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Summer 2012The KCUMB Communicator is published threetimes a year for alumni, students and friends ofKansas City University of Medicine and Biosciencesby the University Relations Department.Editorial DirectorScott SummersArt DirectorCortney ChristensenA Roadmap for the FutureKCUMB officials use the University's mission,vision and values as a roadmap during thedevelopment phase of a five-year Strategic Plan4letters to theeditorIn reference to “Rising from the Rubble:A Small-Town Doc Rebuilds," publishedin the Spring 2012 magazineKeith Morrow, D.O. (COM ’85), was my bestfriend during our years at KCUMB, and I alwaysknew that he would make a significantimpact in his community. He was alwaysa dedicated and caring student. The communitiesof Phil Campbell and Hackleburg(both in Alabama) are very blessed to have adoctor and a friend like Keith.Got Something to Say?Submit a Letter to the Editor at www.kcumb.edu/myletter or by email to communicator@kcumb.edu.Please limit your letter to 175 words. We cannotguarantee that your letter will be printed. Lettersmay be edited for length, style, clarity and civility.CorrectionIn the Spring 2012 issue of the KCUMBCommunicator, Kristen Colyer was mistakenlyidentified as an osteopathic medical student.She is actually a bioethics student. The KCUMBCommunicator staff regrets the error.Keep in Touch!KCUMB Main Switchboard816-654-70001-800-234-4847 toll-freeAcademic Affairs816-654-7200comdean@kcumb.eduAdministration/President’s Office816-654-7100opendoor@kcumb.eduAdmissions816-654-7160, 877-425-0247admissions@kcumb.eduVice President for University RelationsNatalie LutzPresident and Chief Executive OfficerH. Danny Weaver, D.O. (COM ’84),FACOFPWe welcome your responses to this publication.Please write to:Editor, KCUMB CommunicatorKansas City Universityof Medicine and Biosciences1750 Independence AvenueKansas City, MO 64106-1453Send Email to:editor@kcumb.eduVisit:www.kcumb.edu/myletterPlease send all address changes toChristine Wahlert, executive director of alumniand donor relations, at cwahlert@kcumb.eduor visit www.kcumb.edu/UpdateInfo.Copyright ©2012, Kansas City University ofMedicine and Biosciences. All rights reserved.Cover PhotoCortney ChristensenOn the Cover: The University'sclock tower, now perched atopSmith Hall, has been a campus iconfor decades.8From Dawn to DuskA Day in Pictures: Take an inside look at thepeople and places that make KCUMB special16Plus...An Everlasting GiftCampus News.............................................................19Alumni News...............................................................25Class Notes..................................................................28Passages..............................................................31In Her Own Words.....................................................32KCUMB's Gift Body Program plays an integral rolein the education of future osteopathic physicians12Medical Mistakes:Making Things RightWhen They Go WrongStatistics show medical errors are a staggeringproblem in the United States. What happenswhen things go wrong?found onfacebookWe Asked …Jim Dickert, D.O. (COM ’85)How did you feel when you graduatedfrom medical school?I felt proud of my accomplishment, nervousfor what came next and relieved that medschool was over.Best weekend of my life.Angie Carrick, D.O.Alexander Bobrov, D.O. (COM ’08)What do you love most about KCUMB?I love KCUMB’s anatomy and pathologydepartments, in addition to all other facultymembers that are dedicated to teaching.Todd Brittain, D.O. (COM ’08)I love KCUMB because it feels like home.Everyone in the school from the alumni tothe faculty to the students have been very welcoming.I love the attitude of welcoming andacceptance as opposed to the elitist attitudeseen in other medical schools. I truly feel thatthe reason that KCUMB is so successful ineducating physicians that are compassionateand offer exceptional care is the open-armspolicy that we embrace. I am so proud totell people that I am going to be part of theKCUMB Class of 2016!Julia Fallier, first-year osteopathic medical studentI love medicine, but it’s not enough justto love it. You need to know it, be the bestof the best, never lose that hunger to learnand always be willing to touch your patients.KCUMB took a chance on me – theyhad the faith in me, offering me a spot inthe Class of 2012. Now, I am finished andcan honestly say, THANK YOU! My dreamcame true because of you. I will never forgetthose that have mentored me. I pray Ihave the courage and knowledge to supportthose after me, the way you’ve supportedme. A powerful force behind the D.O. is thefamily from KCUMB. I love you all.Brandy Conner, D.O. (COM ’12)I have definitely enjoyed my time at KCUMB.I feel like I am graduating this year withexcellent preparation for residency.Laura Kresta, D.O. (COM ’12)I like the breakfast burritos at KCUMB.Lou Hakan, D.O. (COM ’02)Working at KCUMB for the last two yearshas been amazing. I have made friendsall over campus and learned more than Ithought possible. The faculty, staff andadministration have been incredibly supportiveand friendly. Teaching students inthe lab has been one of the most rewardingexperiences of my life. As I prepare toleave for grad school in August, I know Iwill miss this place at my very core. Thankyou all for the blessing my time here has been.Derek LogsdonAdvancement/Alumni Relations816-654-7280alumni@kcumb.eduContinuing Medical Education816-654-7350, 877-425-0248cme@kcumb.eduD’Angelo Library816-654-7260library@kcumb.eduDybedal Center for Clinical Research816-654-7650crc@kcumb.eduFinancial Aid816-654-7175, 877-425-0247finaid@kcumb.eduHuman Resources816-654-7010hr@kcumb.eduOffice of Community Clinical Education816-654-7330, 877-425-0248occe@kcumb.eduRegistrar’s Office816-654-7190, 877-425-0247registrar@kcumb.eduScore 1 for Health816-654-7960score1@kcumb.eduStudent Affairs816-654-7210stuservices@kcumb.eduUniversity Relations816-654-7030editor@kcumb.edu2 Summer 2012 KCUMB CommunicatorSummer 2012 KCUMB Communicator 3

A Roadmap for the FutureKCUMB Develops New Initiatives in Five-Year Strategic PlanStory by Natalie Lutzunit plans, which are department-based strategic plans thatsupport the broader institutional roadmap.Led by Larry Segars, Pharm.D., Dr. P.H., associateprofessor and chair of pharmacology and microbiology,the committee was tasked with identifying issues facingKCUMB and developing initiatives around them.“We wanted to give the Leadership Team input on whatfaculty and administrators felt was needed to advance theUniversity,” Dr. Segars said. “Our ultimate goal was to findthe most important action items campus-wide that theLeadership Team and the Board should consider as a partof the Strategic Plan. We wanted initiatives that were globaland not tied to individual departments.”While the Strategic Planning Committee was finalizingits recommendations (See “KCUMB’s Key Initiatives Underway”),the University’s Leadership Team was also developing aseries of metrics to help guide effective implementation ofthe plan. Called “KCUMB Pathways” and based upon thebalanced pathway model, this measurement componentof the Strategic Plan identifies four constituent groups andtheir perspectives, and includes objectives, baseline metrics,measurable goals, accountabilities and timelines.The key initiatives, which include development of along-term Campus Master Plan for the physical campusand the KCUMB Pathways plan, were presented in April toKCUMB’s Board of Trustees. The Board tentatively approvedthe initiatives and provided direction to develop financialfeasibility assessments.“These (recommendations) give us a good barometerby which to assess where we need to allocate our resources,”said Joe Massman, executive vice president for financeand operations, chief financial officer and chief operatingofficer, who serves as vice chair of the Strategic PlanningCommittee. “It helps create our vision of where we want togo and gives us direction.”Continued on page 6Guiding PrinciplesPart of the Strategic Planning process included reviewingand modifying KCUMB’s mission, vision and values.Adopted in 2011, these serve as the guiding principles forthe University and its Strategic Plan.The term strategic planning has become a commonbuzzword in today’s companies. Its definition is clear:envision a future and create a roadmap to get there.Yet, very few organizations successfully execute their plans.KCUMB is working to become the exception to the rule.In a university environment, decisions to strengthen orimprove a campus and its programs are made in the greatercontext of how they will ultimately impact the school’sconstituents – alumni, faculty and staff, the community inwhich it exists, and, most importantly, its students.As planning for KCUMB’s five-year Strategic Plan beganin fall 2010 and continued throughout 2011, an understandingof these constituents helped guide a group of committedUniversity faculty, staff, alumni and administrators as theytackled three key questions:Where are we going?How will we get there?How do we know when we have arrived?“As far back as I could determine, the University developed,but never fully implemented, a Strategic Plan,” said H.Danny Weaver, D.O. (COM ’84), FACOFP, KCUMB presidentand chief executive officer. “I felt it was important to helpdrive that process and to get various constituents’ input ona strategic vision for the university based on each constituencywe represent.”Once the initial plan was developed in late summer 2011(See “A Closer Look at KCUMB’s Five-Year Strategic Plan” on Page 7),the next step was identifying key initiatives that would helpKCUMB best reach its strategic goals.“KCUMB and higher education, in general, are facingsignificant challenges,” Dr. Weaver said. “Whether it berising tuition and student debt, the health-care needs of ourcommunity, or meeting our mission and goals, the initiativesneeded to reflect an understanding of what we are facing as aninstitution.”Dr. Weaver appointed a Strategic Planning Committeeto evaluate tactical proposals set forth in the University’sKansas City University of Medicine andBiosciences is a community of professionalscommitted to excellence in the education of highlyqualified students in osteopathic medicine, the biosciences,bioethics and the health professions. Through life-long learning,research and service, KCUMB challenges faculty, staff, students andalumni to improve the well being of the diverse community it serves.Integrity: Demonstrating respect, honesty and professionalismCompassion: Caring for students, patients, colleagues and all humanityExcellence: Achieving quality in all that we doCollaboration: Working with others to achieve mutual goalsIntellectual Curiosity: Pursuing personal and professional growthInnovation: Embracing new practices to improve outcomesHeritage: Honoring the legacy of our pastKCUMB will be recognized as a nationalleader in education, research, clinicalpractice and service.4 Summer 2012 KCUMB CommunicatorSummer 2012 KCUMB Communicator 5

