SHP Snapshots: Healthy Holiday Issue - Fall 2018

HEALTHY HOLIDAY ISSUE

SNAPSHOTS UAB School of Health Professions • Impressions of Alumni Excellence • Fall 2018 E-Magazine

GET INVOLVED

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

ALUMNI IN ACTION

SHP FEATURE

{ SNAPSHOTS } Impressions of SHP Alumni Excellence

• Fall 2018

HEALTHY HOLIDAY ISSUE “After a good DINNER one can forgive anybody, even one’s own relations.

— OSCAR WILDE

We Are Family

“I sustain myself with the LOVE of FAMILY.”

The comedian George Burns once said, “Happiness is having a large, loving, caring, close-knit family in another city.” He, of course, is joking, but with our SHP “family” in all 50 states and 25 countries – we are beyond happy.

— MAYA ANGELOU

Yes, we always use the word family to describe our alumni. We truly feel a bond from our years together as we watched you grow as a person and develop as a leader. Then one day you graduated and left.

Now, we know you’ll be home for the holidays. Maybe not your SHP home, but still, home. While this may trigger fond memories of the past, we really hope it compels you to look ahead. We put together the feature in this Snapshots issue (page 6) to help you make the most of your future time with your family. Happy adulting and happy holidays!

“HOME isn’t where you’re from, it’s where you find light when all grows dark.”

— PIERCE BROWN

Join our GLOBAL CONVERSATION on your favorite MEDIA OUTLET. /uabshp

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/uab_shp

UAB School of Health Professions

/uab_shp

/uabshp

Go. Give. Serve.

They say absence makes the heart grow fonder, but we disagree. We miss you, we want to see you, and here are ways you can “visit” your SHP family more often.

GET INVOLVED JAN 24: PT Reception, CSM,

Washington, DC

FEB 12: HSA Reception,

HIMSS, Orlando, FL

APR 5: OT Reception, AOTA,

GIVE BACK

SERVE OTHERS

ONLINE: uab.edu/shp/give

HOST Breakfast with Blazers

PHONE: Answer the call

GIVE a guest lecture

from a student in the Annual Giving Office or call us at 205-996-5469

BECOME a preceptor or

clinical instructor

New Orleans, LA

MAIL: Send a check

BE a mentor

MAY 19: PA Reception, AAPA,

ESTATE: Leave a legacy with

WRITE welcome notes to

a planned gift

incoming students

MATCH: Ask your employer

PARTICIPATE in one of our

Denver, CO

JUNE 7: DSc 10th Anniversary,

Birmingham, AL

See all upcoming events!

Visit our event page: uab.edu/shpevents

to match your gift

Make a difference!

Contact Katie Adams: katiedav@uab.edu

many service opportunities

Get involved today!

Contact Amanda Sherman: asherman@uab.edu

DON’T MISS OUT: update your contact info at uab.edu/shp/alumni to receive alumni news & more.

SHP ALUMNI E-MAGAZINE • FALL 2018

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ALUMNI RECOGNITION

Alumni Excellence Our alumni are consistently recognized for service to their professions and to others — here are some of our most recent honorees.

Chuck Stokes (MSHA Class 17) earned UAB National Alumni Society’s Distinguished Alumni Award

CONGRATS

EXCELLENCE IN BUSINESS

Patty Perez (DScPT, 2011; PT, 1993) earned Alabama Physical Therapy Association’s Barbara Bradford Leadership Award

2018 WINNERS Steven Forbush (PT, 1979) received the American Physical Therapy Association’s (APTA) Lucy Blair Service Award

Ronald Owen (MSHA Class 8) inducted to the Alabama Healthcare

Jason Alexander (MSHA Class 28) Ryan Beale (MSHA Class 40) Vance Chunn (MSHA Class 19; DSc, 2016) Kenneth Cochran (DSc, 2015) Courtney Harrison (OT, 2004) Brenna Powell (MSHA Class 35) Mary Temm (DSc, 2013)

Hall of Fame

June Hanks (PT, 1987) received APTA Humanitarian Award

Courtney Harrison (OT, 2004) 1st to be named to UAB Excellence in Business three consecutive years

Bill Breen (DSc, 2018) earned Memphis Business Journal’s Health Care Hero award

Michelle Cardel (NS-PhD, 2012; MS, 2009) received Young Alumni Rising Star Award from UAB National Alumni Society

Sylvia Young (MSHA Class 19) named UAB GPHA Alumna of the Year

Jeff Lindsay (MSHA Class 26) and John McWhorter III (DSc, 2012; MSHA Class 18) named to Modern Healthcare 2018 Top 25 COOs

SHARE YOUR SUCCESS: Tell us about your honors & achievements. shpalumni@uab.edu • 205-975-8415.

