IAMSE 2022 Conference Student Experience

Posted on by Dana Schatz

In June 2022, University of Western States (UWS) doctor of chiropractic (DC) students and faculty had the opportunity to present at the annual International Association of Medical Science Educators (IAMSE) conference in Denver, Colorado.

Hear from two DC students and Dr. Cortny Williams, basic sciences associate professor, regarding their experience and how it influenced their educational and professional growth.

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“As a student training to be a chiropractic physician, a tutor, and a volunteer in both urban and rural medical communities, I have always wanted to help and improve education internationally.

I have previously done research during my undergrad degree, so when I was presented the opportunity of research by Dr. Cortny Williams, it opened the doors to explore and gain understandings of new philosophies and teaching strategies.

I initially began on a project about metacognition over a year ago, and later was introduced into a team-based learning project focused on in-campus and online experiences. This research was accepted as a poster presentation at the IAMSE conference. In addition, I was the recipient of a UWS Seed Funding Grant, making it possible for me to attend the conference.

There were specific dates and times for presentations and I had the fortunate opportunity to present twice. This opportunity allowed me to network with other health care professionals who center their work with an educational approach. Diversity in health professions was a key aspect of the conference this year and I appreciated the opportunity to understand education from various different perspectives.

Focus sessions and plenaries at the conference centered on the topics of leadership skills and knowledge in curriculum development, inspiring me to creatively communicate with patients and other providers.

The experience at the IAMSE conference allowed me to serve as an international voice that can be used to enhance health profession education for current and future students at UWS. I am very thankful for the opportunities provided by Dr. Williams and UWS. This was an unforgettable experience!”

– Ravneet Gill, UWS DC student

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“I have always had a passion for helping others, not only as a future DC but as a medical science educator as well. My passion, and the incredible support of Dr. Cortny Williams is what brought me to become involved in a UWS research project last year and ignited my interest to become involved with IAMSE.

I was a recipient of a UWS Seed Funding Grant which supported my attendance to the annual IAMSE conference. This provided an exciting opportunity to disseminate my research regarding metacognition in students as well as attend valuable focus sessions that furthered my leadership skills, knowledge in curriculum development and served as a growth factor in my role as a future educator.

IAMSE accepted my research as a poster presentation that was available for view during the entire conference. Additionally, there was a set time where I presented our research to fellow educators and professionals answering any questions they had. I was able to gather information and work alongside a geographically and professionally diverse group of individuals which broadened my scope and instilled hope to induce change in some areas of UWS curricula to better the student experience.

UWS exemplified their mission, vision and position by encouraging and supporting my success and growth as a student. It was an enriching, exciting experience I will not soon forget, and I feel remarkably lucky to be supported by UWS for both my research and career endeavors.”

– Audrey Thacker, UWS DC student

IAMSE students and faculty

“I have the honor of engaging in the mission and vision of UWS by mentoring students in education research for the first time in my career.

Ms. Gill and Ms. Thacker inspire and direct me toward becoming a better educator and research scientist. They show me how to better serve the students at UWS. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with these scholars, and to further inspire research endeavors with more students, staff and faculty at UWS.

In 2017, I attended my first IAMSE meeting and received my first true sense of how to hone my skills as an educator and how to perform education research. Five years later, I serve as the faculty development chair at UWS,  serve on the IAMSE marketing committee,  hold three education related certifications, one certification in education research skills, and have created the community of research practice at UWS. I think you might agree that I fell head-over-heels into a sea of opportunity! I’m thriving, because the UWS community supports these opportunities. ” – Dr. Cortny Williams, basic sciences associate professor

University of Western States Launches Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine Program 

Posted on by Dana Schatz

The new graduate program of professional study features a whole-person, individualized approach to health and well-being, integrating principles of naturopathic medicine and functional medicine. 

University of Western States (UWS), an independent, non-profit health sciences university serving Portland since 1904, is expanding its robust academic offerings with a new Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (NMD) degree program.

The UWS NMD program champions a whole-person and individualized approach to health and well-being. The integration of functional medicine principles distinguishes this curriculum from other naturopathic medicine programs.

