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How ATSU-ASDOH prepares dental students for success: A D1’s journey in clinical excellence

Aime Victoria Fontenot, D1, is a dedicated student in the A.T. Still University-Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health (ATSU-ASDOH) Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) program. After graduating from McNeese State University in 2024 with a degree in biology, Fontenot was drawn to ATSU-ASDOH for its welcoming atmosphere, collaborative environment, and clinical experience that prepares graduates for a successful dental career.

Fontenot is committed to advancing her clinical skills and serving the community through initiatives like Give Kids A Smile. As a student ambassador, she helps prospective students navigate the transition to dental school, sharing her passion for whole person healthcare and the beautiful Arizona landscape.

Why did you choose ATSU-ASDOH?

“I chose ATSU-ASDOH because of the people and the environment. The faculty, students, and staff were approachable, welcoming and eager to share their experiences, which made the day less intimidating. I was very pleased to find that the students genuinely enjoyed their lives here and the program itself. At ASDOH, our program offers a unique and valuable clinical experience that is essential for our post-graduate careers. 

“I also really enjoyed seeing the state of Arizona itself. Being from Louisiana, this was definitely a big change but something I have appreciated. There are many outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, and even enjoying the views that the area has to offer. It is nice to be surrounded by such a beautiful environment that has a lot to offer during these next couple of years.”

What do you enjoy about being an ATSU student? 

“I enjoy all the events that ATSU has to offer outside of the classroom. At ASDOH, we often have lunch-and-learns where we are invited to participate in meetings with outside vendors or professionals. I also have enjoyed playing intramural here, along with several other side events that provide opportunities to engage with other students.”

What do you hope to achieve professionally, and how is ATSU-ASDOH helping prepare you for your career?

“Professionally, I hope to be a dentist who patients feel like they can trust and be comfortable coming to. Dental work can be a very daunting thing to most patients and it is my goal to make them feel confident and supported in the chair. ATSU-ASDOH does a great job at preparing me for this through the amount of clinical experience offered, compassionate instructors, and opportunities for hand skill advancement.”

You are a member of the American Student Dental Association, Orthodontics Club, and part of the Costumes and Carnival Committee for Give Kids A Smile. Why did you choose to join different student organizations?

“I chose to be a part of these organizations because they were opportunities to get involved and help those around me. I love to be engaged and collaborate with others, both of which are things I get to do with being in these clubs. It also provides a great space to learn from those around and older than me about their experiences.”

Why did you become a student ambassador, and what do you enjoy about serving in this role? 

“I chose to be a student ambassador to help incoming students who were struggling or were coming in with similar situations as mine. Being from so far away, not knowing anyone, and starting a new program can be a very daunting process. I wanted to be someone who could help with the adjustments into the next four years. I also wanted to have the opportunity to share what I enjoy about the school and hopefully help them in making their decisions.”

What are some of your interests, hobbies, or achievements outside of ATSU?

“Outside of the classroom, I love to do anything outside! Hikes, walks, or even sitting on my patio to study. I am a big reader and that is currently my favorite pastime. I also love to exercise and workout. Lastly, I enjoy hanging out with friends in my free time. This area has lots of opportunities and things to do on the weekends.”

Meet Elizabeth Kleitz, OMS I, a dedicated member of the A.T. Still University-Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (ATSU-KCOM) class of 2029.

A native of Bridgeton, Missouri, Kleitz graduated from Truman State University in 2024 with a bachelor’s of science in health science and a minor in biology. Now, as she pursues her doctor of osteopathic medicine degree, she has become a pillar of the ATSU-KCOM campus community. From leading as the president of the Catholic Student Association to serving as the secretary for the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians student chapter, Kleitz balances her rigorous academics with a deep commitment to service and leadership.

She is also an active member of the Pediatrics Club and the Sigma Sigma Phi Honors Fraternity. With a fellowship already on the horizon for next year, Kleitz shares her insights on navigating medical school, staying involved, and what makes the ATSU-KCOM experience unique.

Why did you choose ATSU-KCOM?

“I chose ATSU-KCOM because I felt welcome here, because there are countless opportunities for academic and personal growth, and because the environment is incredibly collaborative.”

What do you enjoy about being an ATSU student? 

