EDUCATION - Western University of Health Sciences
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M i s s i o n S t a t e m e n tTo produce, in a humanistic tradition,health care pr<strong>of</strong>essionals and biomedical knowledge that willenhance and extend the quality <strong>of</strong> life in our communities.
S P R I N G / S U M M E R 2 0 0 9WESTERNUInterpr<strong>of</strong>essional EducationViewPg 4PROFILEFrom Iran to <strong>Western</strong>UThe captivating story <strong>of</strong> Class <strong>of</strong> 2011 COMP studentBavand Youssefzadeh’s journey from Iran to the U.S.,and eventually <strong>Western</strong> <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Health</strong> <strong>Sciences</strong>.PROFILESpeaking forthose who can’tDr. Vicki Wedel helpsidentify unsolvedmurder victimsthrough forensicanthropology.Pg 36Pg 16CONTENTSThe Board <strong>of</strong> Trustees...................................................2Message from the President.........................................3Developing Interpr<strong>of</strong>essional Education ......................4Embracing Interpr<strong>of</strong>essional Education .......................8Focus on Neuro-optometry .........................................10Dentists Help Diagnose Diseases ................................12From Operating Room to Classroom..........................14From Iran to <strong>Western</strong>U ...............................................16More Than Just a Library ............................................18The Pulse <strong>of</strong> <strong>Western</strong>U Humanism .............................20Message From the Dean (COMP)................................23Message From the Dean (CAHP).................................24Message From the Dean (COP)...................................25Message From the Dean (CGN)...................................26Message From the Dean (CVM) ..................................27Message From the Dean (CDM) ..................................28Message From the Dean (CO) .....................................29Message From the Dean (CPM) ..................................30Message From the Dean (GCBS) .................................31Images: Commencement 2009 ...................................32It’s in His Bones...........................................................34Speaking for the Dead................................................36Research Exchange......................................................40PT Gets SMART............................................................42Career Ladder Students Honored ...............................44Family Affair ...............................................................46Web-Based Nursing Training ......................................49<strong>Western</strong>U Benefits From Generous Donors ................50Making Progress .........................................................52Dr. Sugerman’s Garden ...............................................54I’m the Big Sister Now................................................56Alumni Class Notes .....................................................58<strong>Western</strong>U View Spring/Summer 2009 1
Board <strong>of</strong> TrusteesWarren Lawless, LHD(Hon.), ChairmanPhilip Pumerantz, PhD, LHD(Hon.), President (ex <strong>of</strong>ficio)John A. Forbing,SecretaryEthan R. Allen, DO,DSc (Hon.), TreasurerGene BardusonRichard A. Bond,DO, FAAFPWen Chang,MBALinda L. CransMaureen Duffy-Lewis,JDJohn T. McGwire,DDSThelma Meléndez de Santa Ana,PhDMike QuickDavid Sadava,PhD2 <strong>Western</strong> <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Health</strong> <strong>Sciences</strong>
Dr. Alan Cundari, Pr<strong>of</strong>essor <strong>of</strong> Family Medicine, left, discussespatients with students at <strong>Western</strong> <strong>University</strong> Medical Center inPomona. Students are Jennifer Turney, PA ’09, left, exchangestudent Breno Carvalho, Nattapaun Thepyasuwan, DO ’10, andKelvin Akhigbe, DO ’10. The clinic provides excellent clinicallearning opportunities for many <strong>Western</strong>U students on clinicalrotation starting in their third year <strong>of</strong> medical school and pharmacyschool and in the second year for physician assistant students.DevelopingInterpr<strong>of</strong>essionalEducation<strong>Western</strong>U faculty and administrators areshaping the interpr<strong>of</strong>essional education (IPE)curriculum that incoming students will beginin early 2010.“Ultimately, our aim is to graduate healthpr<strong>of</strong>essionals who have their individual healthcare pr<strong>of</strong>essional perspectives as well ascollaborative patient-centered focus,” said Dr.Sheree Aston, Vice Provost and Chair <strong>of</strong> the IPEcommittee. “We plan on achieving this goalthrough an IPE program where students fromvarious disciplines learn and practice together.It is important to begin the process early intheir education.”The goal <strong>of</strong> the IPE program, where studentsfrom all disciplines work and learn together, isfor graduates to demonstrate an understanding<strong>of</strong> each other’s roles as health pr<strong>of</strong>essionals andto provide and promote a team approach topatient care and health care management,leading to improved patient care.A case pilot study, held in spring 2008,involved 60 student volunteers from sixcampus programs – osteopathic medicine,physician assistant, physical therapy,pharmacy, nursing and veterinary medicine.The purpose was to determine the mosteffective method to deliver an interpr<strong>of</strong>essionaleducation course.The students were randomly split into different4 <strong>Western</strong> <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Health</strong> <strong>Sciences</strong>
classes – someblending online andface-to-face, andothers entirely inperson, somelasting three weeksand others lastingsix weeks.The length <strong>of</strong> thecourse (threeweeks vs. sixweeks) did notimpact thechange in attitudes about IPE, but the formatdefinitely had an impact on these attitudes, saidDonna Redman-Bentley, PT, PhD, Associate Dean <strong>of</strong>Research for the College <strong>of</strong> Allied <strong>Health</strong> Pr<strong>of</strong>essions.“The majority <strong>of</strong> students prefer face-to-face toonline,” she said. “Face-to-face allows betterinteraction, and they could get input right away.They had their questions answered.”Veterinary Medicine, who served as apilot case study facilitator.For example, a physicaltherapy or nursingstudent willnot learn thenuances <strong>of</strong>veterinarymedicine, but they will learnthere are common themes -family dynamics, psychosocialdynamics, legal aspects – no matterwhat field you’re in that affect care andthe outcome <strong>of</strong> the patient, said Susan Mackintosh,DO, COMP Assistant Pr<strong>of</strong>essor, who facilitated a threeweekface-to-face IPE pilot group.A physician may have very limited time to helpsomeone with a chronic injury, but by working withother specialties such as physical therapy, the patientcould learn about exercises to improve conditioningand prevent re-injury.The IPE program should not expect freshmen studentsto learn the medicine or the physiology <strong>of</strong> thesescenarios but rather focus on scope <strong>of</strong> practice, therole their pr<strong>of</strong>essions play in relation to otherpr<strong>of</strong>essions, said Steve Waldhalm, DVM, PhD,Assistant Dean for Faculty Affairs for the College <strong>of</strong><strong>Western</strong>U faculty work on an interpr<strong>of</strong>essional education case study that will be used when theIPE program begins in 2010. Dr. Elizabeth Andrews, DDS, MS, College <strong>of</strong> Dental Medicineassistant pr<strong>of</strong>essor, left, wrote this particular case study being discussed.“They are basically learning to fill up gaps that no onepr<strong>of</strong>ession can cover by themselves,” Mackintosh said.“No man is an island, and no one single medicalpr<strong>of</strong>ession is an island either.”Pilot study participant Carissa Bortugno, PharmD ’11,said although she had experienceworking with physicians, she didn’trealize the broad scope <strong>of</strong> the otherpr<strong>of</strong>essions represented.“I would say that it just reallyopened my eyes to how all thepr<strong>of</strong>essions overlap in one way oranother,” Bortugno said. “(Vetstudents) have a very broad scope <strong>of</strong>practice and they were able tocontribute to the human part <strong>of</strong> theprogram.”The initial meetings were awkward,because the students didn’t want to<strong>Western</strong>U View Spring/Summer 2009 5
“say the wrong things, she said. Asresearch to also seek helpthe sessions went on, people startedfrom their own pr<strong>of</strong>essors,”giving their point <strong>of</strong> views moreshe said. “They need someoneThe majority <strong>of</strong> students<strong>of</strong>ten. Bortugno suggested the IPEto take them a little further.development team organize teambuildingprefer face-to-face to That would be the one thing Iexercises to help studentsget to know each other prior toonline. Face-to-faceallows better interaction,learned. Encourage students togo back and do a little moreworking together in the classroom.discussion with faculty fromand they could get inputStudents as a whole recommendedtheir college, and bring itright away. They hadthat incoming freshmen shouldback.”learn this culture <strong>of</strong> IPE from thetheir questions answered.The pilot study demonstratedfirst day, with team building duringthe first week <strong>of</strong> orientation,Redman-Bentley said.The students’ comfort levelimproved over time and they -- Donna Redman-Bentley, PT, PhD,that each case should be keptto three weeks, Redman-Bentley said. Students willlook at five IPE cases in anacademic year, working with abecame more open to <strong>of</strong>feringAssociate Dean <strong>of</strong> Research for the different group each time.College <strong>of</strong> Allied <strong>Health</strong> Pr<strong>of</strong>essionsideas, said Siu-Fun Wong, PharmD,The pilot study also helpedAssociate Pr<strong>of</strong>essor <strong>of</strong> PharmacyPractice and Administration and a facilitator for a sixweekface-to-face IPE group.Students got very involved in the case but felt theythe IPE team hone in on thetrue objectives <strong>of</strong> the program.“It isn’t so much the content <strong>of</strong> the case scenario, it’sthe interaction among students that is important,didn’t have sufficient background knowledge to beable to truly engage in a lot <strong>of</strong> the aspects <strong>of</strong> thediscussion, Wong said. So she allowed them toconduct 30 minutes <strong>of</strong> outside research each week.“That was not really the focus, but it’s very natural tolook more into the clinical aspect <strong>of</strong> the case,” Wongsaid. “I let students go as long as they’re still learning.We all have to keep in mind this pilot study is alearning curve both for students and facultyfacilitators. Many <strong>of</strong> us are collecting information todetermine what works.”Organizers did not want to unfairly burden pilot studyvolunteers with extra work, so they were generally notgiven outside assignments. But when the IPE programbecomes part <strong>of</strong> the curriculum, Wong said she feelscomfortable with students doing outside research sothey feel more empowered to carry on the discussion.“I would encourage students as they are doing“6 <strong>Western</strong> <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Health</strong> <strong>Sciences</strong>
helping each other recognize what others’ roles are,”Redman-Bentley said.Also helping to shape the IPE cases are mock casestudies, with faculty reviewing the information fromthe perspective <strong>of</strong> first-year students. Elizabeth A.Andrews, DDS, MS, College <strong>of</strong> Dental MedicineAssistant Pr<strong>of</strong>essor <strong>of</strong> Oral & Maxill<strong>of</strong>acial Pathology,is developing a case involving a young girl with atoothache and other health problems.Each case will build chronologically over the agecontinuum, from pediatrics to geriatrics.Each <strong>of</strong> these pr<strong>of</strong>iles has health histories that cutacross several disciplines, Andrews said. Each college isresponsible for developing one <strong>of</strong> the cases from itspr<strong>of</strong>ession’s perspective, how the type <strong>of</strong> patientwould present and what the steps are for managingsuch a patient.“Interestingly, through the process <strong>of</strong> casedevelopment and going through the mock casepresentations, I have learned a lot from the otherfaculty members and have been able to see approachesand concerns that I might not have thought <strong>of</strong> fromvarious pr<strong>of</strong>essions,” Andrews said. “So, this has beenan enrichment for myself in this process. In turn, theother faculty members have expressed that theylearned much from this process. I feel that notonly will the students benefit, but all the facultywill as well.”The main benefit <strong>of</strong> the IPE curriculum is increasedcommunication, she said.“Often in a patient’s health care experience, a majorbreakdown is the incomplete or non-existentcommunication between providers,” Andrews said.“For students to see the value <strong>of</strong> this from thebeginning will enable them to better serve the patient.From this particular case, I hope the students will seethe role we play as dentists in a patient’s oral andoverall health, as well as the importance <strong>of</strong> workingtogether.”While the vehicle to deliver IPE curriculum at<strong>Western</strong>U is still in its developmental stages, the needfor IPE is a certainty, Aston said. The complexity <strong>of</strong>the modern day health-care system creates anenvironment where individualhealth care practitioners are notcapable <strong>of</strong> single-handedlymeeting the needs <strong>of</strong> theirpatients.Donna Redman-Bentley, PT, PhD, addresses students at the Interpr<strong>of</strong>essionalEducation pilot study orientation.“Navigating the convoluted path<strong>of</strong> the emerging health caresystem will require health carepr<strong>of</strong>essionals to not onlyunderstand the multi-faceted roles<strong>of</strong> the different pr<strong>of</strong>essions, but toalso apply that knowledge base toaffect a team-based approach,”Aston said. “Ultimately, the goal<strong>of</strong> IPE is to maximize patientoutcomes and provide costefficientpatient-centered care.”— Rodney Tanaka<strong>Western</strong>U View Spring/Summer 2009 7
EmbracingInterpr<strong>of</strong>essionalEducationZuhra Musherraf,supervising DO at <strong>Western</strong><strong>University</strong> Medical Center inPomona, examines patientDarius C. Bond as studentsCinda Wu, PharmD ’09,left, and Jennifer Turney,PA ’09, observe.AAt the <strong>Western</strong> <strong>University</strong> Medical Center onSecond Street in Pomona, <strong>Western</strong>U studentslearn quickly what their colleagues in otherdisciplines have to <strong>of</strong>fer.Brenda Garibay, MSPA ’09, had never workedwith pharmacy students before. But when shewas paired with pharmacy students whileconsulting with patients, she found herPharmD colleagues to be “machines” when itcame to drug interaction knowledge.“I love them,” she said. “They quietly standthere and come up with side effects in theirbrain. They know their stuff. It’s nice they canexpand on what you learned.”Incoming students in fall 2009 will be the first<strong>Western</strong>U students to <strong>of</strong>ficially enroll ininterpr<strong>of</strong>essional education courses withstudents from other disciplines. Nine <strong>Western</strong>Uprograms will be represented in a classroom,with students learning about each other’s roleswhile discussing case scenarios.But current <strong>Western</strong>U students are alsoembracing IPE and taking the initiative toorganize more activities that involve otherdisciplines. Members <strong>of</strong> the StudentGovernment Association organized the firstinterpr<strong>of</strong>essional health fair in January 2009.“It’s nice for everyone on campus to beexposed to what everyone else is doing,” saidAlexis Drebskaya, PharmD ’11, past SGAPresident. “Our programs don’t interactenough. It’s good to know people from otherprograms. In one way or another we’re allconnected. We all have the same purpose.”8 <strong>Western</strong> <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Health</strong> <strong>Sciences</strong>
