On Campus: Academics http://myllu.llu.edu/syncall/communityhome/?communityId=3410 On Campus is a weekly digest of news and events at Loma Linda University. en-us Thu, 28 Mar 2024 14:58:41 -0700 SyncAll RSS 1.0 3410:19385 <![CDATA[Local high school students learn about health careers at My Campus event]]> At the latest My Campus event, 47 high school students from around the Inland Empire came to Loma Linda University to learn about careers in health care.

The Sunday, Nov. 2, event highlighted career options available from the School of Allied Health Professions and the School of Public Health.

Among the programs highlighted was the emergency medical services program. Five EMS students created an intricate, hands-on emergency scenario to give visiting students a first-hand experience.

Divided into five groups, the high school students were tasked with triaging patients--EMS students in makeup and prosthetics simulating wounds suffered in a car accident.

Other programs highlighted were the clinical lab science program, which provided an imitation mononucleosis laboratory test, and the radiation technology program, which shared the history of the profession and medical images.

The School of Public Health focused on the nutrition, epidemiology, global health and health policy programs, giving visiting students some background to the profession. Visiting students were challenged to identify and control a cholera outbreak in an interactive case study.

After learning about career opportunities, the high school students engaged in an hour of speed mentoring with current LLU students, who provided advice about college and shared personal stories about struggles and success.

The My Campus: Minority Youth in the Health Professions program targets local minority high school students. Students have an opportunity to connect with mentors who serve as inspirations to pursue college education and to enter the health professions. The overarching goal of the program is to reduce racial and ethnic disparities within the health care field.

For more information about the My Campus program, contact the CAPS office at caps@llu.edu or call 909-651-5011.

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Wed, 12 Nov 2014 16:41:12 -0800
3410:16079 <![CDATA[Pharmacy introduces new community residency]]> Rathyna Gomer The Loma Linda University School of Pharmacy will launch a new residence program in July 2014 focused on long-term care, compounding, travel vaccination/immunization and durable medical equipment. The new PGY1 community pharmacy residency is only the fourth of its kind in California, giving Loma Linda University an opportunity to become a leader and innovator in this area of health care.

During the program, the resident will earn a teaching certificate and rotate through various LLU-based clinical sites and five independent Pacific Pharmacy Group pharmacies.

Dr. Billy Hughes, dean of the School of Pharmacy, explained the genesis of the new program: "In the ACPE exit interview (October 2012) the visiting team suggested that more emphasis be placed on community pharmacy opportunities, including residencies."

The new residency program has been made possible through a gift of $70,000 from Pacific Pharmacy Group (PPG). PPG, based in Southern California, is an independent pharmaceutical group whose members have cumulatively served the community for over 165 years. The group places a strong emphasis on bringing pharmacists and other health care providers together to better serve their communities.

Dr. Gerard Rivera, a graduate of the class of 2011, will serve as the residency coordinator for the PGY1 community pharmacy residency. Dr. Rivera was named director of pharmacy of PPG in November 2013 after serving as a pharmacist in charge at Newport Lido Pharmacy (one of PPG's independent pharmacies) for over a year. In recognition of his achievements, Dr. Rivera was named Loma Linda University School of Pharmacy 2014 Alumnus of the Year.

Dr. Rivera is credited with the introduction of PPG to the School of Pharmacy and the formation of this residency. "With the help of Dr. Naomi Florea, I connected my company, Pacific Pharmacy Group, with Loma Linda University Medical Center and the Veterans Affairs Loma Linda Healthcare System. After discussing the benefits of this collaboration, PPG decided to fund the entire residency."

Dr. Norm Hamada, director of clinical pharmacy services at Loma Linda Univeristy Medical Center, will serve as the program director.

"This will be a program that will benefit both the resident and the program coordinators. The resident will be in a better position to manage an outpatient operation upon completion of the program and, at the same time, will help develop new programs at rotation sites. This will be a unique opportunity for a resident to experience many different outpatient practice settings as well as academic settings," Dr. Hamada said.

