Over 70 physical and occupational therapists attended a continuing education course, An Evidence Based Approach to Standing and Walking for Children with Moderate to Severe Motor Dysfunction, at Belmont University on Saturday, February 22. This course was sponsored by Belmont University Schools of Physical and Occupational Therapy along with Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. The course was taught by Ginny Paleg, a nationally-recognized expert in pediatric standing and mobility, and was underwritten by Prime Engineering. Course participants learned how to select and fit appropriate standing and walking assistive devices for children with special needs.
Pharmacy students participate in interprofessional training
Fourth-year pharmacy students recently participated in interprofessional team geriatric case training with the Meharry Consortium Geriatric Education Center. To ensure health professional students develop skills for working in interprofessional teams, the Center hosts this annual team training. This is the third year the College of Pharmacy has been involved in this event.
This experience serves as an opportunity for students to develop interprofessional collaborative skills by working as a team on a geriatric case and developing a patient assessment and treatment plan. Faculty experts are available to consult with teams, and nurse practitioners observe and rate team dynamics. The program concludes with an interactive general assembly where an interdisciplinary expert panel provides feedback and answers questions.
PT professor recognized by Komen as a Pink Tie Guy
Dr. Mike Voight, Professor of Physical Therapy, has been recognized as a Pink Tie Guy by the Greater Nashville affiliate of Susan G. Komen, the world’s largest organization fighting breast cancer. The recognition was made at a Komen celebration dinner this week that honored a group of ten individuals from middle Tennessee this year.
The Pink Tie Program features influential leaders who help mobilize, energize and engage audiences in the breast cancer movement through their role within the community, within their organizations, and through their personal involvement. Pink Tie Guys bring a male voice to the urgency of finding a cure for breast cancer.
“Mike is the perfect Pink Tie Guy,” said Dr. Cathy Taylor, Dean of the College of Health Sciences. She added, “His positive energy is contagious, and he has worked tirelessly to mobilize others to race for the cure. We are so proud of his accomplishments and appreciate our Komen partners for rewarding his work in this way.”
Pharmacy students learn about medication adherence first-hand
Second and third-year pharmacy students enrolled in the Ambulatory Care Pharmacy Elective spent the past month learning about the difficulties of medication adherence first-hand. Nineteen students were given a pillbox and 15 candies representing medications with various schedules of administration. Students were required to fill their pillbox according to their medication list. At the midpoint, students were given two medication changes mimicking real-life scenarios. Following the four-week project, students submitted a focused reflection and discussed the experience with their classmates. Students consistently deemed the pillbox experience a positive one.
Pharmacy student gets practice experience in Haiti
Fourth-year pharmacy student Shaneika Walker and pharmacy faculty member Ashton Beggs recently returned from a one-week medical mission trip to Gobert, Haiti. Walker was selected for this Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) last spring. Under the supervision of Beggs, Walker was involved in all medication-related aspects of the trip planning, which began summer 2013. The medical team purchased medications from Blessings International, and it was the responsibility of the pharmacy student and pharmacist to decide which medications and the appropriate quantities to order to treat the variety of disease states encountered. Medications were packaged and labeled appropriately for shipping to Haiti for both the general and health literacy of the Haitian population. While in Gobert, Walker and Beggs were in charge of dispensing medications and counseling patients on each medication dispensed.
PT students and faculty visit Tennessee lawmakers
On Tuesday, February 18, 70 physical therapy students along with 4 PT faculty participated in the Tennessee Physical Therapy Association Day on the Hill. They attended a session that covered an introduction to the legislative process, how to visit with a legislator, and how to become an advocate for the physical therapy profession. State Senator Doug Overbey spoke with them on the importance of getting to know their legislators. The students were then given a guided tour of the Legislative Plaza and the Tennessee State Capitol.
Dr. Cathy Taylor Named to 2014 Nashville Health Care Council Fellows Class
Dr. Cathy Taylor, dean of the College of Health Sciences & Nursing, was recently selected as a member of the 2014 class of the Nashville Health Care Council Fellows. The Fellows initiative engages industry leaders in clearly defining health care’s greatest challenges and exploring new strategies to meet these issues facing the U.S. health care system.
“It is an honor to be selected as a 2014 Council Fellow, and I am eager to expand my knowledge and network with others in the health care field,” Taylor said. “The Fellows class is an elite group of industry leaders, and I consider it a privilege to learn from and alongside each of them.”