Some <strong>of</strong> the student clubs that traditionally attracted asingle discipline are expanding to recruit studentsfrom other programs. The student board for theCenter for Global & Community <strong>Health</strong> (CGCH) askedstudent clubs to make an effort to recruit studentsfrom the other colleges and let them know that theywould like to become interpr<strong>of</strong>essional, said AngeliqueHeilig, DO ’11, CGCH Vice Chair.“We discovered that clubs like PCHAT (PomonaCommunity Action Team) and PHOP (PomonaHomeless Outreach Program) had a history <strong>of</strong> beinginterpr<strong>of</strong>essional, as PA and nursing students had beenvolunteering at health screening clinics and educationnights for quite some time,” she said. “Additionallymany <strong>of</strong> the new club leaders are members <strong>of</strong> differentcolleges, and the new student vice chair <strong>of</strong> CGCH andthe student board is a student <strong>of</strong> COP.”The <strong>Western</strong>U Medical Center has also traditionallyinvolved multiple disciplines – DO, PharmD and PAstudents.“You get a better idea <strong>of</strong> each other’s pr<strong>of</strong>ession,” saidMelissa Lau, PharmD ’09. “It gives us a greatopportunity to learn from each other. In the realworld we have to learn to work with each other.This is a great staging ground.”When entering an exam room, Lau said she typicallyallows the DOstudent toconduct theexam beforegetting theinformation sheneeds.Dr. Musherraf, left, examines a patient asstudents Brenda Garibay, PA ’09, left andMelissa Lau, PharmD ’09, look on.“Sometimes Ijump in and askquestions <strong>of</strong> thepatient,” Lausaid. “Afterlooking at thepatient, I give arecommendation whatshould go on.”Another program thatnaturally lends itself toIPE is the MSHSprogram, part <strong>of</strong> theCollege <strong>of</strong> Allied <strong>Health</strong>Pr<strong>of</strong>essions. The <strong>Health</strong><strong>Sciences</strong> program drawsstudents from a range <strong>of</strong>disciplines who intendto teach in the healthsciences or serve asleaders in community health programs.Jennifer Turney, PA ’09, left, explainsa diagnosis to Brazilian exchangestudent Breno Carvalho, right andpatient Rafael Verdugo.“Each discipline brings to the classroom a differentexperience which is shared with one another,expanding the students’ knowledge beyond onespecific background,” said Ani Sarkissian, MSHS ’10.Sarkissian is one <strong>of</strong> five student editors <strong>of</strong> the 2009Humanism Journal, an annual publication that allows<strong>Western</strong>U students, faculty and staff from alldisciplines to express themselves through poetry,photography and other media.“Together, we combined our strengths to create atheme for the journal, solicited articles from thestudent body, and finally edited and selected thenumerous articles received,” Sarkissian said. “Editingthe articles also allowed me to learn from the varioushealth pr<strong>of</strong>essions, and to learn from the experiences<strong>of</strong> the authors who were veterinary, osteopathic, orallied health students.”The end product <strong>of</strong> interpr<strong>of</strong>essional education is awell-rounded, universally aware pr<strong>of</strong>essional who isable to provide the utmost care for his or her patients,she said.“The experience and knowledge gained from aninterpr<strong>of</strong>essional education is unmatched, because thestudents are allowed to learn from each other andproduce a complete knowledge <strong>of</strong> the health sciences,”Sarkissian said.— Rodney Tanaka<strong>Western</strong>U View Spring/Summer 2009 9
P R O F I L E S O F W E S T E R N U ’ S N E W C O L L E G E SFocus onNeuro-OptometryThe College <strong>of</strong> Optometry will initially enroll between70 and 80 students. Orientation week will be amixture <strong>of</strong> information overload and bonding, with alot <strong>of</strong> fun activities planned as students prepare for arigorous curriculum, said Elizabeth Hoppe, OD, MPH,DrPH, Founding Dean <strong>of</strong> the College <strong>of</strong> Optometry.“This inaugural class is really going to bond with eachother,” she said. “They will be such an influentialforce.”The college will have a special emphasis on neurooptometryand neuro-optometric rehabilitation, whichis guiding the development <strong>of</strong> three key programareas: curriculum, patient care and research.The college has formed a neuro-optometry specialinterest group consisting <strong>of</strong> practitioners in theSouthern California area and well-respected guestsfrom outside the area to provide input for this process.The group is asking questions such as: “How do youdefine entry-level competency in neuro-optometricrehabilitation? What are the knowledge base, skill setand attitudes that graduates need to prepare them toprovide neuro-optometric rehabilitation?”“As in any educational institution, patient careservices have a dual mission: service to thecommunity and the education <strong>of</strong> our students. As weare establishing our program’s clinical aspects, we arealso structuring them with the special emphasis inneuro-optometry in mind,” Hoppe said.Our on-campus facility, the Patient Care Center, willhave dedicated space for neuro-optometricrehabilitation within the optometry service.Dr. Kristy Remick-Waltman providesoptometric rehabilitation therapyto “Gary,” which includes a prismon the left eye <strong>of</strong> his glasses thatstopped his double vision.We understand that the décor, color palette andlighting must all be suitable for patients who havebeen affected by neurological trauma or neurologicaldisease processes, she said.“No matter what they (students) choose to do aftergraduation, the skill set they learn with this specialemphasis will help them become caring,compassionate, humanistic healers,” Hoppe said.“When you’re involved in rehabilitation, you have tobe an advocate for the patient. You have to be acreative problem solver. We know not everyone willchoose to practice in rehabilitation, but the skillsapply no matter what.”Combining neuro-optometry with caring andcompassion can change people’s lives.Kristy Remick-Waltman, OD, FCOVD, CO Director <strong>of</strong>Community Outreach, once helped a patient, “Gary,”who had suffered a stroke at the age <strong>of</strong> 56. He wasreferred to Dr. Remick-Waltman by his physicaltherapist because he had double vision.At the time <strong>of</strong> the stroke he was active and working asa quality control manager at a local warehouse. Hewas married and had two daughters, ages 22and 17.Immediately after the stroke, Gary experiencedweakness on his left side, his left eye was turnedinward, and it was “wiggling.” Gary had recentlyexperienced good results with physical therapy and10 <strong>Western</strong> <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Health</strong> <strong>Sciences</strong>
was now walking with a cane. His physical therapisthowever, was frustrated and wanted a neurooptometricrehabilitation evaluation because Garyhad to wear a black pirate patch all the time toprevent double vision, and this was affecting hisbalance, his ability to read, and his overall progress,Remick-Waltman said.Prior to the stroke, Gary did not wear glasses fulltime,only for reading, and was using eye drops twicea day for mild glaucoma. He had seen anophthalmologist recently, and this eye specialist hadadvised that Gary keep using the same eye drops,utilize the same reading glasses, and keep wearing theeye patch over the left eye full-time. Gary stated thathe was told he would always have to wear an eyepatch, that “there was nothing that could be done” tohelp him. He did not like wearing the patch becausesmall children thought he was a pirate, and wereafraid <strong>of</strong> him.Optometric rehabilitation therapy included the use <strong>of</strong>“press-on” prisms, full-time no-line bifocals withprism, and visual therapy. Gary was also prescribed adifferent type <strong>of</strong> glaucoma medication. He came forregular weekly visits and did visual therapy“homework” and after six weeks, he no longer sawdouble vision, his eye did not “wiggle,” he could read,and he walked without a cane. He returned to work atthe warehouse and was happy again.Gary’s wife was thrilled. She said, “Thank goodnessfor optometric visual rehabilitation. This treatmentchanged all <strong>of</strong> our lives for the better.” Gary’s physicaltherapist also commented that it was wonderfulwhen pr<strong>of</strong>essionals work together for the benefit <strong>of</strong>the patient.“Neuro-optometry knowledge will be taught at<strong>Western</strong>U College <strong>of</strong> Optometry, and this specialtraining will be helpful for patients <strong>of</strong> all ages,”Remick-Waltman said. “<strong>Western</strong>U optometrygraduates will be well-trained to help patients with avariety <strong>of</strong> visual problems that stem from neurologicaland systemic health conditions.” — Rodney TanakaMeet theCollege <strong>of</strong> OptometryElizabeth Hoppe, OD, MPH, DrPHFounding DeanDaniel Kurtz, PhD, ODAssociate Dean <strong>of</strong> Academic AffairsCharles Haine, OD, MSAssociate Dean <strong>of</strong> Clinical AffairsTiffenie Harris, OD, FAAOAssociate Pr<strong>of</strong>essorMohammed Al-Tikriti, PhD, MScAssociate Pr<strong>of</strong>essor <strong>of</strong> AnatomyKristy Remick-Waltman, OD, FCOVDDirector <strong>of</strong> Community OutreachRaymond Maeda, OD, FAAOChief <strong>of</strong> Primary Care OptometryLance McNaughton, OD, PhDAssistant Pr<strong>of</strong>essorVaibhav Tiwari, PhDAssistant Pr<strong>of</strong>essor <strong>of</strong> VirologyLori ReesExecutive AssistantFor more information call(909) 706-3506 or e-maillrees@westernu.edu<strong>Western</strong>U View Spring/Summer 2009 11
Bruno Azevedo, DDS, MSElizabeth Andrews, DDS, MSDentists Help Diagnose DiseasesDentists do far more than clean teeth and fill cavities.The College <strong>of</strong> Dental Medicine faculty utilizescutting-edge science looking at radiographs on acomputer and examining a biopsy under amicroscope.Elizabeth Andrews, DDS, MS, assistant pr<strong>of</strong>essor,specializes in oral maxill<strong>of</strong>acial pathology, and BrunoAzevedo, DDS, MS, assistant pr<strong>of</strong>essor, specializes inoral maxill<strong>of</strong>acial radiology at <strong>Western</strong> <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong><strong>Health</strong> <strong>Sciences</strong>. Maxill<strong>of</strong>acial is an anatomical termrelated to the jaw and face.“Oral pathology and radiology go hand in hand,”Dr. Andrews said. “Many common pathologies are inthe jaws and will be first identified with radiology, andthen biopsied for a definitive diagnosis.”Oral and maxill<strong>of</strong>acial pathology is a specialty <strong>of</strong>dentistry that investigates the causes, processes andeffects <strong>of</strong> disease, <strong>of</strong>ten by looking through amicroscope. Oral and maxill<strong>of</strong>acial radiology is also aspecialty <strong>of</strong> dentistry concerned with the productionand interpretation <strong>of</strong> images and data, <strong>of</strong>ten bybidimensional X-ray techniques and threedimensionalCT scans.“I’m the detective, and as soon as I find a clue I handit <strong>of</strong>f to Dr. Andrews, the person that examines theclue, like a CSI (crime scene investigator),” saidDr. Azevedo.Dr. Azevedo looks for abnormalities while examining aradiograph. He looks at it clinically in order to provideguidance for complex dental procedures such as dentalimplants. Dr. Andrews is needed to further study apotential lesion. She looks at a biopsy fragment undera microscope and to determine the presence and/orextent <strong>of</strong> a disease.“You can’t say 100 percent what a lesion is just usingradiographs,” said Dr. Andrews. “Microscopically youcan ID a cancer, but not always what type <strong>of</strong> cancer.Further molecular testing may be needed to determinethe tissue <strong>of</strong> origin as well as for prognosis andtreatment options.”Dr. Andrews started at <strong>Western</strong>U in August 2008 aftershe completed specialty training and a Master <strong>of</strong>Science degree from the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> North Carolina-Chapel Hill School <strong>of</strong> Dentistry. Prior to that, she wasin private practice for 10 years after earning her DDSdegree from the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> the Pacific, Arthur A.Dogoni School <strong>of</strong> Dentistry.She is starting a biopsy service anticipated to open infall 2009. Dentists from <strong>Western</strong>U’s dental clinic anddentists from outside the <strong>University</strong> will be able tosend a biopsy specimen to the service on campus. Thetissue itself will be processed at an outside lab andmade into a slide, at which point Dr. Andrews willanalyze and diagnose it.12 <strong>Western</strong> <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Health</strong> <strong>Sciences</strong>
“One <strong>of</strong> the big keys is not only servicing our oncampus patients, but also the community. It’s aunique service,” said Dr. Andrews. “There is no otheroral and maxill<strong>of</strong>acial pathology and radiology servicein the area. It would make this specialty moreaccessible to all health care providers and thesurrounding community.”Dr. Azevedo was a United States foreign exchangestudent in 1993-94 as a senior in high school. Hewent back to Brazil and finished dental school in2000. He completed a certificate program in OralMaxill<strong>of</strong>acial Radiology in 2002. In 2005 he wasinvited to come to the U.S., where he attended<strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> Texas, <strong>Health</strong> Science Center in SanAntonio for one year as a preceptor. In 2006 he wasaccepted into the oral maxill<strong>of</strong>acial radiology mastersprogram and graduated in February 2009. He startedat <strong>Western</strong>U on March 1, 2009.There are less than 200 dental radiologists nationwide,according to Dr. Azevedo.Dr. Andrews said she came to <strong>Western</strong>U because shewanted to be a part <strong>of</strong> building something from theground floor, to get back to academics and to teachstudents. As the College <strong>of</strong> Dental Medicinerepresentative for Interpr<strong>of</strong>essional Education, she hasworked to develop a case for the IPE curriculum.For Dr. Azevedo, the goal at <strong>Western</strong>U is to havestudents learn the traditional 2-D X-ray imaging andpioneer, lecture and teach 3-D radiographyapplications at the same time.“The role <strong>of</strong> radiology the past seven years hasevolved from the 2-D world,” said Dr. Azevedo. “Witha specific CT scanner for dentistry, called the Cone-Beam CT, we can evaluate the maxill<strong>of</strong>acial complexwithout superimposition <strong>of</strong> anatomical structures.This imaging modality acquires high resolutionimages and delivers between 50 to 100 times lessradiation to the patient than traditional medical CTscanners.”— Jeff MaletMeet theCollege <strong>of</strong> Dental MedicineJames J. Koelbl, DDS, MS, MJFounding DeanRobert Trombly, DDS, JDExecutive Associate DeanTimothy Martinez, DMDAssociate Dean for CommunityPartnerships and Access to CareRosemary Monehen, MSAssistant DeanBetty TerrellExecutive AssistantElizabeth Andrews, DDS, MS,Assistant Pr<strong>of</strong>essorBradley S. Henson, DDS, PhD,Assistant Pr<strong>of</strong>essorBruno Azevedo, DDS, MSAssistant Pr<strong>of</strong>essor, Oral andMaxill<strong>of</strong>acial RadiologyJenny Tjahjono, DMDClinical Managing Partner andAssistant Pr<strong>of</strong>essorFor more information call(909) 706-3504 or e-mailbterrell@westernu.edu<strong>Western</strong>U View Spring/Summer 2009 13
Dr. Aksone Nouvong, Chair <strong>of</strong> Podiatric Medicine, Surgery and Biomechanics at <strong>Western</strong>U, left, workson wrapping a cast <strong>of</strong> a patient during a clinic at UCLA-Olive View Medical Center in Sylmar, CA.FromOperatingRoom toClassroomDr. Aksone Nouvong sees her new position as theCollege <strong>of</strong> Podiatric Medicine’s Chair <strong>of</strong> PodiatricMedicine, Surgery and Biomechanics as anopportunity to embrace four <strong>of</strong> her passions at thesame time.“It’s a great clinical opportunity, as a teacher; asurgical opportunity, also as a teacher; a chance to doresearch; and a chance to stay involved with theadministrative side <strong>of</strong> things,” she said recently fromher <strong>of</strong>fice on the second floor <strong>of</strong> the Nursing ScienceCenter.Teaching, surgery, research. Check. But passion foradministration?“Oh, I love that part,” she said with a laugh. “I likethe planning, the figuring out <strong>of</strong> schedules, all <strong>of</strong> it.”Sound planning and scheduling have been a criticalpart <strong>of</strong> Nouvong’s pr<strong>of</strong>essional life for several years, asshe’s worn several hats during her journey to<strong>Western</strong>U. She remains chair <strong>of</strong> the Department <strong>of</strong>Podiatric Medicine and Surgery at the Department <strong>of</strong>Veterans Affairs’ Greater Los Angeles <strong>Health</strong>careCenter, and is an adjunct pr<strong>of</strong>essor, instructor, directoror attending physician at institutions ranging fromthe David Geffen School <strong>of</strong> Medicine at UCLA to theNew York College <strong>of</strong> Podiatric Medicine, the CaliforniaSchool <strong>of</strong> Podiatric Medicine at Samuel Merritt<strong>University</strong> and the Midwestern <strong>University</strong> PodiatricMedicine program.She also chairs the National Field AdvisoryCommission on Quality Assurance for the VA’sPodiatry Central Office; served as President <strong>of</strong> theAmerican College <strong>of</strong> Foot and Ankle Surgeons,Division Council; and is a member <strong>of</strong> the AmericanDiabetes Association, American Podiatric MedicalAssociation, California Podiatric Medical Associationand the Los Angeles County Podiatric Medical Society.But that information doesn’t fully communicate herenthusiasm for what she does. What Nouvong reallyenjoys is working with podiatric medical students and,especially, improving the lives <strong>of</strong> her patients whileusing their conditions as opportunities to teach.“I’m always excited for students to come,” either intoa classroom or into clinical or surgical settings, shesaid. “Podiatric health is very important, and studentsand teachers can really come together to educatepatients and help fix whatever problems they’rehaving.”<strong>Western</strong>U’s College <strong>of</strong> Podiatric Medicine will welcomeits inaugural class in August. About 50 students areexpected to join their fellow pioneers in optometryand dentistry as the <strong>University</strong> opens three newcolleges simultaneously. <strong>Western</strong>U’s CPM will be justthe ninth <strong>of</strong> its kind in the United States.Nouvong is excited not only about the students’arrival on campus – “I can’t wait for them to get here”– but about the enhanced research opportunities her14 <strong>Western</strong> <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Health</strong> <strong>Sciences</strong>
