Newsletter September/October 2023
Celebrating collaboration, UMass Chan launches ‘Advancing Together’ brand Celebrate what we call “Advancing Together.” Here at UMass Chan, we recognize that collaboration and collegiality are the superpowers that help us advance innovation, attract some of the world’s greatest minds and train the next generation of physicians, nurse leaders and scientists. As a member of our community, you know it is an uncommon trait for which we have come to be known. Part of what makes our new brand, Advancing Together, so special and valuable is that it is rooted in data and input gathered from you - our faculty, staff, students and alumni - along with community and academic medicine leaders nationwide. It serves to inspire all that we will accomplish together in the years to come and aligns with the Medical School’s founding mission to advance the health and well-being of our diverse communities throughout Massachusetts and across the world. I invite you to take a few moments to read and watch compelling examples of how we are advancing together here: https://bit.ly/3FHmcJF September 6 UMass Chan students, faculty and staff celebrated the unique culture of collaboration for which UMass Chan is known. Check out some more pics. https://direc.to/jN_v
Appreciative Reflection
“Lend yourself to others, but give yourself to yourself.” Michelde Montaigne
Faculty Spotlight Learn more about our faculty Andrea Delaney, B.S., Ed.M. Senior Instructional Technologist Joined the GSN in 2022 Was promoted to Instructor May 2023 Tell me more about your degree My undergraduate degree, in Broadcasting and Film, is from Boston University. When I didn’t make it as a documentary filmmaker I went back to school, earning my Master’s degree in Education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. My concentration was in Technology in Education – a new-ish field in 1996! Tell us about your job at Tan Chingfen Graduate School of Nursing? Why did you choose GSN? In my previous role in IT, I worked with all 3 schools on a regular basis. Even though I don’t play favorites, it’s no secret that the GSN faculty and staff were always tops on my list of people to work with! So when an opportunity presented itself in the GSN, I jumped at the chance to join. It’s the best decision I’ve ever made here in my 18 years as a UMass Chan employee. What do you like best about your job at the GSN? I love that every day is different from the one before and the one that will come after it. One day I may be building a new course, working with students on a DNP project, and solving an enrollment mystery between PeopleSoft and Blackboard; the next day, developing an online learning module, working with Kareen and Jacob on exam support, and helping to pick a new learning management for the school. Anything can happen, and it usually does! What do you enjoy doing on your days off? I’m a history buff and I love being outside. There are so many beautiful old cemeteries in Plymouth, Burial Hill being one of the oldest in the country. I love rambling around through those sacred places and learning about the people who settled in Plymouth hundreds of years before me. We’re all so lucky to live in an area of the country where there is so much history, and so much to learn! Tell us Something interesting about yourself? My Dad taught me how to fish when I was little; it was both a joy for me to learn from him as well as a great way to get to spend time with him, since he travelled for business very frequently. When my son Braedan was old enough to get interested in fishing, I taught him what I’d learned fishing the freshwater ponds and lakes near our home in CT, and found that he loved it as much as I do. We recently started surfcasting as a family – fishing right off the shore of the beach we live near. Just a few bites so far, but we know they’re out there: flounder, bluefish, and striped bass! It’s a practical skill to have, and more importantly, a wonderful way to spend quiet time together in an increasingly hectic world. Anything else you would like to share? I’m so proud to be part of the Tan Chingfen Graduate School of Nursing, and grateful for the wonderful colleagues I have the privilege to work with each day. Thanks to you all for everything you do, and for the knowledge you’ve shared with me!
Faculty Spotlight Cont.
From the Diabetes Center of Excellence Patient Feedback “Nancy Morris is one of the very best medical practitioners I have ever had. She listens to your comments carefully and provides useful suggestions from all her knowledgeable background. I have total confidence in her.”
