Author Archives: Graduate Health Sciences

Dr. Bynum Published in American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education

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Leigh Ann Bynum at Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn. August 15, 2017.Dr. Leigh Ann Bynum, associate professor in pharmaceutical, social and administrative sciences in the College of Pharmacy, recently published an article in the American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education.

The article, entitled “Revisiting Faculty Citizenship,” resulted from a collaboration with faculty from University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Montana College of Health Professions and Biomedical Sciences, East Tennessee State University Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy, Western New England College of Pharmacy, Stony Brook School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Auburn University Harrison School of Pharmacy and Mercer University College of Pharmacy.

Dr. Diaz-Cruz Elected to Association of Biochemistry Educators Board

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Edgar Diaz-CruzDr. Edgar Diaz-Cruz, associate professor in pharmaceutical, social and administrative sciences in the College of Pharmacy, has been elected to the Board of Directors of the Association of Biochemistry Educators.

The 7th International Conference of the Association of Biochemistry Educators was held May 5-9 in Tucson, Arizona. Dr. Diaz-Cruz also presented a podium and poster presentation entitled “Using Biochemistry to Educate Students on the Causal Link between Social Epigenetics and Health Disparities.”

Dr. Diaz-Cruz also has recently published two manuscripts. “If Cultural Sensitivity Is Not Enough to Reduce Health Disparities, What Will Pharmacy Education Do Next?” was published in Currents in Pharmacy Teaching and Learning. In collaboration with Dr. Chris Barton in the Department of Biology and others, Dr. Diaz-Cruz was the co-author on “Enoxacin and Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) Act Synergistically to Inhibit the Growth of Cervical Cancer Cells in Culture,’ published in Molecules.

Dr. Ham Mentors Undergraduate Students for Research on Colon Cancer Cells

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Libby Nunn Presents Poster
Libby Nunn and her poster at the ASMS Conference on Mass Spectrometry and Allied Topics

Working with Dr. Amy Ham, associate professor in pharmaceutical, social and administrative science in the College of Pharmacy, two pairs of students from the past two years have shed light on the proteomic profiles of exosomes from colon cancer cells. Exosomes are extracellular vesicles that act in cell-cell communication and are involved in the progression and metastasis of colon cancer cells.

Libby Nunn, senior biology major, and Nancy Sharkawy, junior neuroscience major, completed this work for the 2018-19 year. In June, Nunn presented a poster entitled “Comparison of Sample Digestion and Fractionation Methods for Protein Biomarker Discovery in Exosomes” at the 67th Annual American Society for Mass Spectrometry Conference on Mass Spectrometry and Allied Topics in Atlanta, Georgia. Continue reading →

Dr. Michaels Presents at Higher Education International Round Table at Oxford

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Michaels in OxfordDr. Natalie Michaels, professor of occupational therapy and physical therapy, represented Belmont University by presenting her research on Language Variation in Multiple Choice Testing at the Higher Education International Round Table Symposium at Oxford University in July.  Her research, done in collaboration with Timothy Stewart, Ron Barredo, Debbie Edmondson, Edilberto Raynes and Elizabeth Kunnu, focuses on the way students interpret the language utilized during multiple-choice tests, and how this interpretation affects their answers.
This conference was held at the Harris Manchester College in the University of Oxford, Oxford, England. Harris Manchester College is one of the 38 colleges that make up the University of Oxford, and those presenting can stay in one of the college dorms. All meals are also served on the campus. Continue reading →

Two Nursing Students Receive Credo Awards from VESNIP

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VESNIP 2019 credo winners Emily Beck and Caitlin TurnerFor the past seven weeks, 19 Belmont nursing students participated in a summer internship program called Vanderbilt Experience: Student Nurse Internship Program (VESNIP) at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) along with students from four other regional nursing programs.

Two nursing students were awarded the highest honors at the culminating awards ceremony held Wednesday, June 26. VUMC identifies those individuals who aspire to excellence and expert performance by exhibiting the following behaviors: making those they serve their highest priority, conducting themselves professionally, respecting others’ confidentiality, communicating effectively, having a sense of ownership, and a commitment to colleagues. The identified individuals are recognized with Credo Awards, which are based on feedback from nurse preceptors, nurse educators and the entire healthcare team at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Belmont nursing student Emily Beck received the Credo award in the Pediatric Track while fellow Belmont student Caitlin Turner received the Credo Award in the Women’s Heath Track.

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Nursing Students Complete Behavioral Health Internship

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Nursing Internship Group
Pictured are TriStar nursing education leaders Matt Thomas and Beverly Clark; BSN students Hailey Brooks, Hillary Edwards, Leonard Nyandoro, Sydney Fee, and Joy Owings; and Belmont faculty Diane Allen and Leslie Folds.

