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September 2013 Newsletter Vol. 6 No. 1
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NEWSLET
Welcome to the Class of 2017! Page 4
Inside RVU Gives Back to Community at Service Day
R&W Medicine: Capstone in Castlewood Canyon
Highlighting the Achievements of RVU Students, Faculty and Staff
Page 6
Page 9
Pages 15-19
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A Message from the President and CEO: Cheryl D. Lovell, Ph.D. “Beginning Again, New Class Arrives to RVU” The new academic year always brings a sense of renewal and new beginnings. For me, it also has that “New Year’s” feel of celebration. We are blessed to see a new group of students who are eager, excited, and even a bit anxious about their new adventure. I am also noticing with each passing year that the incoming students are looking younger! With this incoming class we have a wonderful opportunity to share the “RVU way” of preparing osteopathic physicians and to begin again our sense of dedication and commitment to their successes as new physicians in training. I’m confident their decision to attend RVU shows very good judgment on their part, and I am equally sure we will more than prepare them to achieve their lifelong goal of becoming osteopathic physicians. Interestingly, the Class of 2017 has the strongest academic credentials of any entering class at RVU. They were selected out of 4,312 applicants which represents 3.8% of the pool. The Class is 56% male and 44% female with the mean age of 25.5, and an age range from 20 to 42. Their academic credentials include a 3.57 mean science GPA and a 28.33 MCAT. Twenty-seven members hold a Master’s Degree, one student has a Doctor of Chiropractic Degree, and we have 24 students on the HPSP scholarship
John Kline, U.S. Representative and Chair (Minnesota); Cheryl D. Lovell, Ph.D., RVU President and CEO; and Michael Coffman, U.S. Representative (Colorado)
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program. Nineteen students were college athletes and 36 students indicated they had served on at least one overseas mission. They also have some very inCheryl D. Lovell, Ph.D. teresting hobbies and backgrounds such as a ranch hand, a Christmas tree caretaker, an apiarist (beekeeper) assistant, a roller derby participant and coach, a dive master in Thailand, a rabbit breeder, a river guide, a crime scene investigator, and several musicians. Clearly we have a great new class — collectively they are strong, and have a variety of creative interests and skills. In a broader focus, our campus is working on legislative efforts that impact RVU. One great example is a recent visit from Representative Michael Coffman (CO) and Representative (and Chair) John Kline (MN). Both visited RVU in August and were enthusiastically impressed with our University. Representative Kline is the Chair of the House Education and Workforce Committee that is responsible for the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act (HEA). Since the reauthorization process has started you will see a strong focus on federal policy activities as we are working proactively to ensure any new laws impacting higher education have a favorable outcome for RVU. For a complete listing of all of our recent government relations efforts, please see the Achieving New Heights section on pages 15-19 of this newsletter. New beginnings also provide opportunities for setting new goals. I trust that you had the chance to reflect on your own set of goals for this new academic year and that you find your time at Rocky Vista University to be productive and enriching on a personal and professional level. We are constantly saying to our physicians in training that their lives will never be the same again. I also firmly believe that with each student we encounter at RVU, our lives will never be the same again either. Here’s to new beginnings and to the motto, “Never underestimate your ability to make a difference in the lives of the students you encounter.” Make it a great year!
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A Message From the Dean By Bruce Dubin, D.O., J.D., RVUCOM Dean
It’s been another amazing year here at RVUCOM. At the moment, I’m sitting at my desk looking at schedules for our new academic year. As I work on what’s ahead for 2013 – 2014, it’s also a good time to reflect on this past year. All I can say is "wow". I feel like I’ve been sitting at the wheel of Dr. Buck’s high performance Mustang going 110 MPH down a race track! I’m thinking about the academic accomplishments here at RVUCOM. First, the accomplishments of our Class of 2015, who rocked the world with their hard work and COMLEX I performance. The Class mean of almost 30 points above the national average is truly amazing. This goes along with their pass rate of almost four percentage points above the national average speaks to their hard work and that of the faculty that has mentored them. History here at RVUCOM is repeating itself with outstanding academic performance. I’m thinking about the residency programs our recent graduates in the Class of 2013 were accepted into, all of which are great programs that reflect well upon our University. RVUCOM graduates have proven themselves to be among the highest competitors, getting into exemplary post-graduate training. Well done! This kind of stuff isn’t supposed to happen at a new school. I guess no one bothered to tell our students, faculty and staff. Who knew! I’m thinking about our Honors Tracks. The Global Medicine Track has had some amazing rotations this past year throughout the world, including places like Kenya, Nepal and parts of Central and South America. Collectively, this group of students has touched humanity by spreading the promise of health. Our Rural and Wilderness Medicine Track physicians in training have had an amazing year as well. They had the chance to participate in avalanche rescue drills and first responder exercises
along the Colorado-Wyoming border. The reports from these communities describe students who are extremely knowledgeable and well-trained. Our Military Medicine Track physicians in training have presented at global conferences on their accomplishments, and I keep hearing comments like Bruce D. Dubin, D.O., J.D. “amazing” and “excellent” from flag officers and enlisted physicians via e-mail. I won’t even begin to describe the positive national response to the Cut Suit! RVUCOM presentations at the American College of Surgeons, Massachusetts General Hospital and International meetings in Italy and Canada have been remarkable. What an incredible year this has been for our faculty! RVUCOM really rocked the annual meeting of the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine. Our faculty and physicians in training were highly represented throughout the conferences, presenting talks on our curriculum and our amazing accomplishments. Because of our curriculum and the hard work of our faculty, four other medical schools visited our campus this past year to learn why and how our school is doing so well. We have set a new curriculum model that other schools are beginning to use. I could go on and on and on and on… (I’m starting to sound like a song by “Journey”), but this past year has been just amazing. It’s good to stop and think about what you’ve accomplished as you begin to deal with the year ahead and all the work in front of you. To the physicians in training, faculty and staff here at the University, thank you. This last year has been one hell of a great ride.
Rocky Vista University Announces its Annual
Military Appreciation Reception Friday, October 18, 2013
4:00 to 5:00 P.M. - Campus Tours & Photographs (Rm. 122) 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. - Presentation & Reception Join us to celebrate and honor our future military physicians, with a presentation in the Large Auditorium followed by a cocktail reception. RVUCOM has earned the distinction of having among the highest percentage of student doctors on military scholarships of any civilian medical school. The ceremony will honor military dignitaries, including Colonel Charles E. McGee of the Tuskegee Airmen.
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Welcome to the Class of 2017
On Saturday, July 27th, Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine welcomed its newest class of physicians in training at the Class of 2017 White Coat Ceremony. The event was the culmination of an entire week of orientation activities, geared to introducing the Class to the University, their new classmates and faculty, and preparing them for the years ahead. The week began with a host of activities and presentations including a massive community service effort in Denver at the University's first ever Service Day Event (details of this event can be found on page 6). RVU President and CEO, Cheryl Lovell, Ph.D., also joined the Student Government Association (SGA) members on the field at a Colorado Rockies game during the week (see page 7). On-campus activities began with a welcome from University administration and introductions of all faculty and staff. Students were then immersed in presentations to prepare them for medical school, including an overview of curriculum and presentations on Student Affairs, Student Doctor Professionalism, policies and procedures, various RVU departments and a fun look at 'The Life of A Student Doctor" with a student panel discussion.
Later in the week, students had the opportunity to learn about how to best transition to the rigors of medical school, including overviews of study habits and skills, testing procedures, osteopathic medicine and RVUCOM's unique Honors Tracks. They also had the opportunity to have lunch with the faculty and to pose for their official white coat photos. On Saturday, friends, family and members of the RVU faculty and staff, gathered in the ballroom of the Wildlife Experience in Parker, eagerly awaiting the start of a ceremony that would swear in RVUCOM's latest class of physicians in training. The Class of 2017 emerged with their white coats draped over their
RVU President & CEO, Cheryl Lovell, Ph.D. welcomes the crowd
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arm, ready to take their oath and to be ceremoniously coated. Following a stellar performance of the National Anthem by Miranda Allen, OMS-II, Frank Ames, Ph.D., Director of Library Services, Professor of Medical Informatics, and Coordinator for Ethics, took the stage to deliver the invocation. A welcome from RVU followed with speakers Bruce Dubin, D.O., J.D., RVUCOM Dean; Cheryl Lovell, Ph.D., RVU President and CEO; Vanessa Sanchez, Ph.D., Chair of the RVU Board of Trustees; and Joshua Roach, OMS-II, President of the SGA. A familiar face then took the stage as Keynote Speaker, Robert L. Stewart, BG, US Army (Ret.), Aerospace Consultant, addressed the crowd. Gen. Stewart is no stranger to the University, having given a very exciting presentation on campus just last year, detailing his experiences as a NASA Astronaut and decorated US Army Veteran. Members of the Class of 2017 then introduced themselves, were coated by one of the RVUCOM Deans and recited the Osteopathic Oath in unison, making official their transition to physicians in training. For more than 100 years, the white coat has served as the predominant symbol of physicians. While the coats represent respect and medical authority, they have also come to be associated with the compassion and hope that patients receive from their physicians. The color white also conveys the essence of purity in medicine. Traditionally, the shorter white coat is worn by student doctors as physicians in training, while longer white coats are worn by practicing physicians — the length representing their education and experience. Welcome, Class of 2017, to the RVUCOM family!
