on the
RECORD FALL 2017
DOISY COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES
INTRODUCING CHS
CONTENTS 004
Introducing CHS
006
Alumni Feature
008
PT Faculty Named Fellow
010
Homecoming
017
Upcoming Events
018
Student Feature
020
Alumni Merit
022
Corrections Reform
023
Faculty Files
024
Research Feature
026
DCHS Clinical Corner
028 029
Meet Tricia Austin Faculty Files
004
Clinical Health Sciences is the newest department at DCHS. Meet the new chairperson and see how existing programs have come together under one name.
ALUMNI FEATURE
006
Health Information Management alumna Mary Beth Haugen shows how data, information and industry trends can have a major impact on healthcare.
HOMECOMING Check out all of the Homecoming and Family Weekend festivities that were celebrated at DCHS in 2017.
010 STUDENT SUCCESS An Investigative and Medical Sciences student won multiple awards at a national conference this fall.
018 ALUMNI MERIT AWARDS SLU celebrated its annual Alumni Merit Award Ceremony honoring an alum from each of the colleges across the university.
020
DEAN’S MESSAGE “Welcome to the third issue of the Doisy College of Health Sciences magazine, On the Record.” On behalf of the Doisy College of Health Sciences, I am excited to share with you another issue of On the Record. This issue highlights the kickoff to our Bicentennial featuring many activities that filled Homecoming and Family Weekend in September. Our students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends joined us for several signature events specific to the college. The weekend also included a tremendous celebration of our SLU heritage with the Bicentennial Mass and Fireworks display at Arch Grounds. Saint Louis University is the oldest institution of higher education west of the Mississippi and, as mass was celebrated looking over the stoic river and with all that the location symbolized, it was truly a “goosebumps” moment. In July, the college embraced a more streamlined department structure moving from eight units to six. Inside this issue of On the Record you will learn about our newest department, Clinical Health Sciences, under the leadership of Dr. Amy Harkins. The newly formed department aligns various programs and the talent and interests of faculty and students in an effort to foster innovation and collaboration. In addition to introducing Dr. Harkins, I am pleased to introduce Dr. Tricia Austin, Chair of the Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training. Neither Dr. Harkins nor Dr. Austin is new to SLU, but they are embarking on new roles within the college. I am delighted their talents have been added to the DCHS administrative team and look forward to the advancements of the programs they represent guided by their leadership. As with every issue you will get a more in-depth look at some of our amazing students and faculty, as well as the vitally important clinical educators that support the learning that goes on outside the classrooms where students are applying theory to practice. In addition, don’t forget to check out the Mark Your Calendar section for DCHS activities and dates. If you are able to join us for any of these activities please be certain to introduce yourself. Meeting alumni and friends of the college is truly one of the most rewarding parts of my job. Until next time, just remember…every day is a great day to Be a Billiken. Mardell A. Wilson, EdD, RD Dean and Professor Doisy College of Health Science
RESEARCH FEATURE
MEET DR. AUSTIN
024
028
Physician Assistant Education Assistant Professor Genevieve DelRosario, MHS, PA-C, is part of a research team exploring how to improve the manner in which PAs recognize and address patients dealing with substance abuse issues.
The Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training recently announced faculty member Dr. Tricia Austin as the new Chairperson.
INTRODUCING CLINICAL HEALTH SCIENCES Three existing DCHS departments combine into one new department and open the door to collaboration like never before.
Dr. Amy Harkins Chair of the Clinical Health Sciences Department
PAGE 4 | ON THE RECORD
In response to the ever-changing landscape of both health care and higher education, the Doisy College of Health Sciences is pleased to announce that the departments of Biomedical Laboratory Science (BLS), Health Sciences and Informatics (HSI) and Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapeutics (MIRT) merged to form the Department of Clinical Health Sciences (CHS), effective as of July 1, 2017. Amy Harkins, MBA, PhD, who has served as the interim chairperson for Health Sciences and Informatics since July 1, 2015, has accepted the permanent chairperson position of the new department. CHS is a newly formed, dynamic and comprehensive department that will include all of the preprofessional programs offered in the college as well as the primary programs focused on diagnostics. As mentioned previously, CHS Chair Dr. Harkins previously served as Interim Chairperson of the Department of Health Sciences and Informatics for two years and has been a faculty member and researcher at Saint Louis University for over 15 years. She is eager to help guide this new department and ensure a valuable experience for its students. “My motivation for first serving as Interim Chair and now as Chair of
this larger department was to have a greater impact on higher education and programmatic learning than I was able to accomplish solely as a researcher at the lab bench,” Dr. Harkins said. “As an administrator, I believe that I am now well-positioned to positively impact undergraduate and graduate students, from developing curriculum to improving degree programs.” Doisy College of Health Sciences Dean Mardell Wilson, Ed.D, RD, is excited to have Dr. Harkins leading the college’s newest department. “Dr. Harkins brings a diverse and comprehensive set of experiences in higher education to the position,” Dr. Wilson said. “I am delighted that she is joining us full-time to work with the faculty, staff, and students in defining and advancing this exciting new department.” No changes will be made to the academic aspects of any the programs in the departments involved in this merger except for the closure of a program that has seen very low enrollment in recent years: Cytotechnology. As evidenced by the listing provided (page 5), all other programs will remain and the changes will be strictly structural and administrative, allowing the academic and clinical activities to proceed seamlessly.
