The DO-Touch.NET Coordinating Center is housed within the A.T. Still Research Institute of A.T. Still University. This center provides support and guidance to all members and serves as the network’s operational base.
DO-Touch.NET
Coordinating Center Team
Brian F. Degenhardt, DO, C-NMM/OMM – Director
Dr. Brian Degenhardt is a 1989 graduate of the Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery. He completed his rotating internship at Grandview Medical Center from 1989-90 and was a resident in OMM at ATSU-KCOM from 1991-93. Dr. Degenhardt is the assistant vice chancellor for osteopathic research at ATSU, the past director of the A.T. Still Research Institute, and is the Osteopathic Heritage Foundation Endowed Chair for Research in Osteopathic Diagnostic and Therapeutic Palpation. In these capacities, he oversees numerous areas of research, particularly directing research in the areas of palpatory diagnosis and OMT. He is also the director of DO-Touch.NET, an international practice-based research network assessing the clinical usefulness of manipulative medicine. His published work demonstrates a broad scope of research, including evaluation of the reliability of palpatory diagnostic tests, otitis media, pneumonia in the elderly, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, objectification of somatic dysfunction, evaluating the association of biomarkers with OMT, pain, health benefits of wellness programs, and the use of rasterstereography in assessing posture. Based on his research experience, he has developed the Advancing Skills in Osteopathy (ASO) Program, a continuing education program offered to DOs globally that utilizes state-or-the-art instrumentation to provide objective feedback to advance individuals palpatory skills. Dr. Degenhardt is board certified in Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine/Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine
Gwyn Kelley-Franklin, MBA – Data Manager
Ms. Gwyn Kelley-Franklin, MBA, is our PBRN’s Data Manager. She brings a unique blend of technical expertise and a strong commitment to equitable research. Ms. Kelley-Franklin is a PhD student at the University of Central Arkansas studying Change Leadership for Equity and Inclusion with a focus on Digital-Age Curriculum and Instruction. She holds a Master of Business Administration, a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from Western Governors University, and an Associate of Applied Science in Emergency Management from Frederick Community College. Ms. Kelley-Franklin’s professional experience as a Data Manager and Data Analyst with A.T. Still University combined with her academic credentials equips her to streamline data processes and enhance research accessibility. She is a dynamic leader dedicated to fostering collaboration and leveraging data to improve patient care and advancing research.
Corey Luebbering, MPH – PBRN Coordinator
Mr. Corey Luebbering, MPH, is our Practice-Based Research Coordinator. His work supports the PBRN’s research project coordination, event planning, and social media presence. Mr. Luebbering has years of research project coordination experience, and is well versed in online content creation. Mr. Luebbering completed his Master of Public Health Degree from A.T. Still University College of Graduate Health Studies.
