Roseman University spectRUm magazine by Roseman University of Health Sciences

SPRING 2021 • Publishing Semiannually | VOLUME 4 • Issue 2

ROSEMAN'S COVID-19 Vaccination Efforts

INSIDE: Annette Logan-Parker PG. 4 Dr. Eric Farbman PG. 6 College of Graduate Studies PG. 12

Roseman University of Health Sciences A Nevada Non-Profit Corporation 11 Sunset Way Henderson, NV 89014-2333

Thank you to all of our golfers and sponsors for making our 21st Annual Roseman University Scholarship Golf Tournament a success. Held on Monday, April 19 at TPC Summerlin, the event raised nearly $100,000 to support scholarships for Roseman University’s ambitious nursing, pharmacy and dental students.

PUBLISHER Jason Roth

DESIGNER Eric Jones

EDITORS Jason Roth Candace Smith

PHOTOGRAPHERS Loretta Campbell Francia Garcia Jason Roth

GUEST CONTRIBUTORS Brenda Griego Vanessa Maniago

2 |

Spring 2021

Letter from the PRESIDENT Welcome to the Spring edition of Roseman University’s spectRUm magazine in print. As always, I thank you for your interest in Roseman and the outstanding work our students, faculty and staff are doing to make Nevada and Utah healthier places to live, work and play.

In this month’s issue, you’ll learn about the newest addition to Roseman, the College of Graduate Studies. Spearheaded by Dr. Jeffery Talbot, the College’s Dean and Roseman’s Vice President for Research, and developed with input from biotech and nutraceutical industry leaders, the College of Graduate Studies, two initial programs – the Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences and Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences -- are designed to provide students with a thriving and stimulating research environment, offering a range of taught and research-based postgraduate courses. I look forward to welcoming our inaugural class of students in these programs soon. Also, in this issue are profiles on Annette Logan-Parker, CEO of Cure 4 The Kids Foundation (C4K) and Roseman University Board Member, whose past experiences have helped her create a truly remarkable organization serving children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. You will also learn about other important members of the Roseman University – Dr. Eric Farbman of Roseman Medical Group and the Roseman University College of Medicine and Dr. Glen Roberson, Program Director of the College of Dental Medicine’s Orthodontic Residency Program. Both have dedicated their careers to serving patients with sometimes rare and debilitating health conditions. Our Alumni Spotlight will shine its light on College of Nursing Class of 2013’s Maral Aghazarian, who currently works as a nurse in the emergency room of a Las Vegas area hospital. Finally, you’ll learn about Roseman University’s COVID-19 vaccination efforts. I’m very proud of the tireless dedication of our students, faculty and staff in Nevada and Utah who have helped vaccinate thousands in their communities. Their efforts continue at community centers and in partnership with other organizations in both states with the goal of getting as many people vaccinated as possible. Through the course of the pandemic, we’ve come to use the phrase ‘Roseman Strong!’ And, through these vaccination efforts, never has it been truer.

Renee Coffman President

roseman.edu/spectrum | 3

CARING for our most Vulnerable in Unprecedented Times Annette Logan-Parker, CEO, Cure 4 The Kids Foundation, Board of Trustees Member, Roseman University of Health Sciences By Vanessa Maniago When your young child can be counted among those medically fragile and vulnerable children battling for their own health, and their lives, you learn things – things that alter your view of the world, reallife lessons on cultivating empathy and gratitude, and principles that guide your career and how you live your life. Annette Logan-Parker, CEO of Cure 4 The Kids Foundation (C4K), and Roseman University Board Member, was dealt some unfair blows early in her adult life. A simple football injury to her eldest son, coupled with a bout of mononucleosis created a near perfect storm, rendering him septic, with peritenius, peripheral nerve damage, and chronic neuropathy of the diaphragm. Annette and her son received a grim prognosis, and one delivered without a shred of empathy — this 15-year-old athlete would need full-time care indefinitely, and live his life out on a ventilator. Determined and ready to face the fight of a lifetime, Annette became her son’s greatest advocate, getting second (and third) opinions, looking for research or grant opportunities, finding loopholes, all while staring at what she perceived to be the harsh and dark underbelly of the business of medicine.

4 |

Spring 2021

Miraculously, four years later, and with 20 surgeries complete, Alex was improving. His breathing became stronger, his nerve system rebounded from the use of an embedded spinal cord stimulator, his pain receded, and he tapered off his medications. Annette had maxed out her insurance and moved jobs several times to be sure she had coverage. She mortgaged her home, sold jewelry, borrowed from her family, all to stay afloat as a single parent with two boys. Her mission had been delivered to her clearly, to provide the very best medical choices to her ailing son. But while she was fighting, she couldn’t help wonder what people did who had very little. She saw that the business of medicine dictated the patient’s outcomes, overriding physician’s wishes, limiting patients to only what they could afford, and in many ways determining if they lived or died. While her life began to show signs of normalcy again, Annette saw her next mission — to provide all children high-quality, patient-centered, empathic care regardless of their ability to pay. And so, in 2007, C4K was born. Now in 2021, the clinic has treated over 68,000 patients, become a widely respected research entity with its clinical trials, won countless awards, received Joint Commission Accreditation (the most esteemed and stringent standards for medical facilities), and donated millions back to our community.

