Global Reach

Fall 2015

University of Miami School of Nursing and Health Studies

GLOBAL REACH

UNDERSTANDING LGBT HEALTH LEADERS ON CAMPUS JULIO FRENK TAKES THE HELM fall 2015 UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI SIMULATION HOSPITAL contents AT THE SCHOOL OF NURSING & HEALTH STUDIES EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Join us as we build our future. Marina Alvarez, Rosa M. Lamazares- features Romero, Yolanda Mancilla, Maria Padron, and Ginny Pickles Disparities Research Goes Global UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS 12 Minority undergraduates spend a summer gaining experience and Vice President for Communications inspiration toward becoming scientists. Jacqueline R. Menendez, A.B. ’83

Assistant Vice President for Campus Crusaders Communications and Marketing 18 Improving the lives of college students, particularly those at the University Todd Ellenberg of Miami, is a priority for many SONHS faculty and students.

Editorial Director Opening Doors to LGBT Health Meredith Camel, M.F.A. ’12 22 SONHS researchers are furthering the school’s mission to improve the health of all people—no matter what they look like or whom they love. Design Director Scott Fricker

Art Director Lisa Kuehnle departments Production Manager Angie Villanueva, A.B. ’12 Leadership Cover Illustration 2 Lisa Kuehnle Dean’s Message Heartbeat is published twice a year 3 by the School of Nursing and Health Vital Signs Studies (SONHS) and the University of 4 New UM President Julio Frenk • Student services gets a new assistant Miami Office of Communications and dean • Twist on interprofessional safety course • Understanding Marketing. Heartbeat is distributed to Overtown • STTI Beta Tau chapter grows • Spotlight on superb alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of the preceptor • New post-master’s in mental health nursing • SONHS SONHS. Reproduction in whole or in named HSHPS member • Delivering care in the D.R. part without permission is prohibited. Postmaster and others, please send change Student Profile of address notification toHeartbeat , 11 Sarah Downs School of Nursing and Health Studies, P.O. Box 248153, Coral Gables, Florida, Faculty Updates 33124; telephone 305-284-3666. 28 Welcoming new faculty and honoring leaders Contributions of articles and artwork are WHEN IT COMES TO HEALTH CARE EDUCATION, SIMULATION SAVES LIVES welcome, but Heartbeat accepts no responsibility for unsolicited items. 30 Honor Roll Faculty Profile OOM The comments and opinions expressed 33 R in this magazine do not necessarily Martin Zdanowicz OOM reflect those of the University R of Miami or the staff of Heartbeat. Class Notes

S of Miami. An Equal Opportunity/

PERATING Affirmative Action Employer. Alumni Profile O 36 Sharah Herise Kittles, B.S.N. ’13

EDICAL UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS 15-013 M NIT U AB ARE L C KILLS S NTENSIVE I 12 18 22 For further information on ways to help us reach our goal, please contact: Karissa L. Grasty, Assistant Dean, Advancement (305) 284-1563 ● [email protected] leadership dean’s message

UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI School of Nursing and Health Studies Breaking New Ground at the U and Beyond

ADMINISTRATION FACULTY Nilda (Nena) Peragallo Montano, Laura D. Albuja, D.N.P. Linda Mays, D.N.P. Dr.P.H. Assistant Professor of Clinical Assistant Professor of Clinical Welcome to the fall 2015 issue This edition of In this issue Dean and Professor Patricia Amado, Ph.D. Yui Matsuda, Ph.D of Heartbeat. As this issue goes to press, Heartbeat shines the we also profile Doris Noel Ugarriza, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Clinical Assistant Professor I am thrilled to announce the long- spotlight on faculty our new UM Vice Dean and Professor

M awaited groundbreaking on November and students who E president, Brian McCabe, Ph.D. L Debbie Anglade, Ph.D K

Victoria Behar Mitrani, Ph.D. T R Research Assistant Professor E Assistant Professor of Clinical 12 of the School of Nursing and Health are demonstrating B Dr. Julio Frenk. Associate Dean for Research and O R the Ph.D Program, and Professor Rossana Bizzio, M.S. Greta Mitzova-Vladinov, D.N.P. Studies’ new state-of-the-art Simulation leadership in research Given our Martin M. Zdanowicz, Ph.D. Lecturer and Program Director, Nurse Anesthesia Assistant Professor of Clinical and Interim Associ- Hospital. and service to our school’s unwav- Associate Dean for Health Studies and ate Director, Nurse Anesthesia Program Professor of Clinical Patricia Larrieu Briones, D.N.P. I am hoping to see all of our communities, from the ering commitment Anne E. Norris, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Clinical SONHS family at the ceremony, UM campus to the global to national and interna- Mary Hooshmand, Ph.D. Professor Associate Dean, D.N.P. Programs and Rosina Cianelli, Ph.D. including our alumni. Whether you arena. Our cover story reports on health tional health care education, Assistant Professor of Clinical Brenda Owusu, D.N.P. Associate Professor have been with us since the beginning disparities research initiatives that practice, and science, we are especially Assistant Professor of Clinical Johis Ortega, Ph.D. of our rich 67-year history, or you are enabled minority undergraduates from proud and excited to welcome a Associate Dean for Master’s Programs and Global Nichole Crenshaw, D.N.P. Linda M. Parker, D.Sc. Initiatives, and Associate Professor of Clinical Assistant Professor of Clinical and Research Assistant Professor a recent graduate preparing to lead the our programs and other South Florida transformative global health leader Director, Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse of President Frenk’s caliber to the helm Mary Mckay, D.N.P. Practitioner Program Andrew Porter, Ph.D. Associate Dean for Nursing Undergraduate Assistant Professor of Clinical “ O ur budding scientists are part of the U. Programs and Associate Professor of Clinical Joseph De Santis, Ph.D. The news, feature stories, and Sean Kilpatrick, M.S.Ed. Associate Professor Carmen Rosa Presti, D.N.P. Assistant Professor of Clinical of the generation that will address, profiles shared in this issue are really Assistant Dean of Student Services Diego Deleon, M.D. just some highlights of all the successful Marina Alvarez, B.S. Senior Lecturer Deborah J. Riquelme, Ph.D. and ultimately eliminate, health Executive Director, Operations and Research Assistant Professor of Clinical work being done at all levels by our Karina Gattamorta, Ph.D. dedicated teachers and researchers, Zuny Fernandez, B.S. Research Assistant Professor Anthony (Tony) James Roberson, Ph.D. inequities in the 21st century.” Director, Budget Associate Professor of Clinical students and alumni, preceptors and Juan Gonzalez, D.N.P. Marta M. Medina, M.S.Ed. health professions through the 21st institutions to spend last summer community partners—whether on the Assistant Professor of Clinical Deborah Saber, Ph.D. Associate Director, Graduate Admissions Assistant Professor of Clinical century, please join us in celebrating working with some of the world’s UM campus, in the local community, Rosa M. Gonzalez-Guarda, Ph.D. Deborah Salani, D.N.P. this momentous achievement. I look brightest minds in health care research. or on the national and global stage. Associate Professor ADVANCEMENT Assistant Professor of Clinical forward to standing with all of you Our budding scientists are part of I hope you enjoy the issue! Shayne Hauglum, Ph.D. Jill Sanko, Ph.D. as we witness the birth of this revolu- the generation that will address, and Karissa L. Grasty Assistant Professor of Clinical Assistant Dean, Advancement Assistant Professor tionary facility for health care ultimately eliminate, health inequities Melinda Jenkins, Ph.D. Kenya Snowden, D.N.P. education. I extend my heartfelt in the 21st century. Nilda (Nena) Peragallo Montano Associate Professor of Clinical Assistant Professor of Clinical gratitude to the generous donors who Turn the pages to meet some Dr.P.H., R.N., F.A.A.N. 2014-2015 Laly Joseph, D.V.M., D.N.P. VISITING COMMITTEE Natalia Villegas Rodriguez, Ph.D. have made it possible for us to reach of our faculty members and students Dean and Professor Assistant Professor of Clinical Assistant Professor of Clinical *Jayne Sylvester Malfitano, Co-Chair today’s milestone, and I remind all who are developing our understanding Alexis M. Koskan, Ph.D. Goldie Wasman, M.S.N. M. Christine Schwartz, Co-Chair readers that we have not yet attained of health disparities among LGBTQ Assistant Professor of Clinical Lecturer Lisette Exposito, B.S.N. our fundraising goal. Please continue communities, and others who are Kristin N. Levoy, M.S.N. Carole Wilkinson, D.N.P. to participate in the Simulation helping to “build a better U” by leading Pamela J. Garrison, R.N. Lecturer Assistant Professor of Clinical *Thelma Anderson Gibson, B.S.N. Hospital campaign! campus-wide initiatives to address LaToya J. Lewis-Pierre, Ed.D. Jessica R. Williams, Ph.D. sexual violence, racial discrimination, Jacqueline Gonzalez, D.N.P. Assistant Professor of Clinical Assistant Professor Kim Greene, L.C.S.W. and students’ unhealthy behaviors. Joanne Martin, M.B.A. Arthur R. Miller, M.B.A. MISSION STATEMENT Deborah S. Mulvihill, M.S.N. The mission of the School of Nursing and Health Studies is to educate students and Maria Lamas Shojaee, M.B.A. Joan K. Stout, R.N. support faculty committed to excellence in nursing and health science. Through research, Deborah Tedder, M.S.N. education, and practice, the school will create and disseminate health knowledge and David Zambrana, D.N.P. prepare culturally competent leaders to provide safe service to our community, the *Denotes Trustee nation, and the world.