During summer 2019 five Belmont nursing students participated in the Behavioral Health Internship Program (BHIP) engaging in service learning at TriStar Centennial Medical Center-Parthenon Pavilion and TriStar Skyline Madison Hospital. This is the second year for BHIP.

The students completed 252 hours of hands-on training in a variety of specialty units at both TriStar Centennial Parthenon Pavilion and TriStar Skyline Madison Hospital which serve patients across the lifespan with diagnoses such as mood disorders, chemical dependency, dementia and psychosis.

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Pharmacy Student Presents Research on Human Trafficking Training

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Macy England Presents Poster at ASHP
Macy England Presents Poster at ASHP

During a poster session at the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) Summer Meeting in Boston, 2020 PharmD Candidate Macy England presented her research on the significant need for human trafficking (HT) training within pharmacy school curriculum and emergency departments (ED)

According to her presentation, “Impact and Necessity of Human Trafficking Training in the ED and Pharmacy School Curriculum,” there were more than 10,600 HT victims in the year 2017 who were reported to the National Hotline and BeFree Textline.

England said HT victims are exposed to a variety of physical ailments and conditions, and more than 88 percent of victims seek medical attention at some point in their captivity, two-thirds being in an emergency department.

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Inman Honored at McWhorter Society Luncheon

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Gordon Inman accepts his award from the McWhorter SocietyAt the recent McWhorter Society luncheon at Belmont University, trustee and Vice Chairman of Belmont’s Board of Trust Gordon E. Inman was honored with the 2019 McWhorter Society Distinguished Service Award. This award was established to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the health and health care related academic programs at Belmont University and who’s life work serves as a powerful example for students.

Inman was a major contributor to the construction of the Gordon E. Inman College of Health Sciences and Nursing complex in 2006. The impact of this facility allowed Belmont to triple its nursing enrollment while also providing expanded laboratories for other health care programs such as physical therapy, occupational therapy and social work.

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Belmont Ranked Top 12 Christian University in America

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Belmont is one of the best Christian universities in America, according to a list by The Edvocate that ranked the University no. 12 on its recent list of 2020 Best Christian Colleges and Universities in America.

In addition to the overall list, Belmont tied for fourth place for outstanding undergraduate teaching. The site ranked Belmont no. 5 among regional universities in the South, highlighting the university’s offerings for veterans and degrees in music and music production.

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‘Hey Alexa!’ Pharmacy Students Build A.I. Program for Top 200 Drugs

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More than 300 million patients currently take medications that fall under the top 200 medications prescribed in the United States. Belmont University College of Pharmacy third-year students Angelina Babakitis, Lanoi Chindavanh, Damitea Johnson, Mary Lankford, Inmar Osi and Austin Simmons recently published patient counseling and education for the top 200 prescribed medications on Amazon Alexa.

Amazon Alexa is a voice controlled artificial intelligence (A.I.) platform that has the ability to provide information upon request. As part of the Introduction to Healthcare Informatics curriculum in the Doctor of Pharmacy program at Belmont University, the students worked as a team to develop an application, or “skill,” that is now available in the Alexa store.

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Tennessee Health Care Hall of Fame Announces 2019 Inductees

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Health Care Hall of Fame inductees announced at McWhorter Society Luncheon
(L to R) Dick Miller, Clara Elam, David and Lynn Barton and Mary Bufwack, Ph.D.

Hall of Fame’s fifth class represents some ofTennessee’s most influential health care leaders

The Tennessee Health Care Hall of Fame announced the seven health care professionals selected as this year’s inductee class at a luncheon on Belmont University’s campus today. With a mission to honor men and women who have made significant and lasting contributions to the health and health care industries, the Hall of Fame was created in 2015 by Belmont University, the McWhorter Society and the Nashville Health Care Council, a founding partner. The seven honorees will be inducted at a ceremony in October.

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Dr. Cathy Hinton retires after 20 years teaching at School of Physical Therapy

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Dr. Cathy Hinton started teaching in the School of Physical Therapy in 1999 and therefore has had the privilege of having taught every single student to have graduated from the Belmont DPT program.  Hinton is well respected by her students, and best known for her compassion, caring and of course, the chocolate she provides to the students on exam days!  Dr. Hinton is the ultimate cheerleader for the profession of Physical Therapy, instilling that passion in her students through the years.  She has served in every position in the Tennessee Physical Therapy Association (TPTA) and has served in numerous capacities with the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) as well.  Dr. Hinton has been the recipient of the Mac Hensley Hall of Fame award for 25 years of continuous service to the TPTA, Carol Likens Award for exceptional service to the profession and the Special Recognition award for exceptional service. She was also awarded the Lucy Blair service award which is the highest service award by the APTA.