The University enlisted the assistance of Helix Architecture+ Design, Inc., a Kansas City firm, to begin the first ofthe key initiatives and develop a Campus Master Plan.“The Campus Master Plan effort is going to tell us a lotabout our space – where we can better utilize existing spaceand where we have more extensive needs,” Massman said.“Once we identify short-term space utilization recommendationsand more long-term facility improvements or expansions,we’ll also start to prioritize based on need, costsand what fits most closely with the Strategic Plan.”The University will unveil the Campus Master Plan laterthis fall.“As our Strategic Plan evolves over time, it is anticipatedthat the long-term Campus Master Plan will have theflexibility to accommodate those changes,” Massman said.“Our operations should be improved by the Campus MasterPlan, and the Campus Master Plan, in turn, should give us aDeveloping aCampus Master PlanAlready Underway!Recruiting and hiring avice president of researchand a vice president ofinstitutional effectivenessAlready Underway!Developing additionalclerkship and residenciesAlready Underway!framework from which we can move on to execute the variousphases of our Strategic Plan.”While there is much work ahead to achieve the goals setforth in the Strategic Plan, University leaders are excited tohave a specific direction that the entire campus communitycan embrace together.“I am confident it will be the first time the University – allthe way down to the individual departments – really has developeda roadmap for itself, which gives our constituents a betterfeel and understanding of where their University is headed,”Dr. Weaver said. “With this plan, KCUMB is strategically positionedto be competitive and exemplify positive, sustainableand diverse growth as it enters its second century.”Got something to say about this story? Submit aLetter to the Editor at www.kcumb.edu/myletteror by email to communicator@kcumb.edu.KCUMB'SKEY INITIATIVESUNDERWAYDeveloping financial feasibility assessmentsfor other potential key initiatives, including:• Expanding the Kesselheim Centerfor Clinical Competence• Embarking on a centennial campaign• Evaluating the need for additionalgraduate programs• Exploring ways to further developand grow research• Building a new education pavilion toreplace the existing Annex Building• Exploring the feasibility of a NortheastHealth ClinicA Closer Look at KCUMB’sFive-Year Strategic Plan2011-2016Institutional GoalsGoal I: Enhance Student SuccessObjectives:1. Develop enrollment management strategies that recruithighly qualified prospective students, improving theacademic profile of incoming students and increasingpotential for student success.2. Improve overall curricular content, delivery andevaluation as well as assessment processes to increaseKCUMB’s overall academic reputation.Goal 2: Enhance Research ActivityObjectives:1. Increase research quality and productivity among individualfaculty, across departments, and within academicprograms through investments in infrastructure, thedevelopment of additional graduate assistantships andfellowships, and the recruitment of additional successfulresearch faculty.2. Continue to develop a culture that understands the significantcontributions research makes in an academicenvironment.3. Work collaboratively with partner institutions andalumni to develop research programs and researchcenters that result in regional and national recognitionfor KCUMB.4. Identify new academic programs that will strengthenresearch activity and results. Invest in the developmentof potentially fruitful programs.5. Expand opportunities for students to be exposed toresearch and to be more actively engaged in researchon campus and in clerkships.Goal 3: Promote and Increase Internal and External ServiceObjectives:1. Evaluate current clinical practice settings to ensure theUniversity’s clinical practice investment best supportsthe mission of the University and its academic programs.2. Promote OPP and OMM regionally and nationally.3. Enhance external service program and develop acommunications strategy around it, which, in turn,will improve institutional reputation. External serviceprogram to include: OMM/OPP practice, service learning,global health initiative, community service and professionalleadership.4. Develop a nationally recognized global health initiativewith substance that includes clerkships, curriculumand service.5. Define, organize, formalize and recognize service learning.Goal 4: Promote Sustainability Across the InstitutionObjectives:1. Reduce KCUMB’s overall environmental footprint by5 percent annually.2. Develop a comprehensive sustainability plan, identifyingkey areas to focus KCUMB’s sustainability efforts.3. Adhere to national best practices regarding facilitymaintenance operations, green campus structures,water usage and purchasing.4. Expand electronic and digital resources and capabilitiesto eliminate excess waste.5. Develop processes to evaluate, establish and implementalternative sources of revenue for the University.Goal 5: Enhance Institutional DiversityObjectives:1. Enhance diversity among students and staff.2. Enhance diversity of revenue to the University.3. Enhance the diversity of academic programs offeredby KCUMB.6 Summer 2012 KCUMB CommunicatorSummer 2012 KCUMB Communicator 7

An Everlasting GiftKCUMB’s Gift Body Program Plays an Integral Rolein the Education of Future PhysiciansStory by Christopher RyanIllustration by Rachel MindrupHer name was Mabyn, and she was born to hardworkingKansas dairy farmers in Valley Center,Kan., between the two world wars. She earned adegree in home economics from Kansas State University. In1944, she married Ken Makalous, a county extension agent.Not long after they married, Mabyn and Ken settled down toraise poultry in Marshall County, Kan. A strong believer ineducation, Mabyn also taught school. She and Ken had twochildren, both boys.In 1952, Ken contracted polio and lost the use of hislegs. Mabyn kept on raising poultry, carrying the 50-poundfeedbags and tending to the family business until she andher husband retired in 1966.Ken died in 1991. Mabyn passed away in 2008. ButMabyn’s commitment to work and education did not endwith her death.Years before, when Ken was alive, he mentioned thathe would like to donate his body for medical education.Circumstances prevented his family from fulfilling thatwish, but Mabyn still took it to heart. She decided to honorher husband’s wishes by donating her own body throughthe Gift Body Program at Kansas City University of Medicineand Biosciences.Well before Mabyn’s death, she and her son, Ray, metand worked with Pam Thomas, Ph.D., associate professorof anatomy and Gift Body Program coordinator, to make thearrangements. There were questions and paperwork but,most important, there was empathy.“I was with my mom the evening she passed away,”Ray said. “I was holding her hand. We knew what had to bedone as far as who neededto be called and all that,and I think what reallymade it so comforting wasthat we knew Dr. PamThomas would be involvedin the whole thing, oncethe body arrived there.”A “Non-Ending Gift”Dr. Thomas hasled KCUMB’s Gift BodyProgram for 18 years. Sheand Felicia Harris, theprogram’s administrativeassistant, share responsibilityfor serving as liaisonwith donors and theirfamilies. It is work theyboth find fulfilling.For Harris, helping donors and their families is the bestpart of her job.“I tend to believe that I’m a people person,” she said. “Ibelieve in the program. I do really enjoy the interaction, andit is rewarding when you get the feedback from the family.”The feedback Dr. Thomas and Harris receive is overwhelminglypositive, most of it along the lines of RayMakalous’s endorsement. Dr. Thomas suggests that thereason for the good will has to do with the attitude of the donors,their families, the osteopathic medical students and theprogram staff, as well as the Gift Body Program’s structure.A donated body is “a non-ending gift,” Dr. Thomassaid. It benefits not only the students who learn from it,but also the patients those students will treat during theircareer. People who donate their bodies understand this.Often, donors have some connection to education. Theymight be teachers, including current and retired staff atKCUMB. Dr. Thomas believes these people want to continueto teach even after their lives are over.Another prominent group of donors consists of farmers,perhaps because they know about the cycle of life andappreciate its complexity and beauty. However, donors comefrom all walks of life.Of course, it is the students who are the initial beneficiariesof donors’ generosity, and at KCUMB, they are taughtfrom the beginning how valuable and worthy of respect thedonors are. The lesson begins even before the students meettheir gift bodies. They attend a class on death and dying,which Dr. Thomas co-teaches.Dr. Thomas asks her students to write a letter to thedonor. This exercise gives thestudents a chance to voice theirown fears and worries aboutwhat they will have to do inthe gross anatomy lab. Theletters are read or posted at adonor memorial service where“Continued on page 10There are things you justcan’t depict in a picture,like a layer of tissue inthe abdomen. It’s likenothing else.Pam Thomas, Ph.D.”8 Summer 2012 KCUMB CommunicatorSummer 2012 KCUMB Communicator 9

students are able to meetthe donors’ families – amoving and meaningfulexperience for everyoneinvolved.“That was so welldone,” said Ray Makalous,referring to the memorialservice. “Getting a chanceto see the students whohad been in the classeswas so comforting. Theyactually put your familymember’s picture up.”For her part, KaraHessel, an osteopathicmedical student, seesthe memorial service asa deeply humanizingmoment.“When you meet thefamily, you see someonewho cared about theperson, and you decideyou need to be mindfulof who this person was,”she said.Hessel, who plansto become a surgeon, istaking a year between her second and third years of medicalschool to serve as an anatomy fellow. As a fellow, she helpsteach anatomy, works further with the bodies and conductsher own research. She firmly believes she owes donors agreat debt of gratitude.“I really appreciate everything the donors have done forus,” she said “They have given us the opportunity to learn,and to me there is nothing better in life. If what the donorshave done allows me to save other lives, I can’t think of anygreater gift.“I wish I could thank each family and each person.”The Best Way to LearnThe Gift Body Program at KCUMB depends entirelyon donations. The University does not purchase bodies orbody parts for study. It might be easier to rely on anatomicaldummies, textbooks and new computer programs to teachanatomy, but in the opinion of both program administratorsand students, the change would remove critical elements ofthe experience.It’s kind of like solving a puzzle. Why is there cancer in thislobe of the lung and not this lobe? Maybe we’ll find a musclethat’s completely undocumented and we’ll ask, ‘I wonder ifthis muscle caused them any problem.’ It’s like detective work.Pam Thomas, Ph.D.Speaking from astudent’s perspective,Hessel said, “I knowthere are computerprograms that allowstudents to see things in3D, but it’s not the sameexperience because Ican’t physically touchthat. I don’t know whatthat artery or nerve feelslike.”Dr. Thomas agreesthat adding the sense oftouch to an anatomy lessonenhances learning.“There are thingsyou just can’t depict ina picture, like a layer oftissue in the abdomen.It’s like nothing else,”she said.Gift bodies also addan element of diversityto gross anatomy. Theydemonstrate in ways thatanatomical dummies –much less textbooks andcomputer programs –cannot do, that people are different from each other.The first person Dr. Thomas worked on had greenbeans in his lungs, probably as a result of aspiration duringa heart attack.“There’s always surprises,” she said. “There are alwaysthings you wouldn’t think about.”The differences and surprises that gift bodies presentteach anatomy in ways no other method can. This is one reasonthe KCUMB program does not shy away from acceptingdonors who have died of cancer. Not all programs do. Theonly gift body restriction KCUMB has in place is that donorsmust be over 18 years old.“It’s really important for students to see that,” Dr. Thomassaid. “I think they need to see how invasive cancer is. Theyneed to see why it’s important to catch it early.”Dr. Thomas views the gross anatomy lab as a place ofexploration.“It’s kind of like solving a puzzle,” she said. “Whyis there cancer in this lobe of the lung and not this lobe?Maybe we’ll find a muscle that’s completely undocumentedand we’ll ask, ‘I wonder if this muscle caused them anyproblem.’ It’s like detective work.”Making Better PhysiciansThe so-called “detective work” is an aspect of herexperience in the anatomy lab that is particularly significantto Kara Hessel. By earning an anatomy fellowship, she hasgiven herself an advantage in a highly competitive profession.“It’s a great opportunity because I want to go into surgery,and it gave me something to talk about during interviews,”she said. “It also gave me the opportunity to do research andreally learn my anatomy so I can go out and do surgery.”Hessel is also interested in teaching, and she has achance to hone her skills. Further, she is able to do originalresearch for publication, something that could be a requirementduring her residency.“We have to submit for publication one research study,”she said. “We design the study. We do the majority of datacollection. We do the majority of data analysis.”Faculty members might help out when they are needed,but students in the anatomy fellowship program are mostlyon their own.For Hessel, doing medical study in the anatomy laband serving as an anatomyfellow means she will be abetter surgeon later on. Shebelieves she will not onlybe more comfortable andcompetent doing proceduresbut also more comfortabletalking with the families ofpeople she has treated.A Focus on Caringand RespectConversations about theanatomy lab always seemto come back to how muchboth staff and students havelearned about living peoplefrom the bodies they havestudied. To Hessel, it is a matterof being both sensitizedand desensitized, but in bothcases in a positive way.“There’s always thethought that someone hasgiven their body so that otherpeople can live,” she said.Dr. Thomas added, “It’skind of a mix of steelingyourself to the dissection andlearning from it and, at theI know there are computer programs that allow studentsto see things in 3D, but it’s not the same experiencebecause I can’t physically touch that. I don’t know whatthat artery or nerve feels like.same time, remembering that this is a human person.”Not so long ago, bodies were turned over for dissectionas a form a punishment. Today, being a gift body donor issimply a way of giving back.Felicia Harris has worked with donors who have contactedher long before they died to make the arrangements.Other donors have told their relatives about their wishesjust before passing away. Still others become part of theGift Body Program because a close relative or someone withpower of attorney has arranged for the donation.There is only one real challenge to making the donation:time. The body must undergo proper preservation within 24hours of death, so transportation is critical. The Gift BodyProgram will pay for transportation of bodies within theGreater Kansas City area.Gift bodies are normally kept at KCUMB for medicalstudy for about a year. At the end of that time, the remainsare cremated and returned to the family, if requested. Otherwise,they are interred in a local cemetery.Ray Makalous does not have much to say about thepaperwork or transportationor the other details of hisKara Hesselmother’s donation. Whathe remembers is the humanside of the transaction.“Having Dr. Pam, whohad met my mother, andknowing how much she wastied into teaching anatomyand how she did such a greatjob of being willing to takethe phone calls and makesure everything was handledin the correct way – it was verymeaningful,” he said. “I wouldencourage anyone to attendthe memorial service.”Make an impact. Honor thosewho have donated their bodiesto medical science by supportingthe Anatomical Donor Fund.Look for the envelope inside thismagazine for more details!10 Summer 2012 KCUMB CommunicatorSummer 2012 KCUMB Communicator 11