CHS ACADEMIC PROGRAMS GRADUATE MASTER OF SCIENCE IN MOLECULAR IMAGING AND THERAPEUTICS
UNDERGRADUATE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN HEALTH INFORMATION MANAGEMENT
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN HEALTH SCIENCES
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN INVESTIGATIVE AND MEDICAL SCIENCES
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NUCLEAR MEDICINE TECHNOLOGY
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN RADIATION THERAPY
INFORMATION MEETS CARE Health Information Management Alumna makes her impact on health care by founding a consulting and education group. Mary Beth Haugen, RHIA, MS CEO and Founder of Haugen Consulting Group
I
f the average person was asked to describe what he or she thinks a trip to the hospital or physician’s office would be like, the bulk of the story they would tell would, understandably, revolve around the doctor. The doctor sees the patient, speaks with the patient and is frequently the person that prescribes a plan of treatment for the patient; the doctor is, in many ways, the face of health care. If the doctor is the face of health care, however, then perhaps the backbone of health care is the health information management professional. In today’s data and technology-driven world, the field of health information management plays a vital role in providing quality patient care. Health information management professionals are responsible for the quality, integrity and protection of a patient’s health information. For years, Saint Louis University has been educating the future generations of Health Information Management professionals. One success story from the program is President and CEO of Haugen Consulting Group Mary Beth Haugen. Her company - which is based in Denver, Colorado - provides consulting, auditing and education services to healthcare organizations. In 2015, Haugen
Consulting Group was given the annual Colorado Companies to Watch award for businesses on the move. Haugen has not always owned her own business; she had nearly two decades of experience working for hospitals in information technology and health information management departments prior to founding Haugen Consulting Group in 2008. When she made the decision to start her company, the early days proved to be quite the change of pace. “It was definitely a transition. I was so used to long hours and multi-tasking that when I started my own company and times were slow, I still made myself sit in my home office,” Haugen said. However, the slow times did not last long for Haugen and the rest of her young company. “If only I knew then what it would be like now! I would have taken advantage of the slow time,” Haugen said. “The pressure is also different than it was when I was working for other healthcare organizations. I still have sleepless nights before a new member joins our team because, typically, they are leaving a great job in a great organization. I try to make sure that I help employees grow as professionals and that they will be challenged and find the work rewarding.”
While Haugen strives to assure her employees have a rewarding experience, her clients are certainly reaping the rewards of the consulting group as well. Just recently, Haugen Consulting Group worked with a medical center to help decommission legacy systems which resulted in a savings of over $8 million for the client. In addition to her role as CEO of Haugen Consulting, Mary Beth also makes a handful of appearances each year as a speaker – usually speaking to various state and/or national associations – and is a very active member of the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Currently, Haugen is on the AHIMA Council on Excellence in Education (CEE). Previously, she has served as a board member for AHIMA and the AHIMA Foundation, as a member of AHIMA’s EHR Practice Council Leadership Advisory panel and has served in many capacities in the Colorado Health Information Management Association (CHIMA). Haugen is passionate about supporting and advancing the health information management profession. “It is our responsibility to continue to grow and change to meet the challenges facing health care today,” Haugen said. “Working closely with AHIMA ensures
that knowledge and expertise is shared with our profession. I have been very fortunate in my career to have amazing mentors and it is important to me to stay connected with the association and do my part to help our profession grow.” It is no surprise to see Haugen have such a strong passion for her profession – her interest in health care was sparked at a young age and has been growing ever since. “My dad was a pharmacist, so I was always interested in health care,” Haugen said. “I began working in a medical records department the summer after high school; it was a very progressive department with an awesome management team. They took me under their wing and gave me exposure to a lot of different functions. During my junior year, I decided to change my major and focus on Health Information Management.”
Coupled with her existing experience and determination, it was that decision to change to a major in Health Information Management at SLU that set Haugen up for a lifetime of success. “I really feel the education that I received at SLU absolutely set me up for success,” Haugen said. “The faculty at SLU is outstanding. In addition to the excellent core classes, the faculty was able to leverage my experience and create a practicum experience for me that was challenging and very rewarding.” Flash forward to the fall of 2017 and you could find that very same SLU graduate standing in front of a room full of her peers at the annual AHIMA National Convention and Exhibit in Los Angeles, California accepting an AHIMA Triumph Award for Leadership – one of the association’s highest honors. The award honored Haugen’s outstanding service to her field and recognized her
extraordinary leadership, volunteerism and talent. The experience was described by Haugen as the highlight of her career so far. It has certainly been an impressive first ten years for the Haugen Consulting Group, and its leader is looking forward to working to stay one step ahead in order to prepare her clients for the next change in health care. In that same spirit, when asked if she had any advice for current Health Information Management students as they prepare to start their careers, Haugen had a simple message: “Never stop learning. Our world is constantly changing and we need to be able to lead our profession and health care in these changes. Never be afraid to take a risk. My greatest rewards have been the riskiest decisions I have made.”
“Never stop learning. Our world is constantly changing and we need to be able to lead our profession and healthcare in these changes. Never be afraid to take a risk. My greatest rewards have been from the riskiest decisions I have made.” - Mary Beth Haugen, Haugen Consulting Group
PAGE 7 | ON THE RECORD
FOR SHE’S A JOLLY GOOD FELLOW SLU Physical Therapy Professor Dr. Ethel Frese becomes one of the newest fellows of the APTA.
