“The Occupational Therapy department faculty and professors are tremendously wonderful and provide so many resources for students to grow academically and clinically,” Erickson said. “It’s apparent they truly want us to succeed. While I’m still early in my education, the ATSU professors have been helpful in their personal clinical experiences and discussing scenarios in labs and lectures.”
Erickson is from Cresco, Iowa, and has an exercise science degree from University of Iowa. She became impressed with ATSU-ASHS during her application process, as the program was willing to hold her accepted seat for a year.
“I quickly learned how devoted their faculty is to its students and soon fell in love with the master’s program and the idea of moving to Arizona for my occupational therapy degree,” she said.
Erickson is an executive board member with the Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA) and a student ambassador.
“I really enjoyed having another Iowa student ambassador reach out to me throughout my onboarding process,” Erickson said. “I quickly learned I was not the only one moving from the midwest to Arizona, which is nice knowing you’re not alone when moving across the country!”
In her spare time, Erickson enjoys high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts, hiking, rollerblading, disc golf, cooking, being with friends, and playing with her cat, Oscar.
On campus, she enjoys opportunities afforded to ATSU students to broaden their experiences and prepare them to serve their future communities.
“I enjoy the many volunteer opportunities and resources ATSU provides for students to engage more in the Arizona community, while ensuring our mental and physical well-being are well maintained and supported,” she said. “I also loved the many student life activities such as flag football and meeting new friends from different program cohorts!”
But having a community of fellow students who you can count on for support makes a difference, and that’s something she says makes ATSU-KCOM a special place.
“I’ve had the opportunity to get close with so many students in our class. The community here is really special,” she said. “We like to joke that medical school is the trenches, but at least we’re all in it together. Our school and classmates do a really good job of checking in on each other.”
Hein did her undergraduate studies at the University of Missouri-Columbia, where she majored in biochemistry and minored in psychology. From Boonville, Missouri, just a couple of hours from Kirksville, she said her experience during the interview process led her to choose the founding school of osteopathic medicine.
“I chose ATSU because the environment felt different than any other school I interviewed at,” she said. “I felt like KCOM was the first school that took the time to get to know me as a person, not just another statistic on paper.”
And anywhere she goes, Hein says she encounters people who reaffirm her belief that this place is different.
“I love that wherever I go, the people I run into have either heard nothing but great things about ATSU-KCOM, or they have had such positive interactions with physicians that have graduated from this institution,” she said.
Hein is chapter secretary and community outreach director for the Student Osteopathic Medical Association (SOMA), member of the National SOMA public relations senior committee, secretary for Student Government Association, and member of Sigma Sigma Phi, Lifestyle Medicine Club, American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians, Still Kids, Research Club, and L. Linton Budd OBGYN Society.
She’s also an ATSU-KCOM student ambassador.
“I became a student ambassador because I remember the impact the ambassadors had on my interview day and how helpful they were in helping me make the decision to come to ATSU,” she said. “I wanted to be able to give back and help support the next group of students through their journey to medical school and be able to help explain why I love ATSU and am so happy with my decision to come to KCOM.”
Off campus, Hein enjoys reading, hiking, kayaking, embroidering, baking, and indoor cycling.
On campus, she’s working toward becoming an OBGYN and improving access to care for Missouri communities.
“Professionally, I hope to become an OBGYN and be able to provide care to parts of Missouri that lack access to women’s health,” she said. “My time at ATSU-KCOM will ensure that I’m going to be a well-rounded physician and able to appropriately serve the community in which I will practice one day.”
“I chose ATSU-ASDOH because I knew the School would provide the best education possible to become an exceptional dentist. The clinical experience ATSU-ASDOH offers is extensive and something I couldn’t find anywhere else. The rotations required in the DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) program during our fourth year also piqued my interest, as I saw it as an excellent opportunity to learn how different clinics operate across Arizona and the country, gaining even more clinical experience,” she said. “I also chose ATSU because the school is very outspoken about diversity and how it influences our daily lives. As an Arab-Hispanic woman, I found this to be very important, and I believe diversity awareness should be more integrated into our lives.”
