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December 2022

A Message from the Dean

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Greetings and Happy Holidays,

 

In this, our fifth issue of the newsletter, I wish to continue with a discussion of the SHP RISES Strategic Initiatives with a focus on the "E" component – Clinical “Experiences. With this initiative, SHP seeks to develop and implement clinical programs that impact delivery of healthcare with local, Texas-wide, national, and international healthcare deliveries. In each of our five departments, we have superb faculty with clinical experience in physical therapy, occupational therapy, respiratory care, clinical lab sciences, nutrition, and behavioral interventions. For example, we have PT and OT faculty partnering with UTMB Health Rehabilitation Services on innovative musculoskeletal programs and clinical residencies. With CLS, Dr Salazar’s group has initiated a partnership with the Department of Pathology and the UTMB Clinical Lab Services to deliver specialized lab testing and consultation around coagulation disorders. Also,our nutrition faculty will be working with a new Bariatrics Surgery service, to provide dietary and behavioral interventions for clients undergoing weight management interventions.  Our commitment to the Clinical Experience initiative is illustrated by the planning phase of a new Interprofessional Care Clinic that will incorporate the best evidence of care around a team of clinicians that is focused entirely of the needs of the patient.

 

If you would like to contribute to the future development of our clinical experiences, whether through your expertise or through one of our various donation programs, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Thank you!

 

Dean Dave


David A. Brown, PT, PhD, FAPTA

Senior Vice President and Dean

George T. Bryan Distinguished Professor

School of Health Professions

Rises Podcast

Influence & Impact


This new podcast introduces the listener to the second of the UTMB School of Health Professions (SHP) five initiatives – Impact and Influence. Dean David Brown talks with Dr Laurie Farroni, Assistant Dean for Global Outreach and Community Engagement and Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy. The topic of the discussion is “How does SHP contribute to Global and Local Community engagement around issues of access to health care?”.

Listen here 

CHPPRR Pilot Research Grants Award Program

Congratulations to the following project teams who will be funded for their meritorious projects:

 

Project Title: Health risks and barriers to management across the PCOS Lifespan

Investigators: Emily Lantz, Crystal Douglas, Liz Lyons

 

Project Title: Design and implementation of a wellness program to examine how BIPOC and people with lower SES living with chronic conditions can effectively manage their diseases while aging in place

Investigators: Amber Armstead, Mani Karthik, Diane Collins, Riqiea Kitchens

 

Project Title: Validate the feasibility of the Splicer software compared with the split-belt treadmill system in persons with post-stroke hemiparesis

Investigator: Mansoo Ko

The Center for Health Promotion, Performance, and Rehabilitation Research Distinguished Lecture Series presents:


Dr Richard L Lieber, PhD

Chief Scientific Officer & Senior Vice President of Research

Shirley Ryan Ability Lab

Chicago, IL

Seminar: Enhancing Researcher-Clinician Collaborations in Rehabilitation Medicine – Experiences from the Shirley Ryan Ability Lab


January 19, 2022

Time: 12:00 – 1:00 PM (light lunch provided)

Location: HEC 3.200

Please RSVP at chpprr@utmb.edu


Biography: Richard L. Lieber, PhD, oversees all research endeavors throughout the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab system of care. Dr. Lieber is an established expert in the field, nationally and internationally, and is a pioneer in conducting translational research. Dr. Lieber, along with Chief Medical Officer James Sliwa, DO, is jointly responsible for implementing the novel translational approach embedded in the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab medical and research enterprise and demonstrating its tangible and cultural progress. As Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Lieber oversees the work of more than 200 researchers. Under his leadership, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab has more than 300 research studies and clinical trials underway, all of which will benefit its patient population. 



Research and Publications

Researchers in the School of Health Professions at UTMB

Descriptions of research areas and links to additional information are provided about faculty researchers in the School of Health Professions at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas.


