ATSU-KCOM named Region 16 Hub Anchor for initiative to improve rural health outcomes in Missouri
A.T. Still University’s Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (ATSU-KCOM) has been selected as the Region 16 Hub Anchor for Missouri’s Rural Health Transformation Program, serving Adair, Knox, Macon, and Shelby counties, the Missouri Department of Social Services announced.
The role is part of the state’s Transformation of Rural Community Health (ToRCH) Care initiative. As one of 27 Hub Anchors statewide, ATSU-KCOM will work to bring together healthcare providers, community-based organizations, local leaders, and other regional partners to strengthen collaboration, identify shared priorities, and support sustainable approaches to improve health outcomes in rural Missouri.
ATSU-KCOM Vice Dean Jeffrey Davis, DO, CMD, who is leading the Region 16 Hub Anchor work, said the College would leverage its long-standing local partnerships and mission of whole person healthcare to unite stakeholders and transform rural healthcare access.
“We know that meaningful progress depends on strong local partnerships, and we’re looking forward to building on the work already happening across our community,” Dr. Davis said. “We will collaborate with our Hub partners to identify local priorities, share ideas, and develop solutions that address the unique needs of our region.”
Organizations or individuals interested in learning more may contact the Region 16 Hub at 16hubanchor@atsu.edu.
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The Rural Health Transformation Program information provided by the Missouri Department of Social Services is supported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $216,276,817.66, with 100 percent funded by CMS/HHS and $0 (0 percent) financed by nongovernmental sources. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, CMS/HHS, or the U.S. Government.
Robert “Robbie” John Mense III, D2, still remembers the exact moment A.T. Still University (ATSU) won him over. Not a lecture or a lab tour, but an admissions team member straightening his collar with a smile on interview day.
Mense, a St. Louis native, is a 2025 biology graduate (pre-med focus) of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and will graduate from ATSU-MOSDOH in 2029. He is deeply involved on campus, serving as treasurer of the ATSU Student Government Association, pre-dental chair of the American Student Dental Association (ASDA), Social Connections coordinator for the ATSU Student Ambassador program, treasurer of the Catholic Student Association (CSA), a member of Delta Sigma Delta (DSD) fraternity, and a soccer goalkeeper in ATSU intramurals.
Why did you choose ATSU?
“I chose ATSU because I saw its mission in practice in Dexter, Missouri, firsthand. I worked alongside highly competent and skilled D3 and D4 dental students who not only appeared like they had been practicing their whole lives, but were just as friendly as they were skilled. ATSU-MOSDOH and its mission inspired me long before I applied to the program and it was my first choice in schools. This was further amplified through my interview day experience. The interactions with the staff, faculty, students, and Kirksville citizens all stood out to me most in my pre-dental journey.
“One specific memory was when Alice, an admissions team member, came up to me with her bright smile on my interview day and fixed my collar for me. This is what it means to choose ATSU. ATSU resonates with small-town feelings, and an innovative split-program set both in a rural environment in Kirksville, Missouri, as well as an urban environment in St. Louis. The clinical experience is unrivaled to any other program here in the Midwest. I firmly believe that ATSU-MOSDOH is a hidden gem amongst all of the dental schools.”
What do you enjoy about being an ATSU student?
“ATSU students are treated very well. We get free toothbrushes from Phillips and Oral-B our first year, and a lot of Lunch and Learns where the food is provided and sometimes free sample products are available. ATSU has initiatives to bring us out into the daylight away from our studying, such as free plants, teas, food trucks, and other activities. I love the variety that the staff thinks of for us. We also get short breaks during longer lectures and I love to spend that time outside.
“ATSU gives us a basket of recreational equipment, such as tennis balls and rackets, soccer balls, footballs, frisbees, and other equipment we use during this time away from lecture. We like to refer to it as mini-recess, when we can pass a ball around for a few minutes before the lecture starts back up again.”
What do you hope to achieve professionally, and how is ATSU helping prepare you for your career?
“Professionally, I want to become the best dentist that I can be to serve those in my community. When people think of me, I want them to think of me as a friend and someone that is there to help them in need. I hope to work in private practice after school, grow in advanced clinical skills, and give back to my community as it has given back to me in so many ways. I will volunteer regularly at the place that my passion for dentistry began, Smiles of Hope.