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Pharmacy Informatics Student Selected for Enterprise Research Pharmacy Internship

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Julie Nguyen headshotJulie Nguyen, a second-year student at Belmont’s College of Pharmacy, recently accepted an internship at axialHealthcare to work with the Enterprise Research team. A health technology and care solutions company, axialHealthcare partners with insurers and providers to improve patient outcomes regarding pain and opioid care.

By joining the team as an intern, Nguyen will support axialHealthcare’s efforts by using data from claims and other sources under the guidance of Dr. Amber Watson, clinical pharmacist and scientific writer at axialHealthcare. As the Enterprise Research Pharmacy Intern, Nguyen will also collaborate with data scientists, analyze critical literature and develop technical writing skills to contribute to their mission.

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Physical Therapy Students Host Health Fair for East Cheatham Elementary

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PT Students Host Health Fair

Belmont School of Physical Therapy students recently provided a Health Fair for about 80 elementary students (4thgrade) from East Cheatham Elementary.  The Belmont students spent the semester exploring different roles of the Physical Therapist in Health and Wellness related to topics in Dr. Pat Sells’ class.  The Belmont students then carefully prepared a series of newsletters that addressed such topics as First Aid, Heart Health, Lung/smoking risks, nutrition and stress management, among others.  These booklets of newsletters are packed with games, puzzles and other challenges to reinforce learning, and each student received the 32 page booklet of information.

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Dr. Diaz-Cruz joins Biology Faculty & Students to Publish Research

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Research done by Belmont students, Dr. Chris Barton and Dr. Edgar Diaz-Cruz was recently published in the journal “Molecules.” Barton, assistant professor of biology, and Diaz-Cruz, associate professor of pharmaceutical studies, worked with current Honors biology student Holly Pyles and alumna Anna Margaret McDonnell (’17) on the study.

Their study reported the ability of two drugs to stop the growth of a number of cervical cancer cell lines. The paper, titled “Enoxacin and Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) Act Synergistically to Inhibit the Growth of Cervical Cancer Cells in Culture,” can be found here.

Social Work Department Awards First DeEbony Groves Diversity Scholarship

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Hayden MacMath (second from left) receives DeEbony Groves Diversity Scholarship.

At a recent Student Award Ceremony, the Belmont University Department of Social Work awarded the first DeEbony Groves Diversity Scholarship. The scholarship, renamed in May 2018 in honor of late student DeEbony Groves, is awarded to a social work student who “values diversity, upholds the spirit of inclusion and allied-ship.” Groves, a Belmont social work major, was killed one year ago today in a shooting at an Antioch Waffle House.

Dr. Sabrina Sullenberger, professor and chair of the Department of Social Work, opened the ceremony and began by speaking about the legacy Groves left at Belmont. “She shaped us because she was a part of our community,” Sullenberger said, continuing to say that diversity, inclusion and social justice were characteristics important to Groves. Sullenberger also noted how Groves didn’t call people out in situations but instead worked to “call people in” in her own way.

The recipient of the DeEbony Groves Diversity Scholarship this year is Hayden MacMath, a sophomore social work major. MacMath said he was “honored and humbled to accept this scholarship, because in a perfect world it wouldn’t exist.” He placed emphasis on his commitment to diversity and his passion for helping others. MacMath also said “I am committing everything about who I am to honor DeEbony.”

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OT Students and Faculty featured in Lebanon Democrat for efforts with Go Baby Go

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Students and faculty in the Occupational Therapy program at Belmont University recently traveled to Permobil’s corporate headquarters in Lebanon, Tennessee to help outfit custom-fit toy cars for children with mobility impairments as part of the Go Baby Go program.  The event was covered by reporter Matt Masters of the Lebanon Democrat with a feature article in the newspaper, excerpted below.

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DNP Students Meet with Tennessee Senator Lamar Alexander

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AACN Policy Summit 2019

Doctor of Nursing Practice students Rebecca Carden and Jennifer Scanlon attended the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Student Policy Summit March 23-25. The three-day conference held in Washington, D.C.  immerses students in didactic program sessions focused on the federal policy process and nursing’s role in professional advocacy. On Monday,  students  joined a delegation of nursing deans and directors from Tennessee, led by Associate Dean of Nursing Dr. Martha Buckner, to visit the senate office staff of both Senator Lamar Alexander and Senator Marsha Blackburn. Senator Alexander was able to join the group to discuss the importance of funding for nursing education and workforce initiatives.

Dr. Robinson and Dr. Williams Present at Tennessee Physical Therapy Association Meeting

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Williams and Robinson

Dr. Kevin Robinson and Dr. Christi Williams, faculty in the School of Physical Therapy, presented a continuing education course for physical therapists throughout the state at the Tennessee Physical Therapy Association’s (TPTA) Spring Meeting.  The TPTA meeting was held at the Millennium Maxwell House in Nashville this past weekend.  The course taught by Robinson and Williams was entitled, “Are You Over or Underestimating Your Patient’s Strengths? New Technology for Today’s PT’s.”

