Paddling along the water lilies in the Okavango Delta and seeing the hippos and lions was a real treat. An interesting fact about Dr. Dang is that she may have a tiny bit of an obsession with Lord of the Rings. Welcome, Dr. Dang! Christopher Edwards, DO Assistant Professor of OPP, Department of Osteopathic Principles and Practice; RVU-SU Dr. Edwards is originally from Heber City, Utah, but has lived in Idaho, Iowa, Missouri, and Seoul, South Korea. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise and Sports Science from Brigham Young University (BYU) and a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine, before completing a residency in Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine in Kirksville, Missouri. Education has always been a passion of Dr. Edwards and he is excited to work alongside colleagues and students in the Department of OPP. In his new role, he will serve as a table trainer, teach first- and second-year students, and educate about the treatment of war veterans at the Southern Utah Veterans Home clinic once a week. Prior to RVU, he spent two years as an Assistant Professor of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine at A.T. Still University. He also taught anatomy and physiology at BYU and assisted in running the school’s cadaver lab. "It’s nice to be able to spend so much of my day doing what I love." Dr. Edwards and his wife of nine years have three daughters (ages five, three, and one) and a boy on the way. He enjoys spending time with family in the diverse ecosystem of Utah, skiing, hiking, and rock climbing. An interesting fact about Dr. Edwards is that he is currently writing a book titled, 87 Tips for Better Health and Well-being in 3 Minutes or Less. Additionally, before medical school, he worked briefly as a valet/ bellman at the Zermatt Resort in Midway, Utah, running the onsite merry-go-round, setting up giant chess boards, and caring for a herd of goats. Welcome, Dr. Edwards!

Ginamarie Foglia, DO, MPH, FACP Director of Military Track, Tracks and Special Programs; Professor of Primary Care, Department of Primary Care Medicine; RVUCOM-SU Dr. Foglia moved to the Southern Utah region after falling in love with the red rock vistas. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Psychology (minor in Chemistry) from Fairfield University, a Master of Public Health degree in Infectious and Chronic Disease Epidemiology from Yale University, and a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine (RowanSOM). She completed an Internal Medicine Rotating Internship at RowanSOM and an Infectious Disease and Preventive Medicine Fellowship at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Inspired to make a positive difference in the lives of others, she’s excited to be joining RVU to help shape the next generation of physicians. In addition to her didactic responsibilities, Dr. Foglia leads RVUCOM'SU's Military Medicine Track, providing an overview and introduction to military medicine for students who are slated to enter the Uniformed Services. She also currently serves as Senior Director of Medical Intelligence and Patient Perspective at Sanofi. Previously, Dr. Foglia served as Clinical Director of Vaccine Development at Sanofi Pasteur and as Medical Director of Infectious Diseases and Infection Control at Lehigh Valley Health Network – Pocono. During her time in the US Army Medical Corps, she worked as Principal Investigator at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, and Associate Professor at the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences; she also led the US Military HIV/AIDS program based in Kenya. As Lieutenant Colonel, she was appointed as the Department of Defense representative for the Presidential Emergency Plan for AIDS relief in Kenya; she also served as advisor to the Kenyan Ministry of Health and the US Embassy. In her spare time, Dr. Foglia enjoys spending time with her rescue dog, a red Chow/Retriever mix named Moab (after the town near Arches National Park), and exploring the outdoors with her husband, Ralph, who is a wood master craftsman. Prioritizing fitness and wellness in her life and hoping to lead by example, Dr. Foglia has competed in several marathons and triathlons for charity! Welcome, Dr. Foglia!

