College of Health Sciences and Human Services Newsletter | November 2020 |
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CHSHS Founding Dean's Farewell Message |
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I want to take this final opportunity to express my gratitude to the College of Health Sciences and Human Services (CHSHS) and the larger CSUMB community. Throughout these past six and a half years I have had the opportunity to serve as founding dean and engage with a mission-driven team of stellar and caring faculty and staff to build a college wherein our mission and vision drive our intentionality. We have formed an External Leadership Council of members whose expertise and dedication to our mutual success rivals that of any major university. Our ELC members have not only provided sage guidance, but have worked alongside us to ensure that CHSHS is meeting our number one strategic goal: To be the health sciences and human services workforce training hub for the central California coast.
Although the path has not been obstacle free, we have successfully achieved major accomplishments, some of which represent firsts throughout the entire CSU system. We have held the three magic words “si se puede” close to our hearts, and in so doing have been able to build new and innovative programs and traditions that have resonated throughout the Central California Coast. We have led the university in developing high quality, accredited programs. In just six-and-a-half short years our graduates can be observed hard at work throughout every clinic and hospital, gym and recreational facility, and nonprofit and governmental organization. The success of our students and contributions of our graduates are building notoriety as the College of Health Sciences and Human Services becomes a top choice for students throughout California and the nation.
Together we have raised the millions needed to support our Master of Science Physician Assistant Program, our Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program, our Master of Social Work Degree, our Kinesiology Department, and our future Master of Public Health Program. Thanks to the support of our sponsors, CHSHS hosts a Diversity Celebration Series that rivals that of any major university. Furthermore, we have raised almost ten million in scholarship funds to support our students, many whom are the first in their families to attend college.
We have drawn national attention to both CSUMB and the College of Health Sciences and Human Services. We have hosted individuals responsible for the changes we are seeing throughout our nation, such as Congressional Representative and Majority Whip James Clyburn and former Congresswoman Dr. Donna Christensen. We were one of two national finalists to compete for the honor of serving as the host institution for the National Urban Fellows Program and although we lost to Georgetown University, we rose beyond several R1 institutions. The faculty of Health, Human Services, and Public Policy stand prepared to offer a Master of Public Health and Master of Public Administration within the next few years, creating prime opportunities for dual degree options with our existing CHSHS degree programs.
Furthermore, we have also been the first in the entire CSU system to acquire state-of-the-art technology to improve our teaching of complex systems, as exemplified by not just one, but two Anatomage Virtual Cadavers, used to teach anatomy and physiology in our Kinesiology and Master of Science Physician Assistant Programs.
Finally, our region is much more prepared to manage the intersectional complexities of a pandemic, an opioid crisis, a surging homelessness issue, and a myriad of increasing health disparities that have plagued Monterey County and the nation. Our graduates simply exemplify the best among their professional peers, by providing dedicated, high-quality culturally resonant care and services.
Just last month we moved into our new Community Health Engagement, or CHE, facility in Chinatown, Salinas. Located at 21 Soledad in the heart of Monterey County’s largest homeless community, our dynamic team of students and staff are working diligently to mitigate homelessness, health disparities, and COVID-19 infection and risk. As we await the outcome of our application for CHE to be designated a Center at CSUMB, the CHE team will continue to strive to ensure that all Monterey County residents have the capacity to sustain, and the opportunity to have, a safe place to call home.
Without doubt I will miss CSUMB and the exemplary faculty, staff, and students with whom I am honored to share in the development of CHSHS. I am so grateful and consider myself blessed to have had the opportunity to work alongside some of the best and brightest. In January, as I assume the position of Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost at Oakland University in Michigan, CSUMB and CHSHS will continue to hold an indelible place in my heart. Enrique and I will rebuild our home, which was lost in the Carmel Fire, and one day return to Monterey. I remain both inspired and excited to witness the wonders my predecessor will create with our outstanding CHSHS family!
Mil gracias!