2 heartbeat FALL 2015 FALL 2015 heartbeat 3 ROBERT KLEMM ROBERT vital signs

New President Charts a Course to the U’s Next Century The UM School of Nursing and “This is the most intense period of Prior to becoming the University of New Assistant Dean Health Studies has long been a hub for change in the U.S. health system since Miami’s sixth president, Frenk served as research and service throughout the Medicare and Medicaid were approved dean of Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Is at Home at the U Americas and beyond, particularly in the 50 years ago,” he said during a Septem- Public Health since 2009 and minister of areas of improving patient safety and ber 10 Town Hall Meeting at the health in Mexico from 2000 to 2006. He Sean Kilpatrick, A.B. ’06, M.S.Ed. ’09, has been a well- reducing health disparities. During his BankUnited Center. “The big paradigm was the founding director-general of the known fixture on campus for more than a decade. After R.M. LAMAZARES-ROMERO first few weeks in office, UM President shift is that we’re moving from a system National Institute of Public Health in earning his undergraduate degree in psychology and criminol- Julio Frenk announced his plans to build that rewards volume to one that rewards Mexico and is responsible for introducing ogy, the Naples, Florida native became an academic advisor in on this expertise—as well as on the value. I am working very, very closely a program of comprehensive universal the Undergraduate Academic Services for Psychology (UASP) office while pursuing And when Kilpatrick finishes the strengths of the Miller School of with the leadership of the health-related health insurance in Mexico that brought his graduate degree. He then served as director of UASP, overseeing academic affairs workday, his campus immersion Medicine and UHealth-University of schools and UHealth to make sure we coverage to more than 50 million for 1,000 psychology and neuroscience majors in the College of Arts and Sciences. continues at home. He lives in Hecht Miami Health System—to establish the take advantage of this historic opportu- previously uninsured people. Now Kilpatrick is assistant dean for student and postgraduate support services Residential College with his wife, Susan University as an academic health model nity to lead the way in this period of President Frenk has high expectations at the School of Nursing and Health Studies. He was drawn to the school because Leary, whom he met freshman year and throughout the hemisphere and world. amazing transformation.” for the University’s journey to its centennial “it’s at the forefront of innovation on the UM campus, from the plans for the new who serves as associate faculty master. over the next decade. He unveiled his Simulation Hospital to the development and expansion of new and existing degree “My wife is a lecturer in the English “ Appreciating that the contingency of my “Roadmap to our New Century” at the programs.” His vast, holistic view of the UM student experience and extensive Composition program and also did her Town Hall Meeting, where he also institutional knowledge make him a perfect fit for the post. undergraduate and graduate work at own life is owed so much to so many people answered questions from audience members UM, so we are both 100 percent true and Twitter submissions. The roadmap ’Canes,” says Kilpatrick, who helps I will never meet is something that keeps includes four major aspirations: pursuing Leary implement activities to bridge me connected to every human being.” excellence in all domains; being relevant to Root Cause academic and social life in the dorm. the world’s most pressing problems; serving Together with Ellie, their 10-year- President Frenk, who holds a medical as a model for values such as diversity and Analysis Added to old Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier, they degree from the National Autonomous tolerance; and becoming what he calls “a are a UM family, and their door is University of Mexico, as well as a Master force of integration across our hemisphere,” Interprofessional always open. of Public Health and a joint doctorate in which means taking advantage of UM’s Patient Safety Course “We learn about the students’ needs medical care organization and in sociology location in the gateway to the Americas— and concerns, and host dinners as well as from the University of Michigan, built a and as a “connector to the larger world.” The SONHS and Miller School of Medicine joined other activities in our apartment,” says robust career by intersecting countries and In positioning UM as “the hemi- forces again to offer the third annual Interprofessional Kilpatrick. “Last year we had approxi-

cultures, programs and policies—all part spheric university,” President Frenk has R.M. LAMAZARES-ROMERO Education Summer Patient Safety Course. The mately 150 events. I’m very proud that I of a heartfelt mission to make a difference the support of his wife, Felicia Knaul, an innovative program combines technology, simulation, went to school here, live here, and have for people around the world. A fourth- international health economist and expert and the arts to deliver a transformative learning experience. Working in an opportunity to work and grow as a generation physician whose grandparents on Latin American health systems and teams, nursing and medical students hone their interprofessional communica- professional here. UM is my home.” fled Nazi Germany and settled in Mexico, social sectors who leads UM’s Miami tion, diagnostic, and intervention skills through diverse activities that culminate Kilpatrick’s expertise in higher he carries a deep benevolence toward Institute for the Americas in the College in a “Simulation Olympics” competition. The students divide their time between education administration and enrollment others that stems from his gratitude to a of Arts and Sciences and holds a joint the SONHS, the Gordon Center for Research in Medical Education, and the management guides his approach to country that “was much poorer in faculty appointment in the Department UM/Jackson Memorial Hospital Center for Patient Safety. helping UM nursing and health studies economic resources but much of Public Health Sciences at the Miller New this year was a team exercise in which students performed a students become leaders in health care. richer in tolerance for diversity,” School. By designating his first 100 days root cause analysis of a patient safety violation scenario. As part of this He aims to create an office of support he says. “Sometimes it’s the in office as a “listening exercise,” the risk-management tool, students created videos of themselves role-playing services that will guide students on a generosity of strangers that actually president welcomes input from students, members of interprofessional health care teams, reconstructing events leading successful trajectory through academic gives you the chance to live. faculty, and staff, which they can share to the violation and brainstorming strategies to prevent adverse incidents. programs—from recruitment to retention Appreciating that the contin- online at miami.edu/listen. “We’re excited to continue collaborating with our University and to graduation and beyond. Whether gency of my own life is owed so community partners to educate a new generation of health care profession- helping students overcome obstacles, much to so many people I will als,” says Mary Mckay, B.S.N. ’88, D.N.P. ’10, associate dean for nursing clarify their career goals, or see themselves never meet is something that undergraduate programs, who coordinated the course for the SONHS. as future leaders, researchers, and teachers, keeps me connected to every “They will be well prepared to work in interprofessional teams to provide Kilpatrick’s goal is “to be recognized as the human being.” safe services to our communities.” best student services office on campus.”

4 heartbeat FALL 2015 FALL 2015 heartbeat 5 PHOTOGRAPHER vital signs

Understanding Overtown New Minor in Health A group of Accelerated B.S.N. students stands in the By the tour’s end, shade of Overtown’s renowned Lyric Theater, fortified against the they’ve started to Communication Miami sun with bottles of ice-cold water. Before long, Timothy understand Barber, executive director of the Black Archives History and Overtown’s needs The School of Nursing and Health Research Foundation of South Florida, leads them on a two-hour as well as its Studies and the School of walking tour into the heart and soul of the community. potential. The Communication are jointly offering At the Lyric, one of the oldest historically black theaters Overtown tours a Minor in Health Communication, in the United States, the students hear about legendary artists are the brainchild open to students throughout the Miami’s historic Overtown region was who once performed there, such as Ethel Waters and Aretha of Jessica Williams, once an economic and arts hub. University. Health communication Franklin, and discover that Overtown was once an economic SONHS assistant Beta Tau Branches Out involves creating and disseminat- and arts hub. But the very real hurdles today’s residents face professor who teaches Population-Focused Nursing. ing health promotional information appear when Barber leads the students down a main commer- “Students in the course have to conduct a community It was a packed house at the May Beta Tau to the school’s existing research to improve the public’s health cial street, with boarded-up storefronts, run-down apartment assessment to help them design and carry out a health fair for 2015 induction ceremony for the newest studies. Student members are helping to literacy and personal health buildings, and neglected parks. the residents, but previous students told us it was difficult to members of the University of Miami’s drive growth. choices. “We saw many homeless people with their carts full of gain an understanding of Overtown’s needs,” says Williams, Beta Tau chapter of Sigma Theta Tau “They’re making sure the chapter is “Health communication links belongings,” says tour participant Nikkita Saunders, B.S.N. ’15. who approached Barber to customize a tour with a focus on International (STTI), the invitation- using today’s technology to facilitate public health and communication The students observe the lack of places to buy affordable, public health. “The tours have been so successful that we’re only nursing honor society, active in communication among members studies, journalism, advertising, healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables and the implications envisioning similar tours in other neighborhoods where our more than 200 countries. Criteria for through social media,” says Hooshmand. and public relations,” explains for obesity, diabetes mellitus, and other health conditions. students are doing clinical placements, such as West Coconut membership include excellence in “Thanks to our student members’ Martin Zdanowicz, SONHS Instead of a major supermarket, there’s a convenience store Grove, Wynwood, and North Miami. The tours can be a scholarship at the student or faculty efforts, we now have an active presence associate dean for health studies selling snack foods and places to buy BBQ wings and ice cream. model for other courses, so that in the future all clinical level, or exceptional achievements as on Facebook and LinkedIn, and they and professor of clinical. “The “Not having access to healthy food options will affect the placements might begin with an immersion in the history and professional nurse leaders. constantly post on our Twitter feed.” health communication students of health of the community as a whole,” notes Kristin Applegate, culture of the community our students will be serving.” “I’m a proud ’Cane, so being Beta Tau also has a service component, today will be the researchers, B.S.N. ’15. “And limited public transportation means they The students on this Overtown tour gained valuable inducted into the UM chapter is a real which has grown under the leadership of scholars, practitioners, communica- can’t get to the big supermarkets.” insight that reflected their concern as well as their optimism. honor,” says Frederic Bernerd B.S.N. ’13, Kenya Snowden, M.S.N. ’00, D.N.P. ’12, tions managers, and health and The students also see signs of hope—a park offering “We learned about the past,” Saunders says, “but the who was inducted in 2013 and will and Deborah Salani, B.S.N. ’86, M.S.N. science journalists of tomorrow.” sports and play spaces, a church undergoing renovation, and most rewarding part of the tour was to know that Overtown represent Beta Tau at the STTI’s 2015 ’89, D.N.P. ’13, who serve as community The 15-credit minor consists of revitalization efforts led by the Black Archives. has a future.” convention in Las Vegas. “It’s an acknowl- service chair and co-chair, respectively. core classes, as well as six edgement of my dedication to nursing.” Back-to-school supply drives, Christmas communication studies credits and An organized tour through Overtown As president from 2013 to 2015 of toy campaigns, and Thanksgiving meal three public health credits students helps nursing students better serve the Beta Tau, the only STTI chapter in deliveries all benefit local families. can choose from a list of course community’s needs. South Florida, SONHS Associate It’s a commitment to the service options. For information, contact Professor Rosina Cianelli grew the component of our profession,” says the SONHS Office of Student chapter from 100 to 500 dues-paying Snowden. “Our ‘Hearts for Haiti’ Services at 305-284-4325. members and expanded membership to Valentine’s project raised money to buy include other institutions throughout glucometers, blood pressure cuffs, and other South Florida. She also reactivated Beta supplies for the school’s Haiti missions. We Tau’s Ph.D. Dissertation Research Award also collected clothing and personal care and D.N.P. Capstone Award, which items such as toothbrushes, soap, and provide students with funding for sunscreen for local homeless shelters.” scientific and practice initiatives. Beta Tau, which celebrated its 40th Beta Tau’s current president, Assistant anniversary last year, is primed for Professor Mary Hooshmand, Ph.D. ’10, exciting new endeavors that build on its aims to continue increasing membership, legacy of research, education, and along with putting the chapter’s Distin- service. For faculty members and guished Lecture Series online so it’s more alumni, says Cianelli, “it’s a way of accessible and expanding the reach of the paying it forward to the next generation

Scholarly Activities Committee to connect of nurses. If we don’t do it, who will?” R.M. LAMAZARES-ROMERO