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ALUMNI RECOGNITION

Alumni in Action Oh the places our alumni go! No place is too far or too close for our alumni to get together.

AAPA Alumni Reception — New Orleans, LA

DSc Networking Reception — Destin, FL

PA alumni gathered for our annual alumni reception.

Doctor of Science alumni and students at the networking reception at the National Symposium for Healthcare Executives.

Dodging for Degrees — Birmingham, AL

BHS Breakfast with Blazers — Birmingham, AL

SHP Junior Advisory Board (JAB) at the 5th Annual JAB dodgeball tournament.

Biomedical and Health Sciences (BHS) alumni, Reza Atras and Jared Watson hosted current MSBHS students talking about the impact the program had on reaching their goals.

NMT Networking Event — Birmingham, AL

OT Breakfast with Blazers — Birmingham, AL

Alumni reception at the Alabama Society of Nuclear Medicine.

Occupational Therapy (OT) students shadow and learn from alumna Anna Jones at Encompass Health Lakeshore Rehabilitation Hospital.

SHP ALUMNI E-MAGAZINE • FALL 2018

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ALUMNI FEATURE

W I S H I N G YO U

a HEALTHY and HAPPY holiday season.

UAB SCHOOL OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS

HEALTHY HOLIDAY Handbook

EXPERT TIPS & ADVICE FROM SHP ALUMNI

FAMILY

◆

HEALTH

◆

FOOD

2 018

◆

WELLNESS

Make the most of your family time this holiday season with expert tips and advice provided by SHP alumni in each of our five departments.

topics: HOW TO GATHER YOUR FAMILY HISTORY

EXPERT ADVICE LONG-TERM CARE

DO'S & DONT'S HEALTHY HOLIDAY EATING

TIPS & TRICKS TRAVEL FITNESS AND EXERCISE

from the experts

HISTORY LESSONS G E N E TI C COU N S E LI N G

It’s in your head somewhere. Rote memorization at its finest. Columbus.

Mayflower. Plymouth. Pilgrims. Squanto. And on and on and on and on.

B

ut today class, we are going to talk about your history. Rather than 1492 (Columbus sailed the ocean blue) think of why your great aunt Gertrude lived until she was 92. Do you know her health history? Rather than 1621 (first Thanksgiving dinner) think about the age of 21 when your cousin Michael was first diagnosed with nonHodgkin's lymphoma. Do you know his health history? Or more importantly, did you know their history is your history?

“So many health conditions have genetic components so being aware of your family’s health history can help ensure you are getting appropriate screening,” said Emily Wakefield (GC, '14),

a genetic counselor in the Division of Human Genetics at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, and a 2014 graduate of our M.S. in Genetic Counseling program. “Knowing your family history will empower you to make educated lifestyle choices that can help reduce your risk for developing a disease that runs in your family.”

Thanksgiving, when many families are together, is an ideal time to gather your family history. Sounds simple enough, but “Hey grandma, pass the sweet potatoes and tell me how your son died.” is not appropriate Thanksgiving dinner conversation.

So what does Wakefield recommend?

HOW TO GATHER YOUR FAMILY HISTORY

1)

CHOOSE THE RIGHT SETTING

Ask questions one-onone or in a small group.

Instead of conversation over the main family dinner, conduct your interviews in a more intimate setting.

“Not everyone will feel comfortable talking about and sharing their medical information in front of a large group of extended relatives.”

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2)

FOCUS ON FAMILY

Remind them that their answers help future generations. Some people won’t feel comfortable sharing their medical information. Emphasize why and how you hope to use this information – make it clear that they are helping improve the entire family’s health for years to come.