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Welcome to our New Faculty and Staff! Jacob Hanberg Financial Aid Coordinator, Student Financial Services; RVUCOM-SU Jacob is a Utah native, born and raised in the town of Duchesne. He attended Southern Utah University in Cedar City where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. Most recently, Jacob resided on the East Coast in New Jersey, where he worked in financial aid at a community college. "I loved the environment of working with the students and assisting them in obtaining their education through grants and loans." Ultimately, he made the move back to Cedar City to be closer to his family. After hearing high praise of RVU (and its great location and access to National Parks), Jacob applied to be the Financial Aid Coordinator. In his new role, he will assist students with payments and refunds and answer all questions pertaining to loans, scholarships, and student health insurance. In his spare time, Jacob enjoys hiking, the mountains and beach, traveling (especially to Italy), and spending time with family and friends. Benvenuto, Jacob! Melissa Henderson, PhD Vice Chair and Associate Professor of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences; RVUCOM-SU Dr. Henderson recently moved from Harrogate, Tennessee, but has also lived in Georgia, North Carolina, Arizona, and Oregon. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Northern Arizona University and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from East Carolina University. "I love teaching and building relationships with others. The best part of being in medical education is that I get to watch students fall in love with medicine." Dr. Henderson is excited to join such a great team and to be part of the outstanding mission of the University. Prior to RVU, she was an Associate Professor at Lincoln Memorial University â&#x20AC;&#x201C; DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine and an Institutional Research and Academic Career Development Awards Postdoctoral Fellow at Emory University.

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When she is not at work, she loves spending time with her two young children (ages three and seven). An interesting fact about Dr. Henderson is that, due to a genetic alteration known as single-nucleotide polymorphism, cilantro more or less tastes like soap to her. She tries to avoid the saponaceous herb as much as possible. Welcome aboard, Dr. Henderson! Teodor Huzij, DO, FACN Assistant Professor of OPP, Department of Osteopathic Principles and Practice; RVU-CO While Dr. Huzij has been a familiar face on campus for years, he only recently joined the faculty as full-time Assistant Professor. Originally from Racine, Wisconsin, Dr. Huzij has lived in many places during his life (including Japan!)â&#x20AC;&#x201D;primarily in Wisconsin, Michigan and Texas. When the opportunity arose, Dr. Huzij and his wife made the move to their dream location, Colorado Springs. Dr. Huzij received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Duquesne University and his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed a Family Practice and Psychiatry residency at National Capital Consortium and a Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine and Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine +1 residency at the University of New England. Prior to joining RVU in 2014 as adjunct faculty, Dr. Huzij served in the U.S. Air Force for over 11 years. He worked as a psychiatrist at the Correctional Health Care for El Paso County Jail and the Colorado Department of Corrections, as well as regional lead and psychiatrist at TeamHealth Skilled Nursing Facilities. In addition to his role at RVU, Dr. Huzij is the Founder and Medical Director for the Trinity Institute. Dr. Huzij has two daughters (ages 15 and 12) with his wife of eighteen years. Though he has more hobbies than time, he enjoys dancing, photography, cycling, technology, food, and drone flying. A fun fact about Dr. Huzij is that he earned a full scholarship for his undergraduate studies by performing with the Duquesne University Tamburitzans, an East European folk music and dance group. They averaged ninety shows a year and traveled to 47 states by bus. "My best party trick is to meet someone from Eastern Europe and be able to 'do a little dance' from their country." Welcome, Dr. Huzij!

