Best IM Topics of the VOC 2024!

Kamaljit Atwal, DO Related Seminars and Products

Dr. Kamaljit Atwal is a Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine Specialist at Adventist Health Medical Center in Portland, Oregon. She is also the Director of the Sleep Disorders Center, Chairman of the Ethics Committee, and Co-chair of the Critical Chair Committee. In addition, she is the Director of the Sleep Disorders Center at Tillamook General Hospital in Tillamook, Oregon. She received her Doctor of Osteopathy from Des Moines Osteopathic University, Des Moines, Iowa. Dr. Atwal completed her residency in Internal Medicine at St. Vincent Medical Center in Portland, Oregon, and her Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine fellowship at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Dr. Atwal is board certified in Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Medicine, Critical Care Medicine, and Sleep Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine.

Dr. Atwal has a particular professional interest in the ever-evolving area of sleep medicine relating to respiratory and cardiac systems. She also values sharing her professional knowledge to help patients' minds and bodies. She says, "As I teach my patients to heal, they teach me so much about humanity and life."

Dr. Atwal enjoys traveling, hiking, gardening, and spending quality time with her family and friends when she's not busy with work.

Dr. Atwal discloses that she has no relevant financial relationships with any organization producing, marketing, reselling, or distributing healthcare goods or services consumed by or used on patients relative to the content of this presentation.

Edward Barnes, MD, FACP Related Seminars and Products

Dr. Edward Barnes graduated from Whittier College in Whittier, California, where he earned his bachelor's degree in Biology. Dr. Barnes then migrated to Kansas City, Kansas, to earn his Medical Degree from the University of Kansas School of Medicine. He won a four-year Army Scholarship while in medical school and completed his internship and residency with the Army at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas. Dr. Barnes successfully completed his Nephrology and Hypertension Fellowship at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC. He is a Veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, serving as a Battalion Surgeon for a tank unit commanding 32 medics and providing care for over 1,000 soldiers. Dr. Barnes was honorably discharged from the Army in 2010 when he joined Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, California, to become the Director of Kidney Health for WesternU Health Clinic. He also serves as the Vice-Dean of College Affairs. He is the Co-Director of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion curriculum for the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific (COMP) at WesternU in Pomona, California. Dr. Barnes is board certified in Internal Medicine, Nephrology, and Hypertension by the American Board of Internal Medicine.

Dr. Barnes received the Service in Leadership Award from COMP and COMP Northwest in 2020 and the Recognition Award for Teaching and Mentorship from the COMP DO Class of 2019. He also received the Excellence in Teaching Award from the American College of Physicians (ACP) in California Region II in 2017 and numerous other awards.

Dr. Barnes is dedicated to educating the future physicians of America and has applied a mission-driven approach toward the goals of the University. He is the founding Lead of the Office of Academic Innovation at COMP. Innovative programs like the experienced-based educational program called the Longitudinal Tracks, the student innovation interest group iSquad, and the Apple Distinguished School recognized Digital Doctor Bag program have blossomed. During his tenure at the Western University of Health Sciences, he has given educational symposium lectures at Loma Linda University, at regional conferences with the American College of Physicians, and at the University of California at Irvine. He has also delivered keynote speeches at symposiums as close as Portland, Oregon, and as far away as Shijiazhuang, China.

Dr. Barnes discloses that he has no relevant financial relationships with any organization producing, marketing, reselling, or distributing healthcare goods or services consumed by or used on patients relative to the content of this presentation.

Matthew Bechtold, MD, AGAF, FACG, FASGE, FASPEN Related Seminars and Products

Dr. Matthew Bechtold is a Professor of Clinical Medicine and Clinical Gastroenterologist practicing general gastroenterology and nutrition at the University of Missouri, Columbia. He graduated from the University of Missouri - Columbia School of Medicine. Dr. Bechtold completed his residency and fellowship at the University of Missouri - Columbia & Harry S. Truman Veterans' Hospital in Columbia, Missouri.  He is a fellow of the American Gastroenterological Association, the American College of Gastroenterology, the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, and the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition. Dr. Bechtold is board certified in Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine.