John Cruz, OMS-III; Bethany Briggs, OMS-II; Brandon Noyes, OMS-II; and Elizabeth Tu, OMS-II
Thomas Told, D.O. FACOFP -dist, Assistant Dean of Clinical Education, Chair of the Department of Rural & Wilderness Medicine, and Professor of Family Medicine with Robert L. Stewart, BG, US Army (Ret.)
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Sarah Miller, OMS-I (center) with her family
Keynote Speaker, Robert L. Stewart, BG, US Army (Ret.), Aerospace Consultant with Zachary Rosensweet, OMS-I
Miranda Allen, OMS-III, performs the National Anthem
Class of 2017 students: Shawn Bydalek, Ruth Campbell, Matthew Carpenter, Erin Chandler, Jordan Forney (back), Jessica Fosler (back), Ashley Chen and Stephanie Franquemont
Frank Ames, Ph.D., Director of Library Services and Professor of Medical Informatics, delivers the invocation
The Class of 2017 takes the Osteopathic Oath
RVUCOM Dean Bruce Dubin, D.O., J.D., leads the Osteopathic Oath
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SGA President Joshua Roach, OMS-II welcomes the class
Matthew Orobona, OMS-I with his family
Class of 2017 Students Ellen Bradley and Michael Bragagnolo
OMS-I students Allison Nelson & Anna Austin
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RVU Gives Back to the Community with its First Ever Service Day In mid-July, over 170 RVU physicians in training, faculty and staff traveled to Fishback Park in Downtown Denver to take a break from their work and textbooks, roll up their sleeves and break a sweat for a good cause. Their efforts marked RVU's first annual Service Day, an event designed to give back to the community through beautifying the area in and around the park. Decked out in red RVU t-shirts and led by RVU mentors, seven teams set out to tackle various service projects throughout the morning, including trash pickup, pruning of dead and broken trees, area cleanup and trail restoration work. Denver Parks and Recreation estimated that the volunteer work of the RVU team was equivalent to 453 man hours, a savings of nearly $10,000. “This was an opportunity to express one of our core values, service, while helping beautify the city of Denver,” said Michael Dewsnap, RVU Director of Student Affairs. “Everyone enjoyed the event and it served as a great opportunity for the incoming class to get to know each other outside of the walls of the University.” The Service Day event also included presentations by Cheryl Lovell, Ph.D., RVU President and CEO; Scott Gilmore, Deputy Manager from Denver Parks and Recreation; and David Zwerenz, Senior Vice President of First Bank. The event was organized by the RVU Student Government Association (SGA), Colorado Society of Osteopathic Medicine (CSOM), and through the assistance of Denver Parks and Recreation, who also provided staff assistance.
A team of RVU volunteers help to restore a trail
A team of RVU volunteers clean up around the park
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RVU Volunteers team up to trim a tree along the trail
RVU volunteers collect brush
RVU Volunteers team up to collect brush and trash
A team of RVU volunteers help to clean up the park
RVU volunteers with RVU President and CEO, Cheryl Lovell, Ph.D. (center)
RVU staff volunteers Hannah Golesh, Melanie Soard, Katy Hunsberger and Janelle Heirendt hand out water
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RVU on the Field with the Colorado Rockies On July 27th, RVU President and CEO, Cheryl Lovell, Ph.D., along with physicians in training from the RVU Student Government Association (SGA), traveled to Coors Field in Downtown Denver to the Colorado Rockies game. The RVU group was invited onto the field for some photos with Dinger, the team's mascot. Dr. Lovell also found herself in the spotlight for her first "press conference" with the Rockies a fun photo opportunity while touring where real Rockies press conferences are held.
RVU President and CEO, Cheryl Lovell, Ph.D.
Thank You and Congratulations RVU Donor Dash Participants! st
Sunday, July 21 in Washington Park, students, faculty and RVU staff participated in the RVU SGA Members withOn RVU President and CEO Cheryl Lovell, Ph.D. and Donor Dash. The Donor Dash is a 5k run/walk to honor the lives of organ and tissue donors, the Colorado mascot, Dingerthose continue to wait for a lifesaving transp lives of organRockies and tissue recipients and recognize
RVU Participates in 14th Annual Donor Dash in Denver On Sunday, July 21 at Washington Park in Denver, a team of RVU faculty, staff and physicians in training participated in the 14th annual Donor Dash. The Donor Dash is a 5k run/ walk to honor the lives of organ and tissue donors, celebrate the lives of organ and tissue recipients and recognize those who continue to wait for a lifesaving transplant. The event broke a record this year with 4,700 participants! Events included the 5k run/walk, the Diaper Dash, a recognition ceremony and the Wall of Honor to recognize and commemorate loved ones. The RVU Wellness Committee sponsored the following registrants: Deidre McGee; Elizabeth Mongeau; Monique McKenna; Melissa Blomquist; Justine Holck; Michael Dews-
nap; Camille Bentley, D.O.; Erica Whatley; Toni Whatley; Regan Stiegmann; Amanda Jo Hersh, D.O., 13', Aaron Hull, D.O., 13'; Cheryl Lovell, Ph.D.; Nancy Clark; and The event broke a record this year with 4,700 participants! Events included the 5k run/walk, Dash, a recognition ceremony and the Wall of Honor to recognize and commemorate loved o Jessica Smith. The Wellness Committee sponsored the following registrants: Deidre McGee
Elizabeth Mongeau The Wellness Committee would like to thank all of the parMonique McKenna Blomquist ticipants for representingMelisa RVU and for supporting organ Justine Holck Dewsnap and tissue donation. TheyMichael would Camille Bentley also like to send a special Erica Whatley thank you to Wellness Committee members Deidre McGee Toni Whatley Regan Stiegman and Patty Gordon for organizing the event for RVU. Amanda Hersh Aaron Hull Dr. Lovell
RVU Plays at 2013 Parker Chamber Golf Outing Just before the 2013 Solheim Cup brought world-wide attention to the Colorado Golf Club in Parker, the Parker Chamber of Commerce used the now famous course to host its annual Chamber Golf Outing in mid-July. A foursome of RVU faculty and staff participated in this year's event, which supports the Parker Chamber of Commerce, the local Parker community and fosters networking with local business. The team, who scored a 74 in the scramble, consisted of Kathryn Anderson, Clinical Affairs Liaison; Michael Dewsnap, Director of Student Affairs; Brian Leary, Clinical Rotations Coordinator; and Brian Schwartz, M.L.I.S., Assistant Director of Library Services and Assistant Professor of Medical Informatics.
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Brian Schwartz, Kathryn Anderson, Michael Dewsnap and Brian Leary at the Colorado Golf Club in Parker
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G.L.A.M. Club Sponsors RVU Team for AIDS Walk Colorado On Saturday, August 10th, the RVU G.L.A.M. Club (Gays, Lesbians, & Allies in Medicine) sponsored a team for the 10th Annual AIDS Walk Colorado at Cheesman Park in Denver. The team included Susan Bauer, OMS-II; Bethany Briggs, OMS-II; Sarah Miller, OMS-I; and Julia Tanguay, OMS-II, as well as RVU staff members Teresa Moore, Administrative Assistant for OPP & Structural Medicine; Monique McKenna, Administrative Assistant for Primary Care and Shadowing Coordinator; and Melissa Blomquist, Administrative Assistant for the Office of Pre-Clinical Affairs and the Testing Center. "The event was a lot of fun and went really well," says Susan Bauer, OMS-II and G.L.A.M. President. "We definitely plan to either volunteer or to walk/run again next year. G.L.A.M. also donated $100 to the event."
