Research - Western University of Health Sciences

PROFILELife as an ArmyDoc in IraqBy Maj. Alea Morningstar, DO, ’96OOn Sept. 11, 2001, I was on a flight landingimmediately in Phoenix. Numbed, mutedconversations with a group of Army doctorsslowly turned to overseas experiences. Theirpassion fired me tosign up.After two years inIraq - in Baghdad,Abu Ghraib prisonand five diverseArmy Units - Ishare mine.Iraq is sandstormsand 120-plusdegreedays orrainy, cold mud inthe winter.I have held dying soldiers and Marines.Returned hostile fire. Treated andArmy Maj. Alea Morningstar (right) with colleagues atAl-Asad Airfield west of Baghdad, Iraq.medevacked (medical evacuation byhelicopter) the wounded and offered ashoulder to cry on.Being “outside the wire” (outside securedareas) is hell. We carry50 pounds of individualbody armor,a Kevlar helmet andweapons, plus packsand ammo.No showers, no sleep.MREs (meals ready toeat) in crampedHumvee convoys.An IED (improvisedexplosive device)booms. Ears ring, and the pungent syrupysmell of burning flesh and grimy smokechoke and blind you. Medics move out4 Western University of Health Sciences

toward the screams.Small arms fire staccatosand blood casts ametallic tang in yourmouth. You are inagonizingly intensesurvival mode,rendering care whiletrying to stay alive.We pick up body partsA tank battle takes place in the streets of Al Mumidiyah, Iraq.of friends. Well over 90percent we medevac will make it.Once inside the wire we shower, wolf hot chow andsleep. Many soldiers, Marines and medics repeatthis exhausting and dangerous cycle of patrols andmissions. No one complains.As Battalion Surgeon with the 391st MPs at AbuGhraib Prison, my section housed over 2,000detainees. With one PA and 26 medics, we ran anaid station for troops, and 24/7 care for detainees.(Inpatients stayed at the 115th Field Hospital.)With nonstop mortar attacks, small-arms fights andcasualties—the eyes of the world watched us“Restore America’s Honor.”One 1-153 Infantry medic had four purple hearts.They managed car bombs and IEDs where bodiesburned beyond recognition or draped the scenelike icicles.Al-Asad was howling 140-degree sandstorms, over2,000 soldiers, two medics and 24/7 days.Transportation Companies and Marines took heavylosses—we did our best.This tour I am an ER physician. With the 21st CSH,we cared for more than 18,000 detainees!I recuperate at WalterReed Medical Centerfrom shrapnelwounds, adrift in asea of high techprosthetics and troopswhose courageastounds me. Most ofus suffer variousstages of TBI(traumatic braininjury) with shorttermmemory loss, headaches and dizziness.A spot in the right frontal lobe on my MRI mayend my career.I hope I am OK.With combat experience and medals I am now aveteran--a “Wounded Warrior.” We feel “awakeamong the sleeping”—as everyone’s lives have goneon unchanged while our eyes are OPEN to what wehave in America. There are NO WORDS—or regrets.The 399th CSH in Tikrit—Saddam’s hometown—sees massive trauma, mangled limbs, and GSWs.Whole blood and Factor 7 transfusions save manylives. It is hard, bloody work. Like an episode ofM.A.S.H., this highly trained group of nurses,physicians and surgeon’s camaraderie is infectious.Army Maj. Alea Morningstar, DO ’96, has served three tours in Iraq,totaling more than two years. She graduated in 1996 from theCollege of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific at Western Universityof Health Sciences. She wrote this story exclusively for WesternUView magazine about her wartime experiences while recoveringfrom an injury suffered in Baghdad. Her e-mail address isalea.morningstar@us.army.mil.WesternU View Spring 2008 5

30 Years of MemoriesBy Rodney TanakaSenior Communications WriterTThirty years ago, the College of Osteopathicbe able to pull this off,’ ” he said.Medicine of the Pacific brought togetherBut he liked what President Philip Pumerantzpioneering administrators, faculty andand the other founders were trying to do,students who were willing to take chances.said Ross, an emergencyWhat formed was a bondphysician at Penrose Hospitalthat continues to this day.in Colorado Springs, Colo.The college, now part of“I like being different and aWestern University oflittle unique,” he said. “IHealth Sciences, startedthought this is the type ofout in a renovatedenvironment that will allowshopping center. Thereme to be that way.”weren’t really any facilitiesThe campus was small andto look at whenhad a real familyinterviewing forDavid Ross, DO ’82 during COMP’s environment in those earlyadmission, said Davidcharter class commencementyears, said Dr. Rafi Younoszai,Ross, DO ’82, who was inCOMP Professor of Anatomy/Director ofthe first graduating class of COMP.International Cross-cultural Programs, who“I thought, ‘I don’t know if they’re going to joined the faculty in 1979.6 Western University of Health Sciences

FEATUREGrowth at the college provided“I think some of that samea lot of opportunities. Hemotivation and drive is still there,developed the first COMPit’s just on a much bigger scalefaculty and student talent show,than it was back then.”a wellness club and wellnessCOMP gave an opportunity tosymposiums, as well as otherpeople who might not haveJosef Strazynski, DO ’82clubs that sent students toreceived one in other settings, saidoverseas exchange programsLinda Crawford, DO ’83, a full-time familyand to community service projects.practitioner in Sierra Madre, Calif.“These experiences to me were very rewarding,”COMP was an inclusive university that was willingYounoszai said. “I’m glad we started these programsto take a chance on intelligent people, saidearly. Now it’s paying off.”Crawford, who had a bachelor’s in nursing whenStudents came in with varied life experiences and she applied to COMP.quickly formed a very solid, united group, said Josef“Administration tried to make it possible for peopleStrazynski, DO ’82, who runs a private clinicwho had a burning desire to further their career inspecializing in treatment of vascular complicationsmedicine,” she said.“of diabetes mellitus in Israel.Students were willing toHe fondly remembers private chats with the faculty help each other, formingThe faculty was notand fun gatherings with Harriet and Philipa cohesive group thatjust our teachers, theyPumerantz.helped each other andbecame our friends“The faculty was not just our teachers, they became shared in each other’sand mentors.our friends and mentors,” Strazynski said.triumphs.Students got creative in developing places to study “We worked collectively -- Josef Strazynski,and relax, said Thom Horowitz, DO ’82, who has a to learn things,DO ’82private practice in downtown Los Angeles. One something that I think isclassmate convinced the owner of a sandwich shop wonderful,” Crawford said. “I carried that throughacross the street to give him the keys so students to my professional life. We will do everything wecould go there at night to study, he said. They can to help everyone do the best they can.”would make their own sandwiches and put money She is proud of the growth at WesternU.in the till. That same resourcefulness was also“We went from being a very little school strugglingreflected in their medical training.to make a reputation to being a thriving mega“You had to be self motivating and studyuniversity that puts out quality physicians andindependently,” Horowitz said.nurses, pharmacists and physical therapists,”Going to COMP reinforced the idea of beingCrawford said. “It’s wonderful to be a part of that.persistent in achieving your goals, Ross said. He sees People now know WesternU. It’s a neat thing,a similar spirit still alive today at WesternU.because we were there when nobody knew who“WesternU really impresses me today,” Ross said. we were.”“WesternU View Spring 2008 7