Despite a busy clinical schedule, Dr. Bechtold has published over 100 articles in outcomes research, nutrition, enteral access, and preventative strategies. He is actively involved in multiple national societies and serves as a member and chair on multiple national committees. He has been a national speaker on gastroenterology, quality improvement, and nutrition topics. He is very passionate about gastrointestinal diseases, nutrition, and quality improvement.

Dr. Bechtold discloses that he has no relevant financial relationships with any organization producing, marketing, reselling, or distributing healthcare goods or services consumed by or used on patients relative to the content of this presentation.

Pradeep Chandra, DO, FACC Related Seminars and Products

Dr. Pradeep Chandra is a cardiologist specializing in general and invasive cardiology. Dr. Chandra works for St. Louis Heart & Vascular and they have six office locations throughout St. Louis, Missouri and in Granite City, Illinois. Dr. Chandra received his undergraduate degree in Biology from Saint Louis University in St. Louis, Missouri. He received his medical degree from Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences, now known as Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine (KCU-COM). Dr. Chandra returned to Saint Louis University and completed his internship and residency in Internal Medicine. He served as chief resident and a clinical instructor in the Department of Internal Medicine. Dr. Chandra remained in St. Louis for his fellowship training in Cardiology at Saint Louis University Hospital, where he also served as chief fellow. He is board certified in Cardiovascular Diseases and Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine and in Echocardiography by the National Board of Echocardiography. He is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology. 

Dr. Chandra uses the most advanced diagnostic procedures to help patients manage their heart conditions. His special areas of interest and expertise include preventative cardiology, diagnostic cardiology, and peripheral angiography. Additionally, Dr. Chandra focuses on congestive heart failure and cardiac rhythm monitoring for patients suffering from palpitations, stroke, or syncope. Dr. Chandra was nominated for the Outstanding Clinical Preceptor/Resident Teacher Award in the Department of Internal Medicine at St. Louis University Hospital in 2008 and 2009.

Dr. Chandra discloses that he has no relevant financial relationships with any organization producing, marketing, reselling, or distributing healthcare goods or services consumed by or used on patients relative to the content of this presentation.

Robert Ellis, DO, PhD, FACP, CS Related Seminars and Products

Dr. Robert Ellis is a Medical Oncologist who specializes in the holistic care of cancer patients. He joined Northwest Permanente Medical Group, Portland, Oregon, in 2005. Dr Ellis is a Costin scholar and is a faculty member of the Healthy Living and Wellness curriculum and Lifestyle Medicine track at Western University of Health Sciences - College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific in Pomona, California. Dr. Ellis is board certified in Internal Medicine and Medical Oncology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is also board certified in Internal Medicine by the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine and in Palliative Medicine by the American Board of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. In addition, he is also a Diplomate of the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners and the American Academy of Pain Management. Dr. Ellis also has professional training in plant-based nutrition and plant-based culinary arts. He is a certified culinary medicine specialist.

Dr. Ellis was a 1987 graduate of the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine in Chicago, Illinois. He also holds a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from the Rosalind Franklin University of Health Sciences, Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Ellis completed his residency in Internal Medicine at William Beaumont Army Medical Center, El Paso, Texas, and his fellowship in Hematology/Medical Oncology at Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, Washington. Dr. Ellis previously served as the Medical Director of the Cancer Center of Southwest Washington and Hospice of Southwest Washington. A 26-year US Army veteran, Dr. Ellis left active duty in 2001 as a colonel.

Dr. Ellis discloses that he has no relevant financial relationships with any organization producing, marketing, reselling, or distributing healthcare goods or services consumed by or used on patients relative to the content of this presentation.