Students enjoyed conversation and sweet treats with Dean Vitello-Cicciu
Please join me in congratulating Dr. Ken Peterson as he has been promoted from an Assistant to an Associate Professor here in the Tan Chingfen Graduate School of Nursing . Dr. Peterson has been with us here at our school for over 13 years. He graduated from Brandeis University with his PhD and his knowledge follows from a 34-year career in the nursing profession, with 29 years as a family nurse practitioner and community health center primary care provider. He has also been a faculty member for the UMASS Chan Center for Faculty Development in the Teaching of Tomorrow (TOT) Program. We wish Ken all the best as he continues to impart his wisdom, expertise and clinical experience. Dean Joan Vitello-Cicciu
Faculty Spotlight Cont.
Ricardo Poza, M.Ed, Assistant Dean, Curriculum Innovation was a panelist at the Worcester District Medical Society WDMS 17th Annual Louis A. Cottle Medical Education Conference, "The Age of Artificial Intelligence in Medicine" They presented on the development of Artificial Intelligence in Medicine to date and what is coming as well as applications currently being tested and in use. Perspectives on education are also presented. Watch the conference here: https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=Nw1bv6ABPjY&list=PLdpEcQj4_SYGuce_AakSgwcDxFpxohIkY&index=1
Congratulations Dr. Jill Terrien, Associate Dean Interprofessional and Community Partnerships on receiving The Chancellor’s Medal for Distinguished Service. In his remarks to Terrien, Collins said, “Known as outstanding and an exemplar who integrates the worlds of academia, practice, and scholarship. A revered professional role model, a champion of interprofessional education and Collaboration. And a wonderful mentor.” Now we honor one who demonstrates passions for patient advocacy and public service. And who constantly emulates the epitome of professionalism and grace. While impacting the lives and careers of thousands by bringing service to life over many years. Dr. Terrien is invited to carry the Medical School’s ceremonial mace at events throughout the academic year. Read more about this accomplishment: https://direc.to/jLvX To hear all of the chancellor’s remarks about Dr. Terrien advance to the 26:00 minute mark in the evening program. https://www.facebook.com/umasschan/videos/283691261084196/
Faculty Spotlight Cont.
Dr. Danielle Hebert, Coordinator of AdultGerontology Nurse Practitioner Primary Care Track attended the Aquifer Annual Conference. a couple of weeks ago. I attached a photo of the Internal Medicine Consortium Board. This is the first year that NPs and PAs have been included on the boards and at the meeting.
Internal Medicine Consortium Board. Dani is in the front row second from right.
A few ways our faculty and staff are Advancing Together during the kickoff event September 6.
Faculty Spotlight Cont. Amanda Cornine Assistant Professor in the GEP Program and Karen Hunt nursing instructor at MGH was part of "teaching tip" “Word Clouds to Promote Sense of Belonging and Persistence” in the Nurse Educator journal. Listen to the video of them chatting about this tip. https:// journals.lww.com/nurseeducatoronline/pages/video.aspx?autoPlay=false&v=328 Dr.’s Thin Malatesta, Danielle Hebert, Amanda Cornine and Rita Amoah had their article entitled “Evaluating nursing students’ outcomes in an educational escape room: Escape a night of rapids!” published in Science Direct Elsevier. Read the whole article here https:// www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1557308723001622?dgcid=author
3rd Pic: Cailin Duram MS, APRN, FNP-BC (UMass Chan Alum ’09) & Youri Hwang PhD, APRN, FNP-BC
L to R: Garrett Matlick DNP, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC & Jill Terrien PhD, ANP-BC
Dr.’s Jill Terrien and Garrett Matlick were invited presenters at the Consortium for Advanced Practice Providers 6th Annual Conference in Washington DC 7/21-7/23/23. Dr’s Terrien and Matlick presented on “Bolstering QI Projects: Boot Camp for Supporting Your Trainees QI Projects.” The Consortium is an organization that supports new and ongoing post graduate training programs for nurse practitioners and physician associates in the achievement and maintenance of the highest standards of rigor and quality with the goal of achieving an expert healthcare workforce prepared to meet the needs of patients and the society as a whole. Dr. Matlick practices at Community Health Centers Inc. in Stamford CT. At the conference was Tan Chingfen Graduate School of Nursing Alum Cailin Duram who is the Program Director, Sexual and Reproductive Health Advanced Practice Clinician Residency at Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts and her partner Youri Hwang who is the Associate Director, Sexual and Reproductive Health Advanced Practice Clinician Residency at Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts. The conference theme: Transforming Advanced Practice Postgraduate Training Stronger Together: Setting the Standards, was well attended with networking, collegiality and enthusiasm for postgraduate residencies.