Susan Bauer, OMS-II; Julia Tanguay, OMS-II and Bethany Briggs, OMS-II
Teresa Moore; Monique McKenna and her daughter; Bethany Briggs, OMSII; Julia Tanguay, OMS-II; Melissa Blomquist; and Susan Bauer, OMS-II
Julia Tanguay, OMS-II and Bethany Briggs, OMS-II pose with the banner for the AIDS Walk
Julia Tanguay, OMS-II and Bethany Briggs, OMS-II
RVU Physicians in Training Help Out at Band on the Run 2013 Second year physicians in training Gregory Gibbs, Nicholas Frane and Chelsey Coles, along with RVU Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine, Jill Pitcher, D.O., helped out this year at Band on the Run 2013, a 5k Fun Run to benefit the Chaparral High School Performing Arts Department and Marching Band. The event was held at the Cherry Creek Path near Tagawa Gardens. "We were able to help a little girl that had fallen and a runner who was dehydrated," says Gregory Gibbs, OMS-II, one of the organizers of RVU's participation in the event. "We also talked to many people about RVU, met some of the pre-med students from Chaparral High School, and handed out RVU marketing materials. We did a good service and spread the word about RVU to many of the people that were there."
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Nicholas Frane, OMS-II; Chelsey Coles, OMS-II; and Gregory Gibbs, OMS-II
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Rural and Wilderness Medicine: Capstone in Castlewood Canyon In mid-July, a group of physicians in training from the Rural and Wilderness Medicine Honors Track traveled to Castlewood Canyon State Park, just south of Franktown, Colorado, to practice medical procedures and simulations in a wilderness setting. The event was part of the Track's Capstone course. Third year physicians in training, Nena Panasuk, Ashley Lamb and Preston Gilbert, work with standardized patients Kathe Barrone and Lisandra Martinez during a simulated childbirth
Third year physicians in training, Matt Bradbury, Nena Panasuk, Ashley Lamb and Preston Gilbert, with standardized patients Kathe Barron and Lisandra Martinez.
Camille Bentley, D.O., Chair of Global and Community Medicine and Professor of Family Medicine; and Jill Pitcher, D.O., Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine, lead a discussion with the class.
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Third year physicians in training, Kristin Barney, Darren Nisly, Justin Grant and Sean Slack
Ashley Lamb, OMS-III with the newborn simulator
Kara Stuhr, OMS-II, poses as pregnant woman during the simulation
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The Colorado Drug Card Program Launches at RVU
Rocky Vista University and the Denver Metro Chamber have teamed up with the Colorado Drug Card Program, which offers prescription discount cards. The card is free for everyone and can be used to supplement most health insurance plans including Medicare Part D. It provides discounts on non-covered drugs, providing savings of up to 75% on medications. The plan includes discounts on both brand name and generic medications and almost every medication is eligible for discounts. The Colorado Drug card is accepted at over 56,000 pharmacies around the country that participate in the program.
RVU President and CEO, Cheryl Lovell, Ph.D., with Shaeffer Gast, Revenue Development and Campaign Coordinator at Denver Metro Chamber, during the CO Drug Card launch at RVU
On August 1st, Shaeffer Gast, Revenue Development and Campaign Coordinator at Denver Metro Chamber, came to RVU to celebrate the launch of the card, along with Cheryl Lovell, Ph.D., RVU President and CEO; Julie Rosenthal, Executive Director of Admissions and Marketing; and Patty Gordon, Human Resources Manager. Free cards are available around the RVU campus in reception areas and in the faculty and student lounges. Participation is confidential, and no personal information is required to get the card. For more information, visit www.coloradodrugcard.com.
SUN and Laerdal Hold Simulation Conference at RVU Rocky Vista University recently hosted the Colorado Mini SUN Conference on campus for the Simulation User Network (SUN) and Laerdal, a simulation-based training solutions company specializing in human simulators for training and education. Throughout the day-long conference, nearly 90 attendees were given a chance to experience hands-on training with Laerdal's line of simulators, many of which are used by the RVU Clinical Assessment and Simulation Center. Attendees also participated in discussions and workshops, including practicing moulage to create realistic wounds with simulated skin. A highlight of the event was the Vail Valley Medical Center's Mobile Simulation Laboratory which was parked on campus for tours.
Vail Valley Medical Center Mobile Sim Lab in the RVU parking lot
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An event participant learns about the features of a pediatric simulator
Event participants practice creating moulage during one of the afternoon workshop sessions
Event participants learn about a neonatal simulator
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RVU Alumni Among Residents Welcomed to New Sky Ridge Residency Program By Thomas Mohr, D.O., FACOI, RVUCOM Vice Dean
It was a historic day with the matriculation of the first class of residents into the newly formed Sky Ridge Residency Program. This is a program formed out of a partnership between Rocky Vista University, which owns and operates the residency program, and Sky Ridge Medical Center (SRMC) in Lone Tree, which acts as the clinical site for all training. After a two-day orientation at RVU, the ten new residents, five of whom are RVU Alumni, spent an additional two days in orientation at Sky Ridge. A welcome reception was held on the terrace to introduce the new residents to the physicians and staff at SRMC before their first official day of work. This event marked the culmination of nearly three years of work to forge the relationships required to bring RVU and SRMC together in this venture. Recognition is due fir the hard work of all involved, including Marsha Sellner, Administrative Director of the Rocky Mountain OPTI and the Office of Graduate Medical Education, Thomas Mohr, D.O., FACOI, RVUCOM Vice Dean, Executive Director of RMOPTI, and Chair of the Department of Specialty Medicine; the Office of Graduate Medical Education; and the entire RVU administrative team, with support of the RVU Board of Trustees and the administration at SRMC. "We believe that this program will open the doors to new osteopathic training programs in the future," says Dr. Mohr. "We were thrilled to recruit an outstanding team of residents who we are certain will make us all proud as they enter the next phase of their medical training." The RVU Alumni in the program include: Akaash Acharya, D.O., '13; Andrew Brown, D.O., '13; Amanda Jo Hersh, D.O., '13; Aron Hull, D.O., '13; and Noel Pense, D.O., '13;
The new residents at Sky Ridge Medical Center
Thomas Mohr, D.O., RVUCOM Vice Dean; with Justine Holck, Residency Program Coordinator; David Mohlman, D.O., Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine and Residency Program Director, and the new SRMC residents
RVU President and CEO, Cheryl Lovell, Ph.D., with Sky Ridge Resident Nolan Crusat, D.O.
A Sky Ridge physician (left) with David Mohlman, D.O. and Aron Hull, D.O., '13
RVUCOM Vice Dean Speaks at Sky Ridge Expansion Ceremony
In July, Thomas Mohr, D.O., FACOI, RVUCOM Vice Dean, Executive Director of RMOPTI, and Chair of the Department of Specialty Medicine, had the opportunity to speak at the Ribbon Cutting for the new construction and expansion of Sky Ridge Medical Center (SRMC) in Lone Tree. The $117 million-dollar expansion will add 90 new beds, four new operating rooms, a parking structure, a women's center and a new medical office building. Dr. Mohr spoke about new beginnings for the hospital and announced the launch of the new RVU internal medicine residency program at SRMC.
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RVUCOM Vice Dean Thomas Mohr, D.O., FACOI
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RVU Marketing Department Sponsors Community Events RVU was a sponsor at the Movies in the Park events held at O’Brien Park in Parker. The events were facilitated by the Parker Chamber of Commerce during three Saturdays this summer. As a sponsor, RVU was featured in a short video created by Julie Rosenthal, Executive Director of Admissions and Marketing and Matt Griebel, Multimedia and Technical Engineer. Ms. Rosenthal coordinated RVU's participation at the events and provided a brief description of the University and Rocky Vista Health Center to the audience. Several members of the RVU community assisted Ms. Rosenthal, including RVU President and CEO, Cheryl Lovell, Ph.D.; Aaron Arnold, OMS II; and Amanda Jo Hersh, D.O., ’13.
In conjunction with the Movies in the Park event, RVU also had a presence at the National Night Out sponsored by the Parker Police Department. This annual event is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support for and participation in local anticrime programs, strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships, and send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back. This year they also focused on community preparedness for local citizens with vendors from various emergency management fields.
RVU Representation at AOA House of Delegates By Thomas Mohr, D.O., FACOI, RVUCOM Vice Dean
Several members of the RVU family represented the Colorado Society of Osteopathic Medicine (CSOM) in Chicago for the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) House of Delegates. The meeting brought together representatives from every state and specialty society to elect the professions leaders and decide on the course for the osteopathic profession for the year to come. This House of Delegates was especially important because of the debate concerning a unification of accreditation of graduate medical education programs with the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). The House decided to halt further discussions as the ACGME was not willing to recognize the unique and important aspects of graduate medical education that define osteopathic training and maintain our distinctiveness as a profession. The Colorado delegation included Thomas Mohr, D.O., FACOI, RVUCOM Vice Dean, Executive Director of RMOPTI, and Chair
Cheryl D. Lovell, Ph.D., RVU President and CEO, Kelly Powell, OMS-II and Josh Roach, OMS-II, Christopher Unrein, D.O., FACP, CMD, Professor of Internal Medicine and current CSOM President
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RVUCOM Vice Dean Thomas Mohr, D.O.; William Mandell, D.O., Immediate Past President of CSOM; Thomas Told, D.O. FACOFP-dist, Assistant Dean of Clinical Education, Chair of the Department of Rural and Wilderness Medicine, and Professor of Family Medicine; Christopher Unrein, D.O., FACP, CMD, Professor of Internal Medicine and current CSOM President; Josh Roach, OMS-II and Kelly Powell, OMS-II
of the Department of Specialty Medicine; Thomas Told, D.O., FACOFP -dist, Assistant Dean of Clinical Education, Chair of the Department of Rural and Wilderness Medicine, and Professor of Family Medicine; and Christopher Unrein, D.O., FACP, CMD, Professor of Internal Medicine; along with RVUCOM student representatives, Josh Roach, OMS-II and Kelly Powell, OMS-II.
