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Alumni Journal - Volume 94, Number 3, Loma Linda University School Of Medicine

Alumni Journal, School of Medicine

Editorials

2 | From the Editor
4 | From the President
6 | From the Dean

News

8 | Alumni News
10 | This & That
12 | APC 2024 Preview
14 | School of Medicine News
16 | Students
18 | AIMS Report: BARAKA: Hope and Healing for Sudanese Refugees
20 | Department Report: Pathology & Human Anatomy

Features

14 | Women in Medicine: Stories of Experience, Contributions, and Accomplishments
26 | Women in Medicine: A Conversation
32 | Early Hightory of Women in Medicine at LLU
34 | One Doctor's Story of Teaching and Healing in Angola
38 …

Care Of The Heart, Loma Linda University Health

Scope

Table of Contents

Features
14 | Campus of cardiac care
18 | The hearts of women
22 | Cardiopulmonary rehab
24 | Robotic surgery at LLUH
26 | Interventional procedures
28 | St. Paisley Day
30 | Heart health through nutrition

Departments
4 | From the President: Health care
8 | News: Clinical and campus news
38 | Alumni: Serving our world
44 | Annual Report: The year's people and stats

Sweet Pea: An Integrated Postpartum Mental Health Program For Mothers & Their Partners, Robynn L. Mays

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The Sweet Pea: Postpartum Parenthood Program is a postpartum depression and anxiety intervention to provide support for mothers and their supportive partners for 16- weeks of therapy. Through group, individual, and couples therapy, parents can discuss their symptoms of postpartum depression and anxiety in three different settings. The parents will have the support from their Postpartum Care Team (PCT) which includes: their Case Manager and Clinical Therapist. Parents will also receive health care and social services provided through PCT to ensure the proper support through their postpartum parenting journey. The Sweet Pea Program is based on the concepts of the …

Maxillary Central Incisor Rr In Hispanic And Non-Hispanic White Patients With Rme, Madison Healy

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Introduction: Apical root resorption is one of the most common adverse effects of orthodontic treatment. Forces used during orthodontic tooth movement can cause permanent loss of apical surfaces of teeth and although most reported cases of root resorption are asymptomatic, the process is irreversible and often unpredictable. Thus, it is of clinical interest to investigate which patients may be at greatest risk.

Purpose: This study utilized Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) to evaluate whether rapid maxillary expansion (RME) in Hispanic patients increased the severity of orthodontically induced apical root resorption.

Materials and Methods: Pre-treatment (T1) and post-treatment …

Self-Perceived Social Communication Perspectives Of Autistic Young Adults: A Phenomenological Qualitative Study, Aieshea L. Banks

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Social communication differences in autistic individuals have historically been viewed as disordered due to a comparison to the social behavior of the predominate nonautistic neurotype. Such comparison has led to a variety of social communication challenges that result in a variety of cognitive and affective reflections in autistic adults. The study aimed to explore two specific concepts: 1) the self-perceived challenges related to social communication and interaction of autistic young adults and 2) the cognitive and affective impact of their social communication challenges. This study explores the perspectives of 15 autistic young adults who are conversation-level verbal communicators. Individual semi-structured …

Pathways For Healing: An Online Therapeutic Support Group Program, Lisa Yvette Salazar

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Pathways for Healing: An Online Therapeutic Support Group Program (OTSG) is for women, ages 18 to 65 years old, diagnosed with chronic pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD). The program focuses on women living in Texas rural communities with limited access to mental health providers. The aim for this study is to determine if an OTSG program, utilizing narrative therapy (NT) within a biopsychosocial-spiritual lens (BPS-S) will improve overall health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Support groups are provided in English and Spanish, over the course of 12 weeks, facilitated by a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) and licensed pelvic floor physical …

Combined Treatment Model Program For Survivors Of Intimate Partner Violence, Hillary Jeanne May

