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RVUCOM Inaugural Graduation -Congratulations Class of 2012!Page 2

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InsideMilitary Medicine Surgical Training

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Students Visit State Capital -Business of Medicine ElectivePage 8

Updates From the Rural & Wilderness Medicine TrackPages 9-10

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F O U N D E D 2 0 0 6

2012 Newsletter

Vol. 4 No. 4

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The Ellie Caulkins Opera House in Den-ver, CO, provided a spectacular setting for what proved to be an equally spectacular event as RVUCOM graduated its Inaugu-ral Class.

Cheers and applause greeted the 126 soon-to-be graduates as they entered the opera house to the majestic sound of the Pomp and Circumstance Military March.

Grand Marshals for the ceremony in-cluded: LeAnn Jons-Cox, D.O., as Faculty Marshal and Mace Bearer, Michael Martin, Ph.D., as Student Marshal, and Joseph Sta-sio, D.O., as Marshal for the Guest Hooders.

Bruce Dubin, D.O., J.D., RVU’s Acting President opened the ceremony by wel-coming everyone in attendance. The RVU Color Guard posted the colors as RVU’s a cappella group, the S.O.A.P. Notes, sang the National Anthem. Frank Ames, Ph.D., Professor of Medical Informatics and Di-rector of Library Services, delivered the Invocation.

After Dr. Dubin introduced members of the Platform Party, greetings were extend-ed by Vanessa Sanchez, Ph.D., Chair and Secretary of the RVU Board of Trustees and William Mandell, D.O., J.D., President of the Colorado Society of Osteopathic Medicine.

Dr. Dubin presented Yife Tien, RVU Founder, with a Doctor of Science Degree, honoris causa, in recognition of the consid-erable time, effort and expense he dedicat-ed in promoting the mission of the Univer-sity for the benefit of students, faculty, staff and the greater community.

Jerry McQuain, Class of 2012 Valedictori-an, entertained his classmates with a mem-orable speech. Sister Anne Brooks, D.O., ACOFP, Founder, Director and CEO of the Tutwiler clinic in Tutwiler, Mississippi, delivered the commencement address in which she shared some of her life experi-ences and secrets of osteopathy that reside in her heart. Dr. Brooks encouraged the Class of 2012 to remember three phrases: Wholistic Care, Be Available, and Empow-er Your Patients.

Thomas Mohr, D.O., Acting Dean, present-ed RVUCOM’s Inaugural Class of 2012 as Dr. Dubin conferred the Degree. The Class

selected Joseph Stasio, D.O., and Duane Brandau, D.O., Ph.D., to serve as the fac-ulty hooders. The Class was also given the option of being hooded by a family mem-ber or mentor who has earned a terminal degree. After being introduced for the first time as “doctor” and hooded, the gradu-ates crossed the stage to shake hands with Drs. Dubin and Mohr and to receive their diploma. After all graduates had complet-ed the process, Dr. Mohr administered the Osteopathic Oath.

A Military Commissioning Ceremony was conducted in the Commencement Ceremony in honor of the thirty members

RVUCOM Inaugural Graduation

Major General Volpe, D.O. leads the commissioning of 30 military graduates during the Commissioning Ceremony

Class of 2012 Valedictorian Jerry McQuain presents his Valedictorian’s Address

Lauren Majcher, D.O., being hooded by her Guest Hooder as Drs. Stasio and Brandau look on (Continued on page 5)

RVUCOM Acting President Bruce D. Dubin, D.O. and Acting Dean Thomas Mohr, D.O. address the crowd

By Julie Rosenthal, Executive Director of Admissions and Marketing

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A perfect summer day is when the sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, the birds are singing and the lawn mower is broken.

Yes, it’s summer here in Colora-do and many of us are enjoying what this season brings. At RVU we are celebrating what was a wonderful graduation week.

Many thanks to all of you who worked so hard to make our inaugural graduation week a complete success. It was the best medical school graduation I have ever at-tended, and believe me, that incorporates many.

Faculty members are working hard to prepare next year’s curriculum and schedule. Staff members are working hard to end the academic year and begin anew. Facilities staff are sprucing up the place for the Fall.

Also, as part of the Summer here at RVU, we are prepar-ing to welcome our new Class of 2016. They arrive on campus the last week of July.