“The community at ATSU is very unique. Classmates and professors alike work very diligently to foster a collaborative environment, not a competitive one. The school offers so many resources to students and takes care to ensure we can keep ourselves healthy before we go out to keep others healthy.”

What do you hope to achieve professionally, and how is ATSU-KCOM helping prepare you for your career?

“I hope to become either a pediatrician or family physician in a rural area, where I am able to serve a small community and develop close personal connections with my patients. ATSU-KCOM is helping me with every aspect of that goal by emphasizing equally the academic and humanistic sides of medicine and encouraging me to be a better person than I was yesterday.”

Why did you become a student ambassador, and what do you enjoy about serving in this role? 

“I had such a wonderful experience on my campus tour as a prospective student. The student ambassadors were a great resource to me and seemed so genuinely excited about the school. After being here, I came to understand why they felt that way and was eager for the opportunity to serve as a spokesperson for this school that has done so much to set me up for success.”

What are some of your interests, hobbies, or achievements outside of ATSU?

“Outside of school, I enjoy playing the piano and tennis, and spending time with my adorable niece and nephew!”

Meet Harlie Robinson, D2, a standout member of the ATSU-Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health (ATSU-MOSDOH) class of 2028. Hailing from the small town of Jonesboro, Louisiana, Robinson brought her passion for science and service to Kirksville after graduating from Louisiana Tech University in 2022 with a major in biology and a minor in chemistry.

At ATSU-MOSDOH, Robinson has seamlessly blended her love for community with her professional ambitions. When she isn’t mastering the complexities of oral healthcare or serving as a student ambassador, you can likely find her on the intramural fields or training for her next half-marathon.

In this Q&A, Robinson shares why Kirksville felt like a “home away from home” and how ATSU-MOSDOH is preparing her to lead her own dental practice with confidence.

Why did you choose ATSU-MOSDOH?

“I am originally from a small town and the small town of Kirksville really stood out to me as another home away from home. I especially loved ATSU-MOSDOH’s commitment to serving the underserved and focusing on whole person healthcare, as dentistry isn’t just about the mouth, but also the link it has to systemic health.”

What do you enjoy about being an ATSU student? 

“I enjoy all the intramural sports that I get to play, not only with my classmates, but also the ATSU-Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine students. Being involved in extracurricular activities like intramurals or student organizations gives me the opportunity to step away from the classroom for a little while and have fun with other students!”

What do you hope to achieve professionally, and how is ATSU helping prepare you for your career?

“In the future, my ultimate goal is to own my own dental practice and treat individuals of all types of backgrounds. ATSU-MOSDOH gives a great opportunity to work with very medically complex patients, and patients that may have the most extreme cases. Not only do we get to treat these patients, but we are specifically taught how to treat these medically complex patients and very complex cases, so when I get out of dental school I will feel confident in my ability to tackle the majority of the dental cases that come my way in my practice.”

Why did you choose to join different student organizations, including Still Caring Health Connection (dental president), Student Government Association (class secretary), and American Student Dental Association?

“I joined Still Caring as a way to get more hands-on experience with patients and enhance my ability to communicate effectively with patients. I became a first-year representative during my D1 year and continued my membership through D2 year, when I became dental president. Within this organization, we provide free medical and dental care, such as osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM), labs and vitals, dental screenings, and cleanings, to the underserved or uninsured communities around northeast Missouri.”

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 connect with prospective students and tell them all of the great opportunities that ATSU has to offer, and have loved getting to do this over the past few months.”

What are some of your interests, hobbies, or achievements outside of ATSU?

“I love sports. I played softball for the majority of my life and I still love going to play with friends. This past year I also started running more, and have since completed a 5K and two half-marathons. I also enjoy drawing/painting for fun.”

Jonathan O’Connell is a leader and researcher in the Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences (MSBMS) program at A.T. Still University’s Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (ATSU-KCOM). A Springfield, Missouri native and 2024 Drury University graduate with a degree in biochemistry, O’Connell came to Kirksville with a clear mission: to gain the high-level research and clinical foundation necessary to serve rural and underserved communities.

A member of the class of 2026, O’Connell is president of the Biomedical Science Club and an active member of the Christian Medical and Dental Association, Rotaract, and the Student Government Association. 

He has fully immersed himself in the ATSU culture of service. Whether he’s volunteering with the Special Olympics, playing guitar at his church, or supporting local nonprofits, O’Connell exemplifies the whole person healthcare philosophy. Having recently achieved his goal of medical school acceptance, he discusses his journey toward becoming a rural general surgeon.