Student Spotlight Returning students led workshops about managing mental health and combating imposter syndrome during the Inclusive Excellence Orientation led by UMass Chan Medical School’s Diversity and Inclusion Office: https://direc.to/jqcS Medical and advanced practice nursing students at UMass Chan Medical School train side by side. Learn about how we are advancing together through interprofessional learning: https://direc.to/jCsH
DNP student Cynthia Delmas, RN, launched the New Bedford Health Initiative to make health care accessible to the homeless. Her efforts have expanded to include free food, haircuts, counseling and clothes: https://direc.to/jCif
Rachel Murumba, DNP 3 student has been selected to join the Aquifer NP Student Advisory Group (2023-2024). As part of the Student Advisory Group, she will be invited to preview and provide honest, constructive feedback on Aquifer’s current and developing learning tools. Feedback from this group will be used to optimize the technology, inform communications, and develop training resources.
UMass DR BHI conference with Buen Samaritano in La Romana, DR. Dr. Alaina Filiau, GSN PhD graduate presented her dissertation study on “Hope for the Future: Key informant’s perspectives of HIV prevention in the Batey communities in the Dominican Republic”. Karla Burns and Joe Tulip, GSN DNP NP students, facilitated discussion of ongoing and future work. UMass Chan Faculty sponsors include Jean Boucher, PhD, ANP, GSN and Dr. Michele Pugnaire, SOM.
Student Spotlight Cont. Lisa Cappabianca and Ellen Burgess DNP-1 students are team leaders in the Interprofessional Trainee Quality Council for the 2023-2024. They will be leading teams with members from the school of medicine and nursing. Ellen’s project is focused on Reducing Alarm Fatigue in the ICU and Lisa’s project is focused on Palliative Care for Heart Failure Patients. Lisa Cappabianca
Ellen Burgess
Congratulations Kayla Thomas, MS, RN, DNP-3 student. She was hired as a full time faculty member in Mental Health Nursing at Fitchburg State University. Let’s wish her well in her new endeavor.
ENA Connection Member Spotlight July 2023: Sarang Raj, RN - https://www.ena.org/membership/ member/member-spotlight/previous-spotlight October 2023: The last word with Sarang Raj, RN DNP-2 student in the Adult Gerontology Acute Care track. Raj is also an RN Emergency Nurse at UMass Memorial Health Alliance-Clinton Hospital. Read more about Raj here: https://www.enaconnection-digital.org/enaconnection/ library/item/october_2023/4137397/
Jennifer Costa, PhD Candidate, received a Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. (NEF) Scholarship for the 2023-2024 academic year. Read more about Jennifer here: https://www.n-e-f.org/scholars/ winners/jennifer-costa.html NEF’s only purpose is to provide nursing scholarship assistance to make graduate level nursing education possible. NEF is the largest, single, private, professionally endorsed source of funds for advanced nursing study with over one hundred years of service to and for professional nursing.
Student Spotlight Cont.
Reggie Sarpong, DNP-3; Niloufar Asdigha, GEP; Florence Gichuhi, Post Masters DNP; and Jen Bugos, DNP-2; Eddie Glazebrook, DNP-3 students, along with Dr’s. Thin Malatesta and Jill Terrien assisted in the IM injection training of the new med school class. They trained 200 incoming SOM students on day 4 of their orientation. The event was run by second year SOM students in the Student Crisis and Emergency Preparedness Committee of which Dr. Jill Terrien is the faculty advisor. Materials used for training were a video created by GSN students.
2023 New Student Orientation
August 16, 2023 we welcomed a new class to the Tan Chingfen Graduate School of Nursing.