6 heartbeat FALL 2015 FALL 2015 heartbeat 7 vital signs

New Pipeline for Advanced Practice Preceptor Prepares ACNP Students Mental Health Nursing SONHS Named to Be Decision-Makers One in four American adults family obligations. Hispanic-Serving Every day at Ft. Lauderdale’s Holy Cross Hospital, acute care M.S.N. students acute care nurse practitioner will be on experiences some form of mental illness “This program is a hybrid that from the School of Nursing and Health Studies perform lifesaving procedures on critically the front lines of the new health care each year. That’s a lot of people—about allows students to complete most of Health Professions ill patients under the preceptorship of Edward Coopersmith, M.D., co-director of the environment. Critical care is a challeng- 61 million, in fact—needing care and their didactic work online,” explains School hospital’s intensivist program. Working closely with their mentor as they hone their skills, ing, exciting science. There’s a celebra- treatment. The School of Nursing and Vice Dean and Professor Doris Ugarriza, the students look for signs that patients are in trouble, such as pulmonary edema, tion of life every time we’re successful.” Health Studies recently introduced a M.S.N. ’82, “but it also offers many For its commitment pulmonary embolism, low platelets, and septic shock. “Given the dynamics of today’s critical Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse opportunities for them to interact with to academic Coopersmith, a pulmonologist and leads the team of nurse practitioners, care environment and increased complexity Practitioner Post-Master’s Certificate faculty, preceptors, and each other, both excellence and internal medicine physician, is on a physicians, case manager, clinical nurse of patients, the ability to give our acute Program, a vital pipeline for advanced in person and online.” equitable well- mission to turn the students into active specialist, and respiratory therapist care students a clinical practice experience practice nurses to pursue this in-demand Students take three didactic and being for diverse health care decision-makers. He through the three ICUs. learning directly from a professional specialization. two clinical courses comprising more populations, encourages them to be “obsessed” with “Interprofessional communication is as dedicated and accomplished as than 500 hours of clinical content. They including the Hispanic the details of each patient in order to essential in critical care,” says Coopersmith. Dr. Coopersmith is invaluable,” says also complete 500 preceptorship hours, community, the School of Nursing become highly skilled diagnosticians. “We work as a team. We see the patients Johis Ortega, B.S.N. ’02, M.S.N. ’06, where they gain competencies in and Health Studies became only the “They’re transitioning from being together and decide what to do.” Ph.D. ’11, associate dean for master’s medication intervention and individual, second school of nursing named a JEAN-MARIE GUYON critical care nurses who take orders to Two recent graduates of the Acute programs and global initiatives. group, and family therapy. They meet member of the Hispanic-Serving ones who give orders,” Coopersmith says. Care Nurse Practitioner program, Ashley Coopersmith recently hired two weekly online and visit campus twice per Health Professions Schools (HSHPS). “They’re learning to make informed Berg, M.S.N. ’15, and Kysha Cerisier, SONHS graduates who completed their semester to take exams and participate in HSHPS members must be accred- choices, like whether to put a patient on a M.S.N. ’15, describe their clinical practice clinical placements under his preceptorship, one-day seminars. As early as the first ited schools or colleges of nursing, respirator, and they’re practicing critical experience with Coopersmith in glowing Jaycee Brown, M.S.N. ’14, and Stacey week of their clinical placements, public health, pharmacy, medicine skills, learning how to intubate, how to terms. “He inspires trust in his patients, Montgomery, M.S.N. ’14, because they met students begin working with inpatient or dentistry, and must have demon- place an arterial line. I tell them one day and challenges us as students to back up his stringent criteria for joining his team. and outpatient populations across the strated commitment to increasing the they will be the educators.” our decisions with evidence,” says Cerisier. “I look for intelligence and lifespan in hospitals, community mental Hispanic health workforce to serve Under mentorship, students work as Berg adds, “He has fostered my confidence personality because it’s a tough job,” he health centers, and other settings. and promote the health of part of interdisciplinary teams in 12-hour and abilities as a critical care provider.” says. “They have to become diagnosti- “You have to hit the ground Hispanics. shifts that mirror the work they’ll do as Coopersmith, who attended the cians, handle life-or-death emergencies, running,” says program participant Through its HSHPS member- future ARNPs. Their days begin with University of Miami before moving to make immediate decisions, and deal Grace-Anne Stimpson, B.S.N. ’12, who ship, the school now has access to morning rounds, as Coopersmith Spain for medical school, says he takes with the families. They go into nursing is learning to intervene quickly in professional development work- the time from his busy schedule to because the need is calling them.” emergency situations in the UM/Jackson shops, student mentorship programs mentor SONHS students because “the Crisis Unit, where she works with Baker for Hispanic health research, the Act patients who need immediate Hispanic Health Services Research Left to right, registered nurse David Kreischer, physician Ronald J. Scott, nurse “Students who enter the program psychiatric assessment. “By the second Scholar Award, graduate fellowship practitioner and SONHS alumna Stacey Montgomery, and dedicated are already master’s level family or adult week, I was interviewing patients under training programs targeting physician mentor Edward Coopersmith conduct morning rounds in the nurse practitioners and are seeing the supervision of my preceptor. She Hispanics, and other opportunities Intensive Care Unit at Holy Cross Hospital. patients who present with complex helps to guide my thinking.” offered in collaboration with HSHPS health and mental health issues,” says Upon completion of the program, national partners. Tony Roberson, program director and some students will work in specialized “I am extremely proud that our associate professor. “We prepare the mental health or other community program has been recognized as a advanced practice nurse to treat these settings. Others will return to private member of the HSHPS,” says Dean patients in their practice.” practice, now equipped to provide a full Nilda (Nena) Peragallo Montano. As the only post-master’s certificate range of primary mental health care “Our student population is the most program of its kind in South Florida, the services to their patients. diverse in school history, so this is a three-semester, full-time program has a timely achievement that reflects our distance-learning component that’s ideal commitment to enhancing excel- for nursing professionals with work and lence and diversity in our program.”

8 heartbeat FALL 2015 FALL 2015 heartbeat 9 R.M. LAMAZARES-ROMERO vital signs student profile

Discovering Nursing through Public Health B.S.N. and Master’s Students Provide Health Like many 17-year-olds, Sarah Downs, B.S.P.H. ’15, graduated from high school She considers her public health Care in the Dominican Republic with a variety of interests, as yet uncertain where her career focus should be. Her education to be a strong foundation for mother, a nurse practitioner, instilled in her an interest in medicine, while her father her nursing career, particularly in School of Nursing and Health “It’s a completely different fostered a love of music. She chose to explore these diverse interests at the University developing her communication with Studies FNP student Tiffany Chiu is experience in the emergency depart- of Miami, which has world-class music, nursing, and medical schools. “I felt it was patients. “I also feel that with my observing a medical student as he surveys ment, with no triage, electronic patient good exposure for me,” she says. B.S.P.H., I learned valuable health- the hand-rigged electrical connections records, or wristbands to identify By the end of her sophomore year, Downs believes public health and oriented teaching skills,” she says, that draw municipal electricity from patients,” notes Chiu. “We had to work Downs decided to keep music as a nursing are complementary fields of “which is an integral facet of nursing as house to house along a street in Santiago, with what we had, and that was a lesson hobby—she is a soprano who loves to study. “My B.S.P.H. curriculum taught well, where we not only treat patients Dominican Republic (D.R.), making sure in humility. It made me appreciate sing opera—and pursue a degree in me about populations and how to but also help them learn how to better the wires leading into and throughout the things I take for granted, like gloves and public health. improve health via targeted interven- themselves.” patient’s home are sound. Chiu then soap, which are precious commodities in “Public health was a new major at tions, while my nursing classes thus far What does the future hold? The helps inspect the yard for the standing a limited-resource hospital.” the University—and when I looked at are focusing on the individual and 21-year-old Connecticut native says she water that can attract dengue-carrying The trip was also the first time the coursework involved, I liked it,” she allowing me to provide hands-on care to may pursue a master’s degree and is mosquitoes. These are just two of the SONHS graduate and undergraduate says. “I feel it’s more a social application patients,” she says. “While there is an considering a career as a nurse anesthe- health and safety items they assess in the students worked as a team in an interna- of health care that combines research obvious connection between the two— tist, but for now, she will concentrate on small house their patient shares with eight tional setting. B.S.N. students conducted with an understanding of the psychology both are grounded on improving completing her B.S.N. family members. initial screenings and presented the of the population with an overall goal to health—understanding the individual is “I like to take things a step at a It’s an eye-opening experience for information to advanced students, who help society. For example, there’s a key to helping the many and vice versa.” time and focus on the now,” she says. Chiu, who is learning about the role then diagnosed and treated the patients. course in epidemiology, but there’s also a of health care professionals in the nation. Such teamwork reflects real-world health course that looks at how the environ- “It’s a major contrast between our two care settings in the U.S. ment affects the population.” countries’ approaches to patient care,” “One of the most valuable gifts we As it turns out, a number of says Chiu. “In the U.S., we always see our can give our students is access to a global nursing courses are included in the patients in the hospital setting, and we health care experience,” says Associate public health curriculum, and by the don’t know how their home environment Dean for Master’s Programs and Global time Downs finished her requirements might be affecting their health. It really Initiatives Johis Ortega, B.S.N. ’02, for a bachelor’s degree in public health, helped to see the whole picture.” M.S.N. ’06, Ph.D. ’11, who accompanied her career path became clear. She was A group of the school’s master’s the students as a faculty supervisor, along destined to follow in her mother’s and bachelor’s-level students traveled with Assistant Professor Juan Gonzalez. footsteps and become a nurse. to the D.R. in June to provide health “Our students observe that the role Upon completing her B.S.P.H. care services in hospitals, clinics, and of nurses in the D.R. is less developed degree, Downs immediately applied for communities. Graduate students than in the U.S., and they learn to and was accepted into the one-year accompanied medical residents and appreciate the leadership role nurses are Accelerated B.S.N. program at the doctors on patient rounds, rotated playing in transforming our nation’s SONHS. through internal medicine, pediatrics, health care landscape,” Gonzalez says. “I had a very good experience as an and emergency consults, and conducted “At the same time, when they are seen undergraduate at the University of home visits. performing independently during these Miami, and I’m happy to continue my trips, they help to model a new role for education here,” she says. nurses and stimulate the growth of the nursing profession in Latin America.”

10 heartbeat FALL 2015 FALL 2015 heartbeat 11 Disparities Research Goes Global By Maria Padron

Ten undergraduates spent a transformational summer in a program that steers minority students to scientific careers.

On a balmy June afternoon, as her friends and classmates back in Miami were working summer jobs or basking in the Florida sun, Alexa Parra found herself on a street corner in Santiago, Chile, interviewing a commercial sex worker. Seven thousand miles across the ocean, fellow UM student Mikayla Farr had just spent a grueling day documenting all identifiable health assets on the sprawling campus of Universidad de Alicante, in Spain. Meanwhile, it was the middle of the night a hemisphere away in Melbourne, Australia, but Ariel Smith was not asleep. After participating in a Web conference with Australian aborigines the previous afternoon, the UM senior lay awake, pondering the unjust living conditions and health disparities she learned are affecting Australia’s indigenous populations. These three student researchers are among ten School of Nursing and Health Studies undergraduates who participated in the 2015 Global Health Disparities Research Experience, an opportunity meant to steer minority undergraduates toward health disparities research careers. The experience is part of the school’s commitment to a national mandate to diversify the scientific workforce— a crucial step toward achieving health equity in the 21st century. Evidence shows that when studying a population’s health care needs, it’s helpful for those running the study to be of the same ethnicity and race as the research participants. Scientists who come from backgrounds different than the groups they study often encounter cultural and language barriers, as well as bias and trust issues, that can hinder research projects. Projections indicate that by 2043, the majority of the U.S. populace will consist of people of color, and yet the demographics of the health care scientist population do not mirror this reality.