Thomas Mohr, D.O., FACOI, RVUCOM Vice Dean (right) and his brother Mike Mohr, D.O. (left)
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RVU Faculty and Staff Get Together for Annual Summer BBQ On a hot July afternoon, RVU faculty and staff broke away from their desks and got together for the annual Summer BBQ at Dove Valley Park. They enjoyed burgers off the grill, a lot of camaraderie and a friendly kickball competition of Faculty vs. Staff. The game finished at a tie of 6 to 6.
Faculty and staff with 5 or more years of tenure, honored at the Five-Year Anniversary Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.
The Summer BBQ also marked the 5-year anniversary of RVU's Ribbon Cutting Ceremony in 2008. In honor of the milestone, a ceremony was held and all faculty and staff members with five or more years of tenure were recognized, including: Camille Bentley, Julie Rosenthal, Walter Buck, Joseph Stasio, Stephen Putthoff, Marsha Sellner, Monique McKenna, Kathy Leary, Michael Martin, Duane Brandau, Cindy Funk, Linda Cairns, Brad Ellis, Jeff Adams, Rebecca Bowden, Thomas Mohr, Schoen Kruse, Frank Ames, Brian Schwartz, Laura Mohr and Katy Hunsberger.
The Faculty Kickball Team
Cassidy Chambers and Janelle Heirendt
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Thomas Mohr, D.O.
Sarah Chavez and Fran Lata
The Staff Kickball Team
Linda Cairns, Melanie Soard and Julie Rosenthal
Lynette Brandon
Jo Brogus, Erin Palazzolo and Monique McKenna
Michael Martin, Ph.D. and Joseph Stasio, D.O.
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V U A
From the Rocky Vista University Alumni Association July was a month of firsts for many of us. Our first call shift of residency, our first shift alone as a senior resident. And while it was a giant hurdle, we have all made it to the other side! Continue to push on, learn and grow while utilizing the tools that RVUCOM has given us. "Knowledge is not inborn; it is acquired and it grows" - William A. Kuchera, D.O. Meghan Croteau, D.O., '12
Have you had an interesting case or research you will be presenting this year? Make the most of your conferences by spending time with RVUCOM. OMED (Osteopathic Medicine Conference & Exhibition) is in Las Vegas this year, September 30th to October 4th. If you plan on attending the conference please let the Alumni Association know, as we hope to make the best of your experience. Contributing members will have extra perks at the conference. Now is the perfect time to become a contributing member of the Rocky Vista University Alumni Association. Dues for the academic year are due now and we would like to encourage every alumnus to take advantage of becoming a contributing member. With conferences in the near future we would like to help and serve you in any way possible. As always, please let us know if you plan to attend any upcoming conference. The RVU Alumni Association has many plans for this year and every contributing member allows us to build a strong foundation for the Alumni Association! Checks made payable to: Rocky Vista Alumni Association and may be sent to: Julie Rosenthal, RVU Admissions Office. Finally, we would like to welcome the newest members of the RVU Family, the Class of 2017. Good luck on starting your new adventure at Rocky Vista University!
LU M N I
A SSO C I AT ION
Resident Spotlight:
Katherine Bonds, D.O., '13
Dr. Katie Bonds (Morin), Class of 2013, recently joined a Pediatric Residency in Tulsa, OK at OMECO Pediatrics, associated with Oklahoma State University. Moving to Broken Arrow, a suburb of Tulsa, she Katherine Bonds, D.O., '13 has enjoined the active and friendly community that it supplies. Before starting residency, Dr. Bonds took on a new adventure in life, getting married! While residency has been busy and challenging, she has continued to excel. “I really love the inclusivity of the residents and their encouraging and supportive nature," says Bonds, who plans to continue after residency in Pediatric Neurology. "A word of encouragement that I have for the current students of RVUCOM, is to find the one specialty that gives you energy at the end of the day. Once you discover that, pursue it with all your heart and don’t stop until you are living to work instead of working to live.”
Alumni Association Dues
The mailing for RVU Alumni Association dues has gone out. Consider becoming a contributing member and send in your dues today.
Cheers, Meghan Croteau, D.O., '12 Alumni Association President/CEO
Are You Attending OMED 2013?
The annual Osteopathic Medical Conference and Exposition (OMED) is Sept. 30 - Oct. 4, 2013. Let us know if you plan to attend. We'll be getting together for a special RVU reception as a group!
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Achieving New Heights Highlighting the Accomplishments of Our Faculty, Staff and Physicians in Training
RVU Physicians in Training Recognized for their Work
Vanessa Rodriquez, OMS-IV, had her work published in the Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology Journal earlier this year: Esbenshade JC, Edwards KM, Esbenshade AJ, Rodriguez VE, Joseph MF, Nwosu SK, Chappell JD, Gern JE, Williams JV, Talbot TR “Respiratory Virus Shedding in a Cohort of On-Duty Healthcare Workers Undergoing Prospective Surveillance.� Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology. 34(4) April 2013: 373-378.
"The study was completed while I was the Clinical Research Associate for the SWIS Study at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in the Division of Infectious Diseases in Nashville, Tennessee, before I came to medical school," says Vanessa. "During that study, I collected 1700 specimens, secured participant compliance and compensation, tracked and compiled all data for surveillance of influenza virus among cohort of hospital health care workers." Congratulations, Vanessa!
Vanessa Rodriquez, OMS-IV
Bradley Rimmert, OMS-I, had a manuscript published in the Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics in June: Rimmert B, Sabet S, Ackad E, Yousef MS "A 3D structural model and dynamics of hepatitis C virus NS3/4A protease (genotype 4a, strain ED43) suggest conformational instability of the catalytic triad: implications in catalysis and drug resistivity." Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics. 14 June 2013.
Bradley Rimmert, OMS-I
The full manuscript can be accessed at: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/07391102.2013.80 0001#preview Congratulations, Bradley! Brian Smith, OMS-I, was recently published as a coauthor in the Journal of Cell and Tissue Research: Fuller MK, Faulk DM, Sundaram N, Mahe MM, Stout KK, von Furestenberg RJ, Smith BJ, McNaughton KK, Shroyer NF, Helmrath MA, Henning SJ "Intestinal stem cells remain viable after prolonged tissue storage." Journal of Cell and Tissue Research. 3 July 2013.
Brian Smith, OMS-I
The article describes the ability of epithelial stem cells in the intestine to survive postmortem and remain viable in cell culture with transplantation as a downstream application. Congratulations, Brian! Kabeer Shah, OMS-IV, recently had his abstract accepted to the American Society of Dermatopatholgy (ASDP), October 10-13, 2013 in Washington, DC. Kabeer will be presenting "Perforating Elastic Fibers in the Differentiation of Keratoacanthoma vs. Squamous cell carcinoma and Pseudoepithelial Carcinoma." Congratulations, Kabeer!
Kabeer Shah, OMS-IV
Ali Ansary, OMS-IV, recently had his work published in the Oxford Journal's QJM: An International Journal of Medicine. His work, "The connected health of cardiovascular medicine: current status and future directions", discusses the technologies of cardiovascular health and how they stand to dramatically alter the management and prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Ali was also highlighted in the UT San Diego news article, "Educating doctors, patients on genetics". The full article can be viewed at: http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/aug/21/genomics-dna-sequencingvideos-scripps-topol/. Congratulations, Ali!
Ali Ansary, OMS-IV
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Achieving New Heights Highlighting the Accomplishments of Our Faculty, Staff and Physicians in Training
RVUCOM Physicians in Training Recognized in UHS Newsletter
RVUCOM physicians in training on psychiatry rotation at the Highlands Behavioral Health System in Littleton, Colorado, were mentioned in the Spring/Summer issue of UHS News, the newsletter for Universal Health Services, Inc. and its affiliates. The brief article included a photo of the physicians in training and described the 30-day rotation, available to students considering psychiatry in their future careers.
