DOWNERS GROVE, IL Midwestern University GLENDALE, AZ Tomorrow’s Healthcare Team www.midwestern.edu Vital Signs The news beat of Midwestern University Summer 2020 Midwestern University offers New Master of Public Health Degree Program The program will initially be offered starting in summer 2020 as a dual-degree option for the University’s osteopathic , dental medicine, optometry, and veterinary medicine students; a stand alone degree option will be available starting in 2022. The degree will empower Inside students with public health Students from MWU’s osteopathic medicine, dental medicine, optometry, and veterinary medicine knowledge and skills that programs have enrolled in the new dual-degree Master of Public Health Program. will expand their career President’s Message.....2 opportunities in traditional Midwestern University is pleased to announce the clinical and public health practice, global health, and addition of a new graduate healthcare professional government service. Typical career paths include Faculty, Staff, and degree program, designed to best prepare students for environmental health, food safety, epidemiology, Student Research and future careers in healthcare. Activities Updates...... 3 zoonotic disease and vector control, health service The new Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) Program management, and many more. Professionals with this is a 56 quarter-credit hour online program that offers level of training are in increasing demand, especially Administration interprofessional opportunities to join healthcare in urban and rural populations that are medically Updates...... 5 teams that link human, animal, and ecosystems health underserved. It is estimated that an additional quarter management and employ One Health principles. million public health workers will be needed this year. Faculty News...... 6 Campuses Invite Teens to Sample Research News...... 8 Healthcare Careers Campus Events...... 9 Midwestern University opened its campuses in Student Activities...... 12 and to curious high school students to showcase the possibilities offered by a variety of healthcare careers as part of the annual Health Sciences Career Photo Gallery...... 16 Day in March. Nearly 300 Midwestern students and faculty volunteered their time and passion for their programs to interact with over 1,200 high school students across both campuses. High school students enjoy hands-on educational experiences as These events provide important community education part of the annual Health Sciences Career Day offered on both the outreach for the University and help to build Downers Grove and Glendale campuses. interest among science-minded youngsters who are volunteers and participated in interactive presentations contemplating future careers in the healthcare industry. that included an anatomy lab, surgical skills lab, dental While on campus for the event, high school students simulation, veterinary medicine, and more. interacted with Midwestern faculty and student President’s Message

Dear Faculty, Staff, and Students,

As you know, Vital Signs serves as a platform to showcase campus and community service events, student activities, mission trips, professional conferences, and other happenings that bring people close together—all now seemingly a distant memory as we live through a global pandemic that has translated into cancelled or postponed in-person events and travel, and which has required all of us to observe stay-at-home executive orders and social distancing practices. However, even with the many challenges we all have faced together during the past months, this Summer 2020 edition spotlights the resilience and spirit of the Midwestern University family. Kathleen H. Goeppinger, Ph.D. President and This edition offers an opportunity to learn about our new professional degree programs, administration Chief Executive Officer, Midwestern University updates, advocacy, and research initiatives. More importantly, during this time of challenges and uncertainty, this Summer 2020 edition is a welcomed reminder of the Midwestern University community’s unwavering dedication to selfless service and philanthropy. Vital Signs articles also highlight the commitment of our faculty, staff, and students to honor and respect every member of our academic family. A healthy, professional campus community shares and respects a diversity of opinions and views; our uniting mission is one of educational excellence for all of our students as they learn the healing arts with true respect and understanding of everyone they encounter. This is the common bond that unites us as we continue to educate the next generation of healthcare professionals.

I am sincerely grateful for each of you, our esteemed faculty, students, and staff, as you devote your time and talents to support Midwestern University and each other. I am motivated by your care and resilience, and inspired by the unwavering sense of community we share.

Be well.

Kathleen H. Goeppinger, Ph.D. President and Chief Executive Officer Midwestern University

