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Commencement Program 2023, Loma Linda University

Commencement Programs

CONTENTS

1 | Message from the President

3 | 2023 Events of Commencement

5 | The Academic Procession

6 | Institutional Administration

7 | Board of Trustees

8 | Significance of Academic Regalia

9 | University History Highlights

11 | Criteria for Institutional Awards

13 | Loma Linda University Health and Loma Linda University Honorees

25 | The Program, The School Honorees, and The Speakers

• School of Medicine, 26
• School of Pharmacy, 52
• School of Dentistry, 69
• School of Public Health, 93
• San Manuel Gateway College, 108
• School of Allied Health Professions—Allied Health Studies, Cardiopulmonary Sciences, Clinical Laboratory Science, Communication …

Effect Of Preoperative Skin Cleansing On Instances Of Surgical Site Infections, Katie Armington, Jessica Blank, Madison Waterhouse, Cynthia Gavett, Hailey Tofflemoyer, Rachelle Cassidy, Lindsay Bushnell, Jennifer Barriere, Anastasia Colbath

Nurse Residency

Background

• On a single square centimeter of skin, there can be as many as 10 million aerobic bacteria

• Bacteria on a patient’s skin is the leading cause of infection related to surgery

• 17% of all hospital acquired infections come from surgical site infections

• Surgical site infections cost about $3,000 $29,000 per patient

Central Hypothyroidism Following Neonatal Graves' Presentation, Emily Metzinger, Kelsee Halpin

Posters

Background: Neonatal Graves’ disease is a rare disorder of neonatal autoimmune hyperthyroidism secondary to the transplacental passage of thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor antibodies. Although neonatal Graves’ disease is transient, it is associated with cardiac dysfunction, intrauterine growth restriction, prematurity, craniosynostosis, and developmental delay and can be life-threatening. Additionally, infants with neonatal Graves’ disease can rarely present with primary or central hypothyroidism later in infancy or childhood. This is suspected to be due to the disruption in the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis or development of the thyroid gland. Clinical Case: Here we describe a case of neonatal Graves’ disease that has been complicated by …

Supporting Fathers And Partners In The Nicu, Tiffany Gladdis

Posters

The NICU can be an incredibly stressful environment for both the infant and its parents. Unlike many traumatic events, the NICU experience can often feel like an ongoing trauma, with the stay often involving highs and lows, new diagnoses, changes in prognosis, multiple procedures, and a rollercoaster of emotions. Additionally, the NICU can also trigger trauma responses for parents who have had previous traumatic experiences. When working with families in the NICU, it is important to use a Trauma Informed Care lens to ensure that the whole family is understood and adequately supported (Sanders & Hall, 2007). Perinatal Mood and …

2024 Mid-Year Report, Evidence To Practice, Cep Annual Reports, Lisa Staples, Brooke Dupre, A. Yeh, Tommy Nguyen, Claudia Leonardi, Stephen Phillippi

Policy & Position Papers

No abstract provided.

June 2023, Swosu Bulldog Wellness Committee

SWOSU BULLDOG WELLNESS

June 3rd is World Bicycle Day

Bicycles, invented in Europe in the nineteenth century, presently number more than a billion, and are used all over the world. Cycling is a non-weight-bearing, low-impact exercise that is easy on the joints, great for aerobic fitness, fun for people of all ages, and is becoming one of the most popular activities for seniors.

Intouch Week Of May 29, 2023, New York Medical College

InTouch

• NYMC Celebrates the Class of 2023 at 164th Commencement Exercises
• Department of Surgery Hosts 20th Annual Louis R.M. DelGuercio Distinguished Visiting Professorship and Research Day
• NYMC Hosted the 12th Annual Paul K. Woolf, M.D., Pediatric Trainee Research Day
• Bench-to-Bedside Seminar Series: Fetal Biophysical Profile, Development of an In-utero Apgar Score
• Study Addresses Disparities in Women and Diverse Racial and Ethnic Groups in Radiation Oncology
• Five Tips to Stay Safe During Tick Season from NYMC's Lyme Disease Expert
• NYMC's Blood Drives Donate More Than 500 Units This Academic Year

Commencement, South Georgia (2023), Philadelphia College Of Osteopathic Medicine

Commencements

South Georgia Campus Commencement Program, 2023. Degrees include Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine and Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences.