University Turns 30 With aGrowth Spurt AheadBy Will BighamInland Valley Daily BulletinAAs Western University of Health Sciencescelebrates its 30th anniversary, thedowntown medical school is moving forwardwith ambitious expansion plans that willmore than double its enrollment.In 1977, the university was a one-roomoperation with 36 students. Now, situated ona sprawling 22-acre campus, the universityboasts five separate schools and more than2,000 students. In 2009, the university willopen three new schools, and in 2010 willbegin planning for two more. By the time theexpansion concludes, officials expectNow: WesternU students make their way to classes.enrollment to exceed 5,000. When PhilipPumerantz, the school’s founding president,arrived in Pomona with the mission to set upthe university, he was working with“borrowed furniture and a broken phone,” ashe characterizes those early days. Theuniversity began with one school - theCollege of Osteopathic Medicine - whichteaches a medical discipline that emphasizesthe complete treatment of a patient ratherthan focusing on a specific ailment.WesternU, one of 22 osteopathic medicalschools in the country, produces graduates8 Western University of Health Sciences

FEATUREwho first are medically competent, but “they’re alsocaring and compassionate,” said Pumerantz, 74.Since its founding, WesternU has added colleges ofveterinary medicine, pharmacy, nursing and alliedhealth professions. With multiple schools oncampus, students are exposed to a variety oftraining methodsthat makes themwell-roundeddoctors, Pumerantzsaid. The set up“breaks down thesilos” betweenmedicaldisciplines, he said.As it has grown,WesternU hasadded specializedprograms such asthe Center for Disability Issues and the HealthProfession, which aides disabled students whoattend the university. “Over 90 percent havegraduated, and a number of them have graduated atthe top of their classes,” said Brenda Premo, thecenter’s founding director. Premo said WesternU’sstudent body consists of “grass-roots people” whohave concern for individual patients. “They don’ttalk about the kidney in room 3, they talk aboutMs. Jones,” she said. “Students who come here, theytend to reflect the communities they come from,and they tend to go back to the communities theycome from.”New Colleges PlannedSchools of dentistry, optometry, and podiatry willopen in 2009. As part of the expansion, more than200,000 square feet of new building space is beingconstructed at a cost of $120 million, Pumerantzsaid. Planning will begin in 2010 for a School ofThen: Original site was a retail shopping mall.Public Health and a School of Biomedical Sciences,Pumerantz said. After the expansion is completed,opening additional campuses in the western UnitedStates willlikely be“considered,WesternU preparedPumerantzme better than yoursaid.typical medicalArmy Maj. Aleaschool.Morningstar,-- Army Maj. AleaDO, ’96, aMorningstar, DO, ’96militaryphysician whohas served a total of two years in Iraq, graduatedfrom WesternU in 1996. While serving in Baghdadin July 2004, Morningstar was hit in both legs byshrapnel from a roadside bomb. The injuries werenot life-threatening, and soon after she returned tomedical work. Morningstar said her training as anosteopathic physician has been especially helpful inher treatment of soldiers, whose injuries are oftenmultiple and complex. “(WesternU) prepared mebetter than your typical medical school,”Morningstar said. “I’ve learned to talk to people andlisten to people much better from being at a schoolthat emphasized that part of being a doctor.”Reprinted by permission from the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin.“WesternU View Spring 2008 9

Building on SuccessBy Rodney TanakaSenior Communications WriterWestern University of Health Sciences istraveling down a bold new path, one builtfrom scratch.The university is building new facilities fromthe ground up for the first time in itshistory. WesternU had previously renovatedstructures to suitits educationaland institutionalneeds.Phillip Nelson, DVM,Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine“We get to buildthe newbuilding to suitthe program asopposed totrying to alteran existing retailbuilding into aschool building,which istougher to do ina renovation,”said Todd Clark,WesternUfacilities andphysical plantdirector.Construction on the veterinary medicalbuilding began in August and is expected tobe completed in early 2008. Three additionalbuildings are planned: the VeterinaryInstructional Pathology Center, the HealthEducation Center and the Patient CareCenter.“This is an exciting time of growth for theuniversity, both of programs and physicalfacilities,” said Shirley Johnston, DVM, PhD,vice president of University Advancement.“We have completed the transformation ofall existing buildings on our campus, andnow have the opportunity to construct newones to serve our vision of the future.”The new veterinary medical building willallow the College of Veterinary Medicine tohouse its entire faculty in one building andwill double the teaching space, said PhillipNelson, DVM, PhD, dean of the College ofVeterinary Medicine. Watching the buildinggo up is extremely exciting and fulfilling, hesaid.“At the same time, it reminds me of thework that was done before me andstimulates me to make sure we continue togrow,” Nelson said. “I’m appreciative to thepeople that funded this project for us. At thesame time I’m committed and challenged tomake sure we put this building to good use.”The Health Education Center will be thenew home of the College of OsteopathicMedicine of the Pacific and the three newcolleges opening in 2009 – the College ofDental Medicine, the College of Optometry10 Western University of Health Sciences

and the College of Podiatric Medicine.The first floor will have four auditoriums and facultyoffices. The second and third floors will have largeauditoriums with 350 seats each. The College ofOptometry and COMP will be on the first and secondfloors. The College of Podiatric Medicine and the Collegeof Dentistry will be on the third floor and research labswill be on the fourth floor.The construction will allow the university to design afacility that will support an innovative curriculum, saidJames Koelbl, DDS, MS, MJ, founding dean of the Collegeof Dental Medicine.“When you inherit an existing building, sometimes youhave to work around limitations the physical plantprovides,” he said. “We have the opportunity to imaginewhat the curriculum is going to look like in the future andto build in flexibility that will allow for continued positivechange.”Even now they are making changes to the preclinical spaceto make it as close to an actual clinic as possible.“That will facilitate students’ entry into patient care,”Koelbl said.The Patient Care Center will open in summer 2009.WesternU is in the early stages of developing a uniqueinterprofessional curriculum where students will gain anunderstanding and appreciation for other healthprofessionals and promote a team approach to patient careand health care management. Students will utilize theseskills in improving patient care.The building will be customized for educational programsas well as optimal patient care, said Joan Sandell, DMD,director of interprofessional clinical services.“We’re envisioning that when our students begin treatingtheir patients in this building their knowledge andunderstanding of each of the other professions will allowthem to better know when to collaborate, consult, and/orrefer to another professional colleague,” she said.The Founding NapkinA napkin’s destiny iscapricious at best –soaking up a spill,cleaning a spot ofspaghetti sauce. Butonce in a bluemoon, a napkinrises above the frayand becomes partof history. This issuch an occasion.Dr. PhilipPumerantz,founding president of Western University of HealthSciences, came to Southern California 30 years ago tostart the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific,now part of Western University of Health Sciences.The college’s founders identified a former J.C. Pennybuilding as a potential site for classrooms and labs andbought the property with a promise to pay.“I started to put in place all the elements you need tostart a medical school,” Pumerantz said. “One is thebuilding, the facility.”He went to lunch one day and decided to write downhis thoughts.“I had to come up with a design, what it would looklike inside with lecture halls and offices,” Pumerantzsaid. “At that lunch I drew out on the napkin where Ithought everything would be.”He is modest about his design skills, saying it wassimple to determine where the classrooms would bebased on the existing structure. But one aspect of thedesign played a key role in showcasing a philosophythat continues to this day: placing the offices next tothe entrance. Some of the earliest COMP graduatesremember walking past Pumerantz’s office every daywhen going to class, reinforcing the open-door policyhe established from the beginning.“I still have the same policy,” Pumerantz said.The first COMP building now houses the researchcenter. The building retains the same design, withoffices next to the entrance.Pumerantz keeps the napkin in a frame on the wall.And when he happens to see it when walking by?“I just chuckle,” he said.– Rodney TanakaWesternU View Spring 2008 11