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

This project seeks to fill a void in the mental health field by providing a combined treatment model program to address the needs of survivors of intimate partner violence. As such, the primary purpose of this project is the development of a treatment program with services that are easily accessible by survivors that is intended for future implementation in shelters or agencies that have contact with this population of women. This program offers a means to engage an underserved population in access to services and self-development to improve overall mental and physical health outcomes and attempt to prevent recurrent intimate …

The Perceived Experiences Of High School Students And Their Mental Health In Sda Academies, Melody Ezpeleta

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The purpose of this project was to gather the perceived experiences of high school students in terms of their mental health while attending Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) academies. The rationale for this qualitative needs assessment was to learn about how the identified mental health conditions are being attended to and what mental health resources or supports are needed at the academies. Forty-six participants were recruited from the Pacific Union under the North American Division Office of Education (NADOE). An anonymous, 20-minute online survey was completed independently by participants in which they were guided to select one of four roles: administration, direct …

We Program Training Manual For Culturally Responsive School-Based Mental Health Practices, Staysha M. Veal

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

An abundance of evidence suggests that K–12 Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) students experience disparities in school-based mental health services and negative school-based outcomes due to racism, discrimination, and biases. Such experiences have deleterious impact on their mental health, academic functioning, and other pre- and post-matriculation outcomes. These dynamics can lead to poor academic functioning and adverse mental health outcomes which can include depression, anxiety, toxic stress, decreased self-worth and self-esteem, and psychological maladjustment. School-Based Mental Health (SBMH) providers that are trained to be culturally responsive are uniquely situated to mitigate these negative events and ensure that BIPOC students …

Program Evaluation Of The Mend Program In Its Application Of Working With Adult Pnes Patients, Ashley Park

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

This study is a program evaluation of a family systems program, MEND and its application of working with patients who have Psychogenic Non Epileptic Seizures, otherwise known as PNES. This study evaluates PNES patients who have completed MEND focusing and comparing outcome measures like health related quality of life (HRQL), emergency room visits, and medications with PNES patients who have not done MEND. Results suggest that MEND improved PNES symptoms and overall HRQL.

Adaptation Program: Systemic Treatment Of Incarcerated Individuals And Their Families, Katrina Arabyan

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The purpose of the Adaptation program is to support families impacted by incarceration. It is a family-based therapeutic program implemented within a correctional facility. Adaptation utilizes Structural Family Therapy (SFT) to focus on creating systemic change by addressing the rules, roles and behavior patterns of incarcerated individuals and their families. Barriers to family member attendance are addressed via the use of telehealth.

Evaluating The Treatment Effectiveness And Efficiency Of The Df2 Protocol Using Invisalign® For Treatment Of Class Ii Malocclusion: A Retrospective Comparison Study, Bryan J. Otis

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Purpose: This retrospective study evaluated the treatment effectiveness and efficiency of the DF2 protocol for correction of class II malocclusions in comparison to conventional protocol using Invisalign®.

Materials and Methods: Clinical and cephalometric data of patients that were treated for class II malocclusion between July 30, 2014 and July 22, 2021 were reviewed and selected. The selected patients were matched for age, sex, and treatment complexity and divided into two groups: Group 1 (G1) —DF2 protocol and Group 2 (G2)—conventional class II Invisalign®. Clinical variables to represent the skeletal and dentoalveolar changes during treatment were assessed using pre-treatment (T1) …

Predictors Of Aggression Among Adolescent Girls, Sarah Joy Park

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Women and girls will often deny what they feel and think to maintain their relationships. Silencing the self can be detrimental to the physical and mental health of teenage girls. This stifling of the self is related to depression, earlier first intercourse, eating disorders, and less relationship satisfaction. Girls who silence their voices are also likely to have difficulty expressing themselves when they feel angry. In this study we explored the relationship between silencing the self and physical, verbal, and indirect aggression. Our sample consisted of 88 teenage girls from two high schools, with a mean age of 16. They …

Burnout, Self-Efficacy, And Resilience In Haitian Nurses: A Cross-Sectional Study, Marie Therese Georges