Learn more by visiting the  SHP Office of Research and SHP Researchers

Respiratory Care


Brian K. Walsh, PhD, RRT, RRT-NPS, RRT-ACCS, RPFT, FAARC

Associate Professor and MSRC Bridge Program Director


In-line miniature 3D-printed pressure-cycled ventilator maintains respiratory homeostasis in swine with induced acute pulmonary injury


William F. Pritchard, John W. Karanian, Chris Jung, Ivane Bakhutashvili, Sheridan L. Reed, Matthew F. Starost, Brian R. Froelke, Teresa R. Barnes, Duncan Stevenson, Artemio Mendoza, David J. Eckstein, Bradford J. Wood, Brian K. Walsh, Andrew J. Mannes


Read Abstract

Occupational Therapy



Karen Ratcliff, PhD, OTR

Associate Chair of Occupational Therapy Education and Associate Professor


Art Interventions for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Scoping Review


Allison BernierKaren RatcliffClaudia HiltonPatricia FingerhutChi-Ying Li



Read Abstract

Physical Therapy


Shih-Chiao Tseng, PT, PhD

Associate Professor



Editorial: How can wearable robotic and sensor technology advance neurorehabilitation?



Shuo-Hsiu ChangShih-Chiao TsengHao Su Gerard E. Francisco

Read Editorial

 Occupational Therapy


Isabella Foussell

Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health Professions


Characteristics of Early Interventions for Pain and Function Following Lower Extremity Joint Replacement: Systematic Review



Isabella Foussell Marisa Negley Abigail Thompson Andrea Turner Amanda Wygal Alison DeVries Claudia Hilton & Kevin T. Pritchard

Read Abstract

Physical Therapy


Carole A Tucker, PT, PhD

Chair and Professor, Physical Therapy

Fannie Kempner Adoue Distinguished Professor in Cognitive Rehabilitation

Associate Dean for Research, School of Health Professions

Director, Center for Health Promotion, Performance, and Rehabilitation Research (CHPPRR)

Professor, Nutrition, Metabolism and Rehabilitation Sciences



Enhancing the Content Validity of Self-Reported Physical Activity Self-Efficacy in Adolescents: A Qualitative Study

Algheryafi, Reem A. PT, PhD; Bevans, Katherine B. PhD; Hiremath, Shivayogi V. PhD; Lai, Jin-Shei PhD; Tucker, Carole A. PT, PhD


Read Abstract

Nutrition, Metabolism & Rehabilitation Sciences


Elizabeth Lyons, PhD, MPH

Grace Bucksch Gnitzinger Distinguished Professor in Aging, Interim Chair and Associate Professor


Acceptance- and mindfulness-based techniques for physical activity promotion in breast cancer survivors: a qualitative study


Michael C. Robertson, Emily Cox-Martin, Yue Liao, Sara A. Flores, Ross Shegog, Christine M. Markham, Kayo Fujimoto, Casey P. Durand, Abenaa Brewster, Elizabeth J. Lyons, Karen M. Basen-Engquist




Read Abstract 

Understanding the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of free-living amebae associated with human disease.


"Pathogenic free-living amebae (FLA) can cause serious CNS, eye, skin, and organ disease in humans. Disease is complicated by lack of streamlined diagnostic methods as well as by gaps in understanding the treatment and pathogenesis of these infectious agents.


1. Discuss the epidemiology and pathogenesis of FLA: Acanthamoeba, Balamuthia, Naegleria, and Sappinia.

2. Present examples of case reports associated with FLA.

3. Promote awareness about FLA diagnostic and treatment options"

View Presentation

Juan Ulises Rojo, Ph.D., MLS(ASCP)

Faculty & Student Accolades

This year the 68th International Respiratory Convention and Exhibition was held live after a two-year hiatus because of the ongoing pandemic. It was a very unique experience because all 6 of our first cohort of Masters Entry-level students was able to go and present a poster that they had submitted with one of our faculty, Sachin Patel, MHA, RRT, RRT-ACCS. Their poster title was “Proximal Versus Distal Flow Sensors: Comparing Trigger Sensitivity

Melissa Yanes, MS, RRT, RRT-ACCS, Assistant Professor and Director of Clinical Education presented a talk entitled, “The Role of a Respiratory Care Student in a Student-Led Interprofessional Clinic.


Memrie D. Ferguson PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT

Assistant Professor of Instruction

Each month the Advocacy Team selects an educator who was nominated by their students/colleagues to recognize their outstanding efforts in the educational arena at UTMB. This nomination demonstrates the high regard her learners and colleagues have for her teaching and mentoring. The following is an excerpt from Dr. Ferguson's nomination letter:


"Dr. Ferguson continuously goes above and beyond. She has made learning so much fun. She comes to class prepared, organized, and cheerful. You can clearly see her passion for physical therapy and her love for learning."

