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Dean’s Message

Taking the First Step: Stepping with SwaggerCongratulations “Doctors”. Because the three colleges represented here have “cut ourteeth,” “seen the light,” and have “taken our first steps,” together, we thought itappropriate to present a coordinated message through one last interprofessional activitybefore you head out into the world. You had faith in a piece of paper – an admissionletter. Now you must take the appropriate steps in faith for proper growth.

These steps are a ladder of virtues, a step by step description of characteristicsthat build on one another as a person grows. Therefore, this process demandsthat we give all diligence in displaying a consistent energy and enthusiasmbefitting these most valuable pursuits.

The Foundation Virtue is FAITH.

• The First Step from Faith is Virtue: Excellent Behavior

• The Second Step is Knowledge: Awareness or understanding, gained throughexperience or study

• The Third Step is Goodness: A balance of generosity, kindness and moralexcellence

• The Fourth Step is Self-Control: Controlling one’s passions as a matter ofdiscipline

• The Fifth Step is Perseverance: Ability to stand firm under adversity

• The Sixth Step is Godliness: Signifies an Attitude of reverence and pietytoward God

• The Seventh Step is Brotherly Kindness: A genuine kindness and concern forthe needs of others

• The Eighth Step is Love: Virtue which seeks the highest good for otherswithout expecting anything in return

Now that you are in the Health Care Family we expect a life of continuing growth. Youshould make every effort to add to your Faith, the step by step ladder in order to grow inGrace.

Lawrence B. Harkless, DPMFounding Dean, College of Podiatric Medicine

Fall 2013 | Issue 4

Issue Highlights• Graduate Profiles

• Founding Faculty and Staff

Editor: Michelle Luna

2 College of Podiatric Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences

Graduate Profiles

Adam BecklerMemorable Moment: The mostcherished memories I have fromWUCPM are spending time withclassmates outside of class grabbingdinner or getting together for a nightout to blow off some steam. Similarly,having the opportunity to spend timewith faculty outside the classroom at a

social event or academic conference and to get someperspective, has been something I value tremendously. Studentsand faculty alike have embarked on this journey together andthe fellowship we share has meant the world to me.

Future Plans: Residency and possibly a fellowship to follow. Ihope to receive as much training as possible while I can. Inthe future, I hope to be an attending at a residency trainingprogram, educating residents while staying current withliterature and techniques and learning from them at the sametime. I also hope to perform and publish meaningful researchand should the opportunity present itself, do my part to serveby taking a leadership role in one of our professionalorganizations.

Announcements: Thank you to everyone who has helped meand my classmates during our time at WUCPM.Congratulations to all my classmates and best of luck movingforward. I look forward to seeing all the great things we canaccomplish. I hope we all stay in contact and continue tosupport and challenge one another to be great!

Trevor BlackMemorable Moment: I’ll never forgetDr. Harkless and his characteristic“touchdown every day!!!”

Future Plans: Residency at GrantMedical Center in Columbus, OH

Seth BrazierMemorable Moment: My mostmemorable moment was the goodtimes we spent together betweenclasses, building lifelong friendshipsand lasting memories.

Future Plans: Residency in Palo Alto.

Tyson CarterMemorable Moment: I always thinkback to our first day of orientation in2009. I recall sitting in Bartlett Halleating breakfast and shaking handswith all of the strangers around me. Ican still remember the first encountersI had with many of my classmates whenwe met. I had no idea that these

individuals would literally become a part of my extendedfamily today.

Future Plans: I am moving to Salt Lake City, Utah to attendresidency at Intermountain Medical Center. After residency Iplan to pursue further education and training. I am very openminded and optimistic about future employmentopportunities. Regardless of where I live and work I lookforward to a challenging and rewarding career.

Michael CorpuzMemorable Moment:All our battles on thehardwood. Brokenankles andposterizationseverywhere.

Future Plans: #Cedars

Reina DeograciasMemorable Moment: WednesdayPodiatry sessions in the Library…andthe shenanigans at Buffalo Wild Wingsafter.

Future Plans: NY Nets Team Podiatrist.

Farid DidariMemorable Moment: The mostmemorable moment was when wefinished 2 years of basic sciences andproceeded into clinical training.Leaving campus and getting involved infull patient care was a very excitingfeeling.

