From the Dean's Desk

Transcription

1 told them. From the Dean's Desk Dear Friends, Dan Perdue, President of the Wyoming Hospital Association, graciously allowed me to address their group at their annual meeting and provide an update on current issues at the College of Health Sciences. I thought you may be interested in reading about what I Hoofprints November, 2013 The first topic I discussed was new initiatives. Over the last four years, I have received may requests from around the state to provide bachelors trained clinical laboratory scientists. There are

2 great shortages of these professionals and this can be seen in Wyoming Workforce Services data and through direct observation. It is not a WICHE program and there is no other access for Wyoming students. Last winter, several university administrators, myself included, discussed initiatives with Casper Area Economic Development Authority (CAEDA) to increase health professions offerings with cooperation of Casper College and this is the first proposal to be introduced. It will build on the curriculum already offered with Casper College s Medical Technology Associate Degree. There will be three tracks: Associate Degree to Bachelors in CLS, previous Associate Degree graduates to BS in CLS and holders of Bachelor of Science in science areas to CLS. The request for funding has made it into the UW budget request and has gone to the governor and legislature. I also discussed two issues related to nursing. We had a proposal to have a UW Nursing Faculty member at each of the community colleges to facilitate the Associate Degree to Bachelor of Science in Nursing curriculum. There is high demand for bachelor trained nurses because they have a direct positive impact on quality of care and reimbursements are becoming increasingly dependent on quality. This model is already working very well at Casper, Rock Springs and Sheridan. Funding for the project was not included in the FY15-16 University s budget request but we will continue to seek other sources of funding through partnerships with the hospitals or other organizations in those communities. The second issue in nursing related to a faculty member departure last fall. The faculty member who facilitated the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner curriculum took a job for much higher pay at Drexel University (losing good faculty to other institutions at the UW because of low salaries is becoming epidemic). Having this coordinator is essential to maintaining the program. We have an affiliation with the University of Colorado to provide the didactic coursework; but we needed this coordinator to mentor the students and provide the clinical experiential course management. We had to request the position back through the UW centralized position management process. I felt we made a strong case with the high demand for these professionals in the state, the entire state being a mental health

3 provider shortage area and many letters of support from constituents around the state. However, I was very surprised when the position was not returned. Dr. Mary Burman, Dean of Nursing, and I have proposed funding the position for 2 years with School and College funds while permanent funding can be obtained and that proposal has been accepted. We need to serve the state s needs. The last topic I discussed with the WHA was medical education. We are proceeding with establishing an Educational Health Center umbrella organization for both residency programs. This will increase their clinical income substantially and these additional funds will hopefully be used to address financial difficulties at the programs. We are also seeking access to Graduate Medical Education federal funding which funds virtually all other medical residences in the United States. In fact, Wyoming is the only state that does not receive GME funds. I also told the group that the WWAMI program for undergraduate medical education is doing very well with a new class of 20 exceptional students, a new curriculum starting in 2015 and new leadership. I know I provided minimal detail on all of the above topics due to space limitations. If you would like to have more information on any of them, please contact me. Also, if you feel the urge to support or speak against any of the above initiatives, I encourage you to contact the appropriate decision makers. All the best! Joe Upcoming Events No events listed.

4 Division News Friday, October 11, at the Laramie Hilton Garden Inn, each Division from the College of Health Sciences honored it's Distinguished Alumni for Dr. Caron Mellblom-Nishioka (L), Dean Joseph Steiner, Dr. Teresa Ukrainetz Dr. Mellblom-Nishioka earned her Bachelor s of Arts from California State University Fullerton and her Master s of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Wyoming in Dr. Mellblom-Nishioka served as a speech-language pathologist for Stride Learning Center for a year and as an Adult ESL instructor for Laramie County Community College from 1982 to She provided language intervention to adult clients of the sheltered workshop programs offered through Magic City Enterprises. During that time, Dr. Mellblom-Nishioka earned her Doctorate in Education from University of Northern Colorado in special education with an emphasis on learning disabilities.

5 Dean Joseph Steiner (L), Vicky Kmetz, Dr. Derek Smith Vicky Kmetz, the 2013 Alum of the Year for the Division of Kinesiology and Health, graduated from the University of Wyoming with her M.S. degree in Physical Education in 1991 after having completed her B.S. degree in Physical Education Teaching in Vicky s graduate research focused on Exercise Adherence in School aged kids K-12 and was a catalyst for her commendable career as a physical educator in Cheyenne and at the University Lab School where Vicky eventually retired from. Her contributions and impact as a preceptor for aspiring future physical educators was longstanding and significant. Vicky s teaching, leadership, and mentorship has crossed generational lines from Kindergarten to College and continues to benefit Kinesiology and Health students through the Vicky L. Kmetz Endowed Scholarship that she and her husband organized last year. We are fortunate to be able recognize and honor Vicky for her contributions; her legacy of teaching leadership and support lives on.