“ATSU has done an excellent job preparing me for the future so far. As a D1, I learned all of the foundations of dental sciences, and as a D2, I am now learning all of the necessary hand skills I need to begin practicing on real patients in D3 year. D4 year will be all about learning new clinical skills and experiencing different clinical settings through rotations!”
Why did you choose to join different student organizations?
“The first organizations that I joined were ASDA, CSA, and intramurals. I joined ASDA as the pre-dental chair because I felt that I had a strong connection with many pre-dental students and could guide them and help them in their applications to dental school. I joined CSA because I am a practicing Catholic and I attend mass every Sunday at Mary Immaculate or St. Rose of Lima in Novinger, Missouri. I joined intramurals because I played goalie in high school and I felt that I needed an exercise-intensive hobby. I began with these three as I love being involved, however, D1 year was very taxing so I limited myself to begin with until I got comfortable and felt that I could take on more positions within ATSU and be more involved!”
Why did you become a Student Ambassador, and what do you enjoy about serving in this role?
“I became a Student Ambassador off of my mentor and friend Abdel Fanous’s recommendation. I had never heard of the position before, and on my interview day for ATSU I stayed in town and got lunch at Maxwell’s with him. Abdel told me about his experiences and how he helped those who were interested in ATSU-MOSDOH. When the application came out, I made sure to apply and so far, it has been absolutely wonderful. I have the opportunity to meet so many pre-dental students, give my take on MOSDOH to the students, and help admissions whenever I can!”
What are some of your interests, hobbies, or achievements outside of ATSU?
“I love soccer, I often play pickup soccer with Truman State University students, residents, and other ATSU students. I also am a livestream assistant for Mary Immaculate, working to help the church livestream its mass to those who are unable to make it in person to receive the Eucharist.
“I also love camping, and other outdoor activities. Kirksville is home to Thousand Hills State Park, where classmate Landon Rodriguez and I hiked 24 miles in 24 hours on an overnight trip there around Forest Lake. Our legs were sore, but our spirits were super high on this thrilling endeavor! Adair County is also home to some of Missouri’s best deer and turkey populations. I love hunting and partake every November and April when I can.”
Long before David Murphy, DPT, ’28, set his sights on treating patients with neurologic conditions, he was drawn to A.T. Still University-Arizona School of Health Sciences (ATSU-ASHS) by its reputation for community outreach and glowing reviews from program graduates. Now a student in the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, class of 2028, Murphy is putting that early instinct to the test, serving as Student Physical Therapy Association (SPTA) treasurer and student ambassador while working toward a specialty in neurologic PT. A Gilbert, Arizona, native, he earned his bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from Arizona State University.
Why did you choose ATSU-ASHS?
“I chose ATSU because of its values and emphasis on community outreach, as well as good reviews from previous graduates who I have met.”
What do you enjoy about being an ATSU student?
“I enjoy spending time with my cohort in and outside of class. I also enjoy the yearly flag football competition we do between all of the different programs. I also enjoy the support that is given to me by our faculty to set us up for success.”
What do you hope to achieve professionally, and how is ATSU helping prepare you for your career?
“I hope to be a physical therapist specializing in neurologic conditions. ATSU has many PT faculty who have the specialty certifications in neuro PT and there have been many volunteering opportunities involving individuals with neurologic conditions and giving us experience on treating those conditions.”
Why did you choose to join different student organizations?
“I joined the SPTA to be more involved in my program and the school, as well as joining my mentor who was the president at the time I joined.”
Why did you become a Student Ambassador, and what do you enjoy about serving in this role?
“I became a Student Ambassador to help prospective students choose the best school for them and to share the things that I enjoy about ATSU. I enjoy answering questions for students and providing them insight on what it’s like being in a PT program and what they can expect going into school.”
What are some of your interests, hobbies, or achievements outside of ATSU?
“I love playing soccer and rec league sports with my classmates and spending time with friends and family.”
A graduate of California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, where she earned her bachelor of science in nutrition science with a minor in biology, Novelli has stayed rooted in the Central Coast community throughout her education. Beyond the classroom, she serves as her class’s California Academy of Physician Associates (CAPA) student representative, a Still-Well Health Ambassador, and a Student Ambassador for the program. As she transitions into her clinical year, she’ll complete rotations locally with Bravo Pediatrics, Dignity Health Pacific Central Coast Health Centers, French Hospital Medical Center, and Bishop’s Peak Women’s Health Center.