Summer also means another year of students preparing for their national board examinations. You will see many Class of 2014 students in the library “hitting the books” as they prepare for their Level I examinations. Fourth years are preparing for the Level II boards at the same time.

It seems like the season goes by quickly. Let’s hope that we all have a day or two where we can enjoy a broken lawn mower and spend some time with our families and friends.

On May 1, the General Assembly of the State of Colorado passed a joint resolution honoring Rocky Vista Univer-sity College of Osteopathic Medicine (RVUCOM).

The joint resolution (12-036) recognizes RVUCOM’s achievements, as well as honors the University’s Inaugu-ral Graduation of Ostopathic Physicians.

The resolution also highlights RVUCOM’s significant contributions to the economic development of the Town of Parker, Douglas County, and the State of Colorado, without relying on state funding, and the University’s osteopathic emphasis on primary care and its mind-body-spirit approach to medicine.

Additionally noted in the Resolution is RVUCOM’s aca-demic excellence, with board scores ranked at the top of all osteopathic medical schools and one of the highest D.O. residency match rates in the country. It highlights RVUCOM’s strong Military presence and also commends the University’s commitment to primary care with its de-velopment of an honors track in Rural and Wilderness Medicine, with nearly 60% of the graduates of the inau-gural class entering a primary care field.

RVUCOM Honored with State of Colorado Joint Resolution

A Message From thePresidentBy Bruce Dubin, D.O., JD, Acting President

RVUCOM Receives Full AOA-COCA Accreditation Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine (RVUCOM) received notification that the Commission on Os-teopathic College Accreditation (COCA) of the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) granted RVUCOM an initial award of accreditation effective as of April 22, 2012. AOA-COCA is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as the accrediting agency for colleges educating osteopathic physicians.

(Continued on page 5)

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I am pleased to announce that on May

10, 2012 we received a letter from the American Osteopathic Association’s Commission on Osteopathic Col-lege Accreditation (COCA) granting Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine full accredita-tion!

This is a momentous occasion for our institution. Full accreditation is the culmination of many years of hard work on the part of our founders, the Board of Trustees, the administra-tion, faculty, staff and students. We could not have achieved this distinc-tion without our clinical faculty and the hundreds of physicians across the country who have agreed to work with our medical students dur-ing their clinical training. There have been bumps in the road for sure, but RVUCOM has risen to the occasion and developed quality programs for our students that far surpass many of our profession’s colleges. I truly believe that RVUCOM is destined to be the crown jewel of the osteopathic profession and a shining example of how a new medical school can be

innovative,different, and better than the rest.

My pride in RVUCOM is apparent. Many of us on the faculty and admin-istration began working here before the building was completed. We have watched as our college has grown from one class to four and the ranks of our faculty and staff have grown.

We have endured leadership shake-ups and student loan near-disasters that threatened our very existence. We have mourned the premature loss of a student’s life and suffered with our students as they toiled along the difficult road. We have celebrated our students’ victories and felt the pangs of failure when some did not succeed. We have felt frustration over the changes in healthcare and the up-hill battle to recruit clinical faculty still willing to teach for little in return in the face of dwindling income.

The month of May, 2012 has made it all worthwhile. Not only do we celebrate our new status as a fully accredited school, but we get to see the fruits of our labors. While ac-creditation tells us that we are doing

things right, the focus of our efforts has been to provide the best medi-cal education we can to our students. There is no better reward for all of us involved in the school than to see our first class graduate. The inaugural class of RVUCOM has endured many difficulties, and they have excelled!

The Class of 2012 walked into a new building and built a history and a cul-ture. They set the bar high for the stu-dents who will come after them and they have forever shaped the spirit of this university. It is an honor to have worked with these students and I am so proud to call each and every one of them ‘Doctor’.

For the Class of 2012: Congratula-tions on a job well done. Your journey is not over, but you have acquired the skills and knowledge you need to continue your education as a resident or intern. We are so proud of you for your dedication and perseverance, and we welcome you as colleagues into the osteopathic profession. Good luck and Godspeed! 

A Message From the DeanBy Thomas Mohr, D.O., Acting Dean

The RVUCOM Radiology and Anesthesiology Club recently purchased a Breakaway Labor and Delivery bed for the RVUCOM Simulation Lab. The bed was purchased with Club funds from a used medical supply company in Den-ver. The bed will benefit students in the third year Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB-GYN) courses, and will be utilized in training in the Rural and Wilderness Medicine and Military Medicine Tracks.

