Last week, about 25 members of the Glendale Alumni Leadership Council met with 12 MWU deans, faculty, and alumni staff to discuss various aspects of interdisciplinary learning at MWU, including the CORE course, the new clinic, and service learning.

This program was one of several meetings hosted throughout the year by the Glendale University Relations team to keep strong ties between our alumni and the university and to benefit from their expertise and experience. The group met at Steamers, a great seafood restaurant at the Biltmore Fashion Square Mall, for dinner and conversation.

Dr. Ross Kosinski, Dean of Students, shared with alumni history of the CORE course, which is required for all first-year students at MWU. The course strives to bring students from all MWU programs together to learn about special topics in health care, such as professionalism, ethics, and teamwork. Students are able to understand how other professions integrate their skills to benefit their patients. Dr. K and the alumni then brainstormed about ways to enhance the interdisciplinary aspects of this course, such as working on case studies together and inviting alumni back to campus to facilitate small group discussions.

Dr. John Burdick, Dean of Basic Science and Vice President for Clinic Services, then described the interdisciplinary environment of the new MWU outpatient clinic. The practices include osteopathic medicine, family medicine, optometry, pharmacy consulting, podiatric medicine, and, soon, clinical psychology. The Medic 155 ambulance bay is also housed at the clinic, and students are able to take part in "ride-alongs" with the EMTs. The physicians of each practice work together to treat patients who may present with multiple symptoms. Students from several colleges are able to complete clincal rotations at the clinic and are able to experience team health care in action.

Both Dr. Kosinski and Dr. Burdick are strong proponents of community service. Dr. K shared that the University is now working closely with the Glendale Fire Department to provide continuous chest compression (CCC) courses for the public. MWU is hosting several upcoming training session, which will be taught by MWU faculty. He is also instrumental in coordinating the TOPS free physicals program for high school students. Each year, hundreds of MWU students are able to volunteer in providing physicals for thousands of high school athletes in partnership with local physicians. Dr. K encouraged alumni to volunteer their time to this important program. Likewise, Dr. Burdick has led the DOCARE mission trip to Guatemala for the past several years. Teams of MWU students and alumni travel to Central America to provide free health care for people who would not otherwise have access to medical services. This trip is continually cited as a highlight for the people who are able to participate and one of their most meaningful experiences as health care students.

Finally, alumnus, faculty member, and clinic physician Dr. Alan Schalsha spoke about his efforts in providing health care services for homeless populations in the Phoenix inner-city. While a student, he worked with the HOME project, which offered health care services at a local shelter. Dr. Schalsha encouraged alumni to volunteer their time to this program, as it helps to serve patients who are in serious need of care.

It is safe to say that all who attended this Glendale Alumni Leadership dinner were genuinely inspired to give back to their communities. They were also reminded of the important value of interdisciplinary learning at MWU and helped provide new insights into how these opportunities can be fostered on campus both in the classroom and in the clinic. One of the great benefits of our alumni body is that they still are interested in their alma mater and willing to continue to be a part of the MWU family. We are so happy to keep them connected.