RVU President and CEO Fosters RVU Government Relations RVU President and CEO, Cheryl Lovell, Ph.D., has recently met with and invited to the RVU campus, several prominent legislators, enabling her to help bring more attention to RVU and issues facing medical education.
Most recently, Dr. Lovell met with Senator Lois Tochtrop from the Northglenn/Thornton district, who had a critical leadership role as the Chair of the Business, Labor, and Technology Committee in the Colorado House of Representatives during the last legislative session. Senator Tochtrop is also a nurse with a great deal of interest in medical education issues. As mentioned in her President's Message on page 1 of the Vista View, Dr. Lovell also recently hosted Congressman John Kline and Chairman of the House and Education Workforce Committee, Mike Coffman. Dr. Lovell has also attended several Parker and Denver Chamber of ComCheryl Lovell, Ph.D., RVU President and CEO; Senator Lois merce events, meeting with Mayor Mike Waid of Parker, Kaiser CEO Tochtrop; Thomas Told, D.O., FACOI -dist, Assistant Dean Donna Lynn, Governor John Hickenlooper, and Ruby Hernandez of the of Clinical Education, Chair of the Department of Rural Denver Chamber. Additionally, Dr. Lovell attended the Denver South and Wilderness Medicine, and Professor of Family Medicine; and RVUCOM Dean Bruce Dubin, D.O., J.D. Economic Development Partnership (EDP) Meeting with a presentation by Denver Mayor Michael Hancock, the 2013 State of the City Luncheon with the Denver Metro Chamber, the State Higher Education Executive Officers Colorado Reception honoring Paul Lingenfelter, and the Colorado Legacy Foundation Luncheon where she was able to meet with State Senators. She also took part in the Colorado Drug Card launch at RVU with Shaeffer Gast of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, met with Ellen Steiner, Constituent Advocate with U.S. Senator Michael Bennet's office, and met with legislative contacts Jeani Frickey-Saito and Larry Hudson during a Legislative Post-Session.
RVU Chapter of CMS Awarded Grants
The RVU Chapter of the Colorado Medical Society (CMS) was recently awarded two grants from the America Medical Society (AMA). The grants were awarded for a seminar about how to succeed in medical school and recruitment activities. The awards were $400 and $200 respectively.
RVU Faculty Poster Presentation at Research Day
David Kanze, D.O., Clinical Director of the Pre-Doctoral Osteopathic Principles and Practices (OPP) Fellowship and Assistant Professor of OPP, along with his wife Kylie Kanze, D.O., Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, presented a poster, "Osteopathic Manipulation in the Treatment of Primary Nocturnal Enuresis: A Retrospective Chart Review"at RVU's Research Day.
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Achieving New Heights Highlighting the Accomplishments of Our Faculty, Staff and Physicians in Training
Class of 2017 SGA and Class Officer Election Results SGA Vice President of Student Welfare:
Jillian Thompson
President:
Jane Wieler
Vice President:
Amanda Beach
Secretary:
Ellen Bradley
Treasurer:
Jacob Kastner
Curriculum Representative:
Samantha Engle
Historian:
Ashley Chen
Tutoring Representative:
Marc Mitton
Jillian Thompson
Jane Wieler
Amanda Beach
Ellen Bradley
Jacob Kastner
Samantha Engle
Brandon Hoy
Karly Fischer
Jeffery Whitcomb
Honor Code Committee Representatives (3): Brandon Hoy
Karly Fischer
Jeffery Whitcomb
Ashley Chen
Marc Mitton
Class of 2017 Overview
The Class of 2017 was selected out of 4312 applicants - an increase of 11.97% over last year’s applicant pool. - Applicant Matriculant Ratio: 27:1 - Students Matriculated: 162 (3.76% of applicant pool) - Mean Age: 25 (range: 20-42) - Cumulative GPA: 3.60 - Science GPA: 3.57 - Average MCAT Score: 28.33 - Verbal 9.37 - Biological Science 10.03 - Physical Science 8.94 - Male: 90 (56%) - Female: 72 (44%) 32 States are represented in the Class of 2017. Top Feeder States include: - Colorado 66 (40%) - California 12 (7.4%) - Utah 10 (6%) - Minnesota 9 (5.5%) - Idaho 5 (3%) - Illinois 5 (3%) - Texas 5 (3%)
- Arizona 5 (3%)
90 different colleges and universities are represented by the Class of 2017. Top Feeder Schools include: - Colorado State University 19 (12%) - University of Colorado 16 (10%) - Brigham Young University 9 (5%) Highest Degree Earned: - Bachelor’s (BA/BS) 134 (83%) - Master’s 27 (17%) - Professional/Doctoral Degrees (DC) 1 (1%) 24 students (15%) of the Class of 2017 entered RVUCOM on the Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) military scholarship.
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Achieving New Heights Highlighting the Accomplishments of Our Faculty, Staff and Physicians in Training
Rocky Vista University Named Military Friendly School
RVU is proud to announce that the University been awarded the coveted 2014 Military Friendly Schools® designation by Victory Media, the premier media entity for military personnel transitioning into civilian life. The 2014 Military Friendly Schools® list honors the top 20 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools in the country that are doing the most to embrace America’s military service members, veterans, and spouses as students and ensure their success on campus. A full story and detailed list of 2014 Military Friendly Schools® will be highlighted in the annual Guide to Military Friendly Schools®, distributed in print and digital format to hundreds of thousands of active and former military personnel in early October.
RVUCOM Physicians in Training Travel to Present the Cut Suit Over the past few months, RVUCOM physicians in training had the opportunity to travel to Florida, British Columbia and Breckenridge, Colorado, to make presentations on the use of Cut Suit realistic surgical simulators in military-focused medical training. RVUCOM began using the innovative Cut Suit technology in 2012 and has implemented its use in much of its training for the Military Medicine Honors Track.
Jayce Porter, OMS-II, recently presented at the Military Health Science Research Symposium conference in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. "The title of our presentation was The effects of hyper-realistic training on military and non-military medical students and boarded physicians," says Jayce. "We presented data on training done with Rocky Vista physicians in training and military personnel utilizing Cut Suit simulator technology." While Jayce gave the presentation, D. Brack Mulliner, OMS-II and Douglas Robinson, OMS-II assisted in writing the paper.
Jayce Porter, OMS-II, presenting at the Military Health Science Research Symposium
OMS-III physicians in training John Michael Yingling, Peter Gertonson, and Heather Hornbacher, also had the opportunity to make a presentation regarding the Cut Suit to the American College of Surgeons (ACS) at an international conference in British Colombia in early August. Anthony LaPorta, M.D., RVUCOM Professor and Course Director of the Military Medicine Track, was also in attendance and presented on the Cut Suit. Later that month, physicians in training John Michael Yingling, OMS-III; Bryce Mieczkowski, OMS-III; Sarah Medeck, OMS-III; Shannon Rayman, OMS-III; Charles Hutchinson, OMS-III; and Jonathan Williams, OMS-IV, also presented the Cut Suit at the Colorado Society of Osteopathic Medicine (CSOM) conference in Breckenridge, Colorado.
A demonstration of the Cut Suit at the ACS Conference
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John Michael Yingling, OMS-III and Peter Gertonson, OMS-III
Heather Hornbacher, OMS-III
Anthony LaPorta, M.D., makes a presentation at the ACS Conference
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Achieving New Heights Highlighting the Accomplishments of Our Faculty, Staff and Physicians in Training
RVUCOM Vice Dean and Faculty Members Present Research in Scotland
Thomas Mohr, D.O., FACOI, Vice Dean, Executive Director of the Rocky Mountain OPTI, and Chair of the Department of Specialty Medicine; along with Amber Heck, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Molecular Biology; Dwight Hertz, M.D., Professor of Pathology; and Jennifer Montemayor, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Anatomy and Physiology; traveled abroad to St. Andrews, Scotland for the International Association of Medical Science Educators conference. During the conference, Dr. Heck presented a poster entitled "Students' Activity in a Pre-matriculation Course as a Predictor of Initial Medical School Performance" and also attended faculty development seminars with Dr. Montemayor.
