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FEBRUARY 2013 Newsletter Vol. 5 No. 3
RVU Welcomes New President and CEO Cheryl D. Lovell, Ph.D. Page 2
Inside RVU Welcomes New Member to Board of Trustees
RVUCOM Vice Dean Serves as Doctor of the Day at State Capitol
RVUCOM Physicians in Training Provide Medical Care in Kenya
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RVU Welcomes New President and CEO Cheryl D. Lovell, Ph.D. Rocky Vista University (RVU) is pleased to announce the appointment of Cheryl D. Lovell, Ph.D. as President and Chief Executive Officer. “I am both honored and humbled to be selected for this critical leadership role at this wonderful postsecondary institution. I am confident I can work together with the Board and the executive leadership to strengthen the university and to continue RVU’s upward trajectory of successes,” said Dr. Lovell. With a distinguished career in higher education that spans over 30 years, Dr. Lovell brings to RVU extensive experience in accreditation, public policy and higher education administration. She’s a leader in her field, serving most recently as the Chief Academic Officer for the State of Colorado, Colorado Department of Higher Education. In addition to many other professional appoint-
ments, Dr. Lovell served the University of Denver as an Associate Dean, Program Chair and Program Coordinator at the Morgridge College of Education, where she assisted in accreditation of the Library and Information Science program; the first library program to be accredited by the American Library Association (ALA) in over 48 years. Some of Dr. Lovell’s past appointments include having served as the Special Advisor to the Senator and Chair of the Colorado Long Term Fiscal Stability Commission; Director of the State Higher Education Executive Officers (SHEEO)/ State Postsecondary Review Entity (SPRE) Network and also having served as staff associate for research at the National Center for Higher Education Management Systems (NCHEMS). Dr. Lovell has authored over 80 peer-review professional presentations/papers and numerous publications. She has received funding for 9 research projects pertaining to issues in higher education.
President Cheryl D. Lovell, Ph.D., with RVUCOM physicians in training
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“Integrity, honesty and hard work are critical to me and I think that is reflected in my work,” said Dr. Lovell. “Inspiring others to serve – that’s what my 30 years in higher education has been about. I consider myself a learner-centered
Cheryl D. Lovell, Ph.D.
educator; an administrator with passion, integrity and strong desire for excellence. I want to help fulfill the mission of RVU and help lead us to a bright and expanded future.” Outside of the office, Dr. Lovell enjoys the outdoors and taking in all that the beautiful Colorado environment has to offer. She loves biking, playing golf and any activities in and around the water. She enjoys traveling, being outside and getting involved within her local community. Dr. Lovell’s selection comes after an extensive national search process managed by a Presidential Search Committee comprised of RVU faculty, administrators, members of the Board of Trustees and a student representative. “We are very excited to welcome Dr. Lovell to the RVU family,” stated Vanessa Sanchez, Ph.D., Chair and Secretary of RVU’s Board of Trustees. “Her experience and dedication to quality education will be a great asset to the program.”
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A Message From the Dean By Bruce Dubin, D.O., J.D., Dean
Although it's the end of January as I write this, Spring will soon be here in Colorado. Along with our beautiful Rocky Mountain flowers, another sure sign of an early Spring is the fourth year residency match for our medical students. The osteopathic match occurred in mid-February, and mid-March brings the M.D. match. Our students, faculty and staff have worked hard to see the collective fruits of our labor. I know we are all anxiously awaiting for, what I believe, will be an exceptional match.
It was Gustavo Mahler who said "With the coming of Spring, I am calm again." This Spring will bring new life and a sense of calmness when our students find out where they will be doing their post-doc training. To them I say a hearty "well done." Enjoy your well-deserved Spring. Bruce D. Dubin, D.O., JD
Former NASA Astronaut Speaks to RVU Community Brigadier General Robert L. Stewart (Ret.) knows all about dedication, trying his best and standing up for what he believes in. As a former NASA Astronaut and decorated United States Army Veteran, he’s had his share of adventures and learning experiences. Following his service in the U.S. Military as a Helicopter Pilot and Experimental Test Pilot, Gen. Stewart took to the sky, and just kept going. He logged almost 290 hours in space and became the first astronaut to have an “untethered” extravehicular activity in space while aboard the STS-41B Challenger flight in 1984. RVUCOM physicians in training, faculty and staff listened as Gen. Stewart took center stage and shared his incredible life experiences, from his extensive military service to the day he saw a message that would forever change his life: a flyer that read, “NASA is looking for Space Shuttle Crews”. He recalled the arduous application process and his feelings of self-doubt, saying, “The odds are bad when you’re looking for something and you’re reaching beyond yourself – which all of you as student doctors are doing – the odds can be against you. But Physicians in training Peter Gertonson, OMS-II; Daniel Hansen, OMS-II; Brigadier General Robert L. Stewart (USA, the odds are
Peter Gertonson, OMS-II presents a t-shirt and the SAMOPS Military Challenge Coin to Brigadier General Robert L. Stewart (USA, Ret.); as Anthony LaPorta, M.D., RVUCOM Professor of Clinical Surgery, looks on.
zero if you don’t get in there and try your best.” The audience sat captivated as Gen. Stewart vividly recounted every heart-pumping detail of his first space launch. “Flying the spacecraft – it’s a whole-body, whole-being experience,” Stewart explained. “You just get this feeling… not in your head where you’re an engineer and a scientist – you get it in your heart, where you’re still a little boy. You get lost in the reverie of the different sights and sounds of launch morning. And then somebody grabs your shoulder and says… ‘It’s time’ and you enter the shuttle.” Stewart related many of his life experiences to the challenges that medical students will face throughout their education, and the real-world choices they’ll need to make every day as future physicians. “When you have to make big decisions that affect, not your life, but somebody else’s, you’ve got to be willing to stand up and take the consequences, and if it’s not right, make it right.”
Ret.); Charles Hutchinson, OMS-II; Samuel Douglass, OMS-II and Miranda Allen, OMS-II
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RVU Board of Trustees Welcomes New Member The RVU Board of Trustees is pleased the appointment of Maha Y. Sallam, Ph.D. Dr. Sallam currently serves as President of VuEssence, Inc., a development-stage company focused on creating diagnostic solutions related to stroke and head injury applications, which she established in Odessa, Florida. Previously, Dr. Sallam served as Vice President of CT Solutions for iCAD, Inc., an industry-leading provider of advanced image analysis and workflow solutions for healthcare professionals, located in Nashua, New Hampshire. As VP, she was responsible for new product initiatives in Computed Tomography (CT). She also initiated and managed a program for creating Computer Aided Detection (CAD) solutions for automated detection of polyps in CT Colonography
exams - a program she managed from inception through product definition, licensing, research and development, clinical testing and FDA submission. Maha Y. Sallam, Ph.D.
Dr. Sallam earned her Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Computer Engineering at the University of South Florida, in Tampa, where she later earned her Ph.D. in Computer Science & Engineering. She also completed the Leadership and Strategy in Pharmaceuticals and Biotech Executive Education program at Harvard Business School in Boston, Massachusetts. Welcome, Dr. Sallam!