From Dawn to DuskPhotography by Cortney Christensen and Scott SummersSure, KCUMB's primary role is the education of future generationsof osteopathic physicians, bioethicists and researchers.But, for approximately 1,100 students, 250 faculty and staff,thousands of alumni and others associated with the University,KCUMB is also so much more.KCUMB is early-morning breakfasts in the cafeteria and latenightstudy sessions in Smith Hall; it's the grounds crew tendingflowers and the security officers keeping watch; it's prospectivestudents taking tours and current students participating in classdiscussions; it's alumni and others attending continuing educationcourses and students relaxing in the Community Garden and Park.We hope you enjoy our attempt at capturing all that goes intoone day – June 4, to be exact – at KCUMB.At left: A contractor cuts the grass outside the AdministrationBuilding.At right: A student gets in a morning workout in the basementof the Student Activities Center.Below: Faculty, staff and community members participate inan emergency preparedness workshop on campus.Got something to say about this story? Submit a Letterto the Editor at www.kcumb.edu/myletter or by email tocommunicator@kcumb.edu.At left: Mary Donaldson gets an early start on lunch preparationsin the cafeteria.Above, middle: Students study near Common Grounds,KCUMB's coffee shop, in the Student Activities Center.Bottom: Mark Butzler makes sure students and staff are safeas they arrive on campus.Above, middle: Prospective students and their families tour theDybedal Center for Research.Above: David Moller, Ph.D., professor and chair of bioethics,leads a classroom discussion.At right: A student takes a practice quiz in a study area on theupper level of the Student Activities Center.12 Summer 2012 KCUMB CommunicatorSummer 2012 KCUMB Communicator 13

At left: Students take a break on the patio outsidethe Student Activities Center.Below: Bob Kress, a second-year osteopathicmedical student, plays with his dog, Tucker, inKCUMB's Community Garden and Park.Below, middle: Students play a game of ping pongduring a break from classes.At left: Taking advantage of good weather, astudent reviews her notes outside Smith Hall.Below: Students make their way back towardCentury Towers just before sunset.Above: Evening light streams into the empty – or, nearlyempty – Wheeler Osteopathic Clinic Skills Laboratory in theStrickland Education Pavilion.Right: A lone student is visible studying through a windowin Smith Hall.At right: Troy Johnsonsecures the front doorsto the AdministrationBuilding during his regularend-of-day rounds.Above: Nicholas Kaup, a second-year osteopathic medical student,calls incoming first-year osteopathic medical students.14 Summer 2012 KCUMB CommunicatorSummer 2012 KCUMB Communicator 15

Medical errors are a serious public health problem.• In 1999, the Institute of Medicine releasedwhat was then shocking news: Each year, about98,000 people in the United States die from “adverseevents” caused by hospital errors. Patients suffering injuryfrom these events could number another 1 million.• In 2011, a study published in Health Affairs indicatedthat when people enter the hospital they face a one-inthreechance of experiencing an adverse event. It alsofound that some 90 percent of mistakes occurring inhospitals are never reported.To put all this in perspective, a 2010 survey of institutionsregistered with the American Hospital Association showedtotal admissions of about 36,915,331 patients annually. Ifa third of these patients experience an adverse event, thatwould be 12,305,110 injuries caused by medical mistakes.The Institute for Healthcare Improvement estimates that morethan 40,000 instances of medical harm happen every day.So what is the solution? Is it better training in the mechanicsof medicine to prevent infection or ensure that theright pill goes to the right patient? Is it tougher sanctionsfor professionals who commit the errors?Will these approaches or others along the same linesmake any difference as long as there is a strong tendencytoward leaving errors unreported or even covering them up?“Physicians have an ethical and moral responsibility totake ownership of their errors,” said David Moller, Ph.D.,professor and chair of bioethics.But too many major medical errors are never revealedbecause physicians fear damage to their careers or theyclose ranks to protect each other. It is a situation that isbad for physicians, the medical community as a whole andpatients. And it does not have to be this way.“There’s a natural tendency to curl up in a fetal positionWhoops! Medical Mistakes:How to Make Things RightWhen They Go WrongStory by Christopher Ryanand pray it all goes unnoticed,” said Sarah Parrott, D.O.,assistant professor of family medicine at KCUMB and coordinatorof the communications component for the osteopathicclinical skills program. “Instead, we need to partner withthe patient or family to see to it that it never happens again.”How can physicians partner with patients who have justsuffered physical or psychological injury while in their care?How is it possible to have that kind of relationship undersuch difficult circumstances?It might not be possible all the time, but it can be mademore likely. There is a growing consensus – at least amongthe faculty and students at KCUMB – that there is a way toprevent, manage and learn from medical mistakes, and it ismore in the “software” of medicine than the “hardware.”A Soft Approach to a Hard ProblemThe answer to the plague of medical errors is quitestraightforward, Dr. Moller said. It can best be related inthree words: “Communication, communication, communication.”Whatever else might be part of an attempt to reducemistakes, it will not advance the cause very far without opencommunication from beginning to end.It might sound easy enough, but it is not. Communicationis key at every point in the ongoing struggle againstpreventable mistakes. It must be there when hospitals anddoctors’ offices set up plans for preventing and managingerrors. It is a fundamental requirement of every interactionwith patients. It remains critically important when mistakeshappen so they are less likely to happen again.Communication even has the potential to make the difficulttask of informing a patient that an error has occurredless traumatic.“Patients are the ultimate judges of whether we’regood physicians,” Dr. Parrott said, pointing out that eventhe smartest physician on the planet cannot do the job wellwithout communication. “Somehow, we have to communicateall the knowledge we’ve gathered, and continue togather, to our patients if we’re to do them any good.”“Empathy and compassion are critically important,” Dr.Moller said. “The more they’re displayed, the more patientswill become trusting and compliant with directives, andthey’ll be more likely to have a good outcome. In the case ofa mistake, patients are more likely to be forgiving.”Communication is essential to a close relationship betweenphysicians and their patients, but also their patients’families. So, when the knowledge that must be passed onconcerns a medical error, previous successful communicationcan play a major positive role, even if the error hasresulted in a death.“I think families want to know their loved one wasn’thurt or permanently injured for nothing and that it will leadto a change in the system so it won’t happen to someoneelse,” Dr. Parrott said.If family members have a close bond with the physicianand believe a thorough explanation of the error has beenmade, they are much less likely to take legal action, she said.How to Admit an ErrorEveryone makes mistakes. Physicians’ mistakes cancause serious harm. Although good communication canmitigate the consequences of error, they still can be severefor physicians, both emotionally and financially. The effecton a physician’s medical career can be devastating.All that said, it is vital that errors be reported, investigated,resolved and used to learn and improve. The hardestpart is reporting the mistake, especially if it has causedinjury or death.Planning for errors can help. Dr. Parrott suggests thatboth hospitals and physicians’ practices refer to the Institutefor Healthcare Improvement’s white paper, “RespectfulManagement of Serious Clinical Adverse Events,” which isavailable on the organization’s website, www.IHI.org. Thepaper provides step-by-step assistance in developing a crisismanagement plan.Dr. Parrott also has suggestions of her own for physicianswho find themselves talking with a family about amedical error that has affected their loved one.“In case of harmful error, the attending physician needsto meet with the family in a quiet room as soon as possible,”she said.If desired, a spiritual advisor should be present. Thephysician should explain exactly what happened and let thefamily know that all parties involved are sorry the mistakeoccurred. The physician also should make it clear that theincident will be investigated.Individual crisis management plans might vary in approachsomewhat, but Dr. Parrott believes transparency from the outsetis extremely important. She adds that, should the familybring an attorney to the meeting, it is perfectly reasonablefor the physician to have representation present.Once the error has been reported and discussed withthe family, follow-up is critical. The incident should bethoroughly investigated – not with the focus on punishingsomeone, but with an eye toward learning and avoidingthe same problem in the future. The goal is continuousimprovement in the delivery of care, and it is not possiblewithout ongoing, open communication.Little Lapses Can Mean Big ProblemsHeidi Denton, D.O. (COM ’12), M.A. (COB ’12), graduatedfrom KCUMB in May. She saw communication failuresfirsthand during her clerkships, failures she credits herbioethics degree with helping her to recognize more easily.In one instance, a nurse called a patient advocate to tellhim that surgery on his patient, who had mental deficits,had been successful. The advocate had no idea the surgeryhad been done. He had been waiting to learn when it wouldbe scheduled.Another time, Dr. Denton was present when a patientwho could not speak or read English was asked to signa form allowing a blood test. There was no translator or anyoneelse who could help the woman understand what shewas agreeing to. She finally gave in and signed.Neither of these examples would be likely to result ininjury or death, but both were psychologically traumatizing.Continued on page 1816 Summer 2012 KCUMB CommunicatorSummer 2012 KCUMB Communicator 17