3)

PREPARE QUESTIONS

Plan what you will ask and take notes. Make a list with your relatives names, current ages or ages when they died. Include any birth defects, childhood health issues, adulthood mental problems, etc. If a relative has a condition, ask what age they were diagnosed and how they were treated.

ALUMNI FEATURE

Thanksgiving, when many families are together, is an ideal time to gather your family history .

Wakefield says the answers you find could reveal a pattern where you can identify conditions that are common in your family’s health history.

Is there a significant occurrence of high blood pressure? A type of cancer? Seizures? Knowing these details are most important. “Having an aunt with breast cancer that was diagnosed in her 80s is going to be very different from a risk standpoint compared to an aunt diagnosed in her 30s.”

So interviews are finished. Questions are answered. Information is gathered. You’re done, right? Not yet says Wakefield.

“Share this information with your healthcare provider so you can review together and

determine if any changes to your medical management need to be made. In addition, this new information could be helpful to motivate you and others in your family to make lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking or eating healthier.”

Things that can help you live longer and allow you to share your own history, personally, with your future family for generations to come.

Wakefield adds that a simple internet search will discover many family history gathering tools that can guide you with questions to ask and help you compile all this information in one easy place that every family member can access.

ALUMNI SCRAPBOOK EMILY GILES WAKEFIELD (GC, '14) Licensed Genetic Counselor Cincinnati Children’s Hospital

ADVICE: Gather your family health history.

FAVORITE THING ABOUT THE HOLIDAYS: The food!

Giles Family

Reunion

SHP ALUMNI E-MAGAZINE • FALL 2018

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from the experts

TREAT YOURSELF N UTRITI O N SCI E N CE S

You’ve seen it on Facebook. You’ve read it on the internet. You’ve felt it as you make your New Year’s resolution. But that 5 to 10 pounds you gain over the holidays? Not true. Studies show less than 10 percent of people gain 5+ pounds.

H

owever, Stephanie Grenert (NS, '12), registered dietitian and owner of Grenert Consulting, LLC, where she provides assessments in adult weight management and medical nutrition therapy for diabetes, cardiovascular disease and kidney disease says, that is no excuse to go crazy this year. Even if you only gain one pound every holiday season you will still be 20 pounds heavier in 2038.

“The holidays are synonymous with special foods – don’t deprive yourself, but also – don’t overindulge,” says Grenert who is a 2012 graduate of our Dietetic Internship program in Nutrition Sciences. “Whether it is meals with the family or snacks at a party – fill up on vegetables – that will help you eat a small portion of your favorites and avoid overdoing it on the special treats.”

Loosely plan your day in advance. Have an idea of what you will eat, when you will eat, and stick with your plan. And that plan you have of not eating until dinner? That plan is simply the worst.

“The concept of saving up for a big meal doesn’t apply – you end up depriving yourself, becoming ravenous, and wanting to eat everything in sight,” says Grenert. “If you’re eating a dinner begin your day with a small breakfast and then have a salad or something simple for lunch. Spacing your meals out will make you eat more reasonably when the good stuff comes out.”

This advice is great if you are in one place all day long, but every family is unique. We all know families that are split in different places

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for different reasons. And when the families are near each other it often requires multiple visits and even worse – multiple meals where you can’t offend the host by not eating.

If that is you, Grenert has this advice: “It’s not about avoiding – it’s about portion size – have a small taste of everything, be honest about your activities, and most importantly, compliment the host on the food when dinner is over.”

After you eat, move. And remember any movement is a win. Want bonus points with the host? Help clear the table or wash the dishes. Want to help parents out? Take all the kids outside to play. Don’t want to go outside? Break out the Wii or the PS3 and show off your skills on Nickelodeon Fit or Dance Dance Revolution. Just move it.

Grenert also recommends tracking your entire day. She prefers apps that synchronize with her fitness tracker, but says keeping track using analog – writing it out in a food diary – works just as well.

Ultimately though, try your best to look beyond the food, because when the day is done you will remember the food, but the holiday moments are what you will relive forever.

