The Pulse Spring 2023

STRONGER TOGETHER: Uniting the Health Professions

Message from the Dean

Dear Hawks,

I am thrilled to introduce the Spring edition of our School of Pharmacy and Health Professions magazine, “The Pulse” to showcase the remarkable achievements of our faculty, staff, students, and alumni. On April 28, we had the ribbon cutting ceremony of the School of Pharmacy and Health Professions building, a $90 million, 130,000 square-foot state-of-the-art facility. The Phase I opening of the Pharmacy and Health Professions Building is the first step in concentrating the school’s six academic departments — kinesiology, physical therapy, physician assistant, rehabilitation services, pharmaceutical sciences, and pharmacy— into one location. The second phase of the project will allow for the construction of a facility that will include classrooms, simulation labs, and collaborative spaces for the physical therapy, physician assistant, rehabilitation, and kinesiology programs. We look forward to fostering interdisciplinary study and uniting all health professions programs under one roof.

Our faculty members are at the forefront of advancing healthcare education and practice. In this edition, we shine a spotlight on their groundbreaking research, innovative teaching pedagogies, and their contributions to the wider healthcare community. Dr. Hsia, Chair of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Dr. Dennis Klima, Professor of Physical Therapy, were named as Board of Regents Faculty Award recipients. Dr. Yen Dang, Acting Chair of Kinesiology, was honored as one of The Daily Records’ Healthcare Heroes for Community Outreach. We also wish Dr. Adel Karara, Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Dr. Cindy Gill, Professor of Physical Therapy, well on their retirement and thank them for their contributions to the program.

Our students have demonstrated exceptional talent, resilience, and a passion for improving healthcare outcomes. In this edition, we proudly share stories of our students’ achievements, both inside and outside the classroom. Our healthcare professions students have learned from and worked with each other in interdisciplinary projects including the Health Festival, Cardiac Event, and PODS drill. We have celebrated the graduation of our first cohort of Physician Assistant students in December 2022, the trailblazers now entering the workforce. Keyona Henry, a senior in Exercise Science, won the American Kinesiology Association’s Undergraduate Scholar award. Rhashanda Haywood, pharmaceutical sciences graduate student, was awarded the 2023 PhRMA Pre-doctoral Fellowship. From research accolades to community engagement initiatives, our students’ accomplishments remind us of the impact we can make as future healthcare professionals.

Our school is deeply committed to serving the community, and this newsletter will highlight the various outreach programs and initiatives in which our faculty, staff, and students actively participate. The Department of Kinesiology hosted their Hawk Walk Comeback for the Town of Princess Anne. The PT program hosted their first Gala fundraiser for the Marquette Challenge. Pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences students participated in local community service events including the 5K Walk for Epilepsy, Restore the Shore, and Adopt-a-Block. By engaging with local organizations, conducting health screenings, and volunteering our expertise, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.

We continue to foster a sense of unity among all health professionals within our community, irrespective of our individual disciplines. Our diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise contribute to the vibrant tapestry of healthcare, and at UMES, our interdisciplinary collaborations make us “stronger together.”

With Hawk Pride,

Dr. T. Sean Vasaitis

Acting Dean of the School of Pharmacy and Health Professions

List of Administrators

DR. HEIDI M. ANDERSON PRESIDENT

DR. RONDALL E. ALLEN PROVOST AND VICE PRESIDENT OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

DR. T. SEAN VASAITIS ACTING DEAN, SCHOOL OF PHARMACY AND HEALTH PROFESSIONS

DR. TIMOTHY GLADWELL ASSOCIATE DEAN FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS AND ASSESSMENT

DR. LANA SHERR ASSISTANT DEAN FOR PROFESSIONAL AFFAIRS

DR. KAWANDA WILLIAMS ASSISTANT DEAN FOR EXPERIENTIAL EDUCATION

DR. FREDERICK TEJADA ACTING ASSISTANT DEAN OF STUDENT AFFAIRS

DR. TIFFANY MAXWELL DEPARTMENT CHAIR, PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT

DR. MIKE RABEL DEPARTMENT CHAIR, PHYSICAL THERAPY

DR. YEN DANG ACTING DEPARTMENT CHAIR, KINESIOLOGY

DR. WILLIAM TALLEY DEPARTMENT CHAIR, REHABILITATION SERVICES

DR. VICTOR HSIA DEPARTMENT CHAIR, PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES

DR. MIRIAM PURNELL DEPARTMENT CHAIR, PHARMACY PRACTICE AND ADMINISTRATION

New Pharmacy & Health Professions building christened with ribbon cutting

It was a celebration for the University of Maryland Eastern Shore as the much-anticipated opening of its new School of Pharmacy and Health Professions building became official.

The facility, constructed on the continually developing and growing east side of the UMES Campus, was christened by President Heidi M. Anderson, School of Pharmacy and Health Professions staff and faculty, University System of Maryland Chancellor Jay Perman, and Board of Regents chairperson Linda Gooden, and numerous state officials with a ribboncutting ceremony.

“This (project) has been a labor of love for me and my colleagues, for the past five years,” Anderson, UMES’s 16th president, said as she addressed the group of civic members, faculty, alumni, and current students. “This phase one building will enhance the capacity of UMES to teach and deliver critical health services, but it is also an important new resource for the community as we – together – address rural health disparities and determine how to best deliver services to our community.”