OMS-III students Jessica Nieset, Graham Davis, and Christopher Mutter

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(24%) of the Class who were Health Profes-sions Scholarship Program (HPSP) recipi-ents. In a moving tribute, students entered the stage as the S.O.A.P. Notes sang the Military song associated with their branch of service. Major General Philip Volpe, D.O., Commanding General, Western Re-gional Medical Command of the United States Army, facilitated the commissioning and led the students in reciting the Military Oath.

Dr. Dubin proclaimed the proceedings offi-cially concluded and led the platform party off stage. Faculty recessed next, followed by the Graduates who were applauded as they exited the opera house. Family and friends gathered in the lobby to congratu-late their loved ones.

The moment that the graduates had been waiting for had arrived. The reality that they are now osteopathic physicians may take some time for the graduates to get used to. However, the faculty and staff at RVU that had the privilege of knowing the Class of 2012, is confident that this group of Pioneers will go on to achieve great things.

Congratulations Class of 2012; we are very proud of you!

RVUCOM Inaugural Graduation(continued)

The S.O.A.P. Notes: OMS-II Students Matt Bradbury, Ryan Green, Peter Gertonson and John Michael Yingling

Sr. Anne Brooks, D.O., delivers the Commencement Address

A portion of student activity funds from the Class of 2012 have been donated to The Women’s Crisis and Family Outreach Center, a nonprofit organiza-tion that provides assistance and shelter for victims of domestic violence in Colorado’s Douglas, Elbert, and Lincoln counties. Since 2010, volunteers from RVU’s faculty and student body have provided health screenings and health-care information for women, men and children at the shelter, and staff from the Center have provided experience and training for RVU faculty and stu-dents. The Center, which provides a 24-hour crisis line, emergency shelter, adult and child therapy, legal advocacy and school and community outreach, serves 18,000 individuals annually. Ms. Jennifer Walker, the Center’s Execu-tive Director, received the gift with warm expressions of gratitude.

At the Awards Dinner: Rural & Wilderness Medicine Award winners: David Wood, D.O.; Tabitha Thrasher, D.O.; Thomas Told, D.O., FACOFP - dist., Chair, Rural & Wilderness Medicine; Beatrice Taylor, D.O.; R. Kyle Schwindt, D.O.

RVU President Bruce Dubin, D.O., J.D. at the Awards Dinner present-ing Elizabeth Wasson, D.O. with the President’s Award

Military Students cutting the cake at the Graduation Picnic Military Reception

Kay Yien Kelts, OMS-IV & Andy Kelts, OMS-III at the Awards Dinner

Class of 2012 Graduates exiting the theatre following the Graduation Ceremony

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As 126 RVUCOM students crossed the stage at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House on May 19th, they not only became osteopathic phy-sicians, they also became members of the Rocky Vista University Alumni Association.

The Alumni Association was incorporated as a nonprofit organiza-tion and is separate from the university. J. Andrew Usera, Esq., Vice President and General Counsel for RVU served as the incorporator for the Association and drafted the constitution and bylaws. Julie Rosenthal, RVU’s Executive Director of Admissions and Marketing serves as the RVU liaison and member of the Board of Trustees for the Association.

Other members of the Association’s Board of Trustees include Presi-dent/CEO, Meghan Croteau, D.O; Vice President, Rebecca Lewis, D.O.; President Elect, Heather Katz, D.O.; Secretary/Treasurer, Jerry McQuain, D.O.; Morgan Campbell, D.O.; David Wood, D.O.; and Kerry Bigelow, D.O. Officers of the Inaugural Board of Trustees will serve a two year term. Future officers will serve a one year term.

The RVU Alumni Association Board held its organizational meeting on May 10th, and the meeting with the entire Class of 2012 was con-ducted the following week. The Board discussed a number of proj-ects that it will focus on the first year. One of the projects discussed is the creation of an alumni website to help RVU graduates keep in touch with each other and the University. A page in every issue of Vista View will also be reserved for Alumni news.

Congratulations again to the Class of 2012. As the Inaugural Class and pioneers for RVU, you will always be special to us. Please be sure to keep in touch so we can cheer you on as you progress through your career and through life.

