Author Archives: Graduate Health Sciences

Belmont OTD Students Give Thanks at 2019 Nashville Buddy Walk

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Belmont OTD students at the 2019 Nashville Buddy Walk

Belmont’s Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) students helped kids to give thanks to their family and friends at the 2019 Nashville Buddy Walk, organized by the Down Syndrome Association of Middle Tennessee (DSAMT). Students helped the children make thank-you cards to give to their loved ones, using handprints and stencils, all in time to celebrate Thanksgiving.

The annual Nashville Buddy Walk celebrates and supports individuals with Down syndrome and their families. The event aims to promote understanding and acceptance of those with Down syndrome.

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Dr. Reed Presents for American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists

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Dr. Ken Reed, professor in the College of Pharmacy

Dr. Ken Reed, associate professor in the College of Pharmacy, presented a poster titled “Comparison of Calcium Glycerol Phosphate Versus Calcium Gluconate Mediated in Situ Gelling of Alginates for Ocular Drug Delivery” on November 4 at the annual meeting of the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) in San Antonio, Texas.

AAPS is a professional scientific organization of individuals in academia, industry, government and other pharmaceutical science related institutions. Its mission is to advance the capacity of pharmaceutical scientists to develop products and therapies that improve global health.

Physical Therapy Students Support Nashville’s More Than Pink Walk

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PT Student Volunteers

On Oct. 26 more than 5,000 people came out to the Maryland Farms YMCA to support the fight against breast cancer. The weather for Saturday’s Susan G. Komen More Than Pink Walk was rainy, but that did not dampen the enthusiasm for a wonderful celebration of survivors and a great fundraiser to help end breast cancer. The Belmont University School of Physical Therapy again brought over 120 student volunteers to the event to assist with village/course setup and takedown, to serve as walk marshals at the start/finish line and throughout the course, to hand out water and bananas at the finish, and to help manage the crowd.

School of Physical Therapy Program Chair Gary Austin said, “To see our physical therapy students come together as one is a true blessing. I was able to watch them step up in their volunteer effects on multiple levels. From getting the start/finish line finalized to helping ‘pump up the crowd’ when they joined in on the Village dance party and then lead the survivors to the starting line.  The students were amazing as they cheered on the walkers and survivors as they cross the finish line. We all truly enjoy these moments because we get to remember that we can make a difference in many ways, even by just helping at events to support an important cause.” Continue reading →

Belmont Pharmacy Students Promote Safe Medication Practices with Drug Takeback Event

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Pharmacy Students Demonstrate Using Safe Drug Deposit Box

Pharmacy Student Rachel Milwee had never previously considered what to do with leftover medication. Like many, unused prescription pills were stashed in the back of a household medicine cabinet until time for spring cleaning. However, this practice can often lead to medicine misuse, as the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health proved that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends.

Now as a second-year pharmacy student, Milwee and her peers are taking steps to prevent drug misuse through Generation RX, a division of the patient care initiative of APhA-ASP (the student division of the American Pharmacist Association). Belmont’s chapter was pleased to partner with Metro Police to host the first on-campus Drug Takeback event at Belmont’s Health and Wellness Fair on October 23. The event also provided informational pamphlets with instructions for students and faculty to safely dispose of their medications at home.

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Belmont OTD Faculty, Students Sing for the Nashville Dolphins

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Sing for the Dolphins Event

Occupational Therapy Professor Dr. Natalie Michaels and several of her Occupational Therapy Doctoral students hosted her bi-annual music show to support the Nashville Dolphins on October 23.

The Nashville Dolphins, under the direction of Ellen Crosby, bring aquatic activity to children and adults with special needs. Continue reading →

Dr. Voight Presents at Two International Physical Therapy Events

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3rd World Congress of Sports Physical Therapy
Voight at World Congress

During the first week of October, Physical Therapy Professor Dr. Mike Voight was an invited speaker at the 3rd World Congress of Sports Physical Therapy held in Vancouver B.C.  The theme of the Congress was “High Performance to Clinical Practice.” The variety of presentations given during this congress were examples of the contemporary sports physical therapy research activities taking place around the world.

