Midwestern University Announces New College of Veterinary Medicine Proposal
Midwestern University is advancing veterinary education with the development of the Midwestern University College of Veterinary Medicine–Illinois on the Downers Grove Campus. Kathleen H. Goeppinger, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Midwestern University, announced the decision to add veterinary medicine to the healthcare degrees offered on the Downers Grove Campus in response to the growing need for skilled veterinarians who can provide comprehensive care for large and small animals.
Coretta Cosby Patterson, D.V.M., DACVIM-SA, will serve as the Dean of the proposed new College. The proposal for the new college is currently being reviewed by the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education (AVMA COE). Pending accreditation approval, the first class is expected to matriculate in 2026. Graduates will earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.) degree.
CCOM Faculty Member Named AOA President for 2024-2025
Teresa A. Hubka, D.O., M.S., FACOOG (DIST), FACOG, CS, Clinical Professor, Chair, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN), from the Downers Grove Campus of Midwestern University, began her tenure on July 20th as the President of the American Osteopathic Association (AOA). She is the second woman to serve in this role, following another former faculty member from Midwestern University, Karen Nichols, D.O., M.A., MACOI, CS, Adjunct Faculty, Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine (CCOM), former Dean of CCOM (2002-2018), who served as President of AOA in 2010.
OT Students Provide Service to Chicago Communities as Part of Justice Seminar
This summer, 24 third-year occupational therapy (OT) students joined Emily Simpson, Ph.D., M.S., OTR/L, Professor, OT Program, for the Occupational Justice Seminar. The primary objective of this course is for students to discuss and critique the occupational impact of systematized castes, normativity, oppression, “isms” and other discriminatory attitudes or beliefs in current society. Ultimately, students explore and interrogate a range of social injustices, including those related to housing, poverty, healthcare access, dehumanization and social control, and environmental racism.
Additionally, students learn to question health practices in the Global North and to consider alternatives across the world that emphasize collectivism, community and social health, and equity in healthcare.
One of the ways in which students learn to consider social injustices is to provide service to groups that have been especially impacted. Through service and fellowship, students have the opportunity to spend time with people marginalized by systems of oppression. They bear witness to people’s lived experiences and hear of their struggles and resiliency. Over the course of the summer, students participated in each of the following experiences:
- They provided 400 bag dinners to people seeking services from The Night Ministry’s Health Outreach Bus in Chicago’s West Garfield Park and New City neighborhoods. The mission of this organization is to provide human connection, housing support, and healthcare to those who are unhoused or experiencing poverty. The bus serves as a mobile social service center providing health care, case management, and meals. The students serve the meals, eat with those they serve, and spend time hearing stories and being in community.
- Students partnered with Chartwells to serve hot meals to dozens of women in transitional housing. Part of St. Leonard’s Ministries in Chicago, Grace House provides interim housing, emotional and spiritual support, and professional counseling to women who are exiting the Illinois prison system. Following service, students share the meal with women and learn about their histories, goals, and dreams.
- Students spent a full day at Palmisano Park and Altgeld Gardens doing park cleanup, removal of invasive species, and learning from park stewards about the history of environmental injustices in Chicago. They were able to see the stark differences in how residents from primarily Black neighborhoods have been impacted by these injustices when compared to residents in affluent, white areas of the city. They heard about both historical and current policies that put marginalized groups at risk for health problems like asthma, cancer, and COPD.
The seminar’s focus and topics are challenging and were intended to provoke students to question what they have learned about health and justice so far. Students were excited, engaged, compassionate, and eager to honor the experiences of people in the communities.
Speech-Language Pathology Students Foster Literacy Program in the Community
Students in the Speech-Language Pathology Program on the Glendale Campus are participating in another year of Family Literacy Night (FLN) with the Glendale Foothills and Heroes Regional Libraries. The free, family-centered program invites local children and their families to engage in immersive English and Spanish reading activities.