José Rojas, PhD, RRT, RPFT, FAARC and Khamron Micheals, PhD(c), MHA, RRT presented a talk entitled, “The Effects of COVID-19 Infection on Resistance, Reactance, and Compliance”. Khamron Micheals also had a poster presentation entitled, “Does Pulmonary Rehabilitation improve Quality of Life or Physical Function Outcomes in Post COVID-19 Patients? – A Retrospective Analysis”, and also gave another platform presentation entitled, “Respiratory Mechanics Impact on Mortality among COVID-19 Patients Requiring Mechanical Ventilation - A Retrospective Analysis”.

Student and Faculty Spotlights

Introducing Savanna Russell, Read More (pdf)
Introducing Valeria Tamayoo Barron, Read More (pdf)
Visit the UTMB Careers Website

ALUMNI UPDATES

We’d love to feature more of our alumni in the Alumni Spotlight section of the e-newsletter. We invite you to nominate yourself by completing our spotlight article questionnaire. 


Email headshot photos to shpalumn@utmb.edu 


Submissions are subject to approval and/or editing

prior to being published.

Submit Spotlight Article

Please note by submitting this form and photo(s), you are consenting to have the content shared on UTMB SHP Newsletters, websites, and/or

in print materials for

promotional purposes. 

Introducing Niti Vyas DCLS, MLS (ASCP)CM , Read More (pdf)
Introducing Allyson Cook-Lindsay PT, DPT, Read More (pdf)

Alumni Presentations


Morgan Forteith and Allie Wilson both UTMB alumnae and Ryan Pontiff presented “Addressing Social Determinants of Health Using he PRECEDE-PROCEED Model through Student-led Pro Bono Physical Therapy”. To Outline implementation of quality improvement project at St. Vincent's Pro Bono Physical Therapy Clinic (STVPT) using PRECEDE-PROCEED Model of Public Health.

View Presentation

SHP Distinguished Alumni


The highest honor bestowed by the SHP Alumni Association is presented annually during Homecoming to one alumnus who has made significant contributions to the health profession through the commitment to excellence, research, education, community service, and leadership roles.

Visit our Website

Support the Alumni Association

Be a part of UTMB's Be One,

Bring One Alumni Challenge!

100% of your gift goes to support the School of Health Professions and its current students

Place or Renew Membership 

Career Opportunities

Click on each position title link below for more information


School of Health Professions


Center Operations Director - Center for Health, Promotion, Performance and Rehabilitation Research, School of Health Professions


Assistant Professor - Occupational Therapy- School of Health Professions


Assistant Professor (NTT), Clinical Lab Sciences - School of Health Professions


Chair, Nutrition, Metabolism & Rehabilitation Sciences - School of Health Professions


Associate Professor or Professor, Nutrition, Metabolism & Rehab Sciences - School of Health Professions


Student Success Center


Sr. Specialist for Learning & Career Counseling (Academic Advisor) - SHP/SON Student Success Center


Coordinator II (PBL - 19.99 Hours a Wk or Less), Student Success Center – School of Health Professions & Nursing

Global Outreach and Community Engagement

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Laurie W. Farroni, DPT, PT, PCS

Assistant Dean for Global Outreach & Community Engagement in the School of Health Professions


Part of UTMB’s Community Engagement initiative is to support healthcare needs in the Galveston Community. Galveston Central Church is also home to Grace Clinic, and interprofessional partnership addressing health inequities of the unhoused and housing insecure of Galveston Island. Each Thursday morning CLS, PT, OT, Medical, and Nursing students work with faculty and community members to meet the health and wellness priorities of this population. 

Learn More, Visit the GOCE Website

In the Community


SHP students have been very busy supporting our local community partners.  OT, PT, and CLS students volunteered at the St. Vincent’s Health Fair providing lab screenings and fall prevention and mobility assessments.

In the fall UTMB partners with the Christina Sullivan Foundation to bring a 6 week curriculum of bocce ball to athletes with disabilities. Students work one on one with athletes to help prepare them for Special Olympics competition.