Construction of the $90 million, 125,000-square-foot building began in late 2019 following the announcement of a $10 million allocation by the Maryland General Assembly in April.

The opening of the facility is the next step in concentrating the university’s nine health programs and six academic departments — kinesiology, physical therapy, physician assistant, rehabilitation services, pharmaceutical sciences, and pharmacy practice & administration — in one location.

In all, UMES has the most health professions programs among all Historically Black Colleges and Universities

nationally.

Anderson said that as a pharmacist, the new facility holds “special meaning” to her, while also helping advance the goal of helping UMES students prepare to address the most pressing health issues of the day, especially for rural communities in areas of the Eastern Shore.

Many of the students in SPHP programs are actively involved with faculty and community initiatives to improve the health and well-being of citizens, which include the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines through clinics for Somerset County citizens as well as collaborations with TidalHealth and other community organizations.

“These cutting-edge facilities will give our students the opportunity to soar above and beyond toward anything they want to accomplish in the future,” said Dr. T. Sean Vasaitis, the acting dean of the School of Pharmacy and Health Professions. “But that future does require the completion of our learning complex. As you tour this building, do notice that there are very specialized spaces … because this building was always

UMES president Dr. Heidi M. Anderson (center) poses for the honorary ribbon cutting with a group that includes (L to R) Dr. T. Sean Vasaitis, USM Chancellor Jay Perman, Del. Sheree Sample-Hughes, USM Board of Regents Chairperson Linda Gooden, State Sen. Mary Beth Carozza, Del. Adrienne Jones, and LaTina Wilson, chair of the UMES Board of Visitors.

‘A labor of love’

Photo: Todd Dudek

Maryland House of Delegates Speaker Adrienne Jones whose leadership and vision played an important role in the opening of the new building.

Photo: Todd Dudek

meant to be part of a larger complex.”

The aforementioned “phase one” of the complex features a state-of-the-art facility containing classrooms, offices, research laboratories, a community and hospital pharmacy practice space, and simulation laboratories.

This learning environment will house the pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences programs while accommodating interprofessional activities with UMES’s allied health programs.

Phase two of the project, which will follow after funds are secured, will not only include simulation laboratories, classrooms, and collaborative spaces for the university’s physical therapy, physician assistant, rehabilitation, and kinesiology programs but would also house a proposed School of Veterinary Medicine.

With the completion of the School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, the east portion of the campus continues to see significant development and growth that started nearly a decade ago with the construction of the nearby Engineering and Aviation Sciences Complex in 2016, and will continue with the construction of UMES’s new Agricultural Research and Education Center, set for a groundbreaking ceremony this summer.

The complex will not only help steer the School of Pharmacy and Health Professions toward fulfilling its mission of preparing healthcare professionals and advocates to lead change in the field through interprofessional education, research, and service on the local, state, national and global levels but also continue to help move towards more interdisciplinary interaction, which is an essential goal to Anderson.

“It is critical as it will bring all of our other health professions programs together to foster the kind of synergies that are necessary to deliver 21st-century health care,” Dr. Anderson said.

Photos courtesy of Todd Dudek, UMES Ag Communications

Dr. Sean Vasaitis, Interim Dean of the School of Pharmacy and Health Professions, speaks about the need for a Phase 2 of the health professions building.

Dr. Heidi Anderson provides the opening address for the ribbon cutting.

Maryland Pharmacists Association (MPhA) attends the building opening.

Coach Nelson, Dr. Hwang, Dr. Dang, and Mrs. Machinski of the Department of Kinesiology.

The Hawk Walk Comeback

The Department of Kinesiology’s signature event, “The Hawk Walk”, made its comeback in April 2023 after the pandemic for the town of Princess Anne. Led by Coach Nelson, this 2.5 mile walk starting on UMES around Princess Anne also hosted health screenings, food, and prize raffles for the community. Students from the Department of Kinesiology and the health professions assisted with the registration, food distribution, and health fitness process. Special thanks to all the sponsors and volunteers who made the event possible.

The UMES Pep Band gives participants some pep in their step.

Participants warm up with Harry the Hawk.

Hawk Walk participants begin the 2.5 mile walk.

Students from the health professions volunteered to assist with health screenings.

Coach Nelson serves up “yum yum burgers” for the participants.

Student News

Daniel Reyes, a student of the Department of Kinesiology and a Health and Wellness student assistant employee, showed up - and showed off with power to spare at the 2023 Delaware State Powerlifting Championships. This was Daniel’s first official powerlifting competition, and he placed First Place in both the 67.5kg (148 lb) teenage and open division. Daniel exceeded his personal lifts with a 353lb squat, and 400lb deadlift.

Taylor Honesty (freshman) and Minaya

of Exercise Science attended the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)’s International Health & Fitness Summit in Arlington, VA, in March 2023. They were the youngest members there!

Keyona Henry, senior and President of the Exercise Science Club, received the American Kinesiology Association (AKA)’s Undergraduate Scholar award. Awards are based on a student’s academic performance, scholarly interests/accomplishments, leadership, and service to the profession.

DEPARTMENTAL RESEARCH DAY

MRS. KIMBERLY MACHINSKI Administrative Assistant visited Pocomoke Elementary School to talk to PreK - 3rd graders about kinesiology.

DR. LASHAWN NASTVOGEL Assistant Professor led the LIFT-UP grant sponsored by Somerset Co. Health Department to promote fitness, weight management, and bone health at UMES.