Rocky Vista University Alumni Association Launched V U

ALU M N IA S S O C I A T I O N

Congratulations to the RVUCOM class of 2012! As of May 19th, 2012, the Association welcomed 126 bright and inspiring doc-tors as its first-ever members. Of the 126 members, 16 are contributing members to the Association. We thank each of the con-tributing members for their dedication to the RVU Alumni Association!

The Association is here for its alumni mem-bers in countless ways. We will be of service to all alumni for up-to-date directory information, conference/convention needs, networking and support as each alumnus progresses through their career. Contributing members will receive vot-ing privileges along with additional benefits. If you would like to change your status to a contributing or lifetime mem-ber, please contact me or Julie Rosenthal, Executive Director of Admissions and Marketing and RVU Alumni Liaison to assist you.

While our time spent in the halls of RVU is now done, we can always be connected through the Association! Please let us know if we can be of service in any way. On behalf of the Association Board, I wish all the alumni of RVUCOM good luck and best wishes on their upcoming adventures, residen-cies and careers.

Cheers,Meghan Croteau, D.O.Alumni Association President/CEO

COMING SOONRVU Alumni Association Apparel will soon be

available in the RVU Online Store. Click the On-line Store link of the RVU homepage

for details.

Meghan Croteau, D.O.

RVUCOM Alumni Association: (back row) President/CEO Meghan Crouteau, D.O.; Heather Katz, D.O.; Morgan Campbell, D.O.; Rebecca Lewis, D.O.; (front row) Jerry McQuain, D.O.; Kerry Bigelow, D.O.; and David Wood, D.O.

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In early May, Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine (RVU-COM) held an intense week of surgical training for student doctors in the Uni-versity’s Military Medicine Track. As part of the event, a Blackhawk Military helicopter landed on campus, carrying simulated battlefield “victims” during a hyper-realistic emergency medicine and surgical demonstration.

These volunteer victims, dressed in cos-tume and special effects make-up, were fitted with Human Worn Partial Task Simulators, or Cut Suits, which replicate realistic wounds, hemorrhages, airway complications and other traumatic and life-threatening injuries. Student doc-tors were presented with a variety of emergency scenarios in which they had to diagnose and treat various battle-field wounds. Students rushed several victims utilizing Cut Suits into a mock emergency room for participation in simulated surgical procedures.

The Blackhawk emergency medicine and surgical training was the culmina-

tion of a week of training exercises utiliz-ing Cut Suit simulators.

The Cut Suit is a state-of-the-art simula-tion device, developed by Strategic Op-erations, Inc. (STOPS) that can be worn by a person or a human simulator to cre-ate realistic traumatic and life-threaten-ing injuries. When worn by a person, the Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) version of the Cut Suit can be used to rep-licate intense combat and battlefield sce-narios. The second version, the surgical

Cut Suit simulator, includes repairable skin and interchangeable organs, break-able and repairable bones, user created wounds and realistic bleeding.

Throughout the week of training exer-cises, small groups of student doctors worked with faculty members to expe-rience realistic Emergency Room (ER) scenarios. Students were given the op-portunity to research and present topics involving the foregut and hindgut, and discuss pathophysiology, diagnosis and options for surgical intervention. Groups then entered the replicated ER, acting as surgeon and assistants. Under faculty supervision, they performed simulated operations utilizing the Cut Suit.

The training events were organized by RVUCOM Professor of Clinical Surgery, Anthony LaPorta, M.D., FACS, and are designed to boost student board and exam performance and to better pre-pare students in general surgery as they get ready to enter into their third year of medical school.

Military Medicine Track Students Partake in Realistic Surgical Training

Student doctors prepare a ‘victim’ wearing a Cut Suit for a mock surgery

RVUCOM Military student doctors off-load simulated victims from a Blackhawk helicopter

Student doctors perform a mock surgery on a simulator fitted with the Cut Suit

A student doctor observes and assists during a mock surgery

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The 2012 Business of Medi-cine Elective allowed 15 RVU-COM students to take a break from their medical textbooks and delve into the business side of medicine. The stu-dents learned about hospital financing from Maureen Tar-rant, CEO of Sky Ridge Medi-cal Center, and Peter Freytag, Cheif Operating Officer and CFO of RVU. William Man-dell, D.O., J.D., Medical Di-rector of United Healthcare, shared the perspective of large insurance companies on the insistence of quality and cost. Tim Judd, D.O., spoke on his experiences as a solo practi-tioner and an employed physi-cian.