The 2014 class, selected by the Council Fellows Advisory Committee led by former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, M.D., includes 32 of the nation’s top health care executives.
College of Health Sciences and College of Pharmacy to partner in Haiti with LiveBeyond
During his recent visit to Thomazeau, Haiti, College of Pharmacy Dean Phil Johnston visited villages with LiveBeyond workers and a Belmont delegation to aid and dispense medications to a woman in postpartum, a father with high blood pressure, a small boy with worms and a man with a hip injury. The most powerful experience of them all was when a man who received medical attention sang a Christian hymn in Creole as his Voodoo-practicing neighbors gathered around and listened.
“It was like watching a Bible story about caring for the least of these,” Johnston said.
He, along with College of Health Sciences & Nursing Dean Cathy Taylor and Nursing Assistant Professor Robin Cobb, visited LiveBeyond’s base in Haiti last week to identify areas of student mission participation and to flush out unique partnerships between the University and the nonprofit organization that would allow Belmont Continue reading
Social Work students gather for 30th annual supper
Over 60 student, faculty and staff from the social work department recently celebrated the 30th annual departmental chili supper. The event began as a way to get to know students outside of the classroom, and has evolved into one of the main events that students look forward to each spring, often bringing their roommates, significant others, and even, on occasion, a pet or two. This year’s supper was held in the home of Dr. Jenny Crowell. Continue reading
Pharmacy student to compete in national Patient Counseling Competition
Meghan Duquette, a third year student in the College of Pharmacy, will represent Belmont at this year’s national Patient Counseling Competition presented by the American Pharmacists Association Academy of Student Pharmacists (APhA-ASP). Meghan was the winner of this year’s school competition in the College of Pharmacy coordinated by the local chapter of APhA-ASP. The national competition features local winners from 120+ pharmacy schools across the country. This year’s competition will be held in Orlando, FL at the end of March.
The goal of the APhA-ASP National Patient Counseling Competition is to encourage student pharmacists in their efforts toward becoming better patient educators. The competition is designed to reflect changes that are occurring in practice, to promote and encourage further professional development of the student pharmacist and to reinforce the role of the pharmacist as a health care provider and educator.
Dr. Harry Jacobson, healthcare investor and former CEO of Vanderbilt University Medical Center to speak at Belmont Friday
Dr. Harry Jacobson, Chairman of MedCare Investment Funds and a founding partner of Tristar Technology Ventures, will present a public lecture at Belmont University this Friday morning, February 7. He will speak on healthcare innovation from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. in McWhorter Hall Room 114, and the event is open to the public. The lecture is sponsored by the Gordon E. Inman College of Health Sciences & Nursing as part of their Diagnosing Our Future Speaker Series.
MedCare and its affiliated entities manage approximately $1 billion in assets, the substantial majority of which are related to the medical and healthcare services industry. Currently MedCare has a portfolio of fifteen healthcare companies representing most sectors of the industry including services, information technologies, medical devices, pharm and biotechnology. All of MedCare’s investments are targeted to companies bringing innovation to health care.
Dr. Jacobson is former Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs at Vanderbilt University and CEO of Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC). Continue reading
Pharmacy students complete training for HIV counseling and testing
Over a dozen College of Pharmacy students recently completed training for HIV Counseling and Testing at Nashville Cares. The training was sponsored by the Student National Pharmaceutical Association (SNPhA) and is a part of their Remember the Ribbon initiative to improve HIV/AIDs awareness, education, and prevention in minority communities.
SNPhA members from Belmont, including advisor Dr. Edgar Diaz-Cruz, learned through hands on training and role playing how to properly administer the HIV rapid oral test, as well as how to deliver those results with compassion and understanding. Additionally, students learned invaluable education tools about safe practices and the prevention of HIV. The students who completed the training are now officially certified in HIV Counseling and Testing through the Tennessee Department of Health. The students plan on using the skills learned to serve the surrounding communities through education and prevention.
Students completing the training include: Jennifer Chisum, Ricky Church, Marion Compton, Kyla Cunico, Erin Todd, Fernando Diggs, Joshua Farrell, Michelle Krichbaum, Gia Nguyen, Fredrick O’Neal, Ugoeze Onuoha, Sara Thompson and Bailey Bolten.
