NSU Jamaica Medical/Dental Mission Heals Hearts, Smiles

From July 17 to July 22, 2023, a remarkable event took place in St. Mary, Jamaica, as Nova Southeastern University (NSU) embarked on a transformative medical/dental mission. This interdisciplinary mission brought together professionals and students from various healthcare fields, including Medicine, Dental, Nursing, Pharmacy, Optometry, Occupational Therapy, and a host of volunteers. Their collective efforts not only provided much-needed health-care services but also left a lasting impact on the lives of the local community.

The mission was organized by NSU in collaboration with Women of H.O.P.E., a local non-profit organization that provides healthcare and education to women and children. Its primary objective was to extend a helping hand to the underserved population in St. Mary, who faced limited access to medical and dental services. The mission’s diverse team of dedicated healthcare practitioners aimed to address a range of health issues, including dental problems that often went untreated.

The dental component of the mission was particularly remarkable. Three experienced dentists, along with 12 talented dental students, came together to deliver vital dental care to those in need. Over the course of the mission, these compassionate professionals provided dental services to an impressive 275 patients, ranging from cleanings to more complex procedures like fillings and extractions.

What made the NSU Jamaica Medical/Dental Mission even more exceptional was the generosity of the team and their supporters. With more $175,000 in donated services, this mission truly exemplified the power of altruism and the positive impact it can have on underserved communities. The donated services not only alleviated immediate health concerns but also contributed to the patient’s overall well-being and quality of life.

Apart from providing hands-on care, the medical and dental teams also conducted informative presentations on various health-related topics. These presentations covered crucial aspects of oral and general health, including preventive measures, hygiene practices, and the importance of early detection and treatment. The mission aimed to create a sustainable impact by educating the community, and empowering individuals to take charge of their health and well-being.

The NSU Jamaica Medical/Dental Mission was about more than just medical and dental treatments; it was a mission of healing hearts and smiles. The warmth and compassion exhibited by the team left a lasting impression on the patients they served. Beyond the physical healing, the mission also fostered emotional and psychological healing, reminding the community that they were not forgotten and that they mattered.

The impact of this interdisciplinary mission extended far beyond the week it took place. The team not only treated patients but also formed valuable connections with the local healthcare providers and organizations. Collaborative efforts like these can create a lasting change in healthcare infrastructure and access in underserved areas.

The success of the NSU Jamaica Medical/Dental Mission 2023 was a testament to the power of teamwork, dedication, and the spirit of giving back. By coming together, these professionals and students were able to make a tangible difference in the lives of hundreds of individuals, leaving a legacy of care and compassion that will be cherished by the community for years to come.

The NSU Jamaica Medical/Dental Mission 2023 was a remarkable endeavor that showcased the potential of interdisciplinary collaboration in healthcare. Through the efforts of Medical, Dental, Nursing, Pharmacy, Occupational Therapy, Optometry, students, and volunteers, the mission delivered critical services, educational support, and compassion to the people of St. Mary, Jamaica. It was a shining example of how healthcare can be a force for good, transcending borders and bringing healing to the hearts and smiles of those in need.”

Posted 07/30/23

Sports Medicine Clinic Enhances Patient Care Quality

Of the many clinics at Nova Southeastern University, there is only one that is focused on athletes. Located on the first floor of NSU’s University Center, the Sports Medicine Clinic is one of the university’s interdisciplinary units. This unique clinic facilitates the exchange of knowledge and expertise among professionals that promotes a comprehensive approach to athletic care and injury prevention.

Staffed with individuals from the Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine and the College of Psychology, the clinic provides a beneficial opportunity for collaboration among various disciplines such as sports medicine physicians, physical therapists, athletic trainers, nutritionists, and clinical psychologists. This integration of different disciplines not only enhances the quality of patient care but also promotes a culture of holistic health and wellness on campus, which is designed to benefit both athletes and the larger NSU community.

The clinic’s administrative team includes Alessandra Posey, D.O., who serves as the Chair of the Sports Medicine Department; Lailah Issac, D.O., FAAPMR, CAQSM; and Roody Joseph, P.T., D.P.T., O.C.S. All are from the Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine. Also on the team is Ryan Bennett, Psy.D. Dr. Bennett is a trained neuropsychologist and works in the College of Psychology.

In describing the clinic, Dr. Bennett stated, “Our interdisciplinary Sports Medicine Clinic here at NSU truly embodies the mentality of “One team, one goal.” It is an absolute pleasure working with this outstanding team as we continually strive to reach our unified goal by utilizing our knowledge and passion to help maximize the performance of our athletes and well-being of our community.”

Additionally, the clinic serves as a practical training ground for students pursuing careers in healthcare which allows them to gain valuable firsthand experience and exposure to a diverse range of medical conditions.