Thomas Mohr, D.O., FACOI, at Scotland Yard
Dwight Hertz, M.D.; Jennifer Montemayor, Ph.D.; Amber Heck, Ph.D.; and Thomas Mohr, D.O., FACOI
Amber Heck, Ph.D., with her research poster
RVUCOM Physician in Training Puts His Skills to the Test and Saves a Life What started out as a day of fun when Bradley Cross, OMS-I and friend Caleb Corkins, husband of Julie Corkins, OMS-I, took their kids to the Denver Zoo, turned into a test of Bradley's clinical skills and prior training as an EMT. While paying for tickets, Bradley and Caleb saw a man collapse in the entrance line. The man was a zoo volunteer. Bradley ran to the scene as bystanders tried to help the man, turning him on his right side, and saying that he was having a seizure. Bradley quickly realized that the man was not having a seizure, but he was choking on his tongue because of the way they had positioned him. Bradley, who formerly trained as an EMT prior to matriculating at RVUCOM, sprang into action and took control of the situation, immediately repositioning the man. At that point, the man was not breathing and had no pulse so Bradley began CPR and attached an automated external defibrillator (AED). Once the AED warmed up, it determined that the man's heart was in ventricular fibrillation (v-fib) and it administered a shock to try and bring back a heartbeat. Bradley assessed the situation and determined that the man still needed CPR. He left the AED attached so it could detect if he needed to be shocked again, and
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instructed one of the other assistants on how to use the mask to preform rescue breathing.
Within four minutes the fire department arrived and took the man to the hospital. The paramedic took Bradley's name and EMS number, but not his phone number. He was left feeling like he had done all that he could, but wondered if the man was ok.
Bradley Cross, OMS-I
A few days later, Bradley was surprised to receive a phone call from the wife of the man who collapsed. She was so appreciative that she tracked down his phone number through his EMS number and called to thank him. She reported that her husband had a massive heart attack, but was given a pace-maker and is recovering. Because of Bradley's quick jump to action and impeccable clinical skills, the man was given a second chance in life. Amazing work, Bradley!
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HLC Announcement: RVU Site Visit
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October 14 - 16, 2013 Rocky Vista University will undergo a comprehensive evaluation visit October 14 - 16, 2013 by a team representing The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and an affiliate of the North Central Association (NCA). The Higher Learning Commission is an independent corporation and one of two commission members of the North Central Association, which was founded in 1895 as one of six regional institutional accreditors in the United States. The Commission accredits institutions of higher education in a nineteen-state region and is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Institutional accreditation evaluates an entire institution and accredits it as a whole. Other agencies provide accreditation for specific programs. Rocky Vista University currently consists of a medical school which awards the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Degree. The University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine received full accreditation from the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA), the national program accrediting agency for colleges of osteopathic medicine, in 2012. Rocky Vista University has been engaged in the self-study process since receiving candidacy status in 2012. The evaluation team will visit the University to gather evidence that the self-study is thorough and accurate. The team will make a recommendation to the Commission who will make the final determination. The public is invited to submit comments regarding the University. Comments may be sent to: Public Comment on Rocky Vista University The Higher Learning Commission 230 North LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500 Chicago, IL 60604-1411 Comments must address substantive matters related to the quality of the institution or its academic program. Written, signed comments must be received by September 14, 2013. The Commission can’t guarantee that comments received after the due date will be considered. Comments should include the name, address, and phone number of the person providing the comments. Comments will not be treated as confidential. Individuals with a specific dispute or grievance with an institution should request the separate Policy on Complaints document from the Commission office. The Higher Learning Commission cannot settle disputes between institutions and individuals.
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Self-Study Steering Committee Ames, Frank, Ph.D. Bowden, Rebecca, Ph.D. Brandau, Duane, D.O., Ph.D. Clark, Adrian, MBA, Co-Chair Dubin, Bruce, D.O., J.D., FACOI., Co-Chair Jons-Cox, LeAnn, D.O. Freytag, Peter, CPA Lovell, Cheryl, Ph.D. MacKay, Kathleen, Ph.D. McCormick, Cheryl, Ph.D. Rodriguez, Felicia Stasio, Joseph, D.O. Thomas, Lorne, CFA
Chair and Professor of Medical Informatics; Director of Library Services Director, Clinical Assessment & Simulation; Associate Professor of Immunology Associate Dean of Clinical Affairs; Professor of Molecular Medicine Executive Director of Institutional Planning and Assessment Dean and CAO Chair and Assistant Professor of OPP Chief Operating Officer and CFO President and CEO Chief of Staff; Director of Special Projects Assistant Dean of Pre-Clinical Affairs; Professor of Physiology Administrative Assistant to the Vice President and General Counsel Chair of Primary Care Medicine; Professor of Family Medicine Director of Financial Planning and Analysis
Criterion One: Mission Clark, Adrian, MBA Hertz, Dwight, M.D. Jons-Cox, LeAnn, D.O., Chair Larsen, Shawna Palazzolo, Erin, M.L.I.S. Rosenthal, Julie, MS Sellner, Marsha Thornton, Judy, MA Underwood, Tina Whatley, Erica
Executive Director of Institutional Planning and Assessment Professor of Pathology Chair and Assistant Professor of OPP Controller Public Services Librarian; Assistant Professor of Medical Informatics Executive Director of Admissions and Marketing Administrative Director of GMD Development/OPTI Director of Educational Support Assistant Director of Clinical Assessment and Simulation Student Services Coordinator
Criterion Two: Integrity: Ethical and Responsible Conduct Ames, Frank, Ph.D., Chair Forrest, Crickett Gordon, Patty Griffin, Alison, M.Ed. Mohr, Thomas, D.O.
Chair and Professor of Medical Informatics; Director of Library Services Credentialing and Special Projects Coordinator Human Resources Manager Board Member Vice Dean and Associate Professor of Internal Medicine
Criterion Three: Teaching and Learning: Quality, Resources, and Support Bentley, Camille, D.O. Bowden, Rebecca, Ph.D. Dewsnap, Michael, MS.Ed. Funk, Cindy, Ph.D. Ketchum, Robert, Ph.D. Kruse, Schoen, Ph.D. Pitcher, Jill, D.O. Schwartz, Brian, MLIS Stasio, Joseph, D.O., Chair Workman, Cherise
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Chair of Global & Community Medicine; Associate Professor of Family Medicine Director, Clinical Assessment and Simulation; Associate Professor of Immunology Director of Student Affairs Associate Professor of Structural Medicine Chair of Biomedical Sciences; Director of Research Assistant Dean of Pre-Clinical Affairs; Professor of Physiology Assistant Professor of Family Medicine Assistant Professor of Medical Informatics; Associate Director of Library Services Chair of Primary Care Medicine; Professor of Family Medicine Executive Administrative Assistant to the Dean
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Thank You to Our Self-Study Committees! Criterion Four: Teaching and Learning: Evaluation and Improvement Choudhury, Qamrul, Ph.D. Heck, Amber, Ph.D. Montemayor, Jennifer, Ph.D. Kellison, Patty McCormick, Cheryl, Ph.D., Chair McNair, Terri Michels, Nicole, Ph.D. Thornton, Judy, MA
Assistant Professor of Physiology Assistant Professor of Molecular Biology Assistant Professor of Physiology/Anatomy Director of the Testing Center Assistant Dean; Professor of Physiology Administrative Assistant of Biomedical Sciences Assistant Professor of Physiology Director of Educational Support
Criterion Five: Resources, Planning, and Institutional Effectiveness Brandon, Lynette Clark, Adrian, MBA Dubin, Bruce, D.O., J.D., FACOI Freytag, Peter, CPA Gordon, Patty Mongeau, Elizabeth Sanchez, Vanessa, Ph.D. Thomas, Lorne, CFA, Chair
Human Resources Coordinator Executive Director of Institutional Planning and Assessment Dean and CAO Chief Operating Officer and CFO Human Resources Manager Clinical Rotations Information Analyst Board Chair Senior Financial Analyst
Editing Committee Ames, Frank, Ph.D. Dubin, Bruce, D.O., J.D., FACOI., Co-Chair Heirendt, Janelle Kellison, Patty MacKay, Kathleen, Ph.D. Schwartz, Brian, MLIS
Chair and Professor of Medical Informatics; Director of Library Dean and CAO Admissions Coordinator Director of the Testing Center Chief of Staff; Director of Special Projects Assistant Professor of Medical Informatics; Associate Director of Library Services
Eligibility Requirements Lacey, Lucienne, ACP MacKay, Kathleen, Ph.D. Rodriguez, Felicia
Paralegal Chief of Staff; Director of Special Projects Administrative Assistant to the Vice President & General Counsel
Federal Compliance Cairns, Linda Registrar Leary, Kathy, MBA, MA Executive Director of Student Financial Services MacKay, Kathleen, Ph.D. Chief of Staff; Director of Special Projects Martin, Michael, Ph.D. Associate Dean of Student Affairs; Associate Professor and Chief, Division of Pharmacology Rodriguez, Felicia Administrative Assistant to the Vice President & General Counsel
Assumed Practices Cairns, Linda Lacey, Lucienne, ACP MacKay, Kathleen, Ph.D. Rodriguez, Felicia
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Registrar Paralegal Chief of Staff; Director of Special Projects Administrative Assistant to the Vice President & General Counsel
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In the last issue of the Vista View, there was a timeline for the completion of the Self-Study documents and preparation for the Campus Visit in October. I am happy to report that the Mock Visit on July 15th was a success. The three experienced HLC consultants that agreed to help us with a mock visit had several positive comments about the Self-Study and RVU. They also provided some ideas for additional preparation for the Site Team visit in October. The Self-Study documents were sent to the HLC office in Chicago and to the Team in early August. Campus activities related to HLC accreditation have shifted from writing the documents to preparing for the Team Visit October 14-16th. The Steering Committee has been discussing internal communication and details for the coming visit. The goal is to have as many people as possible involved in the Campus Visit. There will likely be a couple of open forums and other opportunities to participate. This is the last issue of the Vista View before the Campus Visit, so watch for updates via e-mail or the website from now on.