CCOM Announces 77th Annual Ward E. Perrin, D.O. Clinical Refresher Course
The Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine is pleased to welcome alumni, faculty, students, and healthcare professionals to the 77th Annual Ward E. Perrin, D.O. Clinical Refresher Course (CRC) & Alumni Weekend. The event will return to an in-person format on October 17-19 on the Downers Grove Campus.
This year's program will cover a range of topics in medicine and osteopathic principles and practice, offering attendees the opportunity to earn up to 20 AOA Category 1-A CME credits. Additionally, the event will include a special session on treating opioid disorders, accredited by the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), allowing participants to earn four credits applicable to federal MATE DEA requirements.
The refresher course is named in honor of revered CCOM educator Ward Perrin, D.O., who was a distinguished osteopathic physician known for his dedication to advancing the field of osteopathic medicine. Dr. Perrin’s significant contributions to medical education and clinical practice resulted in CCOM naming its annual Clinical Refresher Course and Alumni Weekend in his honor.
More information on the event.
Roundup of 2024 Residency Match Stories Following Commencement
Spring commencement brought news of Midwestern University graduates moving on to residency programs across the country to continue their education and professional development. Following graduation, Midwestern’s web news team published several summaries of residency matches and programs on both MWU campuses.
For a sample of MWU residency stories, check out these summaries:
- Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine Residency Story
- Arizona College of Optometry Residency Match and Commencement Story
- Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine Residency Story
- Chicago College of Optometry Residency Story
- College of Dental Medicine-Arizona Residency Story
- College of Health Sciences, Downers Grove Clinical Psychology Residency Story
- College of Pharmacy-Downers Grove Residency Story
- College of Veterinary Medicine Residency Match and Commencement Story
OT Students Partner with Foster360 to Plant Seeds of Hope in Aged-Out Foster Care Youth
Christopher Trujillo, O.T.D., OTR/L (CHS-Glendale OT), Program Director, has a deep commitment to helping foster care youth transition into adulthood. Part of this work includes his collaboration with the non-profit organization Foster360.
Foster360 exists to help youth who are at risk of aging out of the foster care system (not being adopted before they turn 18) and becoming homeless. The organization assists youth by providing housing, trauma coaching, and support services that will help them succeed in life. With over 800 youth aging out of Arizona foster care each year, Foster 360’s impact is immense and necessary.
Since Dr. Trujillo has seen first-hand how much of an impact OT can make in the lives of foster care youth, he thought it would be the perfect opportunity to show MWU students how they can make a difference by using their skills in a non-traditional way. Since Foster360 acted as a rotation site, the students were able to use their OT skills outside of a medical setting and observe real-life barriers that were unique to each of the participants.
Comprehensive Care Clinic Doctor Brings Olympic Mindset to Arizona Patients
As the medical director for Team USA's Gymnastics program, Shanyn Lancaster, M.D., CAQSM, FAAFP, Academic Physician, Comprehensive Care Clinic, is proud to fulfill her duties to the nation's athletes - as a former top-level scholarship athlete herself, she understands the special demands placed on athletes' bodies and minds from a first-hand perspective.
But lately she finds an equal measure of fulfillment at the Midwestern University Comprehensive Care Clinic (CCC) in central Phoenix - helping prepare Family Medicine resident physicians to reach the top level of their respective fields, and helping patients achieve their best health outcomes with the same goal-oriented approach that made Dr. Lancaster a respected and accomplished athlete and healthcare professional in her own right.
Midwestern University Researchers Earn Significant Grants to Support Projects
Midwestern University continues to contribute to scientific advancement by supporting faculty researchers who are investigating important health issues. Working with the University’s Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, three faculty members received significant external funding from the National Institute of Health (NIH) to support their work. With this support, the faculty researchers are poised to make meaningful contributions to their respective fields, driving innovation and improving healthcare outcomes while also providing opportunities for Midwestern University students to gain valuable research experience.