2 Vital Signs midwestern.edu Faculty, Staff, and Student Research and Activities Update

APPOINTMENTS, AWARDS, David Jenkins, D.P.M., FAAPSM, The following students and their faculty AND GRANTS FACFAS (AZPod/CHS-Glendale), mentors received research awards at the Professor, received in Student American Academy of Osteopathy Jill Borchert, Pharm.D., BCPS, FCCP Podiatric Sports Medicine. Dr. Jenkins helped (SAAO) Convocation in Colorado (CCP), Vice Chair, Pharmacy Practice, is develop and was a charter member of the Springs, CO: the Chair-Elect, Pharmacy Practice, for the Certification in Podiatric Sports Medicine. • Jillian Lynn Smith, M.S.(CCOM American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy. Yanjin Li (AZCOM 2023), Irena 2020); Derek Oswald (CCOM Brent Adrian (CGS-Glendale), Senior Grauzinis and Selina Martinez 2020); Robert Murphy, M.S. Research Specialist; Ari Grossman, Ph.D. (AZCOM 2022), and Allison Walen (CCOM), Department Research (CGS-Glendale), Professor, Anatomy; (AZCOM 2021) were selected to participate Coordinator, Physiology; Kurt P. Andrew Lee, Ph.D. (CGS-Glendale), in the Arizona Academy of Family Physicians Heinking, D.O., FAAO (CCOM), Associate Professor, Anatomy; Heather (AzAFP) Emerging Leaders Day Program held Chair, Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine; F. Smith, Ph.D. (CGS-Glendale), at the Arizona State Capitol. and Kyle K. Henderson, Ph.D., Avery (CGS-Downers Grove), Associate Director of Anatomical Laboratories; Thomas H. O’Hare, D.O. (AZCOM), Williams (CGS-Glendale) Professor, Physiology; first place award for , Research Professor, was appointed to the COMLEX- “Measuring Low Frequency Oscillations in Specialist; et al. were winners in the Federal of USA Level 2-PE exam Advisory the Microcirculation of the Face: In Search American Societies for Experimental Biology Committee by the National Board of of Novel Mechanisms for the CRI.” (FASEB) annual BioArt competition for Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME) their image “Paleohistological Section from a Operational Committee. • Bridget Condon (CCOM 2021); 96-Million-Year-Old Fossil Pond Turtle Shell.” Mireille N. Rizkalla, MSc., Ph.D. Sheila Wang, Pharm.D., BCPS, AQ- The competition was held as part of the annual (CCOM), Assistant Professor, Clinical ID (CCP), et al. were awarded the Board of FASEB Experimental Biology conference. Education; Kimberly Huntington- Pharmacy Specialists (BPS) Seed Grant for Teresa Brobeck, Ph.D., CCC-SLP Alfano, D.O. (CCOM), Clinical a project entitled “Assessment of Patients’ (CHS-Glendale SLP) Assistant Professor; Kurt P. Heinking, , Clinical Associate Perceptions on Antimicrobial Stewardship DO, FAAO (CCOM), Chair, Professor, et al. received a a 2020 SPEAK and Attitudes Towards Board-Certified OUT!® & LOUD Crowd® Grant from the Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine; Clinical Pharmacists within the Movement to Ann Impens, Ph.D. M.P.H., Parkinson Voice Project. The grant includes Reduce Antimicrobial Resistance.” Dr. Wang (MWU), Assistant Director, Institute for material and funding to help patients with also received the Northwestern Memorial Parkinson’s disease “speak with intent.” Healthcare Innovation; and Kyle K. Hospital Executive Leadership Pharmacy Henderson, Ph.D., (CGS-Downers Margaret Brosnahan, D.V.M., Ph.D., Recognition for her penicillin allergy graded Grove), Associate Professor, Physiology; DACVIM (CVM), Assistant Professor, was challenge development and hospital-wide third place award for “Osteopathic appointed for a three year term (2020 – 2022) EPIC Go-Live implementation. Manipulation Improves Neurocognitive on the Welfare & Public Policy Advisory The following faculty members of the College Performance in Adults with Pain: A Council of the American Association of of Pharmacy-Glendale received the Award Rationale for a New Approach.” Equine Practitioners (AAEP). Dr. Brosnahan of Excellence in Experiential Education by was also named Chair of the Research the American Association of Colleges of PRESENTATIONS, SPEECHES, Committee of the American Endurance Ride Pharmacy (AACP): AND COMMUNITY SERVICE Conference (AERC) in addition to serving on the AERC Welfare of the Horse and Lindsay E. Davis, Pharm.D., BCPS, • Sally Arif, Pharm.D., BCPS (CCP), Veterinary Committees. ASH-CHTTS, FAzPA , Associate Associate Professor, Pharmacy Practice, Professor William Devine, D.O. (AZCOM), et al. presented “Implementation of a Clinical Professor, received the Anne • Suzanne Larson, Pharm.D., Associate Continuing Education Series to Promote Wales, D.O., Award for Excellence in Professor Interprofessional Collaboration and Evidence Education of Osteopathic Clinicians from Based Practice in the United Arab Emirates,” • Shareen El-Ibiary, Pharm.D., the American Academy of Osteopathy at at the 2019 American College of Clinical BCPS, FCCP, Director, Experiential their annual Convocation. Pharmacy Annual Meeting in New York, NY. Education Dr. Arif, Amanda Seddon, Pharm.D., Richard Dobrusin, D.O., M.S., Elizabeth Pogge, Pharm.D., MPH, BCOP, BCPS (CCP), Assistant Professor, FACOFP (AZCOM), Clinical Associate • BCPS-AQ Cardiology, FASCP Pharmacy Practice, et al. presented “Incidence Professor, was elected President of the Arizona , and Management of Bevacizumab-induced Osteopathic Medical Association. Professor Proteinuria at an Academic Infusion Center” Erin Raney, Pharm.D., BCPS, BC- Jennifer Dryden (AZCOPT 2020) • at the same meeting. ADM, FCCP and Lisa Stremick (AZCOPT 2020) , Professor received Practice Excellence Scholarships • Tara Storjohann, Pharm.D., BCGP, from the American Academy of Optometry FASCP, Associate Professor Continued on page 4 Foundation and VSP Global. Vital Signs 3 (Continued from page 3) Susan Cornell, Pharm.D. (CCP), Glaucoma in a Patient Treated with Avastin" As part of the MWU Community Health Associate Director, Experiential Education, at the Southern Council of Optometrists Lecture Series, the following Glendale faculty presented “What’s New in Type 2: The International meeting in Atlanta, GA, and have presented recently at the Glendale Library- 2019 Diabetes Update” at the “Optical Coherence Tomography-Ganglion Foothills Branch: Pharmacists Association meeting in Chicago, Cell Analysis with Cirrus Spectral Domain- • Mary White, D.V.M., DACVP (CVM), IL; “What is New in Diabetes?” at the OCT in the Evaluation of a Patient who Assistant Professor, “Comparative Medicine: Independent Dental Organization of Illinois Underwent Stem Cell Therapy for Primary Diabetes in Animals and Humans.” in Oak Brook, IL; “Diabetes 101: The 2019 Open Angle Glaucoma” at Heart of America Pathophysiology Update” and “Diabetes Eye Care Congress in Kansas City, MO. • Oliver Grundmann, Ph.D. (CPG), 201: The Pharmacotherapy Update," at the Adjunct Assistant Professor, and Charles Jennifer Mazan, Pharm.D.(CCP), Lincolnland Community College Nursing Veltri, Ph.D. (CPG), Associate Associate Professor, Pharmacy Practice, CME in Springfield, IL; “The 2019 Diabetes Professor, “Kratom: Science vs. Myth presented “To Disclose or Not Disclose (a Medication Update: The Metformin Wedding and Understanding the Risks.” Medication Error). Is That the Question?” at Event,” at the 2019 American Association of the 3rd Annual Midwest Medication Safety Diabetes Educators Illinois Coordinating STUDENT GROUPS AND Symposium in St Louis, MO. Body Annual Diabetes Symposium in UNIVERSITY AWARDS Bloomington, IL; “Your Guide to 2019 Kelly Lempicki, Pharm.D., BCPS Diabetes Standards, Guidelines, and Expert (CCP), Assistant Director, Simulation Center; The Midwestern University Office of Opinion” at the Joint Federal Pharmacy Jill Borchert, Pharm.D., BCPS, FCCP Communications received two gold Seminar/American Pharmacists Association (CCP), Vice Chair, Pharmacy Practice; et al. awards in the 35th Annual Educational meeting in Dallas, TX; and “Optimizing presented “Entrustable Professional Activity Advertising Awards, sponsored by the Cardiovascular Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes: Assessment in Medicine and Pharmacy” at the Higher Education Marketing Report, for the Beyond A1c Goals” at the 2019 American 2020 International Meeting on Simulation in President’s Report and the Winter 2018-2019 Society of Health-System Pharmacists Healthcare in San Diego, CA. MWU Magazine. In addition, the Midwestern (ASHP) Midyear Clinical Meeting in Las Andrew Merker, Pharm.D., BCPS, University website received a third-place Vegas, NV. Dr. Cornell, et al. presented “Case- BCIDP (CCP), Assistant Professor, honor in the American Association of Based Look at Effective and Practical Team- Pharmacy Practice, presented “Managing Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) Based T2D Management” for the Medscape Opioid Use Disorder in Hospital Setting” at Excellence in Communication Awards. Education Diabetes and Endocrinology CME/ the Northern Illinois Society of Health-System TheClinical Skills and Simulation CE webcast; and “Advancing Diabetes Care Pharmacist (NISHP) in Oak Brook, IL. Center has achieved American Heart for Pharmacists” at Hawaiian Pharmacists Association Training Center status. This Association in Honolulu, HI. Julio Rebolledo, Pharm.D.(CCP), Assistant Professor, Pharmacy Practice, upgrade allows the facility to offer high quality Patricia Higgins, D.O. (CHS-Downers presented “Medications and Tools of ACLS/BLS/First Aid/CPR certification Grove PA), Director of Clinical Education, the Trade Training with Gadgets” at courses to both the academic and clinic and Erica Menocci, M.M.S., PA-C the American Lung Association COPD community, while expanding into other areas (CHS-Downers Grove PA), Instructor; Educator Institute in Chicago, IL. of certification such as PALS, ATLS, and ALSO. et. al were selected to present “PA Alumni Practice Models, Knowledge, and Perceptions N. Jim Rhodes, Pharm.D., M.S., TheArizona College of Optometry’s on Optimal Team Practice (OTP)” at the BCPS (CCP), Assistant Professor, pediatric department has received a Quality American Academy of Physician Assistants Pharmacy Practice, and Marc Scheetz, Award from the Pediatric Eye Disease (AAPA) national convention. Pharm.D., M.SC, BCPS (CCP), Investigator Group (PEDIG) for having Professor, Pharmacy Practice, presented an outstanding quality index of a 1.0 for Medha Joshi, Ph.D. (CCP), Associate “Interrupted Time Series Analysis two years in a row. This entails having zero Professor, Pharmaceutical Sciences, et al. of Fluoroquinolone use Following protocol deviations among all of the patient presented “Construction and Optimization Implementation and Removal of an enrollments for the recruitment year. In of an In Vitro Blood Brain Barrier and Antibiotic Time-Out Restriction” at the addition to receiving the quality award, Permeation Studies on ETB Receptor 2019 American Society of Health-System AZCOPT was named PEDIG’s site of the Agonist- IRL-1620” at the American Pharmacists (ASHP) Midyear Clinical month in January. Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists Meeting in Las Vegas, NV. meeting in San Antonio, TX. Chicago College of Pharmacy Amanda Nicole Seddon, Pharm.D., students from the American Association Pierce Kenworthy, O.D. (AZCOPT), BCOP, BCPS (CCP), Assistant Professor, of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) and Assistant Professor, presented “The Aging Pharmacy Practice, presented “No JAKing the Illinois Council of Health-System Eye: What Is Normal and What Is Not?” at Around. Improvements in the Assessment Pharmacists (ICHP) chapters earned the the Beatitudes Campus independent and and Management of Graft Versus Host “Mental Health First Aid” certification assisted living community. Disease (GVHD)," at the Targeting Cancer: presented by the National Alliance on Jeanie C. Lucy, O.D., M.P.H., FAAO 2019 Annual Update in Oncology Pharmacy Mental Illness (NAMI). They learned risk (CCO), Assistant Professor, Optometry, meeting in Chicago, IL. factors and signs of mental health struggles, presented "Secondary Open Angle skills to interact with a patient in crisis, and how to connect them with assistance.

