SUMMER 2020 • Publishing Semiannually | VOLUME 3 • Issue 2
Taking Medical Education & Healthcare Transformation
TO THE NEXT LEVEL INSIDE: Roseman University Nursing Programs PG. 8 Meet Dr. Eric Farbman PG. 10 Q&A with Dr. Christina Madison PG. 12
Roseman University of Health Sciences A Nevada Non-Profit Corporation 11 Sunset Way Henderson, NV 89014-2333
ROADRUNNER Resource Series Lifelong Learning for Alumni
Join your fellow Roseman University graduates for quick takes on timely topics through this new online lecture series. Register today! Have ideas for future topics? Reach out to alumni@roseman.edu!
THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 6PM COVID-19: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis and Treatment Manas Mandal, BSc, MSc, PhD Associate Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, PM Student Loan Strategies Sally Mickelson, BA Director of Financial Aid
Register at roseman.edu/alumni or by calling 702-802-2830
PUBLISHER Jason Roth
DESIGNER Eric Jones
GUEST CONTRIBUTORS
EDITORS Joslyn Hatfield Jason Roth
PHOTOGRAPHERS Loretta Campbell Francia Garcia Jennette Mann
Brenda Griego Vanessa Maniago Rachael Thomas
spectRUm is published two times per year by Roseman University of Health Sciences, A Nevada non-profit corporation. 11 Sunset Way, Henderson, NV 89014 | roseman.edu | 702.968.1633 | © 2020
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Letter from the PRESIDENT The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the lives of all Americans. Many people are out of work and struggling financially, businesses are suffering from closures, sporting events, which typically promote unity in troubling times, are on hold and vacation plans have been cancelled. The year 2020 has truly been a year of interruption.
Across the country, higher education institutions have had to quickly respond to the threat of COVID-19 and change the way they operate. This was challenging for many institutions who were not prepared, nor had the resources to quickly pivot to a distance learning model in order to continue serving their students. Thanks to the hard work and ingenuity of our administration, faculty and staff, as well as our ambitious students, Roseman University was able to transition swiftly to distance learning, preventing interruption in learning and program progression. This was not easy, as many of our health sciences programs require clinical experiential training, which is typically carried out in-person. Our colleges of Nursing, Pharmacy and Dental Medicine found solutions through collaboration. The College of Nursing was able to provide approximately 784 curricular clinical hours, in aggregate, using virtual simulations with little or no preparation time. The College graduated 70 students who completed nearly a quarter of their curricula following the closure of campus to in-person classes. Further, all current students remain on track for graduation in the future. In just three days, the College of Pharmacy was able to transition to full six-hour days of virtual instruction and did not miss one day of lecture during the academic year that ended in May. Practice faculty and preceptors creatively modified early and advanced experiential rotations, providing a mix of virtual, telehealth, remote and on-site rotations. All Class of 2020 students who were scheduled for graduation on May 14 prior to COVID-19 maintained on-time graduation. Between March 13 and 16, not only did the College of Dental Medicine have to contend with a significant earthquake that shook the Salt Lake Valley, they had to rapidly move most instruction online. Deploying a “Hyflex” model where courses are delivered both in-person and online at the same time by the same faculty member, the College was able to stay on track with didactic curriculum. They modified their simulation clinic to conform with pandemic guidelines so that it could continue to help students maintain and enhance hand skills. They also maintained a continuous clinical presence for urgent and emergency patient care to protect the most vulnerable populations. Moving forward, our academic programs continue to explore and deploy new strategies and methods to help facilitate learning as the COVID-19 pandemic will remain part of a “new normal” into the fall season. Roseman is also moving forward with strategic endeavors that will allow us to further impact the health and wellness of our communities. In this issue, you’ll be introduced to a remarkable leadership team that has taken the helm of the College of Medicine and you will learn about their plan to create a new kind of medical school to serve Nevada. You’ll read about Dr. Eric Farbman, a neurologist with Roseman Medical Group who specializes in treating patients with movement disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease. Also included is a Q&A with Roseman College of Pharmacy alumna and associate professor Dr. Christina Madison and an article highlighting College of Nursing alumna Ria Harris’ work to address COVID-19 and mental health while serving in the U.S. Navy. Like always, I thank you for interest in Roseman University and the outstanding faculty, staff and students who make our institution a vibrant place in which to work and study, and our alumni who are making strides in their chosen health professions. With gratitude,
Renee Coffman President
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College of Medicine
TEAM LEADERSHIP Roseman University’s New College of Medicine Leadership Team to Take Medical Education and Healthcare Transformation to the Next Level By Jason Roth
For over 20 years, Roseman University has responded to the healthcare needs of Nevada by developing innovative academic programs to educate and graduate new generations of pharmacists and nurses to help meet the growing needs of the Silver State. Today, hundreds of alumni are living and working in Nevada’s communities, providing compassionate care. While Roseman has successfully contributed to easing the shortage of pharmacist and nurses, the University is now taking aim at helping alleviate Nevada’s chronic shortage of physicians and addressing healthcare disparities that continue to affect many of the state’s communities. Solving Nevada’s physician shortage requires bold ideas. As a private, non-profit institution built upon bold ideas, Roseman is responding to the challenge by embarking on a path to create a new kind of medical school to produce the healthcare workforce of the future by developing clinically excellent, community-based, socially accountable, humble, compassionate and inclusive physicians. Following years of laying the groundwork for a medical school, including establishing a campus in Summerlin to house it, last year Roseman began a search for a dean who can help the University achieve its goal.