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Thu, 24 Apr 2014 10:35:56 -0700
3410:8623 <![CDATA[Stipends empower social work students to begin careers in health care]]> Heather Reifsnyder Three students from the School of Behavioral Health merited $2,000 stipends for the 2012–2013 school year from the Association of Social Work Leaders in Healthcare Southern California. They are second-year master of social work students Carolina Quiroz, Laura Loofbourrow, and Zulema Hernandez.

The scholarships encourage career development in students who demonstrate an interest in social work in health care settings. Applicants must already be placed in an internship with a member hospital, hospice, or home health agency affiliated with the Association of Social Work Leaders in Healthcare.

Ms. Zulema, for example, is serving out her internship this year at Loma Linda University Cancer Center—an ideal placement because she dreams of a career in medical social work, particularly in the field of oncology. She helps patients understand and successfully get through their diagnosis and treatment, working with both individuals and their families.

“I am there to support the patient in every step of their journey with cancer, and to help them cope with their emotions as well as helping reduce stress that may be associated with their cancer,” Ms. Zulema says.

Ms. Loofbourrow is interning at Verdugo Hills Hospital in Glendale. “I work closely with the RN case managers,” she says, “and provide medical care regarding the emotional, psychological, and social factors that impact the patients and their families during their hospital stay.”

She expresses great gratitude for the funds she has received, which are helping with her tuition.

“This stipend has not only given me an opportunity to follow my dreams, but it has given me confidence that I can be successful in this chosen path that is the right one for me,” says Ms. Loofbourrow, who has known since high school that she wants to work in a hospital.

Ms. Zulema had a similar reaction to being chosen.

“When I received the stipend, I was so excited and thrilled—simply overjoyed,” she says.

She is using part of the money to obtain further education in a type of psychological counseling called acceptance and commitment therapy. Ms. Zulema also bought professional books for further guidance.

But the most exciting use of the money will be to help pay for a dreamed-of trip to Cameroon.

“I will be doing missionary work at a hospital that treats HIV patients, conducting outreach therapeutic games, and participating in educational health fairs,” she says. 

Ms. Zulema, Ms. Loofbourrow, and Ms. Quiroz are three of eight master’s degree students from graduate social work programs in Southern California to earn the stipends for the current year.

The three LLU recipients have performed well academically and face great careers, notes Victoria Jackson, MSW, assistant professor of social work and social ecology.

“They each have the capacity to make a name for themselves as stellar social workers,” she notes.

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Fri, 22 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0700
3410:9838 <![CDATA[Communication sciences and disorders offers children's low-cost speech therapy program ]]> The School of Allied Health Professions department of communication sciences and disorders will offer a low-cost, group speech therapy program for preschool children, ages 3-5, beginning in early October.

The program is designed for children whose speech is difficult to understand, but who can understand what others say to them. Children come to the University one morning per week for a one-and-a-half hour session over three academic quarters. The group therapy format provides a fun and effective way for children to learn to talk more clearly.

The cost is $20 per session. For more information, call 909-558-4998.

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Thu, 18 Apr 2013 11:06:38 -0700
3410:8583 <![CDATA[Unique faculty program offers 'formative dialogues' on teaching]]> Flint Johnston A unique LLU program, Formative Dialogues on Teaching, makes available to any faculty member an opportunity to have a friendly, informal and completely confidential dialogue on classroom experiences with a Colleague of the Formative Dialogues on Teaching program.

Each Colleague has been trained in the art of providing truly formative support on any classroom issue about which a faculty member may have a concern.

If this program looks like something that may enhance your classroom experience, contact Colleague on the list below. They are waiting for calls or emails asking them to come, observe and talk. The Colleagues of Formative Dialogues on Teaching are ready to talk whenever they're needed.

Alternatively, if you are interested in learning more about becoming a Colleague, contact Gail Rice, program director, at grice@llu.edu.