“My family – like most families – make so many memories in the kitchen and around the dinner table during the holidays,” says Grenert. “And while these special memories include food, they are not really about what we cook or eat – they are all about the moments shared and the stories told while we are all together.”

ALUMNI FEATURE

ROASTED ROOT VEGETABLES

DO'S & DONT'S Avoid self-deprivation with these helpful nutrition do's & dont's

1)

DO PLAN AHEAD

2)

DON’T SKIP MEALS

3)

DO FILL UP ON VEGGIES

4)

DON’T OVEREAT

8-10 servings • Time: 45 minutes

INGREDIENTS: 2 lbs Yukon gold potatoes, diced into 1” pieces 1 medium celery root, peeled & diced into 1” pieces 1 small butternut squash, peeled, seeded & diced into 1” pieces 1 lb carrots, peeled & diced into 1” pieces 3 tbs olive oil 3 tbs minced fresh garlic 2 tbs chopped fresh rosemary 2 tbs chopped fresh thyme salt and pepper to taste chopped chives for garnish

DIRECTIONS: 1. Preheat oven to 425° F. 2. Toss vegetables, oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt and pepper in a large bowl until evenly coated.

3. Spread mixture in a single layer onto a large roasting pan.

4. Roast for 30-40 minutes, flip occasionally, until golden brown and crisp around the edges.

5. Sprinkle with chives and serve.

TIPS:

5)

DO MOVE AFTER A MEAL

♦ white or sweet potatoes can be substituted ♦ use more or less garlic based on taste ♦ if using dried herbs, use 2 tsp instead of 2 tbs ♦ reheat in oven or toaster oven

ALUMNI SCRAPBOOK STEPHANIE FLARITY GRENERT (NS, '12) Registered Dietician and Consultant Stephanie Grenert Consulting, LLC

ADVICE: Don’t deprive yourself, but don’t overindulge.

FAVORITE THING ABOUT THE HOLIDAYS: Good food and good times with family.

Flarity family SHP ALUMNI E-MAGAZINE • FALL 2018

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from the experts

WISHES KNOWN H E ALTH CARE AD M I N I STR ATI O N

“Don’t wait until you’re standing by your mom or dad’s hospital bed overcome by emotions and trying to make a decision. It’s never too early to start planning for long-term care because it is not about age – it’s about your health, and your health can change fast”

B

arbara Stripling (OTA, '93, HCM, '02, MSHA Class 36), administrator at Millenium Nursing and Rehab Center, speaks from experience – as a breast cancer survivor. She says the first thing you need to do, is talk to your parents about their longterm care plans.

Her advice is for you to approach your parents during the holidays when they are surrounded by family. However, avoid intervention style with all siblings.

“Approach this as a conversation where you are all working with them to make sure their wishes are known well before care is needed,” says Stripling.

The second thing you need to do, is find out how they plan to cover their care.

Do they have insurance policies? Do they have retirement plans? Do they have pension plans?

Medicare? Medicaid? Are they veterans?

“Financial resources available are the most important thing to understand, but also one of the most difficult things to sort out,” says Stripling.

Her advice is to have access to all their bank accounts – including account numbers. This is a big step in understanding how their care will be paid for.

Once you know their plans and their finances it is time to find a facility that fits their needs. Stripling says to consider Independent Living if they are self-sufficient but want a community that shares meals and social events. Look into Assisted Living if they need help from meals provided to constant care. Think about Specialty Care for those with early onset dementia and Skilled Nursing for those requiring specific medical needs.

She says www.nursinghomecompare.gov is the fairest website, but encourages you to conduct in-depth online research in advance.

“A five-star rating doesn’t necessarily mean it is the best,” says Stripling. “Consider these like you would online food ratings of a restaurant – don’t just go by the ratings, dig down into the comments to see what people really have to say.”

“Long-term care is not about age – it’s about your health, and your

health can change fast.”

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ALUMNI FEATURE

Above all, Stripling warns against choosing any place without following these guidelines:

And her advice on your in-person visits?

Simple – use all five senses.

TRUST YOUR SENSES

EXPERT ADVICE

1)

SIGHT — make

MAKE MULTIPLE IN-PERSON VISITS

2) 3)

personal visits.

SMELL – is it

GET DETAILS ON THE CARE GIVEN

palatable?