For more information about this clinic, please click HERE.

Posted 06/18/23

NSU’s Graduate and Online Programs Shine in Latest National Rankings

The 2023 U.S. News & World Report higher education rankings are out, and Nova Southeastern University continues to be ranked among the nation’s best in several important categories.

The “Best Graduate Schools” category includes NSU’s highly ranked physician assistant program (M.M.S. in Physician Assistant) offered in Fort Lauderdale through the Dr. Pallavi Patel College of Health Care Sciences.

NSU’s Shepard Broad College of Law topped the U.S. News & World Report “Best Law Schools” list for its highly regarded “Health Care Law,” “Legal Writing,” and “Trial Advocacy” programs, and both the Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine and Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine were recognized as national leaders in “Diversity” among the “Best Medical Schools.”

The “Best Online Programs” category features NSU’s information technology program (M.S. in Information Technology) offered through the College of Computing and Engineering, and nursing (M.S.N.) program offered through the Ron & Kathy Assaf College of Nursing, which earned high national rankings.

“As NSU continues to forge ahead in its path to preeminence, such national recognitions are a product of a culture dedicated to providing top-notch educational opportunities and innovative academic and research programs on its many campuses,” said NSU President and CEO George L. Hanbury II, Ph.D.

U.S. News & World Report is the global leader in quality rankings that empower consumers, business leaders and policy officials to make better, more informed decisions about important issues affecting their lives and communities. By collecting school data annually, U.S. News & World Report presents the most current figures on enrollment, job placement, faculty and other critical quality indicators that help prospective students make informed decisions.

NSU routinely has been ranked among the best by U.S. News & World Report. University-wide, in 2022-2023, NSU was recognized as a top “National University,” a “Best Value School,” and among the best colleges for “Social Mobility.”

NSU Researchers Explore AI Use in Alzheimer’s Diagnosis

In a recent paper published in “Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience,” two Nova Southeastern University researchers compared traditional methods to diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease with the use of artificial intelligence with those methods. The paper — titled “Should artificial intelligence be used in conjunction with Neuroimaging in the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease?” — is coauthored by NSU student Sophia Mirkin, from the Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, and Dr. Benedict C. Albensi, Ph.D., BCMAS, CRQM, chair and professor of NSU’s Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences in the Barry and Judy Silverman College of Pharmacy.

Among the pros of using artificial intelligence in diagnosing Alzheimer’s were an improvement of diagnostic accuracy, efficient data analysis, and a reduction in physician burnout. Among the cons were generalization and data shortage, skepticism by the medical community, and patient privacy concerns.

Get more details here.

Posted 04/09/23

NSU Participates in International Women’s Day Event

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) celebrated International Women’s Day with a panel discussion led by Mathan M. Kannayan and Katherine E. Dookhan. This panel featured three accomplished female leaders in the NSU community.

The event brought together Dr. Andrea Nevins, Dr. Paula Anderson-Worts, and Dr. Michelle Clark to discuss their experiences as women in leadership roles. The panelists shared stories of their personal and professional journeys, as well as insights on how to empower and support women in all areas of life.

Attendees were inspired by the speakers and left with a renewed sense of purpose to continue advancing gender equity in their communities. The event was a resounding success and a reminder of the importance of celebrating and supporting women’s achievements.

The AAUW Executive board would like to thank all participants for making this event possible and for all the students, faculty, and staff that continue to support our mission to promote equity for women and girls.

Posted 03/27/23

Student Dietitians Explore Grow2Heal Garden in Homestead

For the graduate student dietitian, a culminating experience in the “Culinary lab” course included a visit to Baptist Hospitals’ Grow2Heal Garden in Homestead, FL. The KPCOM, Department of Nutrition established a relationship with Baptist Health and Garden Manager, Thi Squire four years ago. The garden opened in 2014 with the goal to reach members of the community, improve their health, and prevent future disease. You can read more about the garden at https://baptisthealth.net/baptist-health-news/grow2heal-homestead-hospitals-community-garden .

The nutrition students were given a list of vegetables, herbs, and spices that were currently growing in the garden and would be available for their use. On the list was green papaya, rainbow chard, kale, yellow cauliflower, and tomatoes. Upon arrival, items such as ramen noodles, couscous, chickpeas, and chicken were added to the list. The students were challenged with creating a “Farm to Table” experience and then serving this meal to the Garden Manager, her assistants, their professor, and each other.

Quickly the students divided into three groups, devised their menu, and went to work. This challenge brought together the various concepts that they had learned from Food Service Management, Culinary Nutrition, Medical Nutrition Therapy, World Culture, Wellness, and other courses. The items created were: Green Papaya Slaw with a homemade Chili-Garlic dressing, Fresh Garden Vegetable Stir Fry, and Crispy Chickpea, Cauliflower, & Couscous salad with a Lemon-turmeric Herb dressing. The meal was enjoyed by all. Following lunch, students toured the garden, identifying various vegetables and herbs that grow well in the South Florida climate.