Why did you choose ATSU-KCOM’s MSBMS program?

“More than a simple degree, ATSU-KCOM’s MSBMS program has provided the means by which I have been able to develop a variety of skills and knowledge that I can apply to prevalent shortcomings in rural and underserved communities. It is my dream to serve rural populations. ATSU has a reputation for educating individuals who have preceded me to reach this same goal.”

What do you enjoy about being an ATSU student? 

“It is a blessing to live in Kirksville, especially because of it being a smaller community. As an ATSU student who is not from Kirksville or the surrounding area, I have found it particularly easy to settle into the local community. There are so many opportunities to experience the outdoors, from spending a day at the lake, to the county fair, or the various festivals the town hosts.”

What do you hope to achieve professionally, and how is ATSU-KCOM’s MSBMS helping prepare you for your career?

“I came into graduate school with a few goals in mind. The first goal was to be pushed as a student to refine my skills in the classroom, but also as the means by which I could become a better learner. My second was to gain research experience. I have gained a profound appreciation for research as a biomed student. We go through the entire research process from beginning to end. The first day of class we learned how to read and interpret scientific literature, which I thought I knew but soon realized I had much to learn. 

“My third and final goal was to get into medical school, which has been achieved and not only that but I am one step closer to reaching my long term goal of becoming a rural general surgeon!”

Why did you become a student ambassador, and what do you enjoy about serving in this role? 

“I became a student ambassador to pass along the awesome things ATSU has to offer to the next generation of students. I truly enjoy talking with prospective students and answering their questions, the very questions I have written in my old notebooks when I was in their shoes.”

What are some of your interests, hobbies, or achievements outside of ATSU?

“I absolutely love being involved in the local community, doing various things, whether it be getting involved with my church and playing guitar for the Christmas parade, or volunteering at the Special Olympics this past summer. As for my hobbies, as I alluded to, I love playing guitar and play guitar at my church (The Crossing). 

“One of the coolest things I’ve witnessed while being in Kirksville is connecting with some of the people and getting an inside look of a new Christian nonprofit, The House of Hope, providing a residence for local men who are seeking to rebuild their lives. I’ve gotten to personally know the family starting this nonprofit and I am so glad I can celebrate with them for this huge blessing!”

Introducing James Ronald Sherstoff, D1, a member of the A.T. Still University-Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health (ATSU-MOSDOH) class of 2029. A St. Louis native, Sherstoff graduated from Missouri State University in 2024 with a degree in cell and molecular biology and minors in human health sciences and chemistry.

Whether he’s in the clinic or hitting the golf course and basketball court with friends, Sherstoff is focused on becoming a well-rounded professional dedicated to bettering the lives of his future patients.

Why did you choose ATSU-MOSDOH?

“I chose ATSU-MOSDOH because it emphasized focusing on whole person care and service to underserved communities, and offered great clinical experience.”

What do you enjoy about being an ATSU student? 

“I love my class and the camaraderie. There are lots of opportunities to get to know everyone and hang out outside of class. I enjoy getting to know the faculty and forming relationships with everyone.”

What do you hope to achieve professionally, and how is ATSU-MOSDOH helping prepare you for your career?

“I hope to be a well-rounded dental professional and to better the lives of the people around me. The preparation and experience ATSU-MOSDOH provides makes this very possible.”

Why did you choose to join different student organizations, like Delta Sigma Delta (DSD) dental fraternity?

“I joined DSD because I thought it would be a great way to build connections and relationships with classmates and to be a part of a community.”

What are some of your interests, hobbies, or achievements outside of ATSU?

“I love to golf, play basketball, lift, and hang with friends.”

A.T. Still University celebrated its Kirksville, Missouri, campus faculty and staff recently with the annual Faculty and Staff Recognition & Award Ceremony. 

Donna Brown, MBA, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, Assistant Chief Human Resources & Deputy Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, ATSU, was presented with The Distinguished Service Award. 

The unveiling of the award is always a surprise to the employee being honored, but this time required even more secrecy than other years as Brown is master of ceremonies for the event. 

When it came time for the reveal, a special video message played to make the announcement as Brown’s family members were escorted into Mehegan Classroom. The video contained congratulatory words from members of the Human Resources team. 