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Dr. Marcia Prenguber, dean of the College of Naturopathic Medicine at UWS

“Our new naturopathic medicine program is extremely exciting for the university, the Portland-area, and our healthcare community,” said Dr. Marcia Prenguber, naturopathic physician, fellow of the American Board of Naturopathic Oncology, and dean of the College of Naturopathic Medicine at UWS. “Offering a whole-person approach to medicine, our NMD program is designed to train future physicians in evidence-informed natural health care while addressing the body, mind and spirit, integrating the principles of functional medicine.”

An evidence-informed, patient-centered approach

Naturopathic medicine and functional medicine are evidence-informed, patient-centered approaches to achieving and maintaining health by optimizing function and addressing root causes of dysfunction, not just suppressing symptoms. Functional medicine’s focus on biochemical and genetic individuality, and the diet, lifestyle, and nutrition of each patient, integrates well with the full range of assessments and treatment modalities of naturopathic medicine.

Increased demand and shortage of primary care physicians predicted

“Doctors of naturopathic medicine are trained as primary care physicians and have established the primary care designation in a number of jurisdictions,” said Prenguber. “The need for whole-person primary care services will continue to rise. University of Western States is uniquely positioned for integration and collaboration with our new and established programs.”

Learn more about naturopathic medicine and career pathways here. 

The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) projects a shortage of between 21,100 and 55,200 primary care physicians by 2032. The U.S. Census Bureau reports that the number of persons over age 65 will increase by 48% by that same year, driving the demand for primary care. In addition, census data indicate that one-third of all currently active doctors will at retirement stage as the population ages. 

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A community of learning

The UWS NMD program is a 14-quarter doctoral curriculum, taught year-round. Students can complete the program in three and a half calendar years. UWS will deliver the NMD program at its vibrant, state-of-the-art campus in Northeast Portland. The curriculum includes anatomy, physiology, pathology, clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, physical medicine, and pharmacology to provide graduates with a broad array of modalities and procedures for the clinical care of patients. The course of study is offered in hybrid format that embodies a community of learning through synchronous online delivery and in-person teaching, with clinical competencies reinforced through in-person laboratory experiences.

Visit the UWS naturopathic medicine website to learn more.

UWS Faculty Insights from the American Counseling Association Conference

Posted on by Dana Schatz

By: Dr. Amy O’Hana, UWS clinical mental health counseling professor  

Professional organizations are pivotal to any profession, but they are especially important in the counseling profession. The American Counseling Association (ACA) is the professional organization for counselors, providing many resources for continuing education, one big resource being the annual conference. After two years of the ACA conference being held online due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year it was in person April 6-9 in Atlanta, Georgia.

One of the things I love about being a faculty member at University of Western States (UWS) is how the university supports professional development. Attending a conference is not just useful for learning – it’s dynamic for networking with fellow counselors and educators, professional connections and resting while simultaneously becoming re-inspired and re-energized for our work. Dr. Michelle Rose, program director of the UWS clinical mental health counseling (CMHC) program and I went, and wow, did we have the Best. Time. Ever!

What did I learn? Well, I learned not to be culturally competent.

I learned the term “cultural competence” more than 20 years ago when I was a graduate student in counseling. It’s a standard that I’ve strived for, researched and taught students to practice. But with recent world events, especially racial tension and cultural genocide, at the ACA conference I learned a new standard of care: cultural humility.

Cultural competence implies a standard to be mastered – a way of doing. As someone that identifies with the dominant and privileged class, there is danger in this mindset. In an egoic (yes, big egos are rampant in academia) and a potentially unaware state, I have the propensity to cause harm—and not take responsibility for it—if I’m basing my actions on a theory I learned in graduate school.

In contrast, cultural humility is a way of being. It’s a humble, curious and open mindset, wherein I quietly join my clients and students, and I affirm their lived experiences without imposing my own. It’s an ability to admit that I don’t know everything, especially what it’s like to be the other. It’s a desire to learn what it’s like to be the other. I don’t have to solve or fix; I simply join and allow them to be my teacher.

Cultural humility is a quality of all great counselors. I suspect it also makes great sport and performance psychology (SPP) consultants, educators, coaches, parents, friends, citizens and world-sharing humans. I wouldn’t have learned that, had I not gone to my professional conference. I would have been stuck thinking and teaching something I learned in graduate school 20 years ago.