12 heartbeat FALL 2015 Disparities Assets and ‘Down Under’ Inequities

“Simply put, U.S. colleges and Ariel Smith, Crystal Jackson, and Imari contributed so much to the science of in Spain route, exercise zones with equipment, universities have traditionally not done a Daniels spent eight weeks under the health disparities. I almost fainted when this Similar to Daniels, Mikayla Farr is a and even trash and recycling cans (since good job of providing undergraduate black, mentorship of senior faculty scientists at world-renowned scientist told me he will public health major who also has environmental health is also important). Hispanic, and other minority students with Australian Catholic University (ACU). make me lead author on a paper and will witnessed health disparities firsthand. Less obvious health resources such as experiences that expose them to careers in Jackson and Smith, both on track to help me get it published in the reputable “I worked at an Italian restaurant museums—for cultural stimulation— research,” explains Assistant Professor Rosa receive their Bachelor of Science in European Journal of Cardiology.” while still applying to colleges,” Farr also were documented on the map she Gonzalez-Guarda, Ph.D. ’08, principal Nursing degrees in spring 2016, were Daniels, a public health major, recounts. “One of my co-workers and I helped create with her mentor. investigator of the National Institutes of partnered with scientists Simon Stewart assisted her ACU mentor, Sandra Jones, became close. He was one of the sweetest “Compared to this approach, I Health/National Institute on Minority and David Thompson on a study aimed on a study exploring connections between persons I’d ever known, but he was also a realized that in the U.S. we are very reac- Health and Health Disparities (NIH/ at improving health care access and alcohol consumption, domestic violence, walking poster for what’s wrong with the tive rather than proactive when it comes NIMHD) training grant* that funded the equity to reduce cardiovascular risk and socioeconomic status in Australia. existing health care system in terms of to health,” Farr says. “It would be great project. “So in partnership with the NIH/ among Australian aborigines. Smith was “I grew up in an African-American disparities. Like me, he was African- to reach a point in my career where I can NIMHD and our global partner universi- assigned to recruit study participants at single-parent household,” says Daniels, American, and he died of AIDS at the implement what I learned in Spain to ties in Australia, Chile, the Dominican Western Hospital in Melbourne. sharing how her own experiences led to an age of 25. That didn’t have to happen.” help transform the concept of health Republic, and Spain, we designed this “I had to interview potential interest in public health. “My mother Farr initially came to UM as a promotion here in the U.S. at a summer experience to address that gap.” subjects to make sure they met study suffered from a stroke at the age of 30. broadcast journalism major. Then, while population level.” Participants in the Global Health criteria,” she explains. “I really learned Then, in my first year of college, I lost my doing research for an Afro studies class, she Erika Redding, a double public health Disparities Research Experience were how the process of recruitment works in godfather and pastor to a stroke. Factors like accessed data on the bleak picture of health and international studies major who also required to be upcoming juniors or seniors a major research study.” low medication adherence, gender roles due for African-American women in the U.S. was assigned to Universidad de Alicante, in any SONHS undergraduate degree Not so interesting was the tedious to cultural norms, and stress contributed to “The statistics regarding health risks helped her designated foreign mentor, program and from a group that’s underrep- process of inputting study data. his early death at the age of 50. Understand- for women just like me, from obesity Maria Teresa Ruiz Cantero, conduct resented among health sciences researchers. “Basically we had 900 aboriginal ing why health disparities happen does not and other conditions that disproportion- research on gender inequality and intimate As part of the selection process, they patients’ home addresses, as well as the necessarily require quantitative data as ately affect black Americans, were truly partner violence incidence in Spain. submitted essays and participated in oral names of the hospitals where they were evidence in my case because disparities are alarming,” she says. “I distinctly “I had to collect data about the interviews. The initial phase consisted of a assigned to receive treatment,” Smith part of my lived reality. By participating in remember sitting in my dorm room and homicide rate in Spain,” she says, “and three-week “research institute” that continues. “We had to create maps and the Global Health Disparities Research bursting into tears.” then I worked with a senior epidemiolo- prepared them culturally and academically plot out the distance from their homes Experience, I gained insight on how to Inspired by her new awareness, Farr gist who reviewed the information with to spend eight weeks at a foreign research to the hospitals and their general prevent differences in the burden of disease switched her major to public health. She me and showed me different relation- site. When the students returned from practitioner’s offices, to see if distance based on social injustices.” calls the Global Health Disparities ships between the data I had collected. abroad, they spent an additional week from providers is a factor that is limiting Daniels, Jackson, and Smith all Research Experience “the perfect marriage That was the first time I got to see the debriefing from their experiences and their access to health care. This was draw parallels between their observations of furthering my knowledge of public process of data analysis in action at a participating in career-building activities. grueling work so we got to see the of health inequities in the Australian health science and the Spanish language research study-level.” Students who completed the experience unexciting side of a researcher’s life.” aborigine populations they studied and with my desire to study abroad.” received three academic credits. Jackson agrees that working with the struggles of African-Americans in the At Universidad de Alicante in Heartbeat interviews with returning the data sets was painfully meticulous, United States. Spain, Farr worked with internationally students revealed that spending the but seeing the finished product, with its “I had no idea there was anywhere a recognized health care researcher Jose summer dispersed across four countries implications for identifying access to group so similar to my own in history of Ramon Martinez-Riera on a campus- and three continents strengthened the care issues, was rewarding. racism and discrimination,” Jackson wide health promotion campaign called students’ research skills and deepened “As a black American girl traveling to a says. “It’s kind of impactful to see how Universidad Saludable (Healthy their understanding of what it means to foreign country on the other side of the the struggles of minorities are universal.” University). Her role was to document pursue a career as a health scientist. world, I did not know what to expect,” says all of the campus’s physical health assets. Jackson. “Then I met my foreign mentor, To complete this task, Farr used her Professor Stewart, who is an inspiration to mentor’s golf cart to visit each facultad, me as a nursing student because he has or school, noting which buildings had air-conditioning, water fountains, security cameras, outdoor sprinklers and * Funding for this program was made possible by NIH/NIMHD Grant No. T37MD008647. The views expressed in this article do not botanical gardens, information points (to necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health and Human Services or the U.S. Government. promote connectedness), a lake running

14 heartbeat FALL 2015 FALL 2015 heartbeat 15 Needs Assessment

in Chile “I interacted with patients who were Bello (UAB) School of Nursing, also in community,” Roldan says. “In other words, Medrano and Zahira Quinones on the Alexa Parra didn’t have to travel away from the products of poor public health Santiago, Parra’s fellow nursing students the policymakers created the system before connection between cardiometabolic home to grasp the severity of the problem of education,” she explains. “I was impressed Weslin Roldan and Alex Perez conduct- conducting a needs assessment to find out factors and “frailty syndrome” in the health disparities. “Growing up in Hialeah, by their resiliency in managing both a severe ed their research with another vulnerable what the population really needed. This is a elderly, as well as the epidemiology of Florida, in a predominantly Hispanic, disease and the prejudices placed on them population: Chile’s economically great lesson that is applicable to my future diabetes mellitus in the D.R. low-income neighborhood, I saw for myself socially and economically.” disadvantaged elderly. Roldan and Perez, in health care, and I will not forget it.” “The focus of my summer research the health-detrimental consequences of In what she describes as a “a perfect who are part of two groups underrepre- In what seems to be a common experience was especially appealing absence of health education and lack of fit” for her interests, Parra was assigned to sented in nursing—males and Hispanics, sentiment among all students who considering my personal history as a Latina health care accessibility,” she says. Pontifica Universidad Catolica in Chile, worked closely with faculty scientists to participated in this experience, Perez adds, female,” Ramirez explains. “Both sets of my Motivated to pursue a career that under the mentorship of one of the analyze relationships between social “In the beginning, I was intimidated to be grandparents, and my father, have battled would give her a platform to challenge country’s leading scientists in HIV capital, well-being, happiness, and interacting with world-famous researchers, heart disease. I am aware of the relationships health inequalities, Parra is today a double research, Lilian Ferrer. Parra worked on a health care of older adults. They and did not say much. Our mentors, between ethnic background, health, and nursing and public health major. In her study that examined the experiences of interviewed low-socioeconomic-status though, really involved us as part of their cultural acceptance of seeking care. I wanted application interview for the Global sex workers on the streets of Chile. elderly subjects in the picturesque scientific teams. They even encouraged us to learn more about the correlations Health Disparities Research Experience, “I got to interview potential research Chilean seaport town of Valparaiso. to formulate our own free-standing research between ethnicity, culture, socioeconomic she described her participation in a subjects,” Parra says. “It was extremely “One interesting finding was that questions with the collected data sets. By status, and health and disease.” Center for AIDS Research-funded interesting. I learned things about these at-risk elderly are not attending the the end of the eight weeks, I wasn’t afraid to internship, working with HIV-positive commercial sex workers’ lifestyles that I social assistance groups and not accessing ask questions. I think giving us that ease in patients in the summer of 2014 and how never would have guessed from just reading the health care resources that the govern- thinking of ourselves as health care Continuing this experience engendered a special about the topic.” ment has set up for them in the city because professionals and scientists is one goal of interest in HIV-afflicted groups. At neighboring Universidad Andres they prefer to stay within their own rural this program—and it was accomplished!” the Path The Global Health Disparities Research Experience did not end once students FLORIDA BLUE SUPPORTS SUMMER SCIENCE AT THE U Cultural returned from their foreign research sites. During the weeklong dissemination phase, This summer, while ten UM and pregnancy. At the Benjamin León School of School of Nursing and Health Competence students discussed their preliminary nursing and public health conclusion of the program, Nursing, spent her summer Studies’ Ph.D. program.” students were overseas for the each student designed and helping SONHS Associate in the D.R. findings and conducted a poster presenta- Global Health Disparities presented a scientific poster Professor Joseph De Santis “The support from the Florida tion attended by faculty, staff, and students Research Experience, another displaying results of the transcribe and organize data Blue Foundation helps us to Dominique Hardy and Jazmin Ramirez at the school. Beyond the opportunity to six students from groups experience, just as real-world collected during his study of reach out to a greater number completed their Global Health Disparities present and publish their scientific results, scientists do at professional of future nurse scientists at the underrepresented in nursing the health care needs of Research Experience at Pontificia Universi- participating students gained another science were mentored by conferences worldwide. undergraduate level,” says transgender women in South dad Católica Madre y Maestra in the reward—clarity about career and advanced some of the brightest research Florida. She says the project co-investigator Mary “Among the obstacles that Dominican Republic (PUCMM). Hardy, a education options. minds at the School of experience exceeded her Hooshmand, Ph.D. ’10, minority nursing students face Nursing and Health Studies. expectations, and she has assistant professor of clinical. microbiology major with a minor in public “We hypothesized that the global in pursuing their doctoral since decided to pursue a health, sought the D.R. placement for the summer research program would increase education are limited access The funded project helps Funded by a three-year grant nursing research career. same reason she came to school at UM. the participating students’ interest in from the Florida Blue to suitable mentors, economic address the Institute of barriers, and lack of exposure “I wanted to delve into the Latino pursuing scientific careers in health care, as Foundation, undergraduate “Before I came to UM for this Medicine 2010 Future of to undergraduate research culture, practice my Spanish, and become well as their chances of getting into graduate nursing students from the summer research experience, Nursing report mandate for experiences,” says Assistant culturally competent,” Hardy says. “As an schools,” says Gonzalez-Guarda. “Early South Florida community I was considering applying to doubling the number of Professor Rosa Gonzalez- worked with SONHS senior a master’s program after I doctorate-prepared nurses by African-American woman living in the indications are very promising in terms of Guarda, Ph.D. ’08, principal faculty scientists on topics complete my Bachelor of 2020. The project is among U.S., it was interesting for me to participate both of these aims. Students will be investigator of the project, such as a home health Science in Nursing degree. I the efforts of South Florida’s in studies of hypertension and other health followed for a five-year period to evaluate who mentored one of the nurse-led intervention with didn’t know that such a thing Education Act Team of the summer scholars on her conditions with disparity populations in the their professional trajectories, especially as substance-abusing mothers, as the B.S.N.-to-Ph.D. track Florida Action Coalition—the human trafficking study. “This Dominican Republic. I see now that health they relate to the pursuit of advanced driving force for implementing HIV testing in victims of program addresses all three existed. Nursing research is disparities are not only a problem in the degrees and health disparities research.” domestic violence, and a trial the combination of service to the IOM report’s recommen- of those barriers.” U.S. but around the world.” of a promising video-game- humanity and science that I dations and transforming Hardy and Ramirez worked with based program to reduce Monika Cintulova, a student have been seeking, and I am health care through nursing in teen Latina sexual behavior at Miami Dade College excited about applying to the the state. PUCMM faculty scientists Martin

