New ATSU-SOMA Dean

Valerie Sheridan, DO, Named ATSU-SOMA Dean

A.T. Still University’s School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona (ATSU-SOMA) has named Valerie Sheridan, DO, FACOS, DFACOS, FACS, as the School’s dean, effective July 1, 2021. “Dr. Sheridan has demonstrated a commitment to and command of osteopathic medical education throughout her distinguished career, including the last five years as part of ATSU-SOMA’s administration,” said ATSU President Craig Phelps, DO, ’84.

“I am honored to serve as dean of ATSU-SOMA,” Dr. Sheridan said. “As the landscape of today’s health care continually changes, educating tomorrow’s physicians is an important endeavor to ensure quality health care is provided to all. I embrace the opportunity to advance ATSU-SOMA with innovative, learning-centered ideas to achieve the highest level of excellence in execution of our mission.”

Dr. Sheridan received her doctor of osteopathic medicine degree from Michigan State University and completed her internship and residency in general surgery at Michigan State University Mount Clemens General Hospital (presently McLaren Macomb hospital). She has completed numerous postgraduate certifications in various surgical procedures as well as multiple leadership programs, including two yearlong programs: the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Health Policy Fellowship and the Costin Institute for Osteopathic Medical Educators.

She is certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Surgery and is a diplomat of the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners.

Dr. Sheridan is active in professional organizations, most notably the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons (ACOS), having served as president in 2014-15. Last year, she was inducted as an ACOS Distinguished Fellow, a distinction reserved for the best of the osteopathic surgical profession and conferred upon ACOS Fellows in recognition of their long-standing commitment to the practice of surgery, engagement with the College, surgical teaching, authorship of professional papers, and participation in local, state, and national organizations. Dr. Sheridan is also a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, where she still serves as an ACOS representative. She is currently vice chair of the Osteopathic Recognition Committee of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME).

Dr. Sheridan has long been committed to serving the underserved as a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity and Feed the Starving Children, on mission experiences, and in her church activities.

Prior to joining ATSU-SOMA in 2016 as assistant dean for clinical education, assessments, and outcomes, Dr. Sheridan had clinical appointments at Michigan State University and Midwestern University.

Patients need your full focus. Stop worrying about student loans.

about student loans.

SoFiis here to help you take down student debt—with exclusive student loan benefits, for members. Plus, access financial education tools, guides, calculators, and more.

Claim your 0.25% rate discount‡toward your student loans. Checking your rate will not affect your credit score. SoFi.com/AOA

Terms and Conditions Apply. SOFI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. To qualify, a borrower must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident in an eligible state and meet SoFi's underwriting requirements. Not all borrowers receive the lowest rate. To qualify for the lowest rate, you must have a responsible financial history and meet other conditions. If approved, your actual rate will be within the range of rates listed above and will depend on a variety of factors, including term of loan, a responsible financial history, years of experience, income and other factors. Rates and Terms are subject to change at anytime without notice and are subject to state restrictions. SoFi refinance loans are private loans and do not have the same repayment options that the federal loan program offers such as Income Based Repayment or Income Contingent Repayment or PAYE. Licensed by the Department of Business Oversight under the California Financing Law License No. 6054612. SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Lending Corp., NMLS # 1121636. (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org)