The Leadership Mandate: AOA President Elect Addresses RVU Community President Elect, Norman E. Vinn, D.O., of the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) recently addressed the RVU community in an empowering presentation he titled "The Leadership Mandate". Over 150 RVU attendees sat enthralled as Dr. Vinn encouraged the audience to take on the role of the "mythic hero" and lead with character and influence.
Dean Bruce D. Dubin, D.O., J.D., presents the "Fighting Prairie Dog Award" to AOA President Elect, Norman E. Vinn, D.O.
"You’re each going to be a leader one day - every day," said Dr. Vinn. "Think about the leadership you’ll have to exhibit with patients, family and interprofessional teams. One of the key elements of being a leader is being influential, and you’re going to have to be influential
to be effective." Dr. Vinn discussed the difficulties that D.O.s have encountered over the years — seeking acceptance in the world of allopathic medicine — and how far they have come. He shared the inspirational story of his own father, also a D.O., and his struggles and triumphs in the AOA President Elect, Norman E. Vinn, D.O. profession. He also touched on the work of A.T. Still and those who carried on his work and legacy. "Still was on a journey of a mythic hero. The result of 140 years of challenges, many small battles and many small triumphs, is the sustainability of our profession. These are the leaders who have given all of you the opportunity to have a career and go out and help people – make a living and be influential. There’s a whole history of heroes out there, helping us to be where we are today."
The DO Magazine
Rocky Vista University was recently featured in the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) magazine, The DO, in an article highlighting the use of the Human Worn Partial Task Surgical Simulator, or Cut Suit, in the RVUCOM Military Medicine Track program. The article, Wearable Wound Simulators Help Distinguish RVUCOM’s Military Track, discusses the university’s military medicine training efforts and the use of Cut Suit simulator technology in realistic training scenarios. You can read the full article at: http://www.do-online.org/TheDO/?p=125791
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RVUCOM Vice Dean Serves as Doctor of the Day at State Capital RVUCOM Vice Dean, Thomas Mohr, D.O., recently had the honor to serve as the Doctor of the Day (DOD) at the Colorado State Capitol, as part of a volunteer program started over 25 years ago by the Colorado Academy of Family Physicians (CAFP). The DOD serves as the on-site clinician, available to help care for anyone who may get sick or injured at the Capitol during the day. Dr. Mohr has proudly participated in the program every year for the last five years he's been with RVUCOM. "The DOD program provides on-site health care to legislators, staff and visitors, and offers physicians, residents and medical students a unique perspective on the legislative process," says CAFP President, Robert Brockmann, M.D., M.S., FAAFP. "The practice of medicine and the politics of medicine are inextricably linked, and the more our physician leaders learn about and participate in the legislative process, the better off our patients will be. We are thrilled to have Dr. Mohr's participation in the DOD program. RVUCOM's focus on primary care is well known and many graduates go on to become primary care physicians, helping to assure an adequate physician workforce for years to come. " Dr. Mohr says this is a great way to increase visibility for RVU and the CAFP. "Even if the DOD doesn’t need to provide much patient care during the day, everyone at the Capitol appreciates having a doctor in house in case something happens. I was able to talk with legislators, lobbyists and staffers (many of whom came up to me when they saw me in my white coat). Some had specific issues they wanted to discuss, and others just wanted to say ‘hello and thanks for being here’. It was a great opportunity." Thomas Mohr, D.O., inside the "doctors' office" at the Capitol
Dr. Mohr continues, "You never
know what may come of these contacts. I met our local representative through a previous time as DOD, and now when I bump into him while I'm out and Colorado State Senator Kevin Lundberg in the Senate Chamber with RVUCOM Vice Dean Thomas Mohr, D.O. about, he knows me by name. One representative sat down next to me and introduced himself as being from House District 57, which includes Craig, Meeker and Glenwood Springs. We discussed The RVUCOM Rural & Wilderness Medicine track, and how we're trying to put together residency programs. He seemed very interested and asked me to keep him informed of what we are doing, which will be helpful in RVUCOM's future endeavors." From a medical perspective, Dr. Mohr only needed to attend to two patients during the day, and he notes that the position is usually light duty - it's always a good day when everyone's in good health. "I was able to assist a senator with medical advice early in the morning, and then follow-up with him via e-mail to make sure he was feeling better later in the day. He replied to my e-mail and was very appreciative." CAFP's mission is to serve as the bold champion for Colorado's family physicians, patients, and communities through education and advocacy. According to CAFP President, Dr. Brockman, the association has been around 65 years, has over 2000 members and represents over 75% of all practicing family physicians in the state of Colorado. Family doctors are encouraged to sign up to be Doctor of the Day by contacting Raquel Rosen, CEO of CAFP, at (303)696-6655. Residents and medical students need to be accompanied by their faculty, but are always welcome as well. "This is a great program and I would encourage osteopathic physicians to take a day out to volunteer," says Dr. Mohr.
RVUCOM Faculty Members Appointed to NBOME Faculty Leadership The National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME) recently announced the appointment of its newest Faculty Leadership. Duane Brandau, D.O., Ph.D., RVUCOM Associate Professor of Biochemistry and Professor of Molecular Medicine, was named Division Chair of Foundational Biomedical Sciences in Biochemistry. Jonathan King, D.O., J.D., RVUCOM Associate Professor of Primary Care, was named Division Chair of Preventative Medicine/Health Promotion in Medical Ethics, Jurisprudence and Professionalism. Congratulations, Drs. Brandau and King!
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Bush Medicine: RVUCOM Students Provide Health Care in Kenya With the ever-changing state of healthcare here in the U.S., it’s often easy to lose sight of the fact that many people around the world go without any form of health care at all. This notion quickly hit home for a team of RVUCOM physicians in training and faculty who recently traveled to Kenya to provide much-needed health care for the Maasai people living there. After nearly two solid days of plane flights, layovers and bus rides, the RVUCOM team arrived in a hot and arid region of Kenya, in the shadows of Mount Kilimanjaro. Over the next two weeks, they would provide health care, medications, support and hope to more than 1600 villagers in the region. During the mission, RVUCOM physicians in training, alongside faculty and physician volunteers, had a handson study in “bush medicine”, traveling up to two hours a day to remote sites, setting up tents and working by sunlight and without electricity. They saw many cases and a large number of patients presenting with HIV/AIDS, malnutrition, eye conditions, burns, fractures, hernias and a surprisingly high number of cases of epilepsy, cerebral palsy and other neurological problems in children. Jesse Robertson, OMS-III, recalled a notable case in which she treated a young mother suffering from a severe indurated breast abscess caused by mastitis. “My attending physician, Dr. Tamara Boots, helped me identify the abscess, pack it and dress the wound,” said Jesse. “Two days later, we went with a translator guide by Land Rover one and a half hours away from where we were staying to find the young mother's boma village to take out the packing and re-dress the wound. It looked so much better and she said she was in less pain and even able to breast feed again. She was so grateful for our help.”