DR. YEN DANG Acting Chair of Kinesiology was named “The Daily Record’s Healthcare Heroes” for Community Outreach with her work in health disparities research and program development.

Students in the “EXSC 445: Health Aspects of Aging” class presented their exercise science research findings to the department.

Humphries (sophomore)

2023 UMES Hooding Ceremony

Postgraduate Opportunities

PGY-1 Residency

Dr. Kevin Aikins

University of Maryland Capital Region Medical Center

Largo, MD

Dr. Ashley Che VA Medical Center

Washington, DC

Class of 2023 Fact Sheet

Dr. Chidera Egeonu

ChristianaCare Health System

Newark, DE

Dr. Trevor Harrington

TidalHealth Peninsula Regional

Salisbury, MD

Dr. Audree Mbianda

MedStar Harbor Hospital

Baltimore, MD

Dr. Besen Sanga

The Johns Hopkins Hospital

Baltimore, MD

Dr. Rebekah Torchon

University of Rochester Medical Center

Rochester, NY

Postdoctoral Fellowships

Dr. Zach Becouvarakis

Regulatory Affairs - Labeling Fellow

Sanofi

Hampton, VA

Dr. Gabriel Joseph

Global Regulatory Affairs Fellow

Amgen in conjunction with Howard University

Washington, DC

Dr. Ramatoulaye Koita

Pharmacovigilance Fellow

Johnson & Johnson - Kenvue Consumer

Summit, NJ

Dr. Rita Ogbonna

Medical Affairs Fellow

GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals in conjunction with Howard University Washington, DC

Disaster and Emergency Preparedness and Response: An Opportunity for Interprofessional Collaboration and Education

In collaboration with the Somerset County Health Department and with support from the Maryland Board of Pharmacy Emergency Preparedness Task Force, the Eastern Shore Collaborative for Interprofessional Education (ESCIPE), an inter-institutional initiative of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and Salisbury University reunited for the first in-person point-of-distribution (POD) drill/exercise on February 21, 2023. The POD drill exercise was started in 2013 and continued through 2019 for almost seven years through collaborative partnerships of the above mentioned groups. However, this had to discontinue in 2020 and was held via virtual platform in 2021.

Interprofessional collaboration among several faculty in medical laboratory science, nursing, pharmacy, physician assistant, and respiratory therapy brought together about 110 students in those healthcare disciplines for preparedness and response training. This application- or skills-based training was on the preparation and implementation of a mass vaccination clinic for the influenza vaccination. Students swapped roles as patients versus providers in two rounds and rotated through five stations, including: greeting, registration, consultation, vaccination, and observation. They also received just-in-timetraining, which occurred immediately prior to the start of the

drill exercise for students of all disciplines.

During multiple rounds of the POD drill over three hour periods, interprofessional faculty and students worked sideby-side in different roles (greet patients, register them, then send them to consultation, vaccination, and observation) throughout the POD drill exercise. Faculty in different healthcare professions met after the POD drills for a debrief and after-action report. Meanwhile, students are also given a survey after the POD drill to provide feedback on their interprofessional education experiences.

Acknowledgements: The faculty organizers for the POD drill were Dr. Sherr and Dr. Truong who also drafted the article. Dr. Khalid Hasan and Prof. Nicole Wooten in the PA department also assisted with the event. It was a collaboration of Pharmacy and PA at UMES.

POD Drill Leadership Team and UMES Police

Registration Station for POD Drill

The interprofessional team from UMES and Salisbury University

Student Organization Events

A Closer Look at Community Service

The 10th Annual 5k Strides for Epilepsy Walk was held at UMES on Sunday, May 7th, by the Pharmacy Student Government Association. They raised $1255 to CURE Epilepsy and the United Needs & Abilities, Inc.

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences graduate students distribute food to Salisbury families in need through the Adopt-a-Block Outreach, Inc.

Phi Lambda Sigma participated in its annual event, “Restore The Shore,” where they went out on “Earth Day” and cleaned up the community by picking up trash in the neighborhoods surrounding Salisbury, MD.

Welcome New Faculty

Dr. Balish is a second-generation pharmacist who currently holds licenses in Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia. He graduated from Salisbury State University with a B.S. in Biology in 2000. He proceeded to earn an M.S. in Biotechnology and Bioinformatics from Johns Hopkins University while working as a virologist in Research and Development at Intervet in Millsboro, DE. Dr. Balish then attained his Pharm.D. from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, School of Pharmacy in 2014.

While in pharmacy school, Dr. Balish participated in NIH-funded grant research on antiviral drugs relating to Herpetic Keratitis, co-authored seven scientific papers, and presented his work at two herpes viral conferences (including one international conference). After graduation, he worked at Pemberton Pharmacy in Salisbury and St. Michaels, followed by Apple Discount Drugs where he has been for the last 5 years. In his time working as a community pharmacist, he has been an active member of the Maryland Pharmacists Association, serving on several committees including: Advocacy, Resolutions, Communication, and CBD and Cannabis. He served as Vice-Speaker and Speaker of the House for MPhA in 2018-2019 and has been Co-Editor of the annual Fader’s Pharmacy Law Book since 2018. Following his young daughter’s Type 1 Diabetes diagnosis, Dr. Balish became a Certified Diabetes Educator and currently sits on the Diabetes Educator Task Force.