Please mark your calendars for October 14-16th. If you have questions, please contact Adrian Clark or Dr. MacKay in the President’s Office.
Study Tips: Look After Your Fellow Students By Judy Thornton, Director of Educational Support
There are times when things can be really tough during medical school. Each year of your medical training presents unique opportunities and challenges. At times students can feel completely alone. To keep that from happening, it is important for students to create a sense of community on and off campus and to take care of each other. These are some little things that you can do to help your fellow students and colleagues. Small things can make a big difference especially if you sense someone is having a bad day or seems troubled about something. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Arrange to get some coffee together. It gives you an excuse to chat and to be there for someone who may be struggling. Plus med students just seem to thrive on caffeine. Send them a text message to let them know you are thinking about them. Make a birthday cake if you know it’s their birthday. Or make a fun cake to share for no particular reason. A cake can brighten anyone’s day. Acknowledge their existence. We can’t know everyone at RVU really well. But if you recognize them in the hallway, library, student lounge, or coffee shop, say “hi”. Ask them how they are doing and how they’re feeling about the course, etc. A quick conversation might brighten their day. Share resources. If you come across a great website or textbook, let your colleagues know about it. Smile. Smiles are universal and contagious. Hospitals and clinics can be sad places, so cheerfulness is always welcome. Plus, it makes you seem friendly and approachable and those great interpersonal skills are important in making you a good doctor.
Try to do one nice thing for a colleague each and every day. You can make a difference with just a simple act. Think about how you can change the culture of medicine. Remember to foster a sense of community among your colleagues whether you are on or off campus.
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September 2013 Newsletter
Rocky Vista University
SC A LE!
PLANNING
PREPARATION
Assessment & Planning News
PERFORMANCE
By Adrian Clark, Executive Director of Institutional Planning and Assessment
Introducing SCALE! RVU’s Strategic Continuous Assessment Leading to Excellence (SCALE!) program was designed to keep the institution focused on maintaining the culture and the practices that have helped it succeed academically thus far and will help its students succeed in their future careers as osteopathic physicians. Conceptually, SCALE! is directly related to the University’s vision of “Achieving New Heights in Medical Education.” SCALE! is the umbrella that will cover all of the institution’s activities and processes that are concerned with helping the University continue to improve its academic performance, its operational performance and its overall environment. The idea of continuous assessment has been integral to the culture of the University since its inception. As a young institution with an innovative approach to medical education, along with exceptionally high performance standards for itself and for its students, the University realized that in order to achieve its goals, it should conduct ongoing critical evaluation of the effectiveness of its academics and its operations. From the weekly meetings of the University’s unique Phase Directors Curriculum Committee, to the ongoing analysis of student performance, and to its surveys and focus groups, RVU’s approach to assessment has been constant, consistent, and highly directed. This focused, strategic approach to continuous improvement has led to significant
early successes in student national board scores as well as an outstanding record of graduate residency placements. As time progresses, SCALE! will define how the institution approaches continuous improvement in both academics and operations; how it collects, analyzes, manages, and distributes data; how it measures its progress toward its goals; how it performs strategic and operational planning throughout the institution; how it maintains and supports accreditation; and how it communicates the outcomes of its assessment, planning, and accreditation processes to its varied stakeholder groups. Coordinated by the University’s Office of Institutional Planning and Assessment, the multi-faceted SCALE! program is designed to touch every department, office, student and employee within RVU. SCALE! will lead a call to action for the entire RVU community providing a reminder that the University must continue to improve and continue to “scale” to the peak of excellence in medical education by building a reputation for training the country’s most outstanding health care professionals.
SCALE! Peak Performance Team The SCALE! Peak Performance Team will have a pivotal role in supporting the implementation and the ongoing promotion of SCALE! within the University. This new, cross-functional group of employees from throughout RVU will have a broad mission focused on continuous performance improvement, strategic planning, and student learning and operational performance assessment. The SCALE! Peak Performance Team’s mission is to: Provide support for the development of the institutional assessment, strategic, and operational plans; facilitate projects that determine how the institution collects, organizes, maintains and distributes data; and promote continuous improvement throughout the institution.
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Assessment & Planning News - continued Class of 2012 Alumni Survey A survey of RVU’s Class of 2012 graduates was distributed and conducted during the period between January 25, 2013 and March 15, 2013. Graduates were contacted via e-mail using a list provided by the RVU Alumni Association. 29% of the Class of 2012 graduates participated in this first alumni survey.
necessary clinical skills” to be successful in their respective residency programs.
The Class of 2012 was asked to respond to a range of questions that dealt with their experiences in residency, their educational preparation and their goals. Responses were rated on a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the highest rating and “no opinion” rating a score of 1.
Nearly 64% of the graduates have already used OMM during their residencies and 72% said that they expected to be able to use their OMM skills at some point during their residencies.
A Summary of Key Results 72.2% of respondents to the survey said that they had received their first choice of a residency program, while 14% had received their second residency choice. 86.2% of respondents indicated that they believe they were “mentally and academically well-prepared for the challenges of residency” and 97.2% of respondents said that they were “performing well” in their residency programs. Significantly, 91.7% of the respondents either agreed or strongly agreed with the statement: “I am confident that I have acquired the
100% of respondents said that they were “adequately prepared to care for patients with varied backgrounds”.
Overall the results of this initial survey were quite good. Alumni were generally happy with their residencies and with the educational preparation that they received while physicians in training at RVUCOM. Generally Good Vibrations When asked to respond to the statement: “Overall, I am satisfied with the quality of my medical education”, 89% of respondents either “strongly agreed” or “agreed”. The RVU Alumni Survey will be an annual event and is part of the ongoing assessment of our curriculum and its delivery. The information that we gain from these surveys will help us to continue to improve the way that we prepare students for their residencies and for their careers as osteopathic physicians.
Reflecting on RVU’s Mission, Vision, & Values In 2011, after a great deal of discussion and deliberation, the University adopted a new mission statement and subsequently a new vision statement and a new statement of institutional values. At that time, employees at the University had been actively involved in developing these three statements. We wondered if now, two years later, employees and students felt that these statements remained appropriate for RVU. In April of this year, we conducted surveys of both employees and students to determine their feelings regarding the RVU mission, vision and values statements. 68 employees and 180 students responded to the survey. Among students, 18% were from the Class of 2014 with the balance nearly equally divided among the other three classes at the University. Mission 96% of employees believe they clearly understand the mission statement and 94% said they believe it is appropriate for RVU. 88% of employees believe their work aligns with the mission and 83% of students believe the mission statement aligns with their expectations for the institution. 71% of employees and 78% of students believe “University employees are actively conducting their work according to the University’s mission”. Vision Nearly 85% of employees and 86% of students believe RVU’s vision statement effectively aligns with the University’s mission. 82% of
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employees and 88% of students believe that the University is actively working to achieve its vision. 87% of employees see themselves as a part of the vision while 88% of students see themselves as part of the vision. Values 86% of employees believe that RVU is operating within its values and an overwhelming 58% of employees identified “integrity” as the most important of our values. 85% of students believe that RVU is operating within its values and 48% of students selected “integrity” as the most important University value. Excellence was a distant second for students with 25% of students selecting this value. Conclusions We can conclude from the responses to this survey that both employees and students understand and identify with RVU’s mission, vision and values and believe that these statements characterize how the University currently operates. There was no specific threshold or goal set for scoring the results of this survey. We can consider, however, that the results of the student survey were generally positive although, perhaps, not quite as positive as the employee survey. Students are aware of the University’s mission and believe that the institution is attempting to conduct itself according to its mission. The same holds true for the vision and values statements.
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Promotions and New Appointments Cheryl McCormick, Ph.D., Professor of Physiology, and Schoen Kruse, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Pharmacology, were both recently named as Assistant Deans of Pre-Clinical Affairs. In this new role, Drs. McCormick and Kruse will manage and oversee all curriculum for years 1 & 2 respectively as well as all year 1 & 2 written tests. They will also interface with students on academic and non-academic issues. Congratulations, Drs. McCormick and Kruse!