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Welcome to our New Faculty and Staff! Valerie Jones Library Coordinator, Frank Ritchel Ames Memorial Library; RVUCOM-SU Valerie is a Utah native, born and raised in Enterprise. She lived all over the state before returning to Enterprise to raise her family, followed by a move to Ivins. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Art in Photography/Digital Imagery (with a minor in Digital Design) from Dixie State University (DSU). Before coming to RVU, Valerie worked as the PM Circulation Supervisor at the DSU library. She also completed an internship in Special Collections at DSU where she photographed and digitized historical plat maps of Southern Utah. She has worked in IT for a medical transcription company and taught Web Development and Cyber Corps at Enterprise High School. Now at RVU, she is excited to advance the University’s mission and vision and to watch students "as they gain understanding and grow." Her hobbies include reading, making music, creating art, and playing board, card, and computer games. In her spare time, she also loves to play fetch with her German Shepherd, camp, fish, go to the beach and mountains, and relax with family and friends. She has three grown children and loves spending as much time as she can with them. An interesting fact about Valerie is that she has been singing Gospel music with John Houston’s Gospel Choir in a multi-denominational Christian group for the past four years. Welcome, Valerie! Whitney Levitz Security Officer, Department of Public Safety and Security; RVUCOM-SU Having just moved to the Beehive State in March, Whitney and her wife, Kayla, said goodbye to the sundrenched beaches of California and hello to the endless sky and rugged beauty of Southern Utah in order to be closer to family. "Although we’ll miss Disneyland, we’re looking forward to new adventures and experiences here!" she said. Prior to RVU, Whitney spent five years at Home Depot, most recently as a department head. After that, she moved on to the Kern Medical Facility (a Level IV Trauma facility)

in Bakersfield, California, where she worked as a Security Supervisor. She is excited for the change of scenery (both at RVUCOM-SU and in her new home of Hurricane). "In some ways, it's the same as my previous job; in other ways, it's completely different." She loves learning new things about her field and challenge that brings. The oldest of five children, Whitney enjoys spending time with her six nieces and nephews (with a seventh on the way!). Now that she has fully settled into her Utah life, she’s excited to explore the national parks and to hike with their 11-year-old dog, Clyde. She’s also a self-professed nerd. When she’s not reading Harry Potter or Richelle Mead books, she’s watching Star Wars and Marvel films. “Captain America is my favorite Avenger,” she said. Whitney is also a cancer survivor. "In August 2010, I was diagnosed with NonHodgkin's Lymphoma," she explained. "By February 2011, I was in remission and have been cancer-free ever since." Welcome aboard, Whitney! Catherine Lewis Sáenz Communications Coordinator, Marketing Department; RVU-CO Catherine was born in Bogotá, Colombia and immigrated with her family to the United States when she was eight years old. After living in Florida and California, her family finally settled in the suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia. She moved to Colorado in June after her boyfriend, Jerry, was offered a position as the Water Staff Engineer at Colorado Springs Utilities. "We knew we’d come to Colorado eventually, but it happened much sooner than we expected!" Catherine received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Film and Video from Georgia State University. Prior to RVU, she worked for Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, an environmental nonprofit dedicated to protecting the Chattahoochee River, as well as its lakes and tributaries. Now at RVU, she’s excited to be a part of a team dedicated to supporting students and helping to advance the University’s mission of quality healthcare education. In her spare time, Catherine enjoys hiking and backcountry camping. Last year, she backcountry camped in Yosemite National Park for a week. During that time, there was a minor earthquake and a wildlife fire on the outskirts of the park. "By our fifth day at Cathedral Lakes, the sun and sky had been completely covered by the smoke; it was surreal

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Welcome to our New Faculty and Staff! how quiet the wildlife became." In addition to the outdoors, Catherine also enjoys wildlife and landscape photography, cooking vegan meals, and taking care of her rescue redeared slider turtle, Clyde (heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s originally from New York!). Welcome, Catherine! Kristin Putnam, DO Co-Director of the OPP Pre-Doctoral Fellowship and Assistant Professor of OPP, Department of Osteopathic Principles and Practice; RVU-CO Dr. Putnam is originally from central Maine. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from Colby College and her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine. While completing a Pre-Doctoral OPP and Anatomy Fellowship, she received the W. Hadley Hoyt, Jr Award. The award recognizes students who are "committed to the osteopathic profession and life-long learning." Most recently, she completed her residency in Osteopathic Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine at Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, where she also served as Adjunct OMM Faculty during her residency, teaching both first- and second-year students. Dr. Putnam is excited to be teaching the students and fellows at RVU and hopes to be a strong mentor for them during their medical school and residency years. A true "Mainah," Dr. Putnam enjoys skiing, ice hockey, and New England sports teams. An interesting fact about her is that, as an undergraduate student, she was offered the opportunity to play field hockey in Barbados and Australia as part of a US Division III All-American Team. Welcome, Dr. Putnam! Vickie Roettger, PhD, MS Associate Professor of Physiology, Department of Biomedical Sciences; RVUCO Dr. Roettger was born in Massachusetts and grew up in Iowa. She earned both her Bachelor of Science in Allied Health and Medical Technology and Master of Science degree