“It is hard for me to describe the feeling of being respected and honored by colleagues whom I greatly respect being respected by these colleagues is priceless.” - Dr. Ethel Frese
Saint Louis University Program in Physical Therapy Professor Ethel Frese, PT, DPT, MHS, CCS, FAPTA, was recently named a Catherine Worthingham Fellow of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), which is the highest honor an individual can receive from the APTA. Dr. Frese was recognized for her accomplishment at the NEXT APTA Annual Conference and Expo in Boston, MA. The Catherine Worthingham Fellows of the American Physical Therapy Association (FAPTA) is the APTA’s highest membership category and serves as inspiration for all physical therapists to attain professional excellence. This honor is eligible to APTA physical therapist members who have demonstrated unwavering efforts to advance the physical therapy profession for more than 15 years prior to the time of nomination. Dr. Frese was surprised to learn she had been chosen as a Catherine Worthingham Fellow of the APTA, and tried to cherish every minute of the recognition ceremony at the national conference. “I felt so very humbled and honored to be named a Catherine Worthingham Fellow. It was certainly not something that I ever thought I would receive,” Dr. Frese said. “It was an amazing experience to be hon-
ored in front of so many colleagues. It is hard for me to describe the feeling of being respected and honored by colleagues whom I greatly respect – being respected by these colleagues is priceless.” Physical Therapy and Athletic Training Department Chair Tricia Austin, Ph.D., PT, ATC, was very proud of Dr. Frese’s accomplishment and thought it was a well-deserved honor. “In part, the honor recognizes those who have demonstrated unwavering efforts to advance the physical therapy profession,” Dr. Austin said. “For those of us who have the distinct pleasure of working with and learning from Dr. Ethel Frese, this most meritorious distinction is the fitting tribute to her numerous contributions. We are full of pride and congratulate Ethel.” Catherine Worthingham, PT, PhD, FAPTA, was a change agent who was effective, respectful, and honest while motivating others to make an impact within the physical therapy profession. She was also a visionary who demonstrated leadership across the domains of advocacy, education, practice and research.
PAGE 8 | ON THE RECORD
MAKE YOUR
DIFFERENCE
The Doisy College of Health Sciences is helping make a difference in the future of health care. A gift generously assists our incredible students in their transformation into the healthcare professionals of tomorrow guided by our talented faculty and staff. Donations are the pillar for sustainable growth to funding scholarships and distinct initiatives that support students and faculty. Your gift is a great way to show pride in the college and support the students that have committed themselves to the service of others through health care. In addition, your gift allows students and faculty to work together pursuing goals that create an impact well beyond the scope of Doisy College of Health Sciences. To make a contribution, contact Director of Development Michelle Cohen at michelle.cohen@slu.edu.
giving.slu.edu/doisy PAGE 9 | ON THE RECORD
HOMECOMING WEEKEND GARDEN TO TABLE
PANCAKE BREAKFAST
HUSTLE FOR YOUR HEALTH
ANNIVERSARY BRUNCH
PANCAKE BREAKFAST and
OPEN HOUSE
W
hether guests are refueling after putting in the early miles at Hustle for Your Health, getting a start to their Saturday homecoming activities or just looking to have some delicious food, the DCHS Pancake Breakfast has become a very popular annual event during Homecoming and Family Weekend. After stepping in the doors to the ground floor of The Allied Health Professions Building, which houses Doisy College of Health Sciences, guests were immediately met with the smell of a classic breakfast being prepared by Nutrition and Dietetics Instructor and Chef Dan Brewer, MS, RDN, and his students. Fluffy pancakes, savory sausages and fresh fruit filled the plates of students, alumni and visitors as Father Robert Murphy, Campus Minister for the School of Medicine and Doisy College of Health Sciences, went from table to table talking with guests and getting them excited for the bicentennial mass to come later that day under the arch downtown. After having their fill at breakfast, visitors roamed the halls of the building, stopping to talk with faculty members from each of the six DCHS departments. Guests had the opportunity to see various labs and unique classroom features that are offered at the college. Attendees of the open house had the option of touring at their own leisure or participating in a guided tour led by a DCHS student volunteer. This year, over 100 guests opted to tour the college’s facilities. DCHS Recruitment Specialist Katie Smialek enjoyed the opportunity to show off the impressive features of the college to visiting alumni and family members.
“The DCHS Open House allows a chance for alumni, families, students and community members to explore DCHS laboratories and talk with our faculty members,” Smialek said. “The open house is also a great opportunity for guests to see the changes in DCHS over the years and to get insight on future plans.” This year, one student tour guide had the special opportunity to tour a group of six members of the SLU Physical Therapy Class of 1967 as they were celebrating their golden anniversary year of graduating from the university. These six alumni loved seeing all of the advancements the Physical Therapy program has made over the years and talking with current Physical Therapy students about their experiences – they even spotted a few items in the labs that had stood the test of time and were still around from their days in the program!
Athletic Training Program Director Anthony Breitbach, PhD, ATC, shows a visiting family around one of the DCHS labs. PAGE 11 | ON THE RECORD
HUSTLE FOR YOUR HEALTH “Treat people with care and respect, give comfort and, especially, ensure their dignity. If we do this, the world will be a better place.” This was one of the sentiments Dr. Cheryl Cavallo provided before leaving us much too soon. Each year, though, Homecoming and Family Weekend gives DCHS the opportunity to share Dr. Cavallo’s spirit and vision by hosting the race that bears her name: The Cheryl Cavallo Hustle for Your Health 5K. This was the 16th annual running of the 5K race that covers the most scenic portions of SLU’s Medical Campus and starts and ends on the track of the SLU Medical Center Stadium. Nearly 250 runners, walkers and volunteers woke up early Saturday morning and sweat through the abnormally warm September weather to tackle the 3.1-mile course, which, thanks to help from SLU Physical Therapy alum Michael Riley, featured professional chip-timing of the participants for the first time. The annual Hustle for Your Health 5K is an event honoring the memory of Dr. Cavallo, who was a graduate of Saint Louis University and went on to teach in the Program in Physical Therapy for over 30 years. Dr. Cavallo’s passion for helping others shined for all to see; she frequently performed physical therapy for free for people in need in not only the St. Louis area, but also as far away as places like Haiti and El Salvador. PAGE 12 | ON THE RECORD
It is that mission-centered spirit of Dr. Cavallo’s that Hustle for Your Health aims to foster. The money raised from the 5K goes to fund volunteer trips for SLU physical therapy students that want to continue the work for which Dr. Cavallo cared so deeply: helping others. Over the years, the event has grown quite a bit. With an increasing number of participants not personally having known Dr. Cavallo, the members of the physical therapy program wanted to be more intentional in remembering her and her many contributions. As a part of this effort, Dr. Cavallo’s niece Caroline Cavallo, who also participated in the race, spoke to the participants about Dr. Cavallo’s life and passion for helping others at the starting line. Also, signs were placed at the registration table and at the finish line with photos of Dr. Cavallo and quotes from her as well as quotes from others about her.