Both were avoidable errors, and Dr.Denton saw them as demonstrating alack of sensitivity and respect. She believesthey show medical professionalsat something less than their best.The lack of communication inthese two incidents is also a symptomof what could be a larger problem withmore serious ramifications. A culture ofpoor communication breeds mistakes.“Communication is critical inany area, whether it’s doctor-patient,doctor-to-doctor, doctor-to-socialservices or other administrative peoplewithin the hospital,” Dr. Denton said.“If you have a lack of communication,things can go awry real quick.”The medical mistakes Blake Heinz,D.O. (COM ’12), M.A. (COB ’12), haswitnessed have primarily dealt withphysicians not doing their homework. They failed to checka patient’s medical history or gather enough informationduring the initial encounter.Dr. Heinz recalls a woman in her 50s who was dyingfrom cancer and, because of acute problems, was admittedto the hospital.“The push these days is to get an advance directive duringthe first interview,” Dr. Heinz said. “Without it, patientsmight not have their wishes met.”In this case, there was no advance directive. Because ofher condition, the woman could not speak for herself. Sheunderwent surgery and recovered – from the immediateproblem, but not from the cancer that was killing her. Onlyafter the costly and painful procedure did the hospital stafflearn that the woman had not wanted any kind of intervention.Again, a lack of communication created an expensiveand traumatizing mistake. To avoid such errors, Dr. Dentonsaid, “You have to know you’ve done everything you can forsomebody.”And, a large portion of everything is communication.Training Physicians to CommunicateThe sensitivity to communication issues that Dr. Dentonand Dr. Heinz reveal in their anecdotes seem to say a lotabout them and also about their education. In a way, osteopathicmedical schools like KCUMB have a head start whenit comes to teaching students to communicate well and tobe able to form close bonds with their patients. Empathyand communication skills are prominent among the qualitiesfound in students who win admission to the University.“Even the smartest students from Ivy League schoolsand with a 32 on their MCATs might not make good osteopathicphysicians,” Dr. Parrott said. “KCUMB looks forpeople who can communicate. We look for empathetic,KCUMB's osteopathic medical students practice their doctor-patientcommunication skills by interacting with mock patients inside theKesselheim Center for Clinical Competence.socially adept people. There’s a lot of focus on listening skills.”Just appearing empathetic is not enough, however.Osteopathic medical students at KCUMB have to build ontheir skills throughout their training.Dr. Moller points to a pilot project in the bioethics programthat pairs students with “patients” who present withsensitive issues, such as end-of-life concerns or domesticviolence. Students learn how to communicate informationabout resources and to help the mock patient feel safe,combining knowledge with compassion during a difficultconversation with a vulnerable person.Before KCUMB’s osteopathic medical students can goon clerkships, they must pass a sort of “communicationtest.” They see three mock patients – volunteers and actorsfrom the community – who present with various health problems.The students must demonstrate both their knowledgeand their communication skills as they seek a diagnosis.Dr. Heinz found the exercise both challenging andsatisfying.“I treated them as though they were real-life patients,”he said. “You have to if you’re going to get anything out of itand pass the test.”In all probability, there will be many more tests forDr. Heinz and Dr. Denton as they progress in their youngcareers. They will make mistakes and be forced to deal withmedical errors made by others. For now, they have confidencenot only to take on the inherent responsibilities thatcome with being physicians, but also to work toward thecontinuous improvement that will reduce medical mistakesand their consequences.campusnewsOsteopathic Medical Students Participatein KCUMB’s First International ClerkshipsThe circuitous route that tookCornelius Thiels and Paul Rotert, D.O.(COM ’12), to Saudi Arabia and Zambia,respectively, included Springdale,Ark., and the Dominican Republic. Italso involved the Kansas City Royalsbaseball team.Dr. Rotert, who graduated May19, and Thiels, a fourth-year osteopathicmedical student, are the firstof what promises to be many studentswho will take advantage of KCUMB’snew international clerkship offerings.Supervised by INMED (the Institute forInternational Medicine), the electiveclerkships are designed to broadenstudents’ perspectives on the practiceof medicine in developing countries.KCUMB has been active in internationalmedicine for 20 years, first inGuatemala and then in the DominicanRepublic, said John Dougherty, D.O.(COM ’92), associate dean for clinicaleducation and medical affairs, andprofessor and chair of family medicine.However, the school’s association withINMED has allowed it to expand itsoutreach to many more countries.It all sounds straightforwardenough now, but the program’s beginningswere a case study in serendipity.Dr. Dougherty was the physicianfor the Royals’ AA team in Springdale,Ark. Many of the players hoping tomake their way into the major leaguesare from the Caribbean nations andSouth America. Their first stop is theRoyals Baseball Academy in the DominicanRepublic.Not long ago, one of these playersmade it to Springdale, but his sportscareer was derailed by a health issue.Dr. Dougherty suggestedthat players bechecked for physicalproblems before beingsent on to Springdale.The Royals thoughtthat was a good idea.The young man whowanted to play professionalbaseball butfound himself stymiedby illness was still onDr. Dougherty’s mindwhen Darin Haug,D.O. (COM ’01), executivevice president foracademic and medicalRecent KCUMB graduatePaul Rotert, D.O., checkson a young patient in aclinic in Zambia.Cornelius Thiels chose to participate in one ofKCUMB's international clerkship offerings inSaudi Arabia.affairs, and dean of the College of OsteopathicMedicine, asked him to takecharge of developing a comprehensiveinternational clerkship program.Here was a chance to take healthcare where it was needed. At the sametime, it was an opportunity to giveKCUMB’s osteopathic medical studentsan educational experience thatwould expand their horizons.Rotert returned from Zambia onMay 2, after two months working in asmall hospital and outpatient clinic.“The most important thing wasprobably the realization of the dignityof all humans and that one’s place ofbirth, position in society or wealthshould not affect the quality of carethat they get,” he said.Thiels left for Saudi Arabia a fewdays before Rotert returned. He recognizedthat Saudi culture tends to bevery conservative, but felt comfortable.“I think all physicians must bemindful of other cultures, and I hopethat experiencing the culture and traditionsin Saudi Arabia firsthand willmake me a better physician one day,”Thiels said.Dr. Dougherty hopes to use thenew international clerkship offeringsto attract more students to KCUMB.“We want to attract the best andthe brightest students we can,” he said.“Sometimes, even just the potential forthe opportunity is what will make themselect or de-select a school. If you don’thave it, the people who do are going toget the brighter students.”18 Summer 2012 KCUMB CommunicatorSummer 2012 KCUMB Communicator 19

campusnewsWith New Scholarship, Recent Graduate Pays it ForwardGift Marks the First Time a Current KCUMB Student has Established a Scholarship to Benefit Other StudentsCarey Vincent, D.O.(COM ’12), first set eyes onthe KCUMB campus duringa snowstorm. Taking inthe whitened buildings andgrounds, he thought, “Thisis just like Hogwarts.”As Dr. Vincent workedhis way through medicalschool, he of course discoveredsignificant differencesbetween KCUMB and HarryPotter’s fictional academyfor wizards. He decided,however, the two schools doshare one thing: There’s acertain magic about them.Before leaving KCUMBto embark on his career,Dr. Vincent left something behind inappreciation of that magic – a gift thatcould itself work some miracles. He establisheda $25,000 Physicians’ Hall ofSponsors scholarship to benefit marriedstudents with dependent children.It is the first scholarship established bya KCUMB osteopathic medical studentbefore graduation.A Gift Born of ExperienceDuring the College of OsteopathicMedicine’s commencementceremonies on May 19, Dr. Vincent wascommissioned into the U.S. Navy asa lieutenant. He is currently stationedat Naval Medical Center Portsmouthin Portsmouth, Va., where he is inthe midst of his residency in internalmedicine. A military scholarship madeit possible for him to become a doctor.Now, he is fulfilling his commitment tothe military with four years of activedutyservice.Dr. Vincent is familiar with thechallenges facing married studentswith young children. He joined the U.S.Navy after high school, served fouryears, then started college on the G.I.Bill. That money got him through hisfirst two years. He and his wife, Jamie,had to pay for another three yearsthemselves.In the meantime, the couple’sson, Jaxon, was born. Two years later,another son, Renner, came along.Both Jaxon and Renner were eventuallydiagnosed with atypical autism. Ayear later, a daughter, Braiya, arrived.Because the cost of a trained sitter tocare for Jaxon and Renner would beabout the same as Jamie’s salary ifshe worked outside the home, Jamiebecame a full-time mom.Dr. Vincent understood all too wellthat, without his military scholarship,he could not have stayed in medicalschool. It covered his tuition andbooks and provided a modest monthlystipend.“The financial difficulties of havingkids while going to medical schoolare pretty great,” Dr. Vincent said. “So,I was thinking how nice it would be tohelp other students who are marriedwith kids have one more option.”More Focus, Better DoctorsFor Dr. Vincent, the premise behindhis gift is straightforward.“You shouldn’t have to sacrifice aneducation to clothe a child,” he said.Dr. Vincent accepts congratulationson earning his doctor of osteopathicmedicine May 19 during commencementceremonies.“If you’re worried abouthow you’re going to livetomorrow, you’re not payingattention to how to succeedtoday.”Just as Dr. Vincentpoints to the excellence ofthe physicians who come outof KCUMB, he praises thequality of KCUMB’s osteopathicmedical graduates ashuman beings. Both factorscontribute to the University’smagic. He attributes this bonus to theschool’s approach to medicine and thefaculty who teach it.“All the faculty are good,” he said,“but some are just amazing.”A Gift Given Out of GratitudeThe amazing ones, Dr. Vincentsaid, are people like Maria Cole, Ph.D.,associate professor of anatomy; DianeKarius, Ph.D., associate professorof physiology; and Robert Stephens,Ph.D., professor and chair of anatomy,and associate dean for the Collegeof Biosciences. As a student, he wasstruck by not only their skill as teachers,but also their love of learning.He has traded his collection ofKCUMB apparel for a different uniform,one he will gratefully don mostdays for at least the next four years.During that time and well beyond,KCUMB osteopathic medical studentswill be thankful that they can focus ontheir studies and worry less about affordingnecessities.It is almost as if a wizard now livingmore than 1,000 miles away fromthe school where he learned his crafthad waved a wand and made someenduring magic happen.University Honors an Alum as its Faculty of the YearDr. Magie, right, accepts congratulationsand a gift from Dr. Haug after being namedKCUMB's 2012 Faculty of the Year recipient.The Dean’s Council for KansasCity University of Medicine and Biosciencesrecently recognized a 1980graduate of the College of OsteopathicMedicine as its 2012 Faculty of the YearAward recipient.Richard Magie, D.O. (COM ’80),assistant professor and chair of pediatrics,received the honor June 8 during afaculty appreciation event on campus.In addition to his teaching responsibilities,Dr. Magie also serves as medicaldirector for KCUMB Physician Associatesand medical director for Score 1for Health, a KCUMB program thatprovides free health screenings to morethan 13,000 children each year in theKansas City area.Dr. Magie regularly participatesin KCUMB’s annual medical missionsto Guatemala with DOCARE International,providing much-needed careto people living in remote and underservedcommunities. He also served aspresident of KCUMB’s Faculty Senateduring the 2011-2012 academic year.“Dr. Magie is not only outstandingin his field, but he embodies eachof our core values,” said Darin Haug,D.O. (COM ’01), executive vice presidentfor academic and medical affairs,and dean of the College of OsteopathicMedicine. “His extraordinary contributionto KCUMB and our mission goesfar beyond expectations, even at theexpense of personal sacrifice.”The processional makes its way across campus toward Weaver Auditorium May 19 duringthe 126 th Commencement of KCUMB's College of Osteopathic Medicine. During the ceremony,256 students were awarded doctor of osteopathic medicine degrees and 11 dual-degreestudents also received master of arts degrees in bioethics. In addition, Rockhurst Universityawarded master of business administration degrees to 27 KCUMB students through theD.O./MBA dual-degree program.International AwardRecognizes KCUMB’sCommunity Service EffortsCommunitas Awards recentlyhonored KCUMB for its excellence incommunity service and corporate socialresponsibility.KCUMB receivedits CommunitasAward in thecompany-sponsoredvolunteerproject category,in recognition ofthe University’s14 th -annual CommunityServiceDay. Students,faculty and staffcompleted morethan 1,000 hours of service in a singlehalf-day effort to benefit variousindividuals and organizations in needthroughout the Kansas City metropolitanarea.Communitas Awards is an internationaleffort to recognize exceptionalbusinesses, organizations and individualsfor their spirit of communitas– helping people.“KCUMB clearly exhibits thespirit of communitas, a Latin word thatmeans people coming together for thegood of the community,” according toa statement on behalf of the CommunitasAwards judges.KCUMB’s annual CommunityService Day takes place during orientationweek for incoming first-yearosteopathic medical students. Theevent serves as an introduction to boththe community and to the University’semphasis on serving others.“Medical school is only the beginningof their commitment to a careerof service,” said Sara Selkirk, executivedirector of community and studentaffairs at KCUMB. “We believe it isimportant to place emphasis on theaspect of caring for people and communityeven before students attendtheir first class.”20 Summer 2012 KCUMB CommunicatorSummer 2012 KCUMB Communicator 21

