Accolades Fall 2011

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Accolades UNIVERSITY OF ST. AUGUSTINE MAGAZINE | FALL 2011

The Sky’s the Limit with USA’s Fourth President OT OT faculty faculty raises raises $25,000 $25,000 for for research research PT PT students students and and faculty faculty take take on on Capitol Capitol Hill Hill USA USA continuing continuing education education co-sponsor co-sponsor hit hit during during severe severe weather weather attacks attacks

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Contents 7 3

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Welcome

to the fall 2011 edition of Accolades. This is my first opportunity to introduce myself to our alumni and University friends. I am delighted that the editor dedicated this issue to me, a humble physical therapist who came to the University to teach 14 years ago. The opportunity to serve this great University as it’s president is an honor. I offer my thanks to the many mentors and supporters who have helped me in my professional journey.

We have been busy with growing our university, adding quality and innovation to our many offerings. For example, in this issue, you’ll read about the start of our Master of Orthopaedic Physician Assistant program, the only one in the country.

We have also put together an online business series to support those who want to enter the world of private practice. We are gradually adding to our staff, faculty and administration to support our growing university.

As you will see in this issue, the faculty and students on both campuses continue to be busy with research activities advocating for our professions, and providing dedicated service to our communities. What a whirlwind of activities!

I hope you are like me and enjoy reading the alumni news. To read of the success of our alumni means that the University is meeting it’s mission and core values.

I see examples of professional autonomy, leadership, dedication to meeting health care staffing needs, and professional advocacy. Your advancement reflects positively on the university. Keep up the great work.

Wanda Nitsch, PT, PhD President and Chief Academic Officer

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2010 USA 5K Health & Fun Fair -The Numbers-

11 50 175 500 5,000

Number of years we have held the USA 5K Health & Fun Fair on our St. Augustine Campus Vendors and sponsors we had last year Gracious volunteers that made the event possible Community participants during the race and fun fair Amount raised in 2010 for the Salvation Army’s Feed the Hungry program.

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Advocacy Forum

Physical Therapy Student Advocacy Forum raises money to boost national PT awareness

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During the fall trimester, the Physical Therapy Student Advocacy Forum began their participation in the Pittsburgh-Marquette Challenge, a fundraising competition among physical therapy and physical therapist assistant programs designed to raise money for the Foundation for Physical Therapy. The students at USA recognized an opportunity to support and contribute to research funding that would benefit their future clinical practices.

The project began with small, locally attended fundraisers, including team jersey and t-shirt days on the St. Augustine campus. With gradual increase, the events held became larger in size and eventually included the participation of our San Diego campus.

A small group of students from both campuses collaborated to plan events and activities to raise money for the challenge and achieved success in encouraging a large percentage of their peers to both support and participate in the events. What started initially as a group of two or three students who wanted to achieve something positive for their profession, turned into hundreds of participants spanning the nation in support of a greater good!

The main events on the St. Augustine campus included a Halloween costume party, a flag football tournament and the chilly polar bear plunge. The main events organized on the San Diego campus included penny wars, golf-frisbee tournaments and jersey days.

A grand total of $4,970.15 was raised for the Pittsburgh-Marquette Challenge. This resulted in the USA team being among only 15 out of 62 schools nationwide to raise over $3,000, which earned them an Honorable Mention Award.

This award was presented to USA students at the Foundation Gala, held during the Annual APTA conference in National Harbor, MD in June. The money raised will be used to fund further research to support the profession. Beyond earning the award and being recognized at the celebration, the students at USA have truly learned the meaning of teamwork. Their passion as advocates for patient rights shows they want to provide the best care possible. They not only worked together with their peers to overcome obstacles, but they were lucky enough to surpass their original goals. The results were only a small reflection of the potential for change that is continually being pursued by the PT profession. USA students have shown that both their passion and their pockets stretch much deeper than they knew for their future careers!

To make a tax-deductible donation to support physical therapy research or get involved, please email nhuffman@aumail.averett.edu.