Students and athletes pictured are warming up for practice together.

We are excited to announce Signups for Night to Shine Galveston, February 10, 2023. This is a big event with community partners that brings an adapted Prom experience to adults and teens with disabilities.


Each attendee is paired with a buddy for the night, and we are hoping all buddies will be UTMB students (yes you get to dress up for the occasion) 

Sign up Here

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

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José D. RojasPhD, RRT, RPFT, FAARC

Assistant Dean of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in the School of Health Professions



Dr. José D. Rojas and Jake the Wonder Dog

SHP Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force


The DEI directors of the different Schools on campus continue to try to find ways in which our students can interact in a meaningful way that fosters inclusiveness, acceptance, and understanding. Often different cultures can embrace the same day for different reasons. This year Halloween offered an opportunity for students to come together to celebrate. After nearly two years of isolation there was a longing to come together for a more pleasure-filled period. The Academic & Student Affairs offices of the Schools of Nursing and Health Professions, Student Life, the UTMB Police, the Student Success Center, and the SHP DEI Taskforce had a Howl-O-Ween event in the SHP/SON Lobby on 10/31/22 from 11:30 – 1:00. In the US, Halloween has been a day for children and adults to dress in ghoulish costumes and collect candy. The celebration of day dates to multiple cultures. In Mexico, Dia de Los Muertos is a celebration of the Dead and occurs on November 1st and 2nd. For those who celebrate the day it is believed that the spirits of the dead come back to spend time with the living. One tradition in many families is the setting of homemade altars (ofrendas) dedicated to the memories of the departed. Families welcome back deceased relatives for a brief reunion with food, drink, and celebration. This year the Latino Medical Student Association hosted their annual Dia de Los Muertos celebration on November 2 in front of the Jamail Student Center. Students from all Schools were invited to participate in both activities. The hope was that through these interactions we would see how much we share in common.

FY 2023 DEI Goals

1. Evaluate diversity of student population and faculty by school and departments and identify opportunities to mirror the state demographics.

2. Promote diversity and inclusion initiatives in the university community that focus on an interprofessional efforts to address healthcare disparities in the UTMB Health network.

3. Support mentorship initiatives for students and faculty from underserved or disadvantaged backgrounds.

4. Support quarterly celebrations of our diversities to foster a sense of community (holidays, etc)

Learn More, Visit the DEI Website
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J. Shayne Washington, EdD

Director, Student Success Center

Student Success Center


Support for our students is a critical component of their success in school and as they transition into the workforce. We are proud to share a new endeavor designed to empower our students and set them up to thrive.

 

The Student Success Center (SSC) is a collaborative effort between the UTMB School of Health Professions and the UTMB School of Nursing.


Our goal is to provide an inclusive, welcoming environment for students to find academic and non-academic support. The SSC will be a unique, centralized, shared center that will provide SHP, SON, and GSBS students with the following services:

 

  • Specialized advising/counseling
  • Individual and group academic support services
  • Scientific writing assistance
  • Supplemental instruction as a tutoring resource
Visit our Website

SHP Newsletter

The Office of the Dean publishes a quarterly e-newsletter that provides valuable information educational activities, research, and creative activities. The e-newsletter is geared towards alumni and supporters and features stories on alumni, faculty, and students.

Visit the Website

Dear School of SHP and UTMB Communities, the University of Texas Medical Branch School of Health Professions (SHP) has a long-standing history of excellence and innovation in educating health care professionals for leadership roles in the state, nation, and international arenas. We also are famous for our strong research enterprise success.

Read More

Support the Alumni Association

Be a part of UTMB's Be One,

Bring One Alumni Challenge!

100% of your gift goes to support the School of Health Professions and its current students

Place or Renew Membership 

Alumni Association Helpful Web Links

SHP Alumni Home

Alumni Online Directory

Bylaws

Calendar of Events

Contact Alumni & Parent Relations

Distinguished Alumni

Homecoming

Support SHP Alumni Association

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Working Together To Work Wonders

by Educating the Future of Health Care

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University Of Texas Medical Branch

School Of Health Professions

Office of the Dean

301 University Blvd.

Galveston, TX 77555-1028



P: (409) 747-1640

E: shpalumn@utmb.edu

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