College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacificgraduating class of 2007.The Many Faces ofCommencement ceremonies were held on May 10 and 11 at the Pasadena, Calif., Civic Auditorium.12 Western University of Health Sciences

Commencement 2007More than 500 students in seven programs received their diplomas and became health care professionals.WesternU View Spring 2008 13

Convocation Ceremonies 2007Western University of Health Sciences welcomed 674 incoming studentsand their families at the annual Convocation ceremony at Pomona FirstBaptist Church on Aug. 11, 2007.14 Western University of Health Sciences

White Coat Ceremonies 2007Each college holds a White Coat ceremony afterConvocation. Students are cloaked in their first whiteclinical jackets, which symbolize entry into thehealing professions and serves as a reminder of theawesome responsibility and the powerful influence ofthe healer.WesternU View Spring 2008 15

WesternUEmphasizes ResearchBy Rodney TanakaSenior Communications WriterWestern University of Health Sciencescontinues to expand its research presencewith new labs opening and new facultybrought in to conduct research and teach.Over the last two years, the university hasmore than doubled its application rate forfederal and foundation grants, said Steven J.Henriksen, PhD, vice president of researchand biotechnology and interim dean of theGraduate College of Biomedical Sciences.“The primary responsibility of a medical artsgraduate institution is to produce health careprofessionals, but there is a long-standingtradition that research and scholarly work ofall kinds is a part of the responsibility of allHe presented his concept for three futureCenters of Excellence in Research in 2007 tothe Board of Trustees. The centers are basedon common aspects of the major humandiseases rather than separated by scientificdiscipline. The new centers are to be named:The Center for Molecular and MetabolicDisease, The Center for IntegratedNeuroscience and The Center for InfectiousDiseases and Immunology.This concept fits into the uniqueinterprofessional curriculum in developmentat WesternU that brings together studentsfrom all medical disciplines to learn how towork together and to understand anduniversity faculty,” Henriksen said.Research serves as a potentially significantrevenue source for universities even in thecurrent climate of shrinking federal supportfor research funding. In addition, studentsbenefit from understanding the value ofresearch in their profession as an importantcomponent of lifelong learning, Henriksensaid.appreciate each other’s strengths. Similarly,basic and clinical researchers and studentswill work across traditional scientificdisciplines to examine Alzheimer’s disease,cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and otherhealth issues.The research emphasis attracted Raj Kandpal,PhD, COMP associate professor ofbiochemistry, who started at WesternU in16 Western University of Health Sciences

FEATUREAugust 2007. He is researching more effectivetreatments of breast cancer. Increasing research is alogical expansion for a medical school, he said.“Our student doctors will be better trained if inaddition to classroom learning they conductresearch in the lab as well,” he said. “Research hasan important place in medical education.”The medicine of the future is going to be basedmore and more on genetic medicine, Kandpal said.Understanding how a patient’s normal and diseasecells behave will have profound impact on howphysicians prescribe specific treatments for a varietyof diseases.“Keeping in touch with relevant research may allowphysicians to make better informed decisions aboutpatient care and treatment,” Kandpal said.Ying Huang, MD, PhD, assistant professor ofpharmaceutical sciences, has a background inhuman genetics, specifically the integration ofgenomics and pharmacy.“The goal is to use the right drug for the rightpatients,” Huangsaid. “Eachindividual has adifferent responseto drug therapybecause theirgenetic backgroundis different.”The same drug treatment for a large populationresults in different patient response. Some have anoptimal response while others suffer side effects.The goal is to predict how a patient will respondbefore treatment.“If we know that before the treatment, ideally wereduce the cost and potential risk of serious sideeffects,” Huang said.Steven J. Henriksen, PhDIn addition to bringing in faculty researchers,WesternU also wants to attract more students. Tothat end, the university is developing the GraduateCollege of Biomedical Sciences, which will beessential for conducting research, Henriksen said.“We need graduate students, students with amasters or PhD to stay on and continue research,”he said. “Our new program will guarantee a growingcadre of research-oriented students who willparticipate in our new research model at WesternU.”The college is working on a fall 2008 start, initiallyoffering a master’s in biomedical sciences, whichcould be directed toward basic or clinical research,as well as for post-graduate advancement forteaching or at biotech firms, Henriksen said. Theyhope to have a doctoral program within three tofive years, he said.Medical practitioners should learn the value ofresearch in their professions, Henriksen said. Theability to conduct research is part of lifelonglearning, he said.“We have the best job in the world,” Henriksensaid. “We have the opportunity to ask veryimportant questions of nature and discover thesecrets of nature, and the ability to cure, not justtreat, the major human diseases worldwide throughour work.”WesternU View Spring 2008 17

WesternU Calendar March-September 2008MARCHMarch 13-14 - Physician Assistant Programapplicant interviewsMarch 16 - Alumni Reception in conjunctionwith the APhA Annual meeting in San DiegoMarch 25 - MSHS info sessionMarch 26 - 28 - C.A.R.E.S. SymposiumMarch 31-April 4 - MSHS spring breakAPRILApril 10 - Pharmacy Honor DayApril 12 - East West Scholarship Dinner(Mission 261 Restaurant, San Gabriel, Calif.)April 16 - COMP Honors DayApril 17 - Ray SymposiumApril 23 - CVM Honors DayApril 24 - MSHS info sessionApril 30 - Last day for Comprehensive Examsand oral defense of Thesis/Special Project(Department of Health Sciences Education)MAYMay 14 - Programs hold individualcommencement/award dinnersMay 14 - Armed Forces Commissioning DinnerJUNEJune 7 - Spring lunch(Welcome DPTE Class ’08 candidates)June 11 - GNP/ICP Scholarship Golf Tournament,Santa Clarita, Calif.June 24 - MSHS info sessionJune 24-26 - Second-Year Physician Assistant StudentResearch PresentationsJune 26 - Honor’s Day(Department of Physician Assistant Education)JULYJuly 4 - Independence Day (WesternU - Closed)AUGUSTAugust 4 - Welcome/Orientation Week beginsAugust 7 - President’s Ice Cream SocialAugust 9 - Convocation & White Coat Ceremonies,President’s Welcome for Entering Students andtheir families, BBQ and Vendor FaireAugust 11 - Classes resumeSEPTEMBERSeptember 1 - Labor Day (WesternU - Closed)September 2 - WesternU’s 31st AnniversaryMay 15-16 - CommencementMay 20 - DPTE Honors DayMay 25 - MSHS info sessionMay 26 - Memorial Day (WesternU - Closed)May 27 - Classes resume18 Western University of Health Sciences