Annual Kenneth A. Suarez Day Fosters Wide-Ranging Presentations on Healthcare Research
The Kenneth A. Suarez Research Day is an annual opportunity where students present their research topics to the Midwestern University community on the Downers Grove and Glendale Campuses. The displayed posters, 160 from the Downers Grove Campus and 218 from the Glendale Campus, featured a multitude of healthcare topics that students presented to faculty, staff, and peers. Faculty judges listened to a variety of student presentations, and the event culminated in the announcement of several winners.
High School Students Explore Healthcare Fields During Summer Health Careers Institutes
Midwestern University welcomed local high school students on its Downers Grove and Glendale Campuses for a week of exploration into a variety of healthcare careers during the summer Health Careers Institute for High School Students (HCI). Students experienced hands-on informational sessions and labs, were guided by student mentors and Midwestern faculty, and were informed about classes to take and undergraduate degree options to pursue on the path to healthcare education at Midwestern University.
Read about the Downers Grove HCI.
Faculty, Students Inducted into National First-Generation Honor Society
Midwestern University established a chapter of Alpha Alpha Alpha, or Tri-Alpha, the National First-Generation Honor Society, and held ceremonies on both the Downers Grove, IL and Glendale, AZ Campuses to commemorate the accomplishments of first-generation faculty, staff, and students. The first-generation community experience includes being the first in their families to finish a college degree, the first to establish themselves in the United States, or the first to pursue a certain field of study. Inducted into the honor society were 17 students and 12 faculty and staff members from the Downers Grove Campus, and 29 students and six faculty and staff members from the Glendale Campus.
Pendergast 8th Graders Get Hands-On Experience at Glendale Campus
In April, Midwestern University hosted Pendergast District Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Cruz and a group of 23 students, representing 12 schools in the Pendergast Elementary School District.
During their visit to Midwestern, the group participated in various activities led by faculty and students. Angela Breitmeyer, Psy.D. (CHS-Glendale), Associate Professor, Department of Behavioral Sciences, presented “A Look Inside Your Mind” and talked about Clinical Psychology curriculum and careers. This was followed by a presentation from Melanie Jordan, Ph.D. (CPG), Associate Professor, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and students from the College of Pharmacy, Glendale Campus, which included a compounding and prescription-reading activity and discussion about careers in pharmacy.
After enjoying lunch in the Stagecoach Dining Hall, the group participated in another interactive experience at the College of Dental Medicine-Arizona’s Pre-Clinical Simulation laboratory, led by Cara Copeland, D.M.D. (CDMA), Director of Community Service and Outreach, and other faculty. Before leaving campus, the Pendergast students participated in a campus tour, visiting the Arizona College of Optometry Preclinic Laboratory, Sahuaro Hall, the Auditorium, and other buildings to learn about the many healthcare programs Midwestern offers.
This program was organized by Victoria Franks, M. Adm., Midwestern University Vice President of Multicultural Affairs and Community Outreach.
Spring Commencement Season for Glendale
During the final week of May, over a thousand Midwestern University graduates on the Glendale Campus celebrated the completion of their degree programs in eight commencement ceremonies over three days.
Graduates from the Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine; the College of Pharmacy, Glendale; select programs from the College of Health Sciences, Glendale; the College of Dental Medicine-Arizona; the Arizona College of Optometry; the College of Veterinary Medicine; the College of Graduate Studies, Glendale; and the Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine took their turns receiving their diplomas and accolades from family, faculty, and friends. Additionally, 32 graduates were honored for their military service with special recognition by Midwestern University President and Chief Executive Officer Kathleen H. Goeppinger, Ph.D., and through the conferring of a special commemorative pin.
Spring Commencements Honor Downers Grove Graduates
Midwestern University recognized the vast accomplishments of its students through six commencement ceremonies held on the Downers Grove Campus in late May.
The Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine (CCOM) celebrated 197 graduates. The College of Dental Medicine-Illinois (CDMI) had 139 graduates. The College of Health Sciences (CHS) congratulated 134 graduates: 48 from the Physical Therapy Program, 46 from the Occupational Therapy Program, and 40 from the Speech-Language Pathology Program. The College of Graduate Studies commended the accomplishments of 85 graduates: 13 with a Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences, 51 with a Master of Arts in Biomedical Sciences, seven with a Master of Science in Precision Medicine, three post-graduate certificates in Precision Medicine, and 11 with a Master of Public Health. From the College of Pharmacy, Downers Grove (CPDG), 68 students marked the end of their academic journey at the University. And, from the Chicago College of Optometry (CCO), 66 students bid adieu to their days at Midwestern University.
Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine Students Hold Educational Program for Local Medical School Residents
The Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine (CCOM) hosted its third annual Advocate Residents Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) Day, where CCOM OMM Scholars taught and reviewed OMM principles with over 30 residents and program directors from Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, Advocate Christ Medical Center, and Advocate Lutheran General Hospital.
Week Around the World Showcases Diversity at Midwestern University
The Offices of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; Student Services; and Human Resources hosted A Week Around the World to celebrate the rich multicultural backgrounds, customs, and traditions of the Midwestern University community. The cross-campus events included a Wellness & Diversity Walk displaying informational posters about several world regions, cooking demonstrations, and a Cultural Fair with food samples and information about many countries and cultures. The week began with an Art Walk, where different types of art displayed the cultures and talents of the Midwestern University community.
In addition, several lunch events featured cultural conversations that provided an opportunity for multicultural discussions amongst Midwestern University community members. Attendees broke into small groups to talk over several topics including their family’s heritage, fluency in foreign languages, international and national living experience, cultural food and how to find it, traditions, and decorative items. At the end of the session, attendees concurred they have a lot in common although they come from different walks of life.
H.S. Lopez Family Foundation, Midwestern University Partner to Offer Rural High School Students Healthcare Career Experiences
Midwestern University has entered into a partnership with the H.S. Lopez Family Foundation to create new opportunities for high school students in Arizona's rural areas to explore careers in the health sciences.
A $14,000 grant provided by the H.S. Lopez Family Foundation funds a scholarship that identifies exceptional high school students from rural Arizona and provides their housing, meals, transportation, and related costs (as well as for a family member if the student is under 18 years old) to visit Midwestern's Glendale Campus and attend the eight-day Health Careers Institute for High School Students (HCI).
This past June, two students from rural Arizona, Azul Rangel from Tucson and Cristal Reyes from Wellton, were beneficiaries of the H.S. Lopez Family Foundation grant and had the opportunity to attend the Health Careers Institute.
Read the complete announcement, and read about the 25th annual Health Careers Institute in Glendale.
Appointments, Awards, and Grants
Sally Arif, Pharm.D., BCCP, (CPDG), Professor, Pharmacy Practice, received two Pearson’s National Teaching Awards for Fostering Inclusion and Community Engagement. Dr. Arif was also awarded the Distinguished Pharmacy Educator Award by the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP).
John Ashurst, D.O. (AZCOM) Clinical Associate Professor, and Danielle Barnett-Trapp, D.O. (AZCOM), Clinical Associate Professor, earned Mentor of the Year Awards from the Arizona Osteopathic Medical Association (AOMA) in April for excellence in student advising and support in osteopathic medical education.
Mindy Burnworth, Pharm.D., BCPS, FASHP, FAzPA (CPG), Professor, Pharmacy Practice, and Erin Raney, Pharm.D., BCPS, BC-ADM, FCCP (CPG), Professor, Pharmacy Practice, were awarded the Pharmacy Appreciation Award at the Arizona Pharmacy Association (AzPA) 2024 Annual Convention in Phoenix, AZ.
Lindsay Davis, Pharm.D., BCPS (CPG), Professor, Pharmacy Practice, was awarded Pharmaceutical Associate of the Year at the Arizona Pharmacy Association (AzPA) 2024 Annual Convention in Phoenix, AZ.
