COM Outlook Spring 2020

NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY | 5 How does one improve upon success? NSU’s Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine (KPCOM), with its two campus locations, has become a model in academics and community impact. The KPCOM boasts a D.O. pro- gram in its 40th year, five master’s degrees, and seven certificate programs, making it the largest medical school in Florida. The only missing piece? A platform that fills the need for more undergraduate programs, provides a vertical integration to graduate education, and meets the growing demands of health care professionals. The idea stemmed from George L. Hanbury II, Ph.D., NSU president and chief executive officer, and his Vision 2020 campaign for NSU to become a premier university. Phyllis Filker, D.M.D., M.P.H., associate dean of undergraduate, graduate, and community educa- tion, helped answer the call by leading an effort to establish three bachelor’s degree programs—in public health, human nutrition, and health and wellness coaching— all within a three-year time span. “The purpose for the establish- ment of the three bachelor’s pro- grams and an accelerated option of the dual D.O. degree admission is to meet the increased demands for a competent health care workforce,” Filker said. “All three of these majors are interdisciplinary in nature and are conducive to an undergraduate curriculum, giving students an opportunity to apply core concepts to myriad fields in health care, business, or industry.” Public Health in Action The fall 2017 semester wel- comed the first of the KPCOM undergraduate programs with the Bachelor of Science in Public Health. The program builds upon the success of the Master of Science in Public Health program, introduced in 1994. The KPCOM used mentorship opportunities with its faculty members and first-year D.O. students to better connect the new class with the college and develop a sense of accountability. B.S. in Public Health students are also able to get involved with Left: B.S. in Human Nutrition students prepare acai bowls during the monthly Teaching Kitchen class in partnership with NSU Shark Dining. • Right: The B.S. in Public Health and B.S. in Human Nutrition programs join first-year KPCOM osteopathic students and faculty members in networking and mentorship socials throughout the year.