16 heartbeat FALL 2015 FALL 2015 heartbeat 17 Campus Crusaders By Yolanda Mancilla

Students and faculty at the Improving the lives School of Nursing and Health of college students, Studies are working every day to particularly those address social issues that affect at the University of Miami, is a priority the well-being of various popula- for many SONHS R.M. LAMAZARES-ROMERO R.M. LAMAZARES-ROMERO R.M. LAMAZARES-ROMERO R.M. LAMAZARES-ROMERO tions, including college students. faculty and students. • Heartbeat spoke to three faculty members and a doctoral candidate who are having an immediate, tangible impact on the lives of University of Miami students. • Their leadership in several campus- based initiatives is helping to prevent sexual assault, improve racial harmony, and curb unhealthy behaviors such as poor eating habits, smoking, and excessive alcohol use.

Pictured at the top of opposite page from left to right, SONHS faculty members Drs. Jessica Williams, Andrew Porter, and Brian McCabe and Ph.D. candidate Valerie Halstead are extending the service-based nature of the health care professions across campus.

18 heartbeat FALL 2015 FALL 2015 heartbeat 19 CONFRONTING encouraging. Students demonstrated ample IMPROVING for black students on campus. The A researcher at heart, McCabe knowledge about where to seek help in case group developed actionable items based believes in the power of bringing science SEXUAL VIOLENCE of an assault. They knew they could call RACE RELATIONS on its findings, many of which the to bear on health-promoting interven- A nationwide poll reveals that one in five Student Health Services or UM Police, and Assistant Professor of Clinical Andrew University will begin implementing next tions. At the Student Health Center, women is sexually assaulted in college and, most were aware of the S.A.R.T. hotline. Porter also believes that future health semester. One item of special interest to he worked with nurse practitioner though less frequently, college-age men are However, the focus groups also care leaders should not remain isolated Porter is the proposal that all faculty, graduate Gisel Stark, B.S.N. ’03, M.S.N. also the victims of sex crimes. In April of revealed a disconnect between existing inside their academic programs. So students, and staff engage in cultural ’06, D.N.P. ’13, and health educator 2014 the White House Task Force to Protect resources and perceptions of what is during the fall semester of 2014, he gave humility and diversity training. Adam Troy to implement a project Students from Sexual Assault released its needed. For example, some students students in his public health class a “Cultural humility is based on in which health care providers report, Not Alone, which brought attention to wanted to take self-defense classes but singular assignment: Observe the introspection and self-examination,” offered alcohol education to undergrad- the growing problem of sexual violence on didn’t know that UM Police offers this #BlackLivesMatter demonstration taking Porter says. “It’s an ongoing, lifelong uates based on the results of a brief college campuses nationwide. Due in part to training on a regular basis. The subcom- place on the UM campus and record journey of gaining knowledge, creating electronic screening. The pilot study the report’s call to action, the University of mittee realized the need for more their perceptions of the event. mutually beneficial relationships, and highlighted the need for increased Miami established the President’s Coalition awareness of what is available. This “I talk about privilege, race, building understanding.” alcohol education. on Sexual Violence Prevention and understanding served as the impetus for a gender, health disparities, and the social “Across the country, college Education. Composed of faculty, administra- new website (miami.edu/ItsOnUs) and determinants underlying poor health students drink more than young people tors, and students, the coalition answered the forthcoming pages on Facebook, Twitter, in all my public health classes,” says FOCUSING ON who aren’t in college. They often see charge to raise awareness and address and Instagram—all efforts to get the Porter. “It’s a constant thread. And STUDENT HEALTH getting drunk as a rite of passage, and concerns about campus sexual assault. information about programs and services across all my courses, I think it’s about half of them binge drink,” says Valerie Halstead, B.S.N. ’12, a School out to students through social media. important for students to be involved The Rock, located in the heart of the McCabe. “But less than a third of of Nursing and Health Studies Ph.D. Halstead served on the coalition’s in the community.” UM Coral Gables campus and home of students with alcohol use disorders get student, and her advisor, Assistant Campus Climate subcommittee, which Following the December 2014 the iconic “U” statue, is a popular treatment, so early identification of Professor Jessica Williams, both serve on piloted a survey of students’ knowledge, protest, the students wrote two-page student hangout and picture-taking loca- potential problems is essential.” the coalition. As part of her dissertation, beliefs, and attitudes about sexual reflections on their experiences. “Some tion. But on April 1, 2015, students McCabe is developing an even Halstead is reviewing sexual assault violence. The University now administers students wrote about why it was visiting The Rock also discovered an more structured and extensive program screening practices at student health the Campus Climate Survey on a yearly important to protest. For others, it was opportunity to have their blood pressure of services for the fall 2015 semester. centers in Florida colleges and universities. basis to keep up to date on changing an eye-opening experience just to and heart rates checked by future nurses “Offering general health screenings To deepen her understanding of the perceptions. observe,” says Porter. enrolled in the SONHS. Meanwhile, on campus may be an effective way to subject, she volunteered at the UM “All schools and colleges are being In February 2015, then-UM UM Student Health Center staff reach out to many students who Counseling Center, where she helped to encouraged to promote the survey to their President Donna Shalala convened the dispensed body fat analyses, nutritional wouldn’t otherwise seek physical or revamp the Sexual Assault Response Team students,” Halstead says. “This represents Presidential Task Force for Addressing education, and free healthy food, all part mental health care,” he says. “If the (S.A.R.T.) manual. A student in crisis who an important University-wide impact that Black Students’ Concerns. The 28-mem- of National Nutrition Week. Research screenings work well, we’ll be able to calls the 24-hour S.A.R.T. hotline reaches a ultimately will help transform how we ber task force is “charged with evaluating Assistant Professor of Nursing Brian maximize opportunities to help a greater trained advocate who walks her or him address sexual violence on campus.” and assessing programs, resources, and McCabe helped to organize the number of UM students by training through the process of reporting the assault “We’re making a concerted effort to the climate for black students, faculty, activities, giving action to his belief that nursing students to add alcohol and and getting needed health care and examine our policies and procedures,” and staff on campus.” Porter was invited nursing and health studies students must mental health screening to their current counseling. Williams, a violence preven- adds Williams, “to ensure we’re doing to serve on the initiative after some of engage in the well-being of the entire activities.” tion researcher, leads the coalition’s everything possible to address the issue his students attended campus town hall University community. Whether as educators, scientists, or Campus Resource Identification and and to meet student needs.” meetings and reported that they had a McCabe is collaborating with a health care professionals, SONHS Program Assessment subcommittee. Halstead expects to complete her professor who was dedicated to explor- SONHS student organization, the faculty and students are helping to make “We wanted to know what we’re doctoral degree in 2016 and hopes to ing these issues in his classes. American Assembly for Men in Nursing, a difference in the lives of students doing well and what areas need improve- continue her work on campus sexual violence “I was thrilled to receive the to integrate similar health screenings across the University. ment,” says Williams, “so we created a through a career in teaching and research at a nomination because I have a long into numerous Healthy ’Cane Network “We have a strong culture of service survey to identify on- and off-campus nursing school. In the meantime, she plans to history of activism around at-risk events across campus. He works closely here that extends beyond our programs,” resources that provide sexual violence remain active on the coalition and in other populations, which is reflected in my with the Healthy ’Cane Network to Porter says. “And one way to fulfill this prevention, education, and treatment, and campus-wide activities. research, service, and teaching activi- improve student health, especially with mission of service is to reach out beyond compiled a directory that will soon be “It’s important to provide service to ties,” says Porter. “My service on the task respect to substance abuse and mental the walls of the school to provide help, available on the UM website.” the campus community and not to stay force is a natural extension of these health issues. He also works with to teach, and to conduct research that The subcommittee also conducted isolated within the school,” Halstead says. contributions.” nursing students to evaluate develop- benefits the entire campus.” focus groups to help understand students’ “Nursing students have their own unique Porter served on the subcommittee ment of the Sleepy ’Canes program, views on the issue, use of resources, and set of skills and knowledge that they can that created and analyzed a survey of the which helps students develop healthier perceived needs. Some findings were contribute.” UM student body to assess the climate sleep habits.

20 heartbeat FALL 2015 FALL 2015 heartbeat 21 Opening Doors

t o LGBT Health

By Meredith Camel, M.F.A. ’12

SONHS researchers are coming out with much-needed data on problems that plague the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community—an important part of the school’s mission to improve the health of all people, no matter what they look like or whom they love.

“What do I have to look like to flip a damn burger!”

The exasperated statement is from a transgender woman who endured relentless harassment from coworkers at her fast-food job. She is among 50 transgender women in South Florida that Joseph De Santis, associate professor

in the School of Nursing and Health Studies, recruited for School of Nursing and Health Studies Associate Professor Joseph De Santis and Ph.D. student a study on health risks that disproportionately affect this Narciso Rodriguez are taking a science-based approach to improving the health of LGBT population. Funded by the Aqua Foundation for Women, communities. BYRON MALDONADO the study assessed everything from depression to drug use, unemployment, sexually transmitted infections, and exposure to violence.