MESSAGE FROM THE DEANCollege of OsteopathicMedicine of the PacificThe Class of 2008 was fourth in the nation forfirst-time pass rate on COMLEX 1 (ComprehensiveOsteopathic Medical Licensing Examination.)The class achieved a 93 percent first-time takerpass rate and a class average above the nationalmean. This is an outstanding tribute to theirdedication and focus and the faculty’s efforts toprovide a challenging academic curriculum.Clinton E. Adams, DO, MPA, FACHECommencement is now behind us as we sent 154graduates onto their residencies. A new andinteresting trend in residency selection is inphysical medicine and rehabilitation. The OPTIWest (Osteopathic Postgraduate Training Institute)sponsored by COMP did exceedingly well filling allof the first-year positions with outstandinggraduates from COMP and our sister colleges.OR 2 CA (Osteopathic Residencies in ORegon andCAlifornia) continues to move closer to the goal ofopening a broad spectrum of new residencies inthe west. Dr. David Connett (’84) is leading oureffort as the newly appointed dean for postgraduatedevelopment.A COMP student examines a patient at theUniversity’s Medical Clinic.WesternU View Spring 2008 19

MESSAGE FROM THE DEANCollege ofAllied Health ProfessionsThe College of Allied Health Professions (CAHP)supports WesternU in its mission to increase theavailability of health care providers to serve the needsof the people living in the Western region of theUnited States. As dean, I am proud to be a part of thecollege as we continue to provide educationalopportunities for students in the disciplines of HealthSciences, Physician Assistant Studies and PhysicalTherapy. Our dynamic faculty provides education inclasses that are offered in an environment intendedto foster respect for the uniqueness of humanity.The students are provided with classroom and clinicalexperiences designed to prepare them to function ascompetent health care practitioners.Stephanie D. Bowlin, PA-C, EdDCollege updates• Steven Lam, MSHS ’07 is utilizing his HealthSciences degree by accepting a teaching position atUCLA.• Miguel Medina, PA-C is president-elect of theCalifornia Academy of Physician Assistants (CAPA).• Dr. Dee Schilling, PT, PhD is the new chair of theDepartment of Physical Therapy Education.In 2007, the department celebrated its 15thanniversary and October was National PhysicalTherapy Month.PT students examine x-ray images.20 Western University of Health Sciences

MESSAGE FROM THE DEANCollege of PharmacyDaniel Robinson, PharmDAs we begin our 11th year as a College ofPharmacy, we are often asked to provide “measuresof program quality.” Let me share a few. Ourstudent applicant pool is among the strongest inthe nation with 1,590 applications for 120positions, a ratio of over 13:1 compared to 7.8:1nationally. Our students who graduated in May2007 attained a 100 percent passing rate on theNAPLEX licensing exam, an amazing achievement.I am also very proud of our students who findtime outside of our rigorous academic program toreach out to our local community and represent usas officers in national pharmacy organizations andwho compete successfully in national clinicalskills, patient counseling and business planningcompetitions. I couldn’t be more proud of ourfaculty, staff, and students as we work together tomake the WesternU College of Pharmacy the verybest it can be.PharmD student poses with pharmaceutical products.WesternU View Spring 2008 21

MESSAGE FROM THE DEANCollege ofGraduate NursingKaren Hanford, MSN, FNP, PA-CThe College of Graduate Nursing received finalapproval from the Western Association of Schoolsand Colleges (WASC) to offer a Doctor of NursingPractice (DNP) degree. The charter DNP classstarted in January 2008. The DNP program willbegin as a doctoral completion program for RNswho have already completed a master’s of sciencedegree in nursing (MSN). The clinical focus of theprogram is the care of vulnerable populations,which WASC described as “commendable.”Transforming health care, especially for vulnerablepopulations, recognizes the critical need forclinicians to design, evaluate, and continuouslyimprove the context within which care isdelivered. Nurses prepared at the doctoral levelwith a blend of clinical, organizational, economic,and leadership skills are able to evaluate and applyclinical evidence and science to design systems ofcare delivery that are locally acceptable,economically feasible, and which significantlyimpact health care outcomes.A diverse group of Graduate Nursing students.22 Western University of Health Sciences

MESSAGE FROM THE DEANCollege ofVeterinary MedicineThe class of 2011 is on campus and has justfinished midterm exams. So far, so good! Thisclass (49 from California and 56 from other states)has really made a favorable impression on thefaculty. We’re already working on the class of2012 and have received more than 750applications (a 20 percent increase) at the time ofthis report.The college faculty has grown by more than 25percent in one year, and we are but one or twopositions away from filling our plannedcomplement. The long-awaited construction ofour new Veterinary Clinical Center began in June2007 and is progressing nicely.Phillip Nelson, DVM, PhDPresently, college personnel participated in an indepth,self-study in preparation of our final sitevisit by the AVMA Council of Education – the finalpart of the accreditation process. The site visit andprogram evaluation occurred in January 2008.A CVM student with a happy patient.WesternU View Spring 2008 23

Center forDisability Issuesand the HealthProfessionsBy Rodney TanakaSenior Communications WriterTThe Center for Disability Issues and theHealth Professions (CDIHP) at WesternU hasearned a national reputation forunderstanding disability issues and thecomplexities of the health care system.“I think over the years we probably havesharpened our goals and objectives,” saidJune Kailes, MSW,LCSW, AssociateDirector of the CDIHP.“The center works toenhance the health ofpeople with disabilitiesthrough public policy,consulting, training,research anddissemination activities.”One goal is to increase access to health careservices for people with disabilities. Thecenter assists clinics and hospitals ininstalling diagnostic, therapeutic, procedural,Christie Mac Donald usesan accessible wheelchairscale for weighing peopleunable to stand on atraditional scale.rehabilitation and exercise equipment, suchas examination and treatment tables andchairs, weight scales, X-ray equipment,treadmills and other exercise machines thatprovide better access. Health care providersare trained in how to use this equipmentand how to meet the needs of people withdisabilities.“We also work toward increasing the numberof qualified people with disabilities whopursue careers in health,” Kailes said. “Wethink it’s very important for people who livethis, who have user experience, to be amongthe people who provide support.”The center also supports people withdisabilities in their ability to be more vocaland active in their own health care, Kailessaid.The center has talked to a lot of people inCalifornia about these issues, and they’re24 Western University of Health Sciences

eginning to see a reactionnationally, said BrendaPremo, MBA, Director ofthe CDIHP and AssistantVice President ofGovernment Relations forWesternU. There is a lot ofcomplexity in disabilityissues, such as the toolspeople need andBrenda Premo, MBAcoordination of care, shesaid.CDIHP works with organizations to assist facilitiesin complying with the Americans with DisabilitiesAct. Among its collaborators is L.A. Care HealthPlan, a community-accountable public agencyserving nearly 800,000 Los Angeles Countyresidents through programs such as Medi-Cal,Medicare, Healthy Families and Healthy Kids.“Several years ago, L.A. Care entered a partnershipwith CDIHP to learn from the experts,” said LisaKodmur, MPH, L.A. Care program manager forservices for seniors and people with disabilities.“They have a national reputation for understandingdisability issues and understanding thecomplexities of the health care system.”L.A. Care helps community clinics buy heightadjustableexam tables, accessible weight scales,amplification devicesfor people with“hearing loss andother modificationsthat improve access. The center hasA patient who hastalked to a lot oftrouble accessing adoctor’s office may people in Californianot receive theabout these issues,treatment andpreventative careand they’rethey need, Kodmur beginning to see asaid.reaction nationally.The CDIHP workedwith L.A. Care toassess more than 800doctors’ offices-- Brenda Premo, MBA,throughout theDirector of the CDIHPcounty for howaccessible they are topeople withdisabilities. The access information is available toL.A. Care members or anyone who wants it.““It gives consumers information they didn’t havebefore so they can make choices about where toseek care based on what access they need,” Kodmursaid. “CDIHP was instrumental in having thathappen.”WesternU View Spring 2008 25