MATTHEW BALISH, PHARM.D., M.S.

This year, Rho Chi Honor Society Delta Sigma Chapter inducted five new members into its organization. Members had to be in the top 20% of the pharmacy class.

UMES School of Pharmacy Student National Pharmaceutical Association’s Cultural Day Event! Food, Fun, and Fellowship!

SCIENCES

Student Highlights

UMES

Graduate Student

Awarded 2023 PhRMA Predoctoral Fellowship

Pharmaceutical sciences student among 18 fellowship recipients

Soaring above and beyond is just what Rhashanda Haywood is doing as one of 18 researchers who were awarded a total of nearly $1.3 million by PhRMA Foundation as 2023 award recipients. Out of 300 applicants, Haywood was awarded the PhRMA predoctoral fellowship, which provides a stipend of $25,000 per year for up to two years and allows for $1,000 a year to be used for incidentals directly associated with the thesis research preparation.

“I was ecstatic. It was an overwhelming experience. I thought ‘should I go after this?’ I included it on my vision board,” Haywood said about applying and receiving her fellowship award.

The PhRMA Foundation “fosters biopharmaceutical innovation and value-driven health care by investing in the frontiers of research. The Foundation catalyzes the careers of promising researchers through competitive, peer-reviewed grants and fellowships in the fields of drug delivery, drug

discovery, translational medicine, health outcomes research and value assessment.”

Haywood is studying pharmaceutical sciences in the University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s School of Pharmacy and Health Professions. Her predoctoral fellowship award is in the area of drug discovery. Her research is focused on “anti-seizure agents.”

“My hope is that my research leads to a compound that has the potential to become a Food and Drug Administration approved anti-seizure agent,” she said. The Spartanburg, S.C. native earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Johnson C. Smith University and a master’s degree in chemistry from North Carolina A&T University. “UMES’ pharmaceutical sciences program gave me exposure to the drug discovery and drug development process,” Haywood said about the UMES’ role in her research and helping her achieve her goals. Haywood’s goal is to be a professor to serve in academia and still perform research.

“Rhashanda is a hard-working graduate student. She is dedicated to her research of designing and synthesizing small molecules for drug resistant epilepsy and generalized epilepsy. I am very proud of Rhashanda to have received this prestigious fellowship. Our research is helping to put UMES on the map. We soar like the hawk,” said Dr. Patrice Ayotunde, the Richard A. Bernstein Endowed Professor and professor of medicinal chemistry who works closely with Haywood.

“I want to change the space for young Black scientists,” Haywood said about the impact of her research and success.

WELCOME NEW GRADUATE STUDENT: MARY TWUMASI

Mary Twumasi grew up in Ghana, West Africa. She is a pharmacist with seven years of professional experience. She also holds a Master’s Degree in Natural Drug Products from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana. She was inspired to do pharmacy coming from a background where research for natural medicinal products was inadequate. Mary is currently enrolled in the Pharmaceutical Sciences doctoral program at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Drug Design and Discovery track. Mary aspires to be a part of academia and researcher. She hopes to discover novel molecules that can be used to combat resistant infections. Outside the classroom and lab, Mary enjoys sightseeing, swimming, and listening to music. She aspires to travel to all seven continents.

Haywood performs research in a lab at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.

Faculty News

Hsia named Board of Regents Faculty Award recipient

The University System of Maryland Board of Regents Faculty Award honors excellence in the categories of mentoring, teaching, public service, scholarship or research, and creative activity. Dr. Victor Hsia of the School of Pharmacy and Health Professions received the honors for excellence in creative activity.

“It’s a privilege each year to pay tribute to our outstanding faculty,” USM Chancellor Jay A. Perman said. “The impact of their teaching, their discovery, their scholarship and service simply can’t be overstated. That our winners have distinguished themselves among tens of thousands of their faculty colleagues across the System makes this a rare honor and proves just how meaningful are their accomplishments. I’m so grateful for their work.”

Dr. Hsia was recognized for his work in biomedical research, where he was the principal investigator on the first National Institutes of Health R01 grant awarded to UMES, and for his role in helping secure funding from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute to create the STEM STARS program, which will address diversity, equity, and inclusion in support of STEM education and career readiness.

The award carries a $2,000 prize provided by the institutions and the University System of Maryland Foundation.

Tai Chi Workshop with Master Chen Bing

The School of Pharmacy and Health Professions, the University of Maryland Baltimore County Wushu Club and the HopeNET essential tremor advocacy and support organization hosted a four day workshop focused on tai chi from June 2 - 5, 2023. The workshop was led by guest speaker and tai chi master Chen Bing from Chenjiagou China, the birthplace of tai chi. There was a special session on tai chi for essential tremor, where Master Chen discussed using tai chi to calm the mind and reduce anxiety, while Dr. Sean Vasaitis incorporated some of the findings from their previous tai chi for essential tremor pilot study. Mr. Peter Muller, Executive Director of HopeNet, stated that the workshop exceeded his greatest expectations.