campusnewsKCUMB Names New Provost and Dean of the Collegeof Osteopathic Medicine Following National SearchKCUMB recently announced theappointment of Marc Hahn, D.O., asthe University’s new executive vicepresident for academic and medicalaffairs, provost and dean of the Collegeof Osteopathic Medicine.Dr. Hahn will succeedDarin Haug, D.O. (COM’01), who announced in Aprilhis plans to leave KCUMB onSept. 1 to return to patient carein Marshall, Mo., where he, hiswife and children have family.“It will be a privilege tobe a part of one of the country’soriginal five osteopathic medicalschools – one that has a tremendousreputation, which has been built byworld-class faculty, superb students andexcellent alumni,” Dr. Hahn said. “Inthe new role of provost, I look forwardto working closely with Dr. Weaver inexploring novel health-related programsthat can help address the needs of ourstate, the region and the country.”D’Angelo Library Prepares Historical Artifactsfor the University’s 100 th AnniversaryLibrary Staff Seeks Unique PiecesWhile the new D’Angelo Libraryonly recently celebrated its one-yearanniversary, its staff is busy makingpreparations for KCUMB’s 100 th anniversaryin 2016. One of the prioritiesfor the staff is collecting, identifyingand restoring the numerous medicalartifacts given to the University bygenerous donors over the years.By 2016, the team plans to havethe artifacts displayed throughout theD’Angelo Library and the rest of thecampus, so that everyone gets plenty ofopportunity to appreciate them.“It’s about preserving the University’sheritage,” said Lori Fitterling,digital services reference librarian.“The University has a rich history andwe have some unique items.”Dr. HahnDr. Hahn’s hiring concludes anational search KCUMB conducted inconjunction with EFL Associates, Inc.,an executive search firm. Dr. Hahn wasone of two candidates who met withstudents, faculty and staff duringon-campus visits in June.Dr. Hahn, who will beginwork at KCUMB by Oct. 1,has extensive experience asa senior administrator inhigher education. He comesto KCUMB from the Universityof New England in Biddeford,Maine, where he served assenior vice president for health affairsand dean of the College of OsteopathicMedicine since 2009. He also servedon the UNE faculty as a professor ofanesthesiology.Prior to his tenure at UNE, Dr.Hahn worked as senior vice presidentfor health affairs at the University ofNorth Texas Health Science Centerat Ft. Worth and dean of the TexasFitterling said her favorite item is aletter written by Carry Nation, an earlyosteopathic physician and a fighterfor women’s rights. In the letter, sheinvites another couple to come helpwith a clinic in Medicine Lodge, Kan.,saying she has already delivered sevenbabies and could use some help.The staff is working to enter eachof the items into a database so they caneasily be viewed online.“We’ve wanted to do this for a longtime,” said Marilyn De Geus, directorof the library. “We wanted to preservethe history of KCUMB and digitize itfor all to see. We’re not there yet, buthope to be before the 100 th anniversary.“Sorting through the artifacts islike a daily treasure hunt,” De Geus said.If you have interesting medicalCollege of Osteopathic Medicine.“We chose Dr. Hahn based on hisbreadth of experience, knowledge andpassion,” said H. Danny Weaver, D.O.(COM ’84), FACOFP, president andchief executive officer. “We feel that hehas the skills and background necessaryto continue to move KCUMB in aforward direction.”Dr. Weaver said he is grateful forthe dedication to KCUMB displayedby Dr. Haug during his four years atthe University. Dr. Haug strengthenedthe school’s core functions, resultingin higher student scores on nationalboard examinations, expansion ofthird- and fourth-year clinical trainingopportunities, increased emphasis onacquiring important educational resourcesand enhanced faculty development.“Dr. Haug has been a tremendousasset to KCUMB, providing keyleadership through challenging timesfor our institution,” Dr. Weaver said.“I personally feel indebted to him forhis sacrifice and commitment to theUniversity and its constituents.”artifacts or items from the University'spast that may have historical value thatyou would like to loan or donate to theKCUMB’s collection, contact MarilynDe Geus at 816-654-7262 or mdegeus@kcumb.edu, or contact a member of theAdvancement Office at 816-654-7280or alumni@kcumb.edu. Donations toKCUMB may be tax deductible.New Website to Showcase All KCUMB Has to OfferKCUMB is nearingcompletion of arevamped website forthe University thatwill provide prospectivestudents, alumniand other visitorswith a sleek new look,enhanced functionalityand a host of newfeatures. The new siteis scheduled to launchlater this fall.“Our new site willbe more representativeof how wonderfulour University is,”said Julie Stutterheim,director of online content.“It is designed toshowcase what makesKCUMB stand outfrom the pack – our curriculum, degreeprograms and outreach initiatives.”The updated website, which willinclude a mobile version accessiblefrom users’ smartphones, is a giantleap forward for KCUMB.“In terms of first impressions,the website is absolutely critical forprospective students, especially priorto visiting campus,” Stutterheim said.“We want to make sure we’ve organizedthe information in the best possibleway, so that it’s intuitive to our users.”The previous version of the sitewas launched in 2005, shortly after theUniversity was rebranded as KCUMB.“The current site is actually fairlyold for a website,” Stutterheim explained.“When we started on this project,we wanted to make sure we builtsomething as sustainable as possible,and that we get it right the first time.”For the project, KCUMB partneredwith R2integrated, a digital marketingagency based in Baltimore and Seattle,which has extensive web strategyexperience in higher education.“In a way, I think it’s kind of likebuilding a house,” Stutterheim said.“Some of the first decisions you makeare functionality and architecture, andthen you determine the aesthetics.Form follows function.“Our website is huge, and we’vehad to make decisions every day – bigdecisions, like the site architecture, andsmall ones, like iconsor the glossiness ofthe buttons. In theend, it’s a thousandtiny decisions that affectthe overall appealand effectiveness ofthe site.”The new websitewill feature moresocial media integration,and provide anexpanded resourcecenter for alumni.“We want alumnito be able to easilyaccess all the servicesthat KCUMB is canprovide to them, evenafter graduation,” shesaid. “Our new site isdesigned to be moreof a community for alumni.”Additionally, the new website isbuilt on a content management system(CMS), which provides several benefits,including enhanced search engineoptimization, automatic archival andthe ability to have multiple editors.Don’t Miss KCUMB’s Winter CME!Dec. 5-8 on the KCUMB CampusEarn Up to 25 AOACategory 1-A Credits!Take advantage of thisopportunity to fulfill your AOACategory 1-A credit requirementsbefore the 2010-2012 cycle endson Dec. 31. For more information,contact Brenda Chezek,director of continuing medicaleducation, at bchezek@kcumb.edu.22 Summer 2012 KCUMB CommunicatorSummer 2012 KCUMB Communicator 23

