Creating an environment for healthy living through a unique wellness partnership

MESA, Ariz. - Valley of the Sun YMCA will celebrate the grand opening of the East Valley Family YMCA (EVFY) on the campus of A.T. Still University (ATSU) on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A variety of activities are scheduled, including a drawing for a 32” flat screen TV, and attendees will be able to tour the new state-of-the-art facility and receive information about the YMCA’s programs and the benefits of membership. The event is free and open to the public.

The new facility, which is the seventh YMCA in the East Valley, will encompass 32,000 square feet and will feature amenities including a fitness center, teen center, gymnasium, 25-yard competitive lap/fitness pool, a family adventure aquatic area, and a Lifestyle Concierge who will assist members in determining their successful path to a healthier life. The EVFY, in partnership with ATSU, will offer unique life-enhancing programs and fitness facilities to East Valley community members as well as to University students, faculty, and staff. Through a partnership that began in 2002, ATSU and EVFY have focused on creating innovative, wellness-oriented programs that will eventually be utilized in YMCA’s across the Valley of the Sun.

“We are excited to have the YMCA on ATSU’s campus,” said ATSU Provost Craig Phelps, D.O. “We are collaborating with the YMCA on a number of unique programs that will improve the health status of its members and the greater East Valley communities. This partnership with the YMCA also allows ATSU to continue working within the community to improve health professions education opportunities for East Valley residents, our students, and programs.”

“We feel the EVFY benefits tremendously by having access to ATSU’s top-notch educators and students who are dedicated to serving the community’s health and wellness needs,” said Damon Olsen, East Valley Family YMCA Executive Director. “The ability to leverage the resources of the Arizona Health & Technology Park as well as Mesa’s ‘Power Road Knowledge Corridor’ will provide unprecedented growth possibilities to the EVFY and opportunities to our members.”

The EVFY, which began construction in August 2008, is the latest addition to the Arizona Health & Technology Park in Mesa, a 132-acre business park that currently includes ATSU’s Arizona School of Health Sciences, Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health, and School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona, as well as HealthSouth’s 40-bed rehabilitation hospital which opened in August 2009. Future plans for expansion of the Arizona Health & Technology Park will include medical offices and health technology/biomedical research and development facilities.

“The University is very fortunate to have been able to partner with organizations within the Arizona Health & Technology Park that share our vision for keeping the community, students, faculty and staff focused on improving wellness,” said ATSU Assistant Provost Gary Cloud, Ph.D. “Healthy lifestyles matter to ATSU.”

A.T. Still University Provost Craig Phelps, D.O., FAOASM, speaks to attendees at the grand opening of HealthSouth hospital. (c) Sean Egan/Artwerks Creative LLC

Mesa, Ariz. – More than 200 community members and health professionals gathered at HealthSouth on August 18 to welcome the rehabilitation hospital to the East Valley and celebrate the beginning of the hospital’s relationship with A.T. Still University.

Representatives from Arizona’s physicians community, East Valley leadership, non-profit organizations, insurance companies, and adult living centers toured the hospital; enjoyed a buffet created by HealthSouth’s own chef, Ted Reiley; and watched the official cutting of the ribbon.

Key speakers included Scott Smith, the mayor of Mesa; Timothy Poore, HealthSouth CEO; Jay Grinney, HealthSouth corporate president and CEO; and Craig Phelps, D.O., FAOASM, A.T. Still University (ATSU) provost. Each spoke to the attendees regarding the 40-bed inpatient rehabilitation hospital and the great potential for the Arizona Health & Technology Park partners to work together and serve the community.

“East Valley citizens will benefit from this new community asset,” Dr. Phelps said. “ATSU looks forward to working with HealthSouth on new, innovative models to educate healthcare professionals and provide the highest quality healthcare to patients.”

The 47,500-square-foot rehabilitation hospital neighboring ATSU is a new addition to Mesa’s “Power Road Corridor.” The hospital will create approximately 130 new jobs and is the only free standing rehabilitation hospital in the East Valley.

“The addition of this hospital will allow us to provide high-quality and cost-effective inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services to more patients in Mesa and the surrounding communities,” said Poore.