position at <strong>Western</strong>U will allow. She and some <strong>of</strong> hercolleagues in other programs are in the midst <strong>of</strong>several research projects, including:• Hyperspectral imaging, a method <strong>of</strong> study thatcollects and processes information from across theelectromagnetic spectrum. Unlike the human eye,which just sees visible light, hyperspectral imagingcan see visible light as well as from the ultravioletto infrared. Its capabilities allow Nouvong to studymicrocirculation, which can help her pinpointproblems in diabetic patients with ankle and feetpathologies.Meet theCollege <strong>of</strong> Podiatric MedicineLawrence Harkless, DPMFounding DeanLester Jones Jr., DPM, MSExecutive Associate Dean <strong>of</strong>Academic Affairs• Windowed casting, which allows for directtreatment <strong>of</strong> diabetic foot ulcers while the footremains protected in a cast.• A pregnancy study focusing on the enduringchanges women’s feet undergo during and afterpregnancy, and determining if these changes canbe prevented.• Gene therapy to locally promote and improvecirculation for the treatment <strong>of</strong> diabetic foot ulcers.Dr. Lawrence Harkless, founding dean <strong>of</strong> the College<strong>of</strong> Podiatric Medicine, said he could not have askedfor a better addition than Nouvong to the collegefaculty and administration.“Dr. Nouvong will play a pivotal leadership role in theCPM as chairman <strong>of</strong> the Department <strong>of</strong> PodiatricMedicine, Surgery and Biomechanics,” Harkless said.“Her passion and comprehensive approach topodiatric medicine and surgery at the Greater LosAngeles VA and Olive View UCLA has provided herwith a unique perspective on the integration <strong>of</strong>podiatric medicine in an academic health sciencecenter. This will serve the CPM well as we developand become an integral part <strong>of</strong> the <strong>University</strong>.“Her experiences will be key in CPM’s contribution tointerpr<strong>of</strong>essional education.”— Jeff KeatingRobert Christman, DPM, MEdDirector <strong>of</strong> Curriculum andInstructional TechnologyAksone Nouvong, DPMChair <strong>of</strong> Podiatric Medicine,Surgery and BiomechanicsMichelle BaitxExecutive AssistantVictoria GalvezAdministrative AssistantFor more information call(909) 706-3505 or e-mailmbaitx@westernu.edu<strong>Western</strong>U View Spring/Summer 2009 15
From Iran to<strong>Western</strong>U<strong>Western</strong> <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Health</strong> <strong>Sciences</strong> student Bavand Youssefzadeh, COMP '11, examines "patient"Virginia Shannon, who emulates stomach pain during a standardized patient program for COMP.Students usually have 45 standardized patient encounters by the time they graduate.Escaping Iran in late 1986 might have been theeasiest part <strong>of</strong> Bavand Youssefzadeh’s life so far.Bavand, a DO ’11 student at <strong>Western</strong>U andclass president, said at about 4 years old hisfamily fled on a private plane to an area nearthe border <strong>of</strong> Pakistan. Eventually they traveledby car, switching vehicles regularly until theytraveled by camel to Pakistan. This happenedquickly after his father was released from jailfor one night.A Persian Jew, his father, Mansour, was jailedmany times, even on his birthday, Sept. 23,1982. “They arrested my dad because at themoment, the government, under the IslamicRepublic, was very unstable,” Bavand said.“The last time he was in jail, one <strong>of</strong> hisemployees printed up stuff against the Republicand that was the last straw.”Bavand described his father watching prisonersin front <strong>of</strong> him being executed. “My fatherrealized he knew one <strong>of</strong> the guards, who inturn knew the head <strong>of</strong>ficial and let him out forone night. He knew they eventually would gethim and they were going to kill him. Weescaped and left everything we had.”Eating crackers and riding smelly camels for 1416 <strong>Western</strong> <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Health</strong> <strong>Sciences</strong>
hours were some <strong>of</strong> his few memories during histravels through the desert.“I rode on a camel on my father’s back, my brotherhad his own and my sister was on my mom’s backriding her camel,” he said.They arrived in Karachi, Pakistan and stayed for threemonths. The Jewish Federationhelped them during their stayand provided relief to get themto Switzerland in early 1987,where they stayed for about ayear.“It was a horrible time <strong>of</strong> mylife,” Bavand said about his timein Switzerland, especially at aCatholic school where heattended. “I did not speak thelanguage, I only had one friendwho was an escapee, they wouldalways laugh at me and the nunsused to hit me every day.”“We finally came to America aslegal refugees,” Bavand said.“I remember the day we landedand seeing my uncles andcousins. I even remember asking my dad where wewere, and he said we are in America.” The familysettled in Arlington, Texas, because two <strong>of</strong> his uncles,who had just received engineering degrees, were livingthere.”I started kindergarten,” Bavand said <strong>of</strong> his first yearin school in America. “I was the last person to learnthe ABCs. I remember the day I learned them, I barelyeven knew them, and everyone was clapping.”In second grade he was put in ESL class (English as aSecond Language) which helped him get into gear andeventually get caught up academically. “In sixth gradeI was math king,” which continued through juniorhigh school, he said.“My father was doing very well for himself, owningconvenience and liquor stores, “Bavand said. “Thenmy father sold the businesses and had heart surgery.“When I was 16, my father lost everything investingin the stock market,” Bavand said. “That was a pivotalmoment for me. It forced me to help my family outand go to work. I got a job at BestBuy.“It was one <strong>of</strong> the best times I everhad,” he continued. “I got a sense <strong>of</strong>how to talk to people who are aboveme and in management.”Bavand also joined HOSA, <strong>Health</strong>Occupations Students <strong>of</strong> America,during his senior year. HOSA helpspromote career opportunities in thehealth care industry. “We would gothrough different hospitals androtate with different doctors everyother day,” he said. “It was a goodeye opener and it tweaked myinterest.”Bavand went to college, majoring inbiochemistry at Baylor <strong>University</strong> inWaco, Texas, a 90 minute drive fromhome. To support himself, he continued to work atBest Buy full-time.Bavand postponed applying to medical school in orderto help his father run a convenience store in the“hood” <strong>of</strong> Fort Worth, Texas.Bavand worked at the convenience store seven days aweek for two and a half years because he did not wanthis parents to work the store at night. The area wasoverrun by gangs and drug dealers.“I think it was way worse in the ’hood, compared toPakistan or Switzerland,” Bavand said. “The first sixmonths, most people would not recognize you, theywouldn’t say ‘hi’. It took six months <strong>of</strong> saying hi tothem for them to get to know you and accept you.Continued on page 18<strong>Western</strong>U View Spring/Summer 2009 17
Continued from page 17“I think this experience gave me good insight <strong>of</strong> reallyhow it is in the inner city. For instance, how they treattheir bodies, the food they ate, drugs they take and tosee them sell food stamps to get those drugs,” Bavandsaid. “I think it would help me become a betterphysician and understand a different demographic.”Bavand applied to several medical schools, and oncehe was accepted to <strong>Western</strong>U, canceled the rest <strong>of</strong> hissecondary interviews.the Annual COMP Honors recently according to GiseleTackoor, JD, Assistant Dean for Student Affairs.Bavand works closely with Dr. Clinton Adams, Dean<strong>of</strong> COMP, and Tackoor. “They really want to knowwhat’s going on with their students. They are engagedwith student life, “he said. “Being able to be a liaisonbetween the two is very cool.”“He already exemplifies the characteristics <strong>of</strong> a COMPosteopathic physician who is caring, compassionateand willing to be a life-long learner,” Tackoor said.“Because <strong>of</strong> his background, Bavand relates well toMansour Youssefzadeh, left photo, father to <strong>Western</strong>U student Bavand Youssefzadeh. From left, Bavand; his mother Nahid;sister Bethi; and brother Babak in 1987 in Karachi, Pakistan. (Photo courtesy <strong>of</strong> Youssefzadeh family.)“Once you get into medical school, you are in yourown world,” Bavand said. “You could be anywhere.You’re kind <strong>of</strong> in a bubble. If you are going to be in abubble, the best place is Southern California.”During Bavand’s second semester in COMP, he ran forclass president.“I love being president <strong>of</strong> the class,” he said. “It’s areal great experience for me because I’ve had so manystudents come up to me and ask me for advice. It givesyou the option to know what is going on within yourclass and have the ability to impact your futurecolleagues.”Bavand has done such an excellent job representingthe student body, that he received the Dean’s Award atpeople <strong>of</strong> all ages and to those from various cultural,religious and pr<strong>of</strong>essional backgrounds.”Bavand is currently studying the gastrointestinalsystem.“The thing about osteopathic medicine is, everythingis inter-related,” Bavand said. “A lot <strong>of</strong> medical schoolsare going this way, teaching the holistic view. It’s coolbecause osteopathic medicine has been doing thatforever.“My past will help me with patient interactions,”Bavand said while reminiscing about the past and howhe is working to become a physician at <strong>Western</strong>U.“The experience I had gives me a good foundation.”— Jeff Malet18 <strong>Western</strong> <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Health</strong> <strong>Sciences</strong>
More Than Just a LibraryAs more and more students use the Internet in theirstudies, scouring source material online in the comfort<strong>of</strong> their own quarters, college libraries – home to thedated, hardbound, have-to-turn-the-page-to- use-itvariety <strong>of</strong> information -- are gradually becomingthings <strong>of</strong> the past. Right?Wrong, says Pat Vader. Really, really wrong, in fact.“Physical use <strong>of</strong> the library is up over the past year,”says Vader, director <strong>of</strong> the Harriet K. and PhilipPumerantz Library at <strong>Western</strong>U. What’s more,“Circulation <strong>of</strong> actualbooks is up and going up.Students say they like tohave the book in theirhands. It’s not the sameon the computer.”Students also appreciateone <strong>of</strong> the facility’straditional roles – as aplace to get away from itall. The library’s manyPat Vader, Director <strong>of</strong> theHarriet K. and Philip Pumerantz breakout rooms allowLibrary and Resource Center students to meet in smallgroups to hash out thefiner points <strong>of</strong> their studies. The building also hasample individual seating for those who simply likehanging out in the library to study, enjoy some peaceand quiet, or both.That’s not to say the library is resting on its traditionallaurels. In fact, it’s as leading-edge in terms <strong>of</strong>technology as any spot on campus, and more thanmany.Take “Chat With a Librarian,” for example. In daysgone by, library users would have cruised by thereference desk to find an expert capable <strong>of</strong> helpingthem find material. Now, such requests sometimescome from literally miles away over Yahoo! Messenger,MSN or GoogleTalk, all <strong>of</strong> which allow users to hookup with a reference librarian electronically.That online relationshipcan go a step farther thanksto Adobe Connect, whichhelps librarians and clientslook at the same Web pagesat the same time, liveonline -- a feature that’sespecially helpful for<strong>Western</strong>U’s distancelearningstudents, Vadersays.But as up-to-date as thoseservices sound – they wouldhave been consideredscience fiction 20 years ago– more traditional functions still play a huge role atthe Pumerantz Library.The library keeps thousands <strong>of</strong> books and journals onhand, which is a challenge thanks to space limitationsand journal subscription costs, which have risen asmuch as 11 percent over the past year. Challenging,too, is tracking down and purchasing key materialsthat are out <strong>of</strong> print or about to go out <strong>of</strong> print.“That’s a university-wide issue,” Vader notes.The addition <strong>of</strong> new colleges in 2009 means new lists<strong>of</strong> materials for the library to buy; prioritizing what’son those lists, then finding space for what getspurchased, brings on a whole new set <strong>of</strong> challenges.But even traditional functions get a new twist fromtime to time: Those who wish to see a referencelibrarian in person don’t necessarily need to go to thelibrary – a “house calls” program that started this fallmakes reference staff available for visits to faculty andstaff in their campus <strong>of</strong>fices from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.Monday through Friday.So much for becoming a thing <strong>of</strong> the past.“We don’t have any problem staying busy,” Vadersays. “And the students just keep on coming.”— Jeff Keating<strong>Western</strong>U View Spring/Summer 2009 19
The Pulse <strong>of</strong><strong>Western</strong>U HumanismBy S. Evadney Hamilton“In the final analysis, what a student can expect from the <strong>University</strong> is measured by thesuccess <strong>of</strong> our humanistic approach–one that requires an active partnership betweenstudents and the <strong>University</strong>…” – Philip Pumerantz, PhD, PresidentI“If humanism lies at the core <strong>of</strong> <strong>Western</strong>U’steachings,” I asked myself, “does the <strong>University</strong>fully understand what constitutes a humanisticapproach, and how is humanism personifiedthroughout the <strong>Western</strong>U campus community?Does humanism require a conscious effort, ordoes it occur effortlessly?” As it turns out, nomatter what the relationship—student,alumnus, faculty, staff, administrator, orexternal constituent—a person cannot describe<strong>Western</strong>U without speaking <strong>of</strong> its uniquehumanistic tradition. I have interacted withmany <strong>of</strong> <strong>Western</strong>U’s internal and externalconstituents, and, like most interpersonalcommunications, I have observed days wherehumanism is revered and days when its lightshines a bit dimmer underneath the tarnish <strong>of</strong>human imperfection.Is there a universal definition <strong>of</strong> <strong>Western</strong>Uhumanism? From those interviewed, I wassurprised to learn that despite their varyingexperiences or philosophies, the overall intent<strong>of</strong> their responses were similar. The collectivemeaning culled was that humanism is:• “Understanding the needs <strong>of</strong> others.• Cultural competency – understanding theperspectives <strong>of</strong> others, the world beyondourselves, and our differences.• Empathy.• Compassion.• Caring – expressing your care with othersand understanding the human condition andour individual connections.• Mutual respect – treating all people withdignity and respect; a way <strong>of</strong> life centered onhuman interest; and listening and concern –enhancing the environment <strong>of</strong> others.”How is <strong>Western</strong>U humanism embodied? Thefollowing concrete examples <strong>of</strong> humanism at itsbest provide insight on the types <strong>of</strong> interactionsour <strong>Western</strong>U family may emulate to increaseits humanistic pulse rate:• An alumna shared a scenario that focusedon the medical treatment <strong>of</strong> inmates from alocal prison and how suspension <strong>of</strong> one’sjudgment and attentive listening allows aphysician to see the person rather than thepatient.• A senior executive demonstrated how thesimplest humanistic gesture can deliver themost complex effect, like allowing ashopper to move ahead <strong>of</strong> you at thecheckout counter. Similar to the "gooddeeds" commercial series for LibertyMutual (an insurance firm) that illustratehumanism’s ripple effect, these simplegestures plant a humanistic seed.20 <strong>Western</strong> <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Health</strong> <strong>Sciences</strong>