Dean Britt Rios-Ellis
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Dean's Office
Collaborative Health and Human Services
Kinesiology
Nursing
Master of Science Physician Assistant
Master of Social Work
Community Health Engagement (CHE) in Chinatown
Student and Alumni Spotlight
Recent Faculty Publication and Presentations
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First CHSHS Diversity Celebration Series of the
2020/21 Academic Year Signals a Big Success for
Hispanic Heritage Month
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September 22, 2020 -- The College of Health Sciences and Human Services hosted its first virtual Diversity Celebration Series event of the academic year on Tuesday September 22nd in recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month. The college was proud to welcome Dr. José Ángel Gutiérrez, Professor and Civil Rights leader and Eduardo Chávez, filmmaker and grandson of César Chávez, to discuss protecting civil rights and well being by discovering and building identity. Dr. Gutiérrez co-founded La Raza Unida Party and is considered one of the Four Horsemen of the Chicano movement, alongside César Chávez. He is a professor emeritus at University of Texas-Arlington, and has served in political office in both Texas and Oregon. Dr. Gutierrez is currently a senior research fellow at Stanford.
Eduardo Chávez is a filmmaker and grandson of both César Chávez and Cuban revolutionary Max Lesnik. He directed and starred in his first film, “Hailing César”, embarking on an identity journey to better understand his grandfather's legacy and his family’s history. Over 200 staff, faculty, and students from across the CSU system, as well as community members, healthcare partners, and sponsors, joined us via Zoom webinar to engage Gutiérrez and Chávez in discussions about the identity of young Mexican Americans and civic responsibility.
"We are extremely grateful to our sponsors for making these historic events possible. Dr. Gutierrez was able to recount stories to Eduardo of his work with grandfather César Chávez. Particularly during the pandemic, it has been wonderful to have the opportunity to engage so many students through our virtual platforms. We look forward to seeing our CSUMB students, staff, faculty, and community throughout this semester on our monthly DCS events," stated Dean Rios-Ellis.
Pictured L to R: José Ángel Gutiérrez, Eduardo Chávez
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CHSHS Welcomes Renowned Author Sonia Shah to the DCS |
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October 22, 2020 -- Investigative journalist and critically acclaimed author Sonia Shah joined the Diversity Celebration Series during Infectious Disease Week to delve into the COVID-19 pandemic and its challenges. Shah, who has appeared on CNN, NPR, TED Med, and in the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal, enthusiastically shared her insights on global pandemics and critical ways of framing paradigms around infectious disease. Her books "Pandemic" and "The Fever" have received high praise throughout the world. Her most recent book, "The Next Great Migration", was released this June and provides deeper insight and historical context to migration, as opposed to the xenophobic rhetoric often found in U.S. news casts.
"I have been a very big fan of Sonia's journalism for a long time now and having the opportunity to talk with her virtually was wonderfully insightful. She was able to address a myriad of questions and comments and left us all with a clearer understanding of how we are going to resolve the COVID-19 pandemic. More importantly, she left us with a great deal of information to ponder why we are exposed to more frequent pandemics and what we can to mitigate our risks through public health policy and action,” reported Dean Rios-Ellis. “We really look forward to the time when we can invite Sonia to visit our campus and talk with our students.”
Pictured: Sonia Shah
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Third DCS Event of 2020/21 Examines
Diversity in Healthcare
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November 18, 2020 -- In celebration of National Rural Health Day and National Scholarship Month, the college invited Dr. Joan Reede, Inaugural Dean of Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Partnership at Harvard Medical School, to offer insight into building a diverse health and human services workforce. Also a professor of medicine at HMS, Dr. Reede is an authority in the area of workforce development and diversity. She is responsible for the development and management of a comprehensive program that provides leadership, guidance, and support to promote the increased recruitment, retention, and advancement of individuals from groups underrepresented in medicine.
“Dr. Reede provided us with a grounded and historic understanding of why we have been slow to move the needle in terms of providing equitable access to health and human services careers for underrepresented minorities. She also provided our students with great tips for moving forward and not falling prey to negative self-thought or stereotype bias. Even though she was joining us from Boston, her grace, warmth, and wisdom made me feel as if we were sitting together in her living room,” stated Dean Rios-Ellis.
Pictured: Dr. Joan Reede
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Next DCS Event:
World AIDS Day,
Lessons Learned
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Please mark your calendars for our next event in the Diversity Celebration Series highlighting World AIDS Day on December 1st at 5:30pm! Dean Rios-Ellis will be joined by Francisco Ruiz, Team Lead at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Dr. Scott D. Rhodes, Professor of Social Science and Health Policy at Wake Forest Medical School. Together, they will analyze the lessons learned from the HIV/AIDS pandemic, in order to learn how to better combat COVID-19.