Jesse Robertson, OMS-III with a group of children in the Maasai village
Melissa Ripp, OMS-IV and Claudia Tuffanelli-Bouvier, OMS-III attend to a Maasai child
A Maasai child waits with his family
While the RVUCOM team made a tremendous impact on the people of the region, many faced the difficulty of how to cope with the reality of serving patients in an underserved area, lacking consistent healthcare. “It’s hard to not get in a funk,” says Rebecca Bowden, Ph.D., Director of the RVU Simulation Lab and Associate Professor of Immunology. “We were in areas that were 70-80% HIV positive and the children had about a 20% failure to thrive rate – Maasai children are traditionally not even given a name until they’re three moons (months) old due to high mortality rate. At times, it was overwhelming how little it seemed (continued on next page)
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The RVUCOM team with members of Dreamweaver at the ground breaking ceremony on the future site of the Mount Kilimanjaro Mission Hospital
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Bush Medicine (Continued) we could possibly make a difference in the grand scheme of things. But we were also presented with a lot of cases we could impact and things we could make better.” From a cultural perspective, the team was in for an eyeopening experience. The Maasai people, who live throughout Kenya, have a patriarchal, male-orientated society. While warm and welcoming to outside visitors, they hold fast to their traditional, semi-nomadic lifestyle. They live in small, mud hut villages, or bomas, many of which are found within the country’s national parks and game preserves, making for each day’s ‘commute to work’ a veritable safari for the mission team. “Kenya was a trip of a lifetime,” says Michelle Zielinski, OMS-IV. She says everyone worked well together and that even after some 12-hour work days, it was all worthwhile. “The people that we treated were very appreciative of our help. The local people would sing and pray with us at the end of a long day. Several of us even found ourselves getting a little teary-eyed at such displays of gratitude.” Claudia Tuffanelli-Bouvier, OMS-III, another mission participant said, “seeing patients in Africa made me feel so lucky to be going into medicine and to be at a school that embraces global outreach. It was great to provide care to so many people who really needed our help. The most rewarding aspect was treating acute injuries such as burns and fractures. In one instance, I created a splint out of tongue depressors, duct tape and an ace bandage for a young girl with a probable radial head fracture. That case, along with the entire trip, further sparked my desire to go on to practice medicine all over the world.” Beyond providing healthcare, the RVUCOM team was able to experience many adventures in Kenya including picnics on the banks of a hippo pond and traveling to 'clinic' by bus
Claudia Tuffanelli-Bouvier, OMS-III lets a young Maasai child listen to her heartbeat
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through Amboseli National Wildlife Park where they saw animals like elephants, zebras and giraffes. Jesse Robertson, OMS-III recalls some of the highlights: “The Maasai from two different villages thanked us for our service to them with a traditional dance and songs which was very memorable to watch, and for some of us, incredible to be able to dance with them! We also had our bus breakdown on the road for an hour because it ran out of gas and we got to play kickball with some children who walked by. Near the end of the trip, some of the students did a walking safari in Tanzania with hot springs, waterfalls and camping in tents, while others went to Zanzibar for a few days to relax. It was incredible.” Additional medical mission trips are already being planned for both the Global Medicine track, and as rotation electives. “This trip far exceeded my expectations and I would recommend the experience to all RVUCOM students who are interested in Global Medicine,” says Melissa Ripp, OMS-IV. “I believe we were able to truly make a difference in many of the lives of the Maasai people we treated… and who wouldn't love seeing elephants, zebras, and giraffes on their morning drive to work!?” The RUVCOM team was joined by other physician volunteers and Dr. Scott Smith of Dreamweaver International; a non-profit organization that focuses on providing health care, education, raising awareness and empowering the Maasai people of Kenya. Dr. Smith and Dreamweaver are currently in the process of trying to build a clinic, the Mount Kilimanjaro Mission Hospital, just outside the park. If the clinic can be funded and staffed year-round, the Maasai will have a place that they can walk to for care. The organization also provided much of the medication that was used to treat patients during the recent medical mission. For more information on Dreamweaver International, visit their website at www.dreamweaverkenya.com.
Andrew Owen, OMS-IV with two Maasai children
A Maasai villager shows the team the village bomas, or mud hut homes
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From the Rocky Vista University Alumni Association
V U A LU M N I
A SSO C I AT ION Fellow Alumni, Happy New Year!! I want to congratulate you on making it to the halfway point of your intern year. As we start a new year we have many things to look forward to. The Alumni Association will be welcoming a new class of members this year. We look forward Meghan Croteau, D.O., '12 to not only doubling our membership but growing as an association. We have many great plans this year and cannot wait to put them to use! The first of many is your new alumni email address! Please sign up/sign into your free account to stay connected to the RVU Network! Don’t forget, we still have alumni wearables! RVU alumni merchandise is available for you to buy, and I know most of you can use a new coffee mug! Still not a contributing member? It is never too late to sign up; you can contact me or Julie Rosenthal in Admissions and Marketing to help you begin the process. Please consider contributing to our association to help the growth and cause of the alumni group. Cheers, Meghan Croteau, D.O., '12 Alumni Association President/CEO
NOW AVAILABLE RVU Alumni Association Apparel is now available in the RVU Online Store! Click the Online Store link on the RVU homepage and choose "RVU Alumni" from the drop-down menu to see more.
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Resident Spotlight:
Tabitha Thrasher, D.O., '12 After graduating from RVUCOM in 2012, Dr. Thrasher joined a Family Medicine Residency Program at the University of Wyoming. Currently living in Casper, Wyoming, she says she really likes the atmosphere and small town feel.
Tabitha Thrasher, D.O., '12
“Casper is a lot smaller than Colorado Springs and I really like that, even though I miss seeing Pikes Peak from my window. I love how nice everyone is around Casper. So far, I have really enjoyed my residency experience. My program puts a huge emphasis on ‘full spectrum medicine.’ I have enjoyed being part of the only residency program in our home hospital, getting hands-on experience with procedures, and getting personal attention with the specialists I work with. I also love how supportive all of my fellow residents and my attendings are. I feel like I have joined a family instead of a work team. After residency, I plan to work somewhere rural as a family medicine physician. I have also been considering doing a fellowship in Geriatrics or Neuromuscular Medicine and Osteopathic Manipulation after residency. My words of encouragement for all RVUCOM students would be to find a place you can be happy at for the next 3-5 years of your life. You have an opportunity to choose the seniors you work with, so take some time to really consider the entire program, including those you will be working with. Residency is hard enough; be sure you have the support you need during some of the most challenging years as you grow as a physician. And above all, have confidence, for you are an RVUCOM student!”
COMING SOON: RVU Alumni Website
The RVU Alumni Association will soon be launching a website at www.rvualumni.org!