Like the commercial tag line,“most people want to dothe right thing”; manyjust need someone toshow them how theright thing canbe achieved.• A facultymember spokeabout theservicesprovided by<strong>Western</strong>Ustudents, faculty,and staff via thePomonaCommunity <strong>Health</strong>Action Team(PCHAT), the Pomona<strong>Health</strong> Career Ladder(PHCL), <strong>Western</strong>U’s J-1Exchange Visitor Program,and the Veterinary AmbulatoryCommunity Service (VACS).Implications andConsequencesAssumptionspresuppositions,axioms, taking forgrantedPoint <strong>of</strong> Viewframes <strong>of</strong> reference,perspectives,orientationsConceptstheories,definitions, laws,principles, models• A student demonstrated how the consciousdecision to remove cultural biases and remain openmindedto the ideas and gestures <strong>of</strong> others canencourage interactive dialogue among classmatesand/or faculty members. This individual noted thatunderstanding that the diverse group <strong>of</strong> people on<strong>Western</strong>U’s campus is reflective <strong>of</strong> the diversity thatwill be encountered in patients as students engagein their roles as future health care pr<strong>of</strong>essionals.Where does <strong>Western</strong>U humanism g<strong>of</strong>rom here?The collective environmental components identifiedas critical to humanism were: honesty, trust, listening,self-assessment, open-mindedness, logical empathy,respect, an affinity for people, pr<strong>of</strong>essional growth,Elements<strong>of</strong>ThoughtUsed With Sensitivity to Universal Intellectual StandardsClarity → Accuracy → Depth → Breadth → SignificancePrecisionRelevancePurposegoals,objectivesInterpretationand Inferenceconclusions,solutionsQuestion at issueproblem, issueInformationdata, facts,observations,experiencesgoodwill/grace, humor,collaborative learning,removing competition,encouraging teambuilding,andemulation <strong>of</strong>desired behavior.Following are keytraits that shouldbe incorporatedby our <strong>Western</strong>Ufamily as weexamine ourindividualhumanistic pulserates and make aconscientious effortto function at ahigher level <strong>of</strong> selfawareness.Incorporating thePlatinum Rule:The golden rule <strong>of</strong> “treating others asyou would like to be treated” was cited by manyinterviewees; however, one faculty member andcollege administrator spoke <strong>of</strong> the “platinum rule,”which asks you to examine “what is this personseeking from me?” and encourages you to “let othersknow that you understand them.” Unlike the goldenrule, which focuses on egocentric assumptions, theplatinum rule uses an altruistic approach tointeracting with others. The platinum rule deliversimprovement to one’s self, which in turn transfers toothers in our shared circles <strong>of</strong> influence.The Power <strong>of</strong> Active Listening:Desy Safán-Gerard, PhD—a Chilean-born artist andpsychoanalyst—astutely noted that “many <strong>of</strong> usachieve only the semblance <strong>of</strong> communication withContinued on page 22<strong>Western</strong>U View Spring/Summer 2009 21
Continued from page 21others; what we say is <strong>of</strong>ten not congruent with whatthe other has just said, and neither <strong>of</strong> us is aware thatwe are not communicating.” When we take the timeto actively listen, we gain the valuable gift <strong>of</strong>understanding others and opening ourselves and ourrespective paradigms for everyone’s betterment. AsMax Ehrmann—a poet and attorney—wrote in hispoem “Desiderata,” “…remember what peace theremay be in silence”; there is a sense <strong>of</strong> peace thatengulfs not just the active listener, but also thespeaker, for each <strong>of</strong> us has a desire to be truly heard.Active listening is the conduit by which positiveaction can occur, and thus humanism.The Role <strong>of</strong> Critical Thinking:Critical thinking plays a pivotal role in theactualization <strong>of</strong> humanism, particularly whenincorporating the environmental components <strong>of</strong>selflessness, open-mindedness, respect, and grace.Critical thinking removes the negative aspects createdby egocentric thinking and encourages a morealtruistic forum for true collaborative exchange.Drs. Linda Elder and Richard Paul, in “The MiniatureGuide to Critical Thinking Concepts and Tools” notethat: “egocentric thinking results from theunfortunate fact that humans do not naturallyconsider the rights and needs <strong>of</strong> others…[or] thelimitations in their own point <strong>of</strong> view. They becomeexplicitly aware <strong>of</strong> their egocentric thinking only iftrained to do so…” As indicated in the chart on page21, the processes involved in critical thinking removeegocentric perspectives, encourage an understanding<strong>of</strong> others, promote open dialogue and team-building,and thus create the best humanistic environment.The Integral Relationship <strong>of</strong> Dissension toHumanistic Cooperation:As poignantly noted by one faculty member, “criticaldebate is fundamental to the scientific method, whosepremise is based on testing to falsify or contradict ahypothesis rather than prove it.” This individualfurther noted that cooperation is best achieved when“dialogue encourages and embraces critical debate,and strength is achieved from voicing individual, andat times, differing opinions while exploring issues toachieve resolutions for the greater good.”Disagreement when examined rationally andconscientiously provides insight into the besthumanistic and cooperative method.What are the benefits <strong>of</strong> <strong>Western</strong>U humanism?Most participants noted that the dominant benefitswere a happier sense <strong>of</strong> self, a sense <strong>of</strong> value, wellbeing,stress reduction, a greater sense <strong>of</strong> connectionto others, enhanced physical, mental and emotionalhealth, open communication, and trust. The greatesthumanistic benefit is the sense <strong>of</strong> freedom andownership imparted to recipients, which ultimatelyboosts their respective productivity levels and loyalty.As authors James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner notein “A Leader’s Legacy,”…”Let’s all have the humility toremember where we started…the humanity to <strong>of</strong>ferothers the same…When the time comes for them tospeak <strong>of</strong> your legacy, is there anything better to beremembered for than ‘You made me want to be abetter person’?”<strong>Western</strong>U’s humanism, at its best, makes each member<strong>of</strong> our <strong>Western</strong>U family “want to be a better person,” afundamental element to the <strong>University</strong>’s uniquenessand success. As one interviewee eloquently noted,<strong>Western</strong>U’s humanism is “shaping a new culture thatis shared across disciplines and centered on itscommonalities <strong>of</strong> service, respect, and quality.” Today,the collective pulse <strong>of</strong> <strong>Western</strong>U’s humanism is strong,and the <strong>University</strong> is equipped to address theindividual challenges necessary to span itshumanism—far into the future—through its students,alumni, faculty, and staff.S. Evadney Hamilton is Academic Affairs’Executive Relations Associate22 <strong>Western</strong> <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Health</strong> <strong>Sciences</strong>
MESSAGE FROM THE DEANCollege <strong>of</strong> OsteopathicMedicine <strong>of</strong> the PacificWilliam Anderson, DO, past president <strong>of</strong> the AmericanOsteopathic Association, was awarded the Doctorate <strong>of</strong>Humane Letters after a stirring and bluntly provocativecommencement speech.Dr. Anderson was born in Americus, GA, barely one-and-ahalfgenerations removed from slavery. He dreamed <strong>of</strong>becoming a physician, and one day his father introduced himto his family physician, who was an osteopath. Aftershadowing Willie Joe Reese, DO, Dr. Anderson said, “I want tobe just like him.”Clinton E. Adams, DO, MPA, FACHEThe rest is history. Dr. Anderson completed his medicaltraining and moved back to Georgia, where he befriendedMartin Luther King, Jr. and Ralph Abernathy, and became thefocus <strong>of</strong> the Albany Movement.His message to the College <strong>of</strong> Osteopathic Medicine <strong>of</strong> thePacific’s 195 graduates was “live the dream <strong>of</strong> service to thecommunity in which you live.” Osteopathic medicine’sholistic approach prepares the graduate to fulfill the COMPmission statement <strong>of</strong> becoming a caring, compassionate,lifelong learnerwith thedistinctiveosteopathicphilosophy.We are trulygrateful for rolemodels thatinspire us bytheir actions,deeds andsacrifices.<strong>Western</strong>U View Fall/Winter 2008 23
MESSAGE FROM THE DEANCollege <strong>of</strong>Allied <strong>Health</strong> Pr<strong>of</strong>essionsIn the College <strong>of</strong> Allied <strong>Health</strong> Pr<strong>of</strong>essions, Interpr<strong>of</strong>essionalEducation (IPE) has enhanced our didactic and clinicalcurricula by providing and promoting a team approach topatient care and health-care management. Here’s how we’reaccomplishing our IPE goals.• Drs. Redman-Bentley, Gugelchuk and Harmerpresented a poster at the American Physical TherapyAssociation Combined Sections Meeting in LasVegas titled “Four Approaches to a Case-BasedInterpr<strong>of</strong>essional Education Curriculum:A Randomized Control Trial (2-2009).”• Physical Therapy faculty/students worked as a team inMexico with other health care pr<strong>of</strong>essionals, andfaculty published collaborative research.Stephanie D. Bowlin, PA-C, EdD• Physician Assistant faculty provided lectures toPhysical Therapy students on Hematologic/Medicallab findings, lectures to College <strong>of</strong> OsteopathicMedicine students on X-Ray interpretation/preventable medicine, and lectures tonursing students on pathophysiology. One facultymember is working with the College <strong>of</strong> Optometryto provide a venipuncture workshop for practicingoptometrists.• <strong>Health</strong> <strong>Sciences</strong> students participated in a variety <strong>of</strong>health education presentations at the first <strong>Western</strong>UIPE <strong>Health</strong> Fair, where community members wereprovided resources on local health and humanservices. They also presented lectures/presentationson a variety <strong>of</strong> wellness topics: best practices innutrition, healthy lifestyle choices, prevention <strong>of</strong>heart disease, and intervention and prevention <strong>of</strong>family violence.24 <strong>Western</strong> <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Health</strong> <strong>Sciences</strong>
MESSAGE FROM THE DEANCollege <strong>of</strong> PharmacyEach year we celebrate the graduation <strong>of</strong> another group <strong>of</strong>outstanding young pharmacists who will face challenges andopportunities that we could not imagine. The future is trulyin their hands as they discover new ways <strong>of</strong> improvinghealth care outcomes and controlling health care spending.They will implement new systems to improve drug safety,and they will be a voice for positive change in thepr<strong>of</strong>ession.I am proud to say that our graduates are well prepared t<strong>of</strong>ace the future. They have received the finest in pharmacyeducation thanks in large part to the faculty and staff whowork tirelessly to deliver one <strong>of</strong> the most challenging andinnovative curricula in the country.Daniel Robinson, PharmDThis year we celebrated receiving continued fullaccreditation status through June 2013. Our graduates haveattained a 100 percent pass rate on the national licensingexam in three <strong>of</strong> the past four years, and our entering classfor 2009 promises to one <strong>of</strong> the best ever.I extend my heartfelt thanks to our alumni, friends andcorporate sponsors, who help us achieve our goals throughtheir generous and continuing support.<strong>Western</strong>U View Fall/Winter 2008 25
MESSAGE FROM THE DEANCollege <strong>of</strong>Graduate NursingThe College <strong>of</strong> Graduate Nursing continues to expand its<strong>of</strong>ferings to meet the nursing workforce needs in our state.Dean Hanford, Dr. Diana Lithgow and Dr. Jan Boller havebeen the driving forces behind the launch <strong>of</strong> a much-neededprogram for associate degree-prepared nurses to achieve aMaster <strong>of</strong> Science degree and advance the educationalworkforce in our state. California has a very high percentage<strong>of</strong> nurses prepared at the associate degree level (more than70 percent), and while this meets the need for “front line”nurses, it does not prepare long-term strategies to increasenursing leaders and faculty for our state and pr<strong>of</strong>ession.Karen Hanford, EdD, MSN, FNPCGN has a niche in this market due to <strong>of</strong>fering high-qualityprograms that are Web-based, with two campus sessions persemester. This format provides a unique advantage forworking pr<strong>of</strong>essional nurses to advance their educationwhile maintaining their employment.CGN continues to be a leader in Southern California andbeyond. The Doctor <strong>of</strong> Nursing Program will admit its thirdclass in fall 2009, and the applicant pool has increased,demonstrating the need for the program and highlighting itsexcellent reputation.26 <strong>Western</strong> <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Health</strong> <strong>Sciences</strong>
MESSAGE FROM THE DEANCollege <strong>of</strong>Veterinary MedicineThe concept <strong>of</strong> “One Medicine, One <strong>Health</strong>” seems to havebecome a phrase in vogue in the medical community. It iscertainly not a new concept. Long before the development<strong>of</strong> clinical specialization in human and veterinary medicine,many early medical discoveries were achieved in large partbased on concepts developed in comparative medicine.Phillip Nelson, DVM, PhDVeterinary medicine provides critical contributions to thepublic’s health care system in a variety <strong>of</strong> ways. By providingcritical oversight in food safety, or preventing emerginginfectious and zoonotic diseases from entering our country,or maintaining the health <strong>of</strong> our pet population to reduce orprevent the transference <strong>of</strong> diseases from animal to man,veterinarians are on the front lines <strong>of</strong> an integrated healthcare system that works best when all participants work forthe public good.The continual refinement <strong>of</strong> specialization in human andveterinary medicine places considerable strain on effectivecommunication between the medical pr<strong>of</strong>essions. TheCollege <strong>of</strong> Veterinary Medicine believes that by participatingin the newly developed IPEcurriculum, <strong>Western</strong>U willproduce graduates thatunderstand and appreciatethe skills and talentsprovided by each pr<strong>of</strong>ession(including veterinarymedicine) to the public’shealth care system.<strong>Western</strong>U View Fall/Winter 2008 27
MESSAGE FROM THE DEANCollege <strong>of</strong>Dental MedicineIt has been a rewarding and exciting year as we continue toprepare to welcome our inaugural class <strong>of</strong> students in August2009.Our specialized accreditation site visit was conducted inOctober 2008 and resulted in no recommendations and nosuggestions. As a result, we received initial accreditationfrom the Commission on Dental Accreditation in January2009.We received more than 2,300 student applications throughthe national application service; members <strong>of</strong> our AdmissionsCommittee conducted a “whole file” review <strong>of</strong> applicants;we interviewed more than 300 highly qualified candidates;the entering class was filled early in March; and we havedeveloped a robust pool <strong>of</strong> alternates.James J. Koelbl, DDS, MS, MJWe continue to add faculty members with unique and variedskills, including an oral pathologist; an oral radiologist; anda DDS/PhD who is conducting exciting research on geneticmarkers. Thanks to the efforts <strong>of</strong> many individuals withinthe <strong>University</strong> and the College, we have had great success infundraising. As part <strong>of</strong> a $5.1-million pledge to the<strong>University</strong> by Drs. Daljit and Elaine Sarkaria,the College will receive $1 million to createits first endowed pr<strong>of</strong>essorship. We have alsoseen the establishment <strong>of</strong> our very firstScholarship Fund.The College <strong>of</strong> Dental Medicine is pleased tobe part <strong>of</strong> <strong>Western</strong> <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Health</strong><strong>Sciences</strong>, and we look forward to workingwith all the members <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Western</strong>U teamto help continue the <strong>University</strong>’s tradition <strong>of</strong>excellence and caring.28 <strong>Western</strong> <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Health</strong> <strong>Sciences</strong>
MESSAGE FROM THE DEANCollege <strong>of</strong> OptometryOn August 3, 2009, I will have the privilege <strong>of</strong> welcoming thenewest members <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Western</strong>U family when the inauguralclass <strong>of</strong> the College <strong>of</strong> Optometry arrives for orientation week.We are very excited to see the hard work preparing for thismoment finally pay <strong>of</strong>f.What kind <strong>of</strong> person will we see in the entering class? Wehave all <strong>of</strong> the usual statistics about undergraduate GPA,scores on admissions tests, home state, gender, etc., but thesestatistics don’t capture that “something special” that comeswith being part <strong>of</strong> the first-ever class.Elizabeth Hoppe, OD, MPH, DrPHPhotographs hung in the hallway <strong>of</strong> the Student ServicesCenter show the start <strong>of</strong> the College <strong>of</strong> Osteopathic Medicine<strong>of</strong> the Pacific. My favorite photo is <strong>of</strong> the inauguralgraduating class, who earned their degrees on June 13, 1982.Every time I look at this photo, I think about how brave thesemen and women were to join a new program. All <strong>of</strong> therespect and admiration that I have for that bold group <strong>of</strong>individuals also applies to the College <strong>of</strong> Optometry’sinaugural class. What an amazing and special group <strong>of</strong> peoplethis will be. I can’t wait to welcome them to the family!<strong>Western</strong>U View Spring/Summer 2009 29