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“We decided to look beyond creating a traditional medical school to create an innovative mid-21st Century, Las Vegas-based medical school rooted in populational health improvement and integrated medicine,” said Roseman University President Dr. Renee Coffman. “This inspired us to find a leader with experience in innovative medical school curriculum, inter-professional training, and population health management.”
Dr. Pedro Greer
In June, the University welcomed Pedro “Joe” Greer, Jr., MD as dean of the Roseman University College of Medicine. Dr. Greer is recognized as one of the first medical educators to appreciate the importance of training physicians in the social determinants of health, and he developed a unique educational program to address a critical gap in medical education while at Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine (FIU HWCOM) in Miami, Florida.
“Dr. Greer is a nationally and internationally recognized advocate for health equity by engaging communities to create effective health and social policies and accessible healthcare systems,” said Coffman. “He brings to Roseman and Nevada remarkable experience and expertise in spearheading the development of unique service-learning and community-dependent medical education curriculum that prepares future physicians to address the social determinants of health, while simultaneously caring for individuals and communities through a householdcentered approach to clinical care.” According to Dr. Greer, addressing the social determinants of health is critical to the healthy future of Nevada. Roseman’s College of Medicine has the opportunity to support all patients, their families, and their households by mitigating the social determinants of health, so every member of Nevada’s diverse communities has the best possible health outcomes. “Our future medical students must understand the context that exists around each patient and household,” said Dr. Greer. “With a team-based interprofessional approach, household-centered care, and deep understanding of the social determinants of health, we will train our students to understand the factors that influence the health of the household such as policy, social norms and attitudes, as well as access to safe housing, public transportation, healthcare systems and health insurance, education, healthy food, and job opportunities. We must also consider household composition, which is who is living in each household that needs care. For example, a child with special needs, or an elderly parent or someone with diabetes, each as a member of the household influences the health of the other members that need care.” Dr. Greer says that it’s also important to note that Nevada, with its shortages of both primary and specialty care, continues to need more providers. While the medical schools at UNLV, Touro University Nevada, and UNR have made great strides in helping educate more physicians, there continues to be a need to grow our healthcare infrastructure. Household-centered care along with an expansion of the healthcare infrastructure that includes Roseman’s College of Medicine will translate to better experiences and outcomes for all patients. “We can’t understand the evolving needs of our communities without working alongside community partners and other institutions who have similar goals,” said Dr. Greer. “Roseman’s students will be exposed to a variety of different practice settings early on and will learn from students from other medical schools. Student interest groups also provide a natural hub for collaboration, creativity, solutions and passion.” A recipient of the nation’s highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, as well as the prestigious MacArthur Foundation “Genius” Fellowship, Dr. Greer has a national and international reputation as a leader in medical education and health policy. Dr. Greer previously established the Department of Humanities, Health, and Society at the FIU HWCOM and spearheaded its nationally and internationally recognized interprofessional medical education program, the Green Family Foundation Neighborhood Health Education Learning Program (NeighborhoodHELP™). The innovative program prepares future physicians to assess and address the social determinants that impact health outcomes.
Additionally, Dr. Greer established Camillus Health Concern and Saint John Bosco healthcare centers for underserved populations in Miami, Florida. He has published over 25 articles and book chapters on topics from hepatic and digestive disorders to policy, poverty, health, and medical education in the United States. Dr. Greer wrote Waking Up in America, an autobiographical account about his experiences, from providing care to homeless persons under bridges to advising U.S. Presidents George Bush, Sr. and Bill Clinton. Dr. Greer also serves in various capacities for national, state, and local organizations, including trustee at the RAND Corporation and current chair of the Pardee RAND Graduate School Board of Governors. He is a leading national and international healthcare visionary and among the most sought-after speakers on the future of medicine. With both familial and professional ties to Nevada, Dr. Greer is optimistic about Roseman’s endeavor. “We look forward to working with the great community of Las Vegas and the region. Together we have the opportunity to continue in the Roseman tradition to improve health outcomes in our communities,” said Greer. Dr. Greer says that developing a new medical school gives Roseman the incredible opportunity to create change and implement a new vision for medical education. The University isn’t trying to evolve from something, but rather is leveraging the innovation and entrepreneurial spirit of a relatively young institution. “Innovation will be at the heart of what we do, from innovations in teaching using Roseman University's Six-Point Mastery Learning Model®, inter-professional and early experiential education, to the skills we seek to grow from our students like communication, critical thinking, empathy and humility,” said Dr. Greer. “Our medical students will have access and exposure Dr. Karen Esposito to all of Roseman’s talented faculty, including researchers, clinicians, public health experts, Doctors of Education, and community development experts. Our curriculum will be built upon exposure to this diverse range of experts who together, can create comprehensive solutions to combat the social determinants of health." Developing a medical school from scratch is no easy feat. It requires a trusted team who understands the complexities of navigating the accreditation process with the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) and share in Dr. Greer’s ideals of curricular innovation, aggressive student pipeline development, commitment to diversity and inclusion, and focus on household-centered care. For that reason, Dr. Greer recruited colleagues who participated in the founding FIU HWCOM to join his senior leadership team at Roseman. Karin Esposito, MD, PhD is senior executive dean for academic and student affairs; Marin Gillis, PhD, LPh is senior executive dean for faculty affairs and learning innovation; Luther Brewster, MS, PhD is senior executive dean for community health innovation and Cheryl Brewster, EdD is senior executive dean for diversity, equity, and inclusion. The new team joined existing College of roseman.edu/spectrum | 5
Medicine leadership that includes Bruce Morgensten, MD, senior executive dean for clinical affairs; Thomas Hunt, MD, chair of family and community medicine and associate dean for clinical education; Kristina Connolly, assistant dean for finance and administration; and Victoria VanMeetren, special advisor to the dean. Dr. Bruce Morgenstern