Faculty Colleague list

Name Campus Mailing Address Email Address
Art Kroetz SAHP akroetz@llu.edu
Barbara Orr SM borr@llu.edu
Bonnie Meyer West Hall bmeyer@llu.edu
Brenda Pfeiffer Nichol Hall
Dept. Rad. Tech
bpfeiffer@llu.edu
Bruce Wilcox SM bwilcox@llu.edu
Carlene Drake LIB cdrake@llu.edu
Danilo Boskovic Mortensen Hall dboskovie@llu.edu
Dolores Wright SN djwright@llu.edu
Doyle Nick SD dnick@llu.edu
Ed Albrecht SD ealbrecht@llu.edu
Edelweiss Ramal WH 3750 eramal@llu.edu
Gail Rice SAHP grice@llu.edu
Grenith Zimmerman NH A520 gzimmerman@llu.edu
Heather Javaherian SAHP hjavaherian@llu.edu
Judy Peters SN jpeters@llu.edu
Kathy Davis SAHP kdavis@llu.edu
Kerby Oberg SM koberg@llu.edu
Kristin Woodward Student SN kwoodward@llu.edu
Lane Thomsen Prince Hall lthomson@llu.edu
Linda Davis West Hall 1303 ldavis@llu.edu
Marian Llaguno West Hall mllaguno@llu.edu
Nancy Kawahara Pharmacy nkawahara@llu.edu
Nancy Testerman SN West Hall ntesterman@llu.edu
Naomi Modeste SPH nmodeste@llu.edu
Nelia Wurangian LIB nwurangian@llu.edu
Nerida Bates Alumni Hall
Micro Dept.
nbates@llu.edu
Peggy Burns West Hall pburns@llu.edu
Penny Miller SN pmiller@llu.edu
Raghad Sulaiman SD raghadsulaiman@yahoo.com
Richard Rice SR rrice@llu.edu
Rodney Roath SAHP rroath@llu.edu
Shanthi Soloman 1153 West Hall ssoloman@llu.edu
Sharon Pavlovich SAHP spavlovich@llu.edu
Shirley Lee SD shlee@llu.edu
Susan Richards PH 4406 srichards@llu.edu
Tamara Thomas SOM CP-1116-F
Emerg Med
tthomas@llu.edu
Wil Alexander Family Medicine walexander@llu.edu
Willie Davis SP wldavis@llu.edu
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Thu, 21 Feb 2013 12:49:51 -0800
3410:8281 <![CDATA[Opportunities beyond the Pharm.D.]]> Stephen Vodhanel While the factors that influence pharmacy students to enter into residency programs are diverse, three outcomes of residency programs lend validity to their value: gaining knowledge, adding experience and enhancing career opportunities.

According to Ryan Koca, Pharm.D., clinical informatics pharmacist at Tenet Healthcare, "Residency was undoubtedly the best decision I could have made after completion of my doctor of pharmacy program at the University of Illinois at Chicago. There is a whole world of opportunities out there in the profession of pharmacy and a residency program is the key to unlocking many doors. One of the best aspects of a residency is that it allows you to expand your knowledge base in a multitude of areas while still having the safety net and built-in support system of preceptors and professors."

Residencies provide opportunities that exist nowhere else and introduce residents to other healthcare professionals. In addition, pharmacists have many opportunities to become valuable members of a multi-disciplinary medical team during residency and to experience a broad exposure to health care concerns, as well as sharpening their research skills.

For Norm Hamada, Pharm.D., pharmacy residency director at Loma Linda University Medical Center, taking a residency offered him a wealth of experience and knowledge.

"The residency program gave me the opportunity to work with some terrific role models who provided the groundwork to expand my clinical and leadership skills," said Dr. Hamada. "Some of my mentors were pioneers in the profession, and working alongside them offered invaluable experience and knowledge."

Assistant professor Rebecca Cheung, Pharm.D., views the research practice in her residency program as particularly valuable.

"My residency practice provided me with the knowledge required to do accurate research," said Dr. Cheung, "which later opened a door to a fellowship program. Both of these opportunities provided useful clinical experience across the spectrum of medical professions by allowing me to work alongside many leading experts in health care."

Professor Javad Tafreshi, Pharm.D., BCPS (AQ Cardiology), FAHA, cites the residency as a new requirement for multiple pharmacy positions.

