ATSU provost honored as 2008 Health Care Hero

MESA, Ariz. (Aug. 28, 2008 ) – A.T. Still University (ATSU) Provost Craig M. Phelps, D.O., FAOASM, received the Health Care Education Award at the 2008 Health Care Heroes awards breakfast hosted by the Phoenix Business Journal Thursday, Aug. 22 at the Arizona Biltmore.

The nearly 600 attendees were encouraged to cheer out loud by Don Henninger, publisher of the Phoenix Business Journal, who welcomed award finalists and guests. “These are the people who are making the Valley’s healthcare industry work,” said Henninger. “These are the people who donate their time, talents and compassion to support both those in need and those who are caring for those in need.”

Dr. Phelps was nominated for the significant role he has played in the exponential growth of A.T. Still University over the past 10 years, and the personal impact he has on his students, faculty, and staff. Under his leadership, the Arizona School of Health Sciences has become a national leader in residential and online healthcare education. He also helped ATSU start the state’s first dental school, the Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health (ASDOH), which graduated its second class last May. He was also instrumental in the creation of ATSU’s School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona, which welcomed its second class of students this month.

Perhaps most important is the dramatic impact he has had on the students at ATSU’s Arizona Campus. According to Brock Lorenz, president of ATSU’s student government association, Dr. Phelps has helped create a learning environment that incorporates forward-thinking thought processes, cutting-edge technology, and the unique opportunity to develop professional skills while providing healthcare services to underserved communities.

“Dr. Phelps possesses more than just a passion for education, but a passion for life,” said Lorenz. “[As an ATSU student], he empowers you to initiate programs and events to better our society. He defines leadership and empowerment in the most positive and selfless manner possible.”

“This award is an honor for all of us at A.T. Still University. It’s truly a team effort,” said Dr. Phelps. “It is a reward for all the hard work of our faculty and staff, and an honor to our students who graduate and provide healthcare to literally thousands of patients in communities across the country.

“It is humbling to be considered for this award, and I believe the quality of the finalists and the winners is something that our healthcare community can be very proud of,” he said.

ASDOH Dean Jack Dillenberg, D.D.S., M.P.H., was also recognized as a finalist in the Health Care Heroes’ dental category. Awards were given in nine other categories including community outreach, service philanthropy, researcher/innovator, first responder, nursing, nurse leader, volunteer, physician, and lifetime achievement.