Campus Tours Return with Virtual Undergraduate Students Visit

On January 5th, Rocky Vista University hosted a virtual campus visit for undergraduate students enrolled in the Healthcare Interest Program (HIP), a Denver Health mentorship program that works to increase the success of underprivileged, underrepresented college students interest in healthcare careers.

The students were greeted by David Ross, DO, Director of Rural & Wilderness Medicine Track, and Heather Ferrill, DO, Dean of RVUCOM, who also gave them a short overview of RVU’s programmatic offerings and discussed the differences between osteopathic and allopathic physicians. Three student doctors then led a virtual tour of the Colorado campus, which was recorded prior to the event.

After the tour, Sarah Neguse, MS, PA-C, Assistant Professor of PA Studies, and Whitney Lambarri, MS, PA-C, Assistant Professor of PA Studies, spoke in-depth about the Physician Assistant Program,  including what a PA is and the difference between a PA and a nurse practitioner. Luke Paik, a current PA student, then answered questions from the students, ranging from why he decided on PA school to what specialty he chose.

From there, the topic shifted to the MSBS Program, with Joel Roberts, PhD, Assistant MSBS Program Director, and Vickie Roettger, MD, Co-director of the Global Medicine Track, answering questions from the undergraduate students. Drs. Roberts and Roettger focused on the academics, and personal experiences, and qualities needed to help with student goals, as well as how the students can improve their applications for post-baccalaureate programs. MSBS student Patrick (Ricky) Oshakuade shared his thoughts and reasons for choosing the program first instead of going straight into a full-blown medicine program.

Dr. Ross then introduced the College of Osteopathic Medicine and gave his own background and experience as a physician in the emergency department. An Dang, PhD, Assistant Professor Clinical Anatomy, spoke about the boards students must take after each year, beginning the second year, as well as goals for students in residency. Nadira Martin, OMS II, talked about why she chose RVU and her own feelings about the program.

Last but not least, Ashley Farmer-Hanson, PhD, Associate Dean for Student Life, introduced the Department of Student Affairs, while Karen Robinson, MS, LPC, NCC, Mental Health & Wellness Counselor, discussed counseling and therapy for students as well as academic advising. Cyndi Windecker, Assistant Director of Admissions and Recruitment, wrapped up with an introduction to the Department of Admissions, answering questions about the process and the dates for applications.