This is exactly why it’s important to go to your professional conferences, counselors and SPP consultants!

In addition, I learned some other cool things:

  • New skills for facilitating difficult conversations, especially around social justice themes.
  • Inspiration for qualitative research, in which I’m currently engaging in with UWS students.
  • What a great sense of humor Gerald Corey has (Dr. Corey is an icon in the counseling profession – actually snapped a photo of him presenting!).
  • How transcendent chicken and waffles are (as a born and raised West-coaster, it was the first time tasting that amazing-ness).
  • How UWS students are great golfers (exemplified at our student reception at Top Golf Atlanta). 
  • The construct of “Black Joy” (unique to peoples of African descent) as it relates to core personhood and counseling of Black-identifying students and clients.

I really want to encourage students, faculty, and professionals new and seasoned to go to your conferences. The next big one is the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP) conference, October 26-29 in Ft. Worth, Texas, and there are rumors that ACA will be in Toronto in spring 2023. I’ll see you there…and in the meantime, I’ll be practicing my cultural humility and my golf swing!

The UWS Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee provides the following definition and some readings below on cultural humility in literature:

  • Cultural humility is a lifelong process of self-reflection and self-critique whereby the individual not only learns about another’s culture, but one starts with an examination of their own beliefs and cultural identities. (Tervalon & Murray-Garcia, 1998)

Reference:

Tervalon, M., & Murray-García, J. (1998). Cultural Humility Versus Cultural Competence: A Critical Distinction in Defining Physician Training Outcomes in Multicultural Education. Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved 9(2), 117-125. doi:10.1353/hpu.2010.0233.

Cultural Humility in the literature:

UWS Guide to Portland Suburbs

Posted on by Dana Schatz
Photo Credit: Jeffrey Hecker

University of Western States is happy to call Portland, Oregon home. The city of Portland is a vibrant hub of arts, food, music and culture. It’s not surprising the surrounding suburbs offer a similar charm, all within 30 minutes of campus!

If you’re interested in moving to the Portland area, but do not necessarily want to live within city limits, check out some of the highlighted areas both in Oregon and across the bridges to Washington state.

View more details about highlighted suburbs of Portland with categories such as “Best for Families” and “Best for Young Professionals” with this list provided by Niche.

Check out this map to get a better idea of the suburbs discussed below in relation to the UWS campus located at 8000 NE Tillamook St in Portland, Oregon.

Neighborhood Map

OREGON

Beaverton

Beaverton is located in Washington County and is considered by many to be one of the best places to live in Oregon. Living in Beaverton offers residents an urban-suburban feel. In Beaverton, there are a lot of restaurants, pubs, coffee shops and parks. Many young professionals live in Beaverton, due to the proximity to Nike and Intel. The public schools in Beaverton are highly rated (Niche).

Photo Credit: Beaverton, Oregon Government Website

Drive time to campus: 22 – 30 minutes

Other transportation options: TriMet Bus, MAX Light Rail

PRO: All the amenities of living in a suburb while remaining close to Portland. Great community building for young families.

CON: Traffic can be quite heavy during rush hours. The area is very suburban so you will have to drive most places.

Some of the top-rated neighborhoods include:

West Slope, South Beaverton, Central Beaverton, Raleigh West, Neighbors South, West Triple, Creek Greenway, Vose

Shopping:

Restaurants:

  • Brooklyn Trattoria: NYC Italian with local NW Bounty-and Wine country vineyard. You won’t want to miss the freshly made pasta, seafood and gluten-free tiramisu.
  • Taste of Sichuan Beaverton: Americanized and more traditional Chinese plates.
  • Ikenohana: Offers the classic tick-the-sushi-boxes ordering style and beautiful presentations. The restaurant offers bento boxes and izakaya plates, from tonkatsu to udon noodles.
  • Yuzu: Counter seating and slightly hidden location, but the food in this hidden gem is some you won’t want to miss!
  • Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream: Indulge in the best ice cream in Beaverton. A fan favorite of children and adults alike, enjoy the many delicious flavors this shop creates fresh in-store.