- Student Advocacy Forum < (Left) Pictured with Dr. Patla and Dr. Paris, students Nikki Huffman, Tess Jansse and Elena Madueno accepted the Honorable Mention award at the Foundation Gala on behalf of USA students. v (Below) Students David Lee and Mitch Guberman pose while attending the Halloween costume party. v (Bottom center) USA students, faculty, friends and family gather before plunging into the ocean last February in St. Augustine, FL.

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New Beginni New President, Dr. Wanda Nitsch, takes the University in 7

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We are excited to announce...

As of April 2011, USA’s very own Dr. Wanda Nitsch was inaugurated as the fourth president of the University at the Commencement Ceremony on the San Marcos campus. The University is excited to have such a visionary leader during a time of great change. In her honor, we have published her induction speech. She shares with us her passion, her vision and the people who have made an impact in her life.

I have to share a dream that I had one night last week. Dr. Paris could not find the medallion and the time for the commencement procession was getting closer and closer as several of us frantically searched this building.

He kept saying, “I know I had it on the plane!” The time came to start the ceremony and out of desperation we made a loop of elastic cord taken from the wellness center. What ingenuity! And I was proud to wear this symbol of my profession around my neck. But doesn’t this look better then a piece of thera-tubing?

As I accept this mantle of leadership, I must pause to thank those in my life who gave unselfishly of their time, trust and wisdom to assist in my professional journey. Although there are many, I refuse to let this sound like an acceptance speech on Oscar night, so I will keep it to just a notable few.

My predecessors, especially Dr. Paris, have done much in setting the stage for my success as a leader. Dr. Paris pushed the envelope for advancement of our profession, both in the clinical world and the education arena.

Through his leadership, today this university is financially healthy, has a strong management team, a collaborative faculty, a firm vision and an excellent reputation. There is nothing else I could ask for when stepping into this role. There is a Vietnamese proverb that says: "When eating fruit, remember who planted the tree. When drinking clear water, remember who dug the well." Dr. Paris, thank you for planting the tree and digging the well.

nings in a new direction

Personally, Dr. Paris has taught me to be creative in thinking, to be honest to myself and my values, have the courage to make a difference and above all, showing integrity in decision making. He paid for a portion of the tuition to earn my PhD. He did this during a period of financial strain on our institution. I know there were times that paying that bill may have been a tough choice. Yet, he knew the value of growing the person in order to grow the leader. Thank you for making that sacrifice and believing in me.

I also wish to thank those closest to my heart.

• To my parents, who taught me that right thoughts and right efforts will inevitably bring about right results.

• To my younger sisters, who let me practice my leadership skills by being the bossy big sister and still loving me many years later in spite of it.

• I thank my sons, Paul and Phillip, for reminding me to forever remain curious and that learning can be fun.

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Continued from page 8...

A special thank you to my husband, Chuck. His unwavering support of me and pursuit of my dreams has gone way beyond those vows taken almost 30 years ago. He has listened, comforted and humored me, offered advice, and let me be me. No one could do it better.

And one final word to the graduates. I believe that everyone has the potential of leadership in them. As I look back 32 years ago to that shy, unassuming new PT graduate sitting at commencement, there was only one thing I wanted...to be an excellent clinician and maybe someday an educator. Becoming a university president was nowhere in that mix! In fact, I purposely steered clear of leadership opportunities in my early career, predominately out of fear. What I did not realize then is that leadership comes in many forms and can be expressed in many ways. What is the essence of leadership? After wrestling with this question over the last several years and reading many books, I’ve come to a simple realization. It is more than just a mastery of skills or accomplishments, growing responsibilities or community recognition. It is more than a medallion around your neck. Instead, we lead by virtue of who we are. Anyone who is authentically self-expressing and creating value is leading. Some lead by creating value through ideas, others through systems, others through people, but the essence is the same. They are authentic and when they express that authenticity, they are leading.

What makes leadership is what is within you.

We are all CEOs of our own lives. So, to be a good leader, you need mastery of self, but it is up to you to achieve that mastery.