Thomas Mohr, D.O., Acting Dean, served as the course director for the elective and spoke to the students about impending changes in the healthcare financing system. He also covered the basics on how physicians get paid.

The students spent a day at the head-quarters for COPIC – the largest lo-cally operated medical malpractice company in the state. The doctors

at COPIC discussed communication skills and methods to reduce risk in medical practice, noting that preven-tion of medical malpractice is the best defense against potential future claims.

The highlight of the week was visit-ing the Colorado State Capitol, a trip organized by Terry Boucher, Execu-tive Director of the Colorado Society of Osteopathic Medicine (CSOM). The group discussed how the legis-lative process can affect their lives as physicians and their business in the future. Colorado State Representa-tive Chris Holbert also joined the dis-cussion, spending an hour with the students and answering questions.

Students then had the opportunity to sit on the floor of both the Senate and the House as both chambers read a resolution recognizing RVU on the occasion of their inaugural gradu-ation. While it was known that the resolution would be read, the whole

group was astonished when legislators from both the house and the senate proceeded up to the microphone to offer their personal congratu-lations and to recognize the RVUCOM students and faculty present. The accolades continued for 10-15 minutes in each house on a day when all legislators were pres-ent and the gallery was packed with spectators. It was a great day for Rocky Vista University and it was clear that all those present left the Capitol that day know-

ing who we are and our mission for the State and region.

Students Visit State Capitol forBusiness of Medicine ElectiveBy Thomas Mohr, D.O., Acting Dean

The RVUCOM group in the House Chambers with Senator Harvey Sheffel, (center-left) who sponsored the resolution in the Senate honoring RVU

Students in Attendance at the Capitol:

Anna AndrianakosNicholas Beckmann

Alicia ElliottTania Gorchynsky

Matthew GrayAustin Henry

Katrina HuttonSamantha Lichtner

Edward LinJacob Ludwig

Meagan McCannChristopher Mutter

Angela SchmidtJeffrey SummersElizabeth Tang

Terry Boucher addresses the group of students

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In mid-April, the communities along the Little Snake River in South Central Wyo-ming held their annual 9Health Fair, and for the third year in a row, they invited RVUCOM student doctors to help with the screenings.

Small, relatively isolated communities know firsthand that the health of their towns is linked to the health of their citizens. This may explain why the Baggs, Wyoming

Health Fair is as big an event as harvest time.

For the RVUCOM student doctors, it is a time of service and a time to apply hard earned skills. It is also a chance to experience health care screening at the very front of the medical access system. Students provide the manpower and knowledge base that helps many who may not have received healthcare. Their work this year is especially valuable because the Clinic in Baggs closed its doors last month.

The students’ clinical experiences at RVU-COM did much to prepare them for this event, and the group was able to efficiently screen nearly 200 people for chronic medi-

cal conditions including osteoporosis. Ev-eryone had a great time and felt they made a big difference in the health of the residents of the Little Snake River Valley.

RVUCOM Students Give Back at 9Health Fair in Baggs, WyomingBy Thomas Told, D.O., FACOFP -dist., Chair, Rural & Wilderness Medicine

The RVUCOM student doctor team with Thomas Told, D.O., in front of a Little Snake River ambulance.

Michelle Zielinski, OMS-IV performs a skin exam on a Health Fair participant

The Rural and Wilderness Medicine Class of 2014 recently tested their newly learned skills at Seely, a 10,000-acre private Ranch in the wild of Northwest Colorado’s high country.

The week began with a preparation and

skills day on campus. Students reviewed rope skills and practiced outdoor fracture stabilization. They fashioned fish hooks out of safety pins and small finishing nails that were used the following day to secure food. They also reviewed an array of commer-cial fire starting materials and systems that would be tested during fire starting classes in wet conditions.

Early Tuesday morning, the group traveled to south Moffat County and the waters of the Williams Fork River to test their home-made fishing gear. Using worms and crick-ets, the group was able to catch 14 rainbow and cutbow trout which were iced down for the night and prepared the next day over open fires without the aid of modern utensils.