Why did you choose ATSU-CHC?
“I chose A.T. Still University because its mission and values closely aligned with the kind of physician associate I hope to become. I was especially drawn to ATSU’s commitment to educating culturally humble, medically competent, and empathetic providers who are prepared to serve communities with limited access to healthcare. The osteopathic philosophy of caring for the whole person resonated most with me. As a future PA-C, I hope to look beyond a patient’s immediate complaint and consider the social, mental, emotional, and environmental factors that influence their health.
“Choosing ATSU also gave me the opportunity to continue my education on the Central Coast, a community I had already grown to love through my undergraduate education, healthcare experience, and the relationships I built here. Being able to attend PA school and continue serving this community made ATSU feel like a natural fit for me.
“Now that I am a student, I am even more grateful for that decision. I have built meaningful relationships with my classmates and faculty while staying involved with the local Central Coast nurse practitioner and physician associate community.
“As I transition into my clinical year, I am especially excited and grateful to continue my training locally through rotations with Bravo Pediatrics, Dignity Health Pacific Central Coast Health Centers, French Hospital Medical Center, and Bishop’s Peak Women’s Health Center. It feels extremely special to learn from providers and care for patients in a community that has already given me so much. Staying local will also allow me to remain involved with ATSU as our program begins its next chapter at the new San Luis Obispo campus, which I am really looking forward to.”
What do you enjoy about being an ATSU student?
“What I enjoy most about being an ATSU student is the sense of community within our program. I feel fortunate to learn alongside 89 other classmates with such unique backgrounds, healthcare experiences, and perspectives on medicine. I have also really appreciated our supportive and accessible faculty, who take the time to know us as individuals and are genuinely invested in our growth.
“Some of my favorite parts of student life are the little moments between the bigger milestones: late-night study sessions fueled by Urbane Cafe, getting through challenging weeks together with Costco cookies, taking our daily walks around campus between classes, going for weekly runs at Waller Park, enjoying the Central Coast sunshine on the weekends, and always finding reasons to laugh together during a demanding year.
“PA school moves incredibly fast, which has made me appreciate these experiences and relationships even more. I feel very fortunate to be pursuing a career I am passionate about in a community I love, surrounded by classmates and faculty who have made my time at ATSU so meaningful.”
What do you hope to achieve professionally, and how is ATSU helping prepare you for your career?
“Professionally, I hope to become a well-rounded, compassionate physician associate who patients can trust and who approaches each person with curiosity, empathy, and respect. I loved my previous experience working in primary care and am especially interested in exploring women’s health and pediatrics as I enter my clinical year. At the same time, I look forward to keeping an open mind and using my clinical rotations to learn from different specialties, patient populations, and healthcare teams as I discover where I can make the greatest impact.
“ATSU has prepared me by challenging me academically while reinforcing that being a strong provider requires more than medical knowledge alone. Our education encourages us to see the person behind the diagnosis and understand how a patient’s background, environment, well-being, and access to resources can influence their health. Through hands-on training, I have also been able to bridge what we learn in the classroom with patient care and develop my clinical reasoning, communication, and procedural skills.
“As I enter my clinical year, I am grateful for the foundation our faculty have helped me build and excited to continue learning through direct patient care. Ultimately, I hope to remain curious, practice with humility and compassion, and continue serving the Central Coast community that has played such an important role in my education and growth.”
Why did you choose to join different student organizations?
“One of the most meaningful parts of my experience at ATSU has been finding ways to positively contribute to our cohort’s overall student life experience. PA school moves incredibly quickly, and with so much of our time dedicated to studying, I believe it is especially important to create opportunities to connect with one another, support each other, and enjoy this chapter while we are in it.
“I initially campaigned to join our Student Government Association (SGA) after seeing the meaningful experience my mentor in the cohort above had through student leadership. I saw the friendships she developed within that smaller group and the impact they were able to have on their larger cohort. That inspired me to become involved in our own SGA and find a way to contribute to the experience of my classmates.