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in Pathology from the University of Iowa, then a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Biomedical Sciences (focusing on Neurophysiology) from Wright State University. Prior to RVU, Dr. Roettger spent three years at the University of Wisconsin-Madison conducting research on the role of the glutamate re-uptake transporter in stroke and three years at Oregon Health Sciences University conducting research on molecular biology and development of excitatory amino acid re-uptake transporters. For 21 years, she advised and taught undergraduate biology majors at Missouri Southern State University. In addition to teaching students, she supervised student research, taught a semester in London, and co-supervised numerous student trips to Central America, Europe, and the American Southwest (wow!). Now teaching at the graduate level, Dr. Roettger is excited for the challenge "of preparing students to actually become medical professionals and to see the students succeed in their chosen profession." Dr. Roettger adores medieval English history. She is a reenactor of historical events. Her character, named Caelainn ingen Chainnig, is an artisan and baker in the Society for Creative Anachronism. In her spare time, Dr. Roettger enjoys spending time with her furbaby Toffee, a 15 year-old longhair domestic cat, and her family: mother, two older sisters, two younger brothers, eight nieces and nephews, and numerous great-nieces and nephews. An interesting fact about Dr. Roettger is that, in 2011, she survived an F5 tornado in Joplin, Missouri. While her home was spared, helping with the recovery process strengthened her "faith in the goodness of people." Welcome aboard, Dr. Roettger! Judy Simmons Administrative Assistant, Tracks and Special Programs; RVUCOM-SU Judy was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah. She attended Weber State Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Respiratory Therapy Certification Program and, shortly after, worked at LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City as a Respiratory Therapist. After four years, she moved with her family to Southern California where she worked as a Managed Health Care Administrator. Looking for a change in lifestyle and to be closer to an ailing elderly family member, she made the move back to her home state. Judy has more than twenty years of experience in health-

Welcome to our New Faculty and Staff! care, including such leadership positions as Executive Director of Saddleback Memorial Medical Group in California and Chief Operating Officer of Greater Newport Physicians at Hoag Hospital. In her new role at RVU, she is the Administrative Assistant for Tracks and Special Programs. She previously served as an exam proctor for RVU. She is an avid animal rights advocate, a gourmet cook, and adoring grandmother. One of the most memorable highlights of her life was when she and her husband renewed their wedding vows in Lucca, Italy, and attended culinary school together outside of Florence, Italy. Welcome, Judy! Amanda Smolinsky, PhD, MPhil Post-Doctoral Anatomy Fellow, Instructor of Structural Medicine, Department of Structural Medicine; RVU-CO When Dr. Smolinsky visited Colorado several years ago, she realized it was the perfect place to call home, from the weather and the mountains to the year-round variety of outdoor activities. She made the move from Columbia, Missouri when she was offered her first teaching position at RVU-CO. A recent graduate, Dr. Smolinsky received a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Integrative Anatomy from the University of Missouri. Previously, she completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Roanoke College and a Master of Philosophy degree in Human Evolutionary Studies from Cambridge University. Prior to RVU, Dr. Smolinsky worked as a lab technician at the Zanvyl Krieger Mind/Brain Institute at Johns Hopkins University. Her love of anatomy grew out of a childhood fascination with understanding how things work. "You can learn a lot about the lives of humans and other animals by studying how bodies are put together." When sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not working, Dr. Smolinsky enjoys exploring the city, playing sports, or just going for a walk in nature. Her favorite place sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s visited is Southern Germany because of its rich history, architecture, and incredible food. Welcome, Dr. Smolinsky!