Student Dietitian, Sarah Jarrett commented that the garden was “a space to learn, nourish, and heal both yourself and others.” Cara Gonnello added, “Spending time at the Grow2Heal garden in Homestead was a fantastic hands-on experience for our cohort.”

Posted 03/12/23

NSU Professor Featured at Medical Conference

Theoharis C. Theoharides, Ph.D., M.D., will be a speaker spotlight at the upcoming Functional & Translational Medicine Conference on March 16-18 in Charlotte, N.C. Theoharides is a Nova Southeastern University professor at the Institute of Neuro-Immune Medicine.

The conference, on behalf of the Medical Academy of Pediatric Special Needs (MAPS), notes that Theoharides is “one of our many powerful speakers at the conference.

“Dr. Theo comes to MAPS with a world of expertise and overwhelming knowledge in the field of Autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders. His research stretches across the globe, as he has devoted decades of his life to improving the lives for families everywhere!”

The title of Theoharides’ talk is “Brain mast cells and microglia lead to neuroinflammation and disrupt neuronal communication.”

Get more information on the conference HERE.

Posted 03/08/23

Get Ready for Salsa Nights with NSU-KPCOM’s HOMSA

Dear Salsa Lovers,

Our FIRST Salsa Class of the Winter semester was Thursday, February 16, and on March 16 and April 20, we are holding dance classes as well! Stay updated by following us on IG: @nsuhomsa.

This is a class therefore we will teach you everything you need to know. So, NO PRIOR EXPERIENCE REQUIRED and NO PARTNER REQUIRED. However, feel free to bring anyone you want (family, friends, neighbors, abuelas, and abuelos) if you want to come with a partner!

We will have two lessons: Beginner Hour starting at 6:00 PM and Intermediate hour starting at 7:00 PM. Meet us in the OMM Lab (room 3201) for a good time! Please let us know you will be attending by completing our Registration Form before each class: https://forms.gle/7uUwRE8JcPbZPq5G8

Looking forward to dancing with you! 😊 If you have any questions, please reach out to Alysia Treacy at1242@mynsu.nova.edu.

Posted 02/09/23

LEC Conference Connects, Engages, And Inspires

NSU’s Learning and Educational Center (LEC), under the direction LEC’s executive director, Diane Lippe, Ed.S., hosted a two-day virtual conference that showcased a variety of NSU educators presenting on a wide array of topics. The theme for the conference was, “Connect, Engage, Inspire,” and it gave NSU faculty and staff an opportunity to share their knowledge and practices with other educators at the university. Presentations covered teaching strategies, technology tools, BEDI (belonging, equity, diversity, and inclusion) practices, student engagement, and more. Some sample presentation titles were: “That’s Debatable: How to Create Better Writers Using Micro-Debates,” “Developing and Using Vision Statements to Enhance Course Design and Improve Student Outcomes,” and, “Connecting Faculty and Student (Re)Engagement with Relationship-Rich Education.”

Presenters represented the Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice, the H. Wayne Huizenga College of Business and Entrepreneurship, the Halmos College of Arts and Sciences, the Dr. Pallavi Patel College of Health Care Sciences, the Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, as  well as the Writing and Communication Center and the Learning and Educational Center. The conference also included two highly engaging presentations by Provost and Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs, Ron Chenail. According to conference organizer Marti Snyder, Ph.D., “Opportunities such as this year’s virtual conference facilitate sharing of teaching and learning best practices across NSU. We were thrilled to have 250 registered attendees representing all NSU colleges and many offices. We are grateful to our attendees, presenters, LEC staff, and the LEC Advisory Council for their contributions to this successful event.”

Congratulations to the Learning and Educational Center for organizing and hosting the 2022 Teaching and Learning Conference!    To watch the video recordings of the conference presentations, please visit the conference playlist here. You can also visit the Learning and Educational Center’s website here.

Posted 12/11/22

College of Osteopathic Medicine Gets Ranked in 6 Categories

The Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine was recently listed in six categories of US News and World Report top rankings for 2023.

The college rankings are as follows:

  • #95-124 for Best Medical Schools: Research
  • #94-124 for Best Medical Schools: Primary Care
  • #58 for Most Diverse Medical Schools (tie)
  • #37 for Most Graduates Practicing in Medically Underserved Areas
  • #32 for Most Graduates Practicing in Primary Care Fields
  • #83 for Most Graduates Practicing in Rural Areas (tie)

Posted 10/13/22

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