“I was especially drawn to serving as our CAPA student representative because I am passionate about keeping our cohort connected to the PA profession beyond the classroom. I enjoy updating my classmates on California advocacy and legislative efforts affecting our profession, as well as sharing scholarships, conferences, networking events, and other opportunities to become involved. One of my favorite experiences was traveling with eight of my classmates to Monterey for CAPA’s 50th anniversary conference in February. It was an incredible opportunity to learn alongside practicing PA-Cs. I have also enjoyed helping coordinate our participation in the CAPA Challenge Bowl and encouraging my classmates to become involved professionally early in our careers.
“Serving as a Still-Well Health Ambassador has given me another way to support our cohort, with a particular focus on student wellness. One of my favorite experiences was helping put on our ‘Paint the Stress Away’ event, which gave students an opportunity to step away from studying, be creative, relax, and spend time together. I also enjoyed tabling for Mental Health Awareness Month and helping connect students with available wellness resources. These experiences closely reflect the biopsychosocial and osteopathic principles we learn throughout our program. As we learn to recognize the physical, mental, emotional, and social factors influencing our patients’ health, I think it is equally important to recognize and support those dimensions of wellness within ourselves and our classmates.
“I also really appreciate being part of a cohort of 90 students because there is so much to learn from the people around me. Everyone entered PA school with a unique background, perspective on life and medicine, and path that ultimately brought them here. Getting to know those stories and learning from my classmates has been one of the most rewarding parts of the program.
“Some of my favorite involvement has happened informally as well. A group of students meets after class about once a week to run together, usually with five to ten of us joining. It has quickly become one of my favorite parts of the week. After spending so much time studying indoors, it gives us a chance to get outside, enjoy the sunshine, decompress, and continue building friendships beyond school.
“I hope sharing these experiences resonates with prospective students who are looking not only for an excellent PA education, but also for a program where they can build genuine friendships and a community of future colleagues.”
Why did you become a Student Ambassador, and what do you enjoy about serving in this role?
“As an ATSU Student Ambassador, it has been especially meaningful to continue the cycle of mentorship that helped shape my own path to PA school. While working as a medical assistant in primary care in San Luis Obispo, I was fortunate to have incredible guidance from my lead medical assistant and coworkers who went on to become ATSU PA students, who generously shared their experiences, answered my questions, and encouraged me throughout the application process. Their willingness to invest their time in me showed me the lasting impact mentorship can have, and I am grateful to now offer that same support to others.
“One of my favorite full-circle experiences was helping connect ATSU with my former Nursing and Physician Associate Club at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, and returning as a PA student to speak with students who are now where I once was. I enjoy welcoming prospective students, sharing my experience honestly, and strengthening relationships between ATSU, local colleges, students, and healthcare professionals.
“Another rewarding part of serving as a Student Ambassador has been representing ATSU at the Cal Poly Grad Fair, where I had the opportunity to connect with students and share more about ATSU’s programs and mission. More recently, I joined a meeting with incoming students from the class of 2028 to answer questions, share perspectives from my own experience, and offer advice as they prepare to begin PA school. This has been one of my favorite experiences as an ambassador because it gave me the opportunity to support students at the very beginning of their journey while also reflecting on how much I have grown since I was in their position.”
What are some of your interests, hobbies, or achievements outside of ATSU?
“Outside of PA school, I love staying active, spending time outdoors, and taking advantage of everything the Central Coast has to offer. Some of my favorite ways to recharge are hiking, spending time at Pismo Beach and Montaña de Oro, wakesurfing on California lakes, and exploring places like Morro Bay, Los Osos, Big Sur, and San Luis Obispo.
“Music is also one of my favorite ways to de-stress and has led to some really fun memories during PA school. I was grateful to see Chris Stapleton perform at the California Mid-State Fair in Paso Robles and watch Jack Johnson’s “SURFILMUSIC” documentary with members of my cohort during some of our free time.
“Most importantly, I value spending time with my family and friends. PA school can become all-consuming if you let it, so staying connected with the people I care about, visiting my family in Northern California, getting outside, and continuing to enjoy the community around me have been important ways for me to recharge and maintain balance throughout school.”