To learn more about this upcoming event and register in advance, click here.
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Francisco Ruiz, MS
Team Lead, Center for Disease
Control and Prevention
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Dr. Scott D. Rhodes, PhD
.Professor of Social Science and
Health Policy, Director of Community Engagement, Wake Forest Clinical
and Translational Science Institute
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Recordings of all virtual events are available on request by emailing Kat McHenry.
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Department Chair Advocates for Racial Justice |
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September 8, 2020 -- Newly elected Health, Human Services, and Public Policy Department Chair Dr. Vanessa Lopez-Littleton coordinated and presented during “A Day of Action for Racial Justice: Black Faculty Teach-In” on September 8th and 9th. Joining colleagues around the country for “Scholar Strike”, Dr. Lopez-Littleton and other Black faculty at CSUMB planned a virtual teach-in that featured scholars from various disciplines. Topics included street art and social justice, resiliency as a constant, benefits of addressing anti-Black racism for individual and collective well-being, dismantling systemic racism, and making/erasing Africana religions. Dr. Lopez-Littleton presented “Dismantling Systemic Racism: Individual and Institutional Responsibilities” to almost 1,000 online participants. Because CSU faculty are part of the CSUEU union, they did not call for work stoppage, but instead “wanted to stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters from across the country” said Dr. Lopez-Littleton. “We want to make sure that we’re part of this national movement to engage scholars in the Black Lives Matter movement”. Read more about it here.
Dr. Lopez-Littleton secured $6,600 in grant funding this semester from the Everyone’s Harvest Grant: "Program evaluation using PhotoVoice", a community based participatory research study to evaluate Fresh Rx, a program that provides prescriptions for fresh fruit and vegetables to people who are experiencing food insecurity. She also recently authored an op-ed titled “Why the Conventional Social Determinants of Health Must Include Racism (Part 1: Education".
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Kinesiology Faculty Receives Outstanding Research
Award at October Conference
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October 8th & 9th, 2020 -- Kinesiology faculty Dr. Eric Martin gave two presentations at the Western Society for Kinesiology and Wellness annual meeting, held virtually; the first, "Practices to Maximize Benefits of Strength and Conditioning Internship" shared recent research and best professional practices gleaned since the research on developing and running internship programs to help students become professional coaches. Additionally, Dr. Martin facilitated a round table discussion, "Non-Failure Kinesiology Education: Moving from Failing to Not-Yet-Mastered," wherein conference participants discussed issues relating to student retention and success, specifically about how success and failure is viewed in course grading. For his presentations, Dr. Martin was presented with the Outstanding Research Award. Congratulations Dr. Martin for your excellence and dedication to research and student success!
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Students Selected as Finalists in SWACSM
Research Competition
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October 30th, 2020 -- Kinesiology students Rosalba Saavedra and Kevin Pilotzi qualified as finalists for multiple research submissions at the Southwest American College of Sports Medicine Undergraduate research competition. Kevin Pilotzi, alongside faculty mentor Dr. Eric Martin, was selected for his research "Comparing Positions for Handgrip Dynamometry". Additionally, Dr. Martin, Mr. Pilotzi, and Ms. Saavedra were named finalists for their collaborative research with the CSUMB Mathematics and Statistics Department on the "Relationship Between Walking Speed and Key Vital Signs in Young Adults". Students participated in a live question and answer session at the virtual conference on October 30th as part of their final review. Congratulations to Ms. Saavedra and Mr. Pilotzi on all your hard work!
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Exercise is Medicine-On Campus Charges Ahead in
Virtual Format
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The Kinesiology Exercise is Medicine-On Campus (EIM-OC) program is continuing to make leaps and bounds on campus as they adapt to the all-virtual Fall semester. Led by kinesiology faculty Dr. Lisa Leininger, the EIM-OC team has a new suite of online options for staying healthy and fit during the work-and-study-from-home format. The team is continuing to offer circuit training classes twice a week via Zoom, as well as collaborating on YouTube work out videos with ReBorn Fit and offering resources on the EIM-OC website. Additionally, the Run, Walk, and Roll Club is connecting with its members using the Strava App to encourage individual workouts while still remaining connected. Join the Exercise Is Medicine-On Campus team online to see their latest offerings!