Farewell, Dr. Karara

Dr. Adel Karara, one of the founding faculty of the UMES School of Pharmacy retired at the end of December 2022. He joined UMES in April 2010 as an Associate Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences after holding senior positions in the pharmaceutical industry. As founding member of the UMES pharmacy program, Dr. Karara was instrumental in developing courses in pharmaceutics, biopharmaceutics and pharmacokinetics. Dr. Karara chaired the curriculum committee that successfully guided the program through the first full accreditation of the pharmacy program at UMES. Dr. Karara also chaired the committee that prepared the proposal that led to successful implementation of the M.S. and Ph.D graduate programs in pharmaceutical sciences. In 2017, Dr. Karara was promoted to Full Professor with tenure. Dr. Karara’s leadership was instrumental in the School of Pharmacy being awarded a $1,331,255 grant from the NIH National Institutes of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)for a project entitled “Drug Discovery and Biomedical Research Training Program for Underserved Minority Youth”. Since 2019, the funding for this Science Education and Partnership Award (SEPA) allowed the School of Pharmacy to provide hands-on biomedical research training to 50 local high school students/year from Somerset County on the UMES campus.

During his professional career, Dr. Karara co-authored 43 publications on the topics of pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamics modeling of uptake and disposition of drug agents, and enhancement of bioavailability of poorly soluble compounds. Dr. Karara is a Charter member of the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS). He was elected to serve as the Chair of the Clinical Pharmacology and Translational Research Section of the American Association Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS). Dr. Karara also served as a voting member on the FDA Pharmaceutical Science and Clinical Pharmacology Advisory Committee for oncology drugs (ODAC) that approved several important biosimilar biologics. Dr. Karara is a fellow of the American College of Clinical Pharmacology.

Dr. Karara’s retirement party with the School of Pharmacy team (Dr. Karara is pictured in the middle).

When Jamison Trower began looking at his post-graduate options, he found himself in a situation that was a mix of familiarity and foreignness.

As a 2018 University of Maryland Eastern Shore graduate who played on the baseball team and majored in biology, Trower was deliberating what to do next. After mulling over his future, he got wind that UMES was in the process of establishing a physician’s assistant program, leading to his application submission.

Following the application cycle, Trower was one of several students who were accepted into the first cohort of the program. That first cohort walked across the stage during the Dec. 16 commencement ceremony.

“(The program) intrigued me mainly because it felt really comfortable to come back here and to be part of the first cohort,” he said. “We’re essentially the trailblazers of the program for years to come.”

“Being a part of the inaugural class kind of gives me a sense of ‘ok, we’re setting the model for the program in the future.’ We just have to make sure that we’re doing what we can to achieve what we need to achieve to make it a long-lasting, successful program overall.”

Many of the members of this first grouping of PA students came from a variety of backgrounds, including some with years of experience working in the field of medicine already.

Hillary Winkler began considering attending PA school after working as a mental health therapist in the Baltimore City Public School system and not seeing it as a long-term career choice.

“It was very emotionally draining and I felt myself getting emotionally drained more often than I really should have, so I was actually talking to my husband, who is in healthcare too

as a CRNA, and we were going through some things of what I can do,” she said. “I still love the patient interaction and being with patients one-on-one, and I love being in the healthcare industry, so we started going down the path of research and I found a physician assistant career and I’ve just never really looked back since.”

Winkler, 31, said that the draw of UMES being an HBCU was also appealing to her as well.

“The fact it was also an HBCU (called to me) because I went to (University of Maryland) in my undergrad and being a part of an HBCU is definitely something that, looking back, I wish I did in my undergrad. So, I am so glad that I got to experience being at an HBCU.”

Jennifer Keithly, who worked in and out of the healthcare field in a number of roles for 13 years, said that her experience allowed her to figure out what role suited her best.

“I’ve lived all over the country, but I’ve spent a lot of my life here in Salisbury,” she said. “So, I already knew about UMES … I know the area, and I know they’re in need of healthcare workers.”

When it came to being part of the first group of the new program, Keithly said there were some disadvantages, including not having a group of predecessors to rely on as mentors and basically working “on a learning curve,” but because of those challenges, the cohort members bonded and were able to persevere.

“To be honest, I think our cohort personally has become pretty strong with everything we’ve had to go through,” she said. “But it was challenging learning how to overcome everything on our own, which really made us stronger at the end of it.”

Some of the other challenges the new cohort faced

‘We’re essentially the trailblazers’ First cohort of new Physician’s Assistant program graduate

included managing workloads, trying to manage work-life balance, and for some, being away from family, not to mention the COVID pandemic as they were beginning their studies.

“It was definitely more downs than highs, especially the clinical year studying nonstop all day every day,” said PA student Marian Marrero, a Tampa, FL native. Marrero, who is a military wife, had to spend more than a year away from her husband, who is stationed in Dover. “There were a lot of insecurities, anxiety, depression that happened, but there were students who were going through the same (experience), and we were able to rely on each other and I think that helped with this challenging moment.”

Because of the challenging workloads, the students used their free time to break up the monotony of their studying through group activities.

“We would get together on a weekend and do a study session (and try to change it up) like, ‘let’s just go study at the park,’ ‘let’s study at the library,’ or ‘let’s do a taco night or let’s do a movie night,’ but it was rare,” Marrero said. “We were hardly able to go out or do much.”

But with the completion of the PA program, the students knew that all the long hours of studying paid off once they walked across the stage.

Trower said while he’s still trying to figure out what he wants to pursue in his future, he wants to continue to repay those who contributed to his success, including at UMES and in his native Virginia.

“I (grew up) there (in Virginia) and I know it’s a very

underserved area and I wouldn’t mind giving back to the area where my family grew up in,” he said.