Brown (center) poses with family member and ATSU Chancellor Craig Phelps, DO, ’84 (left).

The Distinguished Service Award was created to recognize an employee who displays exceptional service to ATSU. Nominees must have a minimum of 10 years cumulative service to the University and display extraordinary dedication, service above self, a strong work ethic, and a positive outlook. 

Other faculty and staff awards included:

A.T. Still Staff Award for Excellence in Teaching: Jordan Palmer, DO, ’17, Assistant Professor, Family Medicine, ATSU-KCOM

ATSU-MOSDOH Elsie Gaber Compassion & Integrity Award: Ammar Musawi, BDS, MDS, MPH, Assistant Dean, Simulation Clinic & Preclinical Education, ATSU-MOSDOH

ATSU-CGHS Outstanding Employee Award: Presley Melvin-Dean, MPH, MS, Academic Advisor, Administration, ATSU-CGHS

ATSU-CGHS Dean’s Award: Eric Matthews, PhD, DHSc, MS, Chair, Health Sciences, ATSU-CGHS

ATSU-CGHS Professor of the Year: Kathleen Mathieson, PhD, CIP, Program Director, Health Sciences, ATSU-CGHS

ATSU-CGHS Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Award: Eboni Anderson, PhD, DHEd, MSW, MEd, MA, Adjunct Faculty, Public Health, ATSU-CGHS

ATSU-CGHS Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Award: Emily Bonazelli, DHA, MS, Adjunct Faculty, Health Administration, ATSU-CGHS

ATSU-CGHS Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Award: Carol Chevalier,DHSc, MPH, MS, CSSGB, CPC, Adjunct Faculty, Health Sciences, ATSU-CGHS

ATSU-CGHS Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Award: Helen Ewing, DHS, MN, RN, Adjunct Faculty, Nursing, ATSU-CGHS

ATSU 1st Quarter Employee Excellence Award recipient: Olivia Ellison, MEd, Coordinator of Enrollment Data, Administration, ATSU-CGHS

ATSU 2nd Quarter Employee Excellence Award recipient: Sara McVay, MBA, Assistant Director for Payroll, Human Resources, ATSU

ATSU 3rd Quarter Employee Excellence Award recipient: Amy DeLeon, General Accountant, Finance, ATSU

ATSU 4th Quarter Employee Excellence Award recipient: Christopher Ferguson, Analyst of Administrative Computing, ITS Development, ATSU

Employees recognized for reaching milestone years of service were as follows:

5 years: Justin Craig, MEd, Security Officer, Campus Safety, ATSU; Hashim Elmshiti, PhD, MS, Assistant Professor, MOSDOH Education, ATSU-MOSDOH; Valena Fiscus, DO, MPH, 

FACOI, ’13, Assistant Professor, Internal Medicine, ATSU-KCOM; Zach Long, Lead Service Worker, Environmental Services, ATSU; Cassandra Luscan, AAS, Anatomy Lab Manager, Anatomy, ATSU-KCOM; Ryan Miller, MA, Instructional Coordinator. Medical Education, ATSU-KCOM; Robert Mills, Security Officer, Campus Safety, ATSU; Saroj Misra, DO, FAAFP, FACOFP dist., ’98, Associate Dean, Clinical Affairs, ATSU-KCOM; Charla Rohm, Accounting Assistant, Finance, ATSU; Louise Smith, MA, Instructional Designer, Administration, ATSU-CGHS; Lisa Weichelt, Service Worker, Environmental Services, ATSU; Diana Woods, Patient Services Coordinator, Kirksville Family Medicine, ATSU-KCOM.