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Though nursing burnout is a global problem, research on nurse burnout in Haiti is scarce. Haitian nurses operate in a resource-poor work environment in the context of multiple personal and social challenges. This study assessed burnout (emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment) and identified its influencing factors among a sample of Haitian nurses. A cross-sectional survey in French and Haitian Creole was conducted in five Haitian hospitals using forward and back translated scales measuring burnout (i.e., emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, personal accomplishment), self-efficacy, nursing work environment, resilience, and demographic factors. Haitian nurses (N = 179) self-reported moderate emotional exhaustion (M = …

Food Insecurity On Llu Campus And The Awareness Of Resources Available, Laura Aldama, Holly Lai-Eschen, Hannah Nua

Loma Linda University Research Reports

Background: The prevalence of food insecurity (FI) on college campuses in the United States was 41% in 2018. However, most studies focus on undergraduate students on public college campuses. Food insecurity has been shown to lead to poor sleep, higher BMI, worse academic outcomes, poor mental health, less physical activity, and the consumption of less fruits and vegetables than their food secure peers.

Objective: The purpose of this graduate student research study was to determine the prevalence of food insecurity among students at LLU (a private and predominately graduate university) and their awareness of local food resources.

Methods …

Food Selection And Consumption During The Covid-19 Pandemic/Quarantine, Shawnyse Debaun, Pui Tan Lau

Loma Linda University Research Reports

Background: The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) created an unexpected outbreak that led to a pandemic and the fear of scarcity regarding food. Due to those who shopped in panic, grocery stores began to limit the number of specific items purchased per family. The COVID-19 is a novel disease that has changed society by wearing face-coverings when out in public, temporarily closing indoor dining at restaurants, and converting schools online. The over-purchase of toilet paper and water caused many grocery and department stores to exhaust their inventory. This situation may have instilled fear of scarcity and leave to the over-purchase …

Investigating The Rationale Of Registered Dietitians In Selection Of Predictive Equations For Estimation Of Resting Metabolic Rate, Anastasija Avdeyeva,, Yi-Ying Lin

Loma Linda University Research Reports

Background: Resting metabolic rate (RMR) is a critical component of appropriate nutrition plans for Registered Dietitians (RDs) in clinical and outpatient care. Many RMR equations can address some variances. The “clinical judgement” is recommended by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) to decide the best RMR equation. With the discernment of the RD in mind, it was pertinent to delve into the thought-process behind why dietitians used specific energy formulas over other choices.

Objective: To determine which RMR formulas were chosen when calculating caloric needs for patients and assess any trends in rationale for RDs when selecting specific predictive …

The Effect Of Diet On The Variation Of Blood And Urine Heavy Metal Biomarkers Among National Health And Nutrition Examination Survey (Nhanes) Subjects: A Secondary Data Analysis, Devineé Lingo, Alyssa Perri

Loma Linda University Research Reports

Background: Heavy metals are non-essential elements that provide no biological benefit to the human body. Heavy metals such as lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium are toxic to humans even in trace amounts. Humans are exposed to various heavy metals through ingestion of contaminated food and water supplies. Heavy metals can accumulate in body organs and displace essential minerals leading to detrimental health effects such as neurological, endocrine, and immune dysfunction, that can result in long-term damage.

Objective: The purpose of this graduate student research study was to examine the effect of diet on the variation of blood and urine lead, …

The Effectiveness Of A Preoperative Lifestyle-Based Weight Loss Program On Postoperative Outcomes In Bariatric Patients: A Secondary Data Analysis, Jasmine Westerdahl, Samantha Peebles

Loma Linda University Research Reports

Background: Obesity is a multifactorial and largely preventable chronic disease. There are many interventional methods that can be used in treating obesity, such as diet and lifestyle interventions. Surgical intervention is also an effective treatment option that is utilized for those that are severely obese. Bariatric surgery helps to achieve weight loss, as well as reduce the risk and/or manage comorbidities. In the U.S., many insurance companies and certain bariatric centers require patients to lose weight prior to surgery. The explanation for preoperative weight loss stems from its potential correlation with reduction in surgical complications, improved adherence to stringent …