TASTE – just sit and observe.

BE CLEAR ABOUT YOUR EXPECTATIONS

HEAR – is that laughing or yelling?

4) ◆

READ THE CONTRACT FINE PRINT

FEEL – beyond touch – what is the vibe?

DID YOU KNOW? Most communities have an Area Agency on Aging and it is a free resource.

ALUMNI SCRAPBOOK BARBARA BECK STRIPLING (MSHA CLASS 36) Administrator Millenium Nursing and Rehab Center

ADVICE: It's never too early to plan for long-term care.

FAVORITE THING ABOUT THE HOLIDAYS: Getting together with family – we all have crazy family but at the end of the day we’re family and you love them.

Stripling a

nd her famil

y in China

.

SHP ALUMNI E-MAGAZINE • FALL 2018

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from the experts

TRAVEL TRICKS PHYS I CAL TH E R APY

A record 107.3 million people traveled to celebrate the year-end holidays in 2017. In years past, the average round-trip was more than 500 miles.

That is a lot of people doing a lot of sitting for a lot of time.

J

erome Higgs (PT, '16), alumnus of our Doctor of Physical Therapy program, came to Birmingham from Grand Bahama, Bahamas – nearly 700 miles away. He knows a lot about travel. He knows even more about the body and movement.

“Pushing or powering through long trips without exercising or stretching leads to increased muscle tightness, which leads to joint stiffness, which leads to pain and overall decreased functional mobility,” says Higgs.

He says it is important to begin your trip with a stretching routine to prevent muscle tightness. And no, loading the car with luggage and running to catch a flight DO NOT count as stretching routines.

Two good stretches here are the low back stretch (aka touch your toes) and the quad/hip flexor stretch where you grab the front of your

"Stand in a circle, take turns counting, and

don’t worry about perfect execution – make it fun!"

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foot and try to touch your butt with your heel.

But once you’re in a plane, train, or automobile, what do you do?

“On a plane, ankle pumps – where you raise your toes toward your shin, followed by raising your heel off the floor – are easy to perform and should be done every 15 to 30 minutes to help improve lower extremity circulation and prevent clot formation,” said Higgs. “I also recommend getting up to walk the isle to prevent further muscle tightness which can lead to pain and muscle spasm.”

An estimated 90 percent of travelers, however, will be in a car for their journey. Which is better because rather than walking up and down a short aisle, you just pull over at a safe place when the time is right for you. Plus, the standing and stretching will also help you become more alert and less tired due to the increase in blood circulation.

ALUMNI FEATURE

“Generally one to two hours are a good stopping point for people plagued with back and lower extremity pain issues,” says Higgs.

“Just getting out of the car and walking around for five minutes, taking deep breathes in, while stretching those hamstrings, calves, and latissimus (back) muscles are good enough to help keep the pain at bay.”

Finally, you’ve made it over the hills and through the woods, and you’re ready to plop down and do nothing. Not so fast, says Higgs.

Just like you exercised and stretched to prepare yourself for the day, you need to do the same to recover from the day.

“End your day with a light jog or a 15 to 30 minute walk followed by some deep breathing exercises for about 10 minutes to unwind,” says Higgs. “We know that a little can go a long way but you have to get your heart rate up for good circulation. Even so, don’t overthink the routine and do what your body can handle.”

FAMILY FUN EXERCISES Attending a large family gathering? Here are some fun fitness exercises that are suitable for all ages and skill levels. Jerome recommends you stand in a circle, take turns counting, and don’t worry about perfect execution – make it fun!

1)

STRETCHES — upper & lower body

2)

CARDIO — jumping jacks or jog in place

3)

STRENGTH — push-ups or planks

4)

HOLIDAY FUN — family dance party

ALUMNI SCRAPBOOK JEROME HIGGS (PT, '16) Clinical Manager HealthActions. Jackson Clinic

ADVICE: Don’t overthink the routine and do what your body can handle.

FAVORITE THING ABOUT THE HOLIDAYS: Spending time with family and eating what everyone has prepared.