The following morning, the students rounded up the horses to learn inoculation and medication administration techniques, as well as how to groom the horses for rid-ing, how to saddle mounts and how to use a pack saddle. After riding all over the ranch, they participated in a fire starting and wilderness cooking class.

During the evening at the ranch house, the students covered wilderness medicine top-ics and participated in an Osler style teach-ing experience on a patient at the Ranch. They also participated in firearms famil-iarization, safety and shooting training and covered compass navigation and other valuable wilderness skills.

The swift water crossing the South Fork

Rural and Wilderness MedicineLab 2012 for the Class of 2014By Thomas Told, D.O., FACOFP -dist., Chair, Rural & Wilderness Medicine

(Continued on next page)

OMS-III Students Matt Schaffer, Jon Vivolo, Chris Waasdorp and Bobby Petro in the lashed Shelter they constructed

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River allowed students to bring all their skills and problem solving abilities togeth-er to transport a classmate in a litter eighty feet over the river. They had to determine a crossing site and devise a mechanism to move everyone safely across the cold stream. The experience helped to build teamwork and confidence.

The Rural and Wilderness exercise is not just a wilderness laboratory. It provides the students with valuable survival knowl-edge that will aid them in the future.

Lab 2012 for the Class of 2014 (continued)

Students work together to carry another student, simulating a victim, across the river

Devon Warren, OMS-III tests the rope litter

The culmination of training for the Rural and Wilderness Medicine Class of 2015 was a trip to Southwestern Wyoming to the valley of the Little Snake River.

The purpose of the trip is to allow students to interface with the Ambulance Service, Fire Department and the Search and Rescue Team based there. The location was chosen due to its excellent resources and remote-ness.

Over a three day period, the students lived with families in the Valley and worked shoulder to shoulder with the volunteers and law enforcement personnel who de-liver care. This is “energy country” so RVU-COM also partnered with the dominant oil producer in the area, Devin Oil, to develop scenarios that included emergencies at their production sites.

Students were able to experience every as-pect of delivery of Emergency Care from care and stabilization of the injured, to site se-curity and search and rescue. These first year medical students learned how to operate the vehicles and emergency equipment as well

as the critical lifesaving skills of an EMT or first responder.

Students were not briefed on any of the sce-narios prior to the start of the activity, and all drills were carried out as if they were real. EMTs and students were divided into teams that staffed ambulance and fire and rescue vehicles. The situations became more complex as the event progressed and the stu-dents were presented with more problems to solve. They were responsible for the ex-traction of “victims” from vehicles, and then had to employ the best transport methods to get them to the hospital. They also learned

how to communicate with central dispatch and give reports on conditions of the patients treated.

The goals of the exercise were to teach emer-gency techniques and to build confidence and teamwork among the students. Stu-dents also experienced firsthand how rural residents balance service to the community with daily work activities. It is the goal of the University to inspire students to choose a ca-reer delivering care in rural areas by instilling the confidence they need to deliver quality care and function in an environment with limited resources.

Rural and Wilderness Medicine Students Train with Rural Wyoming EMS By Thomas Told, D.O., FACOFP -dist., Chair, Rural & Wilderness Medicine

The RVUCOM student group on the car they disassembled during the rescue demonstration

Ashley Lamb, OMS-II with Jaws of life,removing a car door

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In late April, RVU hosted its 1st Annual Research Appreciation Day (RAD). The theme was “Frontiers in Trauma Re-search” and included seminars from distinguished guests in varied fields of trauma research. The RAD subcommittee focused on trauma research as it pertains to RVUCOM’s large population of Mili-tary students, interest in musculoskeletal medicine and interest and proximity to rural medicine environments.

Speakers included: Robert C. Price, M.D., LTC, Chief of Family Medicine at Evans Army Hospital; Emergency Medicine Resident, Brandy Drake, M.D., of Denver Health; and Keynote Speaker, Ronald R. Hugate, Jr., M.D., FAAOS, of the Denver Clinic for Extremities At Risk. Genevieve Mueller, OMS-III, also presented.

RVUCOM faculty members, along with a faculty member from the University of Colorado Denver, delivered a panel discussion on “How to Become a Physi-cian Scientist” moderated by Christopher Smith, OMS-II. This topic is considered important to the National Institutes of Health in that physicians play an impor-tant role in “bench to bedside” research

and the recent decline in non-Ph.D. hold-ing investigators applying for research funding in the US over recent decades. “This was a great event!” says Vanessa Campbell, OMS-III. “As a student inter-ested in research, the panel was especially helpful.”