Physical Therapy students Caroline Lipic and Ryan TeKolste organized Hustle for Your Health with the help of Assistant Professor from the Program in Physical Therapy and faculty advisor of the race Kim Levenhagen, PT, DPT, WCC. Dr. Levenhagen believed Dr. Cavallo would be proud to see how the race has grown over the years. “She would love that the race supports students and their mission to serve others. She would be humbled by the efforts that the physical therapy students put forth and delighted by the recent collaboration with the Athletic Training students and faculty to provide medical care at the event. She would be happy that Hustle for Your Health has been so successful for 16 years as an event that showcases DCHS and the Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training,” Dr. Levenhagen said.
“Treat people with care and respect, give comfort and, especially, ensure their dignity. If we do this, the world will be a better place.” Dr. Cheryl Cavallo Department of Physical Therapy
Top Male Finishers: Albert Marban (1) Nick Rand (2) Benjamin Wojcicki (3) Top Female Finishers: Allyson Burke (1) Catherine Thull (2) Clarine Stephens (3)
Left to Right: Clarine Stephens, Catherine Thull, Allyson Burke, Albert Marban, Nick Rand, Benjamin Wojcicki
GARDEN
TO TABLE
Usually a quiet and serene corner of the medical campus, the Nutrition and Dietetics urban garden might have had its busiest night ever on the Friday of Homecoming and Family Weekend as 250 guests visited in order to enjoy the annual Garden to Table event. Garden to Table, which saw its popularity increase when it was moved to Homecoming and Family Weekend for the first time in 2016, saw its attendance grow even more when it was paired with SLU’s Progressive Patio event on North Campus this year. Garden to Table is a celebration of food for Saint Louis University students, alumni, family and friends. Nutrition and Dietetics Chef and Instructor Dan Brewer, MS, RDN, and his students prepared numerous dishes at several stations across the garden, students lead multiple cooking demonstrations for guests and beverage tastings were available to pair with the food. After entering the garden, guests could make their way across the tiled patio towards the pergola that covers the garden’s brick oven, where they would find Chef Brewer and his students preparing Saucisse de Toulose (pork sausage) with Schwartz Orchards apples, fingerling potatoes and house pickles. After enjoying their first small plate while chatting with friends under the festoon lighting in the St. Louis twilight, guests then made their way towards the corner of the garden where they would find students serving melon with créme fraiche, oregano and hazelnuts. Then, it was around the large planters where vegetables sit waiting to be harvested to find more students dishing out Double Star Farms broccoli with raisins, bread crumbs, lemon, pepper tear and extra virgin olive oil. If you had timed it right, on your way to the next stop, you could PAGE 14 | ON THE RECORD
pause in the center of the garden to see one of the cooking demonstrations (if you were really lucky, you would be called up front to participate in the demonstration). This year, the student cooking demonstrations included an autumn pear salad with candied pecans followed later by a rustic pear and apple galette. After learning more about preparing a new dish, guests could head to the north side of the garden to enjoy Marcoot Creamery fresh mozzarella, herb salad, salsa verde and charred bread. To round out their trip around the garden, guests were able to wash their meal down with some local craft beer or wine – pick the right spot, and guests might have made friends with a few of the chickens that are housed in that corner of the garden. Far from being an average garden party, the proceeds from Garden to Table are used to further the mission of the garden: to improve access to healthy, local foods by providing nutrition and gardening education to SLU students and St. Louis community members. One such way the Nutrition and Dietetics department uses the garden to accomplish this mission is through the Farmto-Table School Lunch program, which provides fresh produce and nutrition education to various schools in the community.
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY 25TH ANNIVERSARY BRUNCH
Saint Louis University’s Homecoming and Family Weekend kicked off the start of the university’s bicentennial celebration. The institution completing its second century was not the only anniversary being celebrated during the weekend, though. The Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy Department celebrated its 25th anniversary on the Sunday of Homecoming weekend with a brunch that featured the department’s founding chairperson: Dr. Shirley Behr. The Allied Health Professions Building’s multipurpose room was filled to capacity as nearly 200 students, faculty, former faculty and alumni came to be a part of the festivities. While enjoying a wonderful brunch, guests had the chance to hear from DCHS Dean Mardell Wilson, EdD, RD, LDN; the department’s current Chair Debra Rybski, PhD, MSHCA, OTR/L; Chair Emerita Karen Barney, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA; Bicentennial Scholar and Associate Professor Rebecca Aldridge, PhD, OTR/L; and the DCHS Dean at the time of the founding of the Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy Department Frances Horvath, MD. After hearing the opening speakers, keynote speaker Dr. Shirley Behr was welcomed by the large crowd and began to tell the story of how the OT department came to be and the role that she had to play. Dr. Behr spoke about how Dr. Horvath convinced her to accept the challenge of starting the department, the hardships they faced in the early days and how the passion and support of the faculty members and the university community helped the department become what it is today. Dr. Behr’s speech ended with the crowd rising to its feet to honor the inaugural chair with a standing ovation. Dr. Rybski was thrilled that the department had the opportunity to recognize the significant contributions that Dr. Behr has made.