Graduation 2016

SHP ALUMNI E-MAGAZINE • FALL 2018

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from the experts

PREVENT INJURY PHYS I CAL TH E R APY

David Witt (PT, '88) is a physical therapist specializing in the treatment of orthopedic and vestibular disorders and an MP3 Certified Medical Professional by the Titleist Performance Institute – he knows muscles, he knows the keys to the development and maintenance of balance, and he knows how to prevent injury.

H

e says that whether due to being tired, lazy, or distracted – things we all face during the holiday season – we tend to do things carelessly.

Not paying attention to what you are doing can lead to injuries.

“Remember, travel involves a lot of potential strain on the neck, shoulders, legs, and lower back,” says Witt. “Getting to your destination and celebrating with family and friends will include a lot of bending, lifting, pushing, and pulling, so performing those activities with sound body mechanics is key to eluding an avoidable injury.”

Witt says “simply bending your knees is not enough”. Hinging forward at the hips is the key to avoiding a back injuring when lifting something from the floor. In other words, maintain a small arch in your lower back while hinging at the hips and use your core muscles (tighten stomach muscles to pull your belly button inward toward the spine). Once you have done all that – don’t forget to bend your knees.

“Attention to body mechanics is an ongoing responsibility, but special care should be taken during some travel circumstances. For example, when removing luggage from the conveyor belt at baggage claim be sure not to rotate your body, but to position the suitcase close to and in front of you when lifting” says Witt.

In addition, he notes that prior injuries can

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make you vulnerable to subsequent injuries, so don’t be reluctant to ask for help if a load seems too heavy to handle safely. His concerns stem from seeing shoulder injuries occurring from overhead placement of carry-on bags or from simply lifting a small child to say hi. When pushing or pulling baggage, remember to keep your core tight and your spine upright, and use your legs as the primary mover of the object, not your arms.

Witt also advises close attention to proper sitting posture when watching football or rehashing family stories on the couch.

“Always sit with your rear end to the back of the chair or couch and place a small pillow or towel roll in the small of your back,” says Witt.

In addition, “it is usually a good idea to stand up every 30 to 45 minutes and place your hands on your upper buttocks and arch your spine backward 10 times (unless you have been told you have spinal stenosis or other advanced spinal degeneration) – in effect, moving the spine in the opposite direction of the flexed sitting position.”

What if you forget to heed the advice of this caring UAB alumnus? Remember these handy rhymes: • “Use heat on the area after you snore, if you awake feeling stiff and your muscles are sore.

• Use ice on the area after you move, if your muscles are aching to get back in the groove.”

ALUMNI FEATURE

“...getting to your destination will include a lot of bending, lifting, pushing, and pulling — sound

body mechanics are key to staying healthy."

STEP BY STEP — EXERCISE TIPS

1)

SUPINE HAMSTRING: Lie with

your back on the floor, place a strap around your foot to assist with lifting upward your left straight leg (keeping your right straight leg and flat on the ground). Hold for 30 seconds, repeat 3 times per side.

2)

OPEN BOOK STRETCH: Lie

with your left side on the floor in a fetal position and place your left hand on top of your knees to prevent them from moving. Slowly rotate your torso to the right, extend your right arm outward, and rotate your head to the right. Hold for 30 seconds, repeat 3 times per side.

3)

CAT/CAMEL: Get on your hands and

knees with your hands directly under your shoulders and your knees directly under your

hips. Arch the back upward while lowering your head, then slump your spine downward while raising your head. Repeat 20 times.

4)

BIRD DOG: Get on your hands and

knees again. Find your neutral spine (perform the cat/camel exercise 5 times, then stop in the halfway, “neutral” position). Hold that position, then simultaneously lift your left arm forward and your right leg backward. H ♦ old for 5 seconds, repeat 15 times per side.

5)

SUPERMAN: Lie on your stomach

with both legs and arms straight in the overhead position. Simultaneously, lift your arms and legs upward off of the floor. H ♦ old 3 seconds, repeat 15 times.

ALUMNI SCRAPBOOK DAVID WITT (PT, '88) Physical Therapist, Segal and Witt Physical Therapy

ADVICE: Partying during the holidays can lead to late nights and less sleep. There’s typically a lot more human contact during the holidays creating the perfect opportunity to acquire an infection. Obtaining a sufficient amount of rest, drinking plenty of water daily, and washing the hands often are great defenses against the transmission of infections and mounting a formidable fight if acquiring one.