MESSAGE FROM THE DEANCollege <strong>of</strong>Podiatric MedicineYears ago, Nancy Sinatra sang, “These boots are made forwalking.” However, boots or any kind <strong>of</strong> footwear won’t getus very far without healthy feet and ankles. While mostAmericans have visited their family doctor, dentist andoptometrist, far fewer have seen a podiatrist. Consequently,most pre-health students are unaware <strong>of</strong> the opportunity fora prestigious, rewarding occupation in podiatric medicine.According to a survey completed by the APMA in 2008, ourpr<strong>of</strong>ession guarantees graduates one <strong>of</strong> the highest averagesalaries in the medical field, with a wide range <strong>of</strong> practiceoptions, including surgery. To “Keep America Walking,”<strong>Western</strong>U is committed to recruiting the best and brighteststudents to meet our nation’s increasing need for lowerextremitycare.Lawrence Harkless, DPMIf you know <strong>of</strong> a friend or family member considering afuture in the health pr<strong>of</strong>essions, please recommend them tous for a happy, satisfying career keeping our agingpopulation functioning.30 <strong>Western</strong> <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Health</strong> <strong>Sciences</strong>
MESSAGE FROM THE DEANGraduate College <strong>of</strong>Biomedical ResearchFollowing years <strong>of</strong> concerted planning, I am delighted toannounce that <strong>Western</strong> <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Health</strong> <strong>Sciences</strong> hasreceived interim approval from the <strong>Western</strong> Association <strong>of</strong>Schools and Colleges (WASC) to establish a Master <strong>of</strong><strong>Sciences</strong> degree program in biomedical sciences, paving theway for <strong>Western</strong>U's ninth college to open: the GraduateCollege <strong>of</strong> Biomedical <strong>Sciences</strong> (GCBS). I am proud to serveas the founding Dean <strong>of</strong> the college.WASC’s Substantive Change Committee commended the<strong>University</strong> for “the well-conceived and appropriateinstitutional learning outcomes that it has developed.” Thiswas high praise for our application and validated the efforts<strong>of</strong> many individuals from <strong>University</strong> Academic Affairs,college faculty and our senior leadership team.Steven Henriksen, PhDWASC’s approval allows us to recruit our founding class <strong>of</strong>graduate students. We plan to matriculate our founding classin Spring 2010, coinciding with the planned occupation <strong>of</strong>the new <strong>Health</strong> Education Center and its state-<strong>of</strong>-art fourthfloor research laboratories, which will provide outstandingresearch opportunities for the founding class.Our innovative curriculum, with itsstrong focus on research relevant for thebiotechnology, pharmaceutical and bioinstrumentationfields, will givegraduates a knowledge base relevant forindustry and academia.<strong>Western</strong>U View Spring/Summer 2009 31
Commencement<strong>Western</strong> <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Health</strong> <strong>Sciences</strong> held commencement ceremonies for its five colleges32 <strong>Western</strong> <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Health</strong> <strong>Sciences</strong>
2009on May 14-15, 2009 at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, conferring degrees upon 658 students.Photos by Jeff Malet<strong>Western</strong>U View Spring/Summer 2009 33
PROFILEMatt Wedel, PhD, poses with anApatosaurus thigh bone.It’s In His BonesA National Geographic cover story ondinosaurs sparked Matt Wedel’s imaginationwhen he was 3 years old.Most kids grow out <strong>of</strong> their fascination withdinosaurs. Wedel made a career <strong>of</strong> it.Wedel, PhD, teaches gross anatomy for theCollege <strong>of</strong> Osteopathic Medicine <strong>of</strong> thePacific and serves as COMP’s liaison with theCollege <strong>of</strong> Podiatric Medicine. He came to<strong>Western</strong>U with his wife, Vicki Wedel, PhD,also an anatomy pr<strong>of</strong>essor as well as aforensic anthropologist, in September 2008.“Originally I was excited about theexploration aspect,” he said <strong>of</strong> his interest indinosaurs. “These extinct animals essentiallylived on a different planet. But it’s a worldwe could explore through the fossil record.”He specializes in sauropods – behemothssuch as Brachiosaurus - and air-filled bones,which he uses to track the origins <strong>of</strong>dinosaurs’ respiratory systems.“I’m never going to find fossilized lungs, so Ilook at indirect evidence,” Wedel said. “I’mwringing as much evidence as possible out<strong>of</strong> evidence limited by what Mother Naturegives us. I’m using fossils as a time machineor tool to examine a lost world.”Air-filled bones are the footprint <strong>of</strong> bird-likerespiratory systems, and sauropods had airfilledbones similar to birds.34 <strong>Western</strong> <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Health</strong> <strong>Sciences</strong>
Modern birds have a far more efficient breathingsystem than humans. When birds inhale, some <strong>of</strong> theair bypasses the lungs and enters posterior air sacs.Each breath is in a bird for two full cycles, and thebird gets fresh air into its lungs while inhaling andexhaling.Wedel is studying birds to better understand therespiratory system <strong>of</strong> dinosaurs. Sauropods had agrowth rate faster than elephants.“If you want fast growth, you need a respiratorysystem that supplies enough oxygen,” Wedel said.This also leads to a betterunderstanding <strong>of</strong> living animals.“A lot <strong>of</strong> great basic anatomy isdescribed because <strong>of</strong>paleontologists,” Wedel said.“I am falling into doing novelresearch in birds because they’rethe only dinosaurs I can get myhands on and play with.”A project Wedel is working onwith Elizabeth Rega, PhD,COMP associate pr<strong>of</strong>essor <strong>of</strong>anatomy, provides anotherexample <strong>of</strong> studying the presentto understand the past. They arelooking into the abundance <strong>of</strong>fused vertebrae in sauropods.They are in an enviable positionbecause they can ask theircolleagues in the College <strong>of</strong> Veterinary Medicine to seehorse skeletons, Rega said. They will also examinemany other animals, such as alligators and cows, asthey investigate the reasons for these fusions.“Each question brings up a bigger question,” she said.Not only are dinosaurs big, they get really big reallyquickly. The growth rates in really large dinosaurs likeApatosaurus or T. rex, which reached full size in under20 years, are at the extremes <strong>of</strong> what is observed inliving animals, Rega said.These vertebral fusions may be a consequence orfootprint <strong>of</strong> bone biology, according to Wedel. Theywill look at many different living animals, becauseextinct dinosaurs are not exactly like anything else.This drive to satisfy their curiosity points to anotherbenefit <strong>of</strong> his job.“To go out and answer a question you’re curious abouthas to be one <strong>of</strong> most enjoyable experiences you canhave,” Wedel said.He teaches human anatomy to his COMP students,but he injects his own expertise into his lessons.“When I’m teaching students, myresponsibility is to teach humananatomy, but I try to sneak inevolution and development,where parts <strong>of</strong> the body camefrom, to broaden their horizons,”Wedel stated. “Humans areamazing and special, but we’realso just big, smelly mammals.No sense trying to hide from it.We can’t help our evolutionaryhistory – but we can learn fromit.”He continues to be active in thefield. Wedel believes that workingon site is hard on the body butgood for the soul.“When I get out to the field, allthat matters is what I’m doingright at that moment,” he remarked.Once, at a site in southeast Oklahoma, unearthing adinosaur hand took much longer than expected.“We found a rib cage buried vertically, so we dug a6-foot-deep hole, which took two days,” Wedel said.“Part <strong>of</strong> the excitement is you don’t know what you’regoing to get. It’s 110 degrees. I’m covered in bugs. It’slike trying to work covered with a hot, wet blanket.But none <strong>of</strong> that matters once you find something.It’s unbelievably exciting to find part <strong>of</strong> a livinganimal from 110 million years ago.” — Rodney Tanaka<strong>Western</strong>U View Spring/Summer 2009 35
PROFILEDr. Vicki Wedel helpsidentify unsolvedmurder victimsthrough forensicanthropology.Speaking for the DeadFFor 37 years she was Jane Doe, victim <strong>of</strong> anunsolved murder in Central California, buriedin an anonymous grave.But with the specialized help <strong>of</strong> Vicki Wedel,PhD, assistant pr<strong>of</strong>essor <strong>of</strong> anatomy at<strong>Western</strong>U’s College <strong>of</strong> Osteopathic Medicine <strong>of</strong>the Pacific, she was identified as Mary AliceWilley and given a proper burial with family inattendance.“It was really rewarding, because you neverwant a loved one <strong>of</strong> yours in that predicament,the limbo <strong>of</strong> not being identified,” Wedel said.“Now the family can mourn the loss and erecta proper headstone, and provide detectives asmuch information as they knew surroundingher disappearance.”Wedel is a forensic anthropologist.She examines skeletons and determines theirage at the time <strong>of</strong> death, as well as their stature,sex, ancestry and whether disease or traumacontributed to their death. Her research focuseson the practical application <strong>of</strong> determining theinterval between when they died and whenthey were found.“My lab is the only lab in the worlddetermining the season at the time <strong>of</strong> deathfrom a cross section <strong>of</strong> teeth,” she said. “Teethhave rings like tree rings. The bands are light inthe summer and dark in the winter.”She does not determine cause and manner <strong>of</strong>death, nor does she positively identify people.That’s the medical examiner’s mandate and is aprocess that usually involves dental records orDNA.36 <strong>Western</strong> <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Health</strong> <strong>Sciences</strong>
“The type <strong>of</strong> information I provide is to limit thenumber <strong>of</strong> missing person records they’re combingthrough,” she said.With Mary Alice, Wedel’s expertise led investigators toa different set <strong>of</strong> missing person records. Willey wasmurdered in 1971; her body was found in the DeltaMendota Canal. Her age at the time <strong>of</strong> death wasestimated at 15 to 20 years old.After an examination, Dr. Wedel estimated her age atbetween 23 and 30, not 15 and 20. That age rangeresulted in a completely new avenue <strong>of</strong> investigation,since police originally thought she might be arunaway, said Kristi Ah You, Chief Deputy Coroner forthe Stanislaus County Coroner's Office.“One <strong>of</strong> the things I found most interesting, I saw herteeth, very white and very straight, and she lookedlike she was very well cared for during her life,” AhYou said.Wedel, who at the time worked at UC Merced, waspart <strong>of</strong> a team that helped determine Willey’s identity.Sculptor Gloria Nusse <strong>of</strong> Clay & Bones re-createdWilley’s face based on forensic evidence and aphotograph taken after her death.James Ehleringer <strong>of</strong> IsoForensics Inc. performed anisotope analysis <strong>of</strong> Willey’s hair segments, which toldinvestigators that she had been consuming water inthe local region over the last 12 months <strong>of</strong> her life, AhYou said.Her information was placed into the Doe Network(www.doenetwork.org), an international center forunidentified and missing persons, and NamUs(www.NamUs.gov), the National Missing andUnidentified Persons System.Corey Oiesen, Willey’s first cousin once removed, hadspent hundreds <strong>of</strong> hours in the past decade searchingfor her. While Google searching “Jane Doe 1971,” shefinally came across an online newspaper story aboutthe case.She contacted Ah You on July 22, 2008. With amitochondrial DNA sample and presumptive factorspresented, Mary Alice Willey finally got her name backafter 37 years as Jane Doe.Willey was reburied on Halloween with a properheadstone. Homicide detectives are continuing theirinvestigation into her murder.“We have a lot <strong>of</strong> work to do, but it’s very gratifyingto bring thefamily backand, throughestablishedpartners,provide aburial at nocost,”StanislausCounty SheriffAdamChristiansonsaid. “This wasa communitybasedresponseto a violenthomicide. It’sbeen verygratifying andvery rewardingto help bringthis familysome closure.”Wedel hasconsulted for10 years for 18NorthernCalifornia“ My lab is the only labin the worlddetermining theseason at the time <strong>of</strong>death from a crosssection <strong>of</strong> teeth. Teethhave rings like treerings. The bands arelight in the summerand dark in the winter.-- Vicki Wedel, PhD“counties. She also contributed to the analysis in theLaci Peterson case.“I let local medical examiners and the coroner’s <strong>of</strong>ficeknow I’m available,” she said. “There are about 150people doing this across the country. There areprobably eight to 10 <strong>of</strong> us in California, so we’respread pretty thin.”Continued on page 38<strong>Western</strong>U View Spring/Summer 2009 37
Continued from page 37Wedel has also been named to DMORT, one<strong>of</strong> nine teams across the country thatset up portable morgues in thewake <strong>of</strong> disasters, both naturaland man-made. Each teamhas forensic specialistsput on ready status anddeployed if there issignificant loss<strong>of</strong> life.Her adviser was puton standby afterthe Twin Towerswere struck in theSept. 11, 2001terrorist attacks,but West Coastteams were kepton standby incase somethinghappened in thisregion.“She wasn’t deployed,but we shared a sense <strong>of</strong>helplessness that wecouldn’t be there to use skillsthat could help get remainsprocessed more quickly,” Wedelsaid. “When the next tsunami orhurricane hits, DMORT will be deployed.”Wedel was a biochemistry pre-med major in college,then decided she was most interested in deceasedpatients. She completed her criminal justice master’sdegree, then served a practicum in the Office <strong>of</strong> theChief Medical Examiner in Oklahoma City.“During the federal (Oklahoma City) buildingbombing trial, I spent the summer working deathscenes,” she said. “I was most interested in piles <strong>of</strong>bones in the woods and how they got dead.”She teaches gross anatomy and head andneck anatomy to first-year DOstudents in COMP. She uses thephrase “get dead” in teachingand training to focus aperson’s mind on aninstance <strong>of</strong>, say, bluntforce trauma, instead<strong>of</strong> the moment <strong>of</strong>violence for theperson.“There’ssomethingevocative aboutsaying she wasshot executionstyle,but whenyou’re teachingand trainingstudents, doingtraining for the FBIevidence recoveryteam, you wantpeople focusing on theentrance and exit <strong>of</strong> agunshot wound, not themore emotional aspects <strong>of</strong> thecrime,” Wedel said. “There is atime and place to do teaching andtraining in how to cope with the traumaand violence you see, but not in context <strong>of</strong> theanalysis itself.”Wedel also hopes to establish grant funding forsummer internships that will bring students into herlab to learn forensic anthropology.“I’m paying forward experiences I was given,” shesaid. “You can’t know if you’re going to be good atsomething until you get in the trenches and do it.”— Rodney Tanaka38 <strong>Western</strong> <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Health</strong> <strong>Sciences</strong>
Research Exchange<strong>Western</strong> <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong><strong>Health</strong> <strong>Sciences</strong> is buildingan international researchreputation by bringing inscholars from around theworld to work withfaculty on projects withglobal impact.Ibrahim Mohamed Ahmed El-Sabagh, PhDTwo research scholars are currently on campusthrough the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program.Natarajan Venkatesan, PhD, from Chennai,India, is working with Guru Betageri, PhD,Pr<strong>of</strong>essor <strong>of</strong> Pharmaceutical <strong>Sciences</strong> for theCollege <strong>of</strong> Pharmacy and Assistant Dean for theGraduate College <strong>of</strong> Biomedical <strong>Sciences</strong>, ondrug delivery systems using liposomes.Ibrahim Mohamed Ahmed El-Sabagh, PhD,MSc, from Cairo, Egypt, is studying theimmune response <strong>of</strong> birds to avian influenzawith Ellen Collisson, PhD, Pr<strong>of</strong>essor <strong>of</strong>Microbiology for the College <strong>of</strong> VeterinaryMedicine.Collisson visited El-Sabagh’s colleagues at the<strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> Cairo, which led to his <strong>Western</strong>Uresearch visit. Obtaining tissue cultures andother materials for research is cheaper andeasier than in Egypt, El-Sabagh said. Obtainingthe materials takes longer in Egypt, so theresearch takes a lot <strong>of</strong> time, he said.“I am very glad and very appreciative,”El-Sabagh said. “The progress <strong>of</strong> my work ismore rapid than in Egypt. The system isoptimized, so it gives me a chance to progressin my research as soon as possible.”El-Sabagh has added to researchers’understanding <strong>of</strong> avian influenza, Collissonsaid. He is a really easy person to work withand very hard working, he knows a lot <strong>of</strong> basicvirology, and has a lot <strong>of</strong> competence in theseareas, she said.Egypt has reported outbreaks <strong>of</strong> H5 avian virus,known as “bird flu.” The goal <strong>of</strong> this research isto increase the effectiveness <strong>of</strong> vector vaccines.40 <strong>Western</strong> <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Health</strong> <strong>Sciences</strong>