Brandon Thomas, MSN Instructor of Primary Care, Department of Primary Care Medicine; RVUCOMSU A native to Utah, Brandon grew up in the city of St. George surrounded by the multi-hued canyons of the Southern Utah Region. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Dixie State University, followed by a Bachelor of Integrated Studies from Southern Utah University. He completed both a Master of Science in Nursing and a Family Nurse Practitioner Program at Maryville University. Brandon worked for ten years as a Registered Nurse at Dixie Regional Medical Center, receiving training in the ICU department and a certification in Oncology. Additional healthcare experience includes working as a Bed Placement Coordinator and ER Nurse at Sunrise Medical Center and as an ER Nurse at Mesa View Medical Center. Brandon also managed a rural clinic in Orderville, Utah as the sole provider while working 24-hour weekend shifts as a ER Nurse at Kane County Hospital. The opportunity to help others, whether through education or caring for individuals directly, continues to inspire Brandon. He is excited to be a part of RVU and the endless opportunities it offers, such as helping "students and staff to be the best educated, best informed, and best qualified individuals possible." When not at work, Brandon enjoys spending time with his children and grandchildren. He also partakes in a multitude of outdoor activities, including boating, hiking, camping, and fishing. Welcome, Brandon! Kathryn Vidlock, MD Program Director of Family Medicine Residency, Sky Ridge Medical Center, Department of Graduate Medical Education; RVU-CO After practicing medicine for ten years in the Twin Cities and studying sports medicine and musculoskeletal ultrasound for a year at the University of Iowa, Dr. Vidlock decided to move to Colorado with her family, where they now enjoy the gorgeous mountain views. Dr. Vidlock received her

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Welcome to our New Faculty and Staff! Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry at the University of Minnesota-Institute of Technology and her Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Minnesota. She completed her residency at the University of Minnesota North Memorial and a Fellowship in Primary Care Sports Medicine at the University of Iowa. With 18 years of experience in both private practice and teaching, Dr. Vidlock is an exemplary addition to the Family Medicine Residency Program. She has received numerous accolades such as the 2013 Best Case Award from the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine, the 2012 Top Doctor Award for Women in Minnesota, and the Leonard Burke Award for unique contributions to family medicine. She is very excited to lead the residency program as part of a team of dedicated faculty and with residents who are eager to learn. In her spare time, Dr. Vidlock enjoys swimming, trail running, and fostering rescue dogs. She has three children with her husband, Brad, and two rescue dogs. Welcome, Dr. Vidlock!

Alexander Williams Security Officer, Department of Public Safety and Security; RVUCOM-SU Alexander is originally from Visalia, California. Shortly after attending the College of the Sequoias, he entered the law enforcement career. Alexander worked for 14 years with the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department, serving for four years as a Deputy and ten years as a Sergeant. Moving to Utah has allowed Alexander to continue working in a career that benefits his community. "I’m excited to work in a positive environment where I can watch students grow into productive professionals who will go on to help others." He is married with three children, two daughters and one son. In his spare time, he enjoys streaming games on Twitch and playing Dungeons and Dragons. Other hobbies include delving into the sci-fi and fantasy culture, science, and true crime. Welcome, Alexander!

Dean's Message, continued the summit, the trail often flattens out and horses relax to take a breather and grab a quick bite of grass that has started appearing along the path. This is the time when I like to turn and look back over the saddle to view the route my horse and I have just conquered. It is a ritual enjoyed by all who ascend any lofty height, whether on foot or horseback. Viewing the route from above always brings imminent satisfaction because it highlights the enormous effort and, oft times, the many valuable lessons learned on that trail. This climb has required a strong bond of trust between horse and rider to achieve success. There will be new challenges ahead as we top out into the long meadows and begin the task of gathering the herd, but the experience getting up here has prepared us for the task. As I figuratively look back over my saddle on our ride this past year to “achieve new heights in medical education,” I see many corollaries between the journey to become an esteemed health sciences University and my fall-time rides into the mountains.