“I chose ATSU because of the close-knit community. From the beginning, I felt that everyone was genuinely supportive and wanted to help one another succeed. I wanted to be part of a program where I felt like I wasn’t just another student, but part of a community and that is what ATSU embodies.”
What do you enjoy about being an ATSU student?
“What I enjoy most about being an ATSU student is the close-knit community and the support from my classmates and faculty. I enjoy being involved in student activities like flag football and the Healthcare Expo, as well as spending time with my classmates outside of class.”
What do you hope to achieve professionally, and how is ATSU helping prepare you for your career?
“Professionally, I hope to become a well-rounded physical therapist who can make a positive impact on my patients’ lives. ATSU is preparing me through hands-on experience, strong clinical education, and its focus on whole person healthcare.”
Why did you choose to join different student organizations?
“I enjoy being involved in these organizations because they allow me to support my peers, connect with prospective students, and contribute to the close-knit community that initially drew me to ATSU. As a teaching assistant, I enjoy helping other students better understand course material and being a resource for them throughout their learning experience. As a Student Ambassador, I have the opportunity to represent ATSU, share my experiences with prospective students, and help others learn more about the program and the supportive environment it offers.”
Why did you become a Student Ambassador, and what do you enjoy about serving in this role?
“I became a Student Ambassador because I wanted to give back to the ATSU community that has been so supportive of me. Coming to ATSU from far away was a big step and, honestly, it was scary moving somewhere new and starting a new chapter. However, the close-knit community and support I experienced made the transition feel much less intimidating. I wanted to be able to provide that same sense of comfort and support to prospective students who may be feeling the same way I did. I enjoy sharing my experience, answering questions, and helping others feel more confident about choosing ATSU.”
What are some of your interests, hobbies, or achievements outside of ATSU?
“Outside of ATSU, I enjoy hiking, skiing, traveling, and going on adventures. I also enjoy playing soccer and spending time with my fiancé.”
Ananya Nigam is a student in A.T. Still University’s School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona (ATSU-SOMA), set to graduate in 2029. A Milpitas, California native, she earned her bachelor of science in biomedical engineering with a minor in studio art from the University of Arizona. Nigam holds several leadership roles at ATSU, serving as vice president of both the Refugee Health Club and Happiness In Hospice, and as Global Health Committee chair with the Student Government Association, in addition to her work as a student ambassador.
Why did you choose ATSU-SOMA?
“I chose ATSU-SOMA because I wanted to train in an environment that emphasizes whole person healthcare and prepares physicians to understand patients in the context of their lives. I value its focus on service and a collaborative culture that supports learning both inside and outside the classroom.”
What do you enjoy about being an ATSU student?
“What I enjoy most about being an ATSU student is the strong sense of community and the emphasis on learning medicine in a collaborative, patient-centered way. Students are genuinely supportive of one another, and that makes a big difference in a rigorous environment.”
What do you hope to achieve professionally, and how is ATSU helping prepare you for your career?
“Professionally, I hope to become a physician who provides patient-centered, culturally responsive care and works to improve access and outcomes for diverse populations.
“ATSU-SOMA is helping prepare me through its emphasis on whole-person care, early clinical exposure, and service-focused training. I value being in an environment that prioritizes understanding patients in context and developing physicians who are both clinically strong and community-minded.”
Why did you choose to join different student organizations? You are vice president of the Refugee Health Club and Happiness In Hospice, and Global Health Committee chair with the Student Government Association.
“Throughout my clinical experiences, research, and community work through these organizations, I kept seeing how strongly patients’ health is shaped by factors beyond the clinical setting. Language barriers, cultural differences, limited access to care, transportation, socioeconomic challenges, and fragmented healthcare systems all contribute to gaps in access to effective and continuous care. I wanted to better understand those barriers and learn how physicians can help address them. Medicine can only be effective if patients are able to access it, understand it, and trust it.
“Being part of these organizations has taught me that meaningful change in healthcare rarely comes from one individual or one profession. It comes from listening to communities, understanding the systems that influence health, and bringing together people with different perspectives to create solutions that are both compassionate and sustainable.
“Activities have included organizing interdisciplinary panels and simulations, volunteering in community and free clinics, supporting refugee health initiatives, hospice patient engagement through art- and music-based activities, and coordinating global health educational events.”