“Dr. Behr was the founding chair of our department; she was very pivotal in its growth and its unique position of having a program that emphasized both occupational science and occupational therapy. There are only five programs like it in the country,” Dr. Rybski said. Dr. Rybski expressed how great it was to see so many familiar faces from the department’s past and present come together for the event. “It was a wonderful event to celebrate with so many people – current and former faculty, staff and administrators who helped the department grow to become the successful and special program it is today,” Dr. Rybski said.
A group of SLU OT students pose for a picture with the department’s founding chairperson Dr. Shirley Behr. PAGE 16 | ON THE RECORD
mark your CALENDAR Jan. 16
Spring Classes Begin
Feb. 19
Athletic Training Speaker Series
Feb. 22
Physical Therapy Alumni Event - New Orleans
Mar. 12-17
Spring Break
Apr. 21
Physician Assistant CME Event
Apr. 23
Clinical Health Sciences Speaker
May 18
DCHS Precommencement Ceremony
BILLIKEN’S TABLE DCHS ALUMNI:
Share your knowledge, passion and a meal. Sign up to host a meal for current SLU students in your discipline. This is a chance to connect with current students, tell them about life as a professional in your field and offer advice or words of wisdom to help them on their way. The next round of meals will be held in the spring. Visit bit.ly/BillikenTableHost to learn more and to sign up to be a host.
For more information on alumni or development events, contact Michelle Cohen at michelle.cohen@slu.edu. For general information, contact dchs@slu.edu.
MAKE PLANS NOW TO JOIN US FOR 2018 DCHS PRECOMMENCEMENT CEREMONY ON MAY 18TH
PAGE 8 | ON THE RECORD
CALIFORNIA DREAMING SLU Investigative and Medical Sciences student Kayla Schmidt won a national student research competition held at the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science Annual Convention in San Diego, CA.
“I heard my name called for the
award and I could not believe it...I was overwhelmed with a mix of emotions. It was a great experience!” Kayla Schmidt, SLU IMS Student
PAGE 18 | ON THE RECORD
S
aint Louis University Investigative and Medical Sciences student Kayla Schmidt was recently named the winner of the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS) National Student Research Paper Award and the ASCLS Undergraduate Research Poster Competition at the organization’s annual meeting in San Diego, California for her presentation Development of a Microscopic Method to Diagnose Hemoglobin C Conditions in Underdeveloped Countries. The ASCLS Student Research Paper Competition awards the winner with an expenses-paid trip to the organization’s annual meeting, a cash prize and the opportunity to present his or her paper in front of a national audience. The ASCLS poster competition strives to encourage
participants to present their research findings at the national level and provides a platform for laboratory education programs from all across the country to highlight some of their talented students. Schmidt was presented with a plaque and cash prize at an awards ceremony held at the meeting. Schmidt was very excited to receive the news from the ASCLS that she had won the Student Research Paper Award and would be heading to the organization’s annual conference to present her work. She was shocked, though, at the end of the conference to hear that she had also won the Undergraduate Poster Competition. “I was sitting in the awards ceremony near the front and I heard my name called for the award and
could not believe it,” Schmidt said. “I had talked to some pretty awesome undergraduates, so it was a big surprise to win…I was overwhelmed with a mix of emotions. It was a great experience!” Schmidt became interested in this research topic during her junior year when she was shadowing some seniors in the lab. She later became directly involved in the research and, as a senior, traveled to Haiti on a mission trip and was inspired even further to continue this research when she saw first-hand the life-changing impact this work can have. Associate Professor Tim Randolph, Ph.D., MT(ASCP), has been working with Schmidt on this research for two years and was very pleased to see her accomplishments recognized. “Winning the ASCLS national student research paper competition is quite an honor, and to also be given the top award in the student research poster competition speaks to the quality of Kayla’s research,” Dr. Randolph said. “She is one of the most dedicated and enthusiastic undergraduate research students I have had the pleasure of mentoring in my nearly 30-year tenure at SLU. I am proud of her accomplishments and look forward to continuing our research together in the coming year.”
Investigative and Medical Sciences Student Kayla Schmidt taking questions at her research poster.
PAGE 19 | ON THE RECORD
PAGE 14 | ON THE RECORD
ALUMNI MERIT CEREMONY Michael Riley, a Class of 1975 Physical Therapy graduate, was named one of the university’s Alumni Merit recipients at the annual ceremony in the fall. Saint Louis University is very proud of the graduates that it produces. For 200 years, the institution has been preparing its students to go out and make a difference in the world as men and women for others. Knowing there are so many talented SLU alumni, the university takes an evening every fall to recognize some of those talented individuals in particular going above and beyond in their respective fields at the Alumni Merit Award Ceremony. Ten alumni from across Saint Louis University are recognized for their achievements and receive Alumni Merit Awards. The National Alumni Board, Development Division, leadership and faculty from ten schools and colleges across the university select each year’s winners. Michael Riley, Sr. earned his Bachelor of Science in physical therapy from Saint Louis University in 1975. Upon graduation, he entered private practice and worked with hospitals and skilled nursing facilities in central and southern Illinois. After five years, he moved back to his hometown of Belleville, Illinois following the death of his father. There, he formed Professional Therapy Services, Inc., and has been president since its inception. His company now has over 400 professionals that provide care to hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, and freestanding outpatient clinics.