10 years: Norma Baez, Service Worker, Environmental Services, ATSU; Wesley Belling, Service Worker, Environmental Services, ATSU; Byunghee “Henry” Han, PhD, Professor, Pharmacology, ATSU-KCOM; Valerie Horn, Clinic Coordinator, Gutensohn Business Office, ATSU-KCOM; Gwyn Kelley Franklin, MBA, Data Manager, Still Research Institute, ATSU; Prasanth Kharade, MCA, Academic Computing Programmer, ITS Development, ATSU; Sarah Maddox, MAE, Proposal Development Specialist, Sponsored Programs, ATSU; Tim Ostrowski, PhD, Associate Professor, Physiology, ATSU-KCOM; Kathy Schroeder, Standardized Patient Educator, Medical Education, ATSU-KCOM; Jennifer Sharp, Assistant Director, Student Accounts, Finance, ATSU; Zane Starks, MS, Manager, Research Innovation and Programming, Still Research Institute, ATSU; Andrew Thompson, Controller, Financial Reporting, Finance, ATSU; Sheri Walters, PT, DPT, PhD,  SCS, ATC/L, CSCS, Assistant Professor, Kinesiology, ATSU-CGHS; Christopher Wilken, Network Security Engineer, ITS Information Security, ATSU; Terry Wise, DMin, PhD, JD, Associate Dean, Administration, ATSU-CGHS. 

15 years: Joshua Bernstein, PhD, CHES, Associate Professor, Doctor of Health Education, ATSU-CGHS; Keith Elmslie, PhD, Department Chair, Professor, Pharmacology, ATSU-KCOM; Larry Frost, Security Officer, Campus Safety, ATSU; Katie Hubbard, MBA, Writer/Editor, Communication & Marketing, ATSU; Holley McCoy, Service Worker, Environmental Services, ATSU; Sue McDaniel, MS, Instructional Designer, Administration, ATSU-CGHS; Jody Peterson, Executive Assistant, Office of the Chief Operating Officer & General Counsel, ATSU; Aesha Turner, DHEd, MS, MCHES, Business Operations Manager, Administration, ATSU-CGHS. 

20 years: Mary Carter, CPP, Director of Payroll, Human Resources, ATSU; Deborah Goggin, MA, ELS, Scientific Writer, Research Support, ATSU; Deanna Hunsaker, DHEd, MBA, Interim Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Student Affairs, ATSU; Lynda Konecny, DHEd, DHSc, MCHES, Associate Professor, Doctor of Health Education, ATSU-CGHS; Chasiti Peavler, Medical Assistant, OMM Clinic, ATSU-KCOM.

25 years: Gail Doss, Creative Services Coordinator, Communication & Marketing, ATSU; Tonya Grimm, MS, Assistant Chief Financial Officer, Finance, ATSU; Timothy Johnson, Assistant Chief, ITS Operations, ATSU; Kelcey Smith, Education Coordinator, Family Medicine, Preventive Medicine & Community Health, ATSU-KCOM. 

30 years: Robert Frazier, Security Supervisor, Campus Safety, ATSU; Merle Glaspie, Grounds Service Worker, Maintenance, ATSU; Linda Sutton, Academic Computing Analyst, ITS Development, ATSU.

Meet Jeffrey Thomas Rudman, OMS II, a student leader and member of the A.T. Still University-Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (ATSU-KCOM) class of 2028. An Iowa native and proud graduate of the University of Iowa, where he majored in human physiology with minors in psychology and chemistry, Rudman arrived in Kirksville inspired by the caliber of ATSU alumni he worked with during his undergraduate years.

Rudman’s commitment to his peers is evident in his role as the class of 2028 president for the Student Government Association. His involvement spans various passions; he serves as the ENT chair for the Medical Subspecialty Interest Group and is an active member of the Emergency Medicine Club, the Catholic Student Association, and both the Gamma Beta Phi and Sigma Sigma Phi honors fraternities. As a student ambassador, Rudman is dedicated to ensuring every prospective student feels the same “at home” connection he experienced during his first visit to campus.

Why did you choose ATSU-KCOM?

“I worked with several ATSU-KCOM grads throughout undergrad. They all spoke highly of ATSU-KCOM and the education they received and the friends they made along the way. I chose ATSU-KCOM because I want to become a great physician like the ones who inspired me to attend ATSU-KCOM.”

What do you enjoy about being an ATSU student? 

“The thing I enjoy most about being an ATSU student is how close everyone is at this school. It seems everywhere I go on campus, I see a familiar face. This makes me feel right at home and reminds me that we are all here to help and support each other.”

What do you hope to achieve professionally, and how is ATSU-KCOM helping prepare you for your career?

“I don’t know what exactly I want to do with my career, but I do know I want to be great at whatever I do. ATSU-KCOM is preparing me for excellence with its incredible faculty and rigorous education. I am confident I will be well prepared for whatever I end up doing thanks to ATSU.”

Why did you become a student ambassador, and what do you enjoy about serving in this role? 