PT Class of 1988

30th Reunion

SHP ALUMNI E-MAGAZINE • FALL 2018

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ALUMNI ABROAD

Global Conversations As a part of the School of Health Professions' alumni family, you belong to a network of 19,000 professionals in all 50 states and 25 countries. Global Conversations introduces you to SHP alumni around the world.

CHINA

JENNY WILSON (PT, 2008) Jenny Wilson has practiced physical therapy at Chinese rehabilitation centers since 2013. She is perfect to kick off our Global Conversation series where we chat with alumni about their first-hand experience living and working with a new language and a new culture that can at times be very different and very similar compared to our own.

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CHINA AND BIRMINGHAM What is your favorite thing about China?

The people! My friends and colleagues are so kind, generous, and helpful! They often go out of their way to help me and to make me feel welcome. I also really enjoy the food and the beautiful mountains in this city.

What do you miss most about Birmingham?

Again, I would have to say the people. While I have been blessed with many friends here (some like family), I still miss my family and dear friends in Birmingham (and other places) very much!

WORK LIFE What is one difference in how you practice physical therapy in China compared to the U.S.?

I need a lot more help here to do my job! While I am able to communicate verbally with patients and understand (for the most part) what they are saying, I am dependent on others when it comes to reading medical records and writing documentation.

Thankfully I have some very kind colleagues who graciously help me every day.

Is there a difference between clients in both places?

While clients in both places express a desire to be independent, there is not as much emphasis placed on that here versus in the U.S. I think part of the reason is

cultural, but I also think its related to the limited resources here to help people reintegrate into society after illness/injury (limited resources for equipment, limited access to buildings, very few jobs for persons with disabilities, etc.)

As a result, clients tend to stay in therapy (and in the hospital) for much longer and are often quite delayed in returning to their previous living/ work environments.

HEALTH CARE How does healthcare compare between the two countries?

This is a big question to answer.

Here are a few thoughts. Most insurance here is public, not private. While hospital length of stay is monitored, it seems easier for patients to be readmitted (by choice) after discharge, so many choose to stay in the hospital for long periods of time due to limited community resources for healthcare, especially therapy.

Also, insurance usually only covers therapy for inpatient stays, so that is another reason to stay in the hospital longer. Therapy services are very limited. Physical therapy and some speech therapy is offered at larger hospitals, but occupational therapy is almost nonexistent (at least in the city where I currently live).

Smaller hospitals may not have a rehabilitation department at all, or it may be staffed by nurses or other healthcare professionals (not therapists). Usually larger hospitals with rehab departments offer both inpatient and outpatient therapy, but I don’t know of any

free-standing, private, outpatient clinics in my city. Home health therapy is also non-existent.

UAB ALUMNI Which UAB alums have visited you and how have they helped?

First, it has been a great honor and a tremendous help to have Patty Perez visit for the past three years to provide a week of training in our department. My colleagues and I have learned so much and we always look forward to her visit!

For the last two years, short-term rehab teams from Birmingham have also provided training in our department.

In 2017, four UAB alums (Erin Garmany Obed, Rachel Brown Hill, Kristen Zeanah, and Wang Chuan) participated, and in 2018 two more UAB PT alums (Wesley James and Daniel Temple) plus an OT alum (Kelsey Burke) were part of a team that provided training. Most of the time was spent training the therapists and treating patients, but we also spent time providing training at a local orphanage, an affiliated hospital, and at a large rehabilitation center.

In addition, we had specific times devoted to providing care for expats living in the city. Both years the rehab team and Dr. Perez overlapped for a province-wide rehabilitation conference at which several of those visiting provided lectures. It has been exciting to see the growth and development of our department over the last three years, largely due to the positive impact of these visits.

SHARE YOUR STORY: Tell us about your international home shpalumni@uab.edu • 205-975-8415.

SHP ALUMNI E-MAGAZINE • FALL 2018

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UAB SCHOOL OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS LEGACY:

Influencing the past 50+ years.

Igniting the next 50+ years.