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Spotlight on Our Students: Ali Ansary, OMS-III Ali Ansary, a third year physician in training at RVUCOM, is a leader, an innovator and a future physician with a passion for his work that shows in every facet of his already impressive accomplishments. With education and experience that has brought him all over the world, given him the opportunity to share his innovative ideas, and earned him prestigious honors and speaking engagements, Ali is sure to be an influential name in medicine in the years to come. Ali earned his Bachelor of Science degree at the University of California, Berkeley and then went on to University of Cambridge, UK, where he earned his Master’s Degree, focusing on new and emerging technologies and research. He has also worked with the Healthcare Advisory group at PriceWaterhouseCoopers in Dubai, UAE and the Abu Dhabi Health Authority, and he served as an intern in the Department of Nutrition for Health and Development at the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva. In 2009, Ali’s work with Inderm, whose focus is on the development of a subdermal drug delivery device to treat tuberculosis, was featured on CNN as part of its “Six Ideas That Could Change the World” report. The report highlighted the Inderm enhanced drug delivery system which seeks to improve noncompliance issues and access to treatment, especially in the underdeveloped areas of Africa and Asia. Ali is a co-founder of SeventyK, a non-profit organization whose mission is to change cancer care by educating patients, families, and their healthcare providers about age-appropriate treatment and the unique needs of adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients. SeventyK was launched in 2008 with a campaign for the Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Bill of Rights, for which support grew rapidly and by 2010, the campaign went global with the launch of the International Charter of Rights for Young People. In 2011, the organization
also launched the AYA Wellness Network, designed for healthcare professionals to share best practices and to guide patients through their care. For more information on SeventyK and Ali’s work, visit their website at www. seventyk.org.
Ali Ansary, OMS-III
Recently, Ali was invited by University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Chancellor Susan Desmond-Hellmann, as one of only two medical students, to attend a Summit. The Summit, which focused on the Precision Medicine Revolution, included attendees spanning from investors, CEOs, Senators and physician/ scientists. Ali was also asked to write a guest blog for the U.S. Department of Commerce regarding his honor to be part of a panel at the University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus where Acting Secretary of Commerce Rebecca Blank discussed the importance of opening four new USPTO offices, including one in Denver. Last year, Ali was honored when he was asked to speak at the annual TEDMED conference at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C. TEDMED is a multi-disciplinary community, seeking to improve the future of health and medicine through innovation and the coming together of great minds and leaders across many fields. Ali is currently on Family Medicine rotation, working at the Salud Family Health Center in Commerce City, Colorado. He is still considering where he would like to perform his residency and says he wants to focus on new innovations and translational medicine within oncology.
Nikita Patel, OMS-II Named RVUCOM Student Doctor of the Year Congratulations to Nikita Patel, OMS-II for being named the RVUCOM 2012-2013 Student Doctor of the Year! Nikita has now earned the opportunity to represent RVUCOM for the award of National Student Doctor of the Year, which will be selected by AACOM at their annual conference in the Spring. “I am honored and humbled to have been selected for RVUCOM’s Student Doctor of the Year! It means so much to me to receive this honor, and I am so thankful for all the opportunities that have helped me become a better person. I want to thank my family, friends, RVUCOM colleagues and professors for helping me throughout my journey – I wouldn’t be where I am today without all of you!”
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Nikita Patel, OMS-II
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ACOP Annual Toy Drive Delivers Smiles for the Holidays Physicians in training spend years learning and countless hours studying so that they can one day make a difference in the lives of others. In keeping with their commitment to service, every year during the holidays, the RVUCOM student chapter of the America College of Osteopathic Pediatricians (ACOP) holds a Holiday Toy Drive, bringing together the RVU community to help brighten the spirits of children in need of a little hope. Donation boxes were placed around the campus and quickly filled with new toys, benefitting the Children’s Hospital of Colorado. On a Sunday in mid-December, a group of RVUCOM physicians in training and their supportive volunteers gathered the toys and traveled to the Children’s Hospital. They pulled bright red wagons, brimming with toys, through three floors of the hospital, making stops at each room to deliver a gift. “The children were extremely excited to be able to pick out a toy from our wagons, bursting with options,” says Ashley Curtis, OMS-II, ACOP Vice President. “We are sure that it brightened their day and the time they had to spend in the hospital during the Holiday season. “ The toy drive event is made possible through generous toy donations from the RVU community, as well as through the Pumpkin Patch Fundraiser held at the university’s annual Fall Festival. Pumpkins at this event are generously donated to ACOP each year by Flat Acres Farm in Parker, with all proceeds going directly to the toy drive. The bulk of the toy donations are collected through RVU’s three week, on-campus toy drive; however, this year total donations were doubled from last year, with the tremendous efforts of Tammy Croteau, mother of RVUCOM alumna,
Students and guests, from left to right: Ricardo Guerra; Jessica Smith, OMS-II; Ryan Christoferson; Emily Albrecht, OMS-II; Clint Curtis; Ashley Curtis, OMS-II; Amy Baccetti, OMS-II; Brent Baccetti; and Veronica Maul, OMS-I
Meghan Croteau, D.O., ’12. Tammy collected toys for ACOP at her place of employment, and graciously delivered the toys to RVUCOM the day prior to the delivery to the Children’s Hospital. All of the members of ACOP are extremely grateful for the generosity of Tammy and her colleagues. The Holiday Toy Drive has become an annual tradition at RVUCOM. Ashley says, “ACOP hopes to continue this tradition every year as it provides the invaluable opportunity to give to our community and to center our perspective on helping others — one of the main reasons we are studying medicine in the first place.”
RVUCOM Published: Recent Student and Faculty Publications
Physician in training, Tyler Lewandowski, OMS-IV was recently published in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association. Clear as Mud: A Third-Year Medical Student's Perspective in Emergency Medicine; Journal Am Osteopath Assoc 2013; 113 105107 Open Access; http://www.jaoa.org/cgi/content/full/113/1/105 RVU Assistant Clinical Professor Prashant Krishnan was recently published in Digestive Endoscopy and the Journal of Hepatology: Krishnan P, Sofi A, Dempsey R, Alaradi O, Nawras A. Body Mass Index Predicts Cecal; Insertion Time: The Higher, The Better. Digestive Endoscopy. 2012 Baxa D, Thekdi A, Golembieski A, Krishnan P, Sharif O, Kizy A, Shetron-Rama L, Jovanovich J, Chappell B, Snow-Lampart A, Borroto-Esoda K, Gordon S. Evaluation of Anti-HBV Drug Resistant Mutations Among Patients with Acute Symptomatic Hepatitis B in the United States. Journal of Hepatology. 2012
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Inaugural Winter Ball Raises Money for Children’s Hospital Foundation By Courtney Cage, Class of 2015 President Few medical schools can boast the collegial and family-oriented atmosphere provided at RVUCOM. Whether belonging to a church group, training for a marathon, or serving the country as part of the U.S. Military, the unique student population at RVUCOM still finds it easy to collaborate on the most important mission of all: learning how to become outstanding physicians through education, community outreach and philanthropy. This year, RVUCOM students proved just how strong a commitment they have to helping others by raising $2,000 for the Children’s Hospital Foundation. Hosted by the Student Government Association (SGA), the first annual Winter Ball was held on January 11th at Mile High Station in downtown Denver. What an event! Balloons, music and friendly chatter filled the air as medical students, friends and families flooded together, dressed in Masquerade theme. Disguises of all different colors and sizes were worn. Some wore handmade masks with feathers and beads, while others hand-painted their faces in spirited fashion. Between dancing, dessert and the jubilant crowd, it was a dazzling scene. With such success on its inaugural evening, it can only be imagined how much more can be done in the upcoming years with the Annual Winter Ball. This philanthropic event is a legacy that the SGA is proud to have started, and it would not have been possible without the many contributions by SGA members, Mile High Station and RVU staff.