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During this past year, we have witnessed some amazing sights and events that are equally as inspiring as the mountain scenes I rode through in the high country. We have met challenges as perilous and daunting as the steep rocky slopes and narrow trails to the Flat Tops. Students, faculty, staff, and administration all bonded together as seamlessly as horse and rider, totally fixed on a common goal of making this the best health sciences University in the Mountain West. Sometimes it meant taking the lead and sometimes it meant being a diligent follower, but collectively we did what was necessary to succeed. Looking back over our saddles to view the route we have traveled, we can take enormous satisfaction in what we have accomplished and the valuable experience we have gained from the ride. There are still many more rides ahead of us, but we can take comfort in the truth that every trail and every experience makes us stronger and more prepared for the next. Thanks for a wonderful ride again this year.

Promotions and Appointments Chasity Edwards (RVUCOM-SU) was promoted from Program Coordinator to Assistant Director in the Department of Clinical Assessment and Simulation. In her new role, Chasity will continue to test both first- and second-year students on their clinical exam skills as they prepare for COMLEX exams. She will have more oversight of the Department and will further develop the Simulation Lab (which includes OR, ER, and Labor and Delivery units). She began at RVU in 2017. Jing Gao, MD, (RVUCOM-SU) was promoted to Associate Professor of Structural Medicine. Previously, she served as Assistant Professor of Structural Medicine, where she actively participated in the education and instruction of medical students. In her new role, she will continue to participate in curriculum development and assessment, as well as lead all programs associated with research and teaching in ultrasound, including ten ongoing ultrasound research projects. She began at RVU in 2017. Cheryl McCormick, PhD (RVU-CO) was promoted from the Chair and Professor of Biomedical Sciences to Associate Dean of Integrated Curriculum in the Office of the Dean. In this role, she will work in the planning and implementation of programs, policies, and procedures that integrate scientifically-based, outcomeevaluated biomedical knowledge and skills in clinical medicine, as well as Osteopathic Principles and Practice, throughout the total period of the pre-doctoral educational component of the medical school curriculum. She previously worked at RVU from 2009 to 2014, then returned in 2017.

campus. He evaluates, formulates, and implements programs that will enhance the delivery of quality education and outcomes. He began at RVU in 2015. David Ross, DO, FACEP (RVU-CO) was promoted to Associate Professor of Specialty Medicine. Previously he served as Assistant Professor of Specialty Medicine. In his new role, he will continue to participate in curriculum development, the assessment and evaluation of students and residents, and service and scholarly activities at RVUCOM. He will continue to serve as Director of the Rural and Wilderness Medicine Track and Associate Director of the Military Medicine Track. He began at RVU in 2015. Francina Deason Towne, PhD (RVU-CO) was promoted from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor of Immunology in the Department of Biomedical Sciences. She will continue to serve as Program Director for the Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences program. She began at RVU in 2016.

Jacquelyn Waller, PharmD, BCPS (RVU-CO) was promoted from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor of Pharmacology in the Department of Biomedical Sciences. In this role, she will continue teaching pharmacology in both the COM and MSBS programs. She also serves as Chair of Faculty Development and as a clinical trial coordinator at Rocky Vista Health Center. She began at RVU in 2014.