In addition to moderating a session regarding the delivery of care during Elite and Olympic Games,  Dr. Voight served as both a reviewer and as a member of the judging panel to select the best research presentations from around the world. With over 600 participants from around the world, this was one of the biggest and most diverse group of sports specialists ever gathered for a world meeting.

International Society of Hip Arthroscopy (ISHA) World Congress
Voight at ISHA Conference

Dr. Voight also recently gave several invited lectures at the International Society of Hip Arthroscopy (ISHA) World Congress held in Madrid Spain. In addition to presenting on several topics related to the hip, Dr. Voight is on the ISHA scientific committee and helped judge more than 500 poster/platform research presentations for the best one in the area of physical therapy. The ISHA congress had over 750 participants representing 128 different nations from around the world. This three-day meeting is considered the premiere meeting in hip joint preservation.

College of Pharmacy Students Make High-Risk Medication Clinical Decision Support Available to Local Hospital

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Group Picture of Student Team

Belmont University College of Pharmacy Healthcare Informatics students are partnering with Nashville General Hospital at Meharry to develop a Clinical Decision Support (CDS) tool which supports the safe use of medications in the hospital environment.

Third-year pharmacy students Joshua Page, Julie Nguyen, Grant Harder, Raven McKinnie and Kenyatta Cleark created a database of maximum and minimum dose ranges for high-risk drugs most commonly used by hospital formularies. This information can be used in many ways in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) to help avoid potentially harmful medication errors. Continue reading →

Tennessee Health Care Hall of Fame Inducts 2019 Class at Luncheon and Ceremony

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7 Inductees

Dr. Jonathon Perlin, Richard Miller, Clara Elam, husband Dr. Lloyd Elam was awarded, Morris Flexner, father John Flexner was awarded, Dr. David Barton, Dr. Mary Bufwack and Dr. Nancy-Ann Deparle were inducted into the Tennessee Health Care Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Luncheon at Belmont University on October 15, 2019.

The Tennessee Health Care Hall of Fame inducted its 2019 class, made up of seven health care legends from across the state, at a luncheon and ceremony in Belmont’s Curb Event Center today. Hosted by John Seigenthaler, Jr., a partner at DVL Seigenthaler, a Finn Partners Company, the Hall of Fame seeks to recognize and honor the pioneers and current leaders that have formed Tennessee’s health and health care community and encourage future generations of health care professionals. Continue reading →

Dr. Beth Hallmark Inducted as Fellow in Academy of Nursing Education

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Beth Hallmark at Induction Ceremony

Dr. Beth Hallmark, associate professor and director of simulation in the Belmont School of Nursing, was recently inducted as a Fellow in the Academy of Nursing Education.

Dr. Cathy Taylor, dean of Belmont’s College of Health Sciences & Nursing, said, “We are so proud of Dr. Hallmark’s accomplishments. She is truly a champion for nursing education, and this award is fitting recognition for her visionary leadership and vital contributions to the profession.”

The National League for Nursing (NLN) Academy of Nursing Education fosters excellence in nursing education by recognizing and capitalizing on the wisdom of outstanding individuals in and outside the profession who have contributed to nursing education in sustained and significant ways. Fellows are expected to provide visionary leadership in nursing education and in the Academy, and to support the vision of the National League for Nursing.

Hallmark has been a nurse education for more than 23 years and has been instrumental in championing simulation across the state of Tennessee.

Physical Therapy Students Volunteer at Garrett’s Hero Run

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Garrett Hero Run group photo

On Oct. 5, several Belmont University Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students volunteered at Garrett’s Hero Run, a 5K event to raise money and awareness for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.  Garrett Sapp, the event’s namesake, has Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and  is the son of Belmont DPT alumna, Amber Sapp (’05), and her husband, Randy Sapp.  The annual event is organized by the Sapp family to raise money for a nonprofit organization called Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD), which is the largest nonprofit organization devoted solely to ending Duchenne.

Dr. Christi Williams, associate professor in the School of Physical Therapy at Belmont as well as a fellow 2005 alumna and classmate of Amber’s, shares Garrett’s story with current PT students at the start of each fall semester. “I feel strongly that there is something special here at Belmont, and we refer to it as the ‘Belmont PT Family.’  This ‘family’ serves to support you when you need it most,” Williams states.