Commencement Speaker: Jim Matney, Colquitt Regional Medical Center

Commencement, Georgia (2023), Philadelphia College Of Osteopathic Medicine

Commencements

Georgia Campus Commencement Program, 2023. Degrees include Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, Doctor of Pharmacy, Doctor of Physical Therapy, Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences, Master of Science in Medical Laboratory Science, and Master of Science in Health Sciences - Physician Assistant Studies.

Commencement Speaker: Julie Ginn Moretz, Augusta University Health System

Occupation Based Program Enhancement: Promoting Social And Leisure Participation Post-Stroke, Emma Welch, Amy Lyons-Brown

Spring 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This presentation describes the importance of social and leisure participation for individuals who have had a stroke and explores the role of occupational therapy in promoting this area of occupation for the population.

Functional Literacy In Early Education, Katelyn Welch, Lakeisa Boykin, Thais Petrcelli

Spring 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

The significance of this project is to promote, adapt, and incorporate occupational functional literacy components in the current reading program in second grade. By educating professionals inside the school system to establish a mindset that literacy is not just reading books it will also develop skills to improve functional activities and instrumental activities of daily living in the classroom with second-grade students.

Intouch Week Of May 22, 2023, New York Medical College

InTouch

• Study Demonstrates Novel Area of Investigation to Treat Hypertension
• Dr. El Ouaamari Traveled the World in the Name of Diabetes Research
• Student Spotlight: SOM Student Awarded Prestigious Research Scholarship to Study Optic Nerve Regeneration
• Student Spotlight: SOM Student Graduates with Extensive Neurosurgical Research Publications

Past, Present, And Projected Occupational Impacts Of Adults Who Experienced Parentification In Childhood, Olivia Vanni, Jazminne Orozco-Arteaga

Spring 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Background: Parentification is a functional and/or emotional role reversal where the child sacrifices their own needs for attention, comfort, and guidance in order to accommodate and care for the needs of a parent and/or sibling. OTs need an understanding of how to recognize and support the impact of parentification during childhood, adolescence, and adulthood.

Methods: Mixed methods were used to explore the experience of adults (18-65) that served as caregivers for their sibling(s), and/or their parent(s) during their childhood/adolescence. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected through questionnaires (N=20) and interviews (n=6), allowing for a deeper understanding of the …

Guidebook For Occupational Therapy For End-Of-Life Care, Shannon Sudrla, Mary Smith, Alexandria Cannata, Anna Norene Carlson

Spring 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Patients at the end-of-life (EoL) experience functional decline in response to terminal illness and the active dying process, inhibiting participation and engagement in meaningful daily activities. Occupational therapy practitioners (OTP) are equipped to address patients’ occupational needs and desires despite their declining capacities; however, the absence of occupational therapy (OT) services in EoL care leaves patients’ occupational needs unmet, directly affecting their quality of life. The literature demonstrates the need for enhanced education and training among occupational therapy students (OTS) and practitioners to better prepare them to work with terminally ill patients who face progressive functional decline and imminent death. …

Commencement, Philadelphia (2023), Philadelphia College Of Osteopathic Medicine

Commencements

Philadelphia Campus Commencement Program, 2023. Degrees include Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Psychology, Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology, Doctor of Psychology in School Psychology, Educational Specialist in School Psychology, Master of Science in Applied Behavioral Analysis, Master of Science in Applied Positive Psychology, Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences, Master of Science in Forensic Medicine, Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling, Master of Science in Organizational Development and Leadership, Master of Science in Health Sciences - Physician Assistant Studies, Master of Science in Public Health Management and Administration, and Master of Science in School …

Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center - 2023 - 149th Commencement, Office Of The Registrar, Lsu Health Sciences Center-No

Graduation & Commencement Programs

The program for the 149th Commencement of LSU Health Sciences Center - New Orleans held May 18, 2023.