ThreeDeans Workin HarmonyElizabeth Hoppe OD, MPH, DrPH, Founding Dean College of OptometryJames Koelbl, DDS, MS, MJ, Founding Dean College of Dental MedicineLawrence Harkless, DPM, Founding Dean College of Podiatric MedicineBy Rodney TanakaSenior Communications WriterWestern University of Health Science wasforged 30 years ago with a pioneering spiritas the College of Osteopathic Medicine ofthe Pacific. Four additional colleges joinedCOMP through the years.Now the university is undertaking anunprecedented expansion, with the collegesof dental medicine, optometry and podiatricmedicine scheduled to open in 2009. TheGraduate College of Biomedical Sciences isalso in the works.College of Optometry Founding DeanElizabeth Hoppe, OD, MPH, DrPH, Collegeof Dental Medicine Founding Dean JamesKoelbl, DDS, MS, MJ, and College ofPodiatric Medicine Founding Dean LawrenceHarkless, DPM, are each creating distinctidentities for their colleges.But the timing of the colleges’ openings willalso forever link them together, and theyhave bonded because of it. Sharing theirunique perspectives with each other providesvaluable insight into common issues that26 Western University of Health Sciences

FEATUREarise, Hoppe said. The fiveestablished colleges also haveproven track records to drawfrom.“We learn so much about whatworks well,” Hoppe said.One important factor indeveloping a new college isrecruiting respected talent withinthe profession, Koelbl said.“A lot of people in the field are looking at who youhire - are they people with credibility andexperience. Since there is no program to evaluateyet, the quality of the people joining the schoolwill signal whether it’s going to be a high-qualityeffort,” he said.Right now, many more students are applying toU.S. dental schools than there are seats available,Koelbl said.WesternU’sinnovative dentalcurriculum, with afocus on early entryinto patient care,community-basededucation, the use oftechnology and astrong foundation inthe basic sciences,will be a uniqueselling point. The university’s long tradition ofhumanism in education and patient care, and itscontinued focus on interprofessional education willalso be attractive to prospective students, he said.The university is developing a uniqueinterprofessional curriculum where students fromall disciplines will learn together in the classroom,in small group venues and in clinical experienceswith patients.The delivery of health care is ateam effort, and optometrystudents will be side-by-side in theclassroom with other health careprofessionals, Hoppe said.Historically, colleges of podiatricmedicine were not part of theacademic health center, Harklesssaid. But WesternU will give the new colleges theopportunity to be fully integrated, he said.The idea of a solo health care provider working inisolation is a thing of the past, Harkless said.“It’s difficult for a patient to navigate the healthcare system and get referrals,” he said. “If we canteach in an interdisciplinary manner, it will impactstudents’ attitudes and thought processes. Thosethings tend to stay with them.”Starting at the same time will be something thethree deans will always have in common, Koelblsaid.“We will always be members of the same enteringclass,” he said.The accreditation process has been similar for all ofus, Harkless said.“The data we share has been great,” he said.Hiring people means convincing them to move toCalifornia and follow the dream, Koelbl said.“People come because of the adventure andexcitement about starting a new school,” he said.That sense of adventure binds the university’sfounding with today’s growth.“There’s something to be said for those pioneerdays,” Hoppe said. “We are innovative and weattract students and faculty who have that pioneerspirit.”WesternU View Spring 2008 27

InterprofessionalEducation at WesternUBy Rodney TanakaSenior Communications WriterA health professional can serve a patientbetter if they understand and appreciate howcolleagues from other disciplines canenhance that patient’s care.Western University of Health Sciences wantsto make this a reality. The university is inthe early stages of developing a uniqueinterprofessional curriculum where studentsfrom all disciplines will learntogether in the classroom, insmall group venues, and inclinical experiences withpatients. The learning outcomesare that WesternU graduatesdemonstrate an understanding ofother health professionals and toprovide and promote a teamSheree Aston, OD, MA, PhDapproach to patient care andhealth care management, leadingto improved patient care.“Interprofessional learningenables one discipline to enrichanother, and leads to a breadthof knowledge that makes healthprofessionals unique and betterequipped to care for people,”Diana LithgowWesternU President PhilipPumerantz said.An Interprofessional Education Committeehas been divided into work stream groupswhich are meeting to develop specificaspects of the Interprofessional Educationinitiative. They are: Clinical,Communication, Didactic, EnvironmentalScan, External Funding, Facilities, Faculty,Implementation and Recruitment/SupportServices, Program Evaluation and Research.The Didactic Committee is working hard todevelop an IP case to be pilot tested inspring 2008. IP case studies will become partof Western University College Curricula in2009.Members of the IPE Committee are alsoevaluating the steps needed to implementinterprofessional didactic and clinicallearning activities among the existingcolleges and those colleges in development.Vice Provost Sheree Aston, OD, MA, PhD,joined WesternU in summer 2007 tocoordinate the development and thesuccessful launch of the InterprofessionalEducation Initiative.Interprofessional education will allow futuregraduates to respect and appreciate otherdisciplines, Aston said.“If they understand and respect other healthprofessionals and promote team-based healthcare, the patient benefits,” Aston said.It’s important that faculty comes up withideas and ways to implement those ideas,Aston said.28 Western University of Health Sciences

“The faculty is the keeper of thecurriculum,” she said. “Thefaculty is the key to doing this.”To that end, a series ofluncheon meetings wereheld recently so facultymembers could share theirideas, contribute to andlearn more about theinitiative. Among thefaculty suggestions were theimportance of inclusionand sharing ofinformation, said Collegeof Graduate NursingAssistant Dean DianaLithgow, chair of the faculty workinggroup of the IPE committee.“Communication of project status needs to be donealong the way as the project evolves and not just atthe end,” Lithgow said.Suggestions for cases and scenarios that could beused for instruction were great, such as a disastersituation, Lithgow said.Also discussed was the IPEdraft committee missionstatement: Craft,implement and assess adistinctive new learningmodel of interprofessionalhealth education leadingto improvement of health.Joan Sandell, DMDStudents will not be theonly ones developing better interaction skills. Oneidea suggested at the lunch meetings was for adirectory of faculty organized by the subjects theyteach. Once this directory is developed, a pharmacyprofessor teaching ethics, for instance, could easilyfind colleagues from other colleges teaching similarcourses in order to collaborate and share ideas.A short electronic faculty survey oncontent expertise was distributed inDecember 2007. The responseswill shape the topical directory.“We want to encourageinterprofessional teaching,” Astonsaid. “Let’s make it easy for them.”Students from different disciplines,including osteopathic medicine,physician assistant studies andpharmacy are currently workingtogether at the Western UniversityMedical Center – 2nd Street, in anatural blend without a formalinterprofessional program, said JoanSandell, DMD, who joined WesternU insummer 2007 as director of interprofessionalclinical services.“We want to continue and enhance theseactivities,” Sandell said. “We feel that keeping theinterprofessional care practical and meaningful forthe patient and the student will foster an excellenthealth care model.”Interprofessional activity will not detract from themain focus of each college, Aston said.“Everybody is going to learn their craft,” she said.But interprofessional education will require achange in the university’s culture, a breakdown ofthe silos found at educational institutions and inthe health care industry, Aston added.People know WesternU graduates are caring andcompassionate. Having interprofessional skills willprovide an added value to their education.“The world is watching us and we want to showthem what we can do,” Aston said.To learn more information about the InterprofessionalEducation initiative, e-mail Dr. Sheree Aston atsaston@westernu.edu.WesternU View Spring 2008 29