6 Dr. Ian Hunter (L), Dean Joseph Steiner Dr. Ian Hunter hails from Laramie, Wyoming. He graduated from the University of Wyoming with a B.S. in Zoology and received the Outstanding Undergraduate Award from the Department of Zoology and Physiology as well as the Distinguished Arts and Sciences Student Award. Dr. Hunter graduated from the University of Washington School of Medicine in 2003 and did his Internal Medicine Residency at the Scripps Mercy Hospital in San Diego, California. He was awarded the M.W. Stratford Family Outstanding Internal Medicine Resident Award in Dr. Hunter practices internal medicine in Sheridan, Wyoming and in 2013 he won the American College of Physicians Wyoming Chapter Award.

7 Dean Mary Burman (L), Karleen Goerke, Dean Joseph Steiner Dean of the Fay W. Whitney School of Nursing, Mary Burman, presents the 2013 Distinguished Alumni award to Karleen Goerke (BSN, 86). Goerke was honored for her outstanding contributions to the nursing profession through her excellence in clinical practice, education, and administration. Her impressive career has taken place largely within the employ of one institution: Swedish Medical Center in Colorado, where she rose to the position of Chief Nursing Officer/Vice President of Nursing.

8 Honoring Richard Wilder; Dean Linda Martin (L), Jean Wilder, Dean Joseph Steiner Richard R. Wilder Richard R. Wilder (B.S.P. '50) from Cody, Wyoming, was named the University of Wyoming School of Pharmacy Outstanding Alumnus for Wilder was honored for his outstanding contributions and service to the profession of pharmacy during the College of Health Sciences award ceremony on October 11, "Dick Wilder has proven that good guys can finish first he was highly respected by his pharmacy colleagues and his community," says Dean Linda Gore Martin. Wilder and the UW School of Pharmacy's history are uniquely tied together. The school was founded in 1946 as part of an expansion at UW following World War II. Wilder served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during the war and afterward attended UW on the GI Bill. He was a member of the school's first class, which consisted of 23 students 21 men and 2 women.

9 Dean Joseph Steiner (L), Michael Vercauteren, Dr. Donna Bliss Mike Vercauteren graduated from UW with an MSW degree in 2001, focusing his studies on substance abuse prevention and macro social work. Mike believes in changing the social environment to build healthier communities and to aid the effectiveness of the treatment providers. He has a long history of prevention work in the state of Wyoming. He led the charge in passing the first city-wide smoking ban in Wyoming, in the city of Laramie. Mike has served as a field instructor for BSW and MSW students since 2006 and truly embodies the spirit of generalist practice. He is a great supporter of the Division of Social Work and our students. Our congratulations to Mike for being chosen 2013 Alumnus of the Year. The College of Health Sciences 2013 Homecoming Tailgate was a huge success!

10 Friends and Alumni of the College of Health Sciences enjoy time together before the football game. The CHS Tailgate is an annual event during the University of Wyoming's Homecoming weekend. We look forward to seeing you next year!

11 Talented event planners made it happen! The Division of Communication Disorders hosted an alternative career night in October. Students graduating with bachelor's degrees in Speech, Language, and Hearing Science have excellent foundations for a range of health- and education-related careers beyond the conventional paths of graduate education in speech-language pathology and audiology. More than 35 students attended the event, which featured speakers on deaf education, ASL interpreting, counseling, special education, early childhood education, social work, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and dental hygiene.

12 The School of Pharmacy welcomes the Class of 2017! Wyoming Institute for Disabilities Brenda Osward, founder, CEO and president of the Alliance for Self Determination, is the Wyoming Institute for Disabilities (WIND) Keith A. Miller 2013 winner. Find out more!

13 Jingong Yin, MD, PhD, (2nd from right), Vice President of the Fourth Military Medical University (FMMU) in Xi'an, is welcomed at a reception hosted by Dr. Jun Ren (far right). Several trainees from FMMU served as project investigators for INBRE, received CCRAM research or state young scientist awards over the last 4 years. Faculty and Staff News The Marcia Dale Aspire Scholars Program

14 Dr. Marcia Dale The Friends of the Fay W. Whitney School of Nursing development board [ Friends ] recently dedicated the nursing Aspire program to the late Dr. Marcia Dale, former dean of the UW School of Nursing. The program has consequently been renamed the Marcia Dale Aspire Scholars Program and focuses on nursing leadership and development. Marcia not only loved students and tremendously enjoyed helping them to succeed, but is the epitome of a leader and one to stand as an example to the new Marcia Dale Aspire Scholars. Four nursing students are selected each year for the program, beginning in the second semester of their freshmen year and continuing throughout their four years of the BSN program. Scholars participate in a variety of activities designed to enhance their leadership skills: leadership development, interprofessional activities, legislative days, and on-campus recruiting events such as UW Discovery Days. Scholars also serve as ambassadors for the Fay W. Whitney School of Nursing attending events such as the school s open house during Homecoming weekend. The Friends board has taken the Aspire program as a major focus for this year, raising funds to support the leadership development of the Marcia Dale Aspire Scholars. For example, funds could be used for travel to national meetings, such as the National Student Nurses Association Conventions, and to support meetings with nursing leadership mentors around the state. The Fay W. Whitney School of Nursing Friends Board