Future Plans: To be a very dedicated and hard workingresident who thrives to learn and experiences differentpathologies to become the best at what he does.

Stepping Forward, Issue 4 | Fall 2013 3

Adrienne EstesMemorable Moment: By far the besttime I had was being a TA for GrossAnatomy with my fellow “ISACers”. Imade friends for life! I was also lucky tohave made many friends and futurecolleagues at the APMSA, ACFAS andAPMA conferences I attendedthroughout my four years at WesternU.

Future Plans: After finishing at Swedish Medical Hospital, Ihope to join an orthopedic specialty group or potentially joinon a residency program close to family and friends. After along successful career in practice, I hope to considerteaching.

Announcements: To my mentor, Dr. Labovitz for giving methe strength to believe in myself. To the Deans, I hope mygrowth and development have made you proud. To the CPMFaculty & Staff, I could not have done this without you. To myfellow classmates, may you all find your feet! Finally, I wouldlike to thank God, my family, and close friends for theirpatience, love, and support.

Richard GardnerMemorable Moment: SplashingBetadine on Dr. Nouvong during clinicat Oliveview.

Future Plans: I will be doing aresidency at the West Los Angeles VAhospital.

Announcements: Engaged to be married to Beth Moosmanon the 25th of May 2013.

Joshua HuntMemorable Moment: I really enjoyedgetting to know all the people oncampus. I really feel like I was able toconnect with the painters, the guythrowing away his trash and most of all,with the two sweet ladies on the bench.As the class video showed, they all

helped me through some of my most stressful times. For me,they will forever epitomize the quote from Abraham Lincoln,“Be sure to put your feet in the right place, then stand firm!”

Future Plans: My wife, daughter, dog and I will be moving toMichigan for residency at Detroit Medical Center. Hopefullywe will be able to adjust to the arctic climate and be able toenjoy what the beautiful state of Michigan has to offer. If weare able to survive the rigors of residency, we will move to theplace at which I can get the best job offer.

Van JacksonMemorable Moment: Sitting in thePMP groups the first year is my mostmemorable moment. Everyone wasnew, the students and the faculty. I gotto see all different personalities andways of reasoning.

Future Plans: I am going to NewHaven, CT for a three year residency at Yale, and then I wouldlike to Return to Texas and start or join a practice.

Announcements: I’m excited to graduate!

Christopher JonesMemorable Moment: My interactionswith my fellow classmates is what I willcherish most. They have provided sucha great support group during a trulychallenging time. I know I could nothave done it without them.

Future Plans: Work in amultidisciplinary group or set up my own practice in a remotetown in Montana.

Steven LaMemorable Moment: My mostmemorable moment was either the 2ndor 3rd day of school where the fellas ofthe CPM played basketball after class. Itwas the first time we really had achance to bond and get to know oneanother. Baskets were made, stories

were told, and Seth showed us his discolored toenail. Thatwill be a moment I cherish forever.

Future Plans: I will be doing my residency training at LongBeach Memorial Medical Center. Afterwards, I plan onopening a private practice as well as have some involvementacademically, either with a residency program or with acollege of podiatric medicine.

Darren LeavittMemorable Moment: Playing basketballduring 1st and 2nd years and hangingout with some wicked people.

Future Plans: Residency and then worklike a slave until my loans are paid off.

Announcements: I’m graduating!

4 College of Podiatric Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences

Sonia MvuembaMemorable Moment: My mostmemorable moment with the Collegeof Podiatric Medicine was the firstannual shoe drive which was organizedby the class of 2013 in the fall of 2009.It was a very humbling experience forme, as I had the opportunity to interactwith many low income families of the

city of Pomona and see how grateful they were to receive apair of shoes.

Future Plans: I am moving to New Jersey to start residencytraining in Podiatric Medicine and Surgery at the UniversityHospital/UMDNJ.

Vu NguyenMemorable Moment: My mostmemorial moment with the College ofPodiatric Medicine is when we were inclinic with Dr. Harkless and he askedone of my classmates to check thepatient’s DP/PT pulses with astethoscope. Even though we all know

that he meant to say Doppler but my classmate still used astethoscope to listen to patient’s DP/PT.