What I suggest is that you first find your purpose. For me it was recognizing that I like to help people to succeed. Once I found that purpose, I had the desire to express that in many ways. Through caring for patients, working with students and faculty, developing new programs and devoting time to members of my faith community, I was expressing my purpose.

What is your purpose? What is your mission? Finding this passion is what will inspire you into action.

I recently watched a movie about the life of Amelia Earhart. I enjoyed the movie so much that it inspired me to read a biography of her life. What hit me was the quote at the very end of the movie: “Everyone has oceans to fly, as long as you have the heart to do it.”

Amelia’s passion was flying and that was her purpose.

That was the source of her leadership in bringing women into aviation.

Once you find that purpose, or we could call it your personal power, you want to turn that into results power. Do you remember the term in physics “kinetic energy?” For those who have been away from physics awhile, kinetic energy is the energy an object possesses due to its motion. It is a transformation of one kind of power into another form of power. In physical therapy we learn that muscles, when exercising, convert chemical energy from food into muscle contractions and create movement. This same thing happens when you take personal power and turn it into results power. Things start to happen. You begin to make authentic contributions in all of your spheres of influence. You provide momentum to create a change in ideas, in systems, and in other people by being yourself and living your purpose. You sit here with the excitement of a new beginning. And I share that same excitement with you in my new beginning.

I know there are many external forces affecting higher education and healthcare at this time that will bring new challenges and opportunities for us. There are changes within our clinical and educational institutions that I am certain will bring triumphs and setbacks to us. And as some of us have experienced in this past week, there will be events that inspire and events that cause despair. No matter what comes our way, we will use our purpose and our kinetic energy to propel us forward.

Lee Bolman and Terrence Deal tell us that: “The essence of leadership is not giving things or even providing visions. It is offering one’s self and one’s spirit.” It is my privilege to offer myself and my spirit to the success of the University of St. Augustine. Good luck to all of you as you develop your leadership skills in the quest to meet the healthcare needs of society.

Thank you and good cheer.

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Bio

Dr. Wanda Nitsch has been a physical therapist for 32 years, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from the State BIOGRAPHY University of New York at Stony Brook. In 1997, she completed her Manual Therapy Certification. She earned her Master of Science in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine in 2000. With a strong interest in administration, Wanda completed her PhD in Education with a specialization in Higher Education Leadership from Capella University.

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MOPA

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The University is proud to announce that the first cohort of students were accepted and have begun coursework in the Master of Orthopaedic Physician Assistant (MOPA) program. This inaugural class is enthusiastic about their profession and the opportunities that are presented when creating new frontiers. They will be establishing a student OPA organization and attended their first professional conference. They will be joined in September by a new cohort.

Faculty for the fall term of the program include some veterans and some new faces: Dr. Dan Lofald, Mrs. Kathy Hagy, Mr. Robert Adams, Dr. Sue Curfman, Ms. Lindsay Holmes, Dr. Bonnie Decker, Dr. Kurt Hubbard, Dr. Tony Chase, Dr. Jude Nwoga, Dr. Catherine Patla and Dr. Erin Conrad. More new faces will be added soon. We look forward to the continued growth of the MOPA program!

Faculty Involved in National Study The results of the “Locomotor Experience Applied Post-Stroke (LEAPS)” research trial were recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine. This study was the largest rehabilitation study ever funded by the National Institute of Health at over 13.5 million dollars. The study was a phase-three, single-blinded, multi-site, randomized, controlled trial investigating interventions to improve walking following stroke. This trial was lead by Pamela Duncan, PT, PhD, Katherine Sullivan, PT, PhD and Andrea Behrman, PT, PhD. “It takes a village to run a project like this,” principal investigator, Dr. Duncan says. “Part of the amazing village that worked on this study were faculty members of the University of St. Augustine.” Dr. Jodi Liphart, Dr. Debra Gray, Dr. Karey Ledbetter, Ms. Kristen Johnson and Dr. Scott Getsoian were actively involved in the trial as blinded assessors, collecting all the critical outcomes data. Dr. Joann Gallichio was the Site Team Leader who oversaw the trial.

