Spotlight
June 2020
Standing in Solidarity
Message from Dean Mahon:

" Grieving is justified and appropriate, but we have to do so much more. As a nation, as a people, we have to openly recognize the systemic racism and inequality that exists in our communities, and we have to actively work together to address it."

Coping with Anxiety, Anger and Sadness
We are facing a pandemic, the likes of which has not been seen in the US in 100 years, and, simultaneously, a level of civil unrest we have not seen in more than 50 years, said Professor Ken Gill, chair of the Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Counseling Professions

It is expected, indeed normal, to feel fearful, anxious, more vulnerable, and perhaps sadder than usual during this time. Professor Gill offers some perspective and tips on coping.

Finding the Right Words
After students asked how to handle patients who make racially insensitive comments, the Physical Therapy program added a new element to its curriculum. " Managing racially charged clinical discussions," is the title for an interactive session that will become part of the Ethics course this summer. It will give students strategies to respectfully diffuse uncomfortable conversations that not only impact the patient-clinician relationship but impact co-workers and other patients.
Rehabilitation for COVID-19 Patients
In her role as president of the International Neurological Physical Therapy Association, Professor Judith Deutsch  co-authored a white paper released by the World Confederation of Physical Therapy, the profession's global association, that stresses the importance of the role of physical therapy for patients recovering from the novel coronavirus. One of the key messages: Practice needs to adapt to the changing context of delivery and emerging evidence.

Tech Talks
Using New Virtual Computer Labs; Learning Playposit
On Wednesday, June 10 at 1 p.m, learn about the advantages of using the new virtual computer labs. Please register to join by Zoom .

The Playposit session is being repeated for those who missed it. Playposit is an interactive video tool that is integrated into Canvas. It allows you to add interactive elements such as quiz questions, text prompts, and images over a video that you create or a video from an external source. If you are looking for a tool to create engaging lecture videos, embed quiz questions in your lecture videos, and monitor student activity and engagement, join the Playposit session on Thursday, June 18 at 1pm. Register in advance to receive the Zoom link.
Announcements
Radiology Student Gets Handheld Ultrasound Units Donated to Hospital Battling COVID-19
Kudos to Terra Stowel a Radiologist Assistant student, who asked for and received a donation of handheld ultrasound units for a Hudson, New York hospital treating COVID-19 patients. Terra approached Hologic for two of the units, and the company responded by donating three. They are used to scan the lungs of COVID-19-positive patients.

According to Program Director Gladys Montane, ultrasound can accurately assess whether lungs or improving or worsening. The handheld ultrasound units are very portable and can be completely covered during an exam, meaning a minimal amount of time is needed to clean the equipment between patients.

Terra also authored a PowerPoint presentation to educate the ICU and ER physicians on how to scan and assess the lungs of patients. 
Joy Jia Awarded Grant to Study STEM Pathways for Students with Disabilities
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Joy Jia, instructor in the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies, received a research award for her project titled, “STEM Education Pathways for Students with Disabilities." The award, from the university's Research Council, is for a study to fill a gap in literature by comparing the predicting factors of choosing and completing STEM between students with and without disabilities. The dataset will provide opportunities to explore multiple levels of sources in predicting student success in STEM. Congratulations on the award!
June IEI Trainings Address Remote Learning Strategies and Team Building
The Integrated Employment Institute trainings for June 2020 include sessions on team building while working remotely and strategies for successful online learning. The IEI offers trainings each month to directly address skills and resources relevant to the current quarantine situation, specifically related to the provision of career services and staff wellness.

Deadline for 2020 Scholarship Applications is Extended
There's still time to apply. The SHP General Scholarship Application and the SHP Dean's Scholarship deadlines have been extended through July 1.

SHP General Scholarship Application - Deadline July 1
2020 Dean's Scholarship - Deadline July 1

For more information and to apply, please visit the SHP Scholarship webpage.