Future Plans: My future plans are to find a podiatry group ormultispecialty group to work for a couple of years, then I willopen my own podiatry practice.

Jackie PhamMemorable Moment: The moment Irealized these were not just myclassmates, they are my family. I’vecreated some of the greatest bonds andfondest memories in the past 4 yearsand I am so grateful to have had theopportunity to share in this crazy roller-

coaster ride with each and every one of you!

Future Plans: I’d like to establish an online photo portfolio ofpodiatric medicine and surgery. High quality, sharp photoswith excellent exposure, depth of field, and greatcomposition that is.

Cyrus SircarAnnouncements: I’ll be getting marriedto my best friend in May. The past 10years have been amazing, and I’mlooking forward to all the adventuresthat await us in our new life together.Love you Veronica!

Julia SouvorovaMemorable Moment: White coatceremony.

Future Plans: Finish residency and payoff loans.

Michael StastnyMemorable Moment: It is hard to pickonly one specific event. These fouryears were filled with beautifulmemories. I believe it boils down tothe fact that we had a special groupwho embarked on a quest with a newprogram, not knowing if we would

reach accreditation as a college, or graduation as anindividual. So we embraced each other, supported eachother, and lent a helping hand whenever we could. Togetherwe superseded our expectations, making life long friendsalong the way. Thank you for a wonderful adventure.

Future Plans: I am fortunate to do my residency at the LosAngeles Veterans Hospital and Olive View Medical Center. Ihad a wonderful experience there during my third and fourthyears as my core rotation site and have always appreciated thestaff and patient population. What I find truly exciting is theopportunity to stay connected to and serve as a mentor tofuture Western University Podiatry students rotating throughthe facility, serving as an Alumni resource we never had.

Announcements: Stay true to thyself, family and friends; thenlife will reward you with happiness.

Jacob StuartMemorable Moment: What is fear?

Future Plans: Attend residency atBotsford Hospital in Farmington Hills,Michigan

Craig UdallMemorable Moment: My favoritemoment was the class basketball gamesafter each of our exams. It was verysatisfying “breaking the ankles” ofSteven La and Adam Beckler, andwatching Seth “Big Bunion” Braziermiss all his layups.

Future Plans: I am working at The Ohio State UniversityMedical Center for residency.

Stepping Forward, Issue 4 | Fall 2013 5

Brett WaverlyMemorable Moment: I had manymemorable moments at WesternU.Most of the better memories pertainedto off campus activities, especiallybuilding life long relationships with mycolleagues. Being part of the APMSAwas a great experience that allowed meto represent my class and university on

a national level with leaders in podiatry and outside theprofession, as well as other students from ALL podiatryschools.

Founding Faculty and Staff

Jason CampbellMemorable Moment: I’ll never forgetthe countless late night meetings withthe founding administrative team inthe Nursing Science Center and theincredible opportunity to take part inthe transformation of an aggressivevision into reality.

Advice for the class of 2013: Keep pushing the boundariesand never forget the extent of the training you’ve beenthough during your time at WesternU CPM – you all have aunique opportunity to substantially shape the landscape ofthe profession with your experiences and depth ofknowledge.

Robert ChristmanMemorable Moment: You weren’t myfirst, but certainly the most memorable!

Advice for the class of 2013: Take oneday at a time.

Announcements: I’m only an emailaway so feel free to consult with me

whenever you have a radiology question or an interestingcase!

Amber Del PozoMemorable Moment: My mostmemorable moment with the collegewas the inaugural class White Coatceremony. All of the students were soexcited, nervous and proud to be there.I will always remember this day.

Advice for the class of 2013: Congratulations to the inauguralclass of 2013! Love what you do and have fun!

Announcements: My daughter, Ava Isabella McDowell wasborn March 1st, 2012-We just celebrated her first birthday!

Lanisa GonzalesMemorable Moment: I assisted withCPM’s very first OSCE for the inauguralclass. I had only been working at CPMfor a few months and they were verywelcoming and respectful and madethe whole experience fun andmemorable.