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Drive-thru Flu Shot Clinic Serves 285 in the
Monterey Community
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Nursing Faculty Zofia Chciuk administers a flu shot to a Presidio fireman |
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Cars line up to receive the drive-thru vaccine |
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October 21 & 22, 2020 -- The CSUMB Nursing Department partnered with the Monterey County Health Department and the CSUMB Campus Health Center to provide a free drive-through flu shot clinic on campus. Reimagining this annual event for the more stringent precautions of the COVID-19 pandemic, students, staff, and faculty vaccinated 285 community members, including a local fire team, in this inaugural minimum-contact format. Participants drove through Lot 59 to receive the vaccine from faculty and student volunteers in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science Physician Assistant programs. Several visiting students shared that they had never been vaccinated prior to the clinic! The Nursing Department is incredibly thrilled with the attendance of this event and would like to thank Doctors on Duty for their continuous support and provision of medical supplies for this annual clinic.
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September 10, 2020 -- At the beginning of the fall semester, the Nursing Department hosted a screening and discussion of the film “Born To Be” for students, staff, faculty, and the greater CSUMB community.
The film follows the work of Dr. Jess Ting, a pioneering plastic surgeon at the Mount Sinai Center for Transgender Medicine and Surgery in New York City. Here, for the first time ever, all transgender and gender non-conforming people have access to quality transition-related health and surgical care. Dr. Ting shares his journey from plastic surgeon to leading gender-affirming surgeon and its effect on his own career transformation. The Nursing Department is proud to have been able to provide access to this film with its students, staff, and faculty, and will continue to offer cutting-edge film events like this throughout the academic year.
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“On behalf of the Nursing Department, I'd like to thank all the participants who gave their time to watch ‘Born to Be’ and attend the fruitful discussion afterwards. We strive to offer programs like this that bring people together, increase awareness, deepen compassion and improve healthcare care for everyone in our community.”
- Alyssa Erikson
Nursing Department Chair
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Upcoming Film Screening Event! |
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December 16, 2020 -- The Nursing Department will hold an interdisciplinary educational event on December 16th at 5:00pm to screen the award-winning short documentary Caregiver: A Love Story, followed by a Q&A session with the producer/director and palliative care expert Dr. Jessica Zitter.
The event is intended to raise awareness of the importance of family caregivers in healthcare and advocate for best practices at the provider and policy level. If you're interested in attending, please email Department Chair Alyssa Erikson!
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MSPA Students Receive Permission to
Practice Clinical Skills Face-to-Face
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Pictured L to R: Michael Jorgensen, PA-C, FNP,
Angel Acevedo-Carrasco, and Sam Key
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Pictured L to R: Dr. Alfred Sadler,
Genesee Villalta, and Jorge Arizmendi
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When the CSUMB campus transitioned to virtual learning in response to COVID-19 in March 2020, Master of Science Physician Assistant students faced unique challenges. Without extremely advanced robotics, learning how to conduct physical examinations and clinical skills requires personal guidance from experienced medical providers. The hands-on clinical skills course was placed on hold in March due to COVID-19 precautions, but students have now resumed instruction – this time with personal protective equipment and a keen understanding of required CDC guidelines.
The university generously provided the program with temporary use of the University Center Ballroom once a week for these classes to ensure adequate social distancing between stations. We all await the time when the pandemic passes and we can incorporate more face-to-face instruction in all of our courses. “I am extremely proud of the MSPA faculty and the safety protocols they proactively developed to ensure that MSPA student education would be not only effective but ongoing,” said Dean Rios-Ellis. “Faculty and staff stepped up to make sure that our students receive the continuous high-quality training they need to become highly skilled health care professionals. We are grateful that CSUMB students have the opportunity to become valued first responders serving the central coast region.”
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Students Raise $500 for Charity During National PA Week |
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October 6, 2020 -- Each year the CSUMB MSPA program and 267 other accredited PA programs celebrate PA Week across the country beginning on PA Day on October 6th. This week-long event recognizes the PA profession’s contribution to the nation’s health. Students in the MSPA Class of 2022 took this to heart and raised $500 for Dorothy’s Kitchen in Salinas, a full-service commercial kitchen serving the homeless and marginally housed in the Chinatown community. An anonymous benefactor encouraged the students to raise funds for the charity of their choice by engaging in health-related activities during COVID, a time when most students have decreased activity levels. It is clear that the PA students' desire to care for the underserved goes beyond both their studies and professional responsibilities.