Saint Louis University President Fred Pestello (top left) and the 2017 Alumni Merit Recipients
Michael Riley (center) receiving his Alumni Merit Award from Saint Louis University President Fred Pestello (left) and DCHS Dean Mardell Wilson (right)
Riley is an active professional within his industry, currently serving as the president of the Illinois Physical Therapy Association. This organization represents licensed physical therapists from across the state. He has also served as the president of the Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois, a not-for-profit, member-based, economic development corporation on two separate occasions. The council’s goal is to unite the region for economic growth by bringing together leaders in business, industry, labor, education and government. Riley’s love of service and contributions to his community is a direct result of his education at Saint Louis University, where the Jesuit values had a transformative impact on him. He is currently a member of the Advisory Board for the Department of Physical Therapy at Saint Louis University, and served in a similar role for Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois. Riley has been active in Catholic education with executive board positions at the grade school and high school levels. He is a recipient of the Values and Vision Award from Althoff Catholic, as well as a Distinguished Citizen Award from the Okaw Valley Council of the Boy Scouts of America. Saint Louis University established the Alumni Merit Awards in 1955 to recognize outstanding alumni and acknowledge the notable success of the University’s alumni. Those selected for the award are alumnae and alumni who have listed the mission of Saint Louis University in daily life and who have achieved outstanding success in civic leadership, professional and social welfare activities, intellectual and cultural pursuits and have a continued interest and service toward supporting the enhancement of Saint Louis University. Alumni are welcome to nominate their fellow SLU graduates for the awards. The National Alumni Board, Development Division, leadership and faculty from 10 schools and colleges across the University select the winners. Recipients are honored at an annual award ceremony held during Homecoming and Family Weekend.
PAGE 21 | ON THE RECORD
Organizers of the 2017 National Symposium on Corrections Worker Health (left to right): Martin Cherniack, Lisa Jaegers, Mazen El Ghaziri
REFORMING THE SYSTEM
U
nderstaffing, strenuous hours, dangerous conditions of Excellence Center for the Promotion of Health in the New – these are just a few of the factors that make the England Workplace (CPH-NEW). position of corrections officer one of the more underThe symposium featured podium and panel presentations appreciated careers in our society. These individuals play a from correctional department administrators and researchers vital role in overseeing inmates before they return to their from across the country as well as break-out sessions for round communities; however, the high-stress environments in which table discussions. In total, 75 researchers, practitioners and they operate can cause strains on their mental and physical correctional organization leaders came together to discuss health that often go unnoticed. In 2014, the first National how to advance health, safety and well-being for correctional Symposium on Corrections Worker Health was organized workers. in Portland, Oregon in an attempt to bring researchers and Dr. Jaegers believes that bringing researchers and corrections officers together to address the issues facing corrections workers together at a symposium such as this is a corrections workers. In the fall of 2017, the second National great first step towards improving the health and wellness of Symposium on Corrections Worker Health was co-hosted this often-overlooked community. by Saint Louis University, and Occupational Science and “Collaboration with community, corrections and research Occupational Therapy Assistant partners is critical for developing strong “Corrections workplace intervention research to advance our Professor Lisa Jaegers, Ph.D., OTR/L, played a major role in the event. knowledge in corrections workplace health promotion is Dr. Jaegers has partnered with the health promotion,” Dr. Jaegers said. “This critical for reducing health symposium was a great way to reach City of St. Louis Division of Corrections to direct the Transformative Justice disparities in corrections partners from across the US to continue Initiative. Using Total Worker Health® building a collaborative research and systems, improving (TWH) - an evidence-based research practice network.” strategy endorsed by the National With her research, Dr. Jaegers is seeking community health and Institute for Occupational Safety and to address social determinants of health assisting with criminal Health (NIOSH) – Dr. Jaegers has in the corrections system. She states been conducting research about the that workplace conditions, tasks and justice reform.” negative physical and mental health daily occupations affect an individual’s effects that result from being a corrections officer and how to health, which is why it is important to address areas that need better prepare incarcerated individuals for transitioning back to improvement. the community. Due to her role as Associate Director of the SLU “It is widely known that US corrections institutions are in Health Criminology Research Consortium, research funding need of criminal justice reform through the improvement of from the TWH Center of Excellence Healthier Workforce Center policies, procedures and treatment of individuals working of the Midwest, her involvement in the field and the location of and residing in their facilities,” Dr. Jaegers said. “Corrections the event being in St. Louis, Dr. Jaegers was a prime candidate workplace health promotion is critical for reducing health to become one of the organizers of the national symposium. disparities in corrections systems, improving community health Her fellow organizers - Martin Cherniack, M.D., MPH, and and assisting with criminal justice reform.” Mazen El Ghaziri, Ph.D. MPH, RN – represented the TWH Center
PAGE 22 | ON THE RECORD
FACULTY FILES
CRYSTAL BOTKIN, MPH, CNMT, PET
“
The favorite part of my job is the STUDENTS. They challenge me to be my very best and provide me great satisfaction to see them grow into outstanding healthcare professionals who exude the Jesuit mission of SLU.”
IN HER OWN WORDS
THE JESUIT MISSION
As an educator at SLU, I have the opportunity to see the Jesuit mission fulfilled through my interactions with my students and their interactions as healthcare professionals across the globe. I also pursue the mission through my service to the American Red Cross, my church and school community.
THE RESEARCH
Over the past 12 years, I have had the distinct pleasure of working with over 60 undergraduate students as a research mentor. These students have presented and published award winning abstracts and manuscripts.
WHY NUCLEAR MEDICINE TECHNOLOGY?
Growing up, I had always wanted to work in healthcare and fell in love with nuclear medicine as freshman in college. This passion grew as I realized nuclear medicine is a field that combines science, technology and the care of people. There are interactions with other healthcare professionals, i.e. doctors, nurses, therapists, etc. and technology is always changing. The dynamic field of nuclear medicine allows me to be a lifelong learner and continuously has new and exciting things on the horizon.
CRYSTAL’S HOBBIES
My hobbies revolve around the interests of my two boys (8 years old and 4 years old). These interests include baseball, football, and cub scouts. My husband and I coach baseball teams and are team/den parents for the other activities. Together as a family we enjoy the outdoors, professional sporting events and movies.