15 Those who would like to honor Dr. Dale by supporting the next generation of nurse leaders can mail their donations to: Inaugural Aspire students (bottom row) with supporting nursing faculty and staff. UW Foundation, 1200 East Ivinson, Laramie, WY specifying the Marcia Dale Aspire Scholars Program Fund. At the annual general meeting of the Wyoming Speech, Language, and Hearing Association, Catherine Ross was recognized for her outstanding service with the 2013 Friend of the Association Award. Mark Guiberson, Assistant Professor, presented on screening and assessment practices with preschool children from linguistically diverse backgrounds at the Division of Early Childhood Annual International Conference on Young Children with Special Needs and Their Families. San Francisco, CA. Mary Jo Cooley Hidecker, Assistant Professor, presented with her co-authors at the American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine Annual Meeting in Milwaukee on the social communication abilities of preschoolers with autism spectrum disorder and on parent-clinician agreement on a Turkish communication classification system for children with cerebral palsy. The InterMountain Speech and Hearing Conference, in Denver, had a strong showing from the University of Wyoming. Catherine Ross, Assistant Lecturer, was a member of the organizing committee and Lynda Coyle, Senior Lecturer, organized the IMASH College Bowl. UWyo fielded three teams, each composed of students, faculty, and clinicians. We took away 1st and 2nd place, and, following tradition also claimed the Spirit Award. Faculty presenters included Mark Guiberson on preschool bilingual assessent and intervention, Doug Petersen, Assistant Professor, on response to intervention for narrative language, and David Jones, Professor, on assessment and intervention for individuals with cleft palate. Master's students, Mia Shawhan, and Josie Pettipiece, presented on research projects they are conducting in Dr. Petersen's lab. David Jones, Professor in the Division of Communication Disorders, has been appointed as the Interim Associate Provost for Academic Personnel at UW.

16 National Association of Social Workers recently honored outstanding social workers in the State for Wyoming at their annual conference in Casper. Liz Dole-Izzo Director of Field Education Liz Dole-Izzo, LCSW received the Greatest Contribution Award in Social Work Practice for her contributions to the profession for almost 20 years. Dole-Izzo s achievements span the field of social work, including community involvement, academia, and direct practice. While serving as NASW Board President, she expanded the ability of NASW Wyoming to better support social workers across the state through bringing a local executive director to the organization. In her role with the University Of Wyoming- Division Of Social Work, Liz is helping to educate the social workers of tomorrow. Read full interview CHS Student News Division of Social Work Student, Caroline Schultz Brown (BSW, '14), was selected to participate in the prestigious service program, City Year. Brown will spend the academic year in service to the Chicago public school system by working with at-risk high school students as a tutor, mentor, and role model to help students finish their high school education. City Year is an education-focused nonprofit organization that partners with high need public schools to provide targeted student interventions and increase high school graduation rates. Brown says that the values of social work align well with the social justice focus of the City Year program and her BSW course work at UW has prepared her for this year Caroline Schultz Brown

17 of service. Successful 2013 UW Nursing & Health Professionals Career Fair UW Nursing & Health Professions Career Fair agencies were impressed with the students who crossed their paths at the 2013 fair. Shaylyn Sheaffer, a Senior in Communication Disorders, was this year s recipient of the Zonta Club of Laramie s Woman of Promise scholarship. She was selected out of a very strong pool of applicants and we re incredibly proud to have her as this year s recipient. This years UW Nursing Health Professions Career Fair included employers from Washington State, Montana, Colorado, and Wyoming. Agency representatives went out of their way to comment on their positive impressions of the students attending the fair. UW students make us proud! Many agencies not only were present to arrange for hiring senior students following their graduation, but also were willing to work to place junior students for practicum experiences and summer internships. By November 1st an online recruiting tool will be available on the nursing web site ( Shaylyn Sheaffer

18 Also honored with the Emerging Leader Award was Billie J. Champan, LCSW of Sheridan Wyoming. Billie s leadership skills were exemplified soon after her she received her MSW from the University of Wyoming in Upon assuming the social work role on a psychiatric treatment team, she re-defined the role, the ethics and the mission of the position to accurately reflect those of the social work profession. Early in her career, Billie met various professional challenges with expertise beyond her years and under conditions which would have been difficult even for a seasoned social worker. She has often been the lone voice of advocacy for her clients and her field. Billie embodies the leadership qualities required of our current and future leaders. It is in emerging leaders such as this year s award recipient that the hope of the social work profession is best placed. Billie Chapman Sent via WyoAlumni 1000 E. University Avenue Laramie, WY wyoalumn@uwyo.edu If you wish to be removed from this group's mailing list, click here