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MSPA Faculty Featured on CSU Podcast |
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November 2, 2020 -- Michael Jorgensen PA-C, FNP, RN (W) received state recognition for his work engaging students in a joint CSUMB/Natividad Medical Center effort to design Monterey County’s Emergency COVID Alternate Care Site hospital in Marina in March 2020. He took the initiative to train volunteer physician assistant students to be prepared to act as first responders in ventilator management and emergent care if the severity of the pandemic escalated. Professor Jorgensen accomplished this by hosting a series of online “COVID Boot Camp” sessions remotely from his Monterey home.
“We are extremely proud of the caliber and breadth of experience of our faculty. The MSPA Program is fortunate to have Professor Jorgensen on our faculty as the breadth of depth of his professional experience working in high risk, infectious disease-ridden environments is truly impressive,” stated Dean Rios-Ellis.
In recognition of his contribution to the community during the COVID crisis, California State University interviewed Professor Jorgensen and one of his MSPA students, Steven Kurtz, PA-S, about their work on this project. This interview kicks off the first episode of Season 2 of the “Higher Ed Rewired” podcast, titled “COVID 19: A Teachable Moment.” Listen to the podcast episode here!
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Faculty Spotlight: Nicole Reichhart, MPAS, PA-C |
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Nicole Reichhart, Assistant Professor in the Master of Science Physician Assistant program, presented original research at the virtual Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) National Conference on October 19th, 2020. Professor Reichhart collaborated with three other PA schools -- Touro, Texas Tech, and Ketchem PA programs -- to develop a simulated emergency department environment, challenging students to care for multiple patients in a high-stress setting. She presented on “Multi-Institutional PA Student Perception of Simulated Emergency Room Cases” and highlighted student perspective and confidence in providing care in emergency departments, and how the simulation impacted their learning experience.
Professor Reichhart has also created and developed the MSPA point of care ultrasound (POCUS) curriculum. Implementing this education into the PA program has allowed the MSPA Year 2 students to gain formal certification in point of care ultrasound by the Point of Care Ultrasound Certification Academy. This certification provides physician assistants the opportunity to collaborate in the shared mission of improving global health and setting the standards of excellence in POCUS, which provides low cost technology for the underserved.
Additionally, the MSPA program Year 1 and Year 2 cohorts are currently collaborating with students from diverse medical professions in a weekly online discussion forum. They are engaging in dialogue with Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine students, University of Arkansas-Fort Smith dental hygiene, surgical technology, social work, and nursing students, and the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy students. This is a wonderful opportunity for our students to interact with multiple medical professions on a variety of topics including patient care, ethical issues, communication, current events, legislative/advocacy issues, and others. Thank you Professor Reichhart for ensuring that our students have access to the very best and can build a strong peer network throughout the nation.
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Faculty Spotlight: Candra Carr, MS, PA-C |
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Candra Carr, Assistant Professor in the MSPA program, also spoke at the virtual Physician Assistant Educational Association (PAEA) National Conference on October 19th. She presented her research at the 2020 Education Forum entitled “Wellness in Medical Education: Exploring Mindfulness, Well-Being, and Stress”. Professor Carr integrated the MSPA curriculum and mindfulness curriculum in collaborations with nine other Physician Assistant programs nationwide. The research brief discusses the results from their surveys of their students, including increase in life satisfaction, decrease in perceived stress, and improved levels of mindfulness.
In an effort to keep students engaged and working together on patient cases, Professor Carr also collaborated with Nursing Department Chair Dr. Alyssa Erikson to provide two sessions of virtual Interprofessional Education using Yale University’s online PA curriculum for virtual IPE. Professor Carr has also joined the working group on campus for CSUMB's sustainability Certificate/Champion program.