Dr. Esposito has extensive experience in medical education, research, and clinical management. At FIU HWCOM, she most recently served as executive associate dean for student affairs and professor of psychiatry and behavioral health. In her previous role as associate dean for curriculum and medical education, she launched the participation of FIU HWCOM in the Association of American Medical College's "Core Entrustable Professional Activities for Entering Residency" pilot project and was co-leader for FIU HWCOM's first American Medical Association "Accelerating Change in Medical Education" grant. While at FIU, Dr. Esposito was also the founding program director for the psychiatry residency at Citrus Health Network. At Roseman, Dr. Esposito will play a crucial role in creating a medical education curriculum that brings Roseman’s Six-Point Mastery Learning Model® to medical student education, with an emphasis on early clinical learning, integrated and case-based basic science education, competency-based assessment, and lifelong adaptive learning. “I’m very excited to integrate Roseman’s educational model into medical student education,” said Dr. Esposito. “In doing so, we will create an environment where we learn together in a setting that supports student success by valuing diversity and wellness as well as promoting personal and professional development. Our values of humility, excelDr. Marin Gillis lence and respect will be evident as students work with communities, households, and delivery systems to become the providers we will all need in the future.” Dr. Gillis, a philosopher, bioethicist, and award-winning medical educator, brings to Roseman a successful track record of mentoring students and developing faculty from different professions and disciplines to collaboratively take a scholarly approach to health education and to develop their own research at FIU HWCOM, the former University of Nevada School of Medicine and the Mass College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in Boston. Dr. Gillis has led national efforts to advance and support women in medical education and sciences, recently cycling off of a threeyear term on the Steering Committee for the American Association of Medical Colleges Group on Women in Medicine and Science and serving as the assistant dean for women in medicine and science at FIU HWCOM.
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She also leads national and international organizations dedicated to innovative, transdisciplinary, health professions education to develop critical and creative thinking and problem-solving skills, foster resilience, and cultivate a humanistic approach to clinical care. Her roles include international academic affairs director for the Cambridge Consortium of Bioethics Education and co-director of the affinity group for health professions educators at the American Society for Bioethics and Humanities. In her role as senior executive dean for faculty affairs and learning innovation in Roseman’s College of Medicine, Dr. Gillis is responsible for recruiting and preparing a diverse transdisciplinary and interprofessional faculty of clinicians, scientists, humanists, and community leaders to deliver innovative curriculum. “Our goal is to develop and advance faculty to take a collaborative and scholarly approach to teaching and learning, utilizing active learning methods and technology to promote student success and resilience,” said Dr. Gillis. “We will provide support services and resources to facilitate the professional success of faculty in their work as disciplinary and interproDr. Cheryl Brewster fessional educators and investigators, including faculty training, funding initiatives, and awards. We are committed to fostering an equitable, employee-empowered, and inclusive workplace.” Another key challenge in Nevada is whether the state has health professionals who reflect its changing demographics and increasing diversity, and whether it’s positioned to address the needs of its traditionally underserved populations. Dr. Cheryl Brewster aims to inspire students, faculty and staff to understand the current and emerging challenges facing future healthcare providers in the state. “We need to diversify the profession of medicine, including its leadership teams, while also addressing inequalities in college staff and student experiences, supporting the careers of individuals who are underrepresented in academics, and remove any and all barriers to participation for all who come into contact with the College of Medicine,” said Dr. Cheryl Brewster. In support of student diversity, and ultimately healthcare workforce diversity, Dr. Cheryl Brewster says the College of Medicine will use a holistic approach to recruit students from Nevada, as they are more likely to practice in Nevada and more likely to have deep ties to their communities. “Our students will be thinkers and change makers, and highly driven to support their communities. We will look for qualities in addition to academic performance that will help students to be excellent physicians such as empathy, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration,” said Dr. Cheryl Brewster. “We will be looking for a fit with our mission, as well as students who reflect the diversity, experiences, and dimensions of our population. We will consider their lived experience and the factors impacting their journey. With our support and within the nurturing yet rigorous reaches of Roseman University’s Six-Point
Mastery Learning Model®, our College of Medicine students will be like Roseman’s other graduates – highly competent, competitive in their field, and ready and capable of creating a positive impact in the communities they will serve.” Over the years Dr. Cheryl Brewster’s work has focused on engaging with underserved communities to Victoria VanMeetren address health disparities related to myriad chronic diseases and bias in healthcare. She has worked in a number of cities including New York City, Atlanta and Detroit and, most recently, Miami. Her commitment to ensuring cultural humility in healthcare has spanned well over 25 years. At FIU HWCOM, Dr. Cheryl Brewster was the inaugural associate dean for diversity and inclusion and associate professor. She was charged with enhancing the culture of the college by developing and overseeing a comprehensive diversity plan to include goals, policies and practices as they relate to administrators, faculty, staff and students. Her dedication expands into her service as she currently serves on numerous boards including being a member of the executive committee for a federally qualified health center located in Miami and the national organization Building the Next Generation of Academic Physicians (BNGAP), an organization specifically founded in 2010 to address the lack of underrepresented faculty in academic medicine. Another hallmark of Roseman University’s College of Medicine will be its connection to communities. Serving as senior executive dean for community health innovation, Dr. Luther Brewster brings to the College diverse expertise resulting from his academic and private sector experiDr. Thomas Hunt ences in leveraging community partnerships to yield returns for medical education, health organizations, the technology sector and economic development. According to Dr. Luther Brewster, the first and most important goal in the development of Roseman’s College of Medicine is to improve the lives of those living in this community. This will be accomplished with a community-dependent approach, interdependence and a symbiotic relationship between the college and Nevada’s communities.