4 Vital Signs midwestern.edu Administration Update

Midwestern University Announces Administration Changes Midwestern University is pleased to announce new leadership Kyle H. Ramsey, Ph.D., has been promoted to Vice changes in University administration to meet the evolving needs President and Chief Academic Officer, Dental and of its faculty, staff, and students. Kathleen H. Goeppinger, Ph.D., Graduate Studies Education, after serving as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Midwestern University, Dean of Basic Sciences from 2014 to 2019, and Dean announced the changes in February. of the College of Graduate Studies from 2019 to 2020. Dr. Ramsey began his tenure at Midwestern Kathleen N. Player, Ed.D., M.S.N., M.B.A., University in 1993. In 2009, he received the Irvin M.S.C., Vice President and Chief Academic Officer, M. Korr Award for his research from the American Medical and Health Sciences Education, and Vice Osteopathic Association (AOA), an award recognizing the lifetime President, Clinic Operations, will now oversee the achievements of a basic scientist for his or her commitment to University’s Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine research. After three years on active duty with the U.S. Army, he on two campuses, as well as its College of Health entered the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, completing Sciences programs. Named one of the 50 Most his Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology. He completed his Influential Women in Arizona Business in 2012, Dr. postdoctoral work at Walter Reed Army Institute of Research and Player began working at Midwestern University in 2014 after serving served as Chief of Clinical Microbiology at the Walter Reed Army as President, Chief Academic Officer, and Provost for Grand Canyon Medical Center in Bethesda, MD. He retired from the U.S. Army University. Dr. Player received her Ed.D. from Argosy University in Reserves in 2008 at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Sarasota, Florida, and her M.S.N. and M.B.A. from GCU. Yir Gloria Yueh, Ph.D., was named Dean, College Joshua C. Baker, O.D., M.S., Vice President and of Graduate Studies (CGS). She previously Chief Academic Officer, Optometry, Pharmacy, and served as Associate Dean for CGS and Associate Veterinary Education, adds leadership of the College Dean, Basic Sciences Division, Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine to his responsibilities. Dr. of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Yueh earned a Baker, originally from Blossvale, New York, joined chemical engineering degree from National Taiwan Midwestern University in April 2013 after serving University and her Ph.D. in Biochemistry in 1994 as the Chief of Optometry Service at the U.S. Army from the University of Connecticut, and she served Health Clinic in Stuttgart, Germany. As an Army postdoctoral fellowships at UConn and the Mayo Clinic. A member Major, Dr. Baker spent time deployed in Al Asad, Iraq and received of the Midwestern University faculty since 1997, she was promoted the Bronze Star. Dr. Baker received his bachelor’s degree from Ithaca to full Professor and became Chair of Biochemistry in 2008. Dr. College, earned a Master of Science in Secondary Science Education Yueh received the Littlejohn Award, Midwestern’s highest accolade from Syracuse University, and graduated Magna cum Laude from for faculty, staff, and alumni, in 2011. the Illinois College of Optometry.

Midwestern University Announces Tuition Freeze for 2020/2021 Year Midwestern University is proud to educate the next generation of healthcare professionals. In light of recent events surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, Midwestern University has decided to freeze its tuition rates for the upcoming 2020-2021 academic year in order to best serve our students, the community, and the nation’s public health crisis. Kathleen H. Goeppinger, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Midwestern University, made the announcement to costs from many utilities, vendors, and suppliers,” Dr. Goeppinger the campus community on March 25, 2020. “I know that many said. “I am announcing today that all current and incoming students are very concerned about the cost of their education students’ tuition will not be increased in the upcoming academic while facing the uncertainty of how COVID-19 will impact their year. The current tuition rate remains in effect in the upcoming families. Midwestern University had anticipated a tuition increase 2020-2021 academic year.” The decision to freeze tuition was in the 2020-2021 academic year to cover the ever-increasing cost ratified by the Executive Committee of the Midwestern University of maintaining all services on our campuses while facing increased Board of Trustees.

