Connection College of Health Sciences
Spring 2008
Lifelong
learning
Louise Kelly, PA Class of 2009 Forget everything you thought you knew about retirement. Forget the sailboat, the garden, the trips to exotic places, or even the slow-paced day filled up by this and that. For one University of Kentucky student, those things are far from reality. “I think Bob Dylan was right in saying ‘he who is not busy being born is busy dying,’” said Louise Kelly, a 61-year old UK College of Health Sciences student in the Physician Assistant (PA) program. “The best way for me to stay young is through acquiring knowledge.” Louise, a native Kentuckian, became interested in the Physician Assistant program at age 41. “I’ve always loved medicine and I always wished I had gone into the profession,” Louise said. “I found out about UK’s Physician Assistant program after having surgery and being placed in the care of a terrific PA.” “I had tons of questions,” she said. “I wondered if I was smart enough to go back to school, if I could really do it, and even whether or not I wanted to do something so major. Then, at age 50, I decided to go for it and started taking classes.” It took Louise eight years to take the prerequisite classes she needed to apply for the PA program. Now, her patience and perseverance is paying off, as she is scheduled to graduate in the class of 2009. As an avid philanthropist, Louise plans to give back once she is finished with school. She hopes to help in a free surgical clinic and may work with aging adults to help them get the most out of life – something she knows all about. But for now, Louise is preparing for rotations and plans to work as a PA for 10 to 15 years before even considering the dreaded word…retirement.
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Louise Kelly has taken lifelong learning to heart. At 61, she’s looking forward to many years as a practicing Physician Assistant. Shown above are Louise and classmate Courtney Stringer.
“I hope someday my daughter sees what I have done and is not inhibited by age, the program or society if she decides to try something new.” -Jan Thompson, PA student
Did you know? Our Programs: Department of Rehabilitation Sciences • Athletic Training • Communication Sciences and Disorders • Physical Therapy • Rehabilitation Sciences Ph.D. Department of Clinical Sciences • Clinical and Reproductive Sciences
Nearly 27% of students at UK are over age 25.
• Clinical Nutrition • Physician Assistant Studies • Radiation Sciences • Clinical Leadership and Management
According to the UK Office of Institutional Research.
Lifelong Learning: Non-traditional students at UK Jan Thompson, PA Class of 2009 When Jan Thompson was in college, she was determined to work in the medical field. However, when her father became ill she put her plans on hold to help out her family.
Photos: Above: Physician Assistant student Jan Thompson decided to pursue her love of medicine after a successful career in Microbiology. At right: PA students at the class of 2009 white coat ceremony.
Eventually, Jan earned a master’s degree in Biochemistry and a Ph.D. in Microbiology, but still felt she wanted to pursue a career in medicine. At a restaurant a few years ago, Jan’s server began discussing the Physician Assistant Program she was in at the University of Kentucky. “The more she talked, the more I realized this was exactly what I was supposed to be doing,” Jan said. Within six months, Jan had shadowed
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several PAs, applied to the program, and had been accepted at UK. “I’m not opposed to pursuing your dreams at any time of your life,” she said. “This is a very intense and challenging program, yet it continues to be an exciting career choice for me even during the tough times. Plus, I have a great support system at home and at school.”
Making a ABROAD Physician Assistant Studies students, faculty, alumni and other volunteers recently participated in the Crossroads Medical Mission trip to Piedras Negras, Mexico. Through their service, the people of Piedras Negras received much needed health care services
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“Keeping contact with the program as an alumnus and having opportunities to influence future PAs and contribute to the needs of the program provides a lot of satisfaction. Besides that, it keeps me young and up-to-date.” -Steve Fisher, MHA, PA-C CHS Alumnus who joined faculty and students on the recent service trip to Mexico
Almnus Steve Fisher, MHA, PA-C, accompanied the students. According to Steve, experiences such as this are vital to the student experience because:
• they provide a cross-cultural experience in medicine that demonstrates differences and similarities in patients regardless of the setting;
• they enable students to see more patients in a clinical context before clerkships begin;
FOR STUDENTS Imran Shah was first drawn to the University of Kentucky College of Health Sciences by its reputation. “The medical physics program at UK is among the best in the country and I was honored to do my master’s work here,” Shah said. A native of Chittagong, Bangladesh, Shah received his undergraduate degree in mathematics and physics from King College in Bristol, Tennessee. In May, he graduated from UK with a Master’s Degree in Radiological Medical Physics and plans to enter the working world, where he may eventually pursue a Ph.D. in the field. Shah’s interest in Medical Physics began in undergraduate physics courses, and he said that attending UK has prepared him for his future because of the hands-on experience the program allows. “It is very fulfilling to work with patients and physicians to find treatments for cancer,” he said. “Graduates from this program are well-respected because we come out with actual experience. Plus, we are able to work with faculty and practicing medical physicists who are willing to go out of their way to ensure we succeed in the profession.” Shah moved to the U.S. in 2000. He and his wife Angela have a nine-month old daughter named Anouk Iman.