To read the primary results paper, please see: Duncan PW, Sullivan KJ, Behrman AL, et al. Body-weightsupported treadmill rehabilitation after stroke. N Engl J Med 2011;364.2026-36.

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Catherine Patla, PT, DHSc, OCS, MTC, FAAOMPT, received the Richard W. Bowling & Richard E. Erhard Orthopaedic Clinical Practice Award during the Combined Sections Meeting of the American Physical Therapy Association this year. This award is given to an individual who has made an outstanding and lasting contribution to the clinical practice of orthopaedic physical therapy as exemplified by the professional careers of Richard W. Bowling and Richard E. Erhard. A huge congratulations to Dr. Patla for her dedication and contributions.

“Our MENTORS and our MENTORING, never forget how you made them feel.

Through our self development many of us have sought mentors to guide and assist in our growth. I have been so fortunate to have studied in the clinic with such persons as: Freddy Kaltenborn, Olaf Evjenth, Stanley Paris, and many, many others. Our mentors have made us humble and guided our inquiries beyond even their experiences. They made us feel good about our growth and future.”

- Dr. Catherine Patla

Mildred Elson Award During the opening ceremonies of the World Confederation of Physical Therapy (WCPT) in Amsterdam, Dr. Stanley Paris accepted the 2011 Mildred Elson Award, the highest honor given by the Confederation.

Presented every four years, the Mildred Elson Award was created to honor Elson’s lifetime of devotion and service to the profession of physical therapy.

The announcement stated in an earlier letter from Secretary General Brenda Myers read: “ Your resume is truly impressive and illustrates your broad based commitment to physical therapy as an international profession. As stated in the nomination, you have served as an outstanding role model and leader in the physical therapy profession.”

AWARDS

Richard W. Bowling & Richard E. Erhard Orthopaedic Clinical Practice Award

“Our role in restoring, maintaining and enhancing physical performance is the key to a meaningful and productive life for all citizens.”

- Dr. Stanley Paris

Dr. Paris was accorded a four minute response during which he stated that as a profession physical therapists were under appreciated. He also stated the day would come where evidence would support an expanded role for the profession which would be both cost effective and in the best interest of the patient. What an amazing honor bestowed upon Dr. Paris!

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PT Students and Facult USA was well represented at the APTA National Conference in Washington, DC this past June. Representatives from our St. Augustine and San Diego campus locations represented both the California and Florida Delegations in the APTA governing body House of Delegates. In addition to discussing 29 motions over a four-day period and participating in the national election, the 400-member House engaged in an in-depth discussion about the governance of the APTA. During the conference, Senators Jon Tester (D-MT) and Roger Wicker (RMS) addressed approximately 1,000 physical therapists, physical therapist assistants and students of physical therapy on Capitol Hill. USA representatives also participated in a rally that was followed by visits to legislative offices to meet with designated legislators and deliver written information.

The Medicare cap, student loan forgiveness and the role of physical therapy in concussion management were among the topics of the day.

Part of the annual scientific meeting, which was also held in DC, included educational courses and poster/platform presentations. USA was represented by three faculty members who presented posters during the meeting.

Much excitement was had at the awards ceremony and the Foundation Gala, where USA students were recognized for their contributions to the Pittsburg-Marquette Challenge.

The student co-chairs from both campuses received a plaque of honorable mention for raising money to support the Foundation for Physical Therapy, which encourages and supports research in physical therapy.

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lty take on Capitol Hill

Above: Dr. Eric Chaconas, Nikki Huffman, Dr. Catherine Patla and Elena Maduero on Capitol Hill.

Left: Students Nikki Huffman, Elena Maduero and Tess Jansse with honorable mention plaque awarded during the Gala.

Right: Group of faculty, students and APTA members posing at the capitol.

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Teen Connection to Social Competency USA occupational therapy alumna creates a group that helps teens function with Asperger Syndrome When Jeanne Ross Eichler joined the faculty at St. Louis University in late 2009, she agreed to split her job between teaching and working in an OT pediatric faculty practice, which consisted of several sensorybased social skill groups for schoolaged children. Familiar with the "sensory scene" and loving the group concept since her days as a music therapist prior to attending USA, Jeanne was up for the challenge. Where that would lead surprised everyone.