Vital Signs 5 Faculty News

Midwestern University Helps to Address PPE Shortages Midwestern direction of Midwestern University’s COVID-Response Team, University is proud which has greater visibility into the needs in and around our to be working to community,” Mr. Kaiser said. assist their “home Tamer Elbayoumi, M.Sc., Ph.D., Associate Professor in the team” of first College of Pharmacy-Glendale, volunteered to coordinate efforts responders in the and resources at the University’s Glendale Campus to begin Glendale Fire and producing the face shields. Dr. Elbayoumi has enlisted the use Police Departments. of 3D printers on campus as well as his own printer at home to Kathleen H. produce the face shields. Goeppinger, Ph.D., President and Chief The University is providing the shields at no cost. Phoenix Executive Officer Firefighter Captain Austin Moreland welcomed the assist from of Midwestern Midwestern. “Public safety in the Valley is absolutely in a time of University, said that concern and need,” he said. “We would be grateful for any masks it is only fitting that that we can get our hands on. We not only need N95 masks to wear the University works on calls, but we also need PPE for patients and family members to serve those in the while we are in the public and while we are at our stations.” City of Glendale Dr. Elbayoumi is also working on finding materials for other PPE who have been such Firefighter Chris Greene of the Glendale Fire resources, such as a reusable and sterilizable 3D-printed mask loyal partners in the Department takes delivery of PPE shields from design that can fit either a 3M surgical mask filter media or N95 more than 25 years Dr. Kathleen Goeppinger, President and CEO of filter media. “I can make up to 10 face shields per day with the Midwestern University. that Midwestern help of my daughters and lab technicians,” Dr. Elbayoumi said. has been in “I’m currently working on recruiting a few friends and colleagues Glendale. “Our friends in Glendale, especially the Fire and with similar 3D Police Departments, have always been there for us whenever we printers, using my need them at any time,” Dr. Goeppinger said. “We are privileged working design to have the opportunity to come through for them in this files, to volunteer challenging time.” and make more As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to challenge Federal, state, shields too. We are and local resources, Midwestern University faculty and staff are in this fight together. turning to technology to help first responder organizations and We’ll use any of our healthcare professionals build up their stock of Personal Protective available resources Equipment (PPE). The University has undertaken an effort to and technologies to produce reusable plastic face shields. support and protect our first responders Matthew Kaiser, Systems Developer in Midwestern’s Downers on the frontlines.” Grove Campus Information Technology Department, originally coordinated production of the shields with the University’s The Midwestern COVID-19 Response Team for use in the University’s community University community clinics and for others in need. The shields are built around a continues to work 3D-printed headband frame with protective transparent laminate. with local agencies They provide complete protection from aerosol spray and can to find ways to be either be cleaned or quickly rebuilt with fresh laminate. helpful throughout the COVID-19 crisis. Tamer Elbayoumi, M.Sc., Ph.D. (right) works with “I read about the efforts of others in the “Through the efforts others to provide 3D printed face shields to local agencies. 3D printing community and decided of Dr. Elbayoumi, Matt Kaiser. and others we are engaging all our we could offer assistance. I’ve been departments with 3D printers to join together to help the men and working in conjunction and under the women who protect us each day with additional PPE,” said Dr. Goeppinger. “As a healthcare community, we have many resources The Midwestern University community is part of to help others, as seen in this positive endeavor. The faculty, staff, and a nationwide effort to provide Personal Protective Equipment to those on the frontlines of the students in the Midwestern University community continue to make COVID-19 pandemic. me very proud.”

6 Vital Signs midwestern.edu implants, bone CDMA Faculty Offer histology and physiology, pre- Implant Surgical Training surgical digital implant planning, to Tongan Dentists and more. For the rest of the second By Mary Beth Versaci, American Dental Association day, Drs. Francis Eight Tongan dentists learned how to perform dental implant and Beals led the surgery, thanks to a course offered by College of Dental Medicine- dentists, who Arizona faculty during a mission trip to Tonga. attended in Fiji, "It was very rewarding to be able to go teach somebody and offer through hands- Drs. Douglas Beals (back center, from left), John Francis, them something that’s so second nature to us," said John Francis, on training with and Brad Smith gather with the Tongan dentists who took D.D.S., M.S. (CDMA), Clinical Assistant Professor, one of the models and the dental implants course offered by the faculty during faculty members who taught the course. dummy implants. their mission trip to Tonga. Each year, dental students and faculty go on mission trips to Tonga, On the third and fourth days, the Tongan dentists placed dental Guatemala, and Samoa, where they have helped to establish free implants on actual patients, who were chosen by them and screened dental clinics. While part of the trips involves providing free dental by Midwestern faculty. care to residents of those countries, another aspect is offering continuing education to local dentists. "They know it's available, but they've just never been taught in it, so they were very excited to have this course and have a little hands-on "When we first started going to Tonga, we decided to help training," Dr. Francis said. expand the vision of the Tongan dentists," said Brad Smith, D.D.S., CDMA Dean. "Our hope would be for them to Midwestern also left the dentists with donated supplies and completely support themselves to provide dental services." equipment, including dental implants, surgical kits, and implant motors, so they can continue to place implants on patients. Dr. Francis, a periodontist, and Douglas Beals, D.D.S. (CDMA), Director of Clinical Faculty and an oral surgeon, taught the dental "Their excitement was contagious. To see how excited they were to implants course over four days. The first day and a half of the course have this course and then have this experience was quite rewarding," was dedicated to didactic training, including the history of dental Dr. Francis said.

face in relation Faculty Member Advocates to neuroscience research, for Neuroscience Funding development, and funding, as well A faculty member on the Downers Grove Campus was among as how important those selected by the Society for Neuroscience (SfN) to travel to it is for us to Washington, D.C. to participate in the Society’s annual Capitol adequately address Hill Day in March. Marsha Pierce, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of these complex Pharmacology, was among the 10 Early Career Policy Ambassadors, challenges. Science representing all regions of the U.S. and many career stages, chosen is a uniting force for this honor. and it was exciting “I was selected by the Society for Neuroscience as a neuro-advocate to see that there to meet with members of Congress to discuss the importance of was strong support Marsha Pierce, Ph.D., and Mark Rasenick, Ph.D., neuroscience research and funding,” Dr. Pierce said. “We talked on both sides of the Distinguished UIC Professor, Physiology, Bioethics, and with lawmakers about a number of important topics across the aisle for scientific Psychology, meet with Congressman Bill Foster (center) to neuroscience spectrum and how important it is that we work to find research,” Dr. discuss funding for neuroscientific research. novel treatments for neurological disorders. The current financial Pierce said. burden of neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, Dr. Pierce joined the faculty at Midwestern University in 2019. In Parkinson’s disease, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, addition to her teaching responsibilities, she studies how oxytocin dementia, and other neurological conditions is approximately $800 affects neuronal structure and function in order to better inform billion per year in the . Not only do these conditions oxytocin-mediated therapeutic development in humans. have large economic or medical cost, they are also the major form of disability in the United States and impact people from all The Early Career Policy Ambassadors program is a year- demographic groups.” long commitment designed to create an extensive network of neuroscience advocates. Ambassadors are paired with mentors and The Early Career Policy Ambassadors were selected based on their receive training to gain the necessary skills to effectively discuss the dedication to advocating for the scientific community, their desire to need for scientific funding. Over the course of the year, ambassadors learn more about effective means of advocacy, and their experience engage in additional advocacy-related activities. The Society for as leaders in their labs and community. “This experience gave me a Neuroscience (SfN) is an organization of nearly 36,000 basic greater understanding of how complex the challenges are that we scientists and clinicians who study the brain and the nervous system.