IDEAL VACATION SPOT
Anywhere my family can be together in a quiet and relaxing atmosphere, away from all of life’s demands.
BORN DENVER, CO
TITLE ASSISTANT PROFESSOR NUCLEAR MEDICINE TECHNOLOGY
EDUCATION MASTER OF PUBLIC HEALTH SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY B.S. NUCLEAR MEDICINE TECHNOLOGY SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY
RESEARCH REPORT
Q&A
“It is very practical and very fast. Also, it truly incorporates the principles of early intervention. Rather than waiting until patients have a full-blown addiction, SBIRT starts earlier to try to stop the problem behaviors before they begin. Genevieve DelRosario, MHS, PA-C
Assistant Professor, Physician Assistant Education
Research Team Members Include: -Leigh Tenkku Lepper, PhD, MPH: University of Missouri - Columbia -Genevieve DelRosario, MHS, PA-C: Saint Louis University -Kathy Ervie, MPAS, PA-C: University o f Missouri - Kansas City -Tracy Cleveland, EdD, MS: Missouri State University -Sarah Knopf-Amelung, MA-R: University of Missouri - Kansas City -Debra Sprague, MA: Missouri Institute of Mental Health -Catherine Link: University of Missouri - Columbia -Abdelmoneim Elfagir, MPH: University of Missouri Columbia Funding Provided by: - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Q: What is the general premise of your research?
well as a set of standardized training satisfaction measurements.
Our general thought is that primary care providers are not always comfortable effectively addressing substance abuse with their patients. This may occur for a couple of reasons: they may not feel comfortable doing so, or may feel that addressing it during a normal check up requires too much time. Our research takes a validated screening tool, SBIRT (Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment) and teaches it to current PA students through an interactive web-based experience. Currently, all four Physician Assistant programs in Missouri as well as a couple of out of state programs are taking part in this training.
Q: How does SBIRT differ from previous methods of working with patients that are exhibiting symptoms of substance abuse?
Q: What was your motivation for getting involved in this research? I had worked with the lead researcher, Dr. Leigh Tenkku Lepper of the University of Missouri-Columbia, on substance abuse research in the past, and jumped at the chance to do so again. Plus, as a Pediatric Physician Assistant and the mother of teenagers, the work resonates with me as being exceptionally important.
Q: What type of method(s) are you using to teach PA students to better recognize and treat patients exhibiting symptoms of substance abuse? The students learn how to ask the right questions in a non-threatening manner. They then have the opportunity to apply what they have learned during an online encounter with a simulated patient - an actor trained to portray someone with substance abuse concerns.
Q: How do you measure the level of success the students participating are having with these methods? Students take pre- and post- intervention questionnaires that address improvements in knowledge, attitudes, and skills of trainees, as
It is very practical, and very fast. Also, it truly incorporates the principles of early intervention. Rather than waiting until patients have a full-blown addiction, SBIRT starts earlier to try to stop problem behaviors before they begin.
Q: If successful, how do you think SBIRT can affect the segment of the population affected by substance abuse? We hope there will be more timely referrals to appropriate specialists, and that by routinely counseling patients regarding substance use when such use is moderate, we will help patients remain healthy and avoid substance abuse in the future.
Q: If successful, how do you think SBIRT could be implemented in the practice of existing Physician Assistants? By design, SBIRT is very easy to implement. This could effectively address substance use and abuse in a matter of a few moments during a busy clinician’s day.
Q: What do your current research findings about SBIRT suggest? Early data suggest that both competence and confidence increase following the intervention. Furthermore, students enjoy the experience, particularly the opportunity to practice what they have learned with a live “patient.”
Q: Where does your research go from here? We hope to incorporate this training with additional PA schools, as well as offer it to practicing PAs who are in need of continuing education credits.
PAGE 25 | ON THE RECORD
CLINICAL CORNER Clinical placements play an instrumental role in the education of many students at the Doisy College of Health Sciences; they provide students in the advanced stage of their education with real-world experience that they need to become the health care professionals of tomorrow. The Clinical Corner highlights some of the recent clinical activity in DCHS. To contact the clinical coordinator from any of the college’s programs, reference the information on the following page.
DR. ROPP WINS CLINICAL EDUCATOR AWARD
Left: SLU PT Clinical Coordinator Dr. Carol Beckel Right: APTA Clinical Instructor Dr. Christina Ropp
PAGE 26 | ON THE RECORD
Dr. Christina “Chrissy” Ropp, PT, DPT, GCS, C/NDT, CEEAA received the Central Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education 2016 Kathy Johnson Outstanding Clinical Educator Award following her nomination by the Program in Physical Therapy at Saint Louis University. She arranges the clinical experiences for students at all OSF facilities in the Midwest. Dr. Ropp balances her development as both an excellent clinician and an excellent clinical educator. She completed both levels of the APTA Clinical Instructor Credentialing Course. She consistently attends the Education Leadership Conference to lend her voice as a clinical educator to the national discussion. Additionally, she was recently elected as a Director-At-Large for the National Consortium of Clinical Educators, a consortium to the American Council of Academic Physical Therapy. Dr. Ropp strongly encourages other staff members to accept numerous students from a variety of academic programs. Dr. Ropp’s greatest asset as a clinical educator is her ability to support both clinical instructors and students. She communicates quickly and directly with academic coordinators if there is a concern for a student’s performance. She expects students to demonstrate strengths in all areas and especially in terms of professional behavior. As a clinical instructor, Dr Ropp’s students characterize her as being an excellent communicator and very supportive of a student’s development. She does not expect students to be a clone of her ,but to explore and find their way in an acute care setting while supporting them with feedback. Dr. Ropp excels at both challenging and supporting her students. Dr. Ropp received this award at the Saint Louis University Program in Physical Therapy Alumni Reception at the 2017 Combined Sections Meeting in San Antonio, TX earlier in 2017.