Camille Bentley, D.O. – has been promoted to Professor of Family Medicine (formerly Associate Professor). Dr. Bentley also currently serves as the Chair of Global & Community Medicine. Congratulations, Dr. Bentley!
LeAnn Jons-Cox, D.O. – has been promoted from Assistant Professor to Associate
Professor of Osteopathic Principles and Practices (OPP). Dr. Jons-Cox also currently serves as the Chair of OPP. Congratulations, Dr. Jons-Cox!
Schoen Kruse, Ph.D. and Cheryl McCormick, Ph.D.
David Kanze, D.O. – has been appointed as the new Clinical Director of the Pre-Doctoral OPP Fellowship. Dr. Kanze also serves as Assistant Professor of OPP. Congratulations, Dr. Kanze!
Erin Palazzolo, M.L.I.S. – has been promoted from Assistant to Associate Professor of Medical Informatics. Erin also serves as Public Services Librarian. Congratulations, Erin!
Kenneth Ramey, D.O. – has been appointed as the new Academic Director of the Pre-Doctoral OPP Fellowship. Dr. Ramey also serves as Assistant Professor of OPP. Congratulations, Dr. Ramey!
Joseph Stasio, D.O. – has been promoted from Associate Professor to Professor of Family Medicine. Dr. Stasio also serves as the Chair of Primary Care
Camille Bentley, D.O.
LeAnn Jons-Cox, D.O.
David Kanze, D.O.
Erin Palazzolo, MLIS
Kenneth Ramey, D.O.
Joseph Stasio, D.O.
Updates From the RVU Security Team By Dan Havens, Head of Safety and Security
The RVU Security Department would like to introduce the newest member to our team. His name is Ken Walther, and his full bio can be found on page 27 of this newsletter. He is currently assigned to the graveyard shift, so please don’t hesitate to call on him. We would also like to announce that Kathy MacKay, Ph.D., Chief of Staff and Director of Special Projects is RVU’s acting Title IX Coordinator. If you have been sexually harassed or sexually assaulted, please contact Dr. MacKay in the President's Suite, or Laura Mohr, Ph.D., Director of Counseling Services in the Students Affairs Pod. You
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can also come talk to anyone in the Security Department. In the next few months, we will be updating our door system software and we will be changing the card readers on all of the exterior doors. Please watch out for e-mails to advise you of which doors will be locked and unlocked throughout the day. To the Class of 2017, and everyone on campus — feel free to call on the Security Department at any time. We are here 24/7 to assist you and can be reached at 720-875-2892. If you would like to use the anonymous help/tip hotline the number is 303-708-8185.
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Welcome to our New Employees Heather Ferrill, D.O., M.S.
Associate Professor of OPP Dr. Ferrill is originally from Ann Arbor, Michigan and recently relocated to Colorado to work for RVU. She earned her Bachelor's Degree from Michigan State University in 1989 and then her D.O. from Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2000. In 2010, she also earned her Masters in Medical Education and Leadership from the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Schoen Kruse, Ph.D., Assistant Dean of Pre-Clinical Affairs and Associate Professor of Pharmacology. Dr. Linger says, "We've been friends since grad school, and he was telling me wonderful things about RVU for years. I am very excited now to finally be teaching at such an exemplary institution." Dr. Linger has been married to her husband, Jeff, for seven years. They have two children, Kayla and Dylan, and she says they amaze her every day. In her spare time, she enjoys Pilates, gardening, cooking (and eating!), hiking, biking and camping with her family. Welcome, Dr. Linger!
Kenton Walther
Dr. Ferrill previously served as an Associate Professor of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine at UNECOM, where she also completed her Residency in Family Practice and Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine.
Security Officer Ken joined the RVU Security Team after working for the past six years for Snelling Staffing Services in Denver, where he worked predominantly at the Colorado Convention Center. In this role, he helped to register convention attendees and also served as a security guard and supervisor.
"I have always loved Colorado and have looked for a good time to live here," says Dr. Ferrill. "RVU has an innovative OMM program and I am excited to become a part of it." Dr. Ferrill has been married to her husband, Jay, for 16 years and has two sons. She says she has been practicing yoga for 20 years and loves traveling, being outdoors and running. Welcome, Dr. Ferrill!
Rachel Linger, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Pharmacology Dr. Linger was born and raised near Annapolis, Maryland, but has lived in Denver since 2000. She earned her Bachelor of Science Degree at the University of Maryland, and later earned her Ph.D. in Pharmacology from the University of Colorado.
Previously, Ken served as a computer room supervisor at Strategic Air Command in Omaha, Nebraska, as well as in Thailand, Southeast Asia, and at the North American Air Defense Command at Cheyenne Mountain in Colorado Springs. After retiring from this line of work, he attended Bible College and earned his Bachelor's degree. Ken is also an ordained minister and served as a pastor in the Denver area and in southeast Colorado. "I was the Executive Director of Bible-based residential recovery and rehabilitation programs for those struggling with drug and alcohol addiction," says Ken. "I served first in Utah and then in New Jersey until I retired early and returned to Colorado to care for my parents in 2005."
Dr. Linger formerly served as a scientist at the University of Colorado Cancer Center. "My research focused on identification of novel biologic targets for new therapies in lung cancer and leukemia," she says.
Ken and his wife, Deb, have been married for 45 years and have three children together. He says he enjoys spending time with his family and is a big fan of the Denver Broncos.
Dr. Linger says she learned of RVU through longtime friend,
Welcome, Kenton!
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On the Road: RVU Admissions
The RVU Admissions Team has been out on the road a lot this year, hosting recruitment events for pre-medical students around the country. On September 18th, Katy Hunsberger, Assistant Director of Admissions, and Cassidy Chambers, Admissions Counselor, visited Colorado State University in Ft. Collins to talk with the Pre-Medica Club, and followed with a presentation and transcript reviews for Master’s of Biomedical Science students. Cassidy will also be visiting several Utah schools in late September, including Brigham Young University in Provo (9/25); Utah Valley University in Orem (9/26); Southern Utah University in Cedar City (9/27); Weber State University in Ogden (9/30); University of Southern Utah (10/1); and University of Utah (10/2). October is already gearing up to be a busy month for the RVU Admissions team with multiple campus visit dates across the Country. Cassidy will travel throughout California: San Francisco Sate (10/9), UC Berkeley (10/10), UC Davis (10/10); CSU Sacremento (10/11), UC Davis (10/13), UCLA (10/14), UC Riverside (10/14), Loyola Marymount (10/15), CSU Dominguez Hills (10/15), USC (10/16), Pepperdine (10/16), Mt. San Antonio College (10/17), CSU Fullerton (10/17), and CSU Longbeach (10/18). Katy will travel to Idaho in October: Boise State University (10/7); Idaho State University (10/8); and BYU - Idaho (10/9). Locally, RVU will be hosting students from Western State University in Gunnison for the afternoon of 10/18 as part of CREATE Health
In LovingMemory
Scholars, a rural health initiative. On 10/29, the Admissions Team will have the CU post-baccalaureate pre-med students on campus for the afternoon to learn more about our programs Julie Rosenthal, Executive Director of Admissions and Marketing, will represent the University at the annual Osteopathic Medical Conference and Exposition (OMED) in Las Vegas, Nevada, September 29th to October 4th. She will recruit at the Pre-SOMA event on September 29th, and at UNLV on October 1st. In addition, the Admissions team has been hosting Tour and Transcript (T&T) Review Days on campus, which allow prospective students to tour the campus and have one-onone counseling with the Admissions staff. "Our most recent T&T went very well," says Cassidy. "We had 15 students for the tour, and had several transcript review appointments before and after the tour. The students were able to see an OPP lab and also chat with a few second year students on their tours, in addition to hearing more about the program and requirements." Upcoming T&T dates include October 3rd and 24th from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Be sure to check the Admissions page of the RVU website for all of our upcoming T&T and off-campus recruitment dates. RSVPs are required.
Cindy So, OMS-III
Sadly, over the Fourth of July holiday, the University lost a much-loved member of the RVU Family, Cindy So, OMS-III. A memorial ceremony was held for Cindy on July 22nd on campus. Cindy's fellow classmates and friends, along with RVU faculty and staff, celebrated and honored her life at the touching service. Following the service, class officers collected notes, poems and photos to share with Cindy's family. Cindy will be dearly missed and always remembered.
The Vista View is published by the Rocky Vista University Marketing Department.
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Editor & Graphic Designer Holly E. Kaspar Assistant Director of Marketing
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Rocky Vista University provides quality healthcare education while inspiring students to serve with compassion, integrity and excellence.
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