Class notes

1980s

Lori Kemper, DO, ’81, was named chair of the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners. She previously served as vice chair and secretary-treasurer of the board of directors. In addition, Dr. Kemper is an osteopathic family physician and dean of Midwestern University, Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine in Glendale, Arizona.

Michael R. Jaff, DO, ’85, was named the 2023 Pulse-Setter Crusader by the Cardiovascular Research Foundation, which has helped pioneer innovations and educated doctors on the latest treatments for heart disease for over 25 years. Dr. Jaff received the award for demonstrating leadership, effecting positive change, adopting innovative methods to improve access to care, and making an exceptional impact on healthcare delivery and patient quality of life. Dr. Jaff is founder of VasCore and Healthcare Inroads LLC, as well as chief medical officer and vice president for Peripheral Interventions at Boston Scientific.

2000s

Michael Nelson, DHSc, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, ’05, was appointed to Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions’ Board of Trustees. He previously served as program director of the university’s Master of Physician Assistant Studies program and dean of the College of Medicine. A graduate of ATSU-CGHS’ Doctor of Health Sciences program, he is a practicing physician assistant who specializes in sports medicine.

Darah Regal, AuD, ’05, an audiologist who specializes in central auditory processing, joined Goshen Physicians ENT, Speech & Audiology in Goshen, Indiana.

Karysse J. (Trandem) Hutson, DO, FACOOG, ’08, recently got married and founded a nonprofit healthcare organization, Canopy Global Foundation, which stops human trafficking and supports women with unplanned pregnancies to receive excellent healthcare from conception to childbirth nationally and internationally.

2010s

John Thurman, DO, ’12, was named the 2023-24 Iowa Family Physician of the Year by the Iowa Academy of Family Physicians at the installation and awards banquet held Nov. 17, 2023. The Iowa Family Physician of the Year award is presented to one outstanding physician in Iowa who best exemplifies the tradition of the family doctor and epitomizes the finest standards of family medicine.

Dr. Thurman graduated from ATSU-KCOM and completed his residency at MacNeal Family Medicine Residency in Berwyn, Illinois. He currently practices in Fort Madison.

Nakayla J. Gallegos, DO, ’13, an emergency medicine physician and graduate of ATSU-KCOM, published her debut novel, “The Broken Heart,” a medical thriller available through Amazon.

Addison Roberts, DO, ’16, a board-certified general surgeon, joined Share Medical Center in Alva, Oklahoma. At Share Medical, Dr. Roberts performs general surgery with an emphasis in hernias, endocrine, colorectal, and foregut surgery.

Delmas Lee Abbott, DMSc, MS, PA-C, ’17, opened a new practice, Ageless Living Institute, in Prescott, Arizona. A graduate of ATSU-ASHS’ Advanced Physician Assistant Studies program, he provides acute and chronic pain management, including intra-articular injections, trigger point injections, and visco-supplementation. He also provides consults and referrals for interventional pain management and neurosurgery.

Kalie Swain, MS, ’17, joined the Texas A&M baseball staff as senior associate athletic trainer in September 2023. Swain previously worked with the University of Missouri’s baseball team and as the trainer for the baseball and men’s and women’s golf teams at Elon University. She also worked in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ minor league system for six years.

Joshua Adametz, DMD, ’19, MPH, ’22, joined the Health Care District of Palm Beach County as dental director of the C.L. Brumback Primary Care Clinics. A graduate of ATSU-ASDOH and ATSU-CGHS, Dr. Adametz oversees dental providers and services, establishes protocols and procedures, and treats adult and pediatric patients.

Brian Jankowski, DMD, ’19, a graduate of ATSU-ASDOH, published a book, “Achieving Success in Dentistry: A Comprehensive Guide for New and Seasoned Practitioners,” which is available through Amazon.

Kalena Jones, DHSc, ’19, was named system director of Arkansas Health and Opportunity for Me, a health program through the Arkansas Department of Human Services focusing on improving the lives of at-risk populations.

2020s

Deseray Aguirre, DO, ’20, joined the Southern Illinois University Center for Family Medicine in Quincy, Illinois, in December 2023. A graduate of ATSU-KCOM, she is board certified in family medicine and osteopathic manipulation treatment and cares for patients of all ages.

Grace Kim, DO, ’21, a graduate of ATSU-SOMA, was recognized by the American Osteopathic Foundation (AOF) and Cleveland Clinic as the 2023 Outstanding Resident of the Year in General Surgery. AOF partnered with 10 osteopathic specialty associations and hospital programs to highlight outstanding physician residents across the country.

Rhianna Freiburger, DAT, MS, LAT, ATC, ’22, received the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Career Advancement Committee’s National Distinction Award for 2023-24. This award is the committee’s highest honor and recognizes a career-advancing athletic trainer who is making an impact on the profession at the national, district, state, or community level. Dr. Freiburger currently serves as head athletic trainer at Williamsburg Junior/Senior High School in Williamsburg, Iowa, where she is active in numerous service and leadership activities.

Reginald Jones, DHSc, ’22, was chosen for the 2024 Presidential Management Fellowship, a two-year leadership development program offered by the federal government. Dr. Jones currently serves as an Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education fellow with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Global Health Center.

Julie Kasperski, DMSc, ’22, was named assistant professor and director of student success in the Department of Physician Assistant Studies at Mississippi College. Dr. Kasperski is a physician assistant at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Ontario.

Morgan Leichtenberger, MS, ’22, joined the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels, a Minor League Baseball team of the Florida State League, as the team’s assistant athletic trainer. A graduate of ATSU-ASHS, Leichtenberger previously worked with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Arizona Diamondbacks organizations.

Candis Miller, DHA, ’22, was appointed as assistant professor of internal medicine at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science in Los Angeles.

Christine (Doty) Sanford, EdD, ’23, is a curriculum developer for U.S. Army Aviation. Additionally, she will begin a doctorate in psychology soon.