More than 500 guests at Western University ofHealth Sciences’ annual fundraiser A Tribute to Caringstepped back in time to a classic Hollywood-styleparty on Nov. 10, 2007 at the Beverly Hills Hotel andBungalows.The annual event raises money for studentscholarships and honors local organizations andindividuals who contribute to the community. L.A.Care Health Plan and its chief executive officer,Howard Kahn, received the first Access to Caringaward. The Helen Woodward Animal Center and itspresident, Michael Arms, received the CorporateHumanitarian award.The master of ceremonies was Frank Mottek, whohosts the KNX Business Hour on KNX 1070 and servesas a reporter and business news anchor on the KTLAChannel 5 News @ Ten and the KTLA Morning Show.30 Western University of Health Sciences

Thank you to the generous sponsors of the2007 A Tribute to Caring galaGold $25,000Banfield, The Pet Hospital & Drs. Daljit & Elaine SarkariaSilver $10,000Alhambra Hospital Medical Center; GNP; L.A. Care Health Plan; Wells FargoBronze $5,000Arrowhead Regional Medical Center; Cal Poly Pomona;Casa Colina Center for Rehabilitation; Mr. & Mrs. Peter Cheney;Dr. Alan Cundari & WesternU Med Center; Dr. Tony & Dunia Daher;Fort Dodge Animal Health; Helen Woodward Animal Center; Hills Pet Nutrition;Iams Dog and Cat Food; Long Beach Memorial Medical Center;MedPoint Management & Bella Vista; Molina Healthcare;North American Medical Management; Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center;Prime Healthcare Services, Inc.; Samaritan Health Services; St. Joseph Hospital;VCA Animal Hospitals; Vicenti, Lloyd & Stutzman LLP; Dr. Jeffrey C. YoungCrystal $3,000California Emergency Physicians; Inter Valley Health Plan;Osteopathic Physicians & Surgeons of Oregon, Inc.; Pacific Hospital of Long Beach;The Tessier FamilyWesternU View Spring 2008 31

WesternU DonorsSScott D. Campbell, DVM, chairman of theboard of directors of Medical ManagementInternational, Inc., which providesveterinary care under the name Banfield,The Pet Hospital.important to me personally.”The new Banfield Hospital will be fabulousfor veterinary students, he said.“Veterinary medicine is changing and so ishow to teach veterinary medicine,”Campbell said. “I think the way Westernteaches veterinary medicine and thatparticular facility is going to set an examplefor veterinary medicine around the world forfuture decades. That’s really exciting. Plus itwill also help faculty and staff with better,more efficient offices.”The majority of veterinary medicine studentswho graduate from WesternU may not everjoin Banfield, but a rising tide raises allships, Campbell said.“As long as we’re making the wholeprofession better, it’s a great thing,” he said.“I think we always try to make it a win-winScott D. Campbell, DVMnot only for Banfield and Western andstudents, but the whole veterinary professionBanfield has a long-standing relationshipJexpected to be completed in early 2008, willwith WesternU. The university’s newveterinary medicine building, which isinclude a Banfield, The Pet Hospital that willoccupy most of the ground floor.Campbell met WesternU President Philipas well.”James Lally, DO, ’91, chief medical officerfor the Chino Valley Medical Clinic has asimple response when asked why he donatesto his alma mater.Pumerantz about 10 years ago, before the “Why not? That’s my question,” he said.College of Veterinary Medicine got started.School afforded him the opportunity to have“I instantly liked him, and I think we have a pretty nice lifestyle, Lally said. Everythingalmost identical core philosophies and is factored into the cost of doing business,beliefs,” Campbell said. “Reverence for life is such as overhead expenses and malpracticevery important to our practice andinsurance.32 Western University of Health Sciences

“Why can’t you put some money aside for whathelped you get here?” he said. “Anybody thateducated me gets money. WesternU gets the most.”He didn’t appreciate his medical education until hecompleted it.“No one can ever be happy when submerged in asystem that’s helping them,” Lally said. “Only aftergetting out are you able to be in a position toappreciate what you received.”“It’s unfortunate when people say they will neversupport their alma mater when they get donebecause of something that really turned out to beinsignificant regarding their education may or maynot have occurred while they were in school,” Lallysaid.“They are missing an opportunity to help someonebehind them reach their dream…”James Lally, DOWestern University of Health Sciences mostsincerely thanks and salutes Mrs. GloriaAustin, her children, Charles S., Douglas J.,Lynette L. and their families for their recentdecision to establish The Dr. Robert L. AustinEndowed Lectureship in Pediatric Medicineand Pediatric Health Policy. This lectureshipwill enrich the curriculum not only in theCollege of Osteopathic Medicine of thePacific but in WesternU’s other disciplinesas well.Dr. Austin, a pediatrician and Gloria’shusband, spent his medical career practicingin a field he loved, providing health care tochildren and studying childhooddevelopment. He earned his Doctor ofOsteopathic Medicine (DO) degree fromPhiladelphia College of Osteopathic Medicinein 1946. In 1962, Dr. Austin took the MDdegree when the American MedicalAssociation formally recognized CaliforniaDOs as qualified MDs.Dr. and Mrs. Austin were early supportersand proponents of the College ofOsteopathic Medicine of the Pacific when itwas established in 1977. In fact, Dr. Austinwas so committed to the college’s missionand the practice of osteopathic medicinethat he became a faculty member and taughtuntil his retirement in 1981.WesternU is truly proud to be able to includethe Austin family among its long-time friendsand supporters. Our hats are off to thisphilanthropic family.WesternU View Spring 2008 33

Good Neighbor Pharmacy and the Institute forCommunity Pharmacy held their 6th annual GNP/ICPScholarship Golf Classic on June 13, 2007 at RobinsonRanch Golf Club in Santa Clarita, Calif. More than 200golfers participated in the event, which raises money forstudents interested in independent communitypharmacies. WesternU and the University of SouthernCalifornia each received $50,000 for scholarships.The GNP/ICP Scholarship Golf Classic wasco-conceived by Mike Quick of GNP,Walter Cathey of ICP,and David Breslow andDave Dyke of UPNI.Sam Shimomura PharmD,Associate Dean forCollege Advancementattempts to sink a puttduring the 2007 event.The next Golf Classic will be held on June 11, 2008 at Robinson Ranch Golf Club. If you would liketo sponsor or play in the tournament, call Reid Shibata, director of advancement for WesternU’sCollege of Pharmacy, at (909) 469-5678 or e-mail rshibata@westernu.edu.34 Western University of Health Sciences