Gresham

Close to the Columbia River gorge and a little more than an hour to Mt. Hood, this area is a gateway to outdoor recreation. There are many historic sites to visit in Gresham and six major bike trails that run through it, connecting Gresham to Portland and other parts of Oregon.

Drive time to campus: 20 – 25 minutes

Photo Credit: PDX Movers

Other transportation options: TriMet Bus, MAX Light Rail

PRO: Close to the UWS campus and housing is more affordable.

CON: Traffic can be quite heavy during rush hours, since there is no a major highway directly to the city. The weather can be colder and windy in the winter due to the proximity to the Columbia River Gorge.

Shopping:  

Restaurants:

  • Nicholas Restaurant: Lebanese, Mediterranean Middle Eastern cuisine, vegetarian friendly, vegan options, gluten free options.
  • Sweet Betty’s Bistro: A great place to go for breakfast or lunch with vegetarian and Gluten Free options.
  • Boccelli’s Ristorante: Italian lunch or dinner options.
  • Barley Sprout: Made from scratch sourdough crust pizza, with gluten free and vegan dining options. Also, lots of local craft brews on tap.

West Linn

West Linn is considered part of the Portland metro area but has a comfortable enough distance to avoid the hustle and bustle of the big city. Residents enjoy a quiet lifestyle in a quiet community, with plenty of local amenities. Locals love the fact that West Linn has been ranked among numerous “Best Places to Live” lists over the years. West Linn is south of Portland and near the Willamette River for great hikes and water sports. Mary S. Young State Recreation Area is a highlight of the area. This large nature park offers off-leash dog runs, sports fields and eight miles of hiking trails.

Drive time to campus: 22 – 32 minutes

Photo Credit: Oregon’s Mt Hood Territory

Other transportation options: TriMet Bus and MAX Light Rail

PRO: All the amenities of living in a suburb while remaining close to Portland. The area is suburban but greener and less strip mall heavy than other areas.

CON: There is a lack of apartments in this area. Fewer younger families and not a lot of affordable housing options. Geared to wealthier and more established families.  

Some of the top-rated neighborhoods include:

Barrington Heights, Tanner Woods, Hidden Creek, Bolton, Hidden Springs, Marylhurst, Parker Cres, Robinwood, Rosemont Summit, Savanna Oaks, Skyline Ridge

Shopping:

Restaurants:

Lake Oswego

If we were to talk about the best suburbs in the Portland Metro, Lake Oswego, is the top of the list. Highlighted within Lake Oswego include top schools, nature trails, restaurants, golf courses, wineries, and, of course, an absolutely stunning lake. The city maintains 600 acres of parks and open spaces.

Drive time to campus: 21 – 30 minutes

Photo Credit: Apartments.com

Other transportation options: TriMet Bus, MAX Light Rail

PRO: All the amenities of living in a suburb while remaining close to Portland.

CON: Apartments and affordable housing may be limited in this area.

Some of the top-rated neighborhoods include:

Birdshill, Blue Heron, Bryant, Childs, Country Club North Shore, Evergreen, First Addition

Shopping:

  • Farmers Market: Open from June through October
  • Adorn: Women’s clothing boutique, built around the real-world, body positive attitude.
  • Grapevine: Sought after brans and elevated modern styles.
  • Simply Posh: Consignment shop for men’s and women’s designer clothes.

Restaurants:

  • Nola Donuts: beignets and coffee, if you go you must try one of their la’ssants – it is their take on a cronut, flaky pastry layers in a variety of flavors.
  • Lake Theater and Café: Outdoor, lakeside dining and an inventive menu. Their selection of indie and art-house films (plus a few blockbusters thrown in for good measure) make this an ideal place to see a movie.
  • Bamboo Sushi

Troutdale

Troutdale has anchored the eastern end of the Portland metropolitan area for more than 100 years. Living in Troutdale offers easy access to the breathtaking natural beauty and recreational opportunities offered by the Columbia River Gorge. Troutdale’s park system includes almost 20 parks, many of which contain playgrounds, athletic fields, hiking trails and community gardens.

Drive time to campus: 18 – 20 minutes

Photo Credit: Troutdale, Oregon Government Website

Other transportation options: TriMet Bus, MAX Light Rail

PRO: Quieter suburb and closer to the Columbia River Gorge. Quaint downtown area.