“It’s a biosecurity threat, so it’simportant to work with countries thathave the virus so we can help themcontain it,” Collisson said.Venkatesan is also working onresearch that cuts across countries andcultures – cancer treatments. Hebecame familiar with Betageri’s workon drug delivery systems through hispublications and patents.Working with a well-establishedresearcher speeds up the process <strong>of</strong>obtaining necessary materials andresources, Venkatesan said.“It’s better when somebody is already working on thatarea,” Venkatesan said. “He established his own lab,which is convenient for me. I’m not able to get thingsdone as fast elsewhere.”Betageri’s research involves the use <strong>of</strong> liposomes toreduce the toxicity, and therefore the side effects, <strong>of</strong>chemotherapy.“Cancer drugs are very toxic, with very serious sideeffects,” Venkatesan said. “Using liposomes bringsdown toxicity and reduces side effects.”Venkatesan joined his laboratory in July 2008 as apost-doctoral fellow, Betageri said.“He has strong research background in formulationand drug delivery research,” Betageri said. “He hasworked in pharmaceutical companies as well asconducted post-doctoral research in Japan. He isassisting in developing novel formulations based onour patented technology, as well as working ondeveloping new technology to address problemsassociated with certain drug molecules. Hiscontribution to our research program is veryvaluable.”The J-1 Exchange Visitor Program is administered bythe U.S. Department <strong>of</strong> State's (DOS) Bureau <strong>of</strong>Educational and Cultural Affairs under the MutualEducational and Cultural Exchange Act<strong>of</strong> 1961. The purpose <strong>of</strong> the ExchangeVisitor Program is to promoteinternational educational and culturalexchange in order to develop mutualunderstanding between the people <strong>of</strong>the United States and other countries.Exchange visitors enter the UnitedStates in J-1 visa classification toparticipate in an educational or culturalprogram in a specific program categorysuch as a pr<strong>of</strong>essor, researcher,Natarajan Venkatesan, PhD specialist, or short-term scholar. Theprogram at <strong>Western</strong>U is managed by Jeannette Riley,<strong>University</strong> Policy and Procedure Administrator/J-1Program Responsible Officer.“The goal is to internationalize the campus, to becomeculturally aware,” Riley said. “We’re playing thecentral role in bringing international scholars to ourcampus. This represents the university’s commitmentto ensure students, faculty and staff the opportunity toplay a decisive role in the global community.”She ensures that <strong>Western</strong>U’s visiting researchers arecomfortable and properly adjust to a new culture.“My job is to acknowledge their customs, to make sureI understand and communicate in an appropriatemanner,” Riley said. “It’s a lot more than just bringinga scholar to our country. It’s truly a cultural exchange.They learn about us, we learn about them.”<strong>Western</strong>U students, faculty and administration willbenefit from learning about other cultures, and the J-1Exchange Program helps build <strong>Western</strong>U’sinternational reputation.“How we treat our visiting scholars is how they will goback to their country and talk about <strong>Western</strong>U,” Rileysaid. “It is important that we connect globally ineducation and research to prepare our futuregenerations for a global society. Communication at aglobal level is our effort toward world peace.”— Rodney Tanaka<strong>Western</strong>U View Spring/Summer 2009 41
PT Gets SMART,Studies BalanceTThe Physical Therapy Department at <strong>Western</strong><strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Health</strong> <strong>Sciences</strong> recentlypurchased the SMART Balance Master, amachine used for balance retraining andtesting.At least half <strong>of</strong> the U.S. population willexperience balance problems sometimeduring their lives, especially as they getolder, according tohttp://www.BalanceandMobility.com, a Website that helps increase awareness <strong>of</strong> balancedisorders and available treatment options.People rely on balance for everyday activitiessuch as shopping at a grocery store, bendingover to put on their shoes, walking throughtheir home and driving a car.“This piece <strong>of</strong> equipment dates back to workwith returning astronauts who experiencedbalance and dizziness deficits post-time inspace,” said Mary Hudson-McKinney, PT,DPT, NCS, Assistant Pr<strong>of</strong>essor <strong>of</strong> PhysicalTherapy Education. “It’s now used for a widevariety <strong>of</strong> patients with varying ages, frompediatric to geriatric, and wide variety <strong>of</strong>diagnoses, including individuals withorthopedic, neurologic, post-amputee,vestibular and balance dysfunction.”Dr. Hudson-McKinney completed heradvanced master’s degree in PhysicalTherapy at USC, collecting normative datausing this system. She also used the machineduring her clinical practice, and has a specialinterest in balance control, fall preventionand management strategies to reduce fall riskand improve function.The primary use will be collaborativeresearch, student preparation and education,42 <strong>Western</strong> <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Health</strong> <strong>Sciences</strong>
and to help complete “patient days” in the PTprogram when patients come in to work withstudents during their didactic preparation. Thestudents will now have access to the SMARTBalance Master for comprehensive assessment andtreatment, according to Dr. Hudson–McKinney.“More and more clinics are utilizing thisequipment in clinical practice. Our students willnow have an edge over other schools in their leveland degree <strong>of</strong> preparation,” Dr. Hudson-McKinneysaid.Several members from Physical Therapy Educationtook part in training when the system arrived,learning basic navigation <strong>of</strong> the menus. They alsoput Associate Pr<strong>of</strong>essor Casey Chaney, PT, PhD,ODC, CSCS, on the balance machine during aSensory Organization Test.During the test, Dr. Chaney said, “I’m doing realwell. This tells you I use my eyes a lot for balance,Whoa!”After being tested, she said she felt a littledisoriented, like she just got <strong>of</strong>f a boat but couldstill feel the motion <strong>of</strong> the water.The SMART Balance Master objectively identifiesabnormalities in the patient's use <strong>of</strong> the threesensory systems that contribute to balance control:sensation from the legs, vision, and the inner ear.More than one-third <strong>of</strong> all adults 65 and older falleach year. Costs are projected to reach $43.8 billionin non-fatal injuries by 2020, according to Dr.McKinney-Hudson.The College <strong>of</strong> Allied <strong>Health</strong> Pr<strong>of</strong>essions’ DeanStephanie Bowlin, Dr. Donna Redman-Bentley, andDr. Dee Schilling all played key roles in bringingthe system to <strong>Western</strong>U.“The equipment is designed for use by cliniciansand multidisciplinary teams,” said NicholasKostechko, III, Regional Sales Executive atNeuroCom International, Inc., the maker <strong>of</strong> theSMART Balance Master. “One <strong>of</strong> the primarybenefits <strong>of</strong> the product is that it provides completeassessment and patient management informationwhich increases the clinician’s efficiency andeffectiveness for patients with balanceimpairments.”The SMART BalanceMaster has definitecross-over ability toDO, optometry, andpodiatry programs, Dr.Hudson-McKinney said.The College <strong>of</strong>Optometry and theCollege <strong>of</strong> PodiatricMedicine both expressed interest in collaborativeresearch, depending on their new faculty, Redman-Bentley said.“We are hopeful that those colleges may be able toassist with acquisition <strong>of</strong> additional apparatus forthis basic system to expand our research andteaching opportunities,” she said.Dr. Chaney and Dr. Vicki Graham will travel toPortland, Ore., sometime in the summer foradditional training at NeuroCom’s headquartersduring a collaborative training session with otherphysical therapists from across the country.Students started to utilize the SMART BalanceMaster in a few classes such as “Evaluation &Treatment <strong>of</strong> Neurological Disorders” and“Differential Diagnosis <strong>of</strong> Neurological Disorders.”If you are interested in a self evaluation to helpdetermine if you may be at a risk for a fall, checkout the Balance Self Test onhttp://www.balanceandmobility.com/patient_info/printout.aspx.— Jeff Malet<strong>Western</strong>U View Spring/Summer 2009 43
<strong>Western</strong>U HonorsFirst-year Pomona<strong>Health</strong> CareerLadder StudentsIImagine knowing you want to be a doctor, aveterinarian or a pharmacist at the age <strong>of</strong> 11or 12. Now imagine being <strong>of</strong>fered an earlystart to that education.A group <strong>of</strong> Pomona Unified School Districtsixth-graders were recognized for completingthe first year <strong>of</strong> Pomona <strong>Health</strong> CareerLadder Sixth-Grade Academies. <strong>Western</strong><strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Health</strong> <strong>Sciences</strong> held its finalsession along with an awards presentationfor 11 students Saturday, April 25, 2009 oncampus in Pomona.Academy student Lucy Saldivar, who wantsto be a veterinarian, anxiously rummagedthrough the green bag she received withgoodies like a <strong>Western</strong>U T-shirt and a reflexhammer. She looked to her grandmother andtold her she was really excited, and had beenwaiting for this very moment.“It’s a wonderful feeling. I’m really happybecause I get to see her go into a medicalfield,” said Lucy Lambaren, Saldivar’sgrandmother. “She’s always rushed and readyto go on the day <strong>of</strong> these classes. I see awonderful future for her.”PUSD and <strong>Western</strong>U partnered withCalifornia State Polytechnic <strong>University</strong>,Pomona, in guiding students through theireducation and into careers as health careproviders.The first year <strong>of</strong> the program, which beganin the 2008-09 academic year, consisted <strong>of</strong>six monthly academies held on campus at<strong>Western</strong>U, starting in October, said Dr.Elizabeth Rega, associate pr<strong>of</strong>essor <strong>of</strong>anatomy and director for PHCL. Studentsand their parents were introduced to careersin medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy,physician assistant, veterinary medicine,podiatry, optometry and dentistry.Pipeline to <strong>Health</strong> Careers (PHC), aninterpr<strong>of</strong>essional club on campus, with44 <strong>Western</strong> <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Health</strong> <strong>Sciences</strong>
experiences in high school outreach, helpedcoordinate each Saturday academy with the help <strong>of</strong>volunteers. Brian Kellert, DO ’11, past clubpresident, Brenda Moore, DO ’11, past vicepresident, and other Pipeline to <strong>Health</strong> Careers clubmembers organized the student workshops aroundthat month’s theme.“It’s always worth the effort, and hugely rewardingto see parents excited about their kids’ experiencesand opportunities, and to see the kids learn usefulinformation while enjoying themselves,” Mooresaid. “Over the course <strong>of</strong> the year, I’ve seen kidswho were strangers in October become friends whoare excited to learn, excited to talk to their parentsand excited to teach their friends and brothers orsisters.”The students who graduated will enter next year’sAcademy, which will begin in September, and havegreater responsibilities as seventh-graders. They willbe known as biochemical scholars, will receivewhite coats, and will be asked to design a workshopand teach the incoming sixth-graders.“Kids are the reason I come,” said Ben Lee, DO ’12,newly elected president <strong>of</strong> PHC. “They areinterested in learning, and I’m more than interestedin teaching.”After the first session, students, parents andvolunteers took voluntary and anonymous surveyscompiled by the Office <strong>of</strong> Institutional Researchand Effectiveness at <strong>Western</strong>U.Students unanimously felt they learned more abouthealth careers, 71.9 percent thought it was possibleto pursue a health career, and 90.6 percent thoughtthey would go into a health career.For parents, 95.5 percent felt their child would gointo a health career and 90.5 percent learned moreabout health careers. “I’ve got a lot <strong>of</strong> informationabout different opportunities that my kid has inhealth careers,” said one <strong>of</strong> the parents on thesurvey.In separate themed lectures during the six Saturdaysessions, parent involvement was critical andmandatory. The program introduced the family tovariety <strong>of</strong> health careers, the benefits <strong>of</strong> choosingsuch a career, how to plan the academic path, howto choose a career and financial aid possibilities.The first session in October, “Introduction to<strong>Health</strong> Careers,” was attended by 39 students andparents. The following session in November,“<strong>Health</strong>y Lifestyles,” 32 attended. In January, 47attended “Microorganisms.” In February, 40attended “Heart <strong>Health</strong>,” and in March, 14attended “Sports Medicine.”Students who continue with the program will, aspart <strong>of</strong> <strong>Western</strong>U’s partnership with Cal PolyPomona, earn an undergraduate degree inhealth/sciences.“Eligible Cal Poly students will be assured <strong>of</strong> earlyacceptance to a spectrum <strong>of</strong> health pr<strong>of</strong>essionalprograms at <strong>Western</strong>U,” said Rega.Clinton Adams, DO, MPA, FACHE, dean <strong>of</strong> theCollege <strong>of</strong> Osteopathic Medicine <strong>of</strong> the Pacific,recognized each student during the final sessionwith a certificate and a reflex hammer for attendingat least two-thirds <strong>of</strong> the PCHL Saturday sessions.Three students with perfect attendance received astethoscope.“In 2025, one or all <strong>of</strong> these students may bewalking across the stage to receive their doctoratedegree, a degree that will position them in a role <strong>of</strong>serving society, caring for us, holding our hand aswe contemplate the reality <strong>of</strong> death,” Adams said.“So I can think <strong>of</strong> no more important responsibilitythan to mentor those who will follow us.”— Jeff Malet<strong>Western</strong>U View Spring/Summer 2009 45
FamilyaffairFamily Affair is a newfeature that focuses onfamily members whowork together at <strong>Western</strong><strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Health</strong><strong>Sciences</strong>. Each issue willfeature a new family.The Tatums, clockwisefrom left: Daniel, Andreaand Christina.There are more than 25 families, and stillcounting who work at <strong>Western</strong>U.The Tatums are three strong. There is Daniel,a Client Technology Analyst in IT; Andrea, aData Entry Specialist in EDS; and Christina,an Advancement Associate in <strong>University</strong>Advancement.Daniel is married to Christina. They carpool,save a lot on gas, and get to have lunchtogether <strong>of</strong>ten. “Being able to relate to eachother’s stories when we talk at the end <strong>of</strong> theday” is a nice advantage to working with hiswife, Daniel said.“It brings us closer together because we drivetogether and see each other throughout theday,” Christina said <strong>of</strong> her husband.Andrea is Daniel’s sister, and more like a bestfriend to Christina than a sister-in-law.“Working with family gives you a sense <strong>of</strong>ease in the workplace,” Andrea said. “Youknow you always have someone close to youthere for you.”Daniel has been working at <strong>Western</strong>U fornine years. Christina has worked here aboutthree years, and Andrea has been here morethan two years.— Jeff Malet46 <strong>Western</strong> <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Health</strong> <strong>Sciences</strong>
A GUARANTEED INCOMEFor the rest <strong>of</strong> your life, <strong>Western</strong> <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Health</strong> <strong>Sciences</strong> willsend you a check every 90 days or once a year. While the economymay rise or decline, your payments are GUARANTEED. You can count onthis because we back our commitment withthe full assets <strong>of</strong> <strong>Western</strong>U.The total amount <strong>of</strong> money you will receive isdetermined in advance and depends onseveral things, including your age,whether you want to include a secondincome recipient, and the amount yougive to establish the contract. Forexample, if you’re 75 years old, you’llreceive more than someone 10 yearsyounger who gives the same amount.The planned giving arrangement thatprovides these guaranteed payments isthe CHARITABLE GIFT ANNUITY.Here are the rates<strong>Western</strong>U currently<strong>of</strong>fers for one-lifeCharitable GiftAnnuities:Age Rate70 5.7%75 6.3%80 7.1%85 8.1%90+ 9.5%PLEASE COMPLETE, DETACH AND MAIL THIS CARDDear Friends at <strong>Western</strong>U:❏ Please send me free information on charitable gift annuities.❏ Please send me free information about other planned giving opportunities.❏ Please contact me by phone. The best time to call is ____________________.Name ...............................................................................................................Address ............................................................................................................City ................................................................State ..........ZIP...........................Phone number ...................................................................................................Age(s) ..............................................................................................................