Department of PhysicalTherapy EducationCelebrates 15thAnniversaryBy Georgeanne Vlad, PT, MAAssociate Chair/Director of Clinical EducationDepartment of Physical Therapy EducationParticipants from the entire campus, along with thelocal community, alumni, and clinicians joined inthe celebration of the 15th anniversary of theDepartment of Physical Therapy Education. OnFriday, Oct. 19, the department’s students, facultyand staff hosted an Open House and Health Fairwith several stations that assessed an individual’sgrip strength, standing balance, posture, bodycomposition and reaching ability. Persons couldalso experience sitting on large, inflatable rubberballs for exercise activities and have an ergonomicassessment while seated at a computer station.Pedometers to measure walking distance and handgrip springs to increase strength were some of thegifts available to those who participated in thehealth fair. A representative from state Sen. GloriaNegrete McLeod’s office presented a letter ofcongratulations and acknowledgement for thecontribution made to the community by the PTprogram and Western University. An iPod was givenas the grand prize and selected from those personswho completed all five stations, and a receptionarea completed the event with fresh fruit andgranola bars available for all.A half-day educational presentation followed by aluncheon took place on Saturday, Oct. 20. Aninternationally-recognized physical therapist,Shirley A. Sahrmann, PT, PhD, FAPTA, professor ofPhysical Therapy/Neurology/Cell Biology andPhysiology at the Program in Physical Therapy,Washington University School of Medicine, St.Louis, spoke on “How Should Physical TherapyMove to Optimize its Role in Healthcare?” About 50DPT students and alumni, along with the programfaculty and clinical education faculty, had a specialopportunity to hear this approach to definingmovement system impairments from such adistinguished member of the physical therapyprofession. Dr. Sahrmann signed two copies of herbook, “Diagnosis and Treatment of MovementImpairment Syndromes” which were donated bythe publisher, Mosby and Company, and given asgifts to the day’s attendees. University PresidentPhilip Pumerantz, PhD, along with GaryGugelchuk, PhD, senior vice president for executiveaffairs; Stephanie Bowlin, EdD, dean of the Collegeof Allied Health Professions; Dee Schilling, PT, PhD,chair, Department of Physical Therapy Education;and Georgeanne Vlad, PT, MA, associatechair/director of clinical education, Department ofPhysical Therapy Education, welcomed theaudience and acknowledged the history andfounding of the physical therapy program, alongwith plans for opening three additional colleges atthe university in 2009.WesternU View Spring 2008 35

FEATUREBy Rodney TanakaSenior Communications WriterDDowntown Pomona was once the hub ofeconomic activity in the Inland Empire.Downtown business owners believe the areawill rise to prominence again, and WesternUniversity of Health Sciences will be a keycontributor.Among the proposed projects downtown isThe Artisan, with 271 condominium unitsand 35,000 square feet of ground-floor retailon two and a half city blocks on WestSecond Street. Other businesses are also indevelopment, which should increase foottraffic, said Frank Garcia, executive directorof the Pomona Chamber of Commerce.“WesternU will be a catalyst for continuingto develop downtown Pomona,” he said.“The university is poised to be at the onsetof the resurgence taking place downtown.”Downtown Pomona stores have benefittedgreatly from WesternU’s presence, said IrmaHorvath, Pomona’s business developmentmanager. Students and employees eat atlocal restaurants and shop in the area, she36 Western University of Health Sciences

said. Also, being exposed to thedowntown area helps themform positive opinions, she said.“We hear comments that thedowntown is really veryeclectic, with something foreveryone,” Horvath said.The city recently started a newmarketing campaign, “A Pieceof Pomona,” with the idea thatall businesses and organizationscontribute to the city.“It’s like a puzzle,” Horvath said. “If you have onepiece that’s missing then it’s not a completepicture. We all bring something, be it the hospital,Fairplex, Cal Poly Pomona, WesternU and variousother organizations.”Pomona was“once the hub ofthe InlandIt’s like a puzzle. If you Empire, a veryhave one piece that’s prosperousmissing then it’s not a communitycomplete picture. We that served asall bring something, the mainbe it the hospital,shopping andFairplex, Cal Polyfinancial centerPomona, WesternU and for the wholevarious othervalley, saidorganizations.DavidArmstrong,-- Irma Horvath, Pomona’sbusiness developmentowner ofmanagerArmstrong’s, afine artceramics galleryat 150 E. Third St. Armstrong has watched the citychange and evolve since 1944, when his fatheropened a furniture business downtown.“Shoppers stroll along“Antique Row.”In the 1960s, new developments such as theMontclair Plaza took business from Pomona,Armstrong said. By the late 1970s, most of thedowntown storefronts were vacant.WesternU’s founders, including President PhilipPumerantz, upgraded and renovated downtownstorefronts and created a place people want to visit,he said.“Philip Pumerantz had a vision,” Armstrong said.“Nothing was going to stop him from building theschool. He had the tenacity to continue when mostpeople would have stopped.”WesternU took some of the old buildings andconverted them to useable, attractive space, he said.“Without the university, the downtown would nothave progressed near what it has today,” Armstrongsaid.WesternU has brought enough people to thedowntown to create opportunities for others tobring in new businesses, Armstrong said. There is aneed for more clothing and shoe stores, he said.And the university continues to expand, with plansto open three new colleges in 2009.“As more faculty and students come in, thisobviously is going to create demand for some goodsand services,” Armstrong said. “Right now there’s awonderful opportunity for restaurants. Everybody’sgot to eat.”WesternU View Spring 2008 37

WesternU Alumni News: ReunionsLeft: COMP Class of1982 at their 25threunion.Right: PharmacyClass of 2002 duringtheir 5th reunion.On October 1, the COMP Classes of 1982, 1987, and 1997 celebrated their landmark 25th Reunion, 20th, Reunion and 10thReunion in conjunction with the AOA 112th Annual Convention in San Diego.The Pharmacy Class of 2002 celebrated its 5th Reunion on November 17. Alumni from Southern and Northern Californiagathered in Brea, Calif., to celebrate.The Student National Medical Association (SNMA) andthe Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA)hosted their first reunion the weekend of October12-13. Alumni from both organizations joinedwith students, WesternU staff and faculty, andfriends to network and celebrate. The weekend beganwith a reception and dinner on Friday night. Saturdaymorning, the reunion participants partnered with theWestern University Medical Center to host a healthfair in Pomona. That afternoon, students had theopportunity to interact with an alumni panel todiscuss “Life After WesternU” and informationabout specialties. The reunion concluded with acelebratory dinner and dancing.In celebration of their 10th Anniversary,The College of Graduate Nursing openedthe doors to their new state-of-the-artsimulation lab and the Nursing SciencesCenter to the public on November 7.Tours of the building and lab wereoffered to the WesternU community inthe morning. In the afternoon, invitedguests arrived for tours and apresentation by Tricia Hunter, MN, RN,executive director of the American NursesAssociation California. During theprogram, Ms. Bobbie Stahl and Ms.Marion Kramer were honored for theiryears of service to the nursing professionand their support of the university.Ms. Bobbie Stahl, Dean Karen Hanford,Ms. Marion Kramer, and PresidentPumerantz enjoy the CGN 10thAnniversary Open House. Ms. Kramerand Ms. Stahl were honored at theafternoon program.Students assist Professor Sonja Mack with asimulation during the tour of CGN's state-of-theart Simulation Lab.38 Western University of Health Sciences

