An Analysis Of Dei Preparation In Health Science Programs For Future Healthcare Providers, Michael Holik, Scott Heinerichs

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Research has indicated patients have better outcomes when their healthcare providers are comprehensively trained in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) related areas during their academic preparation. By understanding students’ perceptions of the DEI education, they receive and knowing how that training may impact future patient interactions, educators can allow educational programs to prepare health science students better. This study aimed to garner and examine the perceptions health science students have on the DEI education they receive as undergraduate and/or graduate students in a regional public comprehensive university. Methods: Upon approval of research from the Institutional Review Board, 2,700 health …

Understanding Interprofessional Collaborative Practice: A Firm Foundation For Allied Health Student Education, Isabel A. Paton, Narelle T. Patton, Anne Croker

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Accompanying the contemporary need for a collaborative practice ready health workforce is a focus on health student preparation for interprofessional collaborative practice. This research explored allied health pre-registration student preparation for interprofessional collaborative practice. Further, this examination illuminated new understandings of interprofessional collaborative practice itself. Methods: Informed by philosophical hermeneutics, this research involved two studies. One study was drawn from interpretation of the literature. The other study drew from 24 academic and student participants’ experiences from five allied health professions, accessed through semi-structured interviews and focus groups. Thematic interpretation was used to highlight key themes and topics. Results: This …

Student Perceptions Of Clinical Educator Competence Across Healthcare Professions, Samar Long, Sarah Varekojis, Tonya Apke, Erika Kemp

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Educational units that house a variety of healthcare programs require unique skills and knowledge development and vastly different professional responsibilities. The training for students is similar in that they use clinical educators to provide practical educational experiences. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore healthcare students' perceptions of their clinical educators' skills across six domains related to clinical education for six health professions. Methods: The data collection process involved a survey of students who have completed clinical rotations with at least two different clinical educators. Results: Seventy-four responses were included in data analysis. Students have positive perceptions …

Radiographic Assessment Of Morphometric Knee Angles In Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: A Quantitative Cross-Sectional Study, Sandhya Nagolu, Lavanya Prathap, Subhadra Devi Velichety, Jeyakumar S, K.Venkata Naga Prahalada

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS) is one of the most common causes of anterior knee pain, but its radiographic diagnostic indicators are still not clearly defined. This study aimed to evaluate key radiographic morphometric parameters, including Q angle, sulcus angle, patellar tilt angle, and Insall–Salvati ratio in individuals with PFPS compared with healthy controls and to determine their association with anthropometric variables. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study was carried out involving 110 individuals diagnosed with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) and 110 age- and sex-matched asymptomatic controls. Standardised digital radiographs were analysed using INSTARISPACS software to obtain morphometric measurements. Statistical analyses …

Postural Rehabilitation In The Management Of Chronic Neck Pain: A Comprehensive Literature Review, Yashfa Arman

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: This systematic review synthesizes current evidence on the efficacy of major postural rehabilitation techniques for chronic neck pain. Method: A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and PEDro databases up to May 2024. Randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews investigating posture-focused interventions for adults with non-specific chronic neck pain were included. Results: Seventeen studies met the inclusion criteria. Findings indicate that all techniques are effective, but each excels in distinct domains. Neck-specific exercises provided the most significant reduction in pain intensity (up to 58%) and functional disability. Global Postural Re-education (GPR) demonstrated superiority in improving objective measures …

Physicians’ Perceptions Of Factors Influencing Pediatric Athletic Healthcare Of Low Socioeconomic Status Patients, Mayrena I. Hernandez, Emily C. Srygler, Stephanie N. Adler, Thomas J. Swain, Marian E. Abowd, Kirsten M. Schneider, Jonathan A. Santana, Neeraj M. Patel, Justin S. Disanti, David Bell

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: A patient’s social determinants of health (SDOH) and socioeconomic status (SES) play an important role in the quality of healthcare they receive. Patients of low SES tend to face greater obstacles in receiving healthcare and experience greater health disparities. Understanding how physicians provide care for pediatric student athletes of low SES is critical in ensuring they can receive appropriate care. Methods: Thirteen physicians shared experiences they have in providing care to patients of low SES, including challenges they have encountered and what strategies, if any, in overcoming those challenges in providing equitable care. Data was collected via semi-structured interviews. …