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RVUCOM Partners with Local Highlands Behavioral Health System Since a partnership with RVUCOM was established in July of 2012, more than 80 RVUCOM physicians in training have successfully completed their 30-day psychiatric rotation at Highlands Behavioral Health System (HBHS) in Littleton, Colorado. “Highlands is excited about our partnership with RVUCOM and have been impressed with the competency of students rotating through our facility,” says David W. Morris MSW, MBA, Chief Executive Officer for HBHS. “Our shared commitment to quality training has resulted in impressive outcomes in our first year.”
David W. Morris, CEO
Ronald R. Berges, D.O., Medical Director
Ronald R. Berges, D.O. Board Certified Psychiatrist and Medical Director for HBHS says, "We are pleased to provide a quality, in-state rotation for the medical students from RVUCOM. The exposure to a wide variety of patient types will help prepare them, not only for exams in
Brad Rice, OMS-III; Dr. Tom Vertrees; Christopher Mutter, OMS-III; Dr. Ron Berges; Timothy Murphy, OMS-III; and Crystal Yi, OMS-III
psychiatry, but for interactions with other patients as they enter additional training and practice." Matthew Calone, Director of Business Development at HBHS also reports that 100% of students in the program have passed their psychiatric shelf examination. He points out the benefits of having a local psychiatric rotation site in that it allows students to stay in Colorado. The rotation will continue to be offered in the future, with approximately 100 spots available each year.
Congratulations to our HPSP Students on an Excellent Match ARMY Anesthesiology - 1 Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, TX
NAVY
Family Medicine - 3 (1) Naval Hospital Bremerton, Bremerton, WA (2) Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune, Camp Lejeune, NC
Family Medicine - 1
General Surgery - 2
General Surgery - 2
Internal Medicine - 1
Darnall Army Medical Center, Ft. Hood, TX Tripler Army Medical Center, Honolulu, HI William Beaumont Army Medical Hospital, El Paso, TX
Pediatrics - 2
(2) Madigan Army Medical Hospital, Fort Lewis, WA
Radiology - 1 Tripler Army Medical Center, Honolulu, HI
Transitional - 1 Madigan Army Medical Hospital, Fort Lewis, WA
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(2) Naval Medical Center, Portsmouth, VA Naval Medical Center, Portsmouth, VA
OB/GYN - 1 Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD
Pediatrics
(Civilian Deferred)
PM & R
(Civilian Deferred)
AIR FORCE Family Medicine - 1 Nellis Air Force Base, Las Vegas, NV
General Surgery - 2 Keesler Air Force Base, Biloxi, MS Travis Air Force Base/UC Davis Medical Center, CA
Internal Medicine - 1
San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium
Pathology - 1
San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium
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RVU Talent Show Rocks the House The talents of the RVU community were on full display during the annual RVU Art Show, Talent Show and Cooking Competition. Throughout the day, artwork ranging from photography and paintings to miniatures and drawings, decked the walls of the student lounge, giving everyone a chance to view and vote on the artistic talents of their peers. Mrs. Michelle Steinmetz, wife of Mark Steinmetz, OMS-II, with her duo of stunningly realistic paintings, won the art show competition. Jennifer Montemayor, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Physiology and Anatomy, took second place with her collection of global photography, and third place was awarded to Lindsay Lawrence, OMS-I with her watercolor painting, "The Joys of a Summer Day". "The whole event was terrific!" says Miranda Allen, OMS-II, SGA VP of Student Welfare and organizer of the events. "This was also the first year family members were invited to join in the events, so not surprisingly, we had more entries in the Art Show this year than ever before. Every piece was exceptional!"
First Place Winner, Caleb Hudspath, OMS-I singing during his acoustic performance
"Sassolungo Alpe di Siusi" by Jennifer Montemayor, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Physiology & Anatomy
"Umatilla Maiden" by Michelle Steinmetz
Back by popular demand, the cooking competition kicked off the evening's events. Entrants displayed their culinary skills with a feast of sweet and savory entries, impressing and feeding over 120 students, faculty and family members. Brittany White, OMS-II earned first place in the Dinner Category with her delicious Sweet Potato Chili and 'taking the cake' for Best Dessert was Marisa Crawford, OMS-II with her amazing Maple Bacon Ice Cream. With satiated appetites, more than 150 spectators filled the large auditorium for the Talent Show where students showed off everything from guitar playing and singing to filmmaking and belly dancing. The show, emceed by Michael Waring, OMS-III and Elizabeth Tu, OMS-I, was filled with laughs and surprises, featuring acoustic performances, comedy skits and video entries. Danielle Wilson, OMS-II won third place with her hilarious video skit, "Break Time in the Faculty Lounge", in which no faculty member was safe from various students' impersonations. In second place was Carly LaCroix, OMS-II with her stunning acoustic performance of "Reasons Why" by Nickel Creek. Winning first place was Caleb Hudspath, OMS-I, who wowed the crowd with his acoustic renditions of the Beatles' classic, "Blackbird", and a heartfelt version of "I Won't Give Up" by Jason Mraz.
Carly LaCroix, OMS-II performs
"The Joys of a Summer Day" by Lindsay Lawrence, OMS-I
Danielle Wilson, OMS-II
Peter Gertonson, OMS-II
The event was a huge success again this year and is sure to continue as an annual RVU tradition. Brittany White, OMS-II with her First Place Winning Sweet Potato Chili
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Physicians in training dressed up for the White Coat Fashion Show
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Rural and Wilderness Medicine:
Building a Stronger Rural Workforce Through Procedural Training One of the biggest challenges of a rural medicine practice is having the ability to provide a wide range of diagnostic services to patients on-site in rural areas. Traditionally, patients in these areas only gain access to diagnostic services via telemedicine or by traveling, sometimes hundreds of miles, to see urban physicians. Given these circumstances, many rural patients often forego routine diagnostic procedures completely. However, through better procedural training of rural-based physicians, more efficient and effective continuous care could be provided. RVUCOM’s Department of Rural and Wilderness Medicine (R&W), which also includes the Military Medicine Track, sees this potential for building a stronger rural workforce and is focusing on better procedural training for future physicians. Physicians in training in the program gain valuable knowledge through hands-on training in diagnostic procedures that will enhance their ability to diagnose a variety of conditions they may encounter. The department is currently formulating curriculum that involves the use of diagnostic equipment, coupled with simulation and clinical problem solving. Development of students’ tactile skills, along with procedural training, will be a vital part of the process and will give them the confidence and skills they need as they enter the clinical years and prepare for residency. Recently, physicians in training in the R&W Medicine track studied two of the more important and most common modalities – endoscopy and ultrasonography – and were given the opportunity to practice these procedures with primary care endoscopists in rural and/or underserved settings. They learned in real time the skills necessary to not only do the procedures, but also how to work up patients and formulate their procedural notes — vital skills that will add value to the effective health care delivery in a rural or remote practice. A good foundation in procedural skills gained early in the medical education process will serve students well as they transition into residency programs.
