This Week@WesternU, Nov. 13-17, 2017
WesternU honors Inter Valley Health Plan at “A Tribute to Caring” gala
Supporters have helped Western University of Health Sciences attain new levels of innovation, cutting-edge research and clinical excellence.
With a “steampunk” theme reflecting the role of innovation through the years, WesternU held its annual “A Tribute to Caring” gala Saturday, November 4, 2017 at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim, California. About 600 guests helped WesternU raise more than $320,000.
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WesternU to play key role in Care Harbor LA, one of the largest free clinics in the country
Care Harbor Los Angeles is returning Nov. 17-19, 2017, providing free medical, dental, vision and preventative care to thousands of Southern California residents who could not otherwise afford these services.
Western University of Health Sciences will once again a play key role in delivering services to Care Harbor patients during the event at The REEF Exposition Hall, 1933 South Broadway, Los Angeles. Students and faculty members from the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific (COMP), College of Podiatric Medicine, College of Optometry and College of Allied Health Professions will provide care and leadership.
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From the College of Optometry:
WesternU College of Optometry studies role of interprofessional interaction in treating diabetes
Researchers at Western University of Health Sciences College of Optometry recently found that doctors of optometry play an important role working with other kinds of health care providers to take care of people with diabetes.
Most doctors of optometry who were surveyed – about 97 percent – interact with other health care professionals at least once a year, and even more regularly than every year, for patients with diabetes. Further, doctors of optometry who interact with other providers more regularly were more likely to be satisfied with their health care role, and are more likely to believe that team-based care makes a difference in patient outcomes.
The article, “Factors associated with regular interprofessional interaction by doctors of optometry in management of patients with diabetes mellitus,” by College of Optometry Associate Professor Kierstyn Napier-Dovorany, OD, College of Pharmacy Assistant Professor JaeJin An, BPharm, PhD, and College of Optometry Dean Elizabeth Hoppe, OD, MPH, DrPH, was published in the Journal of Interprofessional Education and Practice.
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From the College of Dental Medicine:
Kudos on accomplishments
Assistant Professor Keith Boyer, DDS, completed his third and final examination for certification by the American Board of Endodontics and is now a Diplomate, the highest attainable level in the specialty. Congratulations on this exciting accomplishment Dr. Boyer.
From the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific:
Kudos on accomplishments
OMS-I Megan Messinger attended the New York release of a book she co-authored, Tortall: A Spy’s Guide, which was published by Penguin Random House. The book is a companion volume to Tamora Pierce’s No. 1 New York Times bestselling young adult fantasy novels.
From the Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences:
Kudos on accomplishments
Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences Assistant Professor Jerome Lacroix, PhD, was awarded, as a single PI, a NIH R21 grant from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke to investigate the molecular mechanisms of ultrasound neurostimulation. If successful, this technology could achieve non-invasive neurological treatment for various brain diseases. The direct cost awarded amount to $275,000 for a period of two years.
Dr. Lacroix and Dr. Lyna Luo (COP) were awarded (both as PIs) a supercomputer allocation grant from the Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center (PSC). This highly competitive award will allow them to use ANTON2, the only supercomputer in the world that is specifically designed to simulate biological molecules at atomic details. Dr. Lacroix and Dr. Luo will study the molecular binding mechanism of a small molecular agonist to its protein target, the Piezo1 ion channel. Understanding this mechanism will help the design of future drugs that may help treat peripheral neuropathies and visceral pain. This award is made possible by the PSC, the NIH, and the generous loan of the ANTON2 computer by D.E. Shaw Research, LLC.
From University Advancement:
Alumni news
On the evening of Tuesday, Nov. 7, more than 40 alumni, students, staff, guests and their children enjoyed a Candy Cane Making Demonstration at Logan’s Candies in Ontario, Calif. Attendees enjoyed a warm, freshly made sample while they watched and learned how the company makes candy canes by hand; and later, each attendee was given the opportunity to shape their own candy cane to take home. Pictures from the event can be found online at https://westernu.smugmug.com/WesternU-Alumni/CandyCane.
From the Pumerantz Library:
Stacked!
Click here to view the latest edition of Stacked!, the Harriet K. & Philip Pumerantz Library newsletter.