Physical Therapists' Perspectives Of Implicit Racial And Ethnic Biases And The Influence On Physical Therapy Practice, Michael Blizniak, Mary Shotwell, Cheryl Kerfeld, Shanda Gore

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Problem: Physical therapy (PT) outcome disparities exist among racial and ethnic minority groups in the United States. Implicit racial and ethnic biases (IREBs) may contribute to these inequities. Understanding IREBs within PT practice is crucial for addressing disparities and helping physical therapists comply with the American Physical Therapy Association Code of Ethics Principles. Purpose: This study examines the role of IREBs in PT by exploring physical therapists' awareness of them and their potential influence on PT practice. Methods: A virtual explanatory sequential mixed-methods design was employed, integrating quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews. Fifty-one United States physical therapists participated in the …

Perceptions Of Shared Decision-Making And Interprofessional Education At National Collegiate Athletic Association Institutions, Shelene Thomas, Rebecca Downey, Kaylyn Mcanally Star, Erin Choice, Anthony P. Breitbach

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: When a shared decision-making design is employed in the return to sport (RTS) Continuum, the athletes’ outcome improves. Yet, many professional programs (i.e., athletic training and medicine) integrate interprofessional education into curricula differently or not at all. Therefore, there may be a mismatch between theory, curricula, and practice implementation. This discrepancy could impact care team operations and RTS outcomes. The purpose of this study was to assess perceptions of shared decision-making practices, communication strategies, and perceived barriers among interprofessional RTS care team members in NCAA intercollegiate athletics.

Methods: A mixed-methods, cross-sectional study including anonymous, web-based survey responses from 253 …

Operational And Implementation Evaluation Of A Short-Term Medical Service Program In Rural Guatemala, Mitchell M. Michalak, Shamecka Douglas, Oscar Gonzalez, Giovanna Sanguinetti, Ashley Sweat

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Fall Risk And Lower Extremity Strength In Diabetic And Non-Diabetic Older Adults: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study, Maimoona Shahid, Yasha Sajjad, Shumail Fatima, Ayesha Tuba, Wajida Perveen, Asim Raza

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Many studies have been conducted on falls in individuals older than 60 years of age with diabetes, so the current study focused on comparing and contrasting the fall risk and lower extremity strength in diabetic and non-diabetic people of 50 years of age and above and early identification of fall risk. Methods: This comparative cross-sectional study recruited 210 older adults 50 years of age and older from community dwelling areas. Thirty-one (31) participants were healthy and free of diabetes, while 179 of the same age range were diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. The study was conducted over a period of …

Effect Of Exercise On Modifying Progression Of Physical Symptoms In Parkinson’S Disease: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Ruiping Xia, Mitchell Stanford, Robert S. Phillips

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease. Emerging evidence suggests a promising treatment of combining exercise with medication. This systematic review with meta-analysis examined effect of exercise on modifying PD progression of physical symptoms. Methods: E-databases were searched to date. Randomized trials were included if they compared effect of exercise with no exercise/other exercise, and measured motor function for >=12 months. Results: Ten trials were included with eight eligible for meta-analyses. The pooled effect of exercise on UPDRS-III was a standard mean difference of 0.327 (95% CI: -0.052 to 0.707; p < 0.091). Mean difference in off-medication exceeded minimal clinically important difference. The pooled effects were 0.927 (95% CI: 0.015 to 1.839, p = 0.046) for Timed Up-and-Go, and 0.338 (95% CI: 0.022 to 0.654, p < 0.036) for PD Questionnaire-39. All findings were in favor of exercise intervention to improve patients’ motor severity and function/participation for at least 12 months. Conclusions: This study suggests that physical therapy …

Defining Success Differently: The Clear Model For Allied Health Admissions, Ladarius Woods