It all started with a request for a social competency evaluation from 17-year-old Joe. "You have just got to start something for me, otherwise I'm going to have to move to California for the summer."

Unfortunately, the practice had no teens in their database and the outlook seemed grim. Touched by the fact that the teen himself was asking for help, Eichler and her team sent 17 letters to people who were previously in the program, as well as therapists and teachers who might know some teens. The result created over 100 responses in 3 days and the calls have not stopped. College and career-bound teens who have Asperger Syndrome 15

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revealed as a highly underserved which is unusual for people accuspopulation and Teen Connection to tomed to dropping their children Social Competency was born. off for therapy. Eichler insisted on this aspect, as parent education, The first group consisted of six support and networking is teens, all experiencing great diffi- extremely important for the succulty making friends. Eichler and cess and development of the proher summer assistant, a first year gram. There were a few commaster's student, developed an plaints the first week, but now the occupation-based program, Real- parents look forward to it and Life, Make-It-Big, grounded on the have formed important friendUnwritten Rules of Social Relation- ships. They have gained support ships by Temple Grandin and Sean from other parents with children in Barron. The program for teens was the same age group with similar developed using occupation-based challenges. principles, group therapy strategies, teen and parent collabora- Eichler also enlisted St Louis tion, and community involvement. University students to serve as volIt became evident that in order to unteer "navigators." These stuget teens to want to participate, dents experience the group sesthey would have to help create sions blended with the teens in the what they wanted, and Eichler and group, often appearing to be actuher assistant used that feedback to al peers of the teens. Teens enjoy create a program that has continu- the involvement of the college stually grown. Starting with 10 teens dents, who create a safe environin the fall and 17 more in the ment to develop social competenspring, the summer program cies, provide a sounding board for expanded to 35. The numbers kept current challenges and a model for growing and the waiting list for the navigating through their own expegroup is growing into the hun- riences. The students benefit as dreds, with inquiries on the group well. Forty percent of the student coming from all over the country. participants are members of the Parents are required to remain on- OT department, and the remainder site during the group activity, are from other areas of campus

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who study law, drama, business, engineering, computer programming, social work and public health. They are more likely than OT students to encounter colleagues who have similar challenges in their own future work and school environments, and are developing strategies to facilitate growth and maximize the potential of these individuals, possibly equipping themselves for leadership roles within their own careers.

“Occupational Therapists are a great fit for serving people who have difficulty with social skills.

When we stick to the guiding principles of our profession and center our programs on real occupations, rather than just talking about or simulating scenarios, amazing things happen in a short period of time,” said Jeanne Eichler, MOT, OTR/L, MT, CP-BC. “It all seems so

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simple and so natural, which skills away from home and job makes the group feel more like a hunting skills. club and less like a therapy group.”

Whether they are learning to toss Joe has moved on from the group pizza crusts at a local pizzeria, after graduating from high school, bowling with friends, participating although he continues to remain in a dance party or even creating a an inspiration to many of the comedy improv with the drama teens and their families. He has a honor society on campus, the goal full-time job and plans to attend of the group is to build life skills. college in the fall, eventually hop- These teen are learning to create ing to become an athletic trainer bridges that help make lasting or physical therapist. His parents friendships possible and provide state that the group has changed glimpses of what the future could all of their lives. Another group hold with effort, motivation and member was chosen to serve as a occupation! representative to the Governor's Council on Disability this summer. -Jeanne Eichler, MOT, OTR/L, MT, Several group members have CP-BC USA Alumna 2001 started dating, attending school social functions, obtaining jobs and are emerging as leaders for other teens. Eichler hopes to continue to develop theprogram to include more overall wellness, selfadvocacy, leadership, advanced life

< Fall dance party co-hosted by the SLU Student Occupational Therapy Association and Teen Connection.Teens, volunteer navigators and students from across campus line danced together. For many of the teens, this was their first experience at a dance, many decided to go to homecoming after this experience. Some students even brought dates, an unexpected result for teens who struggle with making friends.