Disrupting Cisheteronormativity In Stem Through Humanism, Meg C. Jones, Desiree Forsythe, Rachel Friedensen, Annemarie Vaccaro, Ryan A. Miller, Ezekiel Kimball, Rachael Forester

Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences Faculty Books and Book Chapters

Cisheteronormativity is prevalent throughout college STEM discourses and classrooms. In this paper, we present findings from a U.S. based study focused on the experiences of collegiate STEM students with minoritized identities of sexuality and gender (MIoSG) as the backdrop for discussing how current harmful ideologies in STEM perpetuate cisheteronormativity through discursive practice. We propose that humanistic classrooms and pedagogy can work to dismantle cisheteronormative D/discourses in STEM and create MIoSG inclusive STEM classrooms and programs. Our findings highlight the ways participants experienced cisheteronormative D/discourses in their collegiate STEM contexts. We discuss how these experiences might be mitigated through humanistic educational …

Is College Liberating For All Students? The Impact Of Sensory Challenges On Participation Of Students On The Autism Spectrum And With Other Neurodivergent Diagnoses, Sophia Starvaggi, Mary Smith Otr/L, Phd

Spring 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Neurodiversity describes unique ways in which an individual's brain works, impacting skills such as executive function, social interaction, communication, and sensory processing. Sensory processing describes the system which receives, processes, organizes, and responds to sensory information received in several environments throughout the day. Sensory sensitivity involves both over- and under-responsiveness to sensory information received, both causing an impact on one’s participation. An occupational area that seems to lack support for sensory challenges is that of postsecondary, or college, settings.

Several policies exist to protect the right to equal education for students with disabilities, however, these protections only last until students …

Intouch Week Of May 15, 2023, New York Medical College

InTouch

• Yom Hashoah Observance Explores the “Dachau Ashes”
• NYMC and TU Presented “Ninety Minutes: The Medical Magazine of the Web”
• SOM Students Take Respite from Studies
• SOM Student Speaker Aspires for Career in Cardiothoracic Surgery

Occupation-Based Social Skills Training Program With Animal-Assisted Therapy For Individuals With Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (I/Dd), Jason Sebastian, Karen Park

Spring 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This presentation describes the development and implementation of an occupation-based social skills training program with Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) for Individuals with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) and the implications for occupational therapy after program implementation.

Expanding Accessibility For Guests With Autism-Spectrum Disorder (Asd) Who Visit The Jacksonville Zoo And Gardens In Jacksonville, Fl, Lauren Schermerhorn, Thais Petrocelli

Spring 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Problem: Due to public events being commonly characterized by crowded spaces, loud volumes, and unpredictable changes, attractions such as the Jacksonville Zoo can be challenging for those with ASD without proper accommodations (Kimura et al., 2020)

Purpose: The purpose of this capstone project was to advocate for updated evidence-based sensory accommodations at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens for those with an ASD diagnosis with the intention of creating a more inclusive zoo experience.

Mental Health In College Athletes: An Ot Perspective, Olivia Sarik, Lakeisa Boykin, Susan Didino

Spring 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Problem: There is often increased stigma surrounding college athletes in the spotlight, thus preventing them from seeking help with their mental health (Kaier et al., 2015). There are currently no known programs that offer resources specifically for college athletes (Sudano & Miles, 2016). It is important for occupational therapists to advocate for mental health resources for student-athletes to create healthy habits and routines within the athletic environment.