“We have the opportunity to improve health outcomes for all people in Nevada. In order to improve the lives of all people, we must also listen to those who have not had a voice. Their unique and individual needs must be heard to design community-dependent solutions that will improve lives. They may be our patients, our neighbors, our partners, our business community or our future students. By developing excellent physicians who understand their individual communities, we are poised to best serve and improve the lives of those living in Nevada,” said Dr. Luther Brewster. Dr. Luther Brewster previously served as faculty and Founding Chief of Policy, Research and Community Development at FIU HWCOM. Dr. Brewster was also the Director of Green Family Foundation NeighborhoodHELP™ where he oversaw the development of a partner network of more than one hundred community partners and the recruitment and retention of almost two thousand households to facilitate a novel community-based interprofessional service-learning curriculum. He was also co-founder of the FIU-Aetna Health Policy Analysis Academy, a joint venture with the Aetna Foundation and the Pardee RAND Graduate School to develop healthcare organization “value propositions” by translating curricular strategies into commercial Dr. Luther Brewster products and services aimed at addressing the social determinants of health. “I’m proud of the leadership team Dr. Greer has assembled and their vision for the College of Medicine,” said Dr. Coffman. “Healthy populations create stronger more vibrant communities. If we can improve the health outcomes of a household, the members of that household will spend less on medical care. They will have less absenteeism from their work or school. They are better positioned to not just survive-- but thrive. They are more likely to be financially stable. Those that are financially stable are more likely to have a secure home. And thriving households contribute to thriving communities. “Our community’s well-being is inextricably linked with the health of its population. As we expand the healthcare infrastructure, we also bring new industry to Nevada. We bring jobs, research, and other businesses that work with both education and healthcare, creating a more diversified and stable economy.” Kristina Connolly
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Roseman University Offers Nursing Programs for the Next Generation of
HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS By Rachael Thomas
Now, more than ever the frontlines of healthcare need competent nurses that can show remarkable tenacity, selflessness, empathy, and strength. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Nursing careers are expected to grow as much as 15 percent over the next decade and Roseman is ready to assist in filling those jobs with its over 20 years of experience in training healthcare professionals.
specifically for nurses who hold a BSN and are ready to fill the growing need for highly skilled advanced practice registered nurses.
Roseman’s College of Nursing provides transformational, real-world educational training that prepares its students for an exciting and rewarding career in nursing. Roseman’s educational programs include a Master of Science in Nursing Family Practitioner (MSN/FNP) and an oncampus or online hybrid accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
The MSN/FNP program focuses on training students to provide comprehensive healthcare for people across all ages, body systems and diseases and prepares students to deliver a range of acute, chronic, and preventive healthcare services.
Master of Science in Nursing Family Practitioner (MSN/FNP) Roseman University’s MSN/FNP is a 23-month full time asynchronous online program that prepares students for the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse License (APRN). The students are taught using Roseman University’s Six-Point Mastery Learning Model®, an education system that promotes high levels of achievement, with a focus on mastery of content. A block curriculum allows them to study full-time while maintaining a full-time job as a nurse, and incorporates evidence-based research, theory, and practice with local clinical hours. The College of Nursing offers two class starts per year – January and July. According to College of Nursing Dean Dr. Brian Oxhorn, the MSN/FNP program was designed
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“Our enrolled students have the opportunity to work full-time, attend class online, the potential to complete clinical hours where they live, and finish their master’s degree in just under two years,” said Dr. Oxhorn.
“In addition to diagnosing and treating illness, students will also learn to perform advanced patient care with key job functions that include delivering immunizations, screening and diagnostic testing, prescribing appropriate medications as part of a treatment plan, as well as offering personalized counseling on maintaining a healthy lifestyle,” said Dr. Oxhorn. With a shortage of primary care physicians continuing to strain the nation’s healthcare system, the demand for Nurse Practitioners is growing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the demand for nurse practitioners is expected to grow by 36 percent between 2016 and 2026. Dr. Oxhorn says, nurse practitioners are in demand at hospitals, outpatient settings, ambulatory settings and private practices and are vital to the health of communities as they make healthcare more accessible.
Andrea Huso, a forensic nurse from Utah and a Roseman University College of Nursing faculty, joined the MSN/FNP program to expand her role in women’s health. “My goal is to work with my team in identifying gaps in the care of victims of sexual assault and rape and fixing them.” Regardless of the setting or specialty, nurse practitioners have emerged as important members of the healthcare workforce and their role is to deliver patient-centered care that is efficient and cost-effective, says Oxhorn. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Roseman University offers both an 18-month on-campus (BSN) or accelerated 16-month online hybrid (ABSN) program, designed to help students carve their career paths as general nurses in the healthcare industry. The College of Nursing offers 3 class starts per year for the ABSN – February, July, October – and one class start per year for the BSN – August. Just like the MSN/FNP program, Roseman’s BSN students are taught using the University’s Six-Point Mastery Learning Model®, which emphasizes a block curriculum. “The block curriculum allows students to study one area at a time, mastering it without distractions created by studying more than one subject at a time,” said Oxhorn. “Furthermore, the student’s progression within the nursing program is dependent on the mastery of the subject matter necessary for application in the subsequent block.” In addition to traditional classroom time, whether that is online or on campus, there are
lab and clinical hour requirements. Each block varies in length depending on the number of credits received and whether clinical components are required. Clinical rotations are done at many healthcare facilities and hospitals in Las Vegas, Nevada and Salt Lake City, Utah areas. The length and hours required are determined according to the scheduling, facility, and which block course the student is taking.