Student Spotlight Cont. Students in the Doctor of Nursing Practice program who will start their clinical practice phase of their education received a white coat on Tuesday. View the full list: https://direc.to/jLj6
Student Spotlight Cont. Five Graduate Entry Pathway students earned honors for exceptional achievements, including academic excellence, clinical excellence and community engagement during Monday's pinning ceremony: https://direc.to/jLhW
Student Spotlight Cont. Saturday August 12, 2023 the Office of Student Affairs and Admissions hosted our students, faculty and staff at Polar Park for a WooSox baseball game. We had special shirts made for the day and fun was had by all who attended. The WooSox won 8 to 2 against Buffalo.
Please join me in congratulating Kimberly Mantlow on the successful defense of her dissertation, “Prelicensure nursing education experience of students with physical disabilities: A qualitative descriptive study” on Tuesday August 15, 2023! The focus of her study on the experiences of nursing students who had a physical disability during their prelicensure education will make a significant contribution to the literature – we look forward to seeing it in print! Addressing the challenges this group of students frequently encounter during their nursing education is important and the outcomes of this study provide direction to move this forward.
Thank you to the Dissertation Committee Members who helped Dr. Mantlow achieve her educational goals, Dr. Nancy Morris, Dr. Susan Sullivan Bolyai and Dr. Anthony McGuire Decreasing vaccine pain and anxiety for babies, children and teens at the Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center DNP-3 student David Runyan along with Keri Walko-Henry, ATR, CCLS, LMHC, child life specialist; Sarabeth Broder-Fingert, MD, MPH, associate professor of pediatrics; and Lauren Fortier, CPNP-MSN, RN, instructor in pediatrics received a Remillard Family Community Service grant. To provide training and education for expansion of the Kids’ Comfort Program at the Kennedy Community Health Center and create Comfort Kits that include ColdSpray (numbing spray), ShotBlockers (a plastic disc that helps to decrease injection pain, Buzzy (a vibrating tool that helps block pain), oral sucrose (pain relief for infants) and reusable distraction toys.
Alumni Spotlight Global Health Nurse Education Brings Collaboration and Support Personal Tragedy. Nancy Barsamian a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) graduate class of 2023 developed and implemented her DNP project on Palliative Care Nurse Education for Patients with Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease in the Republic of Armenia. This global health education program began in May of 2021 as a training of trainers program using the End of Life Nursing Education Consortium (ELNEC) curriculum. Nancy’s initial trip to Armenia to implement this program in September 2022 was cancelled due to US State Department warnings. This required her to pivot her training to an online platform, and remote education. Through this process she developed into a collaboration with the American University of Armenia (AUA)Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing students and faculty. Upon graduation from Umass Tan Chingfen Graduate School of Nursing, in July 2023, Nancy continued her training and traveled to Armenia and organized a symposium on Geriatric Palliative Care for Persons Living with Dementia: Interdisciplinary Education Program as part of the Sixth International Medical Congress of Armenia. Over 170 nurse participants attended an all-day in person training. Miraculously, included in the audience was a mother and daughter nurse team from the city of Stepanakert, Nagorno Karabagh. Their family had to flee their home, risking their lives, and moved to Yerevan. Being so devoted to caring for the elderly they managed to attend the conference to advance their knowledge.
DNP student with the interdisciplinary group of trainers in Armenia nurses, psychologists, and physicians. October 2023 Nancy’s DNP project was presented at the poster session of the Sigma Global Health Nursing Excellence conference held at Boston College
The below highlights the amazing work of one of the PMHNP clinical faculty and post-maters DNP graduate Dr. Joy Camara. Dr. Camara is a business partner with co-owners Beth Fitzgerald, NP and her husband as they open a new addiction recovery clinic, Pathway to Recovery, in a small storefront office in Taunton today. Taunton and the surrounding area has been hard hit with the closing of several recovery clinics as of late, making this a much-anticipated opening. Unfortunately, early yesterday morning a truck crashed through the storefront, damaging the building. Thankfully there were no injuries, but the crash will certainly delay the clinic’s opening potentially for months. Taunton Mayor Shaunna O’Connell (cited in the article link below) offered the following praise: “Beth Fitzgerald and Joy Camara are amazing practitioners who have been in the city for a long time and have a deep understanding of the needs and challenges in Taunton.” and “We are very lucky to have their expertise and dedication to rely upon as we continue to navigate the opioid crisis.” I wanted to showcase the clinical and community work of our clinical faculty.