"Recent trends in the pharmacy profession have seen more demands for pharmacists with additional training and experience over and above the Pharm.D. degree," said Dr. Tafreshi. "The profession has changed substantially in the last decade or so. Years ago, the Pharm.D. was recommended, but not required; now it is a basic requirement. Today, we are seeing more and more positions where both general and specialty residencies are required, along with the Pharm.D. degree."

To meet the demands of the changing professional requirements in the pharmacy profession, Loma Linda University remains committed to an active and growing pharmacy residency program that is both patient-centered and clinically based, and offered in partnership with Loma Linda University Medical Center.

Loma Linda University Medical Center pharmacy residency programs began in 1995 with just one first-year general practice resident. Since then, a total of 45 post-graduate year 1 (PGY1) and 8 post-graduate year 2 (PGY2) residents have completed residencies. In 2008, the Medical Center and University combined resources and now jointly support nine PGY1 residents and four PGY2 residents.

With the partnership that now exists between Loma Linda University and Loma Linda University Medical Center, the residency programs can offer pharmacists many broad opportunities for growth. Pharmacy residencies currently include a teaching certificate, hospital practice rotation and opportunities to study pharmacy administration, medical intensive care and several other specialty areas.

PGY2 experiences are available in pharmacy administration, oncology, pediatrics, critical care, cardiology and an infectious disease fellowship. Future residency growth opportunities include PGY2 positions in transplant and clinical informatics.

According to LaDonna Oelschlaeger, Pharm.D., residency academic coordinator and assistant professor of internal medicine, the residency program offers a unique tailored experience with many opportunities to gain clinical practice in a variety of specialized and subspecialized areas of pharmacy.

"The teaching certificate program, elective academic rotations and mission opportunities, provide each and every pharmacy resident the opportunity to experience their personal goals while enhancing the overall mission of our institution," said Dr. Oelschlaeger.

The pharmacy residency program is dedicated to training future leaders within the profession in the areas of hospital practice and academia. The partnership between Loma Linda University Medical Center and Loma Linda University School of Pharmacy has created a synergistic environment that will grow and evolve, and continue each institution's commitment to excellence.

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Thu, 07 Feb 2013 03:41:13 -0800
3410:8060 <![CDATA[Pharmacy program assists local underserved senior citizens]]> Stephen Vodhanel The Loma Linda University School of Pharmacy continues to send students, faculty and staff to local Telacu senior housing communities to help underserved seniors choose between the many Medicare Part D prescription drug plans.

Titled the Partners-in-D program, the community service originally began in 2007 with a three year grant by the Amgen Foundation. Through the outreach, the School of Pharmacy was able to guide hundreds of seniors through the complicated Medicare Part D drug prescription plans, at times saving seniors over $2,000 a year in drug costs.

According to Joycelyn Yamzon, Pharm.D., principal investigator for the Amgen Foundation grant since 2008, the School of Pharmacy had such a good relationship with the staff and seniors at the centers that Telacu administrators asked for the School to return even after the grant dollars ended.

“The experience provides great teachable moments for our pharmacy students by taking the school into the local community," Dr. Yamzon said. "More importantly, the outreach assists many seniors with important cost-saving Medicare Part D drug plans, and we are also able to provide valuable drug information to seniors who often have many questions. It actually never occurred to us that this community service would end. The Telacu Partners-in-D service will remain as a teaching activity for our pharmacy students and as a service to the underserved senior community."

Telacu lead social services coordinator Elizabeth Flores is emphatic with the value of the School of Pharmacy’s Partners-in-D community service for local seniors.

“Overall, the Partners-in-D workshops have been very beneficial to our residents for many reasons," Ms. Flores said. "Seniors get opportunities each year to meet with students and professors from the LLU School of Pharmacy to update this very important enrollment process. Seniors get their medications reviewed, explained, and other questions are answered. Also, many seniors get additional health information and are often referred back to their family practitioner on the advise of the pharmacists.

