Western University of Health Sciences Expands Areas of Research With Hiring of New Assistant Dean
Western University of Health Sciences’ College of Osteopathic Medicine of
the Pacific (COMP) has hired Allen Zagoren, DO, FACOS, FACN, as
assistant dean of clinical affairs and research for the College of
Osteopathic Medicine.
With an extended career in health care education, Dr. Zagoren will
spearhead research in the areas of education, clinical practice and
teaching methodology. Reporting to Dr. Zagoren will be the clinical
chairpersons of Family Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics
Surgery, Geriatrics and Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine.
“”What we need to see in health care education is a continuation of
students’ ability to work confidently and efficiently with patients,””
Zagoren said. “”If we don’t take measures to insure that ability, then we
are not fully attending to our duties as educators.””
Dr. Zagoren most recently served on the faculties for Des Moines
University Osteopathic Medical Center and the Drake University School of
Pharmacy in Iowa, while holding positions as the department chairman of
surgery and program director of general surgery residency at Des Moines
General Hospital.
He is a member of numerous professional organizations and committees,
including the Iowa Osteopathic Medical Association to which he served a
1994-95 term as president and was named “”Iowa Osteopathic Physician of the
Year”” in 2001. Zagoren served the Iowa governor’s office as the co-chair
of education for the state’s health reform project in 1994-95.
Dr. Zagoren’s research has focused on interventional nutrition — the
method of intravenously feeding terminally ill and immobile patients. He
has published numerous articles in medical journals, textbooks, and
electronic media as a field expert on the subject.
“”I think Dr, Zagoren’s greatest strength will be his combined years post-
graduate medical education and surgical practice,”” said COMP Dean Craig
Lenz, DO, FAODME. “”His knowledge will undoubtedly help to foster a
supportive atmosphere for the increasing presence of research at our
college.””
A native of Brooklyn, N.Y., Dr. Zagoren earned his bachelor’s degree from
Hofstra University before attending the Philadelphia College of
Osteopathic Medicine and earning his doctor of osteopathic medicine degree
in1975. Shortly after graduating, Dr. Zagoren worked as a senior resident
under former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. C. Everett Koop at Children’s
Hospital of Philadelphia. He completed his surgical residency at Cherry
Hill Hospital in New Jersey.
Dr. Zagoren and his wife Gail enjoy sailing and bicycling and have two
children, Josh and Jennifer, who are both attending college on the east
coast. They currently live in the city of Rancho Cucamonga.