In addition to the guest speaker seminars, RVUCOM faculty and student doctors participated in Poster Sessions, present-ing recent, unpublished work in educa-tion, public health, biomedical and clini-cal research. Two posters were presented by distinguished high school students from Aurora Public Schools. Of the 27 research projects presented, 16 competed in a student poster competition for mon-etary prizes. The competition was judged by career scientists from Swedish Medical Center and Trauma Research, LLC, who specialize in molecular biology, biochem-istry and epidemiology. Judging criteria was based heavily on poster content, but also included display and oral presenta-tion skills. RAD 2012 winners are:

Global Medicine AwardJon Vivolo, OMS-III and Claudia Bouvier, OMS-III

Education and Public Health Research1st Place: Kay Kelts, OMS-IV2nd Place: Sarah Michael, D.O.

Biomedical and Clinical Research1st Place: Genevieve Mueller, OMS-III2nd Place: Lily Trunck, OMS-IV and Tyler Anstett, D.O.

RVUCOM Best Overall Poster AwardErin Philpott,OMS-III and Melissa Fujan, OMS-III

“I think the event was a success,” says Amber Heck, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Molecular Biology and R.A.D. Sub-committee Chair. “I’m pleased with the participation from the students and fac-ulty and impressed with the projects and thoughtful comments I heard. This event gives the students a rare opportunity to seek intellectual rewards unrelated to grades, but rather, for fun and to contrib-ute to public knowledge”.

Planning for RVU’s 2nd Annual Research Appreciation Day is in progress with the next event taking place in Spring, 2013. For more information, e-mail Dr. Heck at aheck@rvu.edu.

RVU Holds 1st AnnualResearch Appreciation Day

RVUCOM Best Overall Poster winners Erin Phil-pott, OMS-III and Melissa Fujan, OMS-III with their poster

First Place Biomedical and Clinical Research Poster winner Genevieve Mueller, OMS-III with her poster

Sarah Michael, D.O. receiving her award along-side Robert Ketchum, Ph.D., Chair, Biomedical Sciences & Director of Research; RVU President Bruce Dubin, D.O. and Michael Martin, Assoc. Dean of Student Services

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Michael DewsnapDirector of Student ServicesMichael is originally from Portland, Oregon. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Re-ligion and Christian Ministry with a Minor in Youth Ministry from Warner Pacific Col-lege in Portland. He later earned his Master of Science degree in Education: Student Af-

fairs Administration in Higher Education from Baylor University in Waco, Texas.

Michael worked for the last two and a half years at an allopathic medical school in the Caribbean. In this position, he wore many hats and served the student body by coordinating a supplemental instruction program, assisting with institutional assessment, aca-demic enhancement initiatives, developing new student orienta-tions and more. Prior to this position, he served as an Academic Mentor at Baylor University:“The past four and a half years work-ing with students in a higher education setting has deepened my understanding of student services and student success as well as informed my approach to working with medical students. I am excited to utilize my experience and education to serve the RVU community!”

Michael says he came to RVU because of the opportunity to work with amazing students, faculty and staff, and is energized by RVU’s community and student-centered approach. He says some of his goals include: building on the excellent student services al-ready available at RVU, increasing student body awareness of the Careers in Medicine program, enhancing the tutoring program and diversity awareness, and working with faculty and Clinical Affairs to ensure a seamless and successful transition to the third year and beyond.

“I am blessed to share my life with my beautiful wife Stephanie and crazy little dog Ziggy,” says Michael. “I love to spend time with them, as well as play golf, exercise, watch movies (anything science fiction or Marvel) and play team sports like soccer.” Wel-come, Michael!

Tina UnderwoodAssistant Director of Clinical Assessment and SimulationTina originally hails from Cincinnati, Ohio, but has lived in Colorado for 23 years. She earned her Bachelors of Arts degree in Ethnic Studies from the University of Colorado at Boulder, where she later earned her Master of

Arts degree in Education.

Tina taught middle school Social Studies for a couple of years and also worked as a Research Assistant for a Summer in Cuba. Later she worked at Sky Ridge Medical Center and also previously

worked for RVU for a year and a half in the former Human Per-formance and Evaluation Department before leaving to work as a Registered Commercial Real Estate Appraiser.