Vital Signs 7 Research News

Priceless Osteopathic Publications Collection Archived at MWU Library Through the combined efforts of the Glendale and Downers Grove campuses spanning two years, a wealth of rare and priceless osteopathic books and journals is now catalogued and stored at Midwestern University. The George Northrup, D.O., Collection resides in Sahuaro Hall’s Glendale Campus The George Northrup, D.O., Collection, named for a former editor- Library and contains a wealth of irreplaceable historical osteopathic materials. in-chief of the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association hospital approached me and said they were closing the library and (JAAO), contains a wealth of signed and limited edition books that I could take what I wanted. I was amazed at the collection.” that are irreplaceable, including a complete set of the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association starting at Volume One The Northrup Collection was stored for years near the AZCOM published in 1901. Richard Dobrusin, D.O., FACOFP (AZCOM), OMM lab under the care of William Devine, D.O., Clinical Clinical Associate Professor, spearheaded the collaboration Professor. When Dr. Dobrusin came to work at Midwestern full that brought the Northrup Collection to the Glendale Campus time in 2017, he embarked on a collaboration with University Historical Collection. librarians and archivist Daniel Groom to collect, catalog, and store the collection. “Dr. Northrup was not only an excellent editor, but he was also an excellent librarian,” says Dr. Dobrusin. “He ran the library and study The Northrup Collection currently resides in the Glendale Campus space for Mesa General Hospital, and when he retired in 2004, the Library Historical Collection, located in Sahuaro Hall.

Collaboration Helps Identify Depression in Dental Patients Midwestern University’s commitment to fostering and facilitating intervention. They interprofessional collaboration among faculty and students is also demonstrated reflected in the creation of a project to help dental students identify significantly increased depression in their patients. The research project was created by Erin knowledge about C. Chatten, M.S., LPC, (CHS-Downers Grove ClinPsych 2023); depression and dental Larry N. Williams, D.D.S., M.P.H. (CDMI), Associate Professor; health following and Michelle M. Lee, Ph.D., ABPP (CHS-Downers Grove), the intervention. Associate Program Director and Professor, Behavioral Sciences. These results suggest that psychologists In general, research suggests that depression is harmful to dental can effectively and health and is common among dental patients. In addition, many efficiently teach dental students receive only minimal training about psychological dentists how to disorders. The study examined if an interprofessional presentation screen for depression could increase dental students’ knowledge about depression, build and emphasize confidence in their ability to identify depression among patients, and the importance of improve their level of comfort in providing mental health referrals. interprofessional The intervention, which was developed and presented by the collaboration for research team, included information about the diagnostic criteria patient-centered Dr. Williams, Erin Chatten, and Dr. Lee connect following for depression, as well as background information about how healthcare. a presentation to the Midwestern University community. depression negatively influences oral health. The intervention also “This experience taught me more about the importance of working included training on a two-question depression screening tool and collaboratively with other healthcare professionals to promote One a patient vignette. As part of the study, dental students completed a Health and to ultimately create better outcomes,” Ms. Chatten questionnaire before and after the intervention. said. The team presented their research results at the Midwestern The researchers found that students’ knowledge about depression, University Internal Seminar Series in November 2019. The project is confidence in their ability to identify it, and their level of comfort expected to be presented at the Annual Convention of the American providing mental health referrals increased following the Psychological Association in Washington, D.C.

8 Vital Signs midwestern.edu Faculty Workshop Shines a Light on Research Methodology By M. Jensen Kracht (AZCOM 2021), OMM Scholar

The AZCOM Osteopathic Family and Community Medicine Principal Investigator (PI) panel, from left to right: Randall Nydam, Ph.D.; Layla Department hosted the inaugural collaborative opportunity Al-Nakkash, Ph.D.; Heather Smith, Ph.D.; Larry Sands, D.O., M.P.H.; and with Midwestern University faculty and professionals to answer William Devine, D.O. individuals’ burning questions about research at the University. interacted with an extensive panel of professionals conducting The workshop was a two-hour event that provided brief lectures research at Midwestern University. and discussion on an array of important topics to Midwestern faculty and staff. The presentations included, “What is a Principal With the information discussed and distributed at the workshop, Investigator (PI)?”, “What is a Student Researcher?”, and organizers hope to create a packet and develop a checklist to “Timeline of and Resources for Research.” Participants explored help facilitate research at Midwestern University for both further with presentations on Literature Reviews, REDCaps, and students and faculty. the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP), and

Campus Events

BASIS Chandler Student Wins AZ Regional Brain Bee Midwestern University welcomed some of Arizona’s top high school students for the annual Arizona Regional Brain Bee, an educational competition similar to a spelling bee that focuses on neuroscience. The 2020 Arizona Regional Brain Bee at Midwestern University was presented in partnership with the BHHS Legacy Foundation. This year, 89 students from 15 Arizona high schools from as far away as Bagdad and Oro Valley converged on the University’s Glendale Campus to test their knowledge of the human brain and how it governs human behavior, and the science that helps medical From left to right: BASIS Chandler students Arman Patel (3rd place) and Zarif professionals understand brain function. One of this year’s Brain Bee Ahsan (1st place), and BASIS Scottsdale student Alexander Clarke (2nd place) judges was Gen Fitzgerald (AZCOM 2023), who won the Arizona were the top three finishers in the 2020 Arizona Regional Brain Bee. Regional Brain Bee as a student at Desert Vista High School in 2013. The top three Brain Bee finishers, in order, were Zarif Ahsan from BASIS Chandler, Alexander Clarke from BASIS Scottsdale, and Arman Patel from BASIS Chandler. BASIS Chandler won the team prize for the overall high score for the sixth straight year. In addition to being crowned top finisher in the Brain Bee, Mr. Ahsan won $2,500 in travel expenses to help him as he will hopefully be able to compete at the National Brain Bee Championship re- scheduled for 2021. Midwestern University faculty and students served as judges, question readers, timers, and scorekeepers for the Brain Bee. Questions ran the gamut from identifying physical features of the brain itself, to naming brain disorders and diseases, to surgical and medical practices that modify neural behaviors. The student team from BASIS Chandler finished atop the standings.

