VANGUARD
THE
VOL. 51, NO. 16
“If it matters to the USA family, it matters to us.”
NOV. 12, 2012
Physician Assistant studies receives grant
“Oh when the Jags go marching in”
INSIDE
By STUART SOX sgsox@att.net
T
he Department of Physician Assistant Studies at South Alabama recently received a grant of nearly $1 million from the Department of Health and Human Services for the purposes of training primary care physician assistants and helping veterans in their transition from military life to civilian careers as physician assistants. Established at the University of South Alabama in 1996, the USA Physician Assistant Studies program is a Master’s Degree program for students who have earned a four-year degree of any kind. The curriculum of the 27-month program prepares students to sit for the national Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam. The program equips students with comprehensive medical knowledge, attitudes and skills, allowing them to participate in clinical practice. According to Program Director and Chair Dr. Diane Abercrombie, there is a shortage of physician assistants working in primary care, making this course of study all the more attractive to students in a world where jobs can be scarce. Administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration at the Department of Health and Human Services, this grant is part of an initiative to increase the number of primary care practitioners in the United States. “We hope to have an impact on the populations we serve and provide physician assistants for the healthcare shortage,” Dr. Abercrombie commented. Funding priority was reserved for universities that encourage strong reSee GRANT Page 4
USA Football returns to Ladd Point/Counterpoint on the electoral college and if it facilitates democracy. See Opinion, page 12 SGA president does first TV interview with JagTV. Reveals thoughts on Greeks, Vanguard. See Life, page 6
The USA Jaguar Marching band performed in front of over 75,000 people at the New Orleans Superdome for the Saints and Falcons game on Sunday. The performance was met with rave reviews from those in attendance.
Rec-center offers more than just workouts By KALYN MCCLELLAN kbm1001@jagmail.southalabama.edu
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he Student Recreation Center at USA is a valuable resource to students who want to maintain a healthy lifestyle while attending college. Not only does the rec center have state-of-the-art cardio and strength training equipment, they also offer many fitness classes through their SouthFit program. SouthFit offers 19 different classes in four different areas. Cardio classes include Zumba, cycling, water aerobics and high intensity interval training. Strength classes include Body Sculpt and Warrior Fitness. There are also classes offered that combine aspects of both cardio and strengthening.
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Cassie Fambro | Editor-in-Chief
Basketball wins big against #25 Florida State, See Sports, page 11
8 byte art surprises USA
In addition to these fitness classes, SouthFit also offers flexibility and relaxation classes, including meditation, Pilates and yoga. These classes offer a mental break from the strain of college, allowing students the opportunity to relax and clear their minds. SouthFit classes are open to all members of the rec center. This includes all currently enrolled students. All members or students can bring a guest age 17 or older to the rec center for $10 per visit. The guest fee includes access to the entire rec center, including SouthFit classes. Class times vary greatly, beginning at 5:15 a.m. with classes throughout the day, the last class beginning at 7:30 p.m. A complete list of classes and class descriptions along with schedule See SOUTHFIT Page 4
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JT Crabtree / LOC Editor
Mario, Princess Peach and Luigi appeared on campus last week. See story on page 4.
Life, Page 6
In this Issue: Sports, Page 9 Opinion, Page 12