campusnewsFaculty Member Relies on Equal Parts Education,Experience and Faith to Chart a Successful Career PathMany of Larry Segars’ friends andcolleagues at KCUMB already knowthere’s much more to him than meetsthe eye.It’s no secret that Dr. Segars, whoholds doctorates in both pharmacy andpublic health, loves to play golf in histime away fromwork. That one’seasy enough.It’s also wellknownthat theprofessor who hasearned not just one,but three Facultyof the Year awards– one at SouthwesternOklahomaState University, hisalma mater, andtwo at KCUMB – isextremely passionateabout his rolein teaching the nextwave of physicians.As with manypeople, Dr. Segarshas some hiddentalents, which help to paint a morecomplete portrait of the Raymore, Mo.,native and decorated faculty membercurrently on his second stint atKCUMB.He loves to juggle. He also hasquite an extensive history working as afootball and baseball official.Dr. Segars graduated with a bachelor'sdegree in 1986 from SouthwesternOklahoma State, and he earned hisdoctorate in pharmacy three years laterfrom the University of Texas.He spent 2004 working on electivecoursework for his doctorate of publichealth in epidemiology at the HarvardSchool of Public Health in Boston.His stints at KCUMB serve asbookends to five years spent earninghis Ph.D. at the University of NorthTexas Health Science Center.Dr. Segars worked at KCUMBfrom 1995 to 2000 as an adjunct clinicalassociate professor of pharmacypractice, and as an associate professorof pharmacology and family medicine.He returned in 2006 to get back intoeducation, and currently serves asassociate professor and chair of pharmacologyand microbiology.“When I was little, I recall playingteacher with the neighbor kids,” hesaid. “I believe I’ve always known that Iwanted to be a teacher.“Once I went into pharmacy, Iknew that I would love teaching anytype of health-care provider in the areaof medications. It’s a passion and Ihope it comes out in every lecture Igive, regardless of the audience.”The Faculty of the Year awards hehas earned serve as the highlights ofhis teaching career thus far, he said.As for officiating, Dr. Segarsworked his way up the ladder andwas once selected to work on collegefootball crews in the NAIA and NCAADivision II, as well as several playoffcontests in Oklahoma, Texas and Missouri.One of his officiating highlightswas being selected in the late 1990s tothe crew that worked the Mineral WaterBowl, an annual college football bowlgame between teams from the NorthernSun Intercollegiate Conferenceand the Mid-America IntercollegiateAthletic Associationat Tiger Stadium inExcelsior Springs, Mo.He also hasexperience workingbaseball games,including smallcollegeand semi-procontests.A constantinfluence throughoutDr. Segars’ life andcareer, he said, hasbeen his Christianfaith. While somesuggest science andfaith cannot coexist,Dr. Segars believesotherwise.“I believe that... they actually dovery well together,” he said. “This isbased on my belief that when treatingpatients – dealing with the science andmedicine of their diseases and conditions– that the faith of the clinician andpatient are very important to consider.“Both should be acknowledgedand embraced at the same time. Theyshould not be mutually exclusive.There are some diseases that arebeyond our knowledge to cure, butthrough faith all things are possible.”Why KCUMB? For Dr. Segars, it'sobvious.“I love that KCUMB is studentcenteredand that, for the most part,faculty are hired to be great educatorsfor our students and to do the best forthem,” he said. “I see myself as a lifelongeducator and hope to be at KCUMBuntil I retire, if they’ll have me.”alumninewsFaculty, Staff and Board MembersDonate Nearly $140,000 to KCUMBThrough Internal Fund-Raising CampaignKCUMB means different things todifferent people.For students, it means a pathwayto a bright future in osteopathic medicine,bioethics or biomedical sciences.For alumni, it’s the fond memories andthe thought of all they learned.For employees of theUniversity, it’s not only a job– it’s so much more.“Part of why KCUMBis a paradise to work at isthat I feel we are indeed afamily, myKCUMB and yourKCUMB,” said EduardoGarcia, M.D., assistant professorof pathology. “It trulygives me tremendous pride to be a partof the KCUMB family.”DollaseFaculty, staff and members of theBoard of Trustees recently teamed up toraise nearly $140,000 for the Universityduring the second-annual myKCUMBinternal fund-raising campaign.In addition to raising money forDOCARE medical missions, studentscholarships, Score 1 for Healthand many other worthwhileendeavors across campus, themyKCUMB campaign providesemployees with a way to supportthe causes that matter to themand to come together as a team.“We wouldn’t give if wedidn’t believe in what we aredoing,” said Beth Dollase, vicepresident for advancement. “Thissends a strong message that those whoJoin Dr. Magie and Thousands of Fellow Alumnias a Proud Member of the KCUMB Alumni AssociationStay connected with your alma mater and former classmates as amember of the KCUMB Alumni Association!Your $50 membership dues support many activities,including alumni receptions during various professionalmeetings, alumni mentoring panels for currentstudents and University-sponsored Continuing MedicalEducation programs.Join today by visiting www.kcumb.edu/AlumniDues,by calling 800-234-4847 ext. 7284 or mailing yourpayment to the KCUMB AdvancementOffice, 1750 IndependenceAve., Kansas City, MO 64016.Richard Magie, D.O. (COM ’80), assistantprofessor and chair of pediatrics, and medicaldirector for KCUMB Physician AssociatesTotal Donations: $139,165Members of theBoard of Trustees:$71,500Faculty and staff:$65,154Auction: $2,511put their muscle into the mission alsoput their heart into it.”Sixty-six percent of the University’semployees participated in thisyear’s efforts, up from 57 percent inthe previous year. This year’s total wasapproximately $6,500 more than duringthe 2011 inaugural campaign.“For employees, seeing their dollarsin action throughout the year isempowering,” Dollase said. “They aremaking a visible difference. Instead oftelling the patients in need in Guatemala,‘I’m sorry, we’re out of medicine,’when we go on our mission tripthis year, we’ll be able to say, ‘Here’swhat you need.’ That’s huge, and ouremployees will have helped make ithappen.”Stay Connectedwww.kcumb.eduwww.facebook.com/KCUMBwww.twitter.com/KCUMB24 Summer 2012 KCUMB CommunicatorSummer 2012 KCUMB Communicator 25

alumninewsFrom the Alumni Association PresidentWe Should All Come Togetherto Build a Bright Future for KCUMBWilliam Halacoglu, D.O. (COM ’91)Serving as your Alumni Associationpresident for the past year hasbeen a rewarding and enlighteningexperience, and an honor I will notsoon forget. During Homecoming,Sept. 19-22, I will symbolicallypass the gavel to the next AlumniAssociation president.As my time in this position draws to a close, I amable to reflect on a year of accomplishment, while alsorecognizing that there is still much work to be done by theAlumni Association’s Board of Directors and its members.As alumni, we provide an indispensable link to theUniversity’s storied past, but most importantly, we arealso the guardians of KCUMB’s future. We are looked toas mentors, educators and protectors of the Universityand the osteopathic medical profession. KCUMB-COM’s7,000 living alumni may have each built their own legacies,but all 7,000 of them intersect on Independence Avenue.Though it may be in different generations or indifferent facilities, we share experiences and memoriesforged during our time in medical school. In addition,the history of the University encompasses thousandsmore faculty, staff and community members, each ofwhom have worked – and continue to work – tirelesslyfor the success and advancement of our alma mater. It ismy hope that our accomplishments through the KCUMBAlumni Association during the past year have furtherstrengthened the University, while serving the future.As members of the KCUMB Alumni Association, it isour charge to serve as an important voice, resource andbenefactor for current and future students. The numberof applicants to attend KCUMB continues to increase,and with that so does the need to provide those studentswith the facilities, scholarships and programs that willhelp them achieve their dreams of becoming successfulosteopathic physicians, bioethicists and researchers.During our Alumni Association board meetingin April, we moved to make available $2,500 in funds,which were matched by the University to create a $5,000scholarship for a deserving student. It is my hope that theKCUMB Alumni Association will continue to partner inthis way with the University, so that students may knowthat alumni will always be there to support them duringtheir journey into our beloved profession.The future of KCUMB is bright. These are excitingtimes to be associated with our alma mater. KCUMB wasestablished in 1916, and as the centennial of the Universityapproaches, I would encourage you to please take a fewmoments to reflect on how the experiences and opportunitiesafforded you by KCUMB-COM have affected yourlife and the lives of those you serve. It is my sincere hopethat your reflections lead you to engage the University asa mentor, donor and advocate.Together, we are more than 7,000 strong. KCUMBneeds your support.Become a Part of theKCUMB Legacy FundThe Legacy Fund honors KCUMB-COM faculty, staff, alumni and physicianpartners, both past and present,who have left a lasting imprint onstudent doctors of all generations.All gifts designated to the LegacyFund will be directed to specific programsbenefitting faculty or educationalinitiatives and will be dispersed annuallyat the Faculty Senate’s discretion.A gift of $500 is required for inclusionin the Legacy Fund.For more information on howyou can support the KCUMB-COMLegacy Fund, please call the AdvancementOffice at 816-654-7280, emailalumni@kcumb.edu or visit www.kcumb.edu/legacyfund.Aug. 21Aug. 27Aug. 28Sept. 12Oct. 2Oct. 3Oct. 4Oct. 5Oct. 6Oct. 8-10Make a lasting impact for generations to come as a member of theHeritage SocietyLookout!Watch for KCUMBComing to a City Near YouMake plans now to join KCUMB representatives, including H. DannyWeaver, D.O. (COM ’84), president and chief executive officer, for a specialregional alumni gathering near in a location near you.Kansas CityClevelandDetroitDenverHoustonDallasTucson, Ariz.PhoenixLas VegasAOA Conventionin San DiegoOct. 23 Wichita, Kan.Oct. 25 St. Joseph, Mo.Oct. 30 AtlantaNov. 5 West Palm Beach /Fort LauderdaleNov. 6 Orlando, Fla.Nov. 7 Tampa, Fla.Watch your mailbox for a specialinvitation to an event in your area.Create a better tomorrow by including KCUMB in yourestate plan today.KCUMB Awards Special Recognition to Two Individuals for Advancing the Osteopathic Medical Profession2012 Betty Jo White, D.O. (COM ’63),FACOS, Prize for ResearchAsma Zaidi, Ph.D., professor of biochemistry,was named the 2012 recipientof the Betty Jo White, D.O. (COM ’63),FACOS, Prize for Research, for her project,entitled “Disruption of Calcium Homeostasisin Parkinson’s Disease,” which sheDr. Zaidipresented during the KCUMB Research Symposium.The Betty Jo White, D.O., FACOS, Prize for Research wasestablished to encourage research activity at KCUMB. It isawarded annually to researchers whose work significantlyadvances the osteopathic medical profession and the University’sposition in the research community.2012 Mamie E. Johnston, D.O. (COM ’17),FACOP, Creative Medical Artin Teaching AwardLynne Boone, a third-year osteopathicmedical student, was awarded the 2012Mamie E. Johnston, D.O. (COM ’17),FACOP, Creative Medical Art in TeachingBooneAward. Boone used funding from theaward to attend the Society for the Arts in Healthcare’s 23rdAnnual International Conference May 2-5 at Children’s Hospitalof Michigan in Detroit.The Mamie E. Johnston, D.O., FACOP, Creative MedicalArt in Teaching Award was established by Betty Jo White,D.O. (COM ’63), FACOS, to encourage the incorporationof medical and scientific art in teaching at KCUMB and toadvance the osteopathic medical profession.Your gift can benefit the University as a whole or bedirected toward the specific program of your choice.You can make attending KCUMB more affordable forstudents studying osteopathic medicine, bioethics orbiomedical sciences.Maybe you prefer to support research that improvespeople’s health and changes lives? Your gift can makethe difference.For more information, please contact Ted Place, executivedirector of alumni development, at 816-654-7286,tplace@kcumb.edu or visit www.kcumb.edu/PlannedGiving.Please note: Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences does not providetax or legal advice. Gift calculations may be provided for illustrative purposes only,and the actual values may vary based upon the timing and nature of your gift.Advice from legal and tax counsel should be sought when considering a charitablegift of any kind.26 Summer 2012 KCUMB CommunicatorSummer 2012 KCUMB Communicator 27