22 heartbeat FALL 2015 FALL 2015 heartbeat 23 “For many of these women, [this study] percent were fired, not hired, or denied a Beyond suicide statistics, awareness of addressed white men only, so De Santis was the first time they were able to tell promotion as a result of being transgender. all the disparities LGBT people face remains wondered if the same risk factors were at Pictured above: LGBTQ members of the Class of 2015 proudly display the rainbow graduation cords they received at the University of their story,” says De Santis, who first Long-term unemployment leads limited. According to a 2011 report from play in Hispanic populations. Miami’s first annual Lavender Celebration. witnessed the struggles of the transgen- many trans women to become commer- the Institute of Medicine, “Lesbian, gay, His curiosity is particularly relevant der community ten years ago while cial sex workers to survive. This increases bisexual, and transgender individuals have in Miami-Dade County, which has one working at a Miami hospital where their risk for sexually transmitted unique health experiences and needs, but as of the highest rates of HIV/AIDS in the transgender patients reported being infections, including HIV. With a nation, we do not know exactly what country, with Hispanic gay men EQUALITY IN ACTION placed on display and disrespected. unemployment comes a lack of access to these experiences and needs are.” The report representing the majority of those De Santis and colleagues addressed the health care and a greater likelihood of calls for increased participation of sexual infected. He discovered that stressors The growing contingent of School of Nursing and Health problem by developing a staff sensitivity sharing needles for hormone injections, and gender minorities in research. Several such as ethnic discrimination, cultural training program. which further elevates their risk for HIV School of Nursing and Health Studies assimilation, immigration problems, Studies researchers who address health disparities among faculty, students, and alumni are working machismo, peer pressures, economic lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people is one with the school’s Center of Excellence for instability, and a lack of psychosocial LGB people are more than twice as likely Health Disparities Research: El Centro to support contribute to risky sexual facet of a broad effort at the University of Miami to improve fill the knowledge gap and thus improve the behaviors, substance abuse, and violence to attempt suicide, and transgender people LGBT equality and inclusion. The University created a task health of LGBT people. among the Hispanic gay men he are more than nine times as likely. surveyed. His research is being replicated force in 2013 to identify and address needs. Several campus in El Paso, Texas, which also has a large resources have been introduced, including a mentorship Transgender people, those who infection and other diseases. In 2010 Minorities population of Hispanic gay men. identify with a gender that is different De Santis published an article in the “People are aware of the risks, but I program that pairs LGBTQ (Q stands for queer or questioning) from their biological sex, often take steps Journal of the Association of Nurses in within a don’t think they pay too much attention students with a faculty or staff mentor who is “out” at work; a to align their physical characteristics AIDS Care about a one-day HIV Minority to their mental health,” De Santis says. with how they feel inside. These steps education program he designed for “I’d like to explore ways to promote Lavender Celebration, which celebrates the accomplishments can include changing the way they dress, trans women in South Beach. When it comes to health disparities awareness of how your mental health of LGBTQ graduates; and the IBIS (I Believe in Solidarity) Ally hormone therapy, and surgery. Testoster- In-depth interviews with celebrities research in the LGBT community, one affects your sexual risk.” one is a powerful hormone; it stimulates and advocates like Chaz Bono, Caitlyn size does not fit all. Whether it’s School of Nursing and Health Network, a three-hour training session that enlightens faculty, facial hair and a deeper voice in females Jenner, and Laverne Cox have given the Hispanic gay men or Asian lesbians or Studies second-year Ph.D. student Narciso staff, and student participants about the issues LGBTQ students transitioning to males. Estrogen, a public a better idea of what it means to be black transgender women, there are Rodriguez, B.S.N. ’14, is interested in the female hormone, often cannot com- transgender, but this visibility has not several subgroups of the LGBT popula- health nuances of the “bear” population, a face and how to be a source of trust, encouragement, and pletely erase all male attributes, making decreased the vulnerability trans people tion—each with its own distinct category of gay males who are generally guidance. Those who complete the IBIS Ally Network training trans women more vulnerable to face as a highly marginalized population. struggles and vulnerabilities. large framed and hirsute. discrimination than trans men. And while lesbian, bisexual, and gay De Santis’s work with transgender “It’s an interesting dynamic,” receive a sticker to display, demonstrating their membership “If one can ‘pass’ as a female, she (LBG) people enjoy more civil rights in women follows his extensive research on explains Rodriguez, who is a member of in the network. The UM Alumni Association recently formed probably has a better chance of getting the United States than ever before, health risks, particularly HIV infection, the bear community. “There are bears employment,” says De Santis, who including national legalization of same-sex among Hispanic gay men. Before who are obese, and that’s considered an official affinity group for LGBTQ alumni and allies. discovered widespread unemployment marriage, negative attitudes toward them earning his Ph.D., he was a nurse attractive and celebrated, but we know For more information on these and other LGBTQ initiatives among the trans women he interviewed. persist—contributing to violence, practitioner caring for children and obesity leads to health issues. I want to The findings are consistent with the 2012 depression, drug and alcohol use, and adolescents with HIV. In his early days find that balance of how they can on campus, visit miami.edu/LGBTQ or send an email to National Transgender Discrimination other health risks. National research shows as a researcher, he endeavored to study a maintain their identity but also have a [email protected]. Survey, which reported that 90 percent of that LGB people are more than twice as population that nobody else in nursing healthier life.” 6,450 respondents experienced on-the-job likely to attempt suicide, and transgender had studied. Most of the literature on Rodriguez is also curious about harassment or discrimination, and 47 people are more than nine times as likely. HIV infection among gay men mental health issues, access to care, and

24 heartbeat FALL 2015 FALL 2015 heartbeat 25 Since its creation in 1978 in San Francisco, the rainbow flag has become a worldwide symbol of pride, hope, and diversity among the lesbian, gay, Research bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning community. Grounded in

risky sexual behaviors among bears. him to the University of Miami, where little research on these health disparities Reality provides primary medical services, Sometimes reducing health Whether it’s at Bear Pride in Chicago, he quickly learned there’s more to among sexual minorities, especially To ground LGBT-related academic including HIV care, to the LGBT disparities requires more than under- Bear Week in Provincetown, Massachu- nursing than clinical care. He enrolled in among Hispanics. research with community reality, Koskan community in South Florida. She also standing risks; it requires a focus on setts, or similar events taking place the Ph.D. program to pursue a career as SONHS Assistant Professor of identified various community leaders to partners with UHealth-University of human resilience. De Santis marvels at nationwide, being part of a community a nurse researcher so he could help the Clinical Alexis Koskan, who holds a serve on El Centro’s LGBT Community Miami Health System researchers on the people he’s met who have been (with its own bear flag, no less) brings LGBT community in far-reaching ways. Ph.D. in public health, is interested in Advisory Board (CAB). Composed of studies about PrEP (pre-exposure ostracized by their families, fired from great comfort to those who don’t In addition to developing his developing community-based interven- advocates, health care providers, and prophylaxis), which involves prescribing their jobs, and shunned by their friends identify with the stereotypical image of bear-related dissertation topic, tions aimed at the prevention and early researchers who presently work with a daily pill called Truvada to those at but somehow steered clear of the pitfalls. gay men as thin, clean-shaven, and Rodriguez has been doing clinical work detection of cancers caused by the LGBT communities, the board fosters high risk for contracting HIV. Truvada He recalls one person, a transgender somewhat effeminate. with local organizations that serve human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is mutually beneficial partnerships to has been shown to reduce risk of woman who lost her wife and kids when “I remember knowing as a child LGBT people. This summer he was an most commonly known for causing inform research and outreach while also infection by 92 percent. she transitioned from male to female. that I was gay but not seeing any gay HIV tester and counselor at the Pride cervical cancer in women. Similar to the extending academic resources and “LGBT people often seek care later After a time of tragedy, she found love people I could relate to,” Rodriguez Center in Wilton Manors, Florida. Last development of cervical cancer, anal services to community partners. due to a host of reasons, including fear again, this time with a transgender man. says. “I knew that was supposed to be summer he worked at Survivor’s cancer is caused by persistent infection “We provide the academic rigor, of discrimination, lack of access to care, “It really challenges how we think me, but it wasn’t how I felt, how I Pathway, a Miami nonprofit advocacy of cancerous strains of HPV. Also and they provide the community and lack of insurance or other resourc- about people,” De Santis says. “Despite acted, or what I looked like. When I organization that serves LGBT people, similar to cervical cancer, anal cancer can reality,” Koskan says. es,” Olkuch explains. “Actively engaging the horrible things that happen to them, first learned the wordbear , I said, ‘Ah, primarily Hispanic trans women. be prevented with timely screening and, In exchange for their insight on the LGBT community is difficult there are a number of people who turn that’s what I am!’ Research shows that Through these experiences he realized a if needed, treatment of precancerous SONHS research, CAB members receive because the community is hard to define the negatives into positives, like self-esteem increases when an individu- universal truth: “Humans in general lesions. HIV-infected populations, guidance on their programs from UM and runs a large spectrum.” advocacy. I want to find out what’s al finds the bear community, but it’s have a desire to be accepted for who they particularly gay and bisexual men, are at faculty. Gattamorta, a skilled statistician Collaboration between the school protecting them.” still not as high as in the overall gay are, without judgment.” greatest risk of developing anal cancer and measures development expert, is and the community is essential for In all of the LGBT research taking community, possibly due to discrimina- Rodriguez is also helping SONHS and are 52 times more likely to be helping CAB member Carla Silva, keeping researchers relevant and helping place through El Centro, there seems to be tion and stigma related to weight.” Research Assistant Professor Karina diagnosed with this rare disease than the executive director for the Alliance for social service organizations implement a recurring lesson: Acceptance and general population. Koskan received a GLBTQ Youth, to design an assessment proven initiatives. To that end, El belonging in society are critical ingredients grant from the UM Center for AIDS questionnaire that reveals client needs. Centro recently partnered with the YES for good health. Antidiscrimination laws “ Despite the horrible things that happen Research to explore the barriers and “Being able to meet and collaborate Institute—a CAB member and resource help protect the rights of minority facilitators to screen for anal cancer with other LGBT advocates has been the for education about gender identity and populations, but legislation doesn’t change to them, there are a number of people among HIV-infected gay and bisexual greatest reward,” says Sanique Olkuch, sexual orientation—to host a free attitudes; education does. And this is what men. With doctoral student Natalie M.S.N. ’12, a CAB member and nurse training course for health care workers drives purpose and progress every day at the who turn the negatives into positives.” Leblanc, she has completed 60 in-depth practitioner at Care Resource, which and the general public on LGBT health. School of Nursing and Health Studies. interviews with English-speaking men A native of Los Angeles who holds Gattamorta, A.B. ’01, Ph.D. ’10, and is conducting an additional 25 bachelor’s and master’s degrees in interview Hispanic LGB adolescents interviews with Spanish-speaking men. history, Rodriguez chose to pursue about their experiences “coming out” to Her drive for this research is “to know nursing after witnessing the care his friends and family members. Gattamorta’s what it takes, not just to get the former partner received while having study, funded by a UM Provost’s information out but to push people to health issues. Some of it was exceptional, Research Award, explores how cultural action.” She plans on using her research The bear flag is a symbol for bears, a subculture of gay men and some of it exposed strong biases of factors may impact this formative part findings to plan community-based who are generally large framed health care workers who were not of their lives. Adolescents in general are programs aimed at increasing anal and hirsute. The flag was comfortable with LGBT people. The susceptible to mental health issues such cancer screening among HIV-infected designed with inclusivity in mind; its colors represent all the fur School of Nursing and Health Studies’ as depression, as well as substance abuse gay and bisexual men, helping them to colors and nationalities of bears Accelerated B.S.N. program attracted and eating disorders, but there’s very prevent a preventable cancer. throughout the world.

