The S.M.I.L.E. program provides 9th- and 10th-grade students an introduction to oral health professions through a week-long immersive experience, where they gain exposure to the various roles within oral healthcare, including assisting, hygiene, and dentistry.
As a supporting partner, ATSU is helping to advance the program’s core mission of cultivating a diverse and talented next-generation of dental professionals from historically underrepresented backgrounds, ultimately ensuring a more equitable dental landscape.
This year’s program will take place from July 7-12 at the Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry in Nashville, Tennessee.
Kelsey Picha, PhD, ATC, associate professor of clinical anatomy in the Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences at A.T. Still University-Arizona School of Health Sciences (ATSU-ASHS), recently received recognition as a co-author of a manuscript that received the 2023 Outstanding Manuscript Award, as determined by the editorial board and editors of the Athletic Training Education Journal.
Along with her five co-authors, Dr. Picha received recognition for the collaborative research manuscript, “Exploring the use of a social determinants of health focused history script to facilitate patient conversations.” The article aligns with Dr. Picha’s research focus on the social determinants of health in athletic healthcare.
Learn more about the study and read the full manuscript here.
Dr. Markand was presented the award by ATSU-KCOM Dean Margaret Wilson, DO, ’82, on April 22, 2024, at the ATSU-KCOM Faculty Assembly.
Dr. Markand received a master’s degree in biology from Georgia College & State University and a PhD in biomedical sciences from the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University. She joined ATSU’s faculty in July 2019.
Prior to traveling to Globe, Arizona, on Tuesday, May 7, and to Payson, Arizona, on Thursday, May 16, students were first tasked with creating a presentation on motor, sensory, and cognitive deficits, along with strategies for improving oral hygiene at home and at the dentist’s office.
Students then presented to family members of children with disabilities and provided education, strategies, resources like adaptive equipment, and oral healthcare goody bags, which were provided by dental students at ATSU-Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health (ATSU-ASDOH).
The annual Black Leaders in Healthcare to Know list recognizes individuals who are making an impact in healthcare by shaping the patient experience, educating and training the next generation of healthcare providers, and furthering equity and inclusion.
Currently, Dr. Kidd works as an associate clinical professor in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at the University of California, Irvine (UCI), School of Medicine, and as the director of the Advanced Practice Providers program at UCI Health.
He is a member of the California Academy of Physician Assistants, American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, American College of Healthcare Executives, and the Advanced Practice Provider Executives. Dr. Kidd also serves as the vice president of the California Physician Assistant Board.
Emilio Puentedura, PT, DPT, PhD, associate professor of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at University of Nevada Las Vegas and clinical professor in the Physical Therapy department at Baylor University, presented the keynote address.
In total, 33 students received a pin, which represents the students’ transition from their didactic and clinical training in Arizona to their full-time clinical training at locations across the country.
Check out more photos below!
Nelida Acosta, Hometown Scholar coordinator, strategic university partnerships, A.T. Still University (ATSU), was recently awarded the Outstanding Migrant Health Center Board Member award by the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC).
Each year, NACHC honors individuals and organizations for their dedication and commitment to improving the health of seasonal, agricultural, and migrant workers. Acosta was recognized for her commitment to Adelante Healthcare and her advocacy of migrant health initiatives.
Acosta received the award at the 2024 Conference for Agricultural Worker Health in Atlanta, Georgia.
This ceremony marks a milestone and recognizes the students completing their first didactic year and beginning clinical rotations.
Program alumna Briana Thornton, AuD, ’11, director of audiology at Enticare, presented the ceremony’s keynote address, and Elizabeth Palmer, AuD, ’20, assistant professor, interim director, AFA Balance & Hearing Institute, led the students in the Doctor of Audiology Oath.
In addition to their doctor of osteopathic medicine degrees, five students also earned master of public health degrees.
Norman Gevitz, PhD, senior vice president, academic affairs, welcomed the graduates and audience, and Branae Maddix, MPH, performed the National Anthem. Danielle Barnett-Trapp, DO, ’11, member, Board of Trustees, presented this year’s commencement address. ATSU President Craig Phelps, DO, ’84, and ATSU-SOMA Dean Sharon J. Obadia, DO, FNAOME, ’97, also delivered remarks.
Amanda L. Weaver, MBA, was the recipient of the 2024 President’s Medallion Distinguished Service award, presented by Dr. Phelps. Weaver was recognized for her outstanding service and support to healthcare, the osteopathic profession, ATSU, and ATSU-SOMA.
Lawrence LeBeau, DO, ’92, assistant professor, led graduates in the oath to the profession, and Aline Sengchannavong, DO, clinical assistant professor, inducted graduates into the ATSU-SOMA Alumni Association.