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Dr. Williams Invited to Professional Summit for Animal-Assisted Interventions

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Williams with Layla at VUMC

Associate Professor of Physical Therapy Dr. Christi Williams was one of approximately 20 individuals throughout the United States who were invited by the organization Pet Partners to attend a professional summit in San Antonio, TX this past month. Pet Partners is a nonprofit organization that registers handlers of various species to serve as volunteer pet therapy teams.

Pet teams provide animal-assisted-interventions for a wide variety of needs, including patients in healthcare facilities, kids with reading disabilities, students around exam times as well as adults and children in courtrooms, in crisis situations, etc. All of this work is done with the intent to help reduce stress and anxiety and improve human health and well-being through the human-animal bond.

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Dr. Williams and Belmont Students Elected to TPHA Leadership Positions

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Christian Williams Head Shot

Dr. Christian Williams, director of Belmont’s public health program, was chosen as chair for the Program Committee and chair of the Public Health Academics Section for the Tennessee Public Health Association (TPHA), one of the nation’s largest affiliates of the American Public Health Association (APHA).

Two Belmont public health majors were also appointed to leadership positions by their peers. Jaylen Palmer was selected as co-chair of the Student Section and Lillian Adamson was chosen as the Middle Tennessee representative for the Student Section.

TPHA is the state’s official professional organization for those engaged or interested in public health and is endorsed by the administration of the Tennessee Department of Health. Through TPHA, professionals and students who represent diverse service areas have opportunities to meet and share ideas in an effort to maintain high standards of quality in all aspects of public health.

PT Students Volunteer at 10th Annual Sara Walker Run

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Student Volunteers at Walker Run

On Sept. 22, Belmont Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) students volunteered at the annual Sara Walker Run to honor the life of 2003 Belmont DPT alumna Sara Pigg Walker. The Sara Walker Run is a fundraising event to raise money for various missions supported through the Sara Walker Foundation that are intended to help spread Walker’s message of hope to others through Jesus Christ.

This year marked the 10th Sara Walker Run.  The first Run occurred in April 2011 when Walker’s ‘Belmont PT family’ sought to find a way to raise funds for medical expenses to help her and her family when she was diagnosed with colon cancer. Due to its huge success, and in an effort to continue to honor her, the annual Sara Walker Run continues today and serves as the Sara Walker Foundation’s main fundraising event. Continue reading →

Belmont Alumna Named Kentucky Occupational Therapist of the Year

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Tiffany Roberts photoAlumna Tiffany Roberts, an occupational therapist with Baptist Health System Kentucky and Indiana, has been named Occupational Therapist of the Year by the Kentucky Occupational Therapy Association (KOTA).

Roberts is the KOTA Western District co-chair, serving the Paducah area.

Roberts has worked at Baptist Health Rehabilitation since 2016, following her graduation from Belmont with a master’s degree in occupational therapy.

She is a Certified Brain Injury Specialist through the Brain Injury Association of America, and recently began helping with a new Spinal Cord Injury support group.

Dean Gregory Joins Fellow Pharmacists to Advocate on ASHP Legislative Day

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David Gregory and Pharmacy Reps with Rep. Cooper
Dr. David Gregory and Pharmacy Reps with Rep. Jim Cooper

Dean of Belmont’s College of Pharmacy Dr. David Gregory joined 120 American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) members on Capitol Hill on September 11 for a direct advocacy push. The group personally urged their congressional representatives to support legislation that helps pharmacists meet critical patient care needs.

This year’s Legislative Day visits — 159 in all — emphasized the importance of face-to-face interactions with Congress in shaping policies that affect the pharmacy profession.

“It was an honor to work with our congressional representatives on key issues involving pharmacy and pharmacy education.” Said Gregory. “Belmont College of Pharmacy strives to be a leader in the field and working with our government officials and professional organizations is part of the process.”