Purpose: The purpose of this capstone was to increase awareness of mental health resources that are available to student-athletes and coaching staff at Baldwin Wallace University to improve mental health in athletics and …

My Path To Advanced Practice, Hannah Oiselle Knisley

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

An Exploration Of Intimate Partner Violence In Lgbt Relationships, Amaris Sanvictores, Karen Park

Spring 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Background: Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals experience disproportionate rates of intimate partner violence (IPV) compared to their heterosexual and cisgender counterparts. Findings report rates of IPV among LGBT individuals ranging from 31.1%-61.1%, which is higher compared to 29%-35% with their cisgender peers. There is limited research regarding the impact of IPV in LGBT relationships through an occupational therapy lens. Purpose: This research project intends to identify occupational limitations by addressing the required needs and resources of individuals from LGBT IPV to improve their quality of life. The research acquired can be used to identify problem areas to provide …

Improving Performance And Participation Of Elementary School Students Through A Coteaching Model, Carson Roberts, Angela Labrie Blackwell, Anna Fung

Spring 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This project explored the use of a coteaching program with a general education teacher and OTD student at an elementary school. The poster provides an overview of the methods used, an overview of the coteaching program that was implemented, and the significance and implications of this project. The purpose of this coteaching program was to develop a coteaching program in which occupational therapists and general education teachers work together in classrooms to improve performance and participation of students with and without disabilities.

A Mindfulness Intervention For Veterans With Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Ashley N. Ries, Steven M. Gerardi Phd, Otd, Mss, Otr, Mary Horne Lcsw

Spring 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Every day, many United States veterans are suffering from the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Responses to trauma may vary from person to person; however, a diagnosis of PTSD includes the individual experiencing clinically significant distress in their social and occupational areas of functioning. The impact of PTSD on a veteran’s life could impact their ability to carry out activities of daily living, decrease the amount of social participation they have, and limit their ability to perform instrumental daily activities, such as grocery shopping. Mindfulness is the practice of paying full attention to the present moment, without judgment, and …

Occupational Therapy's Role In Mealtime Participation In Schools, Jaidee Mae Reyes, Karen Park

Spring 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

A mixed-methods research design was utilized to explore the role of occupational therapy in mealtime participation in school-based settings. Interviews and surveys were completed to understand occupational therapy practicers' perceptions, attitudes, and experiences with providing services related to mealtime. The themes that emerged from the study including (a) occupational therapy practitioners experience inhibiting and supporting contextual factors that affect their involvement in mealtime, (b) admin and occupational therapy culture and the interpretation of educational relevance can differ between each school, and (c) occupational therapy practitioners go through a decision-making process when deciding to address mealtime.

Intouch Week Of May 8, 2023, New York Medical College

InTouch

• Students Honor First Patients During Convocation of Thanks
• NYMC Shines at TU Research Day
• Medical Students Recognized for Humanism at Induction Ceremony
• Chancellor Hosts Field Trip to The Cushing Center at Yale University
• Internationally Acclaimed Cardiologist Dr. Fuster Set to Address DelGuercio Day
• Join NYMC and TU for “Ninety Minutes: The Medical Magazine of the Web”
• Soon-to-be D.P.T. Grad Seeks to be a Pediatric Physical Therapist

The Participation And Exploration Of Play For Children In Foster Care, Isabella J. Relph, Jazminne Orozco Arteaga

Spring 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This capstone project, The Participation and Exploration of Play for Children in Foster Care, was completed by a Doctor of Occupational Therapy candidate at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. Project objectives develop an understanding of the occupational therapy involvement in foster care and how to improve current advocacy and educational efforts related to play. A literature review of play participation, engagement, and exploration was conducted in conjunction with analysis of environmental barriers, generalized background information on children in foster care, and the role of occupational therapy for children in foster care. Play is essential for the pediatric …

Cultural Humility When Caring For Lgbtqia+ Older Adults: A Resource Guide For Occupational Therapy Practitioners And Students, Michele Ramos, Deb Meyers, Mary Ann Smith

Spring 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

The LGBTQIA+ older adult population has unique needs due to their experience as diverse individuals in a cisgender, heteronormative society. Experiences and effects of discrimination need to be considered when providing care. Occupational therapists have a role in addressing disparities of all marginalized groups, including LGBTQIA+ older adults. Practitioners may utilize cultural humility and trauma-informed practices when treating the LGBTQIA+ population. Existing resources to guide culturally humble occupational therapy care for LGBTQIA+ older adults are insufficient. The purpose of this project was to build on existing cultural humble resources and create a website on the focus of occupational therapy cultural …