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Social Work Faculty Studies COVID-19 Impact
on Adoption and Surrogacy
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July 14, 2020 -- Professor of Social Work Dr. Karen S. Rotabi, and her colleague Patricia Fronek of Griffith University in Australia, published a report in July on the effect of the COVID-19 infection on international adoption and surrogacy. Their report, published in the Journal of International Social Work, is entitled: “The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on intercountry adoption and international commercial surrogacy”. It calls attention to heightened risk, and raises awareness for practitioners in these fields, as well as asserts the need for caution. This particular publication, focused on the present, is a follow-up to her 2017 co-authored book entitled: From Intercountry Adoption to Global Surrogacy: A Human Rights History and New Fertility Frontiers.
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MSW Students Sponsored to Attend NASW Training |
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August 7, 2020 -- The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) sponsored Master of Social Work students Marie Alonzo and Marlene Garcia to attend a Suicide Risk Assessment and Intervention training on August 7th, hosted by the NASW-CA Santa Clarita Unit. In collaboration with the California Community Colleges Health Workforce Initiative and the William S. Hart Union High School District Therapeutic Department of Counseling, the workshop provided a six-hour CEU training including presentations on the importance of assessing suicide risk among young children and high-risk LGBTQ adolescents, culturally appropriate assessment and intervention, and the impact of suicide on families.
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“The NASW workshop was very informative on ways to look at assessing risks that the clients we work with may have and how we can plan an intervention...This was helpful information for anyone who is looking into working in the social work field.”
- Marie Alonzo
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“I enjoyed this workshop immensely. The speakers were knowledgeable and in particular, I enjoyed learning about the School Threat Assessment Response Team (START) in LA.”
- Marlene Garcia
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Community Health Engagement (CHE)
in Chinatown
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CHE Receives Keys to New Building |
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Jacqui Smith (in white sweater) and Dean Rios-Ellis (checkered jacket) surrounded by the CHE outreach,
housing navigation, and homeless services team.
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November 1, 2020 -- Community Health Engagement (CHE), formerly the Chinatown Wellness Center, received the keys to its new permanent location at the beginning of the month. In partnership with MidPeninsula housing, CHE now occupies 2,250 square feet on the first floor of a new housing building in Chinatown. The new, innovative space is artfully designed to provide a myriad of services for the homeless and marginally housed community, as well as dedicate space for CHSHS students to participate in service in their field. With grant support surpassing $2 million, the new location reflects the dedication of the CHE team to the Chinatown community and serves as a shining beacon of wellness amid the hardships that the COVID-19 pandemic has presented for this vulnerable population.
On November 18th, Dean Britt Rios-Ellis visited the newly opened CHE facility at 21 Soledad in Chinatown, Salinas. The rapidly growing CHE homeless services, housing navigation, and outreach team has been working diligently through several projects to provide culturally and linguistically resonant, high quality services to the homeless throughout Monterey County.
“I am immensely proud and humbled by the work of Jacqui Smith, MSW, Drs. Maria Gurrola and Kai Medina-Martinez, and the dedicated staff and students. The CHE team has been facilitating access to COVID-19 testing, helping individuals receive temporary shelter, referring and navigating folks to needed health and human services, and helping folks find permanent housing, many of whom have not had a place to call home for a decade or more,” stated Dean Rios-Ellis.
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“The CHE team has expanded our reach far beyond the Chinatown area and is providing services in the Sherwood and Rico encampments, as well as those in Pajaro and other regions. It is a gift to know that our staff and students are safely making such a positive difference in the lives of folks whose plight often remains invisible to the majority, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.” |
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“While we cannot have a grand opening at this time due to COVID-19 I want everyone to know that we will be working as hard as possible to mitigate this virus and keep everyone safe during this pandemic, regardless of their economic or social situation,” stated Jacqui Smith, the senior manager of the CHE facility and team. Ms. Smith, who received her Bachelor Degree in Collaborative Health and Human Services and her Master of Social Work from CSUMB, epitomizes the service driven nature of what CSUMB graduates mean to the Monterey County region.
Dr. Maria Gurrola, Chair of the Social Work Department and Principal Investigator on multiple CHE projects stated, “We are about ‘growing our own’ to ensure that Monterey County has the workforce it needs to protect the health and welfare of its population and I am so grateful that we are having such a positive impact through our projects in the new CHE facility.”
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Student & Alumni Spotlights |
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MSPA Student Awarded NHSC
Full-Tuition Scholarship
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September 25, 2020 -- Raquel Tenorio Romero, a second-year Master of Science Physician Assistant (MSPA) student was recently awarded the prestigious National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Scholarship. This full-tuition scholarship supports training of health care providers in exchange for a commitment to provide primary care in areas of high-need, such as in rural and underserved communities. Raquel will join the ranks of about 80-90 physician assistant graduates each year who have the privilege of serving underserved communities as part of the National Health Service Corps.