Undergraduate nursing students in the RNPC Scholar program are provided with in-depth information and knowledge concerning community-based primary care initiatives; chronic disease prevention strategies; healthcare needs of vulnerable and underserved populations; rural healthcare; mental health and substance abuse conditions; childhood obesity; and the need for inter-professional healthcare collaboration.
Within the BSN program, Roseman offers an opportunity for military students to earn credit in identified prerequisites and applicable nursing coursework. This opportunity is available through the University’s Veteran to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (VBSN) admissions pathway. The VBSN option is available at the Henderson, NV campus in the 18-month BSN and 16-month ABSN programs.
According to Dr. Jené Hurlbut, Roseman College of Nursing professor serving as project director and principal investigator, students identified as RNPC undergraduate students receive clinical training within the fundamentals of nursing and community mental health nursing blocks. The training occurs at facilities that are in areas that are designated medically underserved with a focus on primary care. Additionally, RNPC students have an opportunity to complete their practicum in an underserved primary care setting.
“The College of Nursing at Roseman University is pleased to help our service men and women transition from soldiers to students, and ultimately to registered nurses,” said Oxhorn. “Not only does this provide great career opportunities for our veterans, but it helps address the need for highly skilled professional nurses in Southern Nevada and the region.” This pathway was made possible through a grant from U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). “Studies have shown the difficulty for veterans assimilating back into civilian life, getting a job and using the medical skills they developed in the military,” said Jene Hurlbut, RN, MSN, Ph.D., professor and Roseman’s grant program director. “The grant enables Roseman University to build on the foundation of their military experiences with the nursing education curriculum and clinical experiences to develop them into nursing leaders.” In addition to the VBSN grant, the University also received another HRSA grant to fund the College of Nursing’s Registered Nurses in Primary Care (RNPC) Scholar program. This grant allows Roseman to recruit and train undergraduate nursing students and current registered nurses to practice to the full scope of their license in community-based primary care settings. The need for competent Nursing professionals in Primary Care is growing. According to the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (2016), New models of primary care should be focused on families and individuals; include a redesign of services and structures within primary care; address population health management; have cost control mechanisms, and include system integration and execution. Nurses are being called to fill primary care roles and to help patients manage chronic illnesses; thereby, minimizing acute care episodes and disease progression. They are expected to use a variety of technological tools and complex information management systems that require skills in analysis and synthesis to improve the quality and effectiveness of care. Traditional nursing education experiential activities have generally occurred in the acute care (hospital) setting. A change in the American healthcare system is being sought, where we move from an acute-care/ illness base to a prevention base. Additionally, nursing students who have the ultimate goal to become an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) should realize that although there is a small percentage of nurse practitioners who do practice in acute care, the majority of APRN’s practice in outpatient and medical office settings.
Roseman has clinical affiliations with William Bee Ririe Critical Access Hospital and Rural Health Clinic in Ely, Nevada, Tsehootsooi Medical Center in Fort Defiance, Arizona, and a partnership with the Utah Center for Rural Health who will facilitate clinical experiences in rural areas of Utah, yielding graduates ready to practice in community-based primary care teams that impact rural and underserved populations. It is anticipated that additional clinical affiliation agreements will be added in both Nevada and Utah to further support the increase in RNPC students in coming years. “The provision of healthcare is changing from an exclusive acute care focus, to one that encompasses a community and primary care context. Nursing education needs to reflect these trends and prepare graduates to meet the future demands of healthcare, including those of underserved and rural populations,” said Hurlbut. “It is exciting that the HRSA grant allows us to create a sustainable model that can be shared with other nursing education programs.” If you have ever considered a career in nursing, now is the time. Our communities need the next generation of highly competent healthcare professionals to provide high-quality care to all. We need you now, more than ever.
Application Open Dates BSN/ABSN
February 2021 ABSN Cohort – August 2020 August 2021 BSN Cohort – August 2020 July 2021 ABSN Cohort – December 2020 October 2021 ABSN Cohort – Spring 2021
MSN/FNP
January 2021 Cohort – April 2020 July 2021 Cohort – September 2020 Now is the time. Learn more at nursing.roseman.edu
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MEET ROSEMAN MEDICAL GROUP’S
ERIC FARBMAN, MD Physician, Baseball Fan, Researcher, Volunteer and Collector By Vanessa Maniago 10 |
Summer 2020
Dr. Eric Farbman grew up in New Jersey as the oldest of three and 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 leading 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 initiate his decision-making process and selection of a future in medicine. He went on to receive his MD from Rutgers University Medical School. Medical school curriculum was predictably challenging, but once exposed to clinical experiences, Dr. Farbman began to see the light at the end of the tunnel. 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. While the social scene in Pittsburgh left a little to be desired, he found it the ideal place for residency training and to enjoy a favorite pastime, baseball, on the river at PNC Park, in what he describes as a beautiful and accessible baseball stadium.