26 heartbeat FALL 2015 FALL 2015 heartbeat 27 faculty updates faculty honors

Welcoming New Faculty Honoring Leaders in Teaching, The School of Nursing and Health Studies is pleased to welcome the Research, and Civic Engagement following exceptional educators, scientists, and clinicians to its faculty.

Melinda Jenkins Minds, Inc., and other clinical settings in recent project is publishing her disserta- Jill South Florida, where she treated child and tion: The Lived Experience of Women Associate Professor of Clinical Sanko adult psychiatric patients. As instructor and with Breast Cancer. She holds member- Melinda Jenkins was scientific review officer Mary R.M. LAMAZARES-ROMERO administrator at the Mays Foundation, Inc., ships in Delta Epsilon Iota, Sigma Theta Alexis for the NIH Biomedical Computing and Mckay she directed clinical and administrative Tau, the National League of Nursing, Koskan Health Informatics and the Health operations at mental health-certified assisted and the International Society of Nurses

Information Technology SBIR study sections. R.M. LAMAZARES-ROMERO living facilities. As adjunct classroom and in Cancer Care. She served for two years as coordinator of clinical instructor at Vance Granville consumer informatics in the New York City Community College in North Carolina, she Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s taught pharmacology and various levels of Primary Care Informatics Project. She earned nursing education. She holds an M.S.N. both her B.S.N. and M.S.N. degrees from Mary Mckay, B.S.N. ’88, D.N.P. ’10, associate Assistant Professor of Clinical Alexis and research, and team dynamics. She is a degree from Duke University and is a the University of Missouri-Columbia and dean for nursing undergraduate programs and Koskan was presented with the UM former research and simulation education member of the American Psychiatric Nurses completed a Ph.D. in nursing at the assistant professor of clinical, received the 2015 2015 Excellence in Civic Engagement specialist at the University of Miami/Jackson Association, Florida Nurses Association, UM Faculty Senate Outstanding Teaching Faculty Award, recognizing her commit- Memorial Hospital Center for Patient Florida Association of Nurse Practitioners, Shayne Award, one of the institution’s highest honors. ment to creating service-learning classes Safety, where she taught teamwork and and Florida Nurse Practitioners Network. Hauglum

R.M. LAMAZARES-ROMERO Mckay was recognized for her contributions in for undergraduate students and for their communication skills, invasive bedside spearheading patient safety initiatives, interprofes- community-based research. procedures, and other high-risk, low- sional education, and innovative high-tech Melinda frequency clinical skills to a variety of health teaching methods. Outgoing University President Jenkins R.M. LAMAZARES-ROMERO care providers. She is founding associate Shayne Hauglum Donna Shalala described the awardees as “change director of the NIH Clinical Center Assistant Professor of Clinical agents” who have gone the “extra mile in their R.M. LAMAZARES-ROMERO Simulation and Patient Safety Program, as Shayne Hauglum completed his M.S.N. devotion to the University and to our mission.” R.M. LAMAZARES-ROMERO well as active in the Society for Simulation in nurse anesthesia at the University of Yui Patricia in Healthcare—one of only 16 simulation- New England. He has been a certified Matsuda Amado ists worldwide who is an Advanced Certified registered nurse anesthetist since 2000, and University of Pennsylvania. Her dissertation, Healthcare Simulation Educator. She is an in 2002 he founded an independent an evaluation of prenatal care services, received active member of the Florida Healthcare CRNA practice in northern New R.M. LAMAZARES-ROMERO an NIH training award. She has provided Simulation Alliance and serves on the Hampshire, providing exclusive anesthesia primary care as a family nurse practitioner planning committee for the 2016 Southeast services for a critical access hospital. His since 1982, and has taught nursing research, U.S. Simulation Conference. Patricia Amado research interests focus on preoperative primary care, and informatics at Penn, Assistant Professor of Clinical predictors and management strategies for Mary Columbia, Seton Hall, CUNY, and Hooshmand Patricia Amado obtained her B.S.N. from acute and chronic pain; ultrasound Northwestern universities. She is a longtime R.M. LAMAZARES-ROMERO DeSales University, her M.S.N. from technology in education and clinical Andrew member of the American Nurses Association Linda Florida Atlantic University, and a Ph.D. practice; anesthesia simulation in Porter and the American Medical Informatics Mary Hooshmand, Ph.D. ’10, associate dean Mays R.M. LAMAZARES-ROMERO from Barry University. She teaches improving the education of nurse Association, in the Nursing Informatics and for D.N.P. programs and assistant professor of undergraduate and graduate courses across anesthetists and patient care; and critical the Primary Care Informatics working groups. clinical, was named a 2015 Nurse.com Giving the curriculum and provides undergrad- thinking development through simulation. Excellence Meaning (GEM) award regional uate student advisement and mentorship. He is a founding member of White winner in the category of “Advancing and The UM Office of Civic and Commu- Jill Sanko Her research has focused on breast cancer Mountain Anesthesia, PLLC and a Leading the Profession.” Hooshmand, who will nity Engagement awarded summer Assistant Professor and creating healthy post-treatment member of Sigma Theta Tau, the represent Florida in the national GEM stipends to five faculty members this year, Jill Sanko, Ph.D. ’15, holds a B.A. from the transitions. She has spoken at international American Association of Nurse competition, said, “These are exciting times, as including SONHS faculty members Yui University of Florida, a B.S.N from Rush venues on her creation of liminal pathways Anesthetists, and the Florida Association we see nurses taking on systems-wide health care Matsuda and Andrew Porter, for their University, and an M.S.N. from the Linda Mays in transitioning through chronic illness. of Nurse Anesthetists. He has received the challenges, moving forward with higher commitment to creating courses that University of Maryland, in addition to her Assistant Professor of Clinical Her research forms the basis of a concept Agatha Hodgins CRNA Memorial Award education, research, and practice initiatives, and incorporate a significant amount of civic doctorate from UM. Her interests include Linda Mays, B.S. ’84, recently held analysis framework that she is developing and the March of Dimes Nurse of the truly leading the profession! This award is truly engagement and service learning into the patient safety, use of simulation in education positions at HCA Physician Services, Quiet to advance nursing practice. Her most Year, Student Nurse/Graduate Category. an honor.” curriculum.