“I became a student ambassador because of the amazing interview day experience I had. When I left ATSU after my interview, I knew I had found my home. I want to provide this same experience for future ATSU students.”

What are some of your interests, hobbies, or achievements outside of ATSU?
“Weight lifting, basketball, the Chicago Bears, and LEGOs.”

Introducing Casey Leigh Como, PA, ’27, a member of the A.T. Still University-Arizona School of Health Sciences (ATSU-ASHS) Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies class of 2027. Originally from Prescott, Arizona, Como brings a unique perspective to her studies, having earned her bachelor of science in public health and emergency health services from George Washington University in 2022.

As the first in her family to enter the healthcare field, Como is passionate about demystifying the path for others. This drive led her to become a student ambassador, where she provides the same judgment-free guidance that helped her feel at home during her own interview process. Whether she is advocating for rural healthcare access, enjoying a post-exam party with her ATSU family, or recharging in the great outdoors with her guitar, Como embodies the program’s mission of service and community.

Why did you choose the PA program at ATSU-ASHS?

“I chose ATSU-ASHS because of its mission. I’m from a rural community myself, so the program’s emphasis on providing care to the underserved really spoke to my heart. From the first moment I stepped on campus, everyone seemed like one big family and treated me with such kindness, and it just felt like home.”

What do you enjoy about being an ATSU student? 

“I really enjoy the sense of community at ATSU! The faculty is so unbelievably amazing and they truly care about each and every one of us, and make the time to form personal relationships with the students. I have never once felt alone or unsupported. The faculty really goes out of their way to make sure that we not only do well in school, but we do well in life. From goody baskets to trick-or-treating to post-exam parties, the faculty makes the PA school experience feel like a supportive community and I love being a part of it!”

What do you hope to achieve professionally, and how is ATSU-ASHS helping prepare you for your career?

“In the future, I’d really like to give back to rural communities like the one I came from. I am very passionate about everyone having access to good medical care and ATSU-ASHS believes in that same philosophy. They have already given us so much information and opportunities to address gaps in the healthcare system and it’s something I will carry with me into my future career.”

Why did you become a student ambassador, and what do you enjoy about serving in this role? 

“I’m the first person in my family to go into healthcare. It can be really confusing and overwhelming to navigate that system alone, and I definitely felt really lost and a bit silly at times for not knowing the things other people seemed to. When I was touring, the ambassadors were people I could ask those questions to without fear or judgement, and it meant a lot to me. I wanted to make sure I could be that person for someone else! I really enjoy being able to answer people’s questions and ease the worry surrounding PA school. It’s a great feeling to be able to empower others to have confidence going into their interviews and begin their program!”

What are some of your interests, hobbies, or achievements outside of ATSU?

“In my free time, I really enjoy things like drawing, reading, playing my guitar, and spending time with my friends and family! I’m also pretty outdoorsy and love things like camping and hiking.”

Hailing from Vancouver, Washington, Ashtyn Lopez, OTD, ’28 is a student in the A.T. Still University-Arizona School of Health Sciences (ATSU-ASHS) Doctor of Occupational Therapy program. After graduating from Washington State University with a bachelor of science in kinesiology, Lopez moved to the Southwest to pursue her dream of becoming a pediatric occupational therapist.

Currently serving as the mental health special interest section lead for the Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA), Lopez is a vocal advocate for mental health awareness. Between her roles as a student ambassador and her participation in interprofessional collaboration with peer programs, she finds balance by exploring Arizona’s hiking trails and local farmers’ markets. In this Q&A, Lopez discusses the importance of interdisciplinary learning and why she is excited to pay it forward to the next generation of ATSU students.

Why did you choose the OTD program at ATSU-ASHS?

“I chose ATSU-ASHS because I’ve always wanted to live in Arizona and the School’s occupational therapy program fit all of my needs. It is a beautiful campus in a great area, with great professors and curriculum that will prepare me to be the best OT I can be.”

What do you enjoy about being an ATSU student? 

“I love being an ATSU student because of the diversity, the many opportunities for professional development, volunteer opportunities, and for all the great friends I have made. Another great part about ATSU is all the events they have, such as flag football, Founder’s Day, and the Healthcare Expo, which I am excited to experience this spring. These events make me proud to go to school at ATSU and I am so happy with my decision.”