David J. Park, FACOFP, FAAFP (RVUCOM-SU) was promoted to Vice President and Dean for the Southern Utah Campus. In this role, he will provide leadership in the implementation of the COM's mission and act as a conduit in securing the resources needed to accomplish established goals at the Southern Utah

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From the Rocky Vista University Alumni Association

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Students, Faculty, and Fellow Alumni, Happy trails and new beginnings are being celebrated throughout the RVU family as I prepared my thoughts to address you. Late summer and early fall holds a special place in all our hearts and minds as this period symbolizes the unique changes throughout our paths in graduate medical education. White Coat Ceremonies were recently held at both the Utah and Colorado campuses as we welcome the Class of 2022. We also welcome the MSBS Class of 2019 as they join the growing RVU family. We congratulate the many past RVUCOM graduates as they embark on a new direction in their life after graduation: those who are completing their education and beginning a position in their respective specialty or the recently minted resident physician navigating through their first few months in the halls of their new training program. Exciting changes are on the horizon for RVU. We welcomed the inaugural Master of Physician Assistant Studies Class of 2020 to our family last month. Having several vocations of medical professionals training side-by-side will not only add diversity to the educational content taught at RVU but also strengthen the future relationships between providers going forward after medical school. I would also like to welcome the new staff and faculty to the RVU community this year. It is the RVU faculty and staff who are responsible for the great work and wonderful medical professionals coming out of the University each year. Lastly, we wish bundles of luck to those of you that are starting another year of medical school or residency, though from the great things I am hearing from my colleagues at RVU and hospitals across the country I know luck is not necessary. You make me proud to call myself a fellow RVUer! The past several months has bestowed many moments of joy and celebration but also moments of deep sadness. With the loss of a dear friend and fellow member of the RVU community, Dr. Michael Martin, we are again reminded of the importance of family and togetherness. Through each year, the RVU family grows bigger and bigger which makes it even more likely that you will be training or practicing in a community where you are not the only RVU alumnus. I would encourage each of you to seek out those alumni in your area and say hello, share a meal, or get a cup of coffee and catch up. The RVU alumni family can only be as strong as the members who choose to keep the roots that were planted early in the medical educations process alive. Active involvement not only provides a framework for future support and resources for your fellow graduates but also allows the alumni to give back and provide scholarships, mentoring and support for the future students and graduates. The Alumni Association is so thankful for all of your support over the years and we look forward to many years of support to come! I thank you for your time and wish you the best in your pursuits for the last few months of 2018. 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 in the winter.

Christopher Mutter, DO â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;14 Alumni Association President

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From the Rocky Vista University Alumni Association Job Acceptances, Fellowships, Awards, and Other Accomplishments

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Alumni Scholarship Updates Brandon Trusell Memorial Scholarship: This scholarship was created to honor a student, Brandon Trusell, who sadly passed away during his first year at RVU. The recipient of this year's scholarship was Rasa Rafie, OMS I.

Regan Stiegmann, DO '14, MPH, accepted the position of Vice President of Medical Affairs for Owaves. Owaves is a health technology and media company revolutionizing time around health and well-being. It produces chronotherapeutic software integrating IoT and machine learning to optimize circadian rhythms. Her first initiative is to launch the clinical pilot studies proving efficacy of the platform. "I'm big on proactive health maintenance, not reactive disease management. We know that in order for people to achieve long-term health, they need simple, engaging, yet effective resources to help keep them on track, which is why I stand proudly behind Owaves." Owaves is based in Encinitas, California and was founded in 2013. James Poling, DO '18, presented a poster titled, "Updating How We Measure Human Performance," at UC Health Trauma Symposium. This submission was part of the Resident Competition, in which Dr. Poling received second place! He is currently completing a general surgery residency at St. Anthony Hospital in Lakewood, Colorado.

COPIC Scholarship: This scholarship is for Colorado residents who have demonstrated a commitment to medicine and involvement in their community and who have the skills and tenacity to succeed in the practice of medicine. The recipient of this year's scholarship is Haseeb Rahat, OMS I. Michael Martin Fighting Prairie Dog Scholarship: In May, a scholarship was created in the name of Dr. Martin, who passed away earlier this year. The scholarship is a need-based award, which provides financial relief to the selected students who are facing hardships. To date, over $7,000 has been raised for this fund. Contributions are welcome at any time at http://www.rvu.edu/martin/.