Nursing Students, Faculty Provide Free Mobile Clinic

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RAM clinic March 2019

On the weekend of March 16-17, six Belmont graduate nursing students and two faculty members participated in a free mobile clinic held in Cookeville, Tennessee. The clinic was hosted by Remote Area Medical (RAM), a major nonprofit provider of free mobile clinics.  Students and faculty provided triage, patient intake, primary care and even dental assisting. Overall, the clinic served 966 patients and provided $554,552 in services as calculated by RAM over the two days in Cookeville.

Associate Professor of Nursing Dr. Erin Shankel noted, “Working with RAM was a great place for our students to practice their clinical skills, but more than that, it opened their eyes to the healthcare needs in our own state. We were all humbled by the appreciation and warmth we felt from patients who had been waiting outside since 6 p.m. the night before just for the chance to be seen. You don’t have to go overseas to participate in medical missions!”

OT Faculty, Alumni, Students Present at International Symposium

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Belmont Doctorate of Occupational Therapy (OTD) faculty, alumni and students presented at the 35th annual International Seating Symposium (ISS) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, March 18-22.

The ISS is the world’s leading educational conference and exhibition on the topic of Wheelchair Seating, Mobility and Associated Technologies. Clinicians, consumers, advocates, researchers, providers, manufacturers and policymakers from more than 30 nations attended the event.

Associate Professor Teresa Plummer, Assistant Professor and OTD Academic Fieldwork Coordinator Missy Bryan, OTD class of 2017 and alumnus Joe Straatmann along with faculty from Vanderbilt, University of Texas and University of Pittsburgh presented a pre-conference on GoBabyGo: Moving, Learning and Socializing.

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Two DNP Students Selected for Statewide Scholars Program

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Two Belmont graduate students were recently selected to participate in the Tennessee Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) scholars program, a two-year commitment in which health profession students learn about community health through 40-hours of didactic training (online readings, discussions, essay responses) and 40-hours of clinical training.

AHEC is a nationwide project, funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Building upon a core set of guidelines and requirements, each AHEC created an AHEC Scholars Program for their state to increase the distribution and diversity of the nation’s healthcare workforce. The latest cohort marks the first group to  be held at the Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center, the first federally qualified health center (FQHC) in Tennessee. The AHEC training will focus on six primary topics: inter-professional education, behavioral health integration, social determinants of health, cultural competency, patient-centered practice transformation and current and emerging health issues.

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Belmont, Lipscomb Colleges of Pharmacy Partner to Build, Support Honduran Pharmacy

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Jovenes Project

Belmont University and Lipscomb University Colleges of Pharmacy have recently announced a collaborative partnership with Jovenes en Camino to build and support a locally-run pharmacy in El Zamorano, Honduras. A Nashville-based nonprofit, Jovenes en Camino is a boys home and clinic in Honduras that doesn’t currently have access to the essential services provided by a pharmacy. Students and faculty from Belmont and Lipscomb are teaming up to provide a creative solution to that challenge.

This collaborative partnership will allow students and faculty from both pharmacy programs to travel to Honduras throughout the year to provide services to local residents, beginning as soon as Summer 2019. Teams will be comprised in a variety of ways including interprofessional teams that will include students in pharmacy, nursing, nutrition, PA and other health-related disciplines, and inter-university teams, comprised of faculty and students from both institutions. Beyond pharmaceutical care, this interprofessional partnership will also include additional healthcare providers as nursing, medical and other health-related programs will accompany pharmacists for travel.

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Interior Design, Occupational Therapy Students Partner to Improve Local Family’s Home

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OT and OMore Collaboration

Students in the O’More School of Design’s Interior Design program may be used to frequent client meetings and conversations surrounding the most effective layouts of homes, but this semester they have found themselves doing different work, entirely. Thanks to a collaboration with the School of Occupational Therapy, students in both programs have joined efforts to work alongside the Trotters, a local family whose 9-year-old daughter Joy has a number of disabilities that limit her mobility and access throughout the home.

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Belmont Pharmacy AI Team Project Featured in Internationally Recognized Pharmacy Education Publication

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The Belmont University College of Pharmacy student A.I. team’s Artificial Intelligence Software for Amazon Alexa was the subject of an article in the February 2019 issue of Academic Pharmacy Now, the news magazine of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy.

Founded in 1900, the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) is the national organization representing pharmacy education in the United States. The mission of AACP is to lead and partner with members in advancing pharmacy education, research, scholarship, practice and service to improve societal health. The association is comprised of all accredited colleges and schools with pharmacy degree programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education.

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