Moussa calls both Venezuela and Houston, Texas, home, and has a bachelor of nutritional science from University of Houston. She enjoys spending time with family and her dog, Hulky, rock climbing, painting, and attending concerts.
The ATSU community has made the transition to Mesa, Arizona, go smoothly.
“I enjoy the amazing friendships I have made at ATSU,” she said. “There is an incredible support system and it has made my transition from Texas to Arizona much easier. I also really enjoy all the events that the school and clubs organize, which allow us to relax and learn something new.”
One of those is GIve Kids A Smile, which Moussa said provided a great opportunity to help children in need of dental care, and gives both parents and children a chance to learn about improving their own oral health.
She also serves as an ATSU-ASDOH student ambassador.
“Becoming a student ambassador was important to me because I wanted to serve as an example for prospective students visiting ATSU-ASDOH. I wanted them to understand that anything is possible, and that if I, as an immigrant, was able to follow my dreams, they can too, despite any obstacles or doubts they may face,” Moussa said. “Additionally, I wanted to help students with any questions they might have, as the applying process to dental school can be challenging and overwhelming for many of them.”
“I enjoy how inviting and how helpful everyone in my program is,” Genera said. “We are all working towards a common goal and I have not met a single person, student or faculty member, who was not willing to help me when I needed it.”
Student life is also a big part of that support system, with opportunities to connect with fellow students and establish strong bonds.
“Outside of school, there was a group of ATSU-SOMA students who also enjoy volleyball, so we signed up for a recreational league near school,” Genera said. “So we had a chance to enjoy our time together outside of school, and that is not something I thought would be possible in medical school with such a rigorous workload.”
Genera is from Norwalk, California, and has a bachelor’s of science in cellular and molecular biology from Chaminade University of Honolulu. She was immediately impressed by ATSU-SOMA during her interview process, finding a welcoming environment and true commitment to the University’s mission of service to the underserved.
“I hope to become a well-rounded, caring osteopathic physician, and ATSU-SOMA has a particularly big emphasis on whole person healthcare,” she said. “Following the school’s mission should prepare me to become just that.”
In her free time, she enjoys baking, cooking, volleyball, Legos, and watching scary movies. She’s also a highly engaged student, serving as a member of the Ultrasound Interest Group, Emergency Medicine Interest Group, and Taylored Excellence.
“I joined both the Ultrasound and Emergency Medicine Interest Groups because they are both tied to the specialty that I am interested in pursuing in the future,” Genera said. “The Ultrasound Interest Group gives more time scanning early in my education here at ATSU-SOMA, which is beneficial for my future in clinical settings. I enjoy both of these groups because they are helping guide me in deciding what specialty fits my interest the most.
“I joined Taylormade because it was introduced to me as a safe space for students who needed help finding a place in medicine, and being a first-generation student in medicine I thought it would be beneficial to me.”
Genera also serves as a student ambassador, sharing her experiences as a first-generation student with other students who may also not have had a background in medicine.
“I think that by sharing my personal experiences it can help future students understand what it is like to attend ATSU-SOMA’s program and the academic workload that will be given to them if they end up attending,” she said. “I enjoy this role because I get to see all the excited faces of interviewing students and I am reminded of the opportunity I was given when I was accepted to ATSU-SOMA.”
A.T. Still University’s (ATSU) A.T. Still Memorial Library has been named a recipient of the 2025 Library Excellence in Access and Diversity (LEAD) Award by INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education.
This marks A.T. Still Memorial Library’s second consecutive year receiving the honor.
The LEAD Award honors academic libraries’ programs and initiatives that encourage and support diversity, equity, and inclusion. These include, but are not limited to research, technology, accessibility, exhibitions, and community outreach. A.T. Still Memorial Library will be featured, along with 33 other recipients, in the March 2025 issue of Insight Into Diversity magazine.