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

This opinion paper argues that threshold-based lottery admissions offer a strategically necessary response to equity challenges, enrollment pressures, and evolving definitions of merit in allied health education. Current admissions models, whether traditional or holistic, often reflect underlying tensions between academic metrics and institutional missions and may unintentionally privilege certain applicant groups. As demographic shifts and the looming enrollment cliff intensify these pressures, allied health programs must reconsider how they define and identify admissions excellence. Drawing on examples from other sectors and recent literature, this opinion piece argues that a threshold-based lottery system, applied to applicants who meet baseline academic criteria, …

Can We Bridge The Divide Between Community And Metropolitan University Stakeholders In The Development Of Longitudinal Allied Health Placements In Rural Australia?, Debra M. Jones, Anne Hill, Giti Haddadan, Lindy Mcallister

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Rural communities experience allied health workforce shortages that detrimentally impact health care access and outcomes. Allied health student exposure to rural practice is a key strategy to influence rural practice uptake in Australia. Yet, these placements can be short in duration and undertaken across multiple speciality areas contributing to fragmented learning, challenges in translating theory to practice in rural contexts, and host site fatigue. We aimed to review placement standards and key rural and metropolitan university stakeholder perspectives of placements to inform the co-design of a rural longitudinal placement to address the challenges described. Method: This qualitative study was …

Burnout And Professional Fulfillment Among Academic Faculty In U.S. Graduate Physical Therapy Programs: A Cross-Sectional Analysis, Joshua Cleland, Paul Mintken, Megan Donaldson

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Burnout among academic faculty is a growing concern, particularly within health professions education. This study examines the prevalence of burnout, associated risk factors, and protective factors, including professional fulfillment, among faculty and leadership in U.S. graduate physical therapy (PT) programs. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was administered to program leaders in graduate PT programs for distribution. The survey included validated metrics from the Stanford Professional Fulfillment Index along with custom items assessing workload, institutional culture, mentorship, and wellness factors. Comparative analyses were conducted between individuals who reported burnout and those who did not. Results: A total of 152 responses were …

An Academic–Community Partnership: A Faculty-Student Collaborative Occupational Therapy Clinic For Health Equity And Experiential Learning, Jennifer Martin, Nancy Saucedo, Jazmine Jacobo, Monica Gendy, David John, Yolanda Escalante

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: This descriptive report outlines the development and operation of a faculty–student collaborative occupational therapy (OT) clinic embedded in a community-based primary care setting serving uninsured individuals. The clinic’s dual mission is (1) to reduce disparities in access to OT services and (2) to serve as an educational model for developing student competence, cultural humility, and advocacy skills. Description: Established in 2019 and relaunched in 2023, the clinic operates one day per week, providing consultative OT services primarily for musculoskeletal conditions, with additional referrals for neurological and systemic issues. Over two academic years, the clinic delivered 229 service hours across …

Agreement Among Experienced Physical Therapist Clinicians In Naming Nystagmus: A Mixed-Methods Study Design, Lori Ann Leineke, Alessandra N. Garcia, Bridget Eubanks

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Labeling nystagmus requires clinicians to consider multiple aspects of its presentation. The extent to which physical therapists (PTs) use consistent terminology for describing nystagmus is unknown. Recommendations for proper terminology exist, but adherence during clinical assessment has not been determined. This study investigated whether PTs with advanced vestibular rehabilitation skills and training consistently use standardized vocabulary to describe nystagmus patterns. Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional, mixed-methods study utilized an online survey methodology, which included eight free-response questions. Participants viewed videos of nystagmus through Infrared or Frenzel goggles and documented their observations. A codebook of responses was created for each question, …

Correlation Of Oxidative Stress Markers Between Serum And Colostrum And Their Association With Production Performance In Lactating Sows From A Prrs-Unstable Herd, Supasit Sopin, Yonlayong Woonwoong, Pichai Jirawattanapong, Prapassorn Boonsoongnern, Wirod Lakkanasombat, Alongkot Boonsoongnern

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Oxidative stress occurs when the production of reactive oxygen species exceeds the antioxidant defense capacity of living organisms. Oxidative stress is commonly assessed using serum samples; however, blood sampling in pigs is often avoided on commercial farms because of disease transmission concerns and animal welfare considerations. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between oxidative stress markers in serum and colostrum samples and to determine their association with production performance in lactating sows. A total of 34 Landrace × Large White sows from a commercial farrow-to-finish farm were included in the study. Blood and colostrum samples were collected immediately after …