Along her journey, Annette was touched by exceptional physicians, doctors who not only performed at the highest ethical and technical standards, but who truly felt the pain of her son and her family, taking time to get to know them, demonstrating empathy and care, a certain quality felt, but hard to explain. With this as her guiding star, Annette knew that she could shape how patients were treated by her hiring practices, and that everyone, from the front desk receptionist to the nurses and treating physicians would subscribe to this ethos. She then built her team with the highest standards in mind, but knew that she too, as the CEO, had to reflect those same standards. There are CEOs who operate at a protected distance from their day-to-day business but Annette Logan-Parker is not one of them. Trained as a nurse, she is frequently seen in the clinic with her patients. She is often the person coordinating care among external partners, making things happen. Early on, Annette took to cooking breakfast for her small staff of five for their weekly staff meetings. “Breaking bread” with her colleagues was meaningful to her, and her employees felt cared for, and nurtured. As C4K grew, so did the pots and pans she used to prepare those morning team breakfasts. She began to scale her operation up, which prepared her for her greatest challenge yet – COVID 19. COVID-19 – A CALL TO ACTION In the early days of the pandemic, Annette surveyed her staff of 100. They shared their concerns, that despite their solid pay and benefits, they were worried about food, providing for their families, and staying healthy as frontline workers interacting with immunocompromised patients daily. Annette activated quickly and established a food commissary in the building for her staffers. At the same time, she took her cooking to the next level and prepared family-sized meals every weekend for not just her staff, but for the families of her 100 employees. She found peace and comfort in preparing the meals, and even greater joy in seeing that in doing so, her staff felt nurtured and fueled to bring their very best to the work at hand. “I considered that our staff, our C4K family, have enormous demands placed upon them, and they, as providers and nurturers, need themselves to be nurtured and comforted. How can they do what they do every day, with no margins for error, without themselves feeling fueled?” Annette is to quick to remind that this strategy to attend to staff needs had an enormous halo effect in minimizing the contact her staff had with the outside world, reducing exposure, and enabling a safer, more protective environment for her patients.

Procurement of food supplies to feed her staff presented yet another challenge, and one that Annette took on with the same determination emblematic of her get-it-done work ethic. Annette and her husband, John Henry, in full PPE, visited local grocery stores, buying the “limit-one per customer” gallons of milk, pasta and meat. Using a “shop and drop” strategy canvassing all the local stores, they were able to procure enough food weekly to feed her 100 families. She soon became well-known in the Costco check-out line. C4K also developed a Food Voucher system during this time that enabled patients, working with social workers, healthcare providers, and teachers within C4K, to receive vouchers to purchase healthy food. As C4K evolves and grows, it will, in partnership with Roseman University, open the Roadrunner Café on the first floor of its clinic. Affordably priced, healthy foods will be offered to patients, staff, and community members. A comfortable, warm environment will nurture those that need nutritional and emotional fuel. When asked if that means that Annette will retire her home cooking operation, she laughs. “The café really gives us the ability to extend and further scale what I was doing at home and to expand it to patients and our community. I look forward to this Fall to open the Café, but no, I don’t plan on hanging up my pots just yet.” Annette brings her work ethic, service ethos, and deep patient care experience to Roseman’s Board of Trustees. At the time of the Roseman University-C4K partnership in 2019, Annette joined Roseman’s Board, while Dr. Renee Coffman, President, joined the Board of Trustees of C4K. Annette explains that her time on the Roseman Board has been invaluable thus far, allowing her to connect with Boards members, share experiences, and learn, as an insider, how academia works. Annette also explains that Dr. Coffman brings exceptional experience and entrepreneurialism to her C4K Board. As the partnership and collaboration between the two entities grows, the intersection between both Boards enables communication, resource sharing, and idea generation. THE PATH FORWARD It takes a great deal of strength, resolve and motivation to translate adversity into something positive, yet some of the greatest community resources are spawned from difficult or painful experiences. It would be just as easy to let adversity beat us, to let something painful dictate who we are, and feel victimized. Annette Logan-Parker is not one of those people, nor are her sons. Alex is now 35, and is a Clark County firefighter, giving back in his own way and performing physical feats every day. Jeramy, Annette’s younger son, is now 28, and having spent his childhood as his mother’s right-hand man, and his brother’s caretaker, is now a nurse with the goal of teaching one day. Annette Logan-Parker is an exceptional visionary and leader, mother, wife, CEO, and nurturer. A tireless advocate for her patients and her staff, she finds solace in nurturing those that need it most. COVID-19 created new challenges in her clinic, which she met head on with empathy and ingenuity, working with her talented team to bring their absolute best in difficult and challenging times.