Why did you become a student ambassador, and what do you enjoy about serving in this role?
“I became a student ambassador because I wanted to help future students navigate a system that may be intimidating and difficult in the beginning. I enjoy being a point of connection where I can share an honest perspective and help others feel more informed and supported in their decisions.”
What are some of your interests, hobbies, or achievements outside of ATSU?
“Outside of ATSU, I enjoy painting and ceramics, cooking and baking, swimming, and exploring the history and culture of the places I travel to.”
A.T. Still University of Health Sciences (ATSU) Board of Trustees appointed officers and elected two new trustees at its quarterly meeting July 24, 2026.
The following trustees were elected as officers for 2026-27: Danielle Barnett-Trapp, DO, FACOFP, ‘11, of Anthem, Arizona, chair; Michael Torgan, MBA, NHA, of Los Angeles, California, vice chair; and Renee Clark, MAcc, of Durham, North Carolina, secretary.
Two distinguished healthcare leaders and alumni, newly elected to the board, are Frederick D. Watson, DO, MBA, ’97, of Heath, Texas, and Matthew L. Williams, DMD, ’20, of Kirksville, Missouri. Together, they bring extensive experience in healthcare leadership, clinical practice, and community service.
Dr. Watson is a physician executive with Cigna, where he serves as senior medical principal for many of the company’s largest national clients, developing population health strategies and solutions to improve the well-being of a company’s workforce. A 1997 graduate of ATSU’s Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, he has been board certified in family practice since 2001 and completed the Physician Executive MBA program at the University of Tennessee in 2007. Throughout his career, he has held numerous executive medical leadership positions, leading initiatives focused on value-based care, quality improvement, physician engagement, and healthcare innovation. Dr. Watson previously served on the Kirksville Osteopathic Alumni Association Board of Directors, including as president, and remains active in the American Osteopathic Association and other professional organizations.
Dr. Williams is a general dentist practicing in Kirksville, Missouri, and a 2020 graduate of ATSU’s Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health, where he also earned a certificate in public health with a dental emphasis. Born and raised in Kirksville, Dr. Williams chose dentistry to serve his community and is passionate about helping patients rediscover their confidence through healthy smiles. He is committed to expanding access to quality care for underserved communities and has participated in numerous community oral health initiatives throughout his career. As an alumnus, Dr. Williams shares ATSU’s commitment to a holistic approach to oral healthcare and expanding the healthcare workforce in underserved areas.
“ATSU board members, students, faculty, and staff welcome Drs. Watson and Williams to the board of trustees and look forward to working together. ATSU is fortunate to continue with an exceptionally knowledgeable and dedicated board of trustees,” said Craig M. Phelps, DO, ’84, ATSU chancellor.
Trustees continuing service on the board include Kari Bernard, PhD, PA-C, ’04, of Norfolk, Virginia; Reid Butler, JD, of Phoenix, Arizona; Marco Clark, EdD, of South Bend, Indiana; Jonathan Cleaver, DO, FAOCD, FAAD, FASMS, ’08, of Kirksville, Missouri; Herb Kuhn, of Lohman, Missouri; Helen McBride, PhD, of Woodland Hills, California; Alan Morgan, MPA, of Elkton, Virginia; Floyd Simpson, CFA, CAIA, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Felix Valbuena Jr., MD, DABFM, FAAFP, of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.
The next Board of Trustees meeting will be held Oct. 16-17, 2026, in Kirksville, Missouri.
Labor Day provides an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the dedication, service, and hard work of individuals across our nation. At ATSU, the commitment of our faculty, staff, and students strengthens our mission each day and helps improve the health of the communities we serve. Thank you for the important role you play in advancing our University and its mission. In observance of Labor Day, ATSU offices and patient care centers in Kirksville, Missouri; Mesa, Arizona; Santa Maria, California; and St. Louis, Missouri, will be closed on Monday, September 7, 2026. Facility access will be limited. The Kirksville Thompson Campus Center will also be closed.
To view library hours at each location, please click here.
I hope you have a safe, restful, and enjoyable Labor Day weekend!