The Effectiveness Of A Four-Week Parent Nutrition Education Series In Creating Knowledge And Behavioral Changes, Glencill Taylor, Sally B. Millon

Loma Linda University Research Reports

Background: Recent research has indicated that the diets of many US children are not meeting established dietary recommendations. Parent-based nutrition education has been identified as an option to influence children in adopting healthful dietary practices. This study sought to explore how an online school-supported nutrition program for parents and guardians can address this need.

Objective: To determine if a four-week school supported online parent nutrition education program created knowledge and/or potential behavioral change for participants.

Design: The study was originally designed as a qualitative research study intended to include up to 100 participants. As a result of …

The Influence Of Strength And Mobility On Lumbar Biomechanics During Lifting, Christopher S. Patterson

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Weakness of the lumbar and hip extensors muscles as well as limited hip flexion mobility have been proposed to contribute to greater lumbar spine loading and greater lumbar flexion during functional tasks. The purpose of the current study was to examine the associations among hip and lumbar spine extension strength, hip flexion mobility and lumbar spine biomechanics during a squat lifting task. Fifty healthy adults participated in the study. Strength of the lumbar extensors and hip extensors was measured using a motor driven dynamometer. Hip range of motion was assessed using a 3D motion capture system. Participants lifted boxes of …

Overcoming: Resilience In The Face Of Life's Adversity, Loma Linda University Health

Scope

Table of Contents

Features
6 | COVID-19 and our response
10 | Advocating for race equality
20 | 5 questions with Ihab Dorotta, MD
24 | Healing, advocating against acid attacks
28 | Superman's student support
30 | PossAbilities athlete makes U.S. Paralympic team
34 | Overcoming addiction

Departments
4 | From the President: Renewing our commitment
12 | News: Clinical and campus news
40 | Alumni: Serving in the U.S. and abroad
44 | Annual Report: The fiscal year's people and status

Attitudes And Understanding Of Orthodontic Treatment Using Comic Vs. Text Format, Darron Miya

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Objectives: To examine adolescent patient attitudes and understanding of basic orthodontic treatment information presented in either comic book format or plain text.

Methods: This study involved subjects undergoing orthodontic treatment at the Loma Linda University Graduate Orthodontic Clinic. Subjects were randomly assigned to two groups: Group 1 subjects received an orthodontic comic book to read, while Group 2 subjects received a plain text information sheet containing the same pertinent information as Group 1. All subjects completed an identical survey regarding the material they read. Statistical analysis consisted of a chi-square test at α = 0.05 to determine potential …

Snapshot Of Select Cancer Patient’S Dietary Intakes Prior To Chemotherapy And Alignment To Dietary Guidelines For Americans Recommendations, Claire Chappuis, Annabel Hong, Sandra Ochoa

Loma Linda University Research Reports

Background. Nutrition is a relevant concern for patients with cancer, as malnutrition has been associated with poor outcomes in cancer treatment. The period after a cancer diagnosis and prior to chemotherapy represents a window of opportunity to assess dietary intake and optimize nutritional status before side effects of cancer treatment occur.

Objective. The objective of this study is to assess the dietary habits of patients with cancer prior to chemotherapy and compare their intake against the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) recommendations.

Design. This cross-sectional study collected data on select participants using a validated dietary intake questionnaire, …

Do Physicians Perceive The Roles Of Nutritionists And Registered Dietitian Nutritionists As Different?, William Ramirez, Megan Williams

Loma Linda University Research Reports

Background: Dietitians are still divided on whether to use the credential Registered Dietitian (RD) or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). The option for dietitians to utilize RDN gained support in a 2013 joint committee meeting. The ambiguity between the terms dietitian and nutritionist leave many individuals unable to discern between the two. The opportunity for dietitians to treat greater quantities of patients is influenced by physicians’ understanding of dietitians’ roles and the public's understanding of services they provide.