Belmont student named March of Dimes Student Nurse of theYear
Left to right are Kelsey Maguire, Assistant Professor and Director of the College of Health Sciences Simulation Beth Hallmark and Patrick Haltom at the March of Dimes event.
Belmont nursing student Patrick Haltom was recently honored as Student Nurse of the Year at the fourth annual March of Dimes Nurse of the Year Awards held Dec. 10 at the Franklin Marriott Cool Springs. This event recognized nurses who embody leadership, compassion and excellence in patient care across several nursing specialties.
“These nurses are very deserving of this honor, and we are pleased to play a role in saluting these patient champions for the care they provide daily,” said Susan Peach, chief executive officer of Highpoint Health System and chairwoman of the Nurse of the Year Event.
Haltom was one of 16 Middle Tennessee nurses to receive top honors at the March of Dimes event. More than 5,000 nurses were nominated nationwide including 160 in the Middle Tennessee area, including Belmont senior Kelsey Maguire. Winners were determined by a selection committee that included health care professionals. Continue reading
Pharmacy faculty members present pharmacist training program
On Jan. 11, Belmont University College of Pharmacy hosted a certificate program for pharmacists entitled “Delivering Medication Therapy Management Services.” Developed by the American Pharmacists Association, the interactive training program explores the pharmacist’s role in providing medication therapy management services to patients. The program enhances pharmacists’ clinical expertise in evaluating complicated medication regimens, identifying medication-related problems and making recommendations to patients, caregivers and health care professionals. Pharmacists from Tennessee, Missouri and Kentucky attended the one-day training session led by College of Pharmacy faculty members Dr. Traci Poole and Dr. Ashton Beggs.
Pharmacy students and faculty published
Student pharmacist Jessica Brinkley recently published a manuscript titled “Building a lifelong commitment to service” in the November/December issue of Student Pharmacist. The article which was co-authored by former APhA President, Joshua Senn and chapter advisor, Dr. Traci Poole, highlights the service performed by Belmont’s APhA-ASP chapter for Habitat for Humanity. APhA-ASP has performed numerous healthcare related events over the last few years but is also dedicated to assisting the general needs of Nashville’s underserved population.
PT student makes a big difference while on clinical affiliation
Second year Physical Therapy student Ashley Barrett recently was completing one of her clinical affiliations by working with a home health therapist, Dr. Maritza Garcia Williams, a Belmont DPT alumnus (’02). The two of them were working with an individual with multiple sclerosis who was confined to a wheelchair. In addition to exercises and mobility training, they worked to determine an emergency exit plan from his home, as he was alone most of the day and unable to get his wheelchair out of the house.
Since Ashley’s grandfather was in construction, she both recruited his help to build a ramp and ensured that the cost of the supplies was covered. After receiving permission from the patient and measurements needed for the ramps, Ashley and her grandparents went to the patient’s home and installed the ramp.
When Dr. Williams arrived at the patient’s home for the next therapy session, the patient actually met her outside. Dr. Williams shared that “This is the first time in five years that he has been able to exit his home, easily and quickly, without assistance. For him, this is major!”
Nursing faculty help Health Sciences Academy with HCA Grant
Two faculty members from Belmont University School of Nursing recently assisted Hillwood High School’s Academy of Health Sciences in securing a $100,000 grant from the HCA Foundation made on behalf of the HCA/TriStar Family of Hospitals. The School of Nursing is a PENCIL partner with the Academy. Belmont faculty and students volunteer time to provide guidance to the school’s administration and career advice to its students. The PENCIL Foundation helps link community resources with Metro Nashville Public Schools.
Dr. Sandy Murabito, Assistant Professor of Nursing, and Sandra Rosedale, Clinical Placement Coordinator for the School of Nursing, provided significant assistance in writing the grant application. Murabito is the school’s PTO president and Rosedale serves on the Academy’s advisory board. Continue reading
McWhorter Society Scholars Announced
Pictured are (from L to R) Dean Pat Raines, student pharmacist Jessica Brinkley, Roland Achenjang, Healthcare MBA student, Mr. McWhorter, MBA student Jacqueline Youde, Dean Cathy Taylor, Student pharmacist Emily Doss, Nursing student Kelsey Maguire, and Dean Phil Johnston. Not pictured is Lauren Moss, who is a student in the Doctorate in Nursing Practice program.