“Speaking on behalf of the seniors, they always state that without the help of the School of Pharmacy students and teachers they would be lost with the Medicare Part D enrollment process. Seniors also love the attention and the visits by the young students, and the Partners-in-D community service has become something we all look forward to every November,” said Ms. Flores.

This story was originally published on the Loma Linda University School of Pharmacy Web site, pharmacy.llu.edu.

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Thu, 24 Jan 2013 03:40:33 -0800
3410:5128 <![CDATA[Pharmacy moves into new Shryock Hall home]]> Stephen Vodhanel As of Tuesday, Sep. 26, the School of Pharmacy is open and operating in its new location in Shryock Hall.

For the school, the move into a modernized Shryock Hall fulfills a goal articulated by Dr. W. William Hughes, dean of the school, to relocate the school into a space that would reduce the school's footprint and consolidate academic operations in three adjacent buildings: the Centennial Complex, Evans Hall and Shryock Hall.

Plans for the move began in the winter of 2011 with an architectural evaluation and design with the aim to preserve the historical appearance of both exterior and interior features of the building constructed in 1936.

The remodeled Shryock Hall features a new Shryock Amphitheater, additional room for the department of experiential education, a student lounge and student collaboration center, as well as a floor plan that promotes comfort, convenience and services.

Plans for an open house are under way and at that time the campus family will be invited to tour the new facilities.

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Thu, 11 Oct 2012 03:01:28 -0700
3410:4848 <![CDATA[Gateway program introduces teens to health careers]]> Heather Reifsnyder Fifty-seven students and new graduates of area high schools spent the last two weeks of June on campus to learn about careers in the health science field. Called Gateway to the Health Professions, the program inspires teens to know that their aspirations are in reach.

“The idea of working in a hospital, being able to see patients’ faces light up as they are treated, and helping those that need me is my ultimate dream,” said participant Sarah Ustrell.

The program is for African American, Latino, Native American, and underprivileged students. Together, minorities make up about 25 percent of the United States population, yet they represent less than 10 percent of health professionals. The Gateway program aims to help close that gap. It also targets teens from families who have not attended college.

“I have a passion for one day having a career in the medical field,” said Stephanie Arellano. “It’s the one thing I have always been sure about.”

Others are less sure. Participant Michael Strickland says he would encourage all teens to attend the Gateway program and take lots of notes, even if they aren’t positively interested in a health career. During graduation on June 29, several students in this category said they now plan to pursue a health career.

The curriculum not only introduces different health science careers, but it also teaches lessons on leadership, SAT preparation, study skills, and applying for financial aid in college. The students practice networking, interviewing skills, and résumé building. Additionally, 22 students stayed on for a third week to shadow professionals on the Loma Linda campus.

The program introduces participants to a variety of health professions, some of which they have never heard of before—public health ranking No. 1 in this category. But there were other new discoveries. Aubrey Perez, for example, first heard of physician assistants during the Gateway program. Daniela Salinas learned about radiation technology, which she would possibly like to pursue.

“No one in my family has graduated from college, and I aspire to be the first,” Daniela said, “not only to make my family proud, but to make myself proud and prove that I can accomplish my goals.”

She is not the only one in this position. Of the 57 participants, only two-thirds have parents who graduated from high school. More than half of the parents didn’t attend college. At the conclusion of the program, 93 percent of the students said they plan to go to college. And Salma Amparan is already thinking of the next generation. “I want be a great influence for my siblings,” she said.

The Gateway program is conducted by the LLU Institute for Community Partnerships.

The institute promotes collaboration between the campus and the community to ensure that the university is both relevant and responsive through research, teaching, and service.

“I strongly believe that career pathway programs are some of the most important work that we do on this campus,” said institute director Juan Carlos Belliard, Ph.D., M.P.H., “because they not only transform individuals, but families and communities. Through these efforts we are investing in the future of our community and our workforce.”

Participant Jill Fanning wants exactly that. “I pursue life with a smile in hope that I will make a positive difference in our community,” she said.

Chase Evans agreed. “I know that I can contribute to society in a positive way. If I could put smiles on multiple faces per day, that would be priceless indeed.”