Vital Signs 9 Midwestern Community Joins Forces to Support Cancer Research Midwestern University students, faculty members, and community residents joined forces to raise awareness and funds to battle childhood cancer. Students from the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine (CCOM) organized the annual St. Baldrick’s Shave for a Change event at the Ballydoyle Irish Pub in downtown Downers Grove, IL. Participants raised funds by agreeing to shave their heads in solidarity with children who are suffering from the effects of cancer treatments. This year, the students were able to raise nearly $45,000 to support cancer research. “Every two minutes a child is diagnosed with cancer, worldwide. In the United States, more children are lost to cancer than any other disease—more than AIDS, asthma, cystic fibrosis, congenital Students from Midwestern University participate in a St. Baldrick’s event to raise money to battle childhood cancers. anomalies, and diabetes combined. These statistics struck the hearts of students, faculty, and staff at Midwestern University as well as The St. Baldrick’s Foundation is a volunteer-driven charity members of the surrounding community, so we are teaming up to committed to funding the most promising research to find cures for combat childhood cancer,” said Cassandra Smith (CCOM 2022) childhood cancers and give survivors long, healthy lives. It is the Chapter President of the Student Osteopathic Medical Association, largest private funder of childhood cancer research grants in the who coordinated this year's event. “We are proud to be raising money world. For the last two years, Midwestern University has won the St. and, in turn, giving hope to both current and future infants, children, Baldrick’s Battle of the Bald competition which recognizes the school teens, and young adults fighting for their lives,” she added. that raises the most money for childhood cancer research.

Dental Institute Provides Free Care for AZ Veterans The Midwestern University Dental Institute opened its doors to provide free dental care and consultations to Valley military veterans. Faculty and students from the Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine-Arizona spent the day providing free dental screenings and routine cleanings to veterans in need. Nearly 250 Arizona veterans had the opportunity to receive free screenings and treatments including cleanings, sealants, fillings, or extractions, as well as consultations about dental implants and dentures and recommendations for follow-up care. CDMA caregivers performed over 550 procedures and more than $43,000 worth of free care for those in attendance, and also provided ongoing care for several patients who received dentures milled at the Dental Institute. The free day of dental care for veterans is one of several community dental care initiatives carried out by the students and faculty at Midwestern University and the The Luke Air Force Base color guard opens the morning Midwestern University Dental Institute. with a salute to colors at the Midwestern University Dental Institute's free day of dental care for Valley veterans.

Mini- Showcases Colleges to Community Twice a year, community members have the opportunity to experience the type of education offered at a healthcare University as part of the Mini-Medical School on the Downers Grove Campus. The Mini-Medical School is a four-week educational program offered in the spring and fall. It is designed for community members who want to learn more about a variety of healthcare topics or professional programs at Midwestern University. A Midwestern University faculty member or student presents each session. In a review of the program, one participant said, “(The Mini-Medical School) provided excellent hands- on experiences and education. All the students were very professional.” The Mini-Medical School aims to showcase all academic programs and is facilitated by Tricia Krohmer, M.S., M.B.A., Director, Costin Institute. Community members participate in the Midwestern 10 Vital Signs midwestern.edu Mini-Medical School program. Glendale Campus Hosts AZ Nexus Conference By Jody Steehler, Communications Program Coordinator, ASU CAIPER Midwestern University’s Glendale Campus recently hosted the 2nd Annual Arizona Nexus Conference, a two-day symposium where attendees came together to learn, network and collaborate. The Conference welcomed over 50 members of the Nexus and kicked off with keynotes from the Mayo Clinic Center for Humanities and from the Creighton University School of Medicine. The practical application of storytelling kicked off as conference attendees were invited to: • Apply active listening strategies such as short silences and social curiosity to an interview with another healthcare professional. • Describe how an interprofessional transitional care team can cultivate a robust understanding of each patient’s narrative and use this to improve patient care. • Explain how patient narratives and team member narratives contribute to effective learning for clinicians in training, as well as others on the healthcare team. These objectives were explored through a variety of workshops. Topics ranged from using medical improvisation to help with also included the voices of every person on a care team – communication, led by instructors from the Phoenix Theater patient, clinical, administrative, professional and academic. Company, to storytelling and the sharing of narratives and how this The Arizona Nexus is a member of the National Center for approach helps patients and care providers. Interprofessional Practice and Education (NCIPE) Nexus The theme, Interprofessional Voices, not only focused on narrative Innovations Network and a statewide collaborative of public and and storytelling as a teaching and learning method in healthcare, but private universities and healthcare organizations in Arizona.

DuPage County Coroner Shares Expertise with CCOM Students Students from Midwestern University’s Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine welcomed the DuPage County Corner Richard Jorgensen, M.D., FACS to the Downers Grove Campus. Dr. Jorgensen is a vascular surgeon who practiced general and trauma surgery before his election as the DuPage County Coroner in 2012. CCOM students learn more about the work done by DuPage County Coroner Dr. Jorgensen shared his experiences as a surgeon, investigator, Dr. Richard Jorgensen. and healthcare policy advocate with the students. The DuPage He answered questions from the students and informed them about County Coroner's Office is responsible for nearly 4,500 cause of how the nature of the work done by the Coroner’s Office reflects death investigations each year, performing its own pathology and advances in science, changes to state law, and societal issues such toxicology reports for a population of nearly 100,000 people. “Our as the opioid epidemic. Dr. Jorgensen’s visit was coordinated by the office responds to suspicious or unattended deaths in the county, CCOM chapter of the Student Osteopathic Medical Association which means roughly about half of the deaths that occur in DuPage (SOMA) and spearheaded by Cassandra Smith (CCOM 2022), County,” Dr. Jorgensen said. “Our days can vary greatly. We have 10 SOMA President, and David Van Arsdell (CCOM 2022), SOMA deputies who investigate cases and our office works closely with local Political Affairs Chair. police and fire departments.”