Advice for the class of 2013: “The clock is running. Make themost of today. Time waits for no man. Yesterday is history.Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That’s why it is calledthe present.” - Alice Morse Earle

Lester JonesMemorable Moment: The mostmemorable moment from myperspective involves being on thereceiving end of so many wonderfulcomments on the quality ofperformance of the students of the classof 2013 by the faculty and acting Chair

of the Department of Surgery at Olive View UCLA MedicalCenter. One glowing comment came when one of the ChiefResidents remarked that they wish one of our students fromthe class of 2013 would apply for their General SurgeryResidency because of this individuals previously demonstratedexcellent performance as a member of the team.

Advice for the class of 2013: I would advise each member ofthe inaugural class of 2013 to: 1) Remain kind, courteous,and diligent and treat every patient contact as though that

Future Plans: My future plans include attending RegionsHospital/Health Partners in St. Paul, MN for residencytraining. Through my postgraduate years, I would like to beactively involved in student education and research. Longterm, my goals include a possible fellowship and to beinvolved in residency training with the end goal ofestablishing a NEW residency program within a majorUniversity setting.

Announcements: To those students going through the schoolcurrently, it can only get better and you just have to powerthrough.

6 College of Podiatric Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences

individual is a member of your family, 2) Never forget that thepractice of medicine involves expanding your medicalknowledge, maintenance of professionalism andinterpersonal communication skills, 3) Always strive forcontinuous improvement in critical-thinking skills, systems-based practice and life-long learning, 4) Maintain a high levelof value for inter-professional collaboration.

Diane KoshimuneMemorable Moment: Most memorablemoment with the College so far iswatching the Inaugural class returnfrom externships in preparation forinterviews. They had learned so muchfrom being out on rotations.Comparing them to the students from

the other classes was fascinating. They still exhibited a veryspecific class “personality” but it had matured somehow.

Advice for the class of 2013: There will be days where you areon top of the world. But there will also be days where you feeldeflated. Clinic is never ending, a wound care patient losestheir leg, your favorite nurse relocates, there is a surprise insurgery… whatever the reason, keep your head up. Tomorrowwill be better. Surround yourself with people you trust whosupport you and will be there for you through anything. Ifyou find yourself in a bind, call the college. One of us isbound to be available to help you sort through it. After all,that is what families do…

Jonathan LabovitzMemorable Moment: Hearing theexcitement in the students, staff, andfaculty when CPM received the news wewere granted full accreditation.

Advice for the class of 2013: Each ofyou is a part of the beginning of a neweducational model that is elevating our

profession and it takes a special kind of person to be thepioneer. Don’t ever lose that desire and motivation to create,be on the forefront, and lead our profession to new heights.

Michelle LunaMemorable Moment: I’ll never forgetmeeting Adrienne Estes. I was relievedto discover that she would be our firstISAC student and the first impressionon campus of Podiatric Medicine. Shereally set the stage for the poise,intelligence and healthy competition

that this new college would offer. Way to represent Adrienne!!

Advice for the class of 2013: Don’t forget where you camefrom and remember to pay it forward whenever you can.

Cristina Marchis-CrisanAdvice for the class of 2013: Dr.Charles Swindoll once said, “…life is10% of what happens to me and 90%of how I react to it.” Having apersistent, forward thinking processpushes you past the “what if’s ofimpossibility.” The mind is powerful,when you can get past your doubts or

lack of hope and look forward in faith to the science ofproving the impossible. Never give up! You are stronger thanyou think. The Lord Almighty never gives you more than youcan handle. Use your eyes, ears, hands, and mind to alleviatepain to the best of your abilities and the outcome will behuge. Congratulations class of 2013. May all your scientificthinking continue to prove the acknowledgement that Goddoes exist and with thankfulness watch and see how He willwork through you and for you.

Kathleen SatterfieldMemorable Moment: I will never forgetsitting with Dr. Jones a couple of yearsbefore the college opened. We were ina big empty conference room and hehad an unmarked legal pad in front ofhim. He said something to the effect of“Okay, here we go, let’s create the best

curriculum that has ever existed!” I was only a consultant backthen but I remember realizing at that moment that I was apart of something very special that was happening. To thinkthat from that legal pad to what exists today, well, it’s almostimpossible to imagine!

Advice for the class of 2013: If you want to do something –travel, experience life, learn a different language – DO IT.Don’t live your life and get to the end and say “I wish I had…”Life isn’t guaranteed. Carpe Diem!