28 heartbeat FALL 2015 FALL 2015 heartbeat 29 honor roll

Jacqueline L. Gonzalez and Helen B. Bhagwandin and Wayne E. Chaplin Madeline Fernandez Dawn T. Holcombe Nelson D. Gonzalez Surace N. Bhagwandin Kellee Cheatham and Zuny B. Fernandez and John H. Holcombe Eileen M. Griffiths School of Nursing and Health Studies Lauren M. Biedron John B. Cheatham Judith L. Fields Moniqua T. Holton Lynda F. Hale and Carrie A. Bilek Tiffany A. Chomko Latronica T. Fisher Marla A. Hoyos and Martin E. Hale Miguel Hoyos Honor Roll of Donors 2015 Claudia M. Hauri Rossana S. Bizzio Joanne E. Christopher-Hines Elsa V. Fletcher and Karla V. Hernandez and JoAnn Bladow and Rosina Cianelli and David A. Fletcher Betty S. Huber Eduardo Novoa We thank the alumni and friends of the University of Miami School of Nursing Michael A. Hernandez Reid T. Bladow Cecilia C. Franca Mary E. Huckestein Michelle D. Melenwick Kathy J. Cibula and Health Studies for their ongoing support. Because of their unwavering Kathleen K. Blais Maria F. Francis Holly C. Huffine Nancy D. Newbury Francesca A. Blanchard Rosetta B. Clarington Brittney K. Hutcheson commitment, the school continued to make considerable achievements during the Ngan D. Nguyen Joanne C. Friedman and Susan D. Bleiwise-Greenfield Edward J. Clarke Kathleen F. Izquierdo 2014-2015 academic year such as providing essential student scholarships, recruiting Anne E. Norris Franklin P. Friedman Meredith C. Collins Erika J. Jamieson stellar faculty, supporting new research that improves lives in our local and global Juliette A. Robbins and Thelma M. Bonner and Terri L. Frock Robert A. Robbins John F. Bonner Katrina M. Cooke Theresa M. Jennings communities, and breaking ground for our new Simulation Hospital. We gratefully Mary A. Gallo Doris N. Ugarriza Kathleen A. Borghoff Andria K. Coppersmith Maribel Galvan and John J. Jennings recognize those individuals, corporations, and foundations whose generosity has Arden A. Bradley and Daniel C. Cortelazzi Ferreira Jeannette G. Garcia Slanker Gabriela Jiron helped sustain the school with their gifts, which were received between June 1, 2014, MAKING A DIFFERENCE Arden J. Bradley $1-$499 Lisa Anne Cosgrove and and Christopher A. Slanker Fortunata D. Joaquin and May 31, 2015. Cheryl A. Braham and Alexander Joaquin Alexa P. Aballa Raymond Spencer Nereida M. Garcia Patricia F. Johnson Nemuel Y. Abasta Theressa R. Brahim Janet S. Cote and Karina A. Gattamorta Bernard T. Cote Fabienne F. Jones FOUNDATIONS ASSOCIATIONS EDUCATOR Daniel Acevedo Raylawni G. Branch and Anton Gattamorta $2,500-$4,999 Aetna Foundation Beta Tau Chapter Sigma and Alfred Branch Amber J. Cotton Marjorie Gerver and Sandra G. Jones Theta Tau Carol E. Adamek Blank Charitable Arthur H. Hertz Aeris M. Breit and Eleanor W. Cottrell Ira S. Gerver Greta J. Kaiser Foundation, Inc. Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Arthur E. Newman Dolores S. Adams and Charles E. Breit and Ralph C. Cottrell Michael E. Adams Annette R. Gibson Shannon T. Kearns Cuna Mack Trust Nurses Charitable Trust Christine Pfeffer and Catherine Bridges Rebecca J. Craig Stanley R. Pfeffer Joyce Adams Sara L. Gill and Yun Ji J. Kim Cynthia Joann Cardarella United Way of Miami-Dade Patricia L. Briones and Marielle O. Crawford Michael A. Schiano Rev. Living Trust County, Inc. M. Christine Schwartz and Elizabeth A. Albers Luis R. Briones, Jr. and Jerry F. Crawford Christie L. Kirchoff Theodore G. Schwartz Barbara D. Ginzburg Dauer Family Foundation, Inc. Dawn A. Albright Christie M. Creamean- Susan F. Kirkpatrick and GEORGE E. MERRICK Elaine P. Britton and Enrique Ginzburg Eileen M. Griffiths Rev. Trust PATIENT ADVOCATE Laura D. Albuja Moldovan Robert C. Kirkpatrick, Jr. SOCIETY $1,000-$2,499 Clrudy S. Brown Lauren N. Gjolaj Estate of Leonore M. Adamczyk Donald M. Altemus Natasha D. Crovo Bonnie J. Kleponis and $1,000,000 - $4,999,999 Leila E. Adderton M. Patricia Brown Monica A. Glukstad Paul A. Kleponis Florence Bayuk Lisa R. Anderson Cynthia L. Dakin and Educational Trust Pamela J. Garrison Marina Alvarez Martha S. Bryan William J. Dakin Mae K. Goins Staci I. Kovelman Julie Barroso Maria Andreu Florman Family R. Kirk Landon* Evelyn J. Budde Lisa R. Goldberg and Elaine J. Kresge and Paula M. Andrien-Riano Donald E. Davis Foundation, Inc. Margaret S. Edison Margaret A. Burkhardt Scott H. Goldberg Keith J. Kresge BOWMAN FOSTER Linda A. Ellis and Hugo A. Riano Levi M. De Cotto Gale S Messerman Trust and Joseph Golden Lauramarie Goldman Katherine M. Kuretski ASHE SOCIETY Marquessa D. Fisher Gertrude Armstrong Lila De Tantillo Harcourt M. and Virginia W. Lucy M. Caicedo Ginna P. Gonzalez $500,000 - $999,999 Thelma V. Gibson Rosa M. Lamazares-Romero Sylvester Foundation, Inc. Frances B. Aronovitz Natalie N. Del Rio and Nestor Sanchez Rosa M. Gonzalez-Guarda Zuzer Calero and and Eric V. Romero Anonymous Mary E. Asher and William Valverde Martha Del-Castillo Helene Fuld Health Trust Leslie P. Gruskin and Juan M. Gonzalez Rochelle A. Landrian Kevin Asher Diego A. Deleon Hugoton Foundation Steven M. Gruskin Nanci M. Callahan Marilyn D. Gonzalez SOCIETY OF UNIVERSITY Justin Atrio Mary A. Lanzara Ilene Lasky-Klein and Ann-Lynn Denker Jonas Center for FOUNDERS Meredith Camel and Martha L. Gonzalez Ruth Lapidus and Nursing Excellence David E. Klein Barney Barry Avchen $50,000 - $99,999 Merrill B. Camel Grace R. Dennis and Victor J. Gonzalez Sidney Lapidus Dr. John T. Macdonald Lori A. Lupe and Mark E. Lupe Beppina M. Azrak Joan S. Antognini and Colleen S. Campbell Amy M. Deperalta-Beltran Joanne Gonzalez-Talamas Debbie C. Larson and Foundation, Inc. Ann M. McCrystal and and Russell C. Azrak and Keith B. Campbell and John A. Beltran Walter G. Antognini Hugh K. McCrystal Clare W. Good Tom E. Larson Lettie Pate Whitehead Paulette A. Baldie and Sharon A. Campbell David W. Dery Foundation, Inc. Lissette M. Exposito Victoria Mitrani Leroy Panoo Karissa L. Grasty Kristin N. Levoy Constance A. Camunas Joseph P. De Santis PNC Foundation Rosalynne A. Miller and Elise G. Morales Cristina Ballesteros and Tom Grasty Karen S. Lewin Arthur R. Miller Karen S. Muth and Joseph A. Camunas Eileen A. Diaz Rickert Family Trust Marlene A. Barkley Tina M. Griffin Margaret A. Lewis Nilda Peragallo Montano Felicia B. Nash and Denise A. Canchola Juan J. Diez Susana Guerrero Robert Wood Johnson Todd A. Nash Faitzline C. Barthelemy Latoya J. Lewis-Pierre Foundation Beverly L. Sulzberger and Feeta J. Caphart Charlotte R. DiMaggio The Honorable E. W. Johis Ortega Michael J. Bartuseck Adina S. Gutstein and Cindy Liberal Ivette Cardelli Susan L. Dingler Howard A. Addison CORPORATIONS Sulzberger Anthony J. Roberson Rachel F. Baruch Susan E. Lord CAC Florida Medical Centers Eleanor P. Rosen and Linda A. Cardente and Dianne T. Ditmer and Betty Hanley Vilma A. Bates and Jillian N. Lozada Center for Creative Leadership NURSES LEADER Alan A. Rosen Douglas T. Cardente Michael J. Ditmer Vandy Bates Ramona M. Hartzler and Debra T. MacDonald and Florida Blue Foundation $10,000-$24,999 Ellen S. Weston and Ellen B. Carroll and Lissette Dorado and Daniel W. Hartzler James M. Tien Louisa Beauboeuf Gerard Carroll Kenneth J. MacDonald Healthcare Performance Allan T. Abess, III Fulgencio A. Dorado Yvonne H. Beckman and Kimberly Y. Henderson Jennifer Magdelain Group, Inc. Joan Brick Getz David Zambrana Corin Cashman Sandra E. Douchand Brown Douglas E. Beckman Cheryl D. Hernandez and Carrielle C. Mahoney Jet Graphics, Inc. COMMUNITY Carole Castillo and Lindsay E. Drake Dennis R. Hernandez RESEARCHER CAREGIVER Danielle T. Belliveau Michael J. Castillo Eleanor L. Malchus and Orange Accountable Care $500-$999 Barbara Ann Dralnick Julianne Hernandez and of South Florida $5,000-$9,999 Marie-Lourdes Benoit Budd E. Malchus, Sr. Joan H. Cauley and Shaletha Edwards Antonio Hernandez Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines Joanne C. Dauer and Irene Abel Rebeca K. Bensabat and Jerry D. Cauley Zully C. Maldonado Edward A. Dauer Debbie Anglade Elias Bensabat Mary L. Eiman Kimberly M. Hernandez Southern Wine & Spirits Arais Cavada and de Valsang Julie A. Armstrong of America, Inc. Cathy H. Blank and Tony Blank Cheryl K. Bernstein and David Ricardo Cavada Rama N. Escolin Maria A. Hernandez MaryKay Maley Kate M. Callahan and I. Bernstein Denise R. Felsenstein Salma Hernandez VITAS Healthcare Corporation Mary A. Hooshmand Peter M. Benjamin Jacqueline Cereijo Kesia Botet and Ryan W. Berry Walgreens Martha O. Clinton and Janie L. Canty-Mitchell and Valentin Ruiz Aury Fernandez Jessica A. Herrington Gersom G. Manresa West Side Cultural Center, Inc. Bruce E. Clinton and Joseph S. Mitchell Flavia N. Berti Elvira M. Cervantes Kimberly C. Fernandez Donna M. Hoffman Janet H. Mar Eugene Y. Mar

30 heartbeat FALL 2015 FALL 2015 heartbeat 31 honor roll faculty profile

Denise C. Marsh Patricia E. Pepe and Sandra L. Segura-Perez Mary E. Turner Patricia A. Martely Richard K. Pepe Serge Sejour Carol A. Tuttas Health Studies Is in Good Hands Nanette L. Martin Patricia Peraza Andrea J. Seymore Richard A. Ulrich Martin M. Zdanowicz, associate dean for health studies and professor of clinical tional therapy (OT), and emergency Christina M. Matadial and Danette Perez and John P. Seymore Beatriz Valdes Christopher A. French Melissa Perez Lois G. Shapiro and Victor M. Valdivia arrived at the School of Nursing and Health Studies in 2013 with a full-speed-ahead preparedness. Zdanowicz envisions an OT Jerome B. Shapiro Chimene N. Mathurin Andreina M. Perez-Cisneros Gloria M. Vallina philosophy. In two very productive years, he developed the M.S.N. in Health suite in the school’s forthcoming Simulation Zoe A. Sheppard Sarah B. Matthes Clark Jacquelyn M. Peters Elsa Vasquez-Tomonto Informatics and certificate programs in informatics, revised undergraduate majors Hospital and possibly establishing an OT Jane R. Shinn and Louise M. McCarthy Joycelyn A. Petersen and Charles V. Tomonto in health science and public health, added a minor in health communications and master’s program that could take full Robert L. Shinn Joan M. Petry Monica L. Velasco Joan H. McDermott and Carmen J. Sierra established the Bachelor of Science in Public Health (B.S.P.H.) 4+1 program, enabling advantage of this extraordinary facility, William J. McDermott Dorothy G. Piedimonte and Sergio Velasco Scott Silberlust students to complete both a bachelor’s and master’s public health degree in five years. which will host collaborations among all Mary E. Mckay and John Flint Louise S. Powell and Jahaira C. Villalobos Michelle L. Singer Under his leadership, the number of students majoring and minoring in public health SONHS majors. He sees public health Marta M. Medina David Powell Lorraine J. Vitale Christopher R. Slivka has increased from 12 to 60 and from 70 to 120, respectively. Zdanowicz also initiated the students, for example, participating in Kilea L. Melang Carmen R. Presti Heidi A. Von-Nieda Azona K. Smith self-study process for the B.S.P.H. program to gain accreditation from the Council on infectious disease outbreak scenarios, Michelle D. Melenwick Marcia G. Prieto Andrea A. Walker Denise J. Smith Education for Public Health. pre-pharmacy students conducting Vanessa I. Mendez Ninoska Prince Cathy L. Walker Elizabeth L. Smith To broaden career-specific learning opportunities for Bachelor of Science in Health medication reviews, and health informatics Dianne H. Quadros Tanya N. Wallace-Farquharson David A. Meropol and Walter R. Smith Erika L. Quattrocchi and Marlon Farquharson Science (B.S.H.S.) students, Zdanowicz plans to develop three new tracks—pre-occupa- students working with data generated by Jennifer L. Methot Eric N. Smith Roslyn Ramacciato, Marianne Walsh and tional therapy, health communication, and health informatics—that would join existing the hospital’s activities. Constance B. Miller Mary C. Smolenski and Warren J. Bauer Michael M. Walsh tracks in areas such as pre-pharmacy, pre-physical therapy, and health policy and manage- “One goal is to find a common Samantha K. Miller Kenya F. Snowden Nicholas A. Ramos Tommy T. Warren ment. Beyond the classroom, he is working to launch new global practicum options for place for students from different Mary Anne Milone Luz Maria Solano Cutie Goldie M. Wasman Amy Rein health studies students in the Dominican Republic, New Zealand, and Australia, in disciplines to learn together,” Zdanowicz Stephanie K. Mitchell and Luis A. Cutie and Roger Wasman Mabel Ribe and Ricardo Ribe Greta V. Mitzova-Vladinova Susan L. Sonson Melody A. Watral addition to one presently available in Chile. says. “Interdisciplinary electives