roseman.edu/spectrum | 5

ERIC FARBMAN, M.D. Treating Parkinson’s with Hope & Optimism

By Vanessa Maniago

Eric Farbman, M.D. grew up in New Jersey as the oldest of three and the son of an engineer father, and homemaker and social worker mother. He received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from Tufts University and while deciding if his path was leaning towards a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) to conduct research, or a Doctor of Medicine (MD) to treat patients, an old friend encouraged Dr. Farbman to overnight his application (on the last day of the late period) to take the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT). That advice helped catalyze his decisionmaking process and set him on his path in medicine. He went on to receive his MD from Rutgers University Medical School. Medical school curriculum was difficult, but once exposed to clinical experiences, Dr. Farbman began to feel more optimistic about his decision to attend medical school. He enjoyed the neuroscience and neuropathology courses, which led to his future sub-specialty in neurology. Following a four-year residency, Farbman went on to complete a Movement Disorders Fellowship, all through University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Farbman found Pittsburgh to be the ideal place for residency training and to enjoy a favorite pastime, baseball, on the river at PNC Park – which he describes as a beautiful and accessible baseball stadium.

6 |

Spring 2021

In 2006, following a year of work in Pittsburgh, Dr. Farbman moved to Las Vegas to join the practice of Dr. Steven Glyman and Dr. David Ginsburg. Eventually the UNSOM/UNLV Neurology department subsumed the practice and Dr. Farbman moved into academic medicine with ease, treating patients while helping to educate future students. Dr. Farbman and Dr. Ginsburg ultimately moved to Roseman University and see patients at the Roseman Medical Group practice located in the medical building adjacent to Spring Valley Hospital.

Interestingly, those diagnosed with Parkinson’s have the highest risk of accompanying depression by age. Often, patients can’t sleep and potentially don’t generate adequate levels of dopamine or serotonin. As such, many Parkinson’s patients also take anti-depressants which can improve mood and movement issues. Doctors suspect there is a link between Parkinson’s and environmental pollutants, yet Dr. Farbman points out that Parkinson’s existed before the Industrial Revolution before there were factories and pollutant by-products of industry.

Dr. Farbman specializes in Movement Disorders, a class of neurological diseases that include Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, dystonia, ataxias and tremors. With Parkinson’s Disease, Farbman likens the diagnostic and evaluation of patients as putting together the pieces of a puzzle, a puzzle he enjoys solving. Parkinson’s patients might experience a fall, yet that symptom can be related to several other diseases. Ruling out other diseases helps ultimately form the diagnosis, along with presentation of some specific symptoms common to the disease.

Of all the diseases Farbman treats, Parkinson’s is one closest to his heart. “Given its prevalence, its impact, how it can affect patients in multiple ways, Parkinson’s is both more prevalent and less deadly than Huntington’s. I estimate that in Southern Nevada there are roughly 15,000 people living with Parkinson’s Disease right now.” Many may be living with symptoms but have gone undiagnosed, especially among those under 40 with early-onset disease who may not consider Parkinson’s a disease that could even impact them.

According to the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Parkinson’s Disease is a progressive movement disorder resulting from the loss of nerve cells in the brain that produce a substance called dopamine. The cause of Parkinson’s Disease is unknown. One in every 800 individuals develops the condition, which is more common in men than in women. Parkinson’s Disease increases with age, with 90% of patients above 45 years of age, and may be related to genetic mutations. Exercise throughout adulthood may reduce a person’s risk.

Several medications are available to manage symptoms, such as tremors and stiffness, in the condition’s early stages. Balance training, stretching and strengthening exercises, and aerobic activity are utilized to help to maintain a patient’s function. Speech therapy is also often recommended. Deep brain stimulation, (DBS) which is a surgical procedure, also may relieve symptoms. Dr. Farbman specializes in this modality, which through an embedded device and neurostimulator, deep brain stimulation is delivered to patients to improve their symptoms. Dr. Farbman is currently managing 200 patients with this therapy. There is now a Levodopa pump that can be prescribed for Parkinson’s patients as well.

Early symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease begin on one side of the body, with diminished fine motor control, or reduced foot or arm movement. Other symptoms include tremors, stiffness, posture imbalance, difficulty swallowing, constipation and urinary incontinence. Patients may experience slower movement and speech, fatigue, forgetfulness, loss of smell, and sleep disorders. Symptoms of late-stage Parkinson’s Disease include an expressionless face, soft voice and stooped posture, and an inability to walk. Healthcare providers conduct thorough physical exams, noting specific signs and symptoms that are seen in Parkinson’s Disease. Diagnostic testing may play a role in evaluating the disease. Sleep studies, swallowing studies and psychological testing also can assess the severity of the condition.