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Students in Action

physical therapy In Memory of...

Mark Marchildon 9|18|1966 - 3|01|2011 17

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Brian Wrigley 12|06|1987 - 4|13|2011

We have started a new exercise program with our St. Augustine on-campus Parkinson’s Disease group.

The exercise protocol is called LVST® BIG. It is a type of therapy that improves mobility and may slow disease progression through an evidence-based early and intensive exercise program. Melanie Lomaglio, PT, MSc, NCS, and Alison D’Alessandro, 7th semester student, both attended a continuing education course and both became certified to teach BIG this year. To learn more about BIG, visit their website at http://www.lsvtglobal.com/.

This exercise group is part of the Neuromuscular 3 (NM3) curriculum.

It runs for 8 weeks each trimester.

Each week a group of students from NM3 leads the exercise group with assistance from Lomaglio, D’Alessandro and Kerry Mallini, PT, MPT, NCS. What a wonderful community service!

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Students Support Life Rolls On! Life Rolls On (LRO), a subsidiary of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, is dedicated to improving the quality of life for young people affected by neurological injury, especially spinal cord injury, and utilizes action sports as a platform to inspire infinite possibilities despite paralysis. Founded by Jesse Billauer, LRO offers programs to individuals with disabilities such at They Will Surf Again and They Will Ski Again.

On Saturday, June 4th, students from USA volunteered for They Will Surf Again, held in Jacksonville Beach. They Will Surf Again, the flagship of LRO, is a no-cost program that allows individuals with spinal cord and/or traumatic brain injuries to gather together for a day of surfing, camaraderie and inspiration.

Through the hard work of more than 100 volunteers, over 40 individuals were able to hit the waves and experience the thrill of surfing. Many thanks to all of the student volunteers from USA. The event organizers were impressed with the number of USA students that came out to lend a hand. What a great turnout from USA!

The following USA alumni and faculty members were recognized for achieving clinical specialist status at the Combined Sections Meeting of APTA in February 2011: Erin Conrad, OCS Scott Getsoian, OCS Renae Gorman, OCS Jeri Hartzog, OCS Clay Holland, OCS Katherine Houston, OCS Deborah Jackson, OCS Rebecca Jehn, OCS Jason Kral, OCS Rene Strobl, OCS Paige Trammell, OCS Daniel Watson, OCS Douglas Wix, OCS Anthony Yengo, OCS Laura Yengo, OCS Sarah Anderson Ison, GCS Melanie Lomaglio, NCS Joan Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien-Gilmore, NCS Congratulations to our new specialists! We also extend congratulations to any of our alumni or faculty members who were awarded a re-certification.

This year at the C a n a d i a n Physiotherapy Associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Congress/Annual Meeting the Legacy Lecture was introduced. This lecture has been presented to symbolize and represent some of the fine work of our late colleague, Peter Huijbregts. This was the first Legacy Lecture given and it was provided by Michelle Sterling.

What a wonderful honor to a colleague who is missed by all!

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l a n o i t a p u c c O y p a r e h T

Donation Given to the American Occupational Therapy Foundation to Support Occupational Therapy Research The Occupational Therapy Program at the University of St. Augustine was very pleased to present a gift of $25,000 to the American Occupational Therapy Foundation. The donation was given in support of intervention research as outlined in the AOTA/AOTF Occupational Therapy Research Agenda (2010). Specifically, the University is interested in supporting research intended to evaluate the efficacy of occupational therapy interventions in controlled conditions.

Dr. Stanley Paris, Founding President, believes that universities like ours that are focused primarily on teaching clinical skills have a responsibility to also support research. Donations such as this are evidence of the University’s commitment to support the professions offered through USA’s educational programs.

USA students, led by Dr. Erica Kiernan, were recipients of a $3,000 donation from Don’s Friends 5K Run, which supports students who participate in Alternative Break programs. Don’s Friends was established in tribute to a young college student who died in 2009 at the age of 22.