CON: Weather can be colder and windy during the winter with the east winds through the gorge.

Shopping:

Restaurants:

  • Bandits Bar & Grill: Are you looking for a casual, cowboy bar to rest your spurs? You do not have to leave Oregon to find a place that caters to cowgirls and cowboys, or for someone looking for some Cajun or Creole-influenced food.
  • McMenamins Edgefield –Black Rabbit Restaurant: Wandering around 74 acres with a drink in hand is a great way to take in this historic property.
  • Ristorante Di Pompello: the best authentic Italian restaurant in Troutdale.

WASHINGTON

Vancouver

When attending UWS in Portland, Oregon, you may consider a move across the bridges to Vancouver, Washington. The city has a small town feel with access to big city amenities, has relatively affordable housing, and is situated near some of the best outdoor recreation destinations in the country. Vancouver is the fourth-largest city in Washington state, which means its residents have easy access to all the amenities needed for everyday life and entertainment. There has been a recent revitalization movement of the local arts and culture scene, providing plenty of festivals, markets and annual events to choose from. 

Drive time to campus: 19 – 23 minutes

Photo Credit: Travel Vancouver, WA Website

Other transportation options: C-Tran

PRO: All the amenities of living in a suburb while remaining close to Portland.

CON: There is not a lot of public transportation from Vancouver to Portland, so driving is recommended. Traffic can be busy on both bridges. Living in a different state than where you go to school may affect taxes and other administration processes.  

Some of the top-rated neighborhoods include:

Fisher’s Creek Neighborhood, Felida Neighborhood, Shumway Neighborhood, Esther Short Neighborhood, Arnada Neighborhood, Lake Shore Neighborhood, Cascade Highlands Neighborhood

Shopping:

  • Vancouver Mall has more than 75 stores and 25 places to eat at, as well as the area’s largest luxury theater and a selfie studio.
  • Vancouvers Farmers Market is nationally recognized running from mid-March to the end of October on weekends. From local musicians, freshly fried doughnuts, fresh cut flowers. If you are looking for handmade gifts around the holidays the Night Market Vancouver at Terminal 1 on the waterfront is your next stop.

Restaurants:

  • Rally Pizza: Some of the best pizza in the Portland area and to top it off they have delicious custard dessert options
  • Little Conejo: Authentic, minimalist tacos and numerous mezcal and tequila drink options.
  • 4 Caminos: authentic Mexican restaurant; try the street tacos or one of their most popular dishes: menudo, birria, ceviche, and pozole.
  • Amaro’s Table: modern American dining experience to downtown Vancouver. The restaurant’s highlights include its steaks, seafood, and craft cocktails.
  • Arawan Thai Cuisine: Classic Thai dishes in a friendly environment and is committed to making your dining experience a memorable one.

Camas

Camas is a suburb of Vancouver, Washington with a population of 23,200 and is located in Clark County. Living in Camas offers residents a suburban feel and most residents own their homes. The public schools in Camas are highly rated. East of Camas is the entry to the Washington side of the gorge, with great hiking and camping destinations. There are many public parks and bodies of water in Camas, and even an extinct volcano vent, Prune Hill. Lacamas Park and Heritage Park are highlights that provide playgrounds, hiking trails, boat launches and access to the Camas Potholes and Camas lily fields. The school system is one of the best in the whole Portland area.

Drive time to campus: 20 minutes

Photo Credit: Living in Camas Insider’s Guide

Other transportation options: C-tran bus system

PRO: All the amenities of living in a suburb while remaining close to Portland. Walkable downtown with small-town vibe. Great community for young families. Great schools!

CON: Traffic can be quite heavy during rush hours.Living in a different state than where you go to school may affect taxes and other administration processes.  