Nicole Early, Pharm.D. (CPG), Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice, was awarded Residency Program Director of the Year at the Arizona Pharmacy Association (AzPA) 2024 Annual Convention in Phoenix, AZ.
Ivan Gong (CPG ’25) was honored with an Appreciation Award at the Arizona Pharmacy Association (AzPA) 2024 Annual Convention in Phoenix, AZ.
Ritika Gupta (AZCOM ’25) and Henry Jeon (AZCOM ’25) were awarded the George Craft M.D. Memorial Scholarship.
Eve Hoover, D.M.Sc., PA-C, DFAAPA (CHS-Glendale), Associate Professor, Physician Assistant Program, was named the 2023 PA of the Year by the Arizona State Association of Physician Assistants (ASAPA).
Vanthida Huang, Pharm.D. (CPG), Professor of Pharmacy Practice, was awarded Preceptor of the Year at the Arizona Pharmacy Association (AzPA) 2024 Annual Convention in Phoenix, AZ, and was inducted into the AzPA Hall of Fame.
Kory Koryakos (AZCOM ’26) was awarded a scholarship in recognition of his commitment and dedication in pursuit of excellence in orthopedic surgery as a medical student by the Students American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopedics (SAOAO) at the annual meeting of the American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopedics (AOAO) in Las Vegas, NV, in April.
Rachel Lauver (CHS-Downers Grove SLP ’24), Vice President of the Downers Grove Campus’ chapter of the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA), received the NSSLHA Rising Leader of the Year Award for 2024 with an accompanying scholarship.
Marisa Menchola, Ph.D., ABPP-CN (CHS-Glendale), Associate Professor, Behavioral Sciences, has been elected to the Executive Committee of the American Psychological Association's (APA) Division 40, Society for Clinical Neuropsychology.
Christina Mortensen (AZCOM ’25) has been selected to receive one of the 2024 Family Medicine Leads Scholarships provided by the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) Foundation and funded by generous family physicians. The $600 award supported her attendance at the AAFP National Conference of Family Medicine Residents and Medical Students in Kansas City, MO, in August.
Darby Naheedy (CCOM ’25) received the Distinguished Medical Student Award from the College of American Pathologists (CAP), a leading national organization comprised of board-certified pathologists and laboratory professionals. Darby was unanimously recommended for this award by the faculty in the Department of Pathology from the Downers Grove Campus.
Ryan Orlando (AZCOM ’25) won first place for his presentation “Sleeping Soundly: An Osteopathic Approach to Insomnia in an Adolescent” in the national A. Hollis Wolfe Case Presentation Competition at the American Academy of Osteopathy (AAO) Convocation in March.
Shuaa Rizvi (AZCOM ’27), a graduate of the Biomedical Sciences Program (CGS-Downers Grove MBS ’23), was honored with a first-place win in the Basic Research Category during the 2024 Arizona Medical Association’s Annual Meeting for the project “Identification of Stratifin as a Potential Biomarker for Oral Cancer Progression” under the guidance of her faculty mentor Hilal Arnouk, M.D., Ph.D. (CGS-Downers Grove), Associate Professor, Pathology.
David Sutter (CCOM ’25) was awarded the Research to Prevent Blindness (RPB) Student Eye Research Fellowship by the American Osteopathic Colleges of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (AOCOO-HNS).
Eren Ural, D.O. (AZCOM), Program Director, Applied Masters in Osteopathic Education, has received the 2024 Emerging Physician Leader Award from the Arizona Osteopathic Medical Association (AOMA) in April.
Mary Whiteside (CCOM ’27) was accepted into the American Psychiatric Society (APA) SAMHSA Summer Medical Student Program. The program provides educational and networking opportunities for medical students interested in being future leaders in the field of psychiatry and working with underserved communities. The award includes travel to the annual APA conference, a textbook allowance, and a virtual educational seminar.