“ATSU is immensely proud of the work done by A.T. Still Memorial Library and thanks Insight Into Diversity magazine for this recognition,” said ATSU Chancellor Craig Phelps, DO, ’84. “Congratulations to library leadership and staff on our Missouri, Arizona, and California campuses.”
“Receiving the LEAD Award for a second year highlights the dedication of library staff to the library’s values of being a responsive, inclusive, and collaborative library for our University community,” said ATSU Library Director Hal Bright, MLS, AHIP. “I am proud of the library’s accomplishments, acknowledged by receiving the 2025 LEAD Award.”
Insight Into Diversity magazine selected A.T. Still Memorial Library because of the library’s multitude of projects in support of its diversity statement and action plan, including developing diverse collections, promoting open-source publications, designing and implementing equitable programming, and engaging with ATSU’s Office of Diversity & Inclusion, student organizations, University diversity initiatives, and committees.
A call for nominations for this award was announced in October 2024.
“We know that many academic libraries are not always recognized for their dedication to diversity, inclusion, and access,” says Lenore Pearlstein, owner and publisher of Insight Into Diversity magazine. “We are proud to honor these college and university libraries as role models for other institutions of higher education.”
For more information about the 2025 Library Excellence in Access and Diversity (LEAD) Award, visit insightintodiversity.com.
Kenny Lam, ScD, ATC, FNATA, a professor with A.T. Still University-Arizona School of Health Sciences’ (ATSU-ASHS) Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, will be a featured panelist Friday as the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) hosts a virtual media briefing, “A Super Bowl Spotlight on Youth Sport Safety: Athletic Trainer Access & Availability & What the Research Says.”
Dr. Lam is a professor, clinical research, and director of the Athletic Training Practice-Based Research Network (AT-PBRN) and Faculty Advancement and Mentoring for Excellence (FAME), as well as vice chair of the Institutional Review Board on ATSU’s Mesa, Arizona campus.
He is a fellow of NATA and one of the authors of a new study to be unveiled during this event.
With the Super Bowl set for Sunday, Feb. 9, the game always puts a spotlight on sports safety and particularly at the youth level. While all NFL teams have full-time athletic trainers (ATs) on staff only 37% of U.S. public high schools employ them.
But what about those young athletes who may live in remote areas where care is not as frequent if at all? Or schools in metropolitan environments where staffing shortages (or staffing of ATs at all) may be a factor? Join an interdisciplinary group of health care experts to hear first-hand both the successes and challenges that have come with providing onsite and gold standard care.
The one-hour discussion will include the unveiling of a new study to be published in the January Journal of Athletic Training that examines athlete acute injuries and AT access and availability; insights from athletic trainers and others working directly with young athletes where ATs are or are not present; how we can better prevent and manage injury; youth sport safety recommendations and advocacy efforts as we look ahead.
David Bell, PhD, ATC, FNATA, professor, Departments of Kinesiology and Orthopedics and Rehabilitation at the University of Wisconsin-Madison; director, Wisconsin Injury in Sport Laboratory; study author
Kenny Lam, ScD, ATC, FNATA, professor of clinical research, Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, A.T. Still University (ATSU) in Mesa, Arizona; director, Athletic Training Practice-Based Research Network (AT-PBRN); study author
Madison Renner, MS, LAT, ATC , PhD candidate; Department of Kinesiology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison; member, Wisconsin Injury in Sport Laboratory; study lead author
Carrie Viel, assistant principal and activities director for Cascade Jr/Sr High School, Western Dubuque School District, Iowa
Jason Viel, MS, LAT, ATC, director of Athletic Training Services, Rock Valley (IA) Physical Therapy; athletic trainer, Pleasant Valley Community High School, Bettendorf, Iowa; NATA Secondary School Athletic Trainers’ Committee member (District 5 representative)
Mike West, MS, AT Ret., Commissioner, Southern Section, California Interscholastic Federation (CIF); former District 8 NATA Secondary School Athletic Trainers’ Committee chair and former California Athletic Trainers’ Association president
WHEN Friday, January 31, 2025 12:00 PM-1:00 PM CT Via ZOOM
If you are a member of the media and would like to participate, please register here.