Healthcare providers conduct thorough physical exams, noting specific signs and symptoms common 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. Medications is available to manage symptoms in the early stages of the condition, such as tremors and stiffness. 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, 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. According to Dr. Farbman, about 1% of the population will get Parkinson’s and 2% of those over 65 will get it. That said, he estimates roughly 15,000 in Las Vegas are living with Parkinson’s. He also notes that given the multitude of treatment options, that there are far worse diagnoses than a Parkinson’s diagnosis. In its advanced stages, quality of life still can be good.
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 absorbed 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 began to see patients at the Roseman Medical Group practice located in the medical building adjacent to Spring Valley Hospital.
Dr. Farbman is very interested in clinical research around Parkinsons’s and currently is conducting a clinical study examining the link between individual genetic makeup Parkinson’s symptoms. In the future, medication can be prescribed based on its ability to target specific genetic variants. Another study is evaluating personal devices worn to measure and more accurately record daily movements. The device is expected to provide valuable data for physicians to us in patient care.
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 evaluation and diagnosis of patients as putting together the pieces of a puzzle, a puzzle he enjoys. Parkinson’s patients might experience a fall, yet that symptom can be related to a number of other diseases. Ruling out disease-specific symptoms for other diseases can help practitioners determine a diagnosis.
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. An excellent diagnostician, he assesses thoroughly, yet swiftly.
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 risk. 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, depression, and sleep disorders. Symptoms of late-stage Parkinson’s disease include an expressionless face, soft voice and stooped posture, and an inability to walk.
In his spare time, Dr. Farbman volunteers as an emergency medic at the annual Boy’s Scouts of America National Jamboree, an event that has been happening since 1937. Often treating mild issues such as dehydration, bee stings, and ankle turns and other outdoor related injuries, it led Dr. Farbman to become interested in Boy’s Scouts Memorabilia. Dr. Farbman has collected unique specimens of memorabilia, specifically in the form of uniquely designed Scouting patches. He estimates his assortment is among the largest worldwide. For patients wishing to learn more about Parkinson’s, or to make an appointment to see Dr. Farbman, please call the Roseman Medical Group, the medical practice of Roseman University of Health Sciences, 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 | 11
Roseman University Alum Q&A with
DR. CHRISTINA MADISON, Class of 2004 By Brenda Griego
Christina Madison, PharmD, FCCP, AAHIVP is a graduate of Roseman University College of Pharmacy’s Class of 2004. She currently serves as Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice in the College of Pharmacy, Adjunct Associate Professor of Internal Medicine in the College of Medicine and is the founder of ThePublicHealthPharmacist.com. Dr. Madison is a past President of the Nevada Public Health Association with an intimate knowledge of the impact public policy and legislation can have on communities. She is a trusted and valued healthcare professional with over 12 years of experience in Public Health and over 15 years experience as a pharmacy professional. She has received multiple awards and recognitions for her patient counseling skills and public health/vaccine advocacy and leadership including Silver Syringe Awards in 2010, 2013, 2014, and 2015, Public Health Leader of the Year 2014 from the Nevada Public Health Association, One-to-One Patient Counseling Award by Pharmacy Times in 2012 and 2014, and most recently being inducted as Fellow of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy for her sustained contributions to the organization and profession of pharmacy. Dr. Madison maintains two active clinical practices with Huntridge Family Clinic, which focuses on the LGTBQ community and is one of the largest providers of HIV prevention and 12 |
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gender affirming care services in the State of Nevada as well as Volunteers in Medicine of Southern Nevada (VMSN) where she offers immunization and communicable disease care. What is your home town and undergrad school? I am a Nevada native. I was born in Reno, NV and our family moved to Las Vegas when I was a toddler. I completed all of my primary school, undergraduate, and graduate education in Las Vegas. I did my postgraduate training (PGY1 Pharmacy Practice Residency) in Albuquerque, NM and moved back to Las Vegas, in 2005 where I have resided ever since. Why did you want to become a pharmacist? I have always had an interest in medicine. My maternal grandfather was a physician in California prior to his death when I was a pre-teen. I also had health crisis at the age of nine, which left me hospitalized, and I greatly appreciated the healthcare professionals who took care of me. I volunteered as a candy striper at UMC in
junior high and throughout high school. Later, when I was doing my undergraduate studies at UNLV and conducting undergraduate research I was presented with many options that would allow me to continue my professional goals and allow me to take care of patients, which included graduate school, medical school, and pharmacy school. At the time I was deciding, Roseman was just opening up. I applied, got in, and started a year before I would have been able to start any other program. Why did you enroll at NCP/Roseman? It was a new program that was accelerated and it allowed me to start a year earlier than I would I have been able to if I had applied to graduate school or medical school. I researched all of the different career options for pharmacy and loved the flexibility and that I would be a licensed professional before the age of 25 with a doctorate. This program was in my backyard and would allow me to stay close with my family.
