Mesa’s City Council recently approved the construction of an 85-foot-tall sign just north of A.T. Still University’s Arizona campus, on the south side of U.S. 60, which will feature the name of the university as well as a message board that will change every 15 seconds.

According to Ted Wendel, Ph.D., vice president for Arizona operations, the sign will identify ATSU to a large number of people who pass by each day, as well as highlight the economic development opportunities within the Arizona Health and Technology Park. “We are pleased with the support we received from the Mesa community,” said Dr. Wendel. “We believe this sign is very important.”

Read the full article in the Summer 2010 issue of Still Magazine online.

At ATSU, change is constant

From the university’s formation in 1996, to the addition of four schools, to a change in presidential leadership, ATSU constantly has striven to improve student learning, create a positive working environment, and communicate its mission within its own walls and to the outside world.

This year, the result of days, weeks, and months of planning and restructuring has resulted in some of the most significant changes in the university’s history, changes that include leadership, centralizing data, working with local entities to recruit physicians, undertaking a formal strategic planning process, and achieving accreditation for programs.

There’s a new energy at ATSU, a new strategy for the future, and a renewed commitment to what we do so well – educating highly competent and compassionate healthcare professionals in a supportive, cooperative, and welcoming environment.

What follows are some of the most significant changes on the horizon as ATSU continues to push toward a bright future, all the while honoring its 118-year legacy.

[read more] @ Still Magazine online

Dental Care West in Glendale, Ariz.

Despite lean times, one charity wants to give more. In a significant community investment to increase access to oral care for the uninsured and underinsured in the West Valley, Thunderbirds Charities has awarded $75,000 to expand Dental Care West (DCW), a university-affiliated dental clinic run by A.T. Still University’s Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health (ATSU-ASDOH).

The expansion will add four operatories to DCW and brings three new healthcare jobs to the West Valley.

“This second gift from Thunderbirds Charities in less than three years shows a significant investment to increase access to quality oral care for the West Valley community,” said ASDOH Dean Jack Dillenberg, D.D.S., M.P.H.

In 2008, Thunderbirds Charities gave $150,000 to ATSU-ASDOH to support the Thunderbirds Special Care Unit at DCW, a dedicated wing serving patients with special needs.

“We are keen on providing support to expand facilities like DCW that assist families, children, and others in need,” said President David Rauch, Thunderbirds Charities.

Dr. Romer celebrates her award with the special care team at the ASDOH Dental Clinic

Maureen Romer, D.D.S., M.P.A., has been named a 2010 Health Care Hero in the dental category by The Phoenix Business Journal.  She received the award on Aug. 19 in a recognition breakfast held at the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa in Phoenix, Ariz.

A record crowd of 600 was on hand to celebrate the accomplishments of healthcare professionals from across the Valley. A total of 10 awards were presented in categories ranging from Researcher/Innovator to Service Philanthropy. Former A.T. Still University Arizona School of Health Sciences Dean Randy Danielsen, Ph.D., PA-C, DFAAPA was also a nominee in the Health Care Education category.

“This award is well-deserved.  It is truly an honor to have Maureen as an ASDOH faculty member.  She is an extraordinary credit to our school, the profession of dentistry, and all of us involved in healthcare,” said ASDOH Dean Jack Dillenberg, D.D.S., M.P.H.

[read more]

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ATSU’s Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health’s Orthodontic department celebrated the graduation of its second class of residents at the University Club in Phoenix, Ariz. on Friday, Aug. 12.

The day began with presentations from the four residents; Brandon Johnson, Michael Bowen, Celeste Pokorney, and Kelsey Peterson. Later the residents enjoyed a dinner with family, faculty, and staff in celebration of their achievements. The residents received their certificate in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics.

“Being only our second graduating class, their constructive feedback was instrumental in shaping the program into what it has and will become,” said Alyssa Levin, clinical director, orthodontic program. “Each student brought with them a different background and a different set of strengths, and yet in spite of their differences they had an exceptionally cohesive dynamic. They will be greatly missed, but we wish them well as they venture out to start a new chapter.”