The general public can view a live broadcast of the webinar on FACEBOOK, Instagram and X. CONTACT Robin Waxenberg Robin Waxenberg & Associates 917-301-1350 robin@robwax.com
About NATA: National Athletic Trainers’ Association – Health Care for Life & Sport Athletic trainers are health care professionals who specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries and sport-related illnesses. They prevent and treat chronic musculoskeletal injuries from sports, physical and occupational activity, and provide immediate care for acute injuries. Athletic trainers offer a continuum of care that is unparalleled in health care. The National Athletic Trainers’ Association represents and supports 40,000 members of the athletic training profession. Visit nata.org for more information.
It’s a place that genuinely cares about its students, their well-being, and provides ample opportunities to become part of a community.
“I chose ATSU because I loved their holistic view of medicine and their body-mind-spirit philosophy,” Kapadia said. “I believe that mental health takes a toll on your physical health just as much as any other illness or disease, and ATSU prioritizes their students’ mental and physical well-being. I got a glimpse of the tight-knit community ATSU offers during my interview, and I knew this was the school I was meant to be at.
“I love the community and non-competitive environment that ATSU offers to its students. That’s one of the main reasons I chose this program and school. ATSU offers so many fun events throughout each month, and there are always new opportunities to get involved or expand your knowledge outside of the classroom. We had such a fun event a couple of months ago called Founder’s Day, and I really felt the supportive, loving community that ATSU has built.”
Kapadia is from Simi Valley, California, and has a bachelor’s of science in biology from University of California, Riverside. She enjoys reading, watching football, and trying out new recipes and restaurants.
“I’ve always loved to read, and even though it’s hard to do so in grad school, it helps me wind down and take a break from school,” she said. “I’m also a big foodie, so I love to try new restaurants with my friends. Being close to LA, there were lots of cool and trendy restaurants there, but Phoenix and Scottsdale have some of the best restaurants I’ve been to!”
Kapadia serves as a student ambassador with the ATSU-ASHS PA program, a position which allows her to provide insights to prospective students.
“During my PA school interview, I was able to ask questions to four PA student ambassadors and it eased my nerves and helped me decide that ATSU was the best fit for me,” she said. “I wanted to serve as this role model to future students who were in the same shoes as I once was. As an ambassador, I also work with high school and college students who are interested in the PA field, and it’s rewarding to offer my advice and insight into how I made it to this point. I love socializing with others, meeting new people, and giving my honest opinions and advice, which is why I chose to become a student ambassador.”
ATSU-ASHS is helping Kapadia prepare for her career in many different ways. Academically, she’s learning the importance of all things clinical medicine and how to go about treating, diagnosing, and working with patients.
But ATSU is also helping her develop a bedside manner for serving her future patients as their healthcare provider.
“ATSU incorporates a course in our curriculum called BMS (Body, Mind, and Spirit) and this course has taught me so much about how to be culturally competent and respectful towards all patients in any given situation,” Kapadia said. “I’ve learned that showing compassion and sympathy towards your patients can make all the difference; it’s not just about what you know from a clinical perspective. Once I’ve graduated from the program and have passed my PANCE (Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination), I hope to make connections and network with my colleagues, and to genuinely love where I practice and what I’m doing.”
“I chose ATSU-ASDOH because of its strong commitment to whole person healthcare and dedication to serving underserved communities,” she said. “ATSU’s curriculum ensures students are well educated in all aspects of the body and puts a strong emphasis on how all of the body’s systems are connected.”
Snow has a degree in exercise science and pre-health professions from Creighton University and an associate’s degree from Rio Salado College. She is from Orange County, California, but moved to Arizona with her family in 2012.
“I love Arizona and am so lucky to call this place home. I am also extremely grateful to be able to pursue my career in dentistry in Arizona. I plan to stay here after graduation,” she said.
Her positive experience with ATSU-ASDOH began with her interview, where she had positive interactions with faculty and current students. Snow said the Mesa, Arizona, campus immediately felt like home.