Vital Signs 11 Student Activities

Arts in Medicine Club Hosts Gallery Exhibit The Arts in Medicine Club launched an inaugural all-campus gallery exhibit featuring 48 pieces of art from students, faculty, and staff on the Downers Grove Campus. The club was founded by students from the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine (CCOM) and the College of Dental Medicine-Illinois (CDMI) and aims to be an outlet for the campus community to express their artistic interests. “As MWU professional students, we’ve proven to be intellectually savvy, science-minded individuals. That said, we entered our professional careers with many other passions that, due to our rigorous schedules, fell to the wayside. Our goal is to not only showcase these talents, but also grant students the opportunity to engage with other like-minded individuals who share a love for the arts and humanities, or simply want to learn more,” said Emily Orals, (CCOM 2022), one of the founders of the organization. Other students involved in the creation of the club include Robin Schneider Members of the Midwestern University community participate in a painting night (CCOM 2022), Eliana Betzios (CDMI 2022), Annika Evenhouse organized by the Arts in Medicine Club. (CCOM 2022), and Anna Ciupinski (CDMI 2022). that incorporating the arts and humanities into healthcare practice The artwork was displayed in the Littlejohn Hall Library and the improves many vital skillsets such as physical exam observations and club plans to offer additional artistic opportunities for the campus improved reflective thinking required to effectively diagnose and community. “I truly believe the arts and humanities play an integral treat patients,” Ms. Orals added. role in effective healthcare practice. In fact, research has shown

SSHP Board Members Meet Past, Current, and Future ASHP Leaders By Austin Githens (CPG 2021) Every year, over 25,000 pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and pharmacy students attend the world’s largest pharmacy conference, the Midyear Clinical Meeting. This meeting is hosted by one of the largest pharmacy organizations, the American Society of Health- System Pharmacists (ASHP), which has over 50,000 members. Midyear is an incredible gathering of those involved in the field of pharmacy, and offers many unique opportunities like continuing education sessions, a postgraduate education showcase, networking opportunities, and more. ASHP Reception: Left to right: Kaveh Oloumi (CPG 2021); Nancy Mendoza This year, students from our local chapter of ASHP, called the (CPG 2021); Austin Githens (CPG 2021); Elaine Tan (CPG 2021); Kathleen Student Society of Health-Systems Pharmacist (SSHP), were given S. Pawlicki, ASHP President; Alexander Nguyen (CPG 2021); and Isabel an incredibly unique networking opportunity thanks to one of our Davis (CPG 2021). faculty members. Melinda “Mindy” Burnworth, Pharm.D., BCPS, FAzPA, FASHP (CPG), Professor, invited members of our SSHP ASHP the organization that it is today. Getting to speak with Chapter to attend the national ASHP President’s Reception while presidents, CEOs, and other executive officers of ASHP that included at the Midyear Clinical Meeting. The President’s Reception is a current, past, and future leaders, provided an opportunity that no networking opportunity where past and present thought leaders of other students would receive at Midyear. ASHP have an opportunity to see old friends and meet new ones. Unique opportunities like this are made possible for students at Dr. Burnworth gave our SSHP Chapter an amazing experience by Midwestern by the support of our faculty, our drive to get involved, introducing our members to some of the people who have made and our desire to achieve to the highest degree.

12 Vital Signs midwestern.edu Student Senate Launches Professionalism Week The Student Senate hosted a Professionalism Week on the Downers Grove Campus that included panel discussions, guest speakers, and other activities designed to provide students in all programs with the tools they need to succeed in a professional healthcare environment. The Senate invited alumni and other healthcare professionals to campus to speak about their experiences and provide insights. Chicago College of Pharmacy alumna Laura Licari, Pharm.D. (CCP 2006), Assistant Professor of Clinical Sciences at and the immediate past president of the Illinois Pharmacist Association, met with Midwestern students for a Robin Schneider (CCOM 2022), Speaker of the Student Senate on the Downers “Professionalism 101” talk. She covered areas such as professional Grove Campus, greets Laura Licari, Pharm.D. (CCP 2006), Assistant Professor of communication, attire, and workplace etiquette. Clinical Sciences at Roosevelt University. “Many people look at the definition of professionalism as having stressful. When you are dealing with stress and cognitive fatigue, it’s characteristics of integrity, respect, and poise, and the question easy to forget about professionalism, but it’s what people, employers, becomes, how does one personify those traits in an individual and colleagues see first,” she added. manner?” Dr. Licari said. “I appreciate that the students are During Professionalism Week, students also learned about crafting interested in professionalism and want to learn more about it. It’s an effective resume, signed up for professional headshots, and part of the nature of their academic programs that they need to gain participated in a clothing drive for the Poised for Success charity. a great deal of knowledge in a short amount of time, which can be

Clinical Psychology Students Serve as Advanced Teaching Mentees Clinical psychology students Natalie Berry (CHS-Downers regarding how to identify and communicate patient mental health Grove ClinPsych 2021) and Megan Stranski (CHS-Downers needs from an interdisciplinary perspective. They also participated Grove ClinPsych 2021), have participated in numerous teaching in the Multispecialty Clinic’s Falls Screening community event and interdisciplinary events throughout the year in their role as alongside an interprofessional group of clinical faculty and students. Advanced Teaching Mentees (ATMs). They were selected for this In addition, Ms. Stranski had the opportunity to help integrate the prestigious program and learned how to develop, implement, and One Health Initiative into lectures related to ethics and treating evaluate course materials under a designated faculty mentor. This clients as a whole person, rather than solely as an individual with a one-year program also allowed the teaching mentees to learn how to mental health concern. provide feedback to students, as well as integrate student feedback on Ms. Berry and Ms. Stranski report a deep appreciation for the teaching into course delivery. Teaching Mentorship experience, as it has been a valuable This year, Ms. Berry and Ms. Stranski have assisted faculty members opportunity to engage with Clinical Psychology faculty and students, with the development of syllabi, presentations, and coordination of as well as the larger Midwestern community. Ms. Berry identified the course content. “I have especially enjoyed conducting course lectures development of multicultural competency activities with the first- and facilitating classroom discussions on a variety of mental health year clinical psychology students as her most valuable experience. and multicultural topics,” said Ms. Berry. “I particularly enjoyed discussing the dynamic components of Further, Ms. Stranski noted that “this experience has helped me to individual and cultural diversity, as well as the lifetime process of form a new appreciation for all the time, energy, and thought that having psychologists engage in effortful cultural humility to best goes into each course offered in the Clinical Psychology Program.” help their patients,” reported Ms. Berry. In addition to their teaching responsibilities, Ms. Berry and Ms. Ms. Stranski pinpointed her most valuable experience as having Stranski also participated in multiple interdisciplinary events. Ms. the opportunity to watch a cohort grow intellectually and utilize Berry presented to optometry and pharmacy students with Michelle information taught in the classroom each quarter. She stated, “I M. Lee, Ph.D., ABPP (CHS-Downers Grove), Associate Program felt most proud when members of the cohort were able to integrate Director, Behavioral Sciences, and Lauren Marie Sbarbaro, Psy.D. information throughout a lecture I presented, and in return, this has (CHS-Downers Grove), Assistant Professor, Behavioral Sciences, helped to teach me a new way of thinking.”