Winkler said, for her, it will be a sense of pride not only from completing the program but also accomplishing the feat at UMES.

“It’s just been a great experience thus far and I feel like I have learned all the skills that I need to and I feel really prepared going into life as a future physician assistant,” she said. “I’m (also) really proud of being a future UMES alumn(us).”

Keithly said reaching the finish line was a mix of emotions.

“Relief, joy, excitement, and a little sadness,” she said. “More relief from just from not having to do the (heavy) schoolwork, but also sadness leaving an amazing cohort and amazing friends and family members that I made from this experience.”

For Marrero, the emotional impact was instant as she held back tears.

“As a Puerto Rican and representing Latinos and Latinas in medicine, there’s this saying, ‘lo que es para ti nadie te lo quita,’ which means, ‘what is meant for you, no one will take that away from you,’” she said. “It was hard to get here and really a dream come true too.”

“People will tell you that you can’t do it, people will tell you you’re not good enough, people will tell you ‘No, you’re not a traditional student,’ but never give up. You are worthy, you are important and you are here for a purpose and do what you believe and most want in your heart.”

Class of 2024 White Coat Ceremony

The UMES PA program held its traditional White Coat ceremony for first-year students in April.

PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT

Class of 2023 Goes to Nashville, TN!

The Class Officers for Cohort 2023 participated in the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) Conference held in Nashville, Tennessee in May 2023. PA students and other healthcare professionals gather annually for the AAPA Conference to discuss the most recent developments, research, and best practices in the healthcare industry. The conference provides PA students with a valuable opportunity to expand their knowledge and network with experienced professionals. UMES PA students participated in interactive discussions, educational workshops, and networking sessions.

An Interprofessional Cardiovascular Clinical Case Study

Led by Dr. Khaled Hasan of the Physician Assistant Program, an interprofessional activity focusing on cardiovascular disease was held in March 2023. Over 80 students from four departments (Physician Assistant, Pharmacy School, Physical Therapist, and Rehabilitation) participated in this activity. The students were strategically distributed across ten tables, allowing them to interact and learn from one another about assessment, care plan development, and follow-up monitoring.

Article written by Dr. Khaled Hasan

Article written by Dr. Khaled Hasan

Our students are ready for the conference!

Students at the Challenge Bowl

Selfies and fun at the AAPA PA conference!

UMES Health and Wellness Festival

Article written by Dr. Khaled Hasan

Faculty Accomplishments

Physician Assistant (PA), pharmacy, and physical therapy students participated in the Health and Wellness Festival held on March 29, 2023 at UMES. Each department was divided into eight groups with students presenting information about a specific medical condition. PA students focused on the medical aspects of the disease, such as the pathophysiology, epidemiology, clinical presentation, and diagnosis. Pharmacy students provided information about pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment options. Physical therapy students shared their knowledge and skills regarding the assessment, treatment, and prevention of the medical condition.

The event was an excellent opportunity to incorporate interprofessional education (IPE) activities, bringing together students from different healthcare disciplines to learn and work together. The Health and Wellness Festival facilitated inperson meetings and healthcare team discussions among students and promoted a holistic approach to patient care.

Dr. Khaled Hasan won first place for the graduate poster presentation in the graduate category during the UMES 12th Annual Regional Symposium. He presented on the “Knowledge, Attitude, and Perceptions of Substance Use Disorders Among Healthcare Professionals.”

Dr. Tiffany Maxwell testified at the Maryland Academy of Physician Assistants Senate Hearing (Bill 673/674) on March 13, 2023. She is seen here with Senator Mary Beth Carozza.

DR. KHALED HASAN

DR. TIFFANY MAXWELL

PHYSICAL THERAPY

Department Happenings

During this academic year, the UMES Doctor of Physical Therapy Program has continued to prioritize and expand community outreach and service activities. Students have taken an active role in initiating and implementing a variety of activities that will not only help the local communities but also the physical therapy profession as a whole. Many of our service activities have included fall screens for older adults, volunteering at homeless shelters and the humane society, as well as assisting the local food bank to process meals for many individuals.

In addition, for the first time, students of the UMES DPT program participated in the national Marquette Challenge in order to raise money for physical therapy research. As a result of this effort, the UMES DPT program raised over $4,000 and received an Honorable Mention Award as well as the Most Successful Newcomer Award.

Our curriculum is designed to provide students with diverse learning opportunities that include community service, interprofessional education, and research. It is clear that our exceptional students along with our dedicated and talented faculty and staff make the UMES DPT program a rewarding and community-oriented experience.

Dr. Gill is Retiring After 30 Years

Dr. Cindy Gill plans on retiring following her 30th employment anniversary in July of 2023. She has influenced the lives of hundreds of students and physical therapists during her career of teaching, research, and service. Her teaching responsibilities have included Advanced Human Lecture and Laboratory, Visceral Anatomy Lecture and Laboratory, Analysis of Human Movement, Professional Development and Practice Issues, and Medical Imaging. In addition, she has taught the department’s summer Gross Anatomy Pre-matriculation Preparation Workshop since 1996. This workshop is designed to provide students the opportunity to experience a gross anatomy course prior to pursuing a degree in health care.

Her commitment and passion for teaching are illustrated by her dynamic teaching style and establishment of a positive classroom culture. She sets high standards and aims to be intellectually challenging, yet believes it is her responsibility to create the conditions and environment whereby the student can learn and be motivated to learn. In 2020 she received the Regent’s Outstanding Teaching Award from the University of Maryland System.