For the rest <strong>of</strong> your life, you will enjoy the satisfaction that yourCHARITABLE GIFT ANNUITY will someday provide the<strong>University</strong> and its students with needed financial resources. Byallowing <strong>Western</strong>U to help you with lifetime financial support, youenable us to educate future generations <strong>of</strong> health-care providers whowill save lives and change lives.The IRS favors these arrangements and provides the donor with acharitable deduction. Year in and year out, it is the most popular lifeincome planned giving vehicle available.Would you like to learn more about CHARITABLE GIFTANNUITIES and how they can benefit you and <strong>Western</strong>U? Just fillout and return the response card provided. If you include your ageor ages, a sample scenario will be prepared for you. OliveStephens, <strong>Western</strong>U’s administrator for planned giving, will provideyou with a free information packet.A GUARANTEED INCOME YOU CAN’T OUTLIVE?YOU CAN MAKE IT HAPPEN AT WESTERNU!Olive B. StephensPlanned Giving Administrator<strong>Western</strong> <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong><strong>Health</strong> <strong>Sciences</strong>PLANNED GIVING ADMINISTRATORWESTERN UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH SCIENCES309 E. SECOND STREETPOMONA CA 91766-1854Phone: (909) 469-5211FAX: (909) 469-5215ostephen@westernu.edu
Web-basedNursingTrainingThe College <strong>of</strong> Graduate Nursing has set thestandard for Web-based learning, as demonstratedby a recent visit from the California Board <strong>of</strong>Registered Nursing. The BRN is a stategovernmental agency responsible for evaluatingnursing programs throughout California.CGN faculty provided training to 10 nursingeducation consultants from the BRN.“<strong>Western</strong>U has been a leader in online education,”said Ruth Ann Terry, MPH, RN, Executive Officerfor the California Board <strong>of</strong> Registered Nursing.“We know they are the experts.”Technology changes quickly, and more nursingprograms are adopting online programs, Terry said.This training ensures there is consistency in howthey evaluate programs, she said.“We want to be on the same page, so we can helpprograms not as far along as <strong>Western</strong>U move in theright direction,” Terry said.The BRN asked for a day <strong>of</strong> training, which CGNwas happy to provide, said CGN Dean KarenHanford, EdD, MSN, FNP. The training will helpthese evaluators in examining other onlineprograms.“This will increase their ability to assess if it’s agood program,” she said.Dawn Stone, MN, RN, ANP, CGN AssociatePr<strong>of</strong>essor, talked to the BRN visitors about methods<strong>of</strong> online learning. Online learning allows studentsto create knowledge and meaning, rather thanproviding facts and information that is memorized,she said.Distance learning requires at least as much time ason-campus courses, or more. Students surveyed saythat distance learning courses are as hard or harderthan on-campus courses.“Considering the shortage <strong>of</strong> nurses and the healthcare demands <strong>of</strong> Californians in urban and ruralregions, it is exciting that the BRN is eager to learnmore about distance education,” Stone said.“Nursing can continue to grow its workforce thanksto education <strong>of</strong>fered this way - the <strong>Western</strong>U way.”— Rodney Tanaka<strong>Western</strong>U View Spring/Summer 2009 49
<strong>Western</strong>U BenefitsFrom Generous DonorsIIndividuals and corporations have madesubstantial financial commitments to<strong>Western</strong> <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Health</strong> <strong>Sciences</strong> sincethe start <strong>of</strong> the new year, with theircontributions going toward everything froma patient care unit in the new Patient CareCenter to a pr<strong>of</strong>essional developmentlaboratory in the College <strong>of</strong> Pharmacy.Chief among the major commitments madesince January 2009 is $5.1 million pledgedby Drs. Daljit and Elaine Sarkaria <strong>of</strong> Orange,who have previously helped fund <strong>Western</strong>U’sresearch on Alzheimer’s disease and themolecular mechanisms <strong>of</strong> Parkinson’sdisease.The Sarkarias’ gift has three parts:• $3 million to provide $1 million apiece tothe College <strong>of</strong> Osteopathic Medicine <strong>of</strong> thePacific (COMP), the College <strong>of</strong> DentalMedicine and the College <strong>of</strong> VeterinaryMedicine.• $2 million to secure the naming rights forthe research center being built on the fourthfloor <strong>of</strong> the new <strong>Health</strong> Education Center onthe <strong>Western</strong>U campus.• $100,000 to create the Dr. PhilipPumerantz Distinguished Lectureship inInterpr<strong>of</strong>essional Education.“This impressive commitment to <strong>Western</strong>Uby the Drs. Sarkaria reaffirms their belief thateducation is the key to improving thehuman condition, and that the work beingdone at <strong>Western</strong>U – training tomorrow’shealth care pr<strong>of</strong>essionals – is powerful andmeaningful,” said Dr. Pumerantz, <strong>Western</strong>U’sfounder and president.Other recent major gifts and commitmentsto the <strong>University</strong> include:• A West Hollywood residential propertyvalued at $2.1 million, from the estate <strong>of</strong>Dr. Lawrence Gosenfeld, a psychiatrist at theVeterans Administration Hospital in LosAngeles and a clinical adjunct facultymember at <strong>Western</strong>U from the 1980s untilhis death on July 19, 2008. Dr. Gosenfeldasked that money from the sale <strong>of</strong> hisproperty be used to establish a GosenfeldFamily Fund at <strong>Western</strong>U to provide lowinterestloans to students.• 50 percent <strong>of</strong> a residential property ownedby Diane Boeke, as part <strong>of</strong> her will. Ms.Boeke’s property is valued at $500,000,making the amount pledged to <strong>Western</strong>U$250,000.• A pledge <strong>of</strong> $60,000 from IrwinKronenberg, vice president <strong>of</strong> the specialtydivision <strong>of</strong> Haag-Streit USA, to the CapitalCampaign/College <strong>of</strong> Optometry. Inappreciation <strong>of</strong> the gift, <strong>Western</strong>U willprovide name recognition on behalf <strong>of</strong>Haag-Streit USA in a special testing room inthe new Patient Care Center.• $50,000 from Walgreens to the College <strong>of</strong>Pharmacy (COP), to support creation <strong>of</strong> a50 <strong>Western</strong> <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Health</strong> <strong>Sciences</strong>
multi-purpose pr<strong>of</strong>essionaldevelopment laboratory.The funds will be used tobuild a simulated modelpharmacy within thelaboratory to provide atraining environment thatsupports contemporarypatient-centered practice.“This laboratory will helpto ensure that graduatesare prepared to deliver thehighest-quality patientcare,” said Matt Sesto,RPh, Vice President <strong>of</strong>Store Operations atWalgreens.Daniel Robinson, PharmD, Dean <strong>of</strong> the College <strong>of</strong> Pharmacy, receives a generous donation from• $50,000 from Target to Target Corporation.the COP for the“Sol was truly an inspiration for all whose lives hepr<strong>of</strong>essional development laboratory, plus another touched.” In appreciation <strong>of</strong> the gift, <strong>Western</strong>U will$5,000 to fund a contemporary languagename a patient care unit at its new Patient Caredevelopment center within the laboratory under a Center “The Dr. Sol Mendelson Memorialdiversity initiative. COP has committed toInterpr<strong>of</strong>essional Patient Suite.” Biographicalincreasing health pr<strong>of</strong>essions workforce diversityinformation and photos will accompany a plaqueand to narrowing the gap in health disparities.at the entrance <strong>of</strong> the suite.“Partnership is big at Target – having strategicpartnerships that drive results,” said Guy DiPasqua, • A pledge <strong>of</strong> $25,000 from Dr. GuillermoRPh, group pharmacy leader for Target. “<strong>Western</strong>U Valenzuela <strong>of</strong> Colton to the Capitalhas always produced great students who thrive in Campaign/College <strong>of</strong> Osteopathic Medicine <strong>of</strong> theour environment.”Pacific. In appreciation <strong>of</strong> the gift, <strong>Western</strong>U willprovide name recognition and biographical• A $50,000 pledge by Dr. Herbert Mendelson, MD,information in memory <strong>of</strong> Robert Avina, MD, in afounder <strong>of</strong> Mendelson Orthopedics in Livonia,Small Group Learning Room on campus.Mich., in memory <strong>of</strong> his brother, Dr. SolMendelson, a member <strong>of</strong> COMP’s charter class in • A gift <strong>of</strong> 10 units <strong>of</strong> 20/20 Vision S<strong>of</strong>tware, valued1978. Dr. Sol Mendelson graduated from COMP in at $19,250, to the College <strong>of</strong> Optometry by1982 and was a general practitioner in Temecula, MiraMed Tech <strong>of</strong> San Pedro. MiraMed also donatedCalif., for 24 years. He passed away in 2006. “Sol one year <strong>of</strong> student subscriptions using the 20/20left a lasting impression on his classmates and onVision S<strong>of</strong>tware, valued at $6,230, bringinghis pr<strong>of</strong>essors because <strong>of</strong> his compassion andMiraMed’s total commitment to $25,480.concern for others,” Dr. Philip Pumerantz said.— Jeff Keating<strong>Western</strong>U View Spring/Summer 2009 51
Construction <strong>of</strong> the 80,000-square-foot, three-storyPatient Care Center (PCC), continues in preparationfor its opening in early 2010.The PCC will house a pharmacy, optometryclinic (including vision therapy and optical dispensingareas), outpatient clinics in osteopathic and podiatricmedicine, and an outpatient dental clinic. All clinical areas will beopen to the public, will be staffed by <strong>Western</strong>U faculty and staff, andwill provide outpatient care and pr<strong>of</strong>essional student learning rotations.52 <strong>Western</strong> <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Health</strong> <strong>Sciences</strong>
Construction <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Health</strong> EducationCenter (HEC), financed by bondrevenues, began in early 2008 inpreparation for housing facultyand administration for theCollege <strong>of</strong> Osteopathic Medicine<strong>of</strong> the Pacific, the College <strong>of</strong>Dental Medicine, the College<strong>of</strong> Optometry and theCollege <strong>of</strong> PodiatricMedicine in early 2010.The HEC will be a 180,000-square-foot, four-storybuilding housing lecture auditoriums, classrooms,small group learning rooms for the Interpr<strong>of</strong>essionalEducation curriculum, teaching laboratories in dentalmedicine and optometry, research laboratories,commons areas, conference rooms and faculty <strong>of</strong>fices.Photos by Jeff Malet<strong>Western</strong>U View Spring/Summer 2009 53
Dr. SUGERMAN’SGarden“It’s mycatharsis,what I doto relax.“Richard Sugerman, PhD, brings his passion forgardening to work at <strong>Western</strong> <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong><strong>Health</strong> <strong>Sciences</strong>. He likes to develop a cultureby sharing flowers with co-workers.“I think flowers add warmth,” said Dr.Sugerman. “Every Monday I bring flowers andput them on some desks.”Dr. Sugerman has been gardening forapproximately 54 years. Growing up, his familyowned one home with three levels to take care<strong>of</strong>. His father was busy working and hisbrother had asthma, so at the age <strong>of</strong> 10 hebegan to mow the lawn, tend to plants andwater trees.People occasionally stop by his <strong>of</strong>fice to admirehis flowers or to ask for advice aboutgardening.Josie Hostetler,COMPAdministrative-- Richard Sugerman, PhDAssistant, came by recently to ask about hisyellow and white daffodils, which weredecorating his desk. She admired them for afew seconds before asking whether she couldget a few <strong>of</strong> his bulbs to plant.“His passion for flowers and plants is obviouswhen visiting his <strong>of</strong>fice, which is usuallysurrounded with fresh flowers <strong>of</strong> the season,”Hostetler said. “Dr. Sugerman is always ready tolisten to my garden concerns and victories. Heis dedicated, loyal, and a generous person.”“They (co-workers) do me a favor.” said Dr.Sugerman. “I grow so many flowers. I wouldrather give them away.”54 <strong>Western</strong> <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Health</strong> <strong>Sciences</strong>
PROFILEAir plants are Dr. Sugerman’s favorite plants becausethey initially look like dried up little succulent plants,but become spectacular purple and red blooms. Airplants absorb what they need through their leaves, nottheir roots. You can put them in anything, likedriftwood or a cup. Many prefer to hang them inbaskets.In the past, Dr. Sugerman had plant sales to raisemoney for the Hillel club on campus, which wouldhelp <strong>of</strong>fset the cost <strong>of</strong> providing a Passover Sederdinner <strong>Western</strong>U helps host. “If the club neededmoney, I have the plants pretty much readyto go,” he said.Dr. Sugerman joined the faculty <strong>of</strong> the College <strong>of</strong>Osteopathic Medicine <strong>of</strong> the Pacific in July 1980. Hereceived his PhD in Biology from <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> NewMexico in 1975. He is currently Assistant VicePresident for Academic Program Development, makingsure each <strong>of</strong> the new colleges-dental, podiatry, andoptometry-are accredited.Despite his busy schedule, he always makes time forhis garden.“It’s my catharsis, what I do to relax,” he said.For more information about air plants:http://airplantcity.com/— Jeff MaletSugerman’s Care <strong>of</strong> plants (March)Irises - Grandma’s Bearded Purple: plant 2 to 3 inchesdeep, 18 to 24 inches apart. Full sun/part shade.Normal watering.Narcissus – White flowers on a tall stalk and veryfragrant. Place two inches deep and in clusters <strong>of</strong> threebulbs. Full/part sun. Water normally after they emergein the early spring. After the plants die back theyshould be kept dry during their hibernation period.Daffodils – Yellow (and other colors) flowers on a tallstalk. Plant three inches deep and in clusters <strong>of</strong> threebulbs. Full/part sun. Water normally after they emergein the early spring. After the plants die back theyshould be kept dry during their hibernation period.Sugerman’s June/July Planting Tips:Put in heat loving plants, if you haven’t already: corn,cucumbers, okra, green beans, lima beans, pumpkin,zucchini, melons, eggplant, squash.Fertilize your roses, annuals, citrus and avocado trees,vegetables, lawn and container plants.Apply 2 to 4 inches <strong>of</strong> mulch around establishedplants, shrubs, and trees leaving a 5-inch radius aroundplants to save water and add nutrients.Remember you save “water dollars” during hotweather months by utilizing drought tolerant plants inyour garden.Calla lilies – Plant four to five inches deep and 18inches apart. Keep ground moist. They multiply rapidly.Calla lilies are shade plants.Succulent – Sedum and sempervivum plants. Sun butthey can be damaged by too much direct sunlight.They do well in the ground and like to be kept moist.<strong>Western</strong>U View Spring/Summer 2009 55