Courtney Cage, OMS-II performs an ultrasonography
Shivaun Finn, OMS-III and Thomas Told, D.O., perform a colonoscopy
A. Hollis Wolf Competition RVUCOM would like to congratulate Amber Koon, OMS-III on her victory in the RVUCOM A. Hollis Wolf Case Competition. Amber will represent RVUCOM at the American Academy of Osteopathy (AAO) Convocation in Orlando, Florida, to be held late March, 2013. A. Hollis Wolf is a National Competition where representatives from 35 Osteopathic Schools around the country have the opportunity to present their cases on efficient and effective use of osteopathy. RVUCOM physicians in training have placed first in the National Competition for the last two years in a row.
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LeAnn Jons-Cox, D.O., RVUCOM Chair, Osteopathic Principles and Practices (OPP) and Assistant Professor of OPP presents the winning certificate to Amber Koon, OMS-III
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RVUCOM Student Awarded Wiggins Scholarship Kenton Asche, OMS-IV, was awarded the prestigious Michael P. Wiggins Memorial Scholarship Award during the Annual Meeting of the Larimer County Medical Society (LCMS). The $5,000 scholarship was established in memory of the 2009 LCMS President, Michael Wiggins, MD.
Mrs. Jackie Wiggins, wife of Michael Wiggins, MD; Kenton Asche, OMS-IV; and Peter Smith, MD, LCMS President
Jackie Wiggins, wife of the late Dr. Michael Wiggins, was on hand to award the scholarship. During his heartfelt acceptance, Kenton spoke of his admiration for Dr. Wiggins, who was also his family physician. “He took an interest in my curiosity about medicine as a career," said Kenton. "In my young eyes, his professional and caring personality exemplified what kind of physician and person I aspired to be." Applicants for the Michael P. Wiggins Memorial Scholarship must be graduates of a Larimer County High School and be accepted to, or attending medical or osteopathic medical school. Congratulations, Kenton!
Lynn Parry, MD, Colorado Delegate to AMA; Randy Marsh, MD, CMS Board of Directors; and Kenton Asche, OMS-IV
LAS/BLT Course at RVUCOM
RVUCOM hosted its second Ligamentous Articular Strain/Balanced Ligamentous Tension (LAS/BLT) Continuing Medical Education (CME) course from January 11-13, 2013. The course had 50 participants from all over the country, including a former chair of an OPP department. The course was hosted by the Student American Academy of Osteopathy (SAAO) and was run by David Kanze, D.O., RVUCOM Assistant Professor of OPP and Director of Undergraduate OPP Fellowship. The course had wonderful reviews and many requested that it be offered again in the future.
Tips for Succeeding in Medical School: Working in Study Groups By Judy Thornton, Director of Educational Support
Study groups are a very important part of success in medical school. Participating in an effective study group can help move students beyond their academic potential to a higher level of competency and self-esteem. Research shows that students improve their grades when they supplement individual study with study groups. Most of the efforts among healthcare professionals are accomplished through some type of teamwork. One of the most important characteristics in a true medical professional is being able to ask for help from his or her colleagues. Medical school is the time to start asking for help.
Why should you be working with a study group?
1. To reinforce, clarify and deepen learning and understanding 2. Group feedback indicates how well material is being learned and retained 3. It emphasizes teamwork which prepares you for the world of healthcare 4. It motivates and energizes studying, making it more fun 5. It improves time management 6. It provides a support group
If you have questions or concerns about academic performance and/or support, please contact Judy Thornton, Director of Educational Support, jthornton@rvu.edu. For an appointment, contact Erica Whatley, ewhatley@rvu.edu.
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Faculty and Staff Celebrate at the Holiday Appreciation Luncheon The holiday season is a time to give thanks and show appreciation to those whose hard work and dedication to the RVU community helps ensure the university's success. For the second year, the faculty and staff of RVU were treated to a festive Holiday Appreciation Luncheon, giving them a chance to get together and share an afternoon of fun and camaraderie. Everyone gathered, dressed in their festive best, at the Hyatt Regency in the Denver Tech Center for a delicious buffet lunch and exciting raffle of prizes. RVU's own a capella group, the S.O.A.P. Notes, were also on hand to regale the group with holiday songs, even calling upon the musical talents of Dmitriy Pales, D.O., Director of the Rocky Vista Health Center, to join in on an entertaining rendition of The Drifters' classic version of "White Christmas". The Holiday Appreciation Luncheon was organized by a committee of staff from the offices of Human Resources and Student Financial Services, including Patty Gordon, Cindy Ladish, Josnda Cole and Lynette Brandon.
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Welcome to our New Employees Kathy Anderson
Clinical Affairs Liaison
Kathy worked for three years with the Colorado Association of Family Medicine Residencies (CAFMR) as the Director of Recruitment. She also worked for Kroenke Sports Enterprises (Pepsi Center) as the Manager of Guest Services for four years. Additionally, she spent six years working for the Colorado Rockies Baseball Club as the Manager of Guest Services. Kathy says joining the RVU team was a product of great timing and established relationships. "I was blessed to have had the opportunity to establish a great working relationship with the Clinical Affairs Department while employed by CAFMR," she says. "RVU produces medical students and CAFMR was in the business of recruiting medical students into family medicine residencies in the state of Colorado. While with CAFMR, I was thrilled to meet with Clinical Affairs and RVU students and inform them on what Colorado Residency programs were expecting from graduating students. Now that I am with RVU, I am able to utilize contacts from the residency and medical community to develop sustainable relationships/rotations for our student doctors. This is a wonderful opportunity!" Kathy is happily married to her husband of three years, Ron. They have a "wonderful furry, four-legged, waggy-tailed girl" named Scout. In their spare time, Kathy and her husband love just about anything outdoors, including hiking, golfing and traveling. Welcome, Kathy!
David J Mohlman, D.O., FACOI
Assistant Professor, Internal Medicine Dr. Mohlman is originally from Owosso, Michigan. He also currently serves as the Internal Medicine Residency Program Director at Sky Ridge Medical Center in Lone Tree, Colorado.