Belmont University introduced the first six McWhorter Society Scholars on Dec. 4. The McWhorter Society, which was formed earlier this year, consists of members of the Nashville area community who are engaged in healthcare and the business of healthcare, and who choose to support future healthcare professionals from Belmont University.
The society is named in honor of long-time Belmont supporter Clayton McWhorter whose leadership and role in the development of healthcare industry giants HealthTrust Inc. and HCA have made a strong impression in the field of health care. In 1996, Clayton, his son Stuart and a close business friend created the venture capital firm Clayton Associates, which quickly evolved into a hub of strategic business development activities related to new firms in healthcare, technology and diversified services.
McWhorter was introduced to the newest scholars to hear their Belmont stories and how they intend to use the degrees they are pursuing at Belmont. Recipients included the following Belmont students.
Pharmacy Hosts TennCare Officer for First Continuing Education Event
Dr. Vaughn Frigon, chief medical officer of Tennessee Health Care Finance and Administration, presented a lecture to Nashville area pharmacists for the College of Pharmacy’s first continuing education on Dec. 3 in the Massey Performing Arts Center.
“We are so glad to be able to offer continuing education credit to pharmacists in the community, especially our alumni, faculty and affiliate faculty. It is important to us to offer programs that are relevant and will make a difference in the everyday practice of our pharmacists who attend,” said College of Pharmacy Continuing Education Coordinator Virginia Walczak.
Belmont, Lipscomb Pharmacy Students Warn of Dangers of Prescription Drugs
Belmont and Lipscomb pharmacy students recently visited Hume Fogg High School to educate students on drug abuse through the Generation Rx program, which educates youth to the epidemic of prescription drug abuse and addiction occurring in the United States.
Both universities’ American Pharmacists Association (APhA) chapters presented on the important issue. The event featured a video highlighting the use of prescription drugs by teenagers and responses by their families as well as recent statistics and addictive trends that are occurring among high school students. Students also participated in a game show competition emphasizing key topics presented.
Pharmacy alum joins Aegis Sciences Corporation
Dr. Ali (Foster) Roberts, PharmD Class of 2012, has joined Aegis Sciences Corporation in Nashville as Clinical Scientist of Healthcare Services. She will offer guidance on healthcare research and outcomes, answer pain management and toxicology related questions that arise during treatment of patients. Dr. Roberts will also provide continuing education related to healthcare and drug testing practices. Previously, Dr. Roberts completed a PGY-1 residency at Memorial Hospital.
DPT alum recognized as an APTA Emerging Leader
Dr. Anson Rosenfeldt, a 2009 graduate of Belmont University School of Physical Therapy, has been named as one of 25 emerging leaders in physical therapy by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). Dr. Rosenfeldt is a staff physical therapist with the Cleveland Clinic Foundation in Cleveland, OH.
Each year, APTA recognizes therapists from across the country who have demonstrated extraordinary service early in their careers. The organization’s professional journal, PT in Motion, announced this year’s honorees in last month’s issue. In the announcement article, Pamela Dixon, an occupational therapist who nominated Rosenfeldt, comments about her involvement in elevating the use of evidence-based practice and increasing quality and education of all therapists.
Pharmacy alum accepts position with BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee
Dr. Khang Tran-Tan (PharmD Class of 2013) has accepted a position with BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee. He will be working with the company as a Clinical Pharmacist in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
School of Physical Therapy helps coordinate Susan G. Komen Race and Dierks Bentley’s Miles and Music for Kids
Belmont PT student volunteers help direct runners at the finish line of the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure
Students and faculty from Belmont University School of Physical Therapy were again instrumental in coordinating two major charitable events that occur annually in Nashville and surrounding communities each fall. Over 100 student volunteers provided the main logistical support for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Nashville on October 26, and again for Dierks Bentley’s Miles and Music for Kids motorcycle ride and concert in middle Tennessee on November 3.
Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure
The Komen race attracted 26,000 people to the Maryland Farms YMCA to support the fight against breast cancer. The PT students assisted with course setup and takedown, served as course marshals at the start and finish lines, and were available throughout the race to hand out water and help with crowd control. The student participation in race is facilitated annually by Belmont professor Michael Voight who co-chairs the event. Voight says that he support Komen because 75 percent of every dollar raised in the region stays here in middle
Tennessee and is granted to other local non‐profits. “These non‐profits are working on the front lines to battle breast cancer, educating both women and men on the value of early detection and promoting awareness to low‐income and non‐insured individuals,” said Voight. To date Komen Greater Nashville has provided more than $3 million in screening, treatment and educational services to the women of Middle Tennessee.
“The manner in which our students conducted themselves overwhelms me,” said Dr. Pat Sells, associate professor of Physical Therapy, who leads the race volunteer program for the School. “They were kind, energetic, dedicated and willing to do whatever was asked of them,” he added. “I received so many positive comments on them, I was truly proud to be considered as part of their team. Managing a race course with 26,000 people and doing so flawlessly was an impressive feat!”
Patty Harman, Executive Director of the local Komen affiliate, had nothing but praise for the Belmont PT students, saying, “they made a huge difference in this year’s race; it would not have been as successful without them. If there were any glitches, the participants surely did not know.” “Belmont jumped in to do whatever was needed,” said Lynn Edwards, chairman of the board for the local Komen Affiliate. “We can’t thank them enough for all they did – through planning efforts, logistical team packing and mailing, and even clean-up of the race village.”
This year’s efforts follow the recognition that Belmont PT students received this past summer when they were honored as volunteer group of the year by the international organization of Susan G. Komen.
Dierks Bentley’s Miles & Music for Kids
Dierks Bentley poses with PT student volunteers as he finishes his motorcycle ride prior to his concert at Riverfront Park in Nashville. Click picture to enlarge.
Just eight days after the Komen race, the PT students were out again, this time helping orchestrate the eighth annual Dierks Bentley Miles and Music for Kids motorcycle ride and concert to benefit Vanderbilt Childrens Hospital. The School of Physical Therapy has helped coordinate this event since its inception in 2006. Bentley led more than 1,000 motorcyclists on a 40-mile afternoon ride from Harley-Davidson of Columbia, TN to Riverfront Park in Nashville where he and other music artists treated thousands of fans to a benefit concert. Artists joining Bentley this year included Easton Corbin, Jake Owen, and Luke Bryan. “No one has had the year Luke Bryan has had,” exclaimed Bentley, “and for him to come out and do this, especially after playing two sold out shows at the arena, says a lot about what kind of guy he is.”
“Each year this gets a little bit bigger and a little better,” said Bentley, “ and we could not have taken this event to the level it now is without the help of my friend Mike Voight and his students at Belmont University.” He added, “the Belmont students have been integral to the success of this event from the inaugural ride seven years ago to its current size. I always look forward to working with them.”
Belmont PT graduate and current adjunct faculty member, Ashley Campbell, has volunteered for the past 6 years, overseeing the Belmont volunteer staff for the last 3 years. “I am so proud to be associated with such a great group of hard working and dedicated young adults,” she said. And as they are with the Komen race, Dr. Voight and Dr. Sells are also intricately involved with Miles and Music. “This is a great learning experience and fun event for our students,” said Voight. “Not only did they get to meet and work with the stars of country music, but in doing so they also helped the community in a large way.” Dr. Sells added, “it is a real pleasure to watch our students give and serve unselfishly. This is what service is all about.”
Jami Graham, a third year PT doctoral student class leader, responded, “the Dierks fundraiser is an event we look forward to each year. It’s fun to see my fellow classmates come together to make it happen and contribute to the overall success of this event. It is a real privilege to have this opportunity to give back to the community.”
This year’s Miles & Music event raised a record $307,000 for Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital.
Pharmacy alum serves poor in Guatemala
Neda Borhani, Pharmaceutical Doctor, ’13 just returned from Guatemala City, Guatemala, where she supported a surgical team from Austin, TX, in 62 cleft lip and/or palate repairs for some of the poorest kids in Guatemala. Dr. Borhani served as the team’s pharmacist staffing The Moore Pediatric Surgery Center’s pharmacy. Keeping the pattern established by 32 other members of the college’s alumni and students, Neda managed the pre-, during, and post-operative pharmaceutical care of the children who came from across Guatemala to receive free, life-changing care. Read more about Neda’s activity on the BUCOP Medical Missions Facebook page.