“I am so grateful for the experiences, opportunities, and relationships that I have had at UMES in the Department of Physical Therapy. I am particularly honored to have had a role in the high passing rates of our graduates on the NPTE and our exemplary CAPTE accreditation results.”

Class of 2023 on the last day of their didactic classes

Faculty Highlights

Dr. Dennis Klima Receives the University System of Maryland Board of Regents Faculty Award for Excellence in Public Service

Dr. Dennis Klima, long time faculty member in the UMES DPT, was given the highest honor by the Board that recognizes exemplary faculty achievement in the state of Maryland. Dr. Klima received this award for his work in enhancing the safety and quality of life of older adults in Delmarva while improving rehabilitation efforts internationally. Those efforts include his local work as the chair of the Wicomico County Commission on Aging, working with the “Stepping On” falls prevention program, and working with adults with dementia as a part of the Life Bridges Program in Salisbury.

Dr. Klima has also traveled to Nairobi, Kenya to present to physical therapists with a neuromuscular intensive workshop for patients with stroke, traumatic brain injury, and spinal cord injury. In addition, he has worked with physical therapists in the Caribbean following Hurricane Maria.

Q: DR. KLIMA, WHAT DOES THIS AWARD MEAN TO YOU?

KLIMA: This award affirms the importance of screening activities and wellness programs for older adults in our community.

Q: HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INTO TRAVEL AND WORKING WITH PHYSICAL THERAPISTS OVERSEAS?

KLIMA: I have always wanted to go to Africa to work with the PT community there. I was contacted by the Jackson Clinics Foundation, which sponsors faculty abroad in Africa to teach the PTs in Kenya and to enhance their skills in various clinical sciences topics. I ended up being selected for their 2-week intensive on neuromuscular physical therapy.

Q: HOW DO YOU APPLY THESE COMMUNITY SERVICE PRINCIPLES INTO THE CLASSROOM?

KLIMA: A lot of these activities are embedded within my courses and then also many of the activities are a routine part of my service agenda that I have as the special interest and outreach portion of being a faculty member.

Dr. Masoud Moghaddam joined the Department of Physical Therapy faculty in the winter of 2023. He received his Doctoral Degree in Health & Human Performance, focusing on neuromuscular physiology, from Oklahoma State University. His master’s and undergraduate degrees are in Exercise Science and Kinesiology, respectively. In addition, Dr. Moghaddam is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and a Certified Performance and Sport Scientist (CPSS) by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NCSA), as well as a Certified Exercise Physiologist (EP-C) and a Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).

1st Annual DPT Gala Fundraiser for the Marquette Challenge

UMES DPT students hosted their first annual Gala fundraiser for the Marquette Challenge. The Marquette Challenge is a student-led fundraising effort that supports the mission of the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research (FPTR). Each year, hundreds of physical therapists and students hold fundraising events across the United States. These fundraisers make FPTR grants, scholarships, and fellowships possible. All of the proceeds raised go to the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research. This was the first year that our program participated in the national challenge, but our students were ready and willing to take on this endeavor!

Our Gala committee (Mackenzie Meyers, Britton Farnum, Jessica Wallace, Vanessa Adams, Faith Majors Culp, Kathleen Cooper) did an incredible job brainstorming, collaborating, and putting their ideas into action. They sought out local businesses to donate prizes and baskets for the raffle. All their hard work paid off as they were able to raise over $3,000.

The UMES DPT Program received Honorable Mention and the Most Successful Newcomer Award for this year’s fundraising efforts by the Challenge.

UMES DPT Attends the 2023 APTA Combined Sections Meeting (CSM)

The American Physical Therapy Association’s Combined Sections Meeting (CSM) is the largest physical therapy conference in the United States. It is held annually in a different city each year and is a great educational opportunity for the physical therapy community. This year’s CSM was held in beautiful San Diego, CA. Every year CSM brings together those in the physical therapy profession to network, collaborate, and innovate. A few of the department’s students and professors had the opportunity to present a variety of topics at the meeting. This was a great opportunity for the students to participate in a bigger aspect of the profession. We look forward to next year’s meeting in Boston, MA!

VERA YEVSUKOV’S INDEPENDENT STUDY IS A CALL TO ACTION FOR THE PT COMMUNITY

After moving to Salisbury for PT school in August 2020, Vera couldn’t help but notice the sizable homeless population in our area. Vera began to volunteer at HALO Women and Children’s shelter. Here, she was able to learn the different sides of homelessness and its impact on daily life. In spring of 2022, Vera initiated an independent study project under the guidance of Dr. Rabel. She set out to determine how PTs could use their knowledge and expertise to help this growing population.

In February 2022, Vera gave her first educational presentation at the Hands and Hearts Ending Homelessness Shelter. The topics included sleep hygiene, breathing techniques, lifting mechanics, benefits of exercise, Tai Chi for balance, osteoporosis prevention, daily foot checks, diabetes and stroke prevention, and heart health. Each presentation Vera made was tailored for and made accessible to this population. Vera then made it relevant by adding interactive components to demonstrate how we could apply these concepts to our lives. Vera’s main mission with this project was to demonstrate to PTs and PT students alike that they are uniquely positioned in the healthcare field to help this population, and that we should all be working hard to occupy this niche.