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• they allow students to interface with practicing clinicians; and • they afford the personal satisfaction of a philanthropic adventure.
AT HOME physical therapy students As a painter, William and is supervised by faculty Pemberton relies on the members and licensed physical strength of his arms and hands therapists such as Marc DuPont, to make a living. Unfortunately, a part owner of Physical Therapy the repetitive use of those International. muscles recently started “I think it’s important to volunteer causing him so much pain that and to give back,” Pemberton was said DuPont. “The lying awake at clinic makes a night filled with difference for our anxiety about his students in that they future. received hands-on “I had this instruction, but also horrible throbbing with those patients in my arm and I we treat.” didn’t know what I The clinic was would do if I didn’t started seven get help,” said years ago by Dr. Pemberton. Lynn English, a Getting help -Lexington Resident faculty member wasn’t easy since William Pemberton in the College of Pemberton does Health Sciences PT not have any program. Now, more health insurance. than 12 students Luckily, he and 10 academic and community learned about the free physical faculty volunteers are involved. therapy clinic at the University “If I wasn’t able to get help here, of Kentucky Salvation Army I don’t know if I would be able to Clinic (UKSAC) in Lexington. work,” he said. Without his job, The UKSAC is a free clinic Pemberton said he is worried he that is run by University of could become a burden to society. Kentucky students. “People get stuck in the (health At the clinic, people like care) system and don’t know Pemberton can receive where to turn. It’s nice to know treatment that might not help like this is out there.” otherwise be available. The clinic is staffed by
“If I wasn’t able to get help here, I don’t know if I would be able to work.”
At right: Carla Small, of Lexington, is examined by physical therapy student Lauren Holt at the UK Salvation Army Clinic.
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Shoulder to Shoulder CHS is participating in the Kentucky Shoulder to Shoulder Ecuador program. Lynn English, Ph.D., Physical Therapy and Sharon Stewart, Ph.D., Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, are traveling to Ecuador with two physical therapy students to investigate ways the College of Health Sciences can assist in medical mission needs in the country. What is Shoulder to Shoulder Ecuador? The Shoulder to Shoulder Ecuador program will lead an international effort to improve and save the lives of children and their families in Santo Domingo, Ecuador. Thousands of young children in Carlos Ruiz Burneo, a town with a population of 20,000, live in extreme poverty and suffer from severe child malnutrition. Through this program, pediatric health care, nutrition services, immunizations, home health support services, and more will be provided.
Hip,Hip CHS Ranked in Top 20 The College of Health Sciences has been ranked in the Top 20 of all allied health colleges for our work in research. This honor was given by the National Institutes for Health (NIH). The National Institutes of Health is a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is the primary Federal agency for conducting and supporting medical research.
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Programs Nationally Ranked
According to the U.S. News and World Report’s 2009 Edition of America’s Best Graduate Schools, the University of Kentucky College of Health Sciences is nationally ranked in two programs: Physical Therapy: #38 Speech-Language Pathology: #53
Excellence Awards Dr. Janice Kuperstein, a member of the CHS Physical Therapy faculty, was recently honored with the 2007-2008 Kingston Award for Excellence in Teaching. Dr. Kuperstein was recognized for creative and innovative teaching and for long-term commitment to excellence in education.
Dr. Richard Andreatta and Dr. Carl Mattacola were selected as finalists for the 2008 Provost’s Outstanding Teaching Awards. Only 10 finalists were selected among tenured faculty at the University of Kentucky. The awards were given for outstanding performance as a teacher and were based on documentation from peers and students. Dr. Andreatta is an Associate Professor in Communication Sciences and Disorders. He also teaches in the Spinal Cord & Brain Injury Research Center.
Dr. Carl Mattacola is the Director of the Rehabilitation Sciences Ph.D. program and the graduate Athletic Training program.
“The college is proud of all those who contribute to making our Communication Sciences & Disorders program and Physical Therapy program nationally ranked. We have long been recognized for educating highly competent, compassionate practitioners who make a difference in the lives of their patients and families. All the programs in the College of Health Sciences continue to strive for excellence in education and research.” -Lori Gonzalez, Ph.D., Professor & Dean
07-08 Research Awards Dr. Gilson Capilouto, Ph.D., Associate Professor in Communication Sciences and Disorders, was awarded the CHS Faculty Award for Excellence in Research. Dr. Gilson Capilouto Dr. Lisa Thomas was awarded
Dr. Lisa Thomas
Kimberly Dolak Dr. Janice Kuperstein
Dr. Richard Andreatta
Dr. Carl Mattacola
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the doctoral Robinson Graduate Award for Research Creativity. Lisa recently received her Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Sciences. Her research will serve the profession for future studies related to vocal function and disorders. The master’s level Robinson Graduate Award was given to Kimberly Dolak for her rehabilitation research project that focused on the treatment of patellofemoral pain syndrome. Kimberly graduated in May with a Master’s Degree in Kinesiology and Health Promotion (Athletic Training).
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