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Dr. Mohlman attended Hillsdale College in Hillsdale, Michigan where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology in 1988. He later graduated from Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (MSUCOM) in 1994 and completed his Internal Medicine Residency training through MSUCOM in 1997 at Ingham Regional Medical Center in Lansing, Michigan. He previously served as an Associate Clinical Professor at MSUCOM and has provided educational opportunities in a primary care internal medicine office to MSUCOM students on an annual basis. Prior to relocating to Colorado, Dr. Mohlman maintained an active internal medicine practice in Owosso, Michigan for 15 years, providing office-based primary care and hospital care to adult patients in the area. "I believe this experience, along with my calling to educate future internal medicine physicians, provides me with the skills to help produce the best osteopathic internists in the medical profession," says Dr. Mohlman. Dr. Mohlman says he accepted this opportunity because of his strong calling to care for as many patients as possible during his medical career and short time on this earth, and to give back to the osteopathic profession by teaching future osteopathic physicians. "I realized after 15 years of practicing internal medicine in a rural area in Michigan that I could only help so many patients and that my work was limited," says Dr. Mohlman. "By training future internal medicine physicians who go out into the world and take care of patients, I will be able to touch the lives of so many more patients through them and continue to fulfill my calling." Dr. Mohlman has been married since 1987 to his college sweetheart, Colleen and they have 3 wonderful sons – Tyler, Jacob, and Dalton. His hobbies include running, ice hockey, golf, and reading science fiction novels. "Our family enjoys running and playing golf together and we have regularly competed as a family in local 5K races," he says. "I have participated in adult hockey leagues yearly for the last 15 years and enjoy the competition, camaraderie and stress relief. Colleen and I are looking forward to meeting everyone at RVU and sharing the incredible outdoor activities and weather of Colorado." Welcome, Dr. Mohlman!
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Welcome to our New Employees (Continued) Felicia Rodriguiez
Melanie Soard
Administrative Assistant to the Registrar
Administrative Assistant to the Vice President and General Counsel
Melanie is from Highlands Ranch, Colorado. She attended Northern Illinois University where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Consumer Education with a minor in Marketing.
Felicia is originally from Simla, Colorado. Prior to moving to Parker, she also lived in Colorado Springs for seven years. She graduated from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs in May of 2006, earning a bachelor’s degree in Sociology. Before joining RVU, Felicia worked at Zach’s Place, a respite home for Special Needs youth, where parents could bring their children before and after school, on weekends and for overnight care. Felicia's husband is a first year student at RVUCOM. "My husband and I moved to Parker shortly after getting married so that he could attend RVUCOM," she says. "Ironically, the temp agency I was using, placed me with RVU (without knowing that my husband was going to be attending), and I was able to stick around." Felicia says that she and her husband like to get away on the weekends to visit their family in Colorado Springs. They also enjoy exploring other cities and national parks. Welcome, Felicia!
Previously, Melanie worked for Edward Jones as an office administrator. Melanie says she learned of RVU several years ago by friends who are employed at the university. "They were quick to share how pleased they were to be associated with the RVU community," says Melanie. "The day I was able to return to work, Linda Cairns, RVU Registrar, asked if I'd be interested in coming to RVU as her assistant. I was very excited as Linda and I had worked together in the past, and always worked well together and had a lot of fun!" Melanie also says she appreciates how welcoming everyone had been. "One of my personal values is to strive for excellence and I feel blessed to work with people who have similar values and share an amazing sense of teamwork." Melanie says she is “Nonni” to three wonderful grandchildren who are the center of her life. She loves the outdoors and enjoys walking local trails, hiking in the mountains and snow shoeing in Winter. She also loves to read and is very active in her church. Welcome, Melanie!
Promotions and New Appointments Crickett Forrest - Credentialing and Special Projects Coordinator
Crickett Forrest has been promoted to Credentialing and Special Projects Coordinator. In her new role, she will be responsible for carrying out and maintaining student background check/drug screenings and for updating credentialing of student and adjunct faculty to ensure compliance with various accreditation requirements. Congratulations, Crickett!
Matt Griebel - Multimedia Technical Engineer
Matt Griebel has been promoted to the new position of Multimedia Technical Engineer. Matt formally served as the Audio/Visual Technician. In his new role, Matt will be responsible for producing a variety of videos, and operating, maintaining and safeguarding the technical assets of the university. Congratulations, Matt!
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The Office of the President Welcomes Kathleen MacKay, Ph.D. Kathleen MacKay, Ph.D.
earned her Ph.D. at Indiana University in Bloomington and also earned a Certificate at the Institute for Educational Management (IEM) at Harvard University in Boston, Massachusetts.
Kathleen MacKay, Ph.D., has joined RVU as Chief of Staff for the President’s Office and Director of Special Projects. As part of this role, Dr. MacKay will be assisting with several projects, including the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Self Study.
Dr. MacKay is a seasoned higher education administrator with experience in large public and small private institutions across the country. She served as the Interim Dean of Student Services for the Boulder and Larimer County campuses of Front Range Community College, and as the Vice President of Student Services for Metropolitan State University of Denver. Prior to moving back to Colorado, Dr. MacKay served as the Dean of Students for Elmhurst College in Elmhurst, Illinois, as well as the Dean of Students for Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. She has experience in the writing of education and research grants, has served in various teaching positions and has been published in multiple professional journals.
Chief of Staff for the President’s Office and Director of Special Projects
“Dr. Lovell, RVU President, offered me the opportunity to come to RVU to help with HLC and other special projects in the President’s Office,” says Dr. MacKay. “As I learned more about the university, it became clear that RVU is a special place and I would enjoy working here. I have a great deal of experience working in higher education, but I had never worked at a medical school. The medical and start-up aspects of RVU are especially interesting to me.” Dr. MacKay earned her Bachelor’s degree in journalism from Colorado State University in Ft. Collins and then went on to earn her Master’s degree in Student Personnel Services in Higher Education from the University of Vermont in Burlington. She later
HLC Accreditation Update
“I am a native of Colorado, but went to graduate school out of state and worked in the midwest for a number of years. I returned to Colorado in 2007 and plan to stay in Colorado indefinitely,” says Dr. MacKay. She also says that her immediate family lives in Colorado, including her 97-year-old father and 93-year- old mother. “My interests and hobbies are travel, travel and travel,” she says. “When I’m not traveling, I’m trying to learn how to grow vegetables.” Welcome, Dr. MacKay!