The Gateway program combines three former student mentoring programs: Si Se Puede for Latinos, College Exodus for African Americans, and Partners in Progress for Native Americans.

This story was originally published in the Aug. 31 edition of Today.

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Thu, 13 Sep 2012 03:38:09 -0700
3410:4728 <![CDATA[Dentistry opens Hugh Love Center for Research & Education in Technology]]> The Loma Linda University School of Dentistry hosted a ribbon cutting and open house for its groundbreaking Hugh Love Center for Research and Education in Technology on Wednesday, August 22, in Prince Hall room 2270.

Consistent with the school's tradition of innovation, School of Dentistry Dean Charles Goodacre responded in late 2009 to a request for proposals from the Center for Research & Education in Technology, Inc. (CRET), a forward-looking nonprofit association of dental manufacturers, suppliers, and an insurance company.

Dr. Edward Rossomando, professor at the University of Connecticut and CRET president and visionary who established the association in 2004 to arrange access for dental students and faculty to the most technologically advanced tools for dental care delivery, was present--along with Charles Cohen, CRET CEO, and representatives from most of the 22 dental technology companies that contributed equipment--to celebrate the first embodiment of his vision.

The Hugh Love Center is comprised of six operatories and a three-chair open clinic. Under the direction of Dr. Nadim Baba, professor of restorative dentistry, the 3,000-square-foot center, with equipment provided by six different manufacturers, will enable qualified students, under faculty supervision, the opportunity to treat patients using the latest in dental technology.

The center's name honors alumnus Hugh C. Love, D.D.S. (class of 1961), whose unrestricted trust to the School of Dentistry made possible the renovation of the former orthodontic clinic on the second floor of Prince Hall immediately adjacent to the school's group pre-doctoral clinic.

CRET conceived the plan whereby the School of Dentistry would supply space, support staff, and integration of technology into the curriculum, while CRET would design the space and its consortium of dental equipment manufacturers would provide the technologically advanced equipment to make the center possible.

"It is not only students and faculty, but patients, that will derive many benefits from the Center," said Dean Goodacre, "especially the ability to meld the key foundational technical skills required of exceptional practitioners with innovative technologies that can optimize patient care in an increasingly technology-driven world. Additionally, students will learn to integrate their advanced preclinical instruction with a technologically advanced clinical experience that will prepare them to make effective decisions regarding the incorporation of technology into their practices."

Starting in the fall quarter of 2012, fourth-year dental students will treat patients at the Hugh Love Center for at least two weeks per student. The optimal environment, most recent model operatories, and technologically advanced equipment will give Loma Linda University students a unique opportunity to determine their personal preferences as well as assess the advantages provided by different types and styles of delivery systems.

Mark Supanchick, design specialist, developed plans for the center. Construction was implemented by Dr. Bryan Marshall, owner of Alliance Healthcare Development and Construction; with oversight by Dr. Joseph Caruso, associate dean for strategic initiatives and faculty practices.

This story was originally published on the Loma Linda University School of Dentistry Web site, dentistry.llu.edu.

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Wed, 22 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0700
3410:4648 <![CDATA[New Haiti program to improve rehab services]]> Heather Reifsnyder The School of Allied Health Professions just launched a program in Haiti to deal with one of the country's most glaring needs--rehabilitation treatment for the disabled. Sixteen Haitians are now studying for a certificate that will allow them to serve as rehabilitation technicians. The program is one of the first of its kind in the country.

After the students graduate in February 2013, they will help their neighbors regain physical functionality that was lost in the 2010 earthquake or through other circumstances.

New student Edgard Bommier is happy to study in the program because "my people need it." He is from the destroyed town of Léogâne, the epicenter of the 7.0 earthquake in 2010, where many people now live with amputations.

The certificate program is based at a sister hospital and university to Loma Linda University--Hopital Adventiste d'Haiti and Universite Adventiste d'Haiti in Carrefour, outside Port-au-Prince.

It is designed to fill a major gap in the country's medical infrastructure, which boasts a few Haitian physical therapists, but no Haitian occupational therapists. This is for a country that, even before the earthquake, had an estimated 10 percent of its population disabled.