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Raquel Tenorio, MSPA Student |
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MSPA Program Director Dr. Christopher Forest said, “Raquel doesn’t just talk the talk of caring for underserved populations, she has been walking the walk all of her life.” As the daughter of immigrants from Mexico, she grew up in a Latino community, which has given her a strong desire to serve Spanish-speaking patients and those living with limited or no access to resources. “Raquel is passionate about caring for local migrant farmworkers and those living in homeless communities.” She is the second student in the CSUMB MSPA program to be awarded this prestigious scholarship. These NHSC scholars will assuredly make a difference in our community. |
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CHHS Alumna Begins Internship with CDC |
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"My name is Madilynn Turner and I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Collaborative Health and Human Services in the Fall of 2019. I have accepted the extraordinary opportunity to become a Public Health Associate with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This two-year training program is offered by the Field Services Branch of the CDC for recent graduates or those just entering the public health field. As an associate, I will partake in both training and hands-on experience to learn about a wide range of public health work in order to determine where I am best fit to serve. Because the CDC can place associates at host sites anywhere in the U.S. or the U.S territories, this program provides the unique opportunity to learn a myriad of new skills and branch out of your comfort zone. I was chosen to be placed at Cabarrus Health Alliance in North Carolina, a public health authority that works to 'achieve the highest level of individual and community health through collaborative action.' I will take with me the knowledge, experience, and mentorship gained at CSUMB as I maneuver this new position, new placement, and new community.
"In preparation for the start of the CDC program, I am currently participating in virtual orientations to get acquainted with supervisors, learn what to expect, and meet my fellow cohort of associates. As the selection process took approximately five months, I am both eager and excited to grow my skills and experience within the field of public health. I hope to learn more about the community that I will be working with and build relationships with those that I will serve. I aim to analyze data collected from local North Carolina departments and programs to maintain positive health outcomes for the people they serve. Additionally, I intend to work with program coordinators and individual departments to make positive changes that meet community needs to ensure that public health programs are supportive, engaging, and successful for all participants.
"I am looking forward to seeing where this opportunity takes me and am grateful for all of the individuals at CSUMB that have helped me get to where I am today."
Pictured: CHHS Alumna Madilynn Turner
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MSW Alumna Reflects on her CSUMB Experience
Alexandra Ludovina graduated from the Master of Social Work Program at CSUMB in 2015 and currently works with The Meadows Intensive Outpatient Program for drug and alcohol recovery. While attending the MSW program, she completed internships at Natividad Medical Center Mental Health Unit and San Benito County Behavioral Health.
Ms. Ludovina uses psychodynamic and cognitive behavior theory when working with clients. One of the most important things she learned during her academic studies is to approach clients with “unconditional positive regard” regardless of their background. Alexandra recommends that students choose their first-year internship at a site or community outside of their comfort zone in order to help to identify which population they are passionate about working with. She also says, “It is critical to obtain continuing and outside education on treating individuals with substance use disorders. You will likely be serving this population regardless of your focus or specialty.”
Alexandra welcomes questions! Please email Kat McHenry if you would like obtain her contact information for further correspondence.
Pictured: MSW Alumna Alexandra Ludovina
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Beckham, G., Martin, E., Layne, D.**, Luke, R., Mayhew, J. (2020) Assessing Full Body Impulsive Ability Using a Range of Medicine Ball Loads For The Backward Overhead Medicine Ball Throw. Sports Biomechanics. Link to paper
Frank, G. Nguyen Rodriguez, S., Bird, M., Garcia, M., Gatdula, N., Centinaje, E., Rascon, M., & Rios-Ellis, B. (2020). Primary outcomes of a healthy lifestyle intervention for Latino families. Californian Journal of Health Promotion, 18(1), 29-38.
Fronek, P., & Rotabi, K. S. (2020). The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on intercountry adoption and international commercial surrogacy. International Social Work, 63(5). Link to paper
Martin, E. A., Beckham, G. K. (2020). Force Production during the sustained phase of Rugby Scrums: a systematic literature review. BMC Sports Science Medicine and Rehabilitation, 12:3. Link to paper
Sellmaier, C., Stewart, L.M., Brennan, E.M. (2020) Workforce engagement of children and youth with mental health disabilities: The impact of community services and supports. Community, Work and Family. (in press).