classnotes1930sCarl Everett, D.O. (COM’39), was honored duringa special reception lastsummer at the University ofNorth Texas Health ScienceCenter. Dr. Everett was instrumentalin founding theTexas College of OsteopathicMedicine.1960sDavid Leopold, D.O.(COM ’62), was honored asthe recipient of the HaroldH. Finkel, D.O., Pediatricianof the Year Award during theannual spring conferenceof the American College ofOsteopathic Pediatricians,which took place March 22-25 in Memphis, Tenn.1970sRay Stowers, D.O. (COM’73), serves as vice presidentof the Division of HealthSciences and dean of the De-Busk College of OsteopathicMedicine at Lincoln MemorialUniversity in Harrogate,Tenn. He is also president ofthe American OsteopathicAssociation.Richard Winder, D.O.(COM ’74), was honoredwith a District LeadershipAward on May 5 during theMissouri Association ofOsteopathic Physicians andSurgeons’ annual conventionin Osage Beach, Mo.Leonard Calabrese, D.O.(COM ’75), was honoredMay 19 with the LeonardTow Humanism in MedicineAward, presented by theArnold P. Gold Foundation.The award, which recognizesa faculty member whodemonstrates compassionand sensitivity in patientcare, was presented duringcommencement ceremoniesfor Case Western ReserveUniversity School of Medicineand the Cleveland ClinicLerner College of Medicine.Dr. Calabrese serves as vicechair of rheumatic and immunologicdiseases, andprofessor of medicine at theCleveland Clinic Lerner Collegeof Medicine.Joel Feder, D.O. (COM’75), testified April 25 beforethe U.S. House of Representatives’Ways and MeansSubcommittee on Oversight.Dr. Feder’s testimony urgedreversal of a policy placinglimitations on the purchaseof over-the-countermedications with certainhealth-care plans. Dr. Federis a member of the KCUMBAlumni Association’s Boardof Directors and a memberof the American College ofOsteopathic Family Physicians,which also advocatesreversing the policy.Rev. Kenneth Bakken,D.O. (COM ’76), Dr.P.H., ispresident of HealthVisionInternational, a non-profitorganization based inTacoma, Wash., that isdevoted to promoting healthGot News? We Want to Know!Submit any recent professional accomplishments– awards, fellowships, new jobs,published research articles or other noteworthyachievements – by email to editor@kcumb.eduor by mail to Editor, KCUMB Communicator,Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences,1750 Independence Avenue, Kansas City,Mo., 64106-1453.We cannot guarantee that your submission will be published.Submissions may be edited for length, style, clarity and civility.and healing in the religiousand medical communities.Rev. Dr. Bakken works as aphysician, pastor and publichealth scientist, and he hasspoken at numerous conferences,seminars and retreats.Frederick Kiehl, D.O.(COM ’77), was namedas the MSACOFP FamilyPhysician of the Year onMay 5 during the MissouriAssociation of OsteopathicPhysicians and Surgeons’annual convention in OsageBeach, Mo. His daughter,Elisa Vinyard, D.O. (COM’00), presented him withthe award. Dr. Kiehl ownsNW Family Health Clinic inMaysville, Mo.Miles Neis, D.O. (COM’77), recently joined JeffersonCity Medical Group. Dr.Neis, a primary care physician,will continue to practicein Osage Beach, Mo.,where he has seen patientsfor more than 25 years.Robert Scanlon, II, D.O.(COM ’79), was installed aspresident of the MissouriAssociation of OsteopathicPhysicians and Surgeons onMay 5 during the organiza-George Kolo, D.O. (COM’93), and Jennifer Capra,D.O. (COM ’12), were cotion’sannual convention inOsage Beach, Mo.1980sElaine Joslyn, D.O. (COM’84), was honored as aMedallion Award recipientMay 5 during the MissouriAssociation of OsteopathicPhysicians and Surgeons’annual convention in OsageBeach, Mo.Lee Parks, D.O. (COM’84), was honored as aMedallion Award recipientMay 5 during the MissouriAssociation of OsteopathicPhysicians and Surgeons’annual convention in OsageBeach, Mo. Dr. Parks wasalso installed as first vicepresident for MAOPS.Michael Janssen, D.O.(COM ’86), was featured inL•O Profile, a lifestyle magazinefocusing on the Lake ofthe Ozarks area in Missouri.Dr. Janssen is an orthopedicspine surgeon and extremehobbyist, who enjoys boatracing, fly fishing, scuba diving,water and snow skiing,snowmobiling and ridingmotorcycles. His wife, SharonKelly, D.O. (COM ’86), isalso an alumna.Several groups of KCUMB employees and students recently participated inthe Healthy Hands for Hunger program at the Culinary Center of KansasCity, where they made nutritious meals for distribution by charitableorganizations in Kansas City's historic Northeast Neighborhood.Dale Chapman, D.O.(COM ’88), was honoredwith a District LeadershipAward on May 5 during theMissouri Association ofOsteopathic Physicians andSurgeons’ annual conventionin Osage Beach, Mo.Marc Westle, D.O. (COM’89), was recently namedsenior vice president of innovationfor Mission Healthin Asheville, N.C. Dr. Westleis an expert on health-caredelivery strategies and previouslyserved as presidentand CEO of Mission MedicalAssociates, the group practiceof Mission Health.1990sDonald Bigwood, D.O.(COM ’92), recently joinedthe staff at Saint Vincent’s inFall River, Mass., as a child/adolescent psychiatrist andmedical director.John Dougherty, D.O.(COM ’92), was honored asa Medallion Award recipientMay 5 during the MissouriAssociation of OsteopathicPhysicians and Surgeons’annual convention in OsageBeach, Mo. Dr. Doughertyhas also been selected forthe inaugural American Collegeof Osteopathic FamilyPhysicians’ Physician LeadershipInstitute, which isdesigned to provide participantswith greater awarenessof their strengths as leadersand give strategic directionin the ever-changing healthcaresystem. Dr. Doughertyis KCUMB’s associate deanfor clinical education andmedical affairs, and professorand chair of familymedicine.Visit KCUMB at the 2012 AOA ConventionMake plans now to attend the American OsteopathicAssociation’s 117th Osteopathic Medical Conference andExposition, which will take place Oct. 7-11 at the SanDiego Convention Center.While there, be sure to stop by KCUMB’s booth(No. 1001) to pick up a special gift for alumni and visitwith KCUMB representatives.KCUMB will also host a special fiesta-themedreception for alumni from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 9, onthe Windsor Lawn of the Hotel del Coronado. Enjoy afun evening with the sounds of a mariachi band and besure to have your portrait taken in front of the beautifulPacific Ocean. Transportation will be provided fromconvention hotels.Melissa Lemp, D.O. (COM’92), currently serves aschair of the Department ofPediatrics at Pacific NorthwestUniversity’s Collegeof Osteopathic Medicine inYakima, Wash.Renee Walker, D.O.(COM ’92), was honoredwith a District LeadershipAward on May 5 during theMissouri Association ofOsteopathic Physicians andSurgeons’ annual conventionin Osage Beach, Mo.Ronald Holt, II, D.O.(COM ’93), was amongapproximately 150 invitedguests who attendeda special movie screeningof “Bully” April 20 at TheWhite House. Dr. Holt metleaders, including Secretaryof Education Arne Duncan,and plans reach out to furtherdiscuss efforts to combatbullying in the future.28 Summer 2012 KCUMB Communicator28 Summer 2012 KCUMB CommunicatorSummer 2012 KCUMB Communicator 29