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Pharmacy Student Selected as 2019-20 HIMSS TIGER Initiative Scholar

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Julie Nguyen, pharmacy student at Belmont University
Julie Nguyen, pharmacy student at Belmont University

Belmont pharmacy student, Julie Nguyen, was selected as one of two inaugural students from a national pool of graduate and undergraduate applicants for the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society TIGER Initiative Scholars Internship Program. Via the Scholars Workgroup, HIMSS launched the program in June to mentor and help advance the inter-professional informatics focused healthcare workforce.

The spirit of TIGER is to maximize the integration of technology and informatics into seamless practice, education, research and resource development. During this internship, Ngueyn will be working closely with TIGER’s global network represented by 29 countries worldwide via the International Task Force, Scholars Workgroup, and Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) Workgroup. Continue reading →

Belmont Pharmacy Students Fare Well in National Competition

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ACCP Clinical Pharmacy Challenge Belmont Team

Belmont students competed in the American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) Clinical Pharmacy Challenge, a national team-based competition. The Belmont team made it to the fourth round of the competition, consisting of the top 16 teams in the country.

Teams of three students compete against teams from other schools and colleges of pharmacy in a quiz-bowl type format. This year a total of 120 teams from across the country competed.

The Belmont College of Pharmacy team consisted of Professional Year 4 students Tyler Merritt, Shekinah Baum and team captain Livia Lindin. The alternates for the team are Caleb Darensbourg and Mack Watson.

Belmont Nationally Recognized for Innovation, Commitment to Undergraduate Teaching

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Belmont University appears numerous times in the 2020 rankings of America’s Best Colleges, a new analysis released today by U.S. News & World Report. The University was praised as the best in the state and No. 17 in the country for its “unusually strong commitment to undergraduate teaching,” placing Belmont in heady company with the likes of Duke and Gonzaga. Belmont was also recognized for the 12th year in a row for innovation as an institution and ranked seventh nationally for Learning Communities, among other accolades.

Belmont President Dr. Bob Fisher said, “The recognitions we’ve received from U.S. News and our peers across the country prove emphatically what I’ve known to be true for a long time: Belmont faculty are leading the way in higher education by providing unparalleled expertise in the classroom and with the overall curriculum. While these rankings are certainly gratifying, I am far more excited about what they represent, that Belmont students are receiving the highest quality education that will empower them to use their skills and abilities to live lives of meaning and purpose.” Continue reading →

Two Nursing Grads Selected for Public Health Residency Program

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Public Health Nurse Residency Program group photo

Last year Belmont University announced the creation of a Public Health Nurse Residency Program in partnership with the Tennessee Department of Health. This is the the first program of its kind for new graduates in the state and one of only a few in the country. For the inaugural year of the program, recent Belmont alumnae Acqueline Caine and Kaitlin Malick were selected for the residency program.

Dr. Cathy Taylor, dean of Belmont’s College of Health Science and Nursing, said, “This has been a dream of mine for more than 10 years, and we are so proud of Acqueline and Kaitlin. PHN practice requires confidence, extensive preparation and a broad skill set, so only experienced nurses have been eligible for these positions in the past. But with enhanced coaching and orientation, we believe those eligibility restrictions can be lifted for our graduates, and more patients can receive the care they need.”

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School of Physical Therapy Awards and Scholarships

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Dr. Mills Accepts Scholarship
Dr. Mills Accepts Scholarship

Dr. Jessie Mills was awarded the David G. Greathouse Scholarship at the hooding ceremony for the School of Physical Therapy.

The David G. Greathouse Scholarship was established by STAR Physical Therapy to honor the founding chair of Belmont School of Physical Therapy. The award is given to the student who best demonstrates leadership, scholarship and exemplary clinical performance. Dr. Dave Landers and Lisa Schwartz from STAR presented the award.

Dr. Clint Lester Receives Award
Dr. Lester Receives Award

Dr. Clint Lester is the 2019 recipient of the Orthopedic Clinical Excellence Award provided by Results Physiotherapy.

This award recognizes a graduating physical therapy student who demonstrates excellence in manual therapy, professionalism, active participating in the profession, innovation and a humble spirit. Dr. Craig O’Neil from Results Physiotherapy presented the award.