Vital Signs 13 PT and Doctoral Students Help Special Olympics Athletes By Suzanne O’Neal, PT, D.P.T., NCS (CHS-Glendale PT) David Jenkins, D.P.M., FACFAS, FAAPSM (AZPod/CHS- Glendale), Professor, and Suzanne O’Neal, PT, D.P.T., NCS (CHS- Glendale PT), Assistant Professor, traveled to Payson, AZ to provide free podiatry and physical therapy screenings for the Special Olympic athletes during a regional Special Olympics basketball tournament. The screenings (Fit Feet and FUNfitness) are part of the Special Olympics Healthy Athletes initiative, which offers the athletes the opportunity to receive free podiatry and physical therapy Special Olympics athletes receive podiatry screenings as part of a multidisciplinary assessments and education. effort supported by MWU podiatry and physical therapy teams in Payson, AZ.

Helping provide the screenings were Midwestern Doctor of Physical Patel, Josh Smith, Michael McKerson, Brayden Humphreys, Tawney Therapy students Haley Kimble, Amanda Palmer, and Lindsay Castaneda, Shadi Mattar, Katie Grantham, Suzanne Currey, and Anderson, as well as D.P.T. students from Northern Arizona Wyatt Thielman assisted with Fit Feet. University. Doctor of Podiatric Medicine students Laramie Tescher, Maddy Couves, Tiffany Duong, Andrew Baum, Montana Von Each discipline provided free screens for about 50 athletes, while Musser, Mariam Khokar, Esha Manzoor, Sam Strothman, Aman allowing students to gain valuable experience working within an underserved area and population.

MePA Provides Needed Healthcare Screenings By Asna Adil (CCP 2021), President, Middle Eastern Pharmacist Association Chapter The Middle Eastern Pharmacist Association (MePA) is a Chicago College of Pharmacy (CCP) student organization whose overall mission is to provide adequate healthcare to the underserved Middle Eastern community in the Chicagoland area. This year, MePA has had the privilege of hosting various free health screenings for more than 400 patients at locations such as the Orland Park Prayer Center, the Muslim American Society and Islamic Circle of North America (MAS-ICNA) Convention, and St. Mark Coptic Orthodox Church in Burr Ridge, IL. At our screenings, we provide patients with the opportunity to have their blood pressure and blood glucose checked, and receive the A1c test for type 2 diabetes and prediabetes to patients who meet certain criteria. MePA volunteers at the MAS-ICNA convention in Chicago, IL. Over 200 patients were screened and offered additional counseling and lifestyle education. Our members take part in mock screenings before every outreach event and are taught the proper testing techniques and communication skills in order to confidently interact with patients and make a difference as future healthcare professionals. With the consent of the patient, all blood glucose, blood pressure, and A1c scores are recorded electronically in a user-friendly questionnaire format for both the patient and the student pharmacist. This year, we’ve begun incorporating a new point-of-care test to our screenings: A1c. Through our newly upgraded Afinion HbA1c machine, students can screen patients and receive their scores in as little as three minutes. This has been a game changer for the student organization, as disease states such as high blood pressure and diabetes are extremely prevalent within the Middle Eastern community. Incorporating A1c has provided both students and patients with the opportunity to utilize the benefits of the machine and further educate themselves on ways to improve their overall health. Students offer A1c testing at the MePA MAS-ICNA health screening in Chicago, IL.

14 Vital Signs midwestern.edu Arab Student Union Packs Lunches for Homeless Shelter By Reem Motan (CCP 2021), Arab Student Union President The Arab Student Union on the Downers Grove Campus hosted a Feed the Hungry campus-wide event in collaboration with several other student organizations, including the pharmacy fraternity , the Muslim Student Association, the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists, and National Community Pharmacy Association. More than 45 students from several different Colleges at the University packed 200 lunches for those in need. Each lunch contained a sandwich, chips, fruit, and a positive message written on each bag. All of the lunches were donated to Fraternite Notre Dame Chapel in Chicago, which offers a variety of services to more than 300 people in need of food and shelter. Not only did this philanthropy event allow for students to represent Midwestern University through service, but it also promoted interprofessional relationships by uniting students from different programs on campus. Students work to pack lunches for those in need.

Glendale Campus Hosts AACOM COSGP Meeting Vital Signs Midwestern University's Glendale Campus hosted a day of activities for the The news beat of Midwestern University American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) Council is published and distributed free to faculty, of Osteopathic Student Government Presidents (COSGP) meeting. students, and staff.

Midwestern was the host site for the second of four days of activities for the EDITORIAL STAFF

COSGP Executive Board and General Council. During the session held on the Dana Fay, Director of Communications Glendale Campus, the COSGP bestowed several student awards, and among the Jill Blair-Smith, Assistant Director of Communications honorees was Aubrey Ingram (AZCOM 2022) from the University's Arizona Karen Mattox, Assistant Director of Communications College of Osteopathic Medicine. WRITING: Tony Johns DESIGN: Joanne Davidauskas, Chad Worth Ms. Ingram was honored with the Positive Impact Award, recognizing a COSGP General Council member whose participation in the conference made a lasting Submissions of news items, story ideas, letters and corrections positive impact on all members of the council. She was also among those who can be made via electronic mail or U.S. postal service to: received the Collaborative Presentation Award, given to members of the COSGP DOWNERS GROVE CAMPUS Legislative Affairs Committee for providing novel presentation styles and Jill Blair-Smith, [email protected] content in their legislative action toolkit. Vital Signs 555 31st Street | Downers Grove, IL 60515 COSGP is AACOM's official national leadership council and is the only organization that represents all osteopathic medical students. COSGP is GLENDALE CAMPUS comprised of the student government/council presidents from each of the Tony Johns, [email protected] nation's osteopathic medical colleges and serves as the liaison between Vital Signs osteopathic professional organizations and all students. 19555 North 59th Avenue | Glendale, AZ 85308

Read the Vital Signs online at: http://www.midwestern.edu/Community_and_Media.html

Vital Signs 15 PHOTO GALLERY: Downers Grove Campus

We look forward to having all our students back on the Downers Grove Campus, but we're grateful to everyone, including our campus fixtures, for doing their part to stay safe.

Physician Assistant student Mary Jo Deprey (Class of 2020) has been hand-sewing hundreds of masks and The Downers Grove Campus donating them to Midwestern Bell Tower is bathed in blue light University faculty, staff, every evening to honor those on and fellow students at the the front lines assisting with the Downers Grove Campus. COVID-19 pandemic.

PHOTO GALLERY: Glendale Campus

Midwestern University students and faculty have been keeping spirits high during quarantine by creating their own versions of face masks. Many of these are not CDC-recommended but are making us laugh nonetheless.

Over a dozen U.S. Air Force and Arizona National Guard jets conducted a flyover across Phoenix, including Midwestern University's Glendale Campus. The flyover honored healthcare Midwestern University stands in workers and those assisting in solidarity as businesses across the COVID-19 pandemic. Arizona are lit in blue to express support and gratitude for medical personnel, frontline workers, and first responders.

16 Vital Signs midwestern.edu