classnotesauthors of an article, “SurgicalInterventions to Reduce CardiometabolicRisks,” whichwas published in the Mayissue of AOA Health Watch.Dr. Kolo serves as professorof family medicine andassistant curriculum directorat KCUMB, and Dr. Capra iscurrently completing a residencyin internal medicinethrough the University ofKansas School of Medicine.Chris Dougherty, D.O.(COM ’96), serves ashead team physician forthe Northwest ArkansasNaturals, a minor-leagueaffiliate of the Kansas CityRoyals. His brother, Dr. JohnDougherty, filled in April 12as team physician during theteam’s home opener.Timothy Murphy, D.O.(COM ’97), was recently appointedto serve as directorof the osteopathic familymedicine residency programat Niagara Falls MemorialMedical Center in NiagaraFalls, N.Y.Jeff Jones, D.O. (COM’99), was honored March 30as Lake Regional Health System’s2012 Physician of theYear. Dr. Jones, an orthopedicsurgeon in Osage Beach,Mo., joined LRHS in 2005.Carol McIntyre, D.O.(COM ’99), recently joinedthe staff at St. Francis FamilyHealth Care in Maryville,Mo. Dr. McIntyre is an obstetricianand gynecologist.Find Us On Facebookwww.facebook.com/KCUMBAlumniJoin the Conversation with FellowKCUMB Alumni on FacebookVisit www.facebook.com/KCUMBAlumni to:• Track down former classmates• Plan trips to upcoming KCUMB events• See what’s happening on campus• Network with other KCUMB alumni• Share your personal or professional accomplishments• Post photos and videos that may interest colleagues• Get updated news about the University• Get exclusive updates and offers• Participate in the discussion and win prizesLost?Help Us Find You AgainUpdate Your Contact Information at www.kcumb.edu/UpdateInfo.2000sW. Joshua Cox, D.O.(COM ’00), and CassandraRamar, D.O. (COM’11), were co-authors of anarticle, “Medicinal Managementof CardiometabolicRisk,” which was publishedin the May issue of AOAHealth Watch. Dr. Cox servesas associate professor andvice chair of family medicineat KCUMB.Bobby Green, D.O. (COM’00), helped to open GuthrieMDon July 2 in Guthrie,Ky. Dr. Green served asdirector of the EmergencyDepartment from 2004-2007at Jennie Stuart MedicalCenter in Hopkinsville, Ky.,and has practiced at severalhospitals in the area.Thaddeus Ray, D.O. (COM’00), was recently named oneof “150 Pain ManagementPhysicians to Know” byBecker’s ASC Review. Dr. Raypractices with Four CornersSpine and Pain in Farmington,N.M.Matthew Cherry, D.O.(COM ’02), completed aresidency in diagnosticradiology and earned boardcertification in 2011. Heis currently completing amusculoskeletal MRI fellowship,before joining a privatepractice in Bolivar, Mo.Drew Allen, D.O. (COM’04), recently joined theCardiology Department atthe Hutchinson Clinic inHutchinson, Kan. Dr. Allencompleted a residency ininternal medicine at theCleveland Clinic, and a fellowshipin cardiology andinterventional cardiologythrough the University ofMissouri-Kansas City.Damon Cobb, D.O. (COM’04), joined the staff at PowayWomen’s Care in Poway,Calif. Dr. Cobb specializes inobstetrics and gynecology,and he previously practicedin Indiana.Neal Gregg, D.O. (COM’05), wrote an article,“Minocycline-Induced BlackBone Disease EncounteredDuring Total Knee Arthroplasty,”which was publishedin the May issue of OrthopedicsJournal. Dr. Gregg worksat Southern Bone and JointSpecialists in Hattiesburg, Miss.Jeannette Dagam, D.O.(COM ’06), was recentlyMore than 100 golfers participated in the 20th annual Deron CherryInvitational Golf Tournament to benefit KCUMB's Score 1 for Healthprogram, which provides free health screenings for elementary-agechildren. Proceeds from the tournament make up a large portion ofScore 1 for Health's annual operating budget.appointed as an assistantclinical professor in theDepartment of Psychiatryat The Ohio State UniversityWexner Medical Center,where her duties includepsychiatric evaluation andoutpatient management ofadults, in addition to thesupervision and training ofresidents.Stephen Sparks, D.O.(COM ’06), was recentlyawarded a fellowship inemergency administration.Dr. Sparks also earned amaster of business administrationfrom the Universityof Tennessee in 2011.Laura Harbison, D.O.(COM ’07), and Molly Harp,D.O. (COM ’07), werefeatured earlier this yearin Missouri Family Physicianmagazine in an articledetailing how professionalmentoring and shadowingof students is producinghomegrown physicians. Dr.Harbison and Dr. Harp bothpractice in Cameron, Mo.Jill Rice, D.O. (COM ’07),recently joined the staff atFairfield Medical Center inLancaster, Ohio. Dr. Riceworks with ColonnadeMedical Group and specializesin family medicine andgeriatrics.David Roshal, D.O. (COM’07), currently serves as anattending neurohospitalist atKennedy University Hospitalin Turnersville, N.J.Gwynn Antonson, D.O.(COM ’08), was recentlynamed medical director ofthe bariatric program at AdirondackHealth in SaranacLake, N.Y. Dr. Antonsonpreviously completed aresidency in family medicinethrough the University ofMedicine and Dentistry ofNew Jersey.Katie Dias, D.O. (COM’08), was featured earlier thisyear on the cover of MissouriFamily Physician magazineand in an article detailinghow professional mentoringand shadowing of studentsis producing homegrownphysicians. Dr. Harbisonpractices in Albany, Mo.Rebecca Smith, D.O.(COM ’08), currently practicesat Associates in FamilyHealthcare in Lansing, Kan.2010sGhaison Serafini, D.O.(COM ’10), was recentlynamed chief resident in thefamily medicine program forthe 2012-2013 academic yearat Bluefield Regional MedicalCenter in Bluefield, W.Va.Jaclyn Allred, D.O. (COM’12), M.A. (COB ’12), coauthoredan article, “BariatricSurgery: Lindsey G’sStory,” which was publishedin the May issue of AOAHealth Watch. Her co-authoris Gautam Desai, D.O., associateprofessor of familymedicine at KCUMB. Dr.Allred is currently completinga residency in psychiatrythrough the University ofKansas School of Medicine.Andrea Tufo, D.O. (COM’12), co-authored an article,“Primary Prevention ofCoronary Artery Disease,”which was published inDonald F. Mason, D.O.(COM ’50), April 29, 2012Robert H. Compton, D.O.(COM ’55), May 8, 2012Bert M. Indin, D.O.(COM ’57), March 7, 2012William “Bill” Mitchell, D.O.(COM ’62), June 12, 2012P A S S A G E Sthe May issue of AOA HealthWatch. Dr. Tufo is currentlycompleting a residency infamily medicine through theUniversity of Pikeville-KentuckyCollege of OsteopathicMedicine at Fort WayneMedical Education in FortWayne, Ind.Aaron Shaw, a fourth-yearosteopathic medical student,was among the authors ofan article, “Establishing theContent Validity of PalpatoryDiagnosis for the Assessmentof the Lumbar SpineUsing Ultrasonography,”which has been accepted forpublication in the Journal ofthe American Osteopathic Association.Co-authors includeDr. John Dougherty; KevinTreffer, D.O. (COM ’87),associate professor of familymedicine and curriculum directorfor osteopathic clinicalskills; and Alan Glaros,Ph.D., associate dean forbasic medical sciences andprofessor.Christopher Sutton, asecond-year osteopathicmedical student, was honoredas one of two Wetzelscholars for 2012 by theWilliam Wetzel OsteopathicEducation and ResearchFoundation.Harlan J. Borcherding, D.O.(COM ’65), Feb. 18, 2012John F. Perez, D.O.(COM ’66), Feb. 17, 2012David F. Thorne, D.O.(COM ’78), March 17, 2011Brian M. Edson, D.O.(COM ’93), Oct. 4, 201130 Summer 2012 KCUMB CommunicatorSummer 2012 KCUMB Communicator 31

In Her Own WordsClass of 2012 Graduate Gratefulfor Life-Changing Research OpportunityBrandy Conner, D.O. (COM ’12)As I walked off the plane, my legs felt limp and heavy.I had just arrived in Portugal. Not understanding anysigns, announcements or security instructions, I hadbutterflies in my stomach.Being the first student from KCUMB to receive internationalrecognition for research was a gift. My professor andresearch mentor, Alex Shnyra, M.D., Ph.D., has held facultypositions in four different countries and earned numerousresearch grants, including the extraordinary R01 grant fromthe National Institutes of Health – considered the “gold medal”of grants. He has worked in some of the most prestigious labsin the world, even once working under the direction of thepast secretary for the Nobel Prize at the Karolinska Institutein Stockholm, Sweden, and in the United Arab Emerites.Dr. Shnyra came to KCUMB for the students, and I knewI wanted to work with him after only a single lecture. I approachedhim during my first month of medical school, askingif he would be willing to help me with a few research ideas Ihad. Without hesitation, he accepted and I knew at that momentmy life was forever changed.Originally, I wanted to work on Eosinophils. My youngestson had battled with Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis and I wasdetermined to help him. After some discussion of ideas withDr. Shnyra, we decided that my interest in innate immunityand cancer regulation was more focused. He encouraged meto write a research grant proposal for the Student SummerResearch Fellowship (SSRF) that KCUMB funded.This being my first exposure to basic science research, heprovided a great amount of feedback and support. My grantwas accepted, and we were funded for eight weeks. I had toovercome a large learning curve and tedious lab techniques,as well as learn not to take failures in the lab to heart.The summer was a great success. We were able to provethe proliferation metastatic colon cancer was inherently controlledby the Tumor Associated Macrophages (TAMs) of theimmune system and one of the control mechanisms was theEP2 and EP4 receptors on the cell surface, which was activatedby Prostaglandin E2. We always knew that NSAIDS on a regularbasis help lower the risk of colon cancer, but they can’t treatit. This explains why.Once these TAMs are activated, they remain in a phenotypethat is geared toward proliferation: Growth factors, angiogenesisand protection from destruction ... It’s all there to build agreat tumor.So how do we stop it? First, knock out the surface receptors.This prevents further activation of the TAMs. Second,activate the inflammatory phenotype (“attack mode”) of theTAMs, allowing them to destroy the tumor from within. Thisis exactly what we did and, after less than 48 hours, we had aPetri dish full of cellular debris.But here’s the best part: Only the cancer cells died! TheMacrophages were remarkably intact and the cells were activelyengulfing the debris. Amazing. Our results were first presentedat KCUMB at the end of the fellowship, then the Society forLeukocyte Biology awarded us the Post-Doctoral ResearchAward to travel to Lisbon, Portugal.I am grateful that KCUMB took a chance on me. The Universityfunded my project without my having prior lab experience,changed its policy to allow international travel, funded mytrip abroad and, most importantly, opened the door for morestudents to achieve even greater things in the future. Since myproject began, five other students have completed projects onthis topic, further expanding our knowledge.I’d like to thank all of the faculty and staff who facilitatedmy participation in the fellowship program and supported meby giving their time, including Dr. Shnyra; Darin Haug, D.O.;Maria Cole, Ph.D.; Diane Karius, Ph.D.; Kevin Hubbard, D.O.;Linda Adkison, Ph.D.; Angel Fox, Tracey Taylor, Ph.D., andso many more … You make a difference in the lives of futurephysicians. I am indebted to KCUMB for its confidence in meand its support of student research. Thank you for opening myeyes to infinite possibilities and changing my life.Come Home toMark Your Calendar Now!Don’t Miss KCUMB’s Homecoming CelebrationSchedule of Events *Wednesday, Sept. 19• Robert G. Ricci, D.O., Golf Outing at Shoal Creek Golf ClubThursday, Sept. 20• CME Sessions, KCUMB Campus• Alumni ReceptionFriday, Sept. 21• CME Sessions, KCUMB Campus• Picnic Lunch, KCUMB Campus• Alumni Class Reunion Receptions,InterContinental Kansas City on the Plaza• Alumni Banquet and Awards Ceremony,InterContinental Kansas City on the PlazaSaturday, Sept. 22• CME Sessions, KCUMB Campus* All events are subject to change. Visit www.kcumb.edu/homecomingfor regularly updated information.Hotel AccommodationsInterContinental Kansas City on the Plaza401 Ward ParkwayKansas City, MO 64112816-756-1500www.kansascityic.comQuestions?1-800-234-4847 ext. 7280 or alumni@kcumb.eduSept. 19-22Take the KCUMB Reunion Challenge!1952, 1957, 1962, 1967, 1972, 1977,1982, 1987, 1992, 1997, 2002, 2007The KCUMB Alumni Association challenges each reunionclass to achieve the highest amount of donations bySept. 21, 2012. The winning class will receive the StricklandChallenge Award, honoring Darwin J. Strickland,D.O. (COM ’65), for his outstanding commitment tobuilding alumni participation at KCUMB. The winningclass will be recognized during Homecoming and inKCUMB’s Annual List of Donors.Each alumnus making a donation of $100 or more willreceive a specially designed KCUMB silk tie or scarf thatcan be worn with pride.Show everyone that your class is the best!To make your reunion gift, contact Patty Lathrop byphone at 1-800-234-4847 ext. 7280 or by email atplathrop@kcumb.edu. Reunion gifts can also be madeonline at www.kcumb.edu/Give.Visit www.kcumb.edu/Homecomingfor more information or to register today.32 Summer 2012 KCUMB Communicator

1750 Independence AvenueKansas City, Missouri 64106-1453NON PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGEPAIDKANSAS CITY, MOPERMIT NO. 4647calendar ofeventsSept. 14KCUMB Hospital Day at the SheratonKansas City Hotel at Crown CenterPlanning a trip? Let us know in advance and we’ll send you a KCUMB banner. Send usa high-resolution photo and we may publish it in a future issue of the Communicator.Sept. 19-22KCUMB HomecomingSept. 20KCUMB Alumni AssociationBoard of Directors MeetingSept. 21KCUMB Alumni AssociationAnnual MeetingOct. 5University Lecture Series: Speaker TBAOct. 7-11American Osteopathic AssociationConvention in San DiegoOct. 15-16KCUMB Board of Trustees MeetingNov. 22-23Thanksgiving Holiday Observed,KCUMB ClosedNov. 30University Lecture Series: Speaker TBADec. 5-8KCUMB Winter CMELofty AchievementsGeoff Comp, a third-year osteopathicmedical student, poses for a picture at anelevation of more than 11,000 feet duringhis third day of climbing on Mt. Rainier.Bad weather prevented Comp and hisclimbing partners – a group that includedboth his dad and another KCUMB alum,Kevin Veale, D.O. (COM ’88), amongothers – from reaching the summit.Note: All dates subject to change without notice.