Daniel Griffin, MD, PhD, CTH, CTropMed Related Seminars and Products

Dr. Daniel Griffin is a physician-scientist with decades of experience. He completed his medical degree at New York University School of Medicine in New York City. Dr. Griffin then completed his Ph.D. in Molecular Medicine at Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine in Manhasset, New York. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, Utah and his fellowship in Infectious Disease at Northshore-LU Health System, Hofstra Northshore-LU School of Medicine at Hofstra University in Manhasset, New York. Dr. Griffin is an Infectious Disease physician with Optum Tri-State in Lake Success, New York. He is also an expert in Global Health, Tropical Medicine, Parasitology, and Virology, including SARS-CoV2 (COVID-19). Dr. Griffin is board certified in Infectious Disease and Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is also certified in Travel Medicine by the International Society of Travel Medicine. In addition, he has a certification of Knowledge in Clinical Tropical Medicine and Travelers' Health (CTropMed) from the American Society of Tropical Medicine & Hygiene.

Dr. Griffin is an active clinician and internationally invited speaker lecturing for multiple organizations, including the University of Glasgow, the Peace Corps, the University of Minnesota, the Foundation for International Medical Relief of Children, Floating Doctors, and Remote Care Education. He also speaks for other groups in Asia, the Caribbean, Central America, Africa, and India. Dr. Griffin is also one of the co-hosts of the popular 5-star rated podcasts This Week in Parasitism and This Week in Virology and is always ready to listen to and advocate for his patients, even after others have found the diagnosis challenging or evasive. 

Dr. Griffin discloses that he is a consultant for Pfizer. All relevant financial relationships have been mitigated.

Dustin Higgins, DO Related Seminars and Products

Dr. Dustin Higgins was born and raised in Gilbert, Arizona, a suburb of Phoenix. He is the seventh of nine children. Dr. Higgins received his Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. Dr. Higgins then attended medical school at Midwestern University - Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine (MU-AZCOM) in Glendale, Arizona. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine at Mercy Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri, and then completed his fellowship in Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. He currently practices with the Quincy Medical Group in Quincy, Illinois, and is the only Endocrinologist in his group. Dr. Higgins is a Resident Rotation Instructor for Southern Illinois University in Quincy, Illinois. Dr. Higgins is board certified in Internal Medicine and Endocrinology by the American Board of Internal Medicine.

Dr. Higgins is on the Quality and Cost of Care Committee and chairs the Together 2 Goal Committee for the Quincy Medical Group. He is fluent in English and Spanish. He enjoys fishing and pond swimming with his wife, six boys, and newborn daughter.

Dr. Higgins discloses that he has no relevant financial relationships with any organization producing, marketing, reselling, or distributing healthcare goods or services consumed by or used on patients relative to the content of this presentation.

Nicholas Mayer, DO Related Seminars and Products

Dr. Nicholas Mayer is a Nephrology Specialist in St. Louis, Missouri. He graduated from AT Still University – Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (ATSU-KCOM) in Kirksville, Missouri.  Dr. Mayer completed his residency in Internal Medicine and his fellowship in Nephrology at St. Louis University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri. He is board certified in Internal Medicine and Nephrology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. 

Dr. Mayer is actively involved in the development of value-based care for the specialty of nephrology through his work as a partner at St. Louis Kidney Care, a subsidiary of Fresenius Practice Services (FPS) in St. Louis, Missouri.  His work involves service as a medical director to FMC Acute Dialysis and a FMC Dialysis Unit in Normandy, a suburb of St. Louis, Missouri.  In addition to his work with patient care through his practice, in 2017, Dr. Mayer was appointed to the United Healthcare Physician Advisory Committee, which he continues to serve on. He has also been an advisor to ESSENCE since 2021. Dr. Mayer is a Missouri Association of Osteopathic Physicians & Surgeons (MAOPS) member and serves on the Virtual CME Committee. He received the District Leadership Award from MAOPS in 2019 and the Clinical Educator Award from FPS in 2023.  

Dr. Mayer is the father of three girls who do their best to keep him humble. He enjoys socializing in his free time when he isn't driving his daughters all over the city.

Dr. Mayer discloses that he has no relevant financial relationships with any organization producing, marketing, reselling, or distributing healthcare goods or services consumed by or used on patients relative to the content of this presentation.