Jarrod ShapiroMemorable Moment: Looking at theclass of 2013 this year while taking theirclass picture and seeing a remarkablegroup of students.

Advice for the class of 2013: Takeadvantage of every educationalopportunity during residency. Three

years goes by fast, and it is very difficult to learn new skillsonce in practice.

Stepping Forward, Issue 4 | Fall 2013 7

Lila ThiMemorable Moment: There are toomany memorable moments to namebut perhaps the most memorablemoment with the College of PodiatricMedicine for me was Residency MatchDay on March 20, 2013. I remembergoing into the office early that morningand tearing up as I logged onto the

AACPM website to view our DPM c/o 2013 Match Results. Alltheir hard work and dedication culminated to that very day!

Advice for the class of 2013: Keep up the hard work,motivation, and dedication you have all shown throughoutyour 4 years here at CPM. Be passionate about your work andremember to always put the patient first!

Jacqueline TruongMemorable Moment: My mostmemorable moment with the Collegewas when students from the inauguralclass returned from their externshipexperience thanking me for preparingthem well. They felt their educationalexperience gave them a competitive

edge over their counterparts from other institutions and theyrecognized all the hard work that has been put in the last fewyears. Their heartfelt thanks made all of the late nights spentspearheading the College’s core curriculum worth it.

Advice for the class of 2013: Stay hungry for knowledge andkeep learning as you move through your career. Keep closecontact with each other because you’ll never know whatopportunities may come up later. And of course, don’t forgetabout your poor professors here at WesternU CPM. We lookforward to hearing about your successes in the future.

Announcements: I am blessed to have given birth to abeautiful, healthy baby girl named, Alaina Bao-Lien Yen. Shewas born on January 31 of this year. My husband and I wouldlike to share this photo of her with our WesternU family.

Ellice VargasMemorable Moment: My first whitecoat experience. It was fantastic towatch all of the incoming studentsreceive their white coats and begintheir journey to become a doctor.

Advice for the class of 2013: “If youwould create something, you must be

something.” — Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Erika VitalezMemorable Moment: My Darling“Ading” Michael Corpuz’ videos…Hilarious! I have had so many goodmemories here and I look forward tothe future of CPM.

Advice for the class of 2013: Don’tforget who taught you how to wrap and roll.

Announcements: Congratulations to you all and I will misseach and every one of you, so come visit me some time!

Hazelle VollaireMemorable Moment: Best moment wasduring the 1st interview cycle for theinaugural class. I was working foradmissions at the time and hostingthree optometry candidates and onepodiatry candidate (Sonia Mvuemba)at the NSC building. One of the OD

candidates was on crutches due to an ankle injury so I calledCDHP to get her a wheelchair. Without being asked, Soniavolunteered to help push her in the chair during our campustour all over campus. I was completely taken aback by her actof altruism. She continues to embody what WesternU standsfor and is a role model to all future healthcare providers.

Advice for the class of 2013: Don’t forget me!!! On a seriousnote, I just want you all to know how much of a pleasure it’sbeen these past few years seeing you first step foot on campus,to getting to know you and your families and now hearingyour names at graduation as you receive your diplomas.Although there have been a few losses, those who pressed onare the resilient. Cheers and Congratulations!!! You will all besincerely missed.

8 College of Podiatric Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences

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Edward James OlmosActivist and actor Edward James Olmos,whose own family has been affected bydiabetes and other health issues, was thekeynote speaker for the inauguralcommencement ceremony for the podiatricmedicine, optometry and dental colleges onWednesday, May 15. He urged thegraduates to help as many people aspossible, regardless of their circumstances.

"There will be some who cannot pay you.Treat them. There will be people who needhospitals. Go find them. Pay it back bygiving of yourself. We need saints out herein today's world, more than ever," he said.

He also thanked the graduates for choosinghealth care as a profession, and noted thatonly with new generations of healers canhope survive. Gesturing to himself and tothe faculty assembled on stage at thePasadena Civic Center auditorium, he said"We're the wisdom. Youth is the hope. Hopewithout wisdom is useless. Wisdom withouthope dies."

Olmos then pledged to keep helping theneedy and underserved, and closed hisremarks with the rallying cry made famousby his SyFy Channel show, "BattlestarGalactica": "So say we all!"