That percentage has only grown since then. To date, many patients have had to rely on international workers for rehabilitation services. But the numbers of foreign volunteers are starting to dwindle.

"Comparing the current poverty of rehabilitation services in Haiti to the almost insurmountable number of individuals with disability made me realize we needed to do something about this dire situation," said Everett Lohman III, D.Sc., program director and professor of physical therapy at LLU. He has volunteered in Haiti numerous times since the earthquake.

Classes began June 18 and are taught by LLU professors, alumni, and other instructors who travel there a week or two at a time. Heather Thomas, Ph.D., co-director of the program and associate professor of occupational therapy at LLU, taught their first course, which was a weeklong introduction to rehabilitation.

"From day one, I was just so incredibly impressed with their enthusiasm for being in the classroom. They said, 'You can count on us,'" said Dr. Thomas. "When I ask a question, so many hands go up, and some of them want to answer twice. But I was also blown away by their answers."

For example, she gave the students a case study about a woman she treated who suffered a stroke during childbirth and now had a baby to care for. She asked them their ideas for helping the new mother.

"The answers they gave were brilliant; it almost made me cry," she said. "I thought, 'You've been in this program two days and you're already coming up with these brilliant, complex ideas?' They really saw the patient for who she was."

Dr. Thomas believes the students will be pioneers who move the rehabilitation professions forward in Haiti.

"One year from now, they're going to be incredible clinicians," she said. "I think we're going to see many of them wanting to push forward to get a bachelor's degree. They're going to start thinking about what's next."

Student Fortilus Cedieu is looking forward to changing his country.

"I am feeling so good and proud to be useful in my life," he said. "Helping people is very important."

Loma Linda University stepped up its involvement in Haiti immediately post quake and continues to play a critical role not only in recovery but in making the country even better than it was before.

The university's relationship with Haiti dates back to Hopital Adventiste's affiliation, beginning in 2001, with Adventist Health International--a nonprofit based at LLU that partners with health care facilities in developing countries to improve services.

Since the earthquake, Loma Linda University has helped stabilize and upgrade the hospital, coordinated some 2,000 volunteers, and temporarily operated a refugee camp at the Adventist university.

This story was originally published in the July 27, 2012, edition of Today.
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Thu, 16 Aug 2012 03:25:23 -0700
3410:4274 <![CDATA[Loma Linda students form chapter of new honor society on campus]]> Heather Reifsnyder On May 17, 25 nutrition and dietetics students were initiated into Phi Upsilon Omicron, a national honor society for students in family and consumer sciences.

Phi U national president Corine Carr attended the ceremony and pinned each student, plus two alumni and five faculty members. New members are from both the School of Public Health and the School of Allied Health Professions.

The idea to form a Phi U chapter at Loma Linda University grew out of the Nutrition Council Student Association, which students from both schools formed in 2009 to enrich their own education, unite together, and also educate others in nutrition.

The Phi U chapter took some time to establish, with the process being started by the nutrition council president for 2009-2011, Sahar Rahimi.

The next year, the 2011-12 president, Helena Machaj Ramadan, and vice president Jackie Angulo worked to complete the process of getting a new chapter approved, both by LLU leadership and Phi U’s screening process.

"Phi U gives LLU students the opportunity to gain national recognition for their hard work and taps them into a network of professionals who can help them advance in their careers," said Ms. Rahimi, who graduated in 2011 with a B.S./M.A. in nutrition and dietetics. She now works as a clinical dietitian for Southwest Healthcare System in the Temecula area.

In addition to establishing Phi U, the LLU Nutrition Council Student Association--which has now grown to include 64 students--has run an education program that aims to increase the knowledge of its own members as well as others. The students taught a cooking class at the School of Public Health’s Healthy People conference in March, worked booths at health fairs, organized guest lectures by registered dietitians, created a review course for the registered dietitian exam, and presented a conference designed to foster dialogue between future dietitians and future physicians on the LLU campus.

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Thu, 09 Aug 2012 03:45:00 -0700