Fourteen third-year Occupational Therapy students completed the Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) Dementia Capable Care Training during the summer. They have earned the Dementia Capable Care Specialist credentials, which are awarded to those who demonstrate a commitment to person-centered and abilities-focused care. OT Class of 2025 students who received the certification are: Emily Agemura, Carissa Armijo, Remon Basely, Alexa DiBenedetto, Talya Flores, Caitlyn Guidry, Jordan Jacobs, David Martin, Hailey Mulcahy, Jillian Paguiligan, Joceline Rodriguez, Riley Rynders, Alejandra Villagomez, and Kati Waalk.
In February, the Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine hosted the Class of 2026 and their families at the annual Bridging Ceremony, celebrating the class’ transition from didactic training to clinical rotation training. The ceremony included the presentation of awards for Outstanding Academic Achievement in the preclinical curriculum. The award winners for 2024 are:
- Anatomy: Mitchell Rentschler
- Biochemistry/Molecular Genetics: Alicia Miller
- Microbiology/Immunology: Ksenia Basargin
- Pathology: Alexander Thomas
- Pharmacology: Megha Reddy
- Physiology: Ronuck Patel
- CGS Basic Science Award: Michael Machel
- Behavioral Health: Justin Maynard
- OMM: Matthias Freeman & Robert Yamaguchi
- Osteopathic Preclinical Medicine: Mayson Kyle
- Ultrasound: Weronika Hanusiak
- Diversity, Equality, Inclusion: BreAnna Boyle
- AZCOM Dean’s Scholarship: Dakota Marshall
During the annual Student Leader Recognition Night on the Downers Grove Campus, Student Services and the Student Senate presented several individual awards to a student from each College, an outstanding advisor, and a campus unification award. Organization awards were also handed out for community service, promotion of student wellness, and the spirit of Midwestern University.
2023-2024 Awards:
- CPDG Outstanding Leader: Nadeha Fareed (CPDG ’25)
- CCOM Outstanding Leader: Riya Pathare (CCOM ’26)
- CHS Outstanding Leader: Hannah Bargouthi (CHS-Downers Grove PT ’25)
- CDMI Outstanding Leader: Marina Curiel (CDMI ’25), Paige Madden (CDMI ’25)
- CCO Outstanding Leader: Hana Tulemat (CCO ’25)
- CGS Outstanding Leader: Alexis Bucha (CGS-Downers Grove MBS ’24)
- Campus Unification Award: Mihika Iyer (CCOM ’26)
- Outstanding Advisor: Kathy Komperda, Pharm.D., BCPS, Professor, Pharmacy Practice
- Healthcare Awareness Award: Mohammed Baghdadi (CPDG ’25)
- Organization Community Service: Hispanic Student Dental Association (HSDA)
- Spirit of Midwestern Award: American College of Osteopathic Surgeons (ACOS)
- Student Wellness Promotion Award: American Association for Women Dentists (AAWD)
Presentations, Speeches, and Community Service
Julia Beck (AZCOM ’26), Weronika Hanusiak (AZCOM ’26), Joshua Ballard (AZCOM ’27), Carly Roberts (AZCOM ’27), Kathryn DePinto (AZCOM ’27), and Shannon Scott, D.O., FACOFP (AZCOM), Assistant Dean and Medical Director, Multispecialty Institute, went to Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., in April to meet with Arizona senators and representatives on several key issues that the American Osteopathic Association (AO) has prioritized. The AZCOM delegation met with the teams of Senators Mark Kelly and Kyrsten Sinema, and Representatives Debbie Lesko, Paul Gosar, Raul Grijalva, and David Schweikert.
Ira Sigar, Ph.D. (CGS-Downers Grove), Associate Professor, Microbiology & Immunology, hosted an annual event, with the support of the University and the Microbiology & Immunology Department, to give home-schooled children hands-on lab experience.