Dr. Jill Terrien, Associate Dean Interprofessional and Community Partnerships along with John Erwin a pediatric resident, Steven Terrien and Aaron from Consigli at Camp Wind in the Pines in Leicester during United Way Day of Caring September 15, 2023.
Sue Collette, Senior Educational Program Specialist (3rd from left) collecting trash at Rollstone Hill “Rock Walk” Trail in Fitchburg during United Way Day of Caring September 15, 2023.
Faculty and staff dressed up for Halloween and brought bags of goodies to the pediatric patients at UMass Memorial Children’s Medical Center.
Congratulations Dr. Thin Malatesta, Assistant Professor of Graduate Entry Pathway and her husband Nick. Meet Via Rosemary Wai Malatesta Born October 25, 2023 7lbs 8 oz; 20" long
Dr. Jim Fain retired from the Tan Chingfen Graduate School of Nursing in September 2023. Congratulations on your retirement. Best wishes as you embark on this new journey.
Danielle Bloh, Executive Assistant (3rd from left) and Dean Vitello (4th from left) along with other UMass Chan Medical School employees volunteered at the EcoTarium July 31st. Their tasks included re-painting the sundial in front of the main building, and outdoor yard work along the perimeter fence (mulching, raking, etc). Shared by Dean Vitello from one of our incoming students “Choosing the right graduate program was difficult for me. With many options and opportunities, I wanted to make the correct choice. As I sought out more information about each program one office stuck out more than the others, UMass Tan Chingfen’s Graduate School of Nursing. Diane and Max were always very punctual in replying to my many emails I sent to them in the past year. I really appreciated how Diane was able to fit me in for a tour even with COVID precautions still in place at the School of Nursing. I met Max officially in person at the accepted students day back in May 2023. I told him that I was still deciding on which program to attend. He was very neutral, offered an ear to listen and answered many of my questions I had for him. What sets Max and the office apart is the outgoing personalities, prompt email return and the ability to answer questions instead of saying “I’ll get back to you”, which I got from other programs.” “At the WooSox game I was quick to introduce Max to a student’s spouse who is considering applying as a nursing instructor. Max gets everything done you ask of him and is always willing to help. I have also never seen him without a smile! Max is very knowledgeable about the program and statistics. He goes out of his way for us and tries to get to know us on an individual level. The promptness and knowledge of the program by Max was what led me to pursue nursing at UMass, amongst other variables.” We are very lucky to have one of the best Student Affairs and Admissions office. Professional, knowledgeable and always ready when students need them. Thank you Max Quinn, Diane Brescia and Kim Kramer for all that you do.
Recipe of the Month It can be hard to decide what to bring to a holiday get together. I hope the below ideas help just a little bit.
20 Back-to-School Dinners From Your Slow Cooker - Most of these recipes take 15 minutes or less to prep, and then your slow cooker does the rest. When you all come home after a busy day your home-cooked dinner will be ready and waiting. https://www.allrecipes.com/gallery/backto-school-slow-cooker-recipes/ 25 Holiday Dinners So Delicious, They'll Become Annual Traditions - These stunning main dishes will be the star of any holiday dinner spread. This mix of four- and five-star recipes has something for your next gathering. https://www.eatingwell.com/ gallery/7937315/best-traditional-holiday-dinner-recipes/ 88 Very Merry Treats to Bake This Holiday Season There’s no denying that festive treats are the most fun to make. That’s why you’ll find so many recipes in this roundup, we’ve got all the Yuletide treats you could ever need. https://www.foodnetwork.com/holidays-and-parties/ packages/holidays/holiday-central-baking/best-holidaybaking-recipes/
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For the November/December newsletter have your submissions in by December 15th. Send in your submissions today using the submission form or email susan.collette@umassmed.edu