Alumni Class NotesStan Flemming, DO ’85, MA, was named the new presidentof Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences (PNWU),the first medical school to be built in the Pacific Northwest inmore than 60 years. Dr. Flemming, an army general andfamily practice physician from University Place, Washington,will lead the new osteopathic medical college as it gears upfor its first class of 70 students in 2008.Gail Feinberg, DO ’84 doesn’t have to worry about findingskeletons in the closet when visiting her alma mater. They arein plain view. Gail and her husband, Howard L. Feinberg,DO ’84, met as students at the College of OsteopathicMedicine of the Pacific. They decided to give back to COMPwith a donation that helped the college purchase anatomyskeletons, which will be used by students while dissecting andstudying in the lab. Dr. Gail Feinberg, who is the director ofmedical education and residency program director at OurLady of Bellefonte Hospital in Ashland, Ky., recently visitedCOMP and spent quality time with the skeletons along withcurrent faculty and administrators. The skeletons will helpteach students about how different parts of the body moveand function.William Henning, DO ’86, has been appointed chiefmedical officer of the San Bernardino-based Inland EmpireHealth Plan. Dr. Henning directs all medical services for morethan 320,000 members enrolled in a Medi-Cal managed carehealth plan. The Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) is a public,not-for-profit local initiative plan covering Riverside and SanBernardino counties.CongratulationsTodd R. Ashby, MSPA ’02, and his wife welcomed theirfourth child, Sadie, on March 18, 2007.Sandra I. Baik, DO ’00, welcomed her second baby, Mia, onMarch 15, 2007. Her son, Cameron, is now 2-years old.Gabriela M. Belinsky, PA ’98, and her husband welcomedtheir fourth child, Ruth Marie, on December 11, 2006.Rebecca A. Black, DVM ’07, welcomed her baby boy,Charles John, on May 17, 2007.Paul E, Emmans, III, DO ’00, was recently elected asPresident Elect 2008 for the Washington Osteopathic MedicalAssociation.Dustin W. Helvey, DPT ’06, and Danielle D. Newton,DPT ’06, were married on July 7, 2007 in San Diego.Johanna C. Lizaola, MSPA ’07, was married to DustinBulmer on August, 10. 2007.Marc McCollaum, PA ’96, recently was elected to the FloridaAcademy of Physician Assistants (FAPA) as President Elect.Marc resides in Naples with his wife, Monica, and their son,Nicholas.Mitchell K. Pratte, DO ’96, participated in the KonaIronman World Championship in October 2007, and finishedin just over 12 hours.Daniel A. Smith, II, DO ’07, welcomed his daughter, SaraAlexandra Smith, on April 15, 2007.Anthony Truong, DO ’06, and his wife welcomed AllisonMinh-Nguyet Truong on June 10, 2007.Barbara E. Walker, DO ’84, was elected to the AOA Boardof Trustees as the Second Vice President in July 2007.In MemoriamJeanie C. Gillinta, DO ’02 passed away on May 31, 2007, ofbone cancer, which she battled even as a student at COMP.Katrina Jean Kish, FNP ’05 passed away on December 10,2006, in an air ambulance crash in the Cajon Pass.Bryan Zollner, husband of Pamela K. Ikuta, DO ’99, passedaway on April 12, 2007.WesternU View Spring 2008 39

Alumni CalendarBelow are dates for upcoming WesternU alumni events. Please note that dates, times, and locations aresubject to change. For questions or additional information, please contact the Office of AlumniRelations at (909) 469-5274.March 16 – APhA 2008 Alumni & Friends Reception(Pharmacy) – 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., The Hyatt, Elizabeth HRoom & The California Pharmacy Schools JointReception – 7:00 – 9:00 p.m., The Hyatt.April 17 – The College of Pharmacy Ray Symposium(Pharmacy) – 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. Symposia Speaker, PremReddy Hall, Health Professions Center, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.Reception, Student Commons, Health ProfessionsCenter.April 26 – CME Conference & OMT Workshop(COMP) – All Day, WesternU Campus, HealthProfessions Center.June 20 – 94th Annual Northwest OsteopathicConvention Alumni & Friends Ice Cream Social(COMP) – 8:00 – 9:00 p.m., Inn at Semiahmoo,Blaine, WA.July 19-22 – AVMA 145th Annual Convention (CVM) –Ernest N. Memorial Convention Center, New Orleans,LA. WesternU sponsoring an Alumni & FriendsReception.October 3-4 – CAPA 2008 Annual Conference(Physician Assistant) – Wyndham Palm Springs Hotel,Palm Springs, CA. WesternU will be hosting a booth inthe Exhibit Hall and an Alumni & Friends Reception.October 9-12 – CSHP Seminar 2008 (Pharmacy) –Disneyland Hotel, Anaheim, CA. WesternU will behosting an Alumni & Friends Reception.October 26-30 – AOA 113th Annual Convention(COMP) – The Venetian Hotel and Sands ConventionCenter, Las Vegas, NV. WesternU will be hosting abooth in the Exhibit Hall as well as alumni eventsincluding reunion dinners for the Classes of 1983, 1988,and 1998.WESTERNU CONNECTEDThe WesternU Office of Alumni Relations is excited to announce the launch of a newcomprehensive alumni online community: WesternU Connected. Features will include: personalprofile pages, searchable alumni directory, expanded career resources, customized news andannouncements, membership management tools, event registration and networking on-line.What better way to stay in touch with your friends and classmates than to participate in thisexciting new benefit. Watch your mail and e-mail for more information regarding the launch dateand registration! If you have questions or suggestions, please contact the Office of AlumniRelations at (909) 469-5233 or dbuchanan@westernu.edu.40 Western University of Health Sciences

COVER ARTKate Wang, MSPS ’09, demonstrates how to properlyload a poly acrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE)apparatus. For her thesis project, Ms. Wang is studyinghow alterations in stem cell innate immune responsesprovide a restorative microenvironment for stressed ordying neurons. Along with her advisor, Dr. ArezooCampbell, Ms. Wang anticipates that the neuroprotectiveeffect of stem cells will eventually be used to treat chronicdemyelinating diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis.Photo by Jess LopatynskiWESTERNUProduction Staffmanaging editorsenior writerdirector of graphics & brandinggraphic designercontributing graphics editorphotographerViewDereck AndradeRodney TanakaRick ClapperPaul GettlerDave DavisJess LopatynskiHELP DISCOURAGE WASTEIf you receive duplicate mailings, want to be removed fromour mailing list, or want to change an address, contact(909) 469-5274 or alumni@westernu.edu.WesternU View is printed on recycled paper stock.

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