What was your Roseman experience like? I had a great experience. As one of the first two classes to graduate we were really given a lot of room to trailblaze and be involved. I like being “the first” for so many things and am so glad I have the opportunity to teach for Roseman now. Who were your role models then (anyone at Roseman?), who are your role models now, and who are YOU a role model for? There were so many people who I admired and looked up to that I am colleagues with today which is great. If I had to pick I would say Dr. Charles Lacy. He made my Roseman experience so special and we are still extremely close. I consider him a mentor and a friend. As far as my current role model that’s tough. There are so many amazing women that admire. I think it’s a collective. If I had to pick it would probably be Oprah, Michelle Obama, Christine Lagarde (President of the European Central Bank) and German Chancellor Angela Merkel because of their impact on global society and continued efforts to break through the glass ceiling and male-dominated arenas. I feel like I’m a role model for women in general, especially women of color, but any healthcare professional that is looking to make their mark and impact their community. Most importantly I’m a role model to current and former students and I hope that I can show them all of the amazing options that they have as pharmacists. What would you say to someone who wants to enroll at Roseman? We have a vested interest in your success and the profession of pharmacy. We are dedicated to making a difference and will help you to become the best pharmacist possible. Why did you want to teach at Roseman? I feel that I have a call to serve and what better way to serve than to be directly involved in the development of the next generation of healthcare professionals. It was a great marriage of my two loves teaching and the care of vulnerable populations/underserved. I’m so thankful for the opportunity to develop clinical pharmacy services with the Southern Nevada Health District and now my Family Medicine Practice with Huntridge Family Clinic and volunteer work with Volunteers in Medicine of Southern Nevada. I go to work every day knowing that I have help someone whether that is in the clinic or in the classroom.
What have been highlights for you as a Roseman faculty member? Every graduation is a highlight, every student who gets accepted into residency is a highlight, every time I get to represent the profession in a positive light on the local, state, and national stage is highlight. It’s been a great experience and am so grateful for all the opportunities I have been given over the past 13 years. What nonprofits have you been involved with over the years (including as a Roseman faculty member), and what about those experiences are you especially proud of? I worked with Immunize Nevada, Catholic Charities, VMSN, and Three Square during my work with the Southern Nevada Health District and continue to partner with them today. I’m currently on the Executive Board for BE A SHERO Foundation which is dedicated to helping women and girls in vulnerable situations who have been victims of sex trafficking. How did your interest in public health develop? I have also been interested in helping at risk and vulnerable populations but really public health specifically came out of necessity because that was the position that was available when I applied for the job at Roseman. I was at the SNHD for a decade before I moved to my current practice setting. Tell us about the COVID-19 pandemic – how have you been helping the community, and how did that develop into your becoming Southern Nevada’s COVID-19 expert? It was a bit of luck mixed in with preparation. I started a consulting business in November called The Public Health Pharmacist to spread knowledge about public health to create better communities. This was through multiple avenues that included professional speaking, consulting, coaching, and media contributing. I had already started a fairly robust social media campaign regarding information about the latest in public health and it was a natural transition to COVID-19 since this is the public health crisis of the moment. I had been following the virus since December and was then asked to speak on it for Roseman in February and the rest is history.
vitally important that public health professionals have the resources to do their jobs correctly and fully. Those who are most vulnerable are disproportionately impacted by communicable infectious diseases. We must take care of those who do not have the means to take care of themselves. What are the future implications of this and other potential pandemics on our society? I hope that there will be more investment in public health and population health. I hope we will have better vaccination rates for diseases we do have a vaccine and treatments for. Tell us a bit about your husband and kids! I have two kids (2 and 4 years old) and a wonderful husband who stays home with our kids full time. I feel so blessed to have found my soulmate and my best friend. He is way more than I could have hoped for. Looking forward to a nice dinner when we can dine out in public again. Anything else you’d like to add? Healthcare professions should highly consider being in the media. It’s even more important than ever for accurate information to get to the public. If the message is not being crafted by us it will be stated by someone way less qualified. I know we didn’t go to school to be on TV but your voice needs to be heard. I’m happy that I could to represent the profession of pharmacy in the media and that I can be a reliable source for healthcare related content.
How would you summarize the public health impact of this disease on our state/country? What I can tell you is that when we don’t invest in public health and communicable disease management lives are in danger. We must think about the health of the many vs the health of the one. It’s roseman.edu/spectrum | 13
College of Nursing Alumni Ria Harris, BSN, RN
CHALLENGES STIGMA IN MENTAL HEALTH
By Joslyn Hatfield
College of Nursing Class of 2019 alumna Ria Harris BSN, RN is a mental health nurse with the US Navy providing non-COVID-19 related care to enlisted patients including those receiving care in medical surgical and intensive care units (ICU). Harris found her home in mental health working with significantly underserved patient populations. “People with mental health conditions often don’t have physical scars,” said Harris, “because their pain is not immediately visible to others, it can easily go undiagnosed (and thus untreated)”. Her dedication to providing compassionate care is evident in the way she speaks of her patients. “I love my work,” she said. “I enjoy providing a safe space for my brothers and sisters who serve with pride.” For Harris that includes helping reduce the stigma often associated with a mental health diagnosis. She is an outspoken advocate for seeking help and reframing the narrative about mental health. “I want my brothers and sisters to know it is okay to seek help,” she said. “I encourage everyone to evaluate how they think about mental health,” she continued. She is quick to point out the disparities in how mental health diagnoses are perceived. “If you had a persistent headache or stomachache that wouldn’t go away, you would seek treatment. Mental health is no different. It’s time we abandon the stigma of mental health treatment that has long impacted the health of those who serve and our veterans,” said Harris. Harris came to serve in her current role through sheer persistence. She knew positions at her post at Naval Medical Center San Diego, CA were based on a variety of factors, and often reflect space and availability within the units. But Harris also knew exactly where she wanted to be 14 |