Enhancing Mobility for Older Adults in the Delmarva Area

On March 30th internationally recognized physical therapy researcher Dr. Kate Mangione, PT, PhD, FAPTA presented a workshop to the third year DPT students on high intensity strength training for older adults recovering from hip fracture. She and DPT faculty member Dr. Dennis Klima also supervised a screening session for senior athletes at the MAC Center in Salisbury, Maryland.

On April 12th, third year DPT students performed a wellness and falls screen at the Westover Senior Services Center in Somerset County for over 40 local residents. The students performed balance testing, checked vital signs, and instructed participants in select mobility activities. The students also emphasized the importance of having a plan of action in place should a fall occur, including emergency alert activation and floor recovery techniques.

Student Achievements

A Focus on Community Service

Class of ‘24 cleaning up at the Salisbury Zoo

Students volunteering for Special Olympics at Crown Center

Class of ‘24 SPTs volunteering at the local food bank, where they helped process over 13,000 lbs of food

Class of ‘25 at End ALS Walk

SPT Elizabeth Johnson with Team360

My UMES Journey

By Jessica Collins, M.S., Class of 2023

My name is Jessica Maryann Collins. I am 25 years old from Queens, New York. I recently graduated from UMES on May 19, 2023. Many years ago, I was the student that the teachers said would never amount to anything. Fourteen years later, I have used my experiences to motivate myself to help people in similar situations. From the age of ten, I knew that I wanted to help people so that they never had to feel what I felt. While the specific demographic of individuals I wished to support has evolved over the years, my ultimate goal has remained unwavering: to create a safe and inclusive space where people could recognize their abilities. I firmly believe that although we may approach tasks and navigate the world differently than others, we possess the strength and capability to thrive.

After graduating from UMES with my Bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitation Services, I returned to UMES’s graduate school to get my master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling. There, I had the opportunity to become the lead graduate assistant, editor of the newsletter and website, President of the Graduate Rehabilitation Association, President of the Chi Sigma Iota Alpha Psi Chi Honor Society Chapter, and serve as a Behavioral Health Ambassador for HBCU CARES. I had the opportunity to work in mental health institutions, substance abuse centers, and even started my own travel agency called Destined Escapes. Recently, I was hired by my internship site at the Wellness Center of Maryland’s Psychiatric Rehabilitation Program in Salisbury, MD. My goal is to work with adults who have co-occurring disorders by providing effective, quality, and individualized care. My ultimate ambition is to become an administrator who develops programming capable of creating positive change on a broader scale. As someone who has navigated systems designed to undermine individuals with disabilities and as a minority, I draw strength from these experiences. They serve as a constant reminder of the significance of my work and fuel my determination to advocate for the underserved.

Welcome New Faculty & Staff

DR. KHADIDRA WASHINGTON Assistant Professor

Hailing from Ridgeland, South Carolina, Dr. Khadidra Natasha Washington joined the Department of Rehabilitation as an Assistant Professor in Spring of 2023. Dr. Washington obtained her Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Counselor Education and Supervision with a focus in Rehabilitation Education from The University of Iowa. While there, she also acquired her Graduate Certificate in College Teaching within Social Sciences, and received the Maureen Medberry Snell Educational Award for three consecutive years. Dr. Washington holds a M.A. in Rehabilitation Counseling from South Carolina State University, and a B.A. in Sociology with minors in Psychology, English, and Early Childhood Education from Claflin University. Dr. Washington’s research areas focus on access to resources and support in rural areas, supporting individuals living with HIV/AIDS, and counselors’ comfortability when providing services to persons living with chronic illnesses and disabilities. In completing her Ph.D. study, she has traveled abroad to India and Greece. While in India, Dr. Washington observed a myriad of teaching and learning styles when working with students with disabilities. In Greece, she studied the origins and theoretical foundations of Humanistic Counseling. Dr. Washington has published research that focuses on the importance of faculty mentorship at HBCUs, race, ethnicity, and poverty after Spinal Cord Injury, and factors which affect high diabetes rates in the South.

Latoya Ray is the new Administrative Assistant for the Department of Rehabilitation. She graduated from Wor-Wic Community College with an Associate Degree in Office Technology. She started her career in the healthcare field working as a Medical Receptionist, Scheduling Coordinator, Referral Specialist, and Medical Assistant. Mrs. Ray decided to take her career to a new level and come on board to become a Hawk. She is excited to work with the staff and grow in her new job.

Faculty Publications and Presentations

Gere, B. O, Salimi, N, Chen, R. K., & Okorie, U (2022). Disability, Spirituality and Counseling Interventions In Marini, I., & Stebnicki, M. A. (2023). The Psychological and Social Impact of Disability (8th ed.). New York: Springer Publishing Company.

Salimi, N., Gere, B. O., Dallas, B., & Shahab, A. (2023). State Vocational Rehabilitation Service Patterns and Employment Outcomes Predictors Among Native American VR Clients. Journal of Rehabilitation, 89(1), 4-16. Salimi, N., Gere, B., Dallas, B. (2023). State Vocational Rehabilitation Service Patterns and Employment Outcomes Predictors Among Native American VR Clients. VRTAC-QE National Symposium On Rehabilitation Counseling Conference April 2023(Virtual).

LATOYA RAY, A.A.S Administrative Assistant

The new School of Pharmacy and Health Professions building