Epstein–Barr Virus Common And Rare Complications In Iraq: Review Paper, Ameer Mohammed Kadhim, M. Jafar Zainaldeen, Zainab Haider Abdulmajeed

Maaen Journal for Medical Sciences

Background: Epstein–Barr Virus (EBV) is a highly ubiquitous herpesvirus found globally, it is associated to both a wide range of condition including common, pervasive infections and severe, rare diseases. In Iraq, despite a significant increased incident of chronic illnesses and viral- related malignancies, the local overview of EBV-associated complications remains fragmented. Aim: This review synthesizes the current available Iraqi literature to delineate the dual nature of EBV’s impact, distinguishing between common epidemiological manifestations and its role in severe clinical complications in local cohorts. Key Findings: high seroprevalence (~80%) of EBV in healthy Iraqi population, with noteworthy association observed in autoimmune …

Evaluating Behavioral Intervention Strategies For Reducing Hyperactivity In Children Diagnosed With Autism Spectrum Disorder And Comorbid Adhd, Murtadha M. Abd Noor, Dunya Habeeb Shnain

Maaen Journal for Medical Sciences

One of the most difficult and complex symptoms in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and comorbid attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is hyperactivity. This has a substantial negative impact on daily functioning, learning, and responsiveness to therapy interventions, as well as on intervention programs that aim to manage behavior in schools and clinical settings, thereby restricting children's engagement in these programs as management behaviors become more emphasized. Given marked heterogeneity in clinical presentations and a lack of consensus on the most effective behavioral strategies, there remains an imperative to systematically evaluate targeted, specific strategies for reducing hyperactivity in this …

The Putative Role Of Oral Microbiome In Premature Aging During Hiv Infection: What Do We Know?, Carlos Solá-Morlá, Daphne Alcalá-Zúñiga, Juan Araujo, Maria Da Gloria Bonecini-Almeida, Upal Roy, Josué Pérez-Santiago

Health & Biomedical Sciences Faculty Publications

Despite improvements in life expectancy, people with HIV (PWH) are at risk of developing HIV-associated comorbidities at a younger age when compared to HIV-uninfected individuals. This premature aging process can be attributed to various factors, such as the prolonged exposure to combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), inflammation, microbial perturbances and oxidative stress. Similarly to the gut, oral dysbiosis occurs in HIV-1 infection, with cART and inflammation playing a crucial role. This gives rise to an enrichment of pathogenic microorganisms that in turn, elicit an immune response tied to chronic inflammation. Consequently, cART exposure, dysbiosis and persistent inflammation in HIV-1 infection have …

Determinants Of Extended Postanesthesia Care Unit Stay, Jonathan Vaughn

Nursing Publications

Frustration is a common emotion felt by up to 70% of workers in high-stress environments.1 As a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, I can attest to the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) as being a high-stress environment. The PACU Registered Nurses and staff provide expert care to postoperative patients. The PACU offers postoperative patients a safe recovery from anesthesia through monitoring and stabilization, as well as pain and symptom management through prevention and early intervention. It prepares patients for timely discharge or transfer.2 At times, some patients may experience adverse effects in the PACU, resulting in a longer than 90-minute …

New Graduate Nurses' Experiences Of Leaving The Emergency Department, Gemma John

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Standardizing Tms Intensity Across Different Coils Using Individualized Electric Field Modeling, Evgenii Kim, Mohammad Daneshzand, Keren Zhu, Danyal Fareed Bhutto, Teresa Jacobson Kimberley, Dylan J. Edwards, Netri Pajankar, Parker Kotlarz, Tommi Raij, Sergey N. Makaroff, Aapo Nummenmaa

Moss-Magee Rehabilitation Papers

Quantitative measures for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) intensity are needed to ensure safe and consistent application in therapeutic and research settings. However, resting motor thresholds (rMTs), commonly used to determine stimulation intensity, depend on the coil used. Unless motor mapping and treatment coils are identical, re-thresholding is necessary, increasing patient discomfort and potentially introducing variability across studies. These considerations raise an unresolved fundamental question: does individual rMT reflect a consistent cortical electric field (E-field) magnitude independent of coil geometry? We tested the hypothesis that rMT corresponds to a coil-invariant cortical E-field magnitude and evaluated a computational method for predicting stimulator …