That experience inspired her to become a student ambassador.
“As an applicant, I had such a pleasant experience interacting with ASDOH student ambassadors,” Snow said. “They were happy to give advice, provided encouragement, and gave me insight into what being a student would look like. I wanted to provide the same mentorship to future ASDOH students and hopefully be a familiar face in their future.”
Snow has immersed herself in the student experience. In addition to being a student ambassador, she is part of Give Kids A Smile and a member of the American Student Dental Association, ATSU-ASDOH’s Association for Women Dentists, ATSU-ASDOH Academy of General Dentistry Club, American Association of Public Health Dentistry, Students United for America’s Toothfairy, and ATSU-ASDOH Cosmetics Club.
“I joined these organizations because I am able to resonate with each of them in a different way. By being part of these organizations I am able to connect with my peers, have unique learning experiences, and learn more about the various aspects of dentistry,” she said.
In her free time, Snow loves to cook, go on walks, and try new restaurants. She is also a barre/yoga instructor and is hoping to get back into teaching soon.
“It is also super important to me to spend quality time with my family and friends,” she said.
Ultimately, Snow aims to become a compassionate and competent provider, and is confident ATSU-ASDOH is providing her the skills to achieve her goals.
“I am confident ATSU-ASDOH will prepare me to be a well-rounded dentist and provide me with a skill set that I can use in various environments,” she said. “One of my goals as a future practitioner includes working in public health in Arizona. I want to give back to the community that I call home. Eventually, I see myself practicing as a general dentist locally.”
Dr. Megafu discussed personal experiences and those shared by historically underrepresented groups in healthcare and healthcare education, and steps that must be taken to address inequities and disparities for students, physicians, and the communities they serve.
Dr. Megafu joined The University of Connecticut Health Center in Farmington, Connecticut, as a PGY1 orthopaedic surgery resident in July 2024.
Born in Brooklyn and growing up in Queens, New York, Dr. Megafu’s early healthcare influences included his mother, who was a nurse, and his father, a public health investigator for the New York State Department of Health. Though he believed early on teaching would become his career path, and it was for a short time as a teacher of physics and gospel choir at his former high school, his heart pulled him back to pursuing a career in osteopathic medicine.
He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biology and minor in chemistry from St. Joseph’s University New York in May 2016, a master of public health degree in epidemiology and biostatistics from SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, School of Public Health in May 2019, and a doctor of osteopathic medicine degree from ATSU-KCOM in May 2024.
While a student at ATSU-KCOM, Dr. Megafu distinguished himself as a leader by accepting roles with the Christian Medical and Dental Association and Student National Medical Association, serving as an ATSU-KCOM student ambassador and completing a one-year medical education fellowship. He was also active with several student organizations, including Physical Medicine & Rehab, Internal Medicine, Surgery, and the MEDleys, an ATSU a cappella group.
Dr. Megafu’s research interests include medical education and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in orthopedics, global orthopedics, joints, and sports. His passion projects include focusing on debunking myths about osteopathic medicine, increasing match rates for all orthopaedic applicants, and improving research and mentorship opportunities for underrepresented groups in medicine.
A talented musician, Dr. Megafu also enjoys playing the piano and has served as pianist and bassist for his church. His additional hobbies include spending time with his wife, family, and friends; playing basketball and bowling; and watching movies.
“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically.” – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
On Monday, January 20, 2025, our nation will celebrate the life, sacrifice, and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Since 1892, A.T. Still University has been committed to fostering inclusivity for all students, faculty, staff, and patients. From Dr. Still’s first class of D.O. students through today, ATSU strives to be a place where everyone understands the values of cultural proficiency, and feels valued and respected.
In observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, ATSU offices and patient care centers at the Kirksville, Missouri; Mesa, Arizona; Santa Maria, California; and St. Louis, Missouri, locations will be closed. Additionally, the Thompson Campus Center on the Kirksville, Missouri, campus will not be open on this day.
Please click here to view library hours at each location.