Yours in service,
Craig M. Phelps, DO, ’84 Chancellor
Jackie Rufrano, MSOT, is a 2024 graduate of A.T. Still University-Arizona School of Health Sciences’ Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program. A Weston, Florida native, she earned her bachelor of health science in pre-clinical studies from the University of Central Florida in 2021. During her time at ATSU, Rufrano served as vice president of the Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA) and worked as a student ambassador. Today, she is an occupational therapist at a skilled nursing facility in Mesa, Arizona, where she works with patients recovering from respiratory complications. After just over a year in the field, she was selected to participate in a leadership development program for high-potential clinicians.
Why did you choose ATSU-ASHS Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program?
“I used to love to answer this question as a student ambassador! When I was applying to graduate programs, I loved how welcomed I felt by the ATSU admissions team before I even committed to the program. I had the opportunity to ask current students to help me decide if I wanted to pursue my master’s or doctorate of occupational therapy, set my expectations, learn the culture, and always felt like the faculty was only one email away. It gave me this sense of security, especially moving across the country and not knowing anyone.”
What do you hope to achieve professionally, and how did ATSU help prepare you for your career?
“I am now happily employed as an occupational therapist at a skilled nursing facility in Mesa, Arizona, where I am fortunate enough to be a part of the recovery for patients with respiratory complications. After only being employed just over a year, I was personally selected to participate in a leadership program designed to prepare high-potential clinicians for future leadership roles within the therapy world. I believe my involvement in ATSU’s student organizations fostered a passion for leadership and program development, something I never realized I even wanted to pursue until I became involved in ATSU’s extracurricular opportunities.”
Why did you choose to join different student organizations? You were vice president of the Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA)?
“Honestly, I can’t think of enough reasons other than why not?! I had no idea what to expect, but it seemed fun and like a good opportunity to break out of the ‘school is nothing but stressful’ mindset. It has the potential to be so much more than that, you just might have to put yourself out there a little bit. With the help of my amazing cohort, we developed SOTA into a thriving organization that hosted frequent events, both on campus and off. One of my favorites was our Senior Spa Day, for which we partnered up with an assisted living facility, and took some pointers in a voluntary crash course for massage techniques (shout out Dr. Story!), and spent the day making older adults feel pampered. If it wasn’t for SOTA, I don’t know if I would’ve ever been able to help put something like that together.”
Why did you become a student ambassador, and what do you enjoy about serving in this role?
“I decided to become a student ambassador because I wanted to pass along the warmth I felt when I was making the nerve-wracking decision regarding my next steps with my education. I think the openness of the ambassadors I spoke to made my decision to become a part of ATSU’s community so easy for me. So, I wanted to pay it forward.”
What are some of your interests, hobbies, or achievements?
“I foster animals, including medical and senior cats/dogs/rabbits. I love to go on backpacking trips (most recently crossed Havasupai Falls off my list this past May), puzzles (I love joining puzzle competitions), hiking, and trying new restaurants.”
The organization that oversees these residency programs, formerly called Still OPTI, will now be known by the ATSU-KCOM name. The change was approved by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and helps prospective residents more easily identify the schools and hospitals involved with each residency program.
“This approval represents an important step forward for our institution and our residency programs,” said Richard LaBaere, DO, MPH, FAODME, FNAOME, designated institutional official for ATSU-KCOM. “By aligning our graduate medical education programs more closely with the ATSU-KCOM name, we reinforce the strength of our osteopathic heritage, academic mission, and commitment to preparing exceptional physicians.”
Going forward, each residency program’s name will include both ATSU-KCOM and the name of its clinical partner. Sites include Northeast Regional Medical Center (NRMC) in Kirksville, Missouri, and Rocky Vista University (RVU) in Englewood, Colorado. The updated names apply across specialties, including family medicine, internal medicine, dermatology, and osteopathic neuromusculoskeletal medicine.
Kent Blanke, DO, director of medical education at NRMC, said the new names better show how closely the programs work together.
“Our residents benefit from outstanding clinical training opportunities, while also being connected to the legacy and academic excellence of ATSU-KCOM,” Dr. Blanke said. “This rebranding strengthens that identity and helps prospective residents immediately recognize the quality and depth of our partnerships.”
Scott Wilkie, DO, program director at RVU, said the change also reinforces the shared values among the partner institutions.
“This change highlights the collaboration and shared educational values that support our residents and ultimately benefit the communities they serve,” Dr. Wilkie said.