“My background in education, mixed with my own childhood dream of becoming a doctor makes RVU a great career fit for me - it’s what brought me back,” says Tina. “I am a lifelong learner and every day I learn something new here at RVU.”

Tina says her goal is to continue to build and strengthen the Clini-cal Assessment and Simulation Department, which gives student doctors the opportunities to refine a variety of skills necessary to become a successful D.O.

Tina lives in Elizabeth with her husband and 16-year-old son, three dogs and two cats. She also has an older son, age 20, who she says has ‘Flown the coop’. She and her husband play rec league soft-ball and volleyball. She also enjoys yoga, reading, hiking with her dogs and says she loves hats. Welcome back, Tina!

Dwight Hertz, M.D.Professor of PathologyDr. Hertz is originally from Bismarck, North Dakota. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy at North Dakota State University and his Medical Doctor degree at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine. He completed his Residency at the

University of South Dakota Programs in Pathology. He’s Board certified in Anatomical and Clinical Pathology with additional qualifications and certification in Cytopathology from the Ameri-can Board of Pathology.

Dr. Hertz previously worked as a Staff Pathologist and Course Coordinator at the University of South Dakota School of Medi-cine. He also served as the Chair of Pathology and Laboratory Director at Q&R Clinic/MedcenterOne Health Systems in North Dakota. Most recently, he served as a Professor of Pathology and Course Director at the American University of the Caribbean, St. Maarten, Netherland Antilles.

Dr. Hertz says he came to RVUCOM to continue to do what he loves - to teach and be part of medical education. “I hope to con-tinue to improve my teaching style in an integrated curriculum,” says Dr. Hertz. “I’d also like to develop new methods with current technology.”

Dr. Hertz is married to his wife, Joni, and has four children and a 15-year-old pug named Pugslee. He says he loves to be outdoors and enjoys running, mountain biking, golf, volleyball, skiing and tennis. He’s also an Apple enthusiast. He and his wife spent one of their anniversaries in Denver and fell in love with the area. Wel-come, Dr. Hertz!

Welcome to our New Employees

Vista View 13

RVU Standardized Patients StartBank A Good Day Program

RVUCOM’s Standardized Patients, or SPs, are people who have been trained to ac-curately portray the role of a patient with a specific medical condition. Standardized patients bring a new dimension to the world of medical education in that they provide students with “hands-on practice” in a safe environment. Recently, the SPs decided they wanted to do more to give back to the local community and began their own charitable endeavor - the Bank A Good Day Program.

According to Herman Houston, RVUCOM Standardized Patient Trainer, after each of the student’s SP exams, all of the SPs make a donation to their group ‘piggy bank’. Once at least $50 has been collected, they all get together for a drawing. The winner of the piggy bank then gets to choose a charity or good cause to donate the bank of winnings to. It may be an organization or just an individual in need in the community.

Recent drawing winner, SP Karen Bradshaw, decided to donate the piggy bank she won to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).

“I became involved with MADD when we lost my son’s best friend Michael, a 16-year-old who went to Smoky Hill High school,” explains Karen. “It was just past midnight on October 26, 1996 when he was killed by a drunk driver. MADD has always been there and the support they give to family and friends cannot be put into words. You never know when things are going to change - take everyday that you have and live it like it’s your last.”

The Bank A Good Day Program continues to gain momentum, and they hope to see the program expand in the future.

RVUCOM Standardized Patient Karen Bradshaw receiving the piggy bank after the drawing

Promotions& New Appointments

Rebecca Bowden - Director of Clinical Assessment & SimulationRebecca Bowden has been appointed to the new position of Director of Clinical Assessment & Simulation. Dr. Bowden has been with RVU since 2008. As Director, she will work closely with the Acting Dean/Vice Dean as well as the Associate and Assistant Deans of Clinical Education to develop simulation and standardized patient educational experiences for our students. Congratulations, Dr. Bowden! Peter Freytag - Chief Operating Officer and CFOPeter Freytag has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer and CFO. Peter has been with RVU for one year and previously served as the Vice President of Administration and Finance and the CFO. Peter directs the administrative, operational and financial departments which include I/T, Human Resources, Student Financial Services and Finance as well as the Security and Facilities (buildings and grounds) Departments. Congratulations, Peter!

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