By Kathleen MacKay, Ph.D., Chief of Staff for the President’s Office and Director of Special Projects
As many of you know, RVU submitted its original self-study to the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) in June, 2011, and had the initial HLC Team visit in September, 2011. Last Spring, we received the Team’s Report, responded to the questions the Team asked, and RVU representatives met with the HLC Institutional Actions Council. Last Summer, the HLC Board of Trustees granted RVU candidacy status. The candidacy period is usually four years. Given the strength of RVU’s initial self-study, HLC gave the university permission to complete the process for full accreditation in two years. This is good news and a great accomplishment. The people leading and contributing to the 2011 self-study deserve special thanks for their work. Last week, the Criteria Team Leaders met to look at the next steps. We decided it might be more effective to have smaller groups for each of the five criteria. The groups now have between eight and twelve committee members. The small groups have begun their work and may be asking for people outside the groups for their expertise or assistance. The Criteria Team Leaders are: Criterion I – Mission: Dr. Jons-Cox/Erica Whatley Criterion II – Integrity – Ethical and Responsible Conduct: Dr. Ames/Crickett Forrest Criterion III – Teaching and Learning – Quality Resources & Support: Dr. Stasio/Cherise Workman Criterion IV – Teaching and Learning – Evaluation & Improvement: Dr. McCormick/Terri McNair Criterion V – Resource Planning & Institutional Effectiveness: Lorne Thomas/Lynette Brandon The deadline to submit a final report to the HLC is August l, 2013; however, the internal timeline dictates to have the final copy of the report by June 15th. The goal is to get the information done early, because the end of June is a time when many faculty and staff often take vacation and many will be busy preparing for the arrival of the new class in July. Final editing and formatting of the report is anticipated to be completed in July, 2013. Adrian Clark, Felicia Rodriguez and I are coordinating the HLC efforts for the university. Please do not hesitate to talk with one of us if you have questions.
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From the W.E.L.L. Committee: Declaration of Fitness By Patty Kellison, Director of the Testing Center
When in the course of RVU events, it becomes necessary for employees to dissolve the psychological bands which have connected them with the couch, and to assume among the powers of ourselves, the fit and healthy condition to which the Laws of Wellness and Wellness Warriors entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of health experts requires that they should share the knowledge which impels them to the elevation. In other words… the W.E.L.L. Committee wants you to get up and get fit, and we’re going to give you the information and motivation to do it! We had a great year in 2012, and hope that 2013 will be even better, with a mix of old favorites and new ideas. 2012 ended on a great note. More than 32 employees and spouses participated in the free Cigna Biometrics Wellness assessment on December 7. Health care professionals were on hand to measure height, weight, blood pressure, BMI and cholesterol levels, and advised participants on what their numbers meant and what they could do to improve their health. Employees can take that knowledge forward into 2013, to help support a New Year’s resolution to quit smoking, lose weight, be more active, or simply to keep up the good work. All participants in the fourth quarter weight loss and exercise challenges were rewarded for their hard work with a Wellness Appreciation Lunch on January 18. Participants lost a total of 30.5 pounds in two months, and exercised for a whopping 843.5 hours! Congratulations to the winners, who earned fabulous prizes in addition to the reward of improved fitness. They were:
Weight loss: 1st Zeke England 2nd LeAnn Jons-Cox 3rd Sarah Chavez Exercise: 1st Michelle Mueller 2nd Justine Holck 3rd Erica Whatley
Great Job, Wellness Warriors!
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By popular demand, we are bringing back the exercise and weight loss challenges. Earn wellness points toward time off for pounds lost and hours exercised. As always, you can also earn points for community service, attending a book club discussion, donating blood, or seeing your doctor for a yearly physical. Details are on the tracking sheet, which we will send to all employees, or e-mail wellness_warriors@rvu.edu with questions. Did you know RVU has a book club for employees? We do, and we have a great time each month getting together over a healthy lunch to chat about great books. Contact Patty Kellison, pkellison@rvu.edu, if you are interested in participating. The W.E.L.L. Committee would like to welcome new members Deidre McGee, Felicia Rodriguez, Michael Dewsnap, and Dr. Dwight Hertz who is bringing an exciting new event to the Wellness program! Dr. Hertz will present a dynamic series of interactive discussions on health and wellness topics throughout 2013, including “Under the Influence,” an examination of how external cues affect our eating, and “Chair Today, Gone Tomorrow,” about the importance of movement in our daily lives. These discussions will be brown bag lunch events, and all students and employees are encouraged to attend and participate. Details coming soon.
The W.E.L.L. Committee members are: Camille Purkapile Deidre McGee Dr. Dwight Hertz Felicia Rodriguez Dr. Kenneth Ramey Michael Dewsnap Michelle Mueller Patty Gordon Patty Kellison Please feel free to approach any of us with questions or ideas about health and wellness at RVU. As always, be W.E.L.L.!
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Updates From the RVU Security Team By Dan Havens, Head of Safety and Security
The university is now Title IV eligible and with that, the Security Department is working hard on structuring the “Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act”, more commonly known as the “Clery Act". There are several things we will be adding for the safety and security of RVU. For example, Security has established an anonymous tip phone line (303-708-8185) and will also be adding a Security tab on the RVU website. The department will keep everyone informed of the improvements as we get them set up. Also, current crime reports are available in the Security office that all are welcome to see.
the acknowledge button/tab at the bottom of the screen, or until it times-out (usually about 10 minutes). If you are not on campus and you receive an e-mail and it tells you that the school is being evacuated, please do not come to the school. We will send a follow-up e-mail when the event is over.
In the event of an emergency, Security is able to send out a mass e-mail and emergency notices over the school-wide computer network. When you see these messages, please carefully read and follow the directions. If this pops up on your computer, it will lock your computer until you hit
Also adding to campus-wide safety and security, the Security Department has fully installed 11 new cameras, both inside and outside the building, which brings the total of cameras to 22 on campus.
The Security Department is also proud to announce that Head of Safety and Security, Dan Havens, has been certified as a Mass Casualty Incident Commander through the State of Colorado to assist local Law Enforcement in the event of a disaster at the university.
RVU Health Sciences Library Launches New Website The RVU Health Sciences Library website has a new look and offers new resources to enhance learning and research. The first change to the website is the addition of library guides with information about linked resources and instructions on their use. Instructions appear immediately below links so students do not need to search for help on other pages. The second change is the development of subject- and user-specific pages, which will continue throughout the year. A resources page designed specifically for preceptors is now available, along with pages designed for students participating in grand rounds and current systems courses. Two other additions strengthen library holdings and student access. Students who use mobile devices such
The Vista View is Published by the Rocky Vista University Marketing Department.
as smartphones and tablets will discover that the library website automatically reconfigures for smaller screens, and students now have access to ClinicalKey, a cuttingedge point-of-care resource that provides online access to 1,000+ additional medical books and 500+ medical journals from Elsevier. The library offers an increasingly rich collection of books and journals relevant to biomedical science, medical humanities and clinical medicine, including resources such as AccessMedicine, ACP PIER, DynaMed, Micromedex, UpToDate and VisualDx. To visit the new website, point your browser to http://library.rvu.edu. Many resources require a username and password, but the website also includes a selection of information resources available to everyone, including consumer health resources (http://library.rvu.edu/content. php?pid=416312).
8401 S. Chambers Road Parker, CO 80134 720.875.2800
Editor & Graphic Designer Holly E. Kaspar Assistant Director of Marketing
To make comments, suggestions, submissions or be added to the newsletter mailing list, please contact Holly Kaspar at hkaspar@rvu.edu
Rocky Vista University provides quality healthcare education while inspiring students to serve with compassion, integrity and excellence.
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