DCHS CLINICAL COORDINATORS ATHLETIC TRAINING (AT)
NUTRITION AND DIETETICS (ND)
Timothy G. Howell EdD, ATC, CES, CSCS Assistant Professor, Coordinator of Clinical Education (314) 977-8637 timothy.howell@health.slu.edu
Rabia Rahman, M.S., R.D., L.D. Assistant Professor, Dietetic Internship Director (314) 977-8523 rabia.rahman@health.slu.edu
COMMUNICATION SCIENCES AND DISORDERS (CSD)
OCCUPATIONAL SCIENCE AND OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY (OT)
Emily Buxbaum, MS CCC-SLP Clinical Instructor, Director of Clinical Education (314) 977-7194 emily.buxbaum@health.slu.edu HEALTH INFORMATION MANAGEMENT (HIM) Teresa T. Neal MHA, RHIA Instructor, Program Director (314) 977-8704 teresa.neal@health.slu.edu MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING (MRI) Austin Turner, MS, CNMT, PET, RT(MR) Instructor, Clinical Coordinator (314) 977-8601 austin.turner@health.slu.edu MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE (MLS) Amanda M. Reed, M.A.E., MLS(ACSP)CM Instructor, Program Director/Education Coordinator (314) 977-8686 amanda.reed@health.slu.edu
Sarah R. Walsh, MOT, OTR/L Instructor, Academic Fieldwork Coordinator (314) 977-8573 sarah.walsh@health.slu.edu PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT (PA) Genevieve DelRosario, MHS, PA-C Assistant Professor, Director of Clinical Education (314) 977-8635 genevieve.delrosario@health.slu.edu PHYSICAL THERAPY (PT) Carol Beckel, PT, PhD Assistant Professor, Director of Clinical Education (314) 977-8539 carol.beckel@health.slu.edu RADIATION THERAPY (RT) Sherry Bicklein, MHI, RT(R)(T) Assistant Professor, Clinical Coordinator (314) 977-8647 sherry.bicklein@health.slu.edu
NUCLEAR MEDICINE TECHNOLOGY Crystal Botkin, MPH, CNMT, PET Assistant Professor, Clinical Coordinator (314) 977-8592 crystal.botkin@slu.edu PAGE 27 | ON THE RECORD
MEET DR. TRICIA AUSTIN The New Chair of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training
“The commitment, creative energy and passion of those within the Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training foster an environment of dialogue and support which serves us well as we collectively pursue the opportunities before us.” - Dr. Tricia Austin The Saint Louis University Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training recently announced that Tricia Austin, PhD, PT, ATC, will be the new department chairperson. Dr. Austin has served as a faculty member in the department for 13 years, and has been the department’s interim chairperson for the past two years. “I was honored to be offered the position and to have the continued opportunity to work in a chair capacity with individuals in our department as well as Dean Wilson and other Doisy College of Health Sciences faculty and staff,” Dr. Austin said. “The department has a hisPAGE 28 | ON THE RECORD
tory of very strong administration, and the opportunity to continue to build on the previous accomplishments we have actualized is most exciting.” Being a department chairperson is a very important position that comes with its share of opportunities and responsibilities, but, for Dr. Austin, it was the people that inspired her to pursue the position. “I was motivated by the opportunity to continue to work with the excellent faculty, staff, students and alumni in our respective department programs, as well as those within DCHS and the university community,”
Dr. Austin said. “The commitment, creative energy and passion of those within the Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training foster an environment of dialogue and support which serves us well as we collectively pursue the opportunities before us.” Doisy College of Health Sciences Dean Mardell Wilson, EdD, RD, believes Dr. Austin will be an effective leader for the department, which is consistently one of the college’s largest departments in terms of student enrollment. “Dr. Austin brings demonstrated leadership experience and innovative ideas on how to continue to advance the department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training,” Dr. Wilson said. “I am excited to work with her and am eager to see what the future holds for the department and its contributions to the advancement of the college and the university.”
FACULTY FILES
MAUREEN FISCHER, MS, CCC-A “My favorite part of my job at SLU is the opportunity to solve problems that are impacting our community.” IN HER OWN WORDS
THE JESUIT MISSION
I look for opportunities to do outreach into the community and to solve problems while working with students in the process. My hope is that by working side-by-side with me the students gain perception and passion for outreach work.
THE RESEARCH
I am involved in HearSTL@SLU clinic outreach program - which is a program that offers financial help for individuals that need hearing tests, hearing aids, hearing aid follow-up sessions or rehabilitation - and we are looking to use the program for research in the future.
WHY COMMUNICATION SCIENCES AND DISORDERS? It provided a good combination of my interest in working one-on-one with individuals who are hearing impaired and my interest in biological science.
MAUREEN’S HOBBIES
Nothing to out of the ordinary. I love reading fiction, and am a fan of wine tasting. I also have two girls, 10 and 11, so lets count “parenting” as a hobby.
FAVORITE STL RESTAURANT Currently, RETREAT on Sarah is my favorite restaurant. Peacemaker is a close second though.
IDEAL VACATION SPOT
Depends on the season, but I love heading north to Michigan in August when the STL heat gets me down.
BORN KIRKWOOD, MO
TITLE CLINICAL INSTRUCTOR/AUDIOLOGIST COORD. COMMUNICATION SCIENCES & DISORDERS
EDUCATION M.S. IN AUDIOLOGY WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY - CENTRAL INSTITUTE FOR THE DEAF B.S. IN COMMUNICATION DISORDERS SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY
PAGE 29 | ON THE RECORD
WWW.SLU.EDU/DOISY