At the Arizona Pharmacy Association (AzPA) 2024 Annual Convention in Phoenix, AZ, in June:
- Dawn Gerber, Pharm.D. (CPG), Associate Professor, Pharmacy Practice, and Tionna Garner (CPG ’25) were awarded Best Poster Presentation for “Bridging Worlds: Blending Navajo Tradition with Current Pharmacy Practice”; Dr. Gerber, et al. also presented “Navigating Generative AI: Risks, Benefits, and Practical Applications”
- Dr. Gerber and Andrea Callas, Pharm.D. (CPG) Visiting Instructor, presented “Monoclonal Mosiac: Navigating Alzheimer's Treatment Frontiers”
- Kathleen Fairman, Ph.D., M.A. (CPG), Associate Professor, Pharmacy Practice, and Elizabeth Pogge, Pharm.D., M.P.H., BCGP, BCPS, FASCp, FAzPA (CPG), Professor, Pharmacy Practice, presented “Ink & Insights: Medical Writing for Pharmacy Professionals”
- Erin Raney, Pharm.D., BCPS, BC-ADM, FCCP (CPG), Professor, Pharmacy Practice, and Shareen El-Ibiary, PharmD, BCPS, FACCP, FAzPA (CPG), Professor, Pharmacy Practice, presented “Trends in Hormonal Contraception”.
As part of the MWU Community Health Lecture Series, the following presentations were given by Glendale Campus faculty for the Glendale Library-Foothills Branch:
- “Introduction to Cancer” presented by Rahul Deshmukh, Ph.D. (CPG), Associate Professor, Pharmaceutical Sciences
- “A Behavioral Approach for Addressing Problematic Social Media Use” presented by Brad MacNeil, Ph.D., R. Psyche, CHE (CHS-Glendale), Assistant Professor, Behavioral Sciences
- “Why Social Isolation and Loneliness are Public Health Issues” presented by Tiffany Hughes, Ph.D., M.P.H., M.B.A., FGSA (CGS-Glendale), Assistant Professor, Public Health
- “The Importance of Early Pediatric and Orthodontic Dental Treatment” presented by Karen Berrigan, D.M.D. (CDMA), Clinical Assistant Professor, and Sabita Rao, D.M.D. (CDMA), Clinical Assistant Professor
- “Diabetes Basics” presented by Gwen Wodiuk, D.N.P., FNP (AZCOM), Clinical Assistant Professor
The College of Dental Medicine-Illinois (CDMI) participated at the Special Olympics in May at Dunbar Park in Chicago with 20 CDMI students and four faculty members: Ahmed El-Maghraby, D.M.D., FAGD, M.P.H., Director of Clinical Faculty, Dental Institute, Downers Grove; Diana Patarroyo, D.D.S., Clinical Assistant Professor, Dental Institute, Downers Grove; Kelly Skerrett, D.D.S., Clinical Care Coordinator, Dental Institute, Downers Grove; and Sheila Hall, D.D.S., Clinical Assistant Professor, Dental Institute.
Student Groups and University Awards
The Downers Grove Campus Geriatrics Club, a group of Midwestern University students from different healthcare programs volunteer most Saturdays at the Saratoga Grove Retirement & Assisted Living Facility.
The Midwestern University chapter of the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA) was awarded Gold Chapter Honors by the National Speech Language Hearing Association for the ninth time due to the organization’s community outreach, advocacy through legislation, professionalism, and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The chapter is under the direction of faculty advisor Judy Ball, CCC-SLP, Clinical Assistant Professor, Speech-Language Pathology.
Carly Rascia, O.T.D. (CHS-Downers Grove OT ’23), the College of Dental Medicine-Illinois (CDMI), and the Offices of Media Resources, Marketing, and Social Media collaborated on a video series that received a Silver Telly Award. The video was part of Dr. Rascia’s capstone project to create an informative video series to ease children’s concerns about visiting a dentist.