What do you hope to achieve professionally, and how is ATSU-ASHS helping prepare you for your career?

“After earning my doctorate in occupational therapy at ATSU-ASHS, I hope to work as a pediatric occupational therapist in a nontraditional setting. ATSU is preparing me for my career by allowing me to learn from amazing professors who actively practice in the field. ATSU has a range of programs such as physical therapy, speech-language pathology, and physician assistants, giving me the opportunity to learn and collaborate with other students in other disciplines. This interprofessional learning experience is helping me build the skills needed to work effectively on interprofessional teams in the future.”

Why did you choose to join different student organizations?

“I joined SOTA because I wanted to be a part of a club that promotes all areas that occupational therapists can make an impact. I chose to become the mental health lead because mental health is an under-addressed issue, but it is very important for reducing stress and improving engagement and adherence. I am excited to create events that support positive mental health while educating my peers on the importance of it for ourselves and the patients we will one day serve.”

Why did you become a student ambassador, and what do you enjoy about serving in this role? 

“I chose to become a student ambassador because I wanted to give back. When I was choosing a graduate program, I remember having a lot of questions and was very curious about the process and what being in graduate school would look like. Hearing from a current student was very helpful because they were living the experience I was about to enter. I hope to offer the same support to future students and help them feel at ease, just like the previous student ambassadors helped me! Their excitement and positive words made choosing ATSU so much easier and I am excited to pay that forward.”

What are some of your interests, hobbies, or achievements outside of ATSU?

“Outside of school, I love hiking, going to farmers’ markets, shopping, and going for walks outside. Living in Arizona makes it easier to get in physical activity and enjoy time in the sun, which is what fills my cup.”

A.T. Still University’s Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health (ATSU-MOSDOH) is set to expand its impact on oral healthcare in the region. Following approval from the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), the School will increase its class size from 63 to 84 students beginning in July 2027.

This expansion is a strategic response to the rising demand for access to oral healthcare across Missouri and the Midwest.

“ATSU is grateful to CODA for granting our request to increase enrollment at ATSU-MOSDOH,” said ATSU Chancellor Craig M. Phelps, DO, ’84. “Every student dentist represents thousands of future patients. As we prepare to welcome more students to our Kirksville, Missouri, campus and St. Louis location, we remain dedicated to providing exemplary educational and clinical experiences to improve the health outcomes of their future patients for decades to come.”

“This approval from CODA is a validation of our program’s strength and our commitment to the region,” said ATSU Vice Chancellor for Academic Support and ATSU-MOSDOH Interim Dean Don Altman, DDS, DHSc, EdD, ’12. “By increasing our class size, we are proactively addressing the growing demand for dental professionals and ensuring that more communities have access to the high-quality, compassionate care for which our graduates are known.”

ATSU-MOSDOH’s unique structure brings first- and second-year students to the University’s Kirksville, Missouri, campus, where they study basic sciences and principles of patient care in the classroom and complete exercises in a state-of-the-art dental simulation clinic. In their third and fourth years, ATSU-MOSDOH students transition to the clinical environment by providing faculty-supervised patient care at the St. Louis Dental Center, operated in partnership with Affinia Healthcare, a federally qualified health center.

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About A.T. Still University of Health Sciences
Established in 1892 by A.T. Still, DO, the founder of osteopathic medicine, A.T. Still University of Health Sciences (ATSU) began as the nation’s first college of osteopathic medicine and has evolved into a leading university of health sciences comprised of a growing community with a rich history in education and osteopathic healthcare. Today, ATSU offers certificates and master’s degrees across health disciplines; and doctorates in athletic training, audiology, health administration, education, health sciences, medical science, nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, dental medicine, and osteopathic medicine.

Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health
Established in 2013, A.T. Still University’s Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health (ATSU-MOSDOH) offers an innovative curriculum with an emphasis on public health, leadership, and practice. ATSU-MOSDOH addresses the oral healthcare disparities in Missouri and across the nation. In addition to the issues of oral health and skills of dentistry, students learn from and are encouraged to become caring, community-minded healthcare providers.

CODA statement
The program in dental education is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and has been granted the accreditation status of “approval without reporting requirements”. The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at (800) 232-6108 or at 401 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 3300, Chicago, IL 60611-4250. The Commission’s web address is: https://coda.ada.org/.  

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