Where Are They Now?

Ashlee Leathem (nĂŠe Pruett), DO '12, and Jarrett Leathem, DO '12, claim they owe RVU for everything good that has happened to them since their first day of medical school. "[We] met at RVU on the first day when we were teamed up as partners in Principles of Clinical Medicine lab. As part of the inaugural class, we endured the hiccups of cultivating the thriving curriculum that is now sculpting some of the finest physicians out there." Upon graduation, they couples-matched into an allopathic anesthesiology residency program at Penn State, where they each completed fellowships: Ashlee in Pediatric Anesthesiology and Jarrett in Pain Medicine. During residency, they were married in Cancun, Mexico, surrounded by friends from both medical school and residency. After completing residency, they moved to Arizona where they are both practicing. In March, she gave birth to a beautiful baby boy. "RVU helped prepare us for life in medicine and beyond and, for that, we are forever appreciative. If anyone is ever in the Phoenix valley area, please look us up!"

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From the Rocky Vista University Alumni Association

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Congratulations, new Alumni association board members! Christopher Mutter, DO ’14 President Dr. Mutter is currently completing a Diagnostic Radiology residency program at Brookhaven Memorial Hospital and serves as the Resident Education CoChief. Previously, he completed a Traditional Rotating Medical Internship at the Brookhaven Memorial Health Medical Center/NYCOMEC. He is a Licensed Practitioner for the Department of Transportation for physical examinations, as well as Urgent Care Medicine and workers' compensation examinations. Dr. Mutter received the ACR Rutherford-Lavanty Fellowship in Government Relations in 2018 and the Dr. Gwendolyn Hoffman Outstanding Resident Award in Leadership in 2017. Bobby Petro, DO ’14 President Elect Dr. Petro completed his Family Medicine Internship at Firelands Regional Center in Sandusky, Ohio. While enrolled in a Family Medicine Residency at Wright State University, Dr. Petro became a General Medical Officer and Flight Surgeon in the U.S. Air Force at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. He is currently completing his Family Medicine residency program at Sky Ridge Medical Center in Lonetree, Colorado. His volunteer activities include past service with Reach Out of Montgomery, a volunteer healthcare organization that provides access to healthcare to underserved and uninsured community members in Montgomery County in Ohio. Kelly Buerger, DO ’12 Secretary A graduate of the inaugural class, Dr. Buerger enjoyed mission trips to Guatemala and Peru during her time at RVUCOM. After completing her Internal Medicine residency program at Parkview Medical Center in Pueblo, Colorado, she joined Castle Rock Adventist in Castle Rock, Colorado as a hospitalist. She also currently serves on the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee.

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Anna Meyers, DO ’12 Trustee Dr. Meyers completed her Pediatric residency program with Authority Health/ Children’s Hospital of Michigan and Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, where she also served as Chief Pediatric Resident. Dr. Meyers now works as a Pediatrician and Immediate Care Physician in Portland, Oregon and also serves as an Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor for A.T. Still University. In 2017, she was awarded the Top Doctor Award for excellence in patient satisfaction. She is also the lead Pilot Physician in the Healthier Lifestyle Together Initiative. Casey Bitting, DO ’13 Trustee After graduating from RVUCOM, Dr. Bitting completed an Anatomic and Clinical Pathology residency program at the University of New Mexico, followed by a Forensic Pathology Fellowship at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for the State of Maryland. Currently, she serves as a Forensic Pathologist for the Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office in Centennial, Colorado. AJ Ryan, DO ’14 Immediate Past President; Trustee Dr. Ryan has been active with the Alumni Association since he graduated from RVUCOM. He completed an Internal Medicine residency program at Sky Ridge Medical Center and worked as a hospitalist in Colorado and Arizona. He recently relocated to Omaha, Nebraska to work with Bryan Health as a Hospitalist Nocturnist.

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