Objective: To determine how the terms dietitian and nutritionist are understood and referred to in the healthcare setting and whether RD …

The Association Between Nutrition-Focused Instagram Accounts And Nutrition Knowledge And Food Choices In Instagram Users, Briana Bender, Cenida Gomez-Flores

Loma Linda University Research Reports

Background: Instagram is a fairly unregulated social media platform that is reported as having over 250 million daily users. As this social network is frequently used to seek out health-related information, misleading nutrition information could potentially have a detrimental effect on the public’s health. Thus, it may be beneficial for nutrition and dietetic practitioners to be present on Instagram to offer credible nutrition information to the many Instagram users.

Objective: To examine the effects that nutrition-focused Instagram accounts have on nutrition knowledge and food choices of Instagram users.

Design: A cross-sectional random sample of Instagram users completed …

Nutrition Beliefs And Practices Among Generation Z, Cassandra Mason, Amber Wagstaff

Loma Linda University Research Reports

Background: Life expectancy is decreasing, and childhood obesity is increasing. Limited research has been conducted on the nutrition beliefs and practices of Generation Z and the potential discrepancies between the two.

Objective: Assess the nutrition beliefs and whether these beliefs translate into practices among the 18-24 age group of Generation Z.

Design: Anonymous survey (nutrition belief-based and practice-based) provided via QR code accessible through Facebook, E-mails and text message.

Participants: There were 74 participants recruited through Facebook, E-mail, flyer and word of mouth. Individuals 18-24 years of age were included in the study. Those majoring in …

How Well Do The Eating Habits Of Registered Dietitian Nutritionists' In The United States Align With Their Teaching Patterns?, Kathleen Anderson, Shannon Hurley, Levi Maeschen

Loma Linda University Research Reports

Background: Dietary Guidelines for Americans is a resource available and designed for professionals to help people make healthy choices to avoid chronic disease. Exploration of the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) core health values may improve the profession’s ability to address gaps in understanding health beliefs and behaviors.

Objective: To determine whether the teaching patterns of RDNs align with their individual eating habits through a self-selected survey.

Design: Quantitative study design.

Participants/Setting: An email was sent to approximately 5,000 RDNs through the Commission of Dietetic Registration registry and 425 responded. The anonymous survey consisted of two major domains: …

The Effects, Perceptions, And Attitudes Of Previously Sedentary Individuals Starting An Exercise Program, Arlene Moreno, Megan Rasmussen

Loma Linda University Research Reports

Background: Many Americans do not eat healthfully or exercise, which is associated with higher risk of disease. Nutrition and exercise awareness have increased, but people experience barriers preventing lifestyle change. Limited research has been completed on the impact of nutrition education on dietary intake.

Objective: Examine whether starting an exercise program with or without nutrition education can influence dietary choices in previously sedentary individuals, and to determine their perceptions and attitudes.

Design: Mixed methods study gathering quantitative data through a food frequency questionnaire, InBody test, and demographics/exercise activity survey. Qualitative data was gathered through focus groups. Participants …

Relationships For Social Change: A Longitudinal Examination Of A Promotora-Led Program For Socioeconomic Mobility, Dayanne Assunção Vieira Carter

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Since the 1960s federal and local initiatives have been put in place to decrease the staggering socioeconomic disparities in the United States. Considerable debate has been fueled by the conception of adequate solutions to address the employment crisis (Kregel, 2011). Despite the increase in supportive services made available to the public, low-income families continue to face distinct challenges that limit employment and vocational opportunities (Athreya & Romero, 2015; Crouter & Booth, 2014; Presser, 2014), a situation particularly true for ethnic minorities navigating the systems of employment in the US (Fullerton & Anderson 2013; Mazumder, 2011). The purpose of this study …