“The event was a wonderful success. It was a great opportunity to bring together everyone who will be touched by our new hospital,” says Julie Barth, OTR/L, MBA, director of marketing operations and admissions at HealthSouth East Valley. “Special new relationships will be with A.T. Still University and the new YMCA on campus.”

Pete Youngman, Head Athletic Trainer, Sacramento Kings

MESA, Ariz. – A.T. Still University (ATSU) and The National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) have announced Pete Youngman as the 2009 National Basketball Athletic Trainers Association (NBATA) Scholarship recipient.

Youngman, head athletic trainer for the Sacramento Kings, will be rewarded for his accomplishments and dedication in the professional sports industry by receiving full tuition, valued at approximately $16,800, towards a Master of Science in Human Movement at ATSU’s Arizona School of Health Sciences. 

“Pete has shown his commitment and dedication to the health and fitness industry and professional sports for over two decades,” said Dr. Micheal Clark, NASM Chief Executive Officer.  “With the further education he will receive from ATSU, he’ll be even better equipped to improve the performance and health of the athletes he works with.” 

Youngman, an alumnus of Ithaca College, has been working in the professional sports industry for over 20 years.  Starting his career in professional sports working with the Boston Red Sox, Youngman transitioned to professional basketball and the Sacramento Kings in 1993 where he worked under former head trainer, Bill Jones, until accepting the lead position in 1996.  Youngman holds credentials in athletic training and performance enhancement, and being a marathon runner himself, holds a true understanding of the role proper motion and alignment has on an athlete’s performance. 

“We are pleased to have such a qualified individual join ASTU’s Human Movement program,” said Craig Phelps, D.O., FAOASM,  ATSU provost.  “Youngman’s years in the industry have no doubt prepared him for the demands of the curriculum while the convenient online format will allow him the flexibility to successfully work with the Kings franchise and its players at the same time.”    

The NBATA Scholarship program was developed as part of a collaborative effort between NASM, ATSU and the NBATA to support athletic trainers in the professional basketball industry who embodying the determination and ideals of athletic training.

Raman Bedi, D.D.S., D.Sc.

Arizona’s first dental school graduates its third class

MESA, Ariz. – (June 15, 2009) A.T. Still University’s Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health (ATSU-ASDOH) bid farewell to the class of 2009 at its third commencement ceremony Saturday, June 13 at the Mesa Arts Center in Mesa, Ariz.

Fifty-five graduates received their doctor of dental medicine (D.M.D.) degree, one of whom also received a master in public health (M.P.H.). Also participating in Saturday’s ceremony were four candidates scheduled to graduate in August with both a certificate in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics and a doctor of health sciences (D.H.Sc.) degree.

“Today’s graduates are well prepared to tackle the challenge of today’s economy and the healthcare environment,” said ATSU Provost Craig Phelps, D.O., ‘84. “We wish them well, whether going into private practice or continuing their education. It’s been a pleasure to have them at ATSU over the past four years. Our graduates will be making a difference in communities across Arizona and the United States.”

According to ASDOH Dean Jack Dillenberg, D.D.S., M.P.H., this is the first time ASDOH has graduated a student with both a D.M.D. and an M.P.H., as well as the first time they have presented post graduate certificates in orthodontics. “We are proud of our students for reaching these important milestones in ASDOH’s history,” he said. “We are thrilled to be producing the next generation of outstanding clinicians and dental leaders to meet the oral health needs of not only our community, but the nation.”

As part of the commencement ceremony, honorary doctor of humane letters degrees were conferred upon keynote speaker Raman Bedi, D.D.S., D.Sc., FDSRCS, FGDP, FPHM, head of the Centre for International Child Oral Health and professor at King’s College London; and Allen Lawrence Finkelstein, D.D.S., medical director of AmeriChoice/United HealthGroup and ATSU-ASDOH adjunct faculty member.

ATSU-ASDOH also honored class of 2009 member Michael Serkanic, who passed away in August 2008, with a posthumous degree. At the annual ASDOH awards brunch on June 11, fellow student Darby Lefler was awarded the first Michael Serkanic Spirit of Caring award and $1,000 scholarship, which is given to a student who demonstrates “caring and compassionate service in a fun and collegial way, as exemplified by Michael Serkanic’s life.” A total of 34 awards were given to 25 graduates at the brunch.