Three Graduates Inducted into National Physical Therapy Student Honor Society

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Three Belmont physical therapy graduates, Jack Davis, Jessie Mills and Shelby Smith, were inducted into the 2019 inaugural class of the National Physical Therapy Student Honor Society.

The National Physical Therapy Student Honor Society was established in 2018 by the American Council of Academic Physical Therapy (ACAPT) to recognize and honor exceptional individuals who have demonstrated exceptional academic accomplishments and advocated for the profession of physical therapy.

Specifically, the mission of the Society is to recognize and honor physical therapy students who exemplify outstanding traits in leadership, research and service to society, as characterized by consistent demonstration of strong moral character and ethics. As a member of the Society, individuals are expected to uphold and implement the core values of the physical therapy profession.

Shelby Smith is inducted into honor societyJessie Mills is inducted into honor societyJack Davis Induction

Dr. Angela Clauson presents at Lilly Conference with other Belmont faculty members

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Faculty at Conference

Five Belmont faculty and staff presented at the Lilly Conference on College Teaching in Ashville, North Carolina August 5-7. Participants included faculty from Pharmacy, Mathematics, Music Business, Computer Science and the Teaching Center. The 2019 conference theme was Innovative Strategies to Advance Learning.

Dr. Angela Clauson, director of experiential education in the College of Pharmacy, presented a session on “Utilizing TEAMMATES as a Way to Effectively and Efficiently Administer Team Peer Feedback” and also a poster, “Using an Audio Interview to Expose Pharmacy Students to Other Health Professionals,” that was included in the poster session.

School of Physical Therapy Recognizes Outstanding Alumnus

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Dr. Ashley Campbell (2011) was recognized as our Outstanding Alumnus at the School of Physical Therapy hooding ceremony prior to August Commencement.  Dr. Campbell is  the Director of Rehabilitation at the Nashville Hip Institute.  She is an ABPTS board certified Sport Clinical Specialists and a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, in addition to other sports related certifications.  Dr. Campbell is the Associate Editor and manuscript coordinator for the International Journal of Sport Physical Therapy.  She is an instructor for the North American Sports Medicine Institute as well as an adjunct inistructor in the Belmont School of Physical Therapy.  She has presented her research nationally and internationally.  At the 2018 International Hip Arthroscopy Meeting, both her poster and her platform presentation were awarded the “Best Research Presentation” .  Congratulations to Dr. Campbell for her outstanding accomplishments.

 

Pharmacy Today to Feature Dr. Montgomery Green

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Dr. Montgomery GreenAssociate Professor of Pharmacy Dr. Montgomery Green will be featured in the next issue of Pharmacy Today, the American Pharmacists Association’s national publication.

The feature, “Pharmacists on the Frontline: The Fight Against Antimicrobial Resistance,” features Green and her responsibilities as an internal medicine pharmacist, professor and preceptor for residents and student pharmacists to lead antimicrobial stewardship efforts.

According to the article, “Green leads daily prospective reviews in her antimicrobial stewardship program. Using a clinical decision support system, she screens for positive urine or blood cultures, infections, duplicate therapies and antibiotic treatments longer than 72 hours. She also assesses high-risk or broadspectrum antibiotics and keeps an eye out for asymptomatic patients receiving antibiotic treatment. When antibiotic misuse is flagged during the review process, Green communicates her recommendations to the prescribers.” Read the full article at the link above.

Belmont Physical Therapy Students Swim with the Dolphins

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Department of Physical Therapy students with Dr. Nancy DarrDr. Natalie Michaels, occupational therapy professor, and Dr. Nancy Darr, physical therapy professor, presented a fun-filled aquatic exercise session with the Nashville Dolphins summer camp on August 5.

Michaels and Darr were joined by physical therapy students Courtney Alama, Emily Averitt and Mallorie Sweat who performed aerobic exercises for children attending the camp.

Nashville Dolphins campers participated in aquatic exercise with Belmont faculty and students.

The Nashville Dolphins is a group of dedicated individuals, under the direction of Megan Kelly, who bring aquatic activity to children and adults with special needs.

More than a dozen children and young adults exercised in the water with Belmont professors and students. They reported having “a blast,” and workers at the facility commented on the dedication and professionalism of Belmont students.