Some of the top-rated neighborhoods include:

Deer Creek, Parker Estates, Holly Hills, Sunningdale Gardens, Downtown Camas

Shopping:

Restaurants:

Benefits of the Sports Medicine Program at UWS

Posted on by Dana Schatz

By: Caitlin Jones, UWS doctor of chiropractic and sports medicine alumna

ankle taping

There are a few different master’s programs that are offered at UWS with sports medicine being the most popular one taken by doctor of chiropractic (DC) students. Throughout the first year, I went back and forth on whether or not I wanted to add it on and I talked to a number of students in the program to get a better idea of it. As with every program, there were some ideas of how it could be better, but the general consensus I received was that it was absolutely worth the extra work. So, when the time came, I applied and was ecstatic when I received my acceptance letter!

I really enjoyed the courses. I was able to take a new tidbit away from each class such as why you can get sick during intense exercise (hint: it’s the fastest way your body can get rid of excess hydrogen ions and balance your pH levels). The lectures are all online and there was a lot of reading assigned, but the in-person labs really helped to pull the information together. The Exercise Physiology lab the first quarter was great! Even though I’ve taken a Functional Movement Screen (FMS) course, it was great to run a few students through the screening and see it in action. 

The practicum experience is the main reason why I enrolled in the sports med master’s program. Working with athletes at the high schools in the area as well as different events around Oregon such as Hood to Coast, volleyball tournaments, and a past student favorite – the rodeo – really stood out. Having the ability to work with a variety of different athletes on the sidelines of various sports is wonderful experience that I didn’t get in the Campus Health Center. 

Since we were unable to work with teams in-person during the beginning of the pandemic, the professors really tried to make practicum a useful and informative experience. It became a choose-your-own-adventure and one could decide where your hours came from. One of the options was going through a SCAT 5, which is a concussion screening tool that we went over in a previous course. Performing this on a friend was still helpful because many teams conduct it at the beginning of a season to use as a baseline test. Having that experience also helped me when I was working with someone who was worried they had a mild concussion after hitting their head a couple days prior. Without having to look up anything, I was able to ask specific questions to help assess them and give them some things to look out for over the next few weeks.

Throughout the program, I was able to have more experience with extremities, history taking and working with scenarios where I could critically think about what diagnoses are most likely. Even though my practicum experience was very different than what I had imagined due to COVID, I’m still happy that I decided to take on the sports med master’s in addition to the DC program. 

If you’re interested in the program and how it can help you in the field, I’d recommend reaching out to the alumni department so they can put you in touch with a graduate. To learn more about the admissions process and to apply to the program, check out all the information here!

Daniel Murphy, DC, DABCO, Named 2021 UWS Alumnus of the Year

Posted on by Dana Schatz
Daniel Murphy, DC, DABCO, Named 2021 UWS Alumnus of the Year

Daniel Murphy, DC, DABCO, has been named the 2021 University of Western States Alumnus of the Year. This distinction recognizes and honors the accomplishments of outstanding UWS graduates as they advance the science and art of integrated health care. Dr. Murphy’s professional and scholarly work has demonstrated exemplary leadership for the chiropractic profession, and reflects the core values of UWS – student focus, best practices, curiosity, inclusiveness, professionalism and whole-person health.

“It is truly an honor to be named the 2021 UWS Alumnus of the Year,” said Dr. Murphy. “My education at Western States opened my eyes to a world of never-ending possibilities for both academic and clinical excellence, allowing me to create a career and life that has helped me to make a difference.”

Dr. Murphy graduated magna cum laude from UWS. He has more than 40 years of clinical experience and earned his diplomat in chiropractic orthopedics. Dr. Murphy’s career exemplifies the UWS motto, “for the good of the patient.”

“Dr. Dan Murphy has been a leader in chiropractic practice and clinical education for more than four decades,” said President and CEO of UWS Dr. Joseph Brimhall. “He stays abreast of the rapidly-evolving developments in the sciences of chiropractic and nutrition, and teaches how to apply these advancements to help patients achieve their optimal potential.”

Dr. Murphy has been a part-time professor at Life Chiropractic College West for more than 30 years and has led more than 1,400 postgraduate continuing education seminars. From 2003-09 he served as the vice president of the International Chiropractic Association and was chosen by the organization as Chiropractor of the Year in 2009.

Dr. Murphy will be honored at the UWS Open House Reception on Saturday, April 23, 2022 on the UWS campus in Portland. An extended profile of Dr. Murphy will be featured in the 2021-22 UWS Annual Report coming this spring.