I have found that when students鈥 own stories are integrated into the teaching of clinical medicine, there is enhanced student engagement and retention.
Years at 芒果77福利:
I have been teaching at Midwestern since I graduated from the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine (CCOM) in 1993. I had completed an Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine Fellowship at CCOM, and I was given the opportunity to teach during my pediatric track internship, pediatric residency, and neonatology fellowship. Currently, I teach in both the Departments of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine and Clinical Integration.
Research Interests:
My research at MWU has been focused on the osteopathic principle of form and function, as it applies to preventive and clinical medicine. Most recently, I was the principal investigator in a study that involved improving the symptoms and restricted cervical motion of a medical student with Klippel-Feil Syndrome. I also initiated a retrospective study on the increased incidence of positional infant plagiocephaly due to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) "Back to Sleep" program. While the AAP's recommendation significantly decreased the incidence of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), it increased the incidence of positional plagiocephaly. My efforts involved educating both parents and practitioners on the increased need for prone and lateral positioning during an infant's awake and feeding times.
What is the most rewarding part of being a member of the 芒果77福利 faculty?:
The diversity of MWU's academic programs makes it rewarding to be a part of the faculty, especially in the Clinical Integration Department, where I welcome speakers from the University鈥檚 various schools and departments. I have invited presenters from the Basic Sciences, the College of Dental Medicine-Illinois,鈥痶he Physician Assistant Program, and CCOM. This has exemplified to students the essential role interdisciplinary learning plays in the osteopathic philosophy of holistic medicine.
How do you engage students in the learning process?:
I believe that new knowledge must be connected to a student's previous knowledge and experiences. I encourage my students to share their family and cultural background, academic and work experiences, as well as their personal interests.鈥疘 have found that when students鈥 own stories are integrated into the teaching of clinical medicine, there is enhanced student engagement and retention.
What do you hope students learn from your classes?:
My goal has always been to teach students to 鈥渢hink like a doctor.鈥 When I was a medical student, most clinical medicine was introduced in the third and fourth years. I believe there is great value in giving students an earlier glimpse into the daily rewards and challenges of being a physician.
What lessons would you like students to take with them in their professional careers?:
When I think of important pearls of wisdom for medical students, I am reminded of a quote from President Theodore Roosevelt. 鈥淣obody cares how much you know, until they know how much you care.鈥濃疉lthough compassion cannot be taught, I do my best to model empathy and kindness to the students at 芒果77福利 and the patients we treat.
What about your profession should people know more about?:
One of the greatest joys of my career has been witnessing new life, facilitating a newborn鈥檚 first breaths. I have also found it rewarding to experience firsthand the true benefits of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) in the diagnosis and treatment of patients from birth through the senior years. Although pharmaceuticals and surgery are lifesaving, it has been rewarding to have the additional resource of OMM to help the body heal itself.