At the ripe old age <strong>of</strong> 9,Michelle entered a story,“My Sister Amy,” in ayoung authors’ contestat the library in herhometown <strong>of</strong> Lafayette,CA. The story won thelibrary contest, andwent on to win similarevents at the countyand district level.AAfter seven years at <strong>Western</strong>U, it’s nosurprise that Director <strong>of</strong> <strong>University</strong> StudentRelations Michelle Emmert is well known oncampus, thanks to her involvement ineverything from student clubs to the newProspective Students Web site.But Michelle’s name is known far beyond thecampus boundaries. Thanks to somethingshe did as a young child, she’s recognizedacross the United States, in Canada, andeven as far away as Finland.The tale would haveended there for mostfourth-graders. Butafter hearing judgesat the competitionssay how much theywere moved by thebook – to the point<strong>of</strong> needing to passaround Kleenexboxes – and thatit should bepublished, Michelleand her parents took the story to the nextlevel. They found a book agent, and after acouple years’ effort, “I’m the Big Sister Now”made its way into libraries and classroomsacross the country and the world.“I’m the Big Sister Now” tells the story <strong>of</strong>Michelle’s relationship with her sister Amy,who was born severely handicapped withcerebral palsy. The title alludes to the factthat although Amy was five years older thanMichelle, the younger Emmert took on theduties <strong>of</strong> an older sibling, since Amy couldnot sit up, walk, talk, read, write, or do most<strong>of</strong> the things typical children do.56 <strong>Western</strong> <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Health</strong> <strong>Sciences</strong>
“Even thoughshe can’t dovery manythings, she isstill a greatsister, and Iwould like totell you abouther,” then 9-year-oldMichellewrites in theopeningparagraphs <strong>of</strong>the book.What followsare Michelle’s observations about her sister’s life,including the effort that“went into her care, herschool, her interactionswith those who didn’tunderstand her disability,and the ways Michelle andher sister had fun andshared special times.The book, published in1989 by Albert Whitman& Co., was used in fourthgradereaders at severalschools in the U.S. andCanada, and found ahome in countless schoollibraries. The book itself isno longer for sale, but thestory continues to bepublished in new readers.Despite her status as ayoung – very young –‘I’m the Big Sister Now’tells the story <strong>of</strong>Michelle’s relationshipwith her sister Amy,who was born severelyhandicapped withcerebral palsy. The titlealludes to the fact thatalthough Amy was fiveyears older thanMichelle, the youngerEmmert took on theduties <strong>of</strong> an oldersibling...-- Michelle Emmertauthor, Michelle said the novelty was lost on heruntil students started sending her letters.“It was cool, because I started getting fan mail,” shesaid. “I’ve probably been written 60 or so differenttimes. Kids want to know if Amy is still alive, ifshe’s gotten better…they ask a lot <strong>of</strong> questions.”Though Amy Emmert died within a year <strong>of</strong> thebook’s publication – she was 18, Michelle 13 -- herstory as a 14-year-old with special needs continuesto be told between the pages <strong>of</strong> “I’m the Big SisterNow,” which -- though technically out <strong>of</strong> print as <strong>of</strong>a few years ago -- remains in circulation at schoolsand libraries.In fact, interest in the book has held up for so longthat Michelle said she will try to get the publisherto do another printing. Shealso wants to establish arelationship with the PomonaUnified School District so thatshe can visit classes and tellAmy’s story, using it as aobject lesson in acceptance <strong>of</strong>others regardless <strong>of</strong> theirphysical, social or personalcharacteristics.“PROFILEThe little/big sister still gets anoccasional letter that remindsher why she started tellingAmy’s story all those years ago.“The thing that makes me tearup is when someone says, ‘Ilearned that I should be nicerto someone who’shandicapped cause he can’thelp being that way,’” she said.— Jeff Keating<strong>Western</strong>U View Spring/Summer 2009 57
Alumni Class NotesCollege <strong>of</strong> Graduate NursingPatricia Marie Odum, MSN/FNP ’04, is currentlyworking in a small internal medicine practice in LosOsos, CA. She is making it a point to give back, takingon the challenge <strong>of</strong> representing the Leukemia andLymphoma Society’s Team by completing “America’sMost Beautiful Ride,” a 100-mile “century” bicycle ridein Lake Tahoe, CA. The ride’s focus is to raiseawareness about blood-related cancers and raise fundsfor research.College <strong>of</strong> PharmacyCongratulations to Bhavesh Desai,PharmD ’02, who was elected to the Academy <strong>of</strong>Pharmacy Owners (APO) board.Congratulations also to Marina Lukovsky,PharmD ’01, who is second author on a paper titled,“Rituximab and Intravenous Immune Globulin forDesensitization during Renal Transplantation,”published in the New England Journal <strong>of</strong> Medicine.Kristina Reyes, PharmD ’08, writes that she isnow working in her dream job in the medicalinformation department at Amgen in ThousandOaks, CA.College <strong>of</strong> Allied <strong>Health</strong>A pat on the back to Nancy Westbrook-May,PA-C ’94, who recently saved the life <strong>of</strong> a fellowsurfer in San On<strong>of</strong>re, CA. She administered CPR whenhe stopped breathing, and kept the situation undercontrol until paramedics arrived. The story wascovered in the Orange County Register, the CaliforniaAcademy <strong>of</strong> Physician Assistants News and in aninterview on KNX radio. Well done!joined the Mission Christian Organization going toEcuador with a medical, dental, pharmacy, andoptometry team, along with a group <strong>of</strong> peopleworking on water filtration systems, home repair, andchildren’s activities. Ms. Shaw reports that it was anamazing and life-changing experience.Congratulations to Richard Blada, PA-C ’95, whowas recently appointed Director <strong>of</strong> Employee <strong>Health</strong> atLos Robles Hospital & Medical Center in ThousandOaks, CA.Kudos to Carole Adele Sussman, DPT ’06, who inJune 2008 was given a lifetime achievement awardfrom the World Union <strong>of</strong> Wound Healing Societies forcontributions to the development <strong>of</strong> the practice area<strong>of</strong> wound care.Congratulations to Tina Meyer, PA-C ’92,MSHS ’05, who has been selected as the femalePr<strong>of</strong>essional <strong>of</strong> the Year representing AcademicMedicine in Cambridge Who’s Who Executives,Pr<strong>of</strong>essionals, and Entrepreneurs.Kudos to Joachim Brown, DO ’05, MSHPE ’06,who accepted the 2007 Clinical Instructor <strong>of</strong> the YearAward while teaching at COMP as well as acceptingthe 2008 Intern Team Player Award while working atArrowhead Regional Medical Center. In his words,going from academic medicine to the first-yearresident program is like “merging from the 10 freewayto the Autobahn.”Warm congratulations to Amber Jo Hollenbeck,MSPA ’04, who was married May 31, 2008.Shelley Jeannette Dolkas, MSPA ’03, gave birth toa daughter, S<strong>of</strong>ie Adelle Lickl, on Sept. 3, 2008.Congratulations on the new addition to your family.Christina Shaw, PA-C ’00, has been a physicianassistant student preceptor since 2006. She recently58 <strong>Western</strong> <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Health</strong> <strong>Sciences</strong>
Alumni Class NotesCollege <strong>of</strong> Osteopathic Medicine<strong>of</strong> the PacificKudos to Barbara Walker, DO ’84, who washonored at the North Carolina Osteopathic MedicalAssociation annual meeting on Aug. 1, 2008. Theassociation established the Barbara E. Walker, DO,North Carolina Heritage Award and Memorial Lecture.Dr. Walker was also named President Emeritus <strong>of</strong> theNorth Carolina Osteopathic Medical Association.Kudos also to Susan Melvin, DO ’84, who wasawarded the California Academy <strong>of</strong> Family PhysiciansFoundation’s 2008 Barbara Harris Award forEducational Excellence. Dr. Melvin has served as LongBeach Memorial’s Residency Director since 1998. Sheis also Secretary/Treasurer <strong>of</strong> the Osteopathic MedicalBoard <strong>of</strong> California.Kudos to Ishmael Jaiyesimi, DO ’86, who in 2006was appointed Director <strong>of</strong> the Medical OncologyFellowship Program at William Beaumont Hospital.Dr. Jaiyesimi is certified by the American Board <strong>of</strong>Internal Medicine and its subspecialty boards <strong>of</strong>hematology and medical oncology. He is also a Fellow<strong>of</strong> the American College <strong>of</strong> Physicians.Congratulations to Gregory Stone, DO ’90, whowas installed as the new President <strong>of</strong> the UtahOsteopathic Association during its annual fallsymposium held in Salt Lake City, UT. Dr. Stone willserve a two-year term as president.Ayaz Khan, DO ’04, finished his ophthalmologyresidency in June 2008 and is now practicing inLa Mirada, CA. He is married with three children.David Zebrack, DO ’89, is busy with privatepractice in Temecula, CA, and caring for his daughterand twin boys born on Oct. 3, 2007.Warm congratulations to Loi Tran, DO ’96, and hiswife, who welcomed their baby boy, Ryan Tran, intothe world on Sept. 13, 2008. Little Ryan weighed6 lbs., 3 oz. and was 19 inches long.Congratulations to Daniel Augustus Smith II,DO ’07, who is the proud father <strong>of</strong> Sara AlexandraSmith, born April 15, 2007.In MemoriamRand Feinstein, PA-C ’95, passed away 7/22/07Greg Bales, DO ’97, passed away 11/04/08Stephen McKay, DO ’96, passed away 2/1/09New Alumni e-mail PolicyFor more than 10 years, <strong>Western</strong>U has provided the continued use <strong>of</strong> its graduates’ @westernu.edu email addresses as alumni. A recent evaluation <strong>of</strong> the <strong>University</strong>’s computingresources, however, showed that several hundred <strong>of</strong> these alumni email accounts were no longer being used. These inactive accounts not only take up electronic storage spacebut also are potential targets for misuse by hackers and spammers. Therefore, the <strong>University</strong> has adopted a new policy regarding alumni email accounts:<strong>Western</strong>U will deactivate email accounts for alumni who do not login and check their individual <strong>Western</strong>U email within six contiguous months. If no request is made toreactivate an account within the following six months (meaning there will have been at least a full 12 months <strong>of</strong> no account activity) then the account will be permanentlydeleted.This policy will take effect on July 1, 2009, so it will immediately affect accounts that have not been logged into since before January 1, 2009. Alumni whose accounts aredeactivated on July 1, 2009, will have until January 1, 2010, to request their account be reactivated before it is permanently deleted.In addition, the <strong>University</strong> is considering phasing in a storage limit (possibly as low as 100MB) on all alumni email accounts. So please clean out your email accounts by savinglarge attachments onto your personal computers and deleting old messages. Additional tips on how to clean out your email account will be emailed to you soon.For questions, or to update your preferred email address with the <strong>University</strong>, please contact the Office <strong>of</strong> Alumni Relations at (909) 469-5274 or alumni@westernu.edu. If youhave technical questions regarding your alumni email account, please contact <strong>Western</strong> <strong>University</strong> Technical Support at (909) 469-5432 or techsupport@westernu.edu.<strong>Western</strong>U View Spring/Summer 2009 59
From left, Dr. Philip Pumerantz, president <strong>of</strong> <strong>Western</strong>U, his wife Harriet Pumerantz, Dr. Rafi Younoszai,his wife Dr. Barbara Younoszai, Mrs. Paula Adams and Dean Clinton Adams, DO.On Saturday, March 21, 2009, family and friends <strong>of</strong> Dr. Rafi Younoszai, pr<strong>of</strong>essor <strong>of</strong>anatomy at <strong>Western</strong>U, gathered to celebrate his semi-retirement and support hisInternational & Cross-Cultural <strong>Health</strong> Scholarship. This event raised $8,550 fromgenerous individual donations, bringing the total amount to $29,025. Additionalsupport is greatly needed to give medical students the opportunity to providemedical assistance in developing countries. To learn more about Dr. Rafi Younoszaiand the Scholarship in International & Cross Cultural <strong>Health</strong>, visit:www.westernu.edu/rafi. Your generous support will enhance students’ clinicaleducation and broaden their cultural and medical perspectives.60 <strong>Western</strong> <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Health</strong> <strong>Sciences</strong>
COVER ARTInterpr<strong>of</strong>essional Education<strong>Western</strong>U students from left, Kelvin Akhigbe, DO ’10;Melissa Lau, PharmD ’09; and Jennifer Turney, PA ’09, reviewa patient’s chart at <strong>Western</strong> <strong>University</strong> Medical Center.Photo by Jeff MaletHELP 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.<strong>Western</strong>U View is printed on recycled paper stock.WESTERNUProduction Staffmanaging editorsenior communications writerdirector <strong>of</strong> graphics & brandinggraphic designerphotographerwriter/photographerViewJeff KeatingRodney TanakaRick ClapperPaul GettlerJess LopatynskiJeff Malet