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and after graduating from Officer Development School, she set out to make that her reality. “I told anyone who would listen that I wanted to work in inpatient mental health,” said Harris. “I guess it worked.” Indeed, it did. Harris was recently selected for a mission aboard the USNS Mercy where she gained experience in global health engagement and community health. She also gained experience in medical-surgical scenarios and other import clinical settings while on board the ship. She was one of very few officers also selected to serve on the USNS Comfort as well. “I am not sure how may people can say they served on both USNS medical ships,” she said. Harris is a second-generation service member with ambitions to continue her education in a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner program in the future. But for the time being she plans to absorb all she can in her current role as charge/floor nurse. She chose to join the Navy because she wanted to travel and experiences world cultures. As Harris watched the COVID-19 global pandemic unfold she began to quickly assess and catalog the impact of the virus and ensuing lockdowns on her patients. “COVID-19 has changed the day to day operations for all us,” she said. “While the world has adopted new norms (such as masks and social distancing), I have seen an increase patient-report of anxiety, depression and in some cases, paranoia.” The challenges facing healthcare providers during the pandemic are well documented. This can include stricter protocols around visitation and human contact. And, clinicians are acutely aware of the impact positive human interaction has on patient outcomes in mental healthcare settings. “Isolation can amplify existing symp-
toms of mental health disorders,” said Harris. Her team has addressed these challenges by exploring new methods and ways to utilize technology. “Our unit encourages frequent phone calls with patient support systems,” she said. “Our staff engages with patients in small groups (observing social distancing), and we have introduced video chat as an option for connecting with loved ones.” COVID-19 has forever changed medicine and while Harris joins the global medical community in learning new ways to provide compassionate care, she reflects fondly on the educators who helped prepare her for this role. “My best memory at Roseman University is beginning and ending with Professor Georgene Kreger. She was my fundamental and senior clinical instructor,” said Harris. “She taught me a lot! She was knowledgeable, firm – yet fair, and she is the kind of nurse I aspire to be.” If Harris could provide one piece of advice for the future nurses it would be to remain flexible and open-minded. “Things change daily, you will have different professors, instructors and a whole lot of information to digest. While our end goal is to graduate and pass the NCLEX, be sure you stay flexible and open minded on the journey as you reach it,” she said. She explains how perseverance can be invaluable to nursing students. “Understand from the beginning that you may not achieve perfection,” she explained. “You may not ace every test or simulation,” she said. “That’s okay. Continue to give your best.” She notes this will be particularly important as students gain seniority in their careers. “There will come a time when you will be called to mentor a student or recent graduate. Never forgot how it felt to be brand new and be kind.” Compassionate care and human kindness. It’s the roadrunner way.
Meet Roseman’s Advancement
TEAM MEMBERS Michael Blimes, Vice President for Philanthropy and Alumni Relations In August 2019, Michael Blimes joined Roseman as head of the Philanthropy and Alumni Relations Office, leading our fundraising and alumni efforts with a special focus on the campaign for the College of Medicine. “Roseman University’s unique approach to educating the most proficient professionals in the health sciences for the 21st century is simply compelling!” Michael shares. Michael is an experienced not-for-profit executive with strategic vision and tactical expertise in organizational management, executive leadership and securing philanthropic gifts and grants. Over a career spanning more than four decades, he has served as a consultant to executive staff leadership with major state universities, private colleges and a renowned international business school, as well as other local national and international organizations. Michael and his wife, Karla, moved from Tucson, and enjoy sharing Roseman’s story of innovation and impact on its communities with others who care deeply about education and healthcare. Roseman is delighted to welcome Michael and is excited by his leadership and his vision for the University for the coming decade. Reach out to Michael at MBlimes@roseman.edu or (702) 822-5330. Brenda Griego, Director of Alumni Relations, Scholarships, and Special Events A certified fundraising executive for 20 years, Brenda has dedicated her career to higher education and nonprofit organizations. She has served in positions at Bucknell University, the Caesars Entertainment Foundation, and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where she was director of the Invent the Future Campaign. She has been a member of the Roseman family for several years and looks forward to her latest role in building a strong alumni relations program to serve graduates and recognize the impact Roseman alumni are having on their professions and communities.
Kendra Angell, Director of Philanthropy, South Jordan campus Kendra has extensive experience in fundraising, including past positions with the American Red Cross, Muscular Dystrophy Association, and Salt Lake Community College. She also served as the events director for the Salt Lake Organizing Committee for the Salt Lake 2002 Olympic Games. A graduate of Utah State University who also earned master’s degrees from Western Governors University, Kendra looks forward to broadening the community’s awareness of Roseman and engaging with the University’s circle of benefactors in Utah. Amy Wiles, Director of Philanthropy, College of Medicine Amy has an extensive background in philanthropy that includes work in higher education, private preparatory schools and other non-profit organizations. She began her fundraising career in 1994 at UNC-Chapel Hill and happily transferred her development efforts to Las Vegas in 2008. In Southern Nevada, she has made a difference at The Alexander Dawson School, the Las Vegas Philharmonic and most recently at The Animal Foundation. A graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill's Journalism School, she has experience in all aspects of fundraising as well as marketing and public relations. She currently serves as president of the Las Vegas Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Amy is pleased to join the Roseman family and to focus on fundraising for the College of Medicine.
roseman.edu/spectrum | 15
MONDAY, NOV 2, 2020 at TPC Summerlin Join us as a Golfer or Sponsor to Make a Difference in the Lives of Students! Day of Event 6:30 am Check-in, Breakfast, Team Photos & Driving Range Warm-up 8:30 am Shotgun Start | 2:00 pm Lunch, Raffle, Silent Auction & Golfer Awards
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