Reimagining The Possible: What True Medical-Dental Integration Would Actually Require, Brett Kessler

Metro Denver Dental Society Articulator Magazine

This article explores the structural, financial and educational barriers preventing true medical-dental integration despite the overwhelming evidence linking oral health to systemic disease. Drawing from clinical experience and current research, Dr. Brett Kessler argues that dentistry must move beyond procedure-based care toward a collaborative, outcomes-driven healthcare model. The article examines reimbursement reform, interoperability between medical and dental records, expanded preventive screening and integrated care delivery systems. It also challenges the dental profession to embrace a broader role in whole-body health and chronic disease prevention.

Oral Health And Alzheimer’S Disease: The Systemic Connection, Anne O. Rice Bs, Rdh

Metro Denver Dental Society Articulator Magazine

This evidence-based article examines the research connecting oral inflammation and periodontal disease with Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline. The author, Anne O. Rice, explores inflammatory, vascular, microbial and airway-related pathways that may contribute to neurodegeneration. Practical applications for dental professionals are highlighted, including blood pressure screening, periodontal therapy, airway assessment and interdisciplinary collaboration. The article positions dentistry as an important contributor to preventive, whole-person healthcare and dementia risk reduction.

Advancing Personalized Oral–Systemic Care Through Tongue Mapping, Lani Mcbeth Bs, Rdh

Metro Denver Dental Society Articulator Magazine

This article explores the role of Systemic Tongue Mapping (STM) as a complementary tool for advancing personalized oral-systemic care. Rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and examined through an integrative healthcare lens, STM encourages clinicians to assess tongue characteristics as potential indicators of systemic imbalance and inflammation. Lani McBeth, BS, RDH, discusses how tongue mapping can enhance patient education, support preventive care conversations and encourage interdisciplinary collaboration. This article highlights how dental professionals can expand their role in whole-body wellness and early detection.

Integrated Thinking: How Mdds Is Connecting The Dots For Dentists In Oral-Systemic Health, Bryan Savage

Metro Denver Dental Society Articulator Magazine

In this President’s Message, Dr. Bryan Savage reflects on the growing importance of oral-systemic health education and the evolving role of dentistry in whole-body healthcare. The article highlights MDDS initiatives, including the Integrated Healthcare Summit and Diagnostic Testing Pavilion at the Rocky Mountain Dental Convention (RMDC), designed to help clinicians better understand the mouth-body connection and implement preventive strategies in practice. The article calls for dental professionals to remain engaged in lifelong learning and interdisciplinary care.

Leadership Revisited, Allen Vean Dmd

Metro Denver Dental Society Articulator Magazine

This Reflections examines the importance of communication, collaboration and human connection in dental practice management. Dr. Allen Vean draws parallels between healthcare teams and organizational leadership models, and discusses how trust, morale and team engagement directly impact patient care and practice culture. The article also explores the evolving role of AI and technology in dentistry while emphasizing that human interaction remains essential to long-term success. The author implores dentists to foster stronger team relationships to create patient-centered practice environments.

Calcium Signaling And Postsynaptic Density Dynamics: The Roles Of Calmodulin In Synaptic Protein Regulation, Keyaa Dilip Shah, Yonghong Zhang

School of Integrative Biological & Chemical Sciences Faculty Publications

Calcium signaling in neuronal cells is the principal mechanism underlying learning and synaptic plasticity, whereas the postsynaptic density (PSD) is an important center where calcium-dependent processes are organized and regulated. This review explores the roles of calmodulin (CaM) in facilitating calcium-dependent modulation of the activities of synaptic proteins in the PSD. We focus on the molecular processes through which CaM interacts with calcium signals to regulate the function, localization, and interactions of central synaptic proteins, including calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), membrane-associated guanylate kinases (MAGUKs), and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. We aim to summarize recent advances in structural, biochemical, and imaging …

Dean's Update, June 2026, Neil W. Schluger

SOM Dean's Research Newsletter

No abstract provided.