Sellmaier, C., Stewart, L.M, Brennan, E.M., Rosenzweig, J.M. & Malsch, A.M. (2020). Parents of Children and Youth with Disabilities: Providing Exceptional Care and Meeting Work-Life Challenges. Work and Family Encyclopedia. Link to paper
Xirasagar S, Wu Y, Heidari K, Zhou J, Tsai MH., et al. (2020). Does Emergency Medical Services Transportation Mitigate Post-stroke Discharge Disability? A Prospective Observational Study. Journal of General Internal Medicine. [published online ahead of print, 2020 Aug 31. Link to paper]
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Martin, E. (2020). Telling them the good or bad news: Informing clients of fitness test results. Southwest American College of Sports Medicine Annual Meeting, October 28th, 2020, virtual.
Martin, E. (2020). Non-Failure Kinesiology Education: Moving from Failing to Not-Yet-Mastered. Western Society for Kinesology and Wellness Annual Meeting, October 8-9th, 2020, virtual.
Martin, E. (2020). Practices to Maximize Benefits of Strength & Conditioning Internships. Western Society for Kinesology and Wellness Annual Meeting, October 8-9th, 2020, virtual.
Tsai, M.H. & Cabral, D. (2020). Exploratory study of cervical cancer screening among Latinas in a remote agricultural community, submitted to 13th American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved, October 2-4, 2020, virtual poster session.
Mann, A., Beye, C, Erikson, A., Lopez-Littleton, V., & Harry, W. (2020). Palliative Care Education in Monterey County from the Perspective of Healthcare Professionals. CSU Shiley Institute for Palliative Care Conference. (Virtual).
* Denotes CSUMB Student
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Research Projects and Awards |
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Tsai, M.H. (2020). American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Scholar-in-Training Award. 13th American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved, October 2-4, 2020.
The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) offers Scholar-in-Training Awards to enhance the education and training of early career scientists by providing financial support for their attendance at AACR conferences and meetings. As a result, Dr. Tsai was able to present her joint research with Dr. Daramola Cabral on cancer screenings in remote agricultural communities. Drs. Tsai and Cabral are currently conducting a qualitative naturalistic pilot study to identify and describe potential modifiable factors in the participants and/or in the healthcare system that would explain the lack of timely screening, follow-up, and treatment delay after abnormal cancer screening test. The lack of timely follow-up negates the benefits otherwise afforded by screening and early detection of cancer. Their data collection methodology was revised due to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic by conducting one-on-one interviews via telephone.
Stewart, L.M. (2020). Co-Investigator, Finding Fit Between Work and Family Responsibilities for Employed Parents of Children with Disabilities. Principal Investigator, Eileen Brennan (Portland State University), Co-Investigator Claudia Sellmaier (University of Washington, Tacoma; 08/08/20 – 09/30/21).
The research and preparation of an international conference paper and manuscript were supported by a grant from the National Institute of Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research, and from the Center for Mental Health Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, United States Department of Health and Human Services (NIDILRR grant 90RT5030). This is a center grant given to the Pathways to Positive Futures for Transition Aged Youth, with which Dr. Stewart's project is affiliated.
The goal of this project was to examine personal, family, workplace factors influencing the stress and health of parents raising children with disabilities. Step two is to compare their experiences to parents raising children of typical development through a secondary analysis of the 2016 National Study of the Changing Workforce. Dr. Stewart is listed on the project’s IRB.
Stewart, L.M. (2020). Co-Investigator, Workplace Supports and Exceptional Care Project, Portland State University. Principal Investigator, Eileen Brennan (Portland State University), Co-Investigator Claudia Sellmaier (University of Washington, Tacoma; 09/19/19 – 09/30/21).
Also supported by the above NIDILRR grant, the project examined child, family and community factors influencing the workforce participation rates of parents raising children with disabilities. Following this examination, researchers compared their experiences to parents raising children of typical development through a secondary analysis of the 2017 National Study of Children with Special Health Care Needs. Dr. Stewart is listed on the IRB for this project.
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