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Dr. Charles Christiansen, President of the American Occupational Therapy Foundation, stated that he was interested in dialoging with the faculty of the Occupational Therapy program before decisions were made concerning allocation of these greatly appreciated funds. He suggested that post-doctoral fellowships could be an avenue to explore in regards to supporting evidencedbased research. Way to go OTs!

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National Presence from our OT Faculty USA’s Occupational Therapy program had a strong showing at the 2011 American Occupational Therapy Association’s (AOTA) conference in Philadelphia, PA. An impressive six submissions were accepted on a variety of topic areas. These topics ranged from educational issues to clinical techniques/assessments. This speaks volumes to the learning format and a blended learning format are dedication of our faculty and the supportive nature similar. of USA in facilitating faculty research.

Dr. Karen Howell and Dr. Cindy Mathena, along with Ms. Tammy LeSage, presented Defining the Reality: An Analysis of Clinical Practice and OccupationBased Treatment. This was a timely presentation relating to the fieldwork environment that OT students participate in during their education. The main finding was that students perceived that their level II supervisory OTs were using occupation-based interventions a majority of the time.

Dr. Hubbard and Dr. Erica Kiernan presented Perceived Barriers vs. Actual Barriers for Faculty Involvement in Service Learning. This topic aimed to better understand the importance of scholarly activity within the occupational therapy profession.

Dr. Hubbard continued to investigate the student experience while at USA in his presentation titled: The Impact of Stress and Anxiety and Effects of Progressive Muscle Relaxation on Academic Performance in Occupational Therapy Students. This Ms. Anne Hull presented Online Social Networking in pilot study found that progressive muscle relaxation Higher Education. She identified 10 current trends was an effective technique in reducing stress and related to the use of social networking sites and the anxiety among the students. primary impacts on graduate education. One interesting result relating to the increased use of online Another presentation by Dr. Hubbard, Using A education is that there is a trend towards the role of Functional Outcome Menu To Facilitate Client the educator shifting from the person of “authority” Independence In Traumatic Brain Injury: Optimizing to “transparency” and from “expert” to “facilitator.” Occupational Therapy in a Transitional Living Care Dr. Kurt Hubbard and Ms. Julie Watson collaborated on a presentation investigating the Use of a Blended Learning Model in Occupational T h e r a p y Education. What they found was consistent with the existing research, reaffirming that outcome measures in a traditional

Facility, indicated that individuals receiving OT, using this assessment tool as a guide, improved clients abilities in all functional areas measured.

It is very apparent that the OT faculty has been busy investigating innovative ways to further the educational experience of their students, as well as adding to the clinical literature. We would like to invite all of our alumni to stop by during the next AOTA meeting, to see what your former faculty members are up to.

This could even lead to further collaboration as professionals in the future!

- Kurt K. Hubbard, PhD(c), OTD, OTR/L Accolades | Fall 2011

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USA Co-Sponsor Directly Impacted by Missouri Tornadoes It was sad to hear of the devastating weather affecting so many areas of the country over the past several months. The University has had a long-standing relationship with a health system in Springfield, MO, which is located approximately an hour and half from the hard-hit Joplin, MO, area. The St. Johns Health/Mercy Hospital system stretches over the southwest area of Missouri and was directly impacted by the devastation.

Photos provided by Mark Huslig

After inquiry, we received word from Mark Huslig, PT, that their health system suffered extensive physical damage which led to displaced co-workers.

Mark shared with us that in addition to several PTs and many others losing their homes, the condition of the Joplin area hospital made it necessary to treat in unusual places, including hallways and the cafeteria. The immediate impact of the storms was felt all over the area.

Just recently the local shelter was closed, and those individuals without homeowners insurance, have little or no opportunities. If you would like to donate to the relief efforts, please contact Mark Huslig via email at Mark.Huslig@mercy.net.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Clean up activities continue to progress on schedule and the ongoing relief needs for displaced individuals is financial assistance. As the date since disaster lengthens peoples needs arise even more as disaster relief organizations begin to exit.â&#x20AC;?

- Mark Huslig, PT

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