According to Dr. Farbman, about 1% of the population will experience Parkinson’s and 2% of those over 65 will experience it. He also notes that given the multitude of treatment options, there are far worse diagnoses than a Parkinson’s diagnosis. In its advanced stages, quality of life still can be good – more so life with limitations, not restrictions. Dr. Farbman is very interested in clinical research around Parkinson’s and says, “Fortunately, this is an exciting time to be treating Parkinson’s Disease.” In addition to the recent FDA-approval of many new Parkinson’s treatments, there are many clinical research trials ongoing. Roseman University is a site for both the Parkinson Study Group and the Huntington Study Group with studies for patients with many different degrees of the disease, from newly diagnosed to advanced. A new study will soon start on multiple system atrophy, an atypical Parkinson-plus disorder with no current treatments, as well as an essential tremor study. Farbman is hopeful that there will be some new Huntington’s research studies soon as well. Dr. Farbman is a gentle, affable, kind person with a natural gift for teaching and explanation. With his patients, he is patient and informative, delivering complex information in an approachable way. Active among the multiple support groups around the Valley, Dr. Farbman is truly a beacon of hope and telegraphs his optimism to his patients. For patients wishing to learn more about Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, or other movement disorders, or to make an appointment to see Dr. Farbman, please call the Roseman Medical Group, the medical practice of Roseman University’s College of Medicine at 702-463-4040. For most, a diagnosis can feel like an interminable journey of the unknown. Dr. Farbman uses his experience, intellect, talents and gifts to give patients information, support, and hope in navigating Parkinson’s and other Movement Disorders. roseman.edu/spectrum | 7

SPECIALIZING IN SMILES: By Vanessa Maniago

Dr. Glen Roberson

Glen Roberson, DMD, Program Director of Roseman University College of Dental Medicine’s Advanced Education in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics residency program and Orthodontic Clinic, is in a unique position to shape the next generation of compassionate, technologically-savvy, patient-focused orthodontists. Each year, Roseman’s AEODO residency welcomes 10 new residents, dentists intent on specializing in orthodontics after completion of the three-year program. Dr. Roberson has been with Roseman University since 2010 as fulltime faculty and is newly appointed into the position of Program Director. With ample teaching experience as well as an intimate understanding of the operations of the clinic, he’s spent the past 11 years watching, learning and immersing himself in his work. Roseman strives to develop “Lifelong Colleagues,” values which focus on personal growth, transparency and integrity. Students are encouraged to see their educational journey as not simply limited to the duration of their program, but as a lifetime journey full of learning opportunities and moments that can teach invaluable lessons – lessons that continue to improve our emotional intelligence, clinical skills, and service to patients. Dr. Roberson lives these ideals. Originally from northern New Jersey, Dr. Roberson knew as a high schooler that he was suited to a career in healthcare. For two years, he shadowed a physician in a pediatric ward and was energized by young patients but disheartened by the limitations of insurers and patient volume standards – limitations that impacted the quality of care. But as a self-described “overgrown kid,” Dr. Roberson found his way to dental school and ultimately to his specialty in orthodontics, which gave him the opportunity to treat young patients and make lasting impact on their lives by giving them the confidence of a healthy and beautiful smile. 8 |

Spring 2021

Perhaps closest to his heart however is the work that the clinic does in treating infants, children and adults with cleft lip and palate anomalies. One of the very few experts in Nevada to provide this highly specialized care, Dr. Roberson’s team works with patients that are only a few days old, babies who are born with issues that impact their ability to feed and thrive. With early intervention and use of a variety of techniques in orthodontia and dentofacial orthopedics, these young patients can be put on a track towards recovery. Roseman’s clinic does this for patients at no cost – and has donated over $500,000 in care to be able to treat any patient, regardless of their ability to pay. Dr. Roberson hopes more patients and their families learn about the unique benefits of the Roseman Dental and Orthodontic practice, which offers reduced-cost, high-quality care to patients needing dental, orthodontic, and cleft lip and palate care. When asked what part of his work he most enjoys, Dr. Roberson says, “I wear my heart on my sleeve, and I enjoy caring for my patients while also shaping the next generation of orthodontists to provide empathic, high-quality care to all." Highly respected by his peers, patients and students, Dr. Roberson is truly a gift to our community.

For more information on Roseman’s Dental and Orthodontic clinic, visit https://www.rosemandental.com/home-nv/ For more information on cleft lip and palate, go to https://www.rosemandental.com/cleft-palate-nv/

ROSEMAN’S By Jason Roth

COVID-19 Vaccination Efforts

In late 2020, following months of social distancing, school closures and lockdowns, and an economy struggling to find its way during a period of great uncertainty, the world waited with bated breath for the announcement of vaccines to kick-start a global recovery from the deadliest pandemic in a century. roseman.edu/spectrum | 9

required between 60 and 100 volunteers collectively working morning and afternoon shifts. Fortunately, Roseman’s community-minded faculty, staff and students quickly joined the effort, along with volunteers from Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, Team Rubicon and the Clark County Medical Society Alliance. Together, Roseman’s volunteers devoted more than 5,000 hours to the vaccination effort over a period of 15 weeks.

Capitalizing on years of research prior to the pandemic, scientists were able to develop vaccines less than a year after COVID-19 was identified, a reflection of remarkable progress in vaccine technology. In December, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized the distribution of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, and, soon after, the Moderna vaccine became available for the adult population. Following the FDA’s greenlight, the challenge of vaccinating hundreds of millions of adults became a reality. The logistics of distribution, made complicated by the vaccines’ low storage temperature and two dose requirements, would make it the largest and most daunting vaccination effort in U.S. history. It would take public and private sectors working together to make sure that every American who wanted the vaccine could get it. THE ROSEMAN APPROACH Early on, Roseman University was brought into vaccine roll-out planning in Nevada when the Southern Nevada Health District sought the help of third parties to get the vaccine out to as many people as possible through the establishment of Points of Dispensary (PODs). With the College of Pharmacy’s Dr. Christina Madison at the helm, a University-wide Task Force was quickly assembled to help plan and coordinate vaccination PODs at Roseman’s Summerlin and Henderson campuses. The Task Force met weekly to discuss POD logistics and ways to continuously improve. From the onset, Roseman’s deliberate approach was smaller in scale than most community PODs, focusing on the patient experience. “The Roseman PODs were boutique operations to provide patients fast and efficient service,” said Dr. Madison. “Our goal was to avoid long lines and wait times and to educate our patients.” On January 9, Roseman successfully held its first POD at the Summerlin campus. Nearly 150 people – a small number to test patient flow and space capacity – were administered the first dose of the Moderna vaccine. Throughout the following weeks, Roseman continued to hold PODs rotating between the Summerlin and Henderson campuses every two weeks. Each POD provided first and second dose vaccinations to between 300 and 700 eligible southern Nevadans. VOLUNTEERS MAKE IT HAPPEN Vaccination PODs require a lot of volunteers to fill roles such as patient flow, check-in, registrar/medical evaluation, vaccine prep, vaccination, post-vaccination reaction observation, and data entry. Each role is integral to making a POD run smoothly. To make Roseman’s PODs a success, it was all-hands-on-deck. Each POD

10 |

Spring 2021

“Thousands of hours of planning, operations, and logistics have gone into the creation of the well-oiled machine that is our COVID-19 vaccination operations,” said Dr. Madison. “I feel very grateful to have so many students, faculty and staff devote so much of their time and energy into this important endeavor.” This month, in recognition of their ongoing commitment and hours supporting the vaccination effort, Roseman’s Top 40 volunteers – based on individual hours volunteered – were awarded the Nevada Governor’s Volunteer Service Award. ROSEMAN’S EXPANDING REACH While the on-campus vaccination PODs successfully administered vaccines to thousands of southern Nevadans, there was a need to reach underserved neighborhoods in the Las Vegas Valley, where transportation and other barriers were preventing people from getting to vaccination sites. Partnering with the Southern Nevada Health District, Roseman volunteers administered vaccines at the Doolittle Community Center in the historic West Las Vegas neighborhood, and the Hollywood Recreation and Whitney Community centers in the far eastside of Las Vegas. In the spring, other community organizations enlisted the help of Roseman and its volunteers to offer vaccinations. These included The Center, Adelson Clinic for Drug Abuse Treatment & Research, East Valley Family Services, Nevada Partners, and the Huntridge Family Clinic. THE HESITANCY CHALLENGE While the logistics of getting vaccines in the arms of southern Nevadans were quickly developed and implemented, the most pressing challenge for Roseman and state officials was and continues to be combating vaccine hesitancy. Misinformation, rumors, and fear have resulted in a large portion of the population declining vaccination. Dr. Madison says, “In order to achieve herd immunity we need about 80 percent of the population.” To combat hesitancy, Roseman has been proactive in working with the media to help report accurate information, with Dr. Madison, Dr. David Rawlins and Dr. Manas Mandal frequently sharing the latest vaccine developments with reporters and producers.

COVID-19 VACCINATION “It’s important for the public to know the facts,” said Dr. Madison. “Data on vaccine safety and efficacy, as well as how collective vaccination can lead to the end of the pandemic, is important for the public to understand. It’s incredibly challenging when there is so much noise surrounding vaccinations.” In March, Roseman worked with NBA Hall of Famer and Olympic Gold Medalist Spencer Haywood to promote vaccination within the African American community. Haywood received his vaccinations at Roseman’s Summerlin campus with news cameras there to witness. ROSEMAN’S UTAH STUDENTS AND FACULTY VOLUNTEER IN DAVIS COUNTY In Utah, led by Dr. Catherine Cone, Assistant Dean for Assessment in the College of Pharmacy, two faculty and three students volunteer three days each week to help administer COVID-19 vaccinations in Davis County, just north of Salt Lake City. The College of Nursing joins the effort one day a week with two faculty and between nine and 12 students. College of Dental Medicine students will be joining soon. The Roseman volunteers currently work three lanes at the Davis County Legacy Events Center drive-thru vaccination clinic that serves between 2,300 and 2,500 per day. “The Davis County vaccination clinic runs very smoothly,” said Dr. Cone. “We’ve been volunteering at the site since February and will continue into the summer. By the end, I estimate our volunteers will have vaccinated more than 10,000 Utahans.” THE LEARNING EXPERIENCE Throughout the year, Roseman’s vaccination efforts have offered a valuable, hands-on experience for Roseman students. “Not only have students had the chance to give quite a few vaccination injections, but they have also had the chance to discuss a patient’s medical history as it relates to the vaccine and do a lot of patient teaching about COVID-19, the vaccination, and what they can expect from the vaccination in terms of side effects,” said Dr. Delos Jones, College of Nursing’s Associate Dean of Faculty Affairs and Learning Innovation. “Pharmacy and nursing students have had the chance to work side by side with faculty in a true interprofessional team effort to get the population vaccinated. It is an experience that does not come up very often and students have really enjoyed working with such a diverse group of people.” Roseman University President Dr. Renee Coffman added, “I’m extremely proud that Roseman has been able to have this ongoing impact on the Southern Nevada and Utah communities. It has been the embodiment of our mission to ‘advance the health and wellness’ of the communities that we serve and other than educating and training the next generation of healthcare professionals, is probably one of the most important things that we have done as an institution.”

Volunteer Reflections

“The experience was wonderful and to see my fellow co-workers offer their time to vaccinate the public showed how much our school cares about the health of our community.” – Jackie Seip, Executive Assistant to the President “Service, including service to the community, is a basic tenant of most clinical faculty positions. As such, I am always on the lookout for opportunities to give back to the community. It was great to know that I had a skill set that was in demand, and I was being encouraged to utilize these skills to help my co-workers and neighbors.” – Dr. Evan Williams, Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice “It was very heartwarming to hear how the vaccine would positively impact so many people’s lives.” – Sally Mickelson, Director of Financial Aid “It is truly amazing how in 20-30 years when future generations ask me about my Covid-19 experience, I can proudly say I administered over 300 vaccines.” – Gabrielle Hidalgo, Student Nurse “I want to help reach our target of herd immunity here in Nevada and increase community confidence in COVID-19 vaccines. I wanted to show my friends, families, colleagues, and communities via social media that I’m volunteering at the vaccine clinic and sharing beliefs about the COVID-19 vaccinations. Getting vaccinated will help all of us and protect us from COVID-19 infections and deaths.” – Marife Aczon-Armstrong, Assistant Professor of Nursing “The experience was extremely rewarding; getting to vaccinate at the first PODs, the elderly who had higher death rates, it was humbling to see the gratitude in their faces and for them to tell me about how much safer they feel with the vaccinations.” – Dr. Alana Whittaker, Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice “I have done a lot of volunteer work in the past and this was an opportunity to continue my volunteer work. I had a great time working with the crew we assembled from students, employees, spouses and anyone we could get involved in the Project.” – David Smith, Helpdesk Technician II “The experience was beyond rewarding. I volunteered in the check in, vaccinator and data entry stations because I knew being a volunteer, I should be able to do multiple tasks in case there was a shortage. Due to the pandemic, I haven’t had the opportunity to engage with my peers and other professors, so I looked forward to it on a weekly basis.” – Rena Labeaud-Howard, Student Pharmacist roseman.edu/spectrum | 11

Roseman University TO WELCOME TWO INAUGURAL GRADUATE STUDIES COHORTS THIS FALL By Candace A. Smith Roseman University of Health Science’s College of Graduate Studies has unveiled two new academic programs; a Master of Science degree in Biomedical Sciences (MBS) and a Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences (MSPS).

Dr. Talbot describes his role as Dean as “collaborative,” and is tasked with the development and implementation of the curriculum. His role involves providing guidance over student affairs well beyond the attainment of the degree.

Dr. Jeffrey Talbot is the Vice President for Research and Dean of the College of Graduate Studies. Dr. Talbot says the MBS and MSPS programs are an important part of Roseman’s long-term strategic plan and are designed to equip students for thriving careers in the medical, biotech and nutraceutical industries.

“We want to nurture our students after they graduate,” Dr. Talbot explained, “helping with job search and placement.”

“Our programs will implement the Roseman Six-Point Mastery Learning Model,” Dr. Talbot said. “The elements of the models are embedded in Roseman’s DNA.” The strategic vision was planted six years ago. In 2015, Roseman University President and Co-founder Dr. Renee Coffman invited Dr. Talbot to chair a small task force to assess the feasibility of research graduate studies programming at the university. Feasibility discussions soon transitioned into talks of implementation, planning, and operationalizing the College of Graduate Studies. Representatives from each academic unit of the university participated in the process of making this idea a reality. “This has been a shared enterprise from the beginning,” Dr. Talbot said. 12 |

Spring 2021

GRADUATE STUDIES AT ROSEMAN: Two Degree Tracks The MS in Biomedical Sciences program is a 10-month master’s degree program designed to give graduates a competitive edge. The curriculum prepares graduates for an entry-level position in the biotech and nutraceutical field. The MBS program also offers a guaranteed interview with Roseman’s competitive Doctor of Dental Medicine Program. “The curriculum of the program is comprehensive and builds formal skills required in the analysis of biomedical literature and ethical questions that impact the healthcare and research professions,” Dr. Kamran Awan said. Dr. Awan is the Program Director of the MS in Biomedical Sciences program, and Associate Professor with Roseman University’s College of Dental Medicine.

The benefits of the MBS and MSPS programs extend to faculty as well. These graduate programs provide an opportunity for professional development and a means of stimulating ideas for an instructor’s own research. “Our faculty is our strength,” Dr. Talbot shared. “These programs move a faculty member’s own research forward in ways that wouldn’t easily occur otherwise. In a reciprocal way, our students will benefit just as much.”

“The MBS program is designed to provide students with advanced knowledge in Biomedical Sciences to strengthen their academic credentials before applying to medical, dental, or other health sciences schools,” Dr. Awan said. “Or, to build a foundation for earning a Ph.D. and a career in research.” The other degree offering, the MS in Pharmaceutical Sciences (MSPS) program, prepares graduates for doctoral studies and teaching within higher education. The program offers internships, mentoring, and networking through Roseman's industry partners, and is designed to prepare entry-level pharmaceutical scientists for work within the biotech, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical industries. The MSPS program will take two years to complete, and offers coursework in regulatory affairs and clinical practice. It currently stands as the only pharmaceutical sciences program in Utah and Nevada. Roseman’s state-of-the-art facilities provide the backdrop for prime opportunities for research. “After program completion, graduates mastered the use of the foundational pharmaceutical sciences to provide competent expertise to the workforce,” said Dr. Casey Sayre. Dr. Sayre is the Program Director of the MS in Pharmaceutical Sciences program, and Associate Professor of Pharmaceutical Science with Roseman University’s College of Pharmacy. He believes students will gain two things after earning this degree; the skills to be a highly desired member of the workforce and the curiosity to overcome any challenge put in front of them. “They will have put into practice leadership, communication, and organizational skills that will allow them to hit the ground running at any employer’s organization.”

A WELCOMED CHANGE IN THE WEST Research is fundamental to Roseman's mission as a health sciences institution, and market trends point to a growing demand for Master of Science degrees. The MBS and MSPS programs address a lack of coursework of this kind in the west. Both programs are offered in a "hyflex" modality that allows students to continue working while they complete coursework. This model, both hybrid and flexible, offers synchronous face-to-face learning and online instruction. Students decide which instruction model best suits their individual needs. Roseman’s method of instruction, as well as the hands-on training provided, makes the MBS and MSPS programs distinctive. Dr. Talbot remarks that these programs will focus on regulatory affairs, organizational behavior and leadership, and communication in addition to teaching sound principles in biomedical sciences, public health, and data science. He believes students will leave these new degree programs with a diverse knowledge base, intellectual maturity, and the skills to thrive in the health sciences industry regardless of what they do next. Monica D’Ottavio is the Graduate Programs Coordinator at Roseman and oversees admissions, coordinates recruitment and academic testing for the college. She believes the MBS and MSPS programs will fully prepare graduates to excel in their industries and has enjoyed playing a part in their inception. “I feel like I’ve touched a small piece of every part of this,” D’Ottavio said. “It has been a wonderful process of learning from the ground up.” The College of Graduate Studies has finalized its curricula and is on track to welcome its first cohorts to the Nevada and Utah campuses this fall.

Dr. Talbot emphasizes the immense value in working alongside the accomplished scientists employed by Roseman’s industry partners. These partners include companies like doTERRA, LFB-USA, JSK Therapeutics, Charles River Labs, and ProCaps Laboratories, and could serve as potential future employers for graduates. “The 10-month program will prepare for entrance into professional degree programs, including our own,” Dr. Talbot shared. “The twoyear program affords students a longer training period with our industry partners.”

roseman.edu/spectrum | 13

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Maral Aghazarian Borkowski BSN '13

THE NURSING JOURNEY Roseman nursing alumna Maral Borkowski earned her undergraduate degree in biology at UC Irvine, where she conducted genetics research and volunteered for a clinical care extender program at an area hospital. Through that experience, she served on a medical surgical floor and in the ER. By Brenda Griego “That volunteer experience is where I fell in love with medicine and, more specifically, nursing,” she notes. “The nursing staff were so supportive, and I loved that their care was so closely related to patients’ outcomes. The nurses spent a full twelve hours with patients and were the doctors’ eyes, ears, and hands.”

She continues, “That learning process was beneficial post-graduation too because now as a practicing RN, when my patients are settled, I look to see if anyone else needs help. Whether in school or on the job, we all have to work together to keep afloat and provide the best care we can.”

When she knew nursing was for her, she unsuccessfully tried switching her major, and then applied to other universities, but only got as close as a two- to three-year wait list.

While in the BSN program, Maral participated in the Student Nurse Association and Nursing Honor Society, and she enjoyed volunteering at community events, going to an SNA conference, and hiking with dental & pharmacy students.

“Luckily, one of my friends told me about Roseman. When I got accepted, I was so excited to start my nursing journey!” When asked what is special about Roseman, she immediately responds: “I loved that EVERYONE had to get a 90% or better to pass! That intimidated me at first, but it was a great concept because instead of competing against each other for the top grade, each cohort studied and worked together. Your cohort becomes like a family as you work through test days, clinicals, and finally graduation.” 14 |

Spring 2021

Did she have a favorite experience? “Clinicals were my favorite because of the patients and nurse mentors, and the best clinical was my preceptorship. My second preceptor was AMAZING! I still keep in touch with her, and she will forever be my ‘nursing mommy,’" she says with a big smile. After graduating and passing her NCLEX, Maral began working at Kindred Sahara and later Southern Hills Hospital on the Medical

Surgical Unit, where she took on new roles like nurse leader rounding and relief charge. Her current position is in the ER at Spring Valley Hospital. In the ER, she explains, some days are “manageable and smooth, others are chaotic and stressful” but patients get superior care from Maral and her co-workers. “Everyone I work with calls me the energizer bunny because I'm always zipping around and helping whenever I can.” What’s next for Maral? “There are many certifications I want to get to enhance my understanding of emergency medicine, but I’ve also been expanding my family roles! I am the wife of a very dedicated paramedic and the mother of two amazing boys and one chunky beagle.” Maral feels deep appreciation for those who helped her on her journey. “Thanks to my parents, my husband, and my cohort, I succeeded in my goal. With the continued support of my home and work family, I feel like wherever my nursing journey takes me, I will always have a solid foundation and support.”

7TH ANNUAL

RESEARCH Symposium 7th Annual Roseman University Research Symposium Showcases Local, Regional, and International Research Projects On April 14, Roseman University presented its Seventh Annual Research Symposium in a virtual format. Open to the public, the event showcased research projects by students, residents, research fellows and faculty from the Henderson, Nevada and South Jordan, Utah campuses of Roseman’s Colleges of Pharmacy, Medicine, Dental Medicine and Nursing. It also featured projects by researchers at Brigham Young University, University of Utah, Touro University Nevada, College of Southern Nevada, Valley Health System, Dignity Health St. Rose Dominican, Green Valley High School and Faith Lutheran High School in partnership with Clemson University. According to Dr. Jeffery Talbot, Roseman University’s Vice President for Research and Dean of the College of Graduate Studies, 66 nonRoseman abstract submissions represent 34 universities, eight health care systems and research institutes and two high schools, all from seven countries (including the U.S.) that span North, South, and Central America, Asia, and the Middle East. “In our seventh year, it was remarkable to see the growth of this Las Vegas-based research symposium. In our first year in 2014, we showcased 28 total research submissions from Roseman’s colleges and programs,” said Talbot. “This year, we have a growing list of domestic and international institutions both in breadth and quality participating.” This year’s research abstracts covered a wide range of topics in various areas including bench-top science, clinical research, and educational research. They independently and collectively represented prodigious planning, methodical execution, and deeply insightful findings covering everything from oral health to diabetes and infectious diseases.

Faculty, student and resident presentations were judged by a panel of internal Roseman faculty and external researchers for the top research projects. The winners were announced at the close of the event, and included: RESEARCH-IN-PROGRESS • 1st Place - Melissa Yuko Sperry, Brigham Young University College of Life Sciences • 2nd Place - Willem Maniago, Faith Lutheran High School STEM Academy • 3rd Place - Courtney Scott, Valley Hospital Medical Center STUDENT PRESENTED RESEARCH • 1st Place - Rachel Dittrich, Roseman University College of Pharmacy • 2nd Place - Sonia Phan, Roseman University College of Pharmacy • 3rd Place - Tayler Hutto, Roseman University College of Pharmacy RESIDENT PRESENTED RESEARCH • 1st Place - Dushawn Harley, Valley Hospital Medical Center • 2nd Place - Sai Karan Vamsi Guda, Valley Hospital Medical Center • 3rd Place - Laurel Shin, Roseman University AEODO/MBA Residency Program For details of these and other research projects download the Event Program and Abstract Book at https://research.roseman.edu/symposium/. Also online are videos from the symposium, including the presentation of the event’s Keynote by Larry S. Schlesinger, MD, president and CEO of Texas Biomedical Research Institute who presented “The impact of past, present and future pandemics.” The Seventh Annual Roseman University Research Symposium was made possible through the generous support of presenting sponsor Doterra, keynote sponsor Practice Pathways/Zions Bank and MedQuest, and awards sponsor US Bank. roseman.edu/spectrum | 15

VIRTUAL An Educational Series Focusing on Community Health & Well-Being. Join us monthly for virtual presentations on a variety of healthcare topics featuring expert speakers from Roseman University.

Learn alongside your neighbors, friends and members of Nevada’s healthcare community during these free community events, which are normally in person but will take to a virtual setting to keep guests safe and healthy.

Fall Lineup

Join us Thursdays at 5:30 – 7pm every month! THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2021 Dr. Cheryl Brewster Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Health Professions THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2021 Dr. Luther Brewster No Laughing Matter with Cuba Pete: A conversational podcast that invites guests from all walks of life to discuss serious health, social justice, and policy topics in a relaxed, fun environment

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2021 Dr. Marin Gillis Ethics of Pandemics: The Case of COVID-19 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2021 Dr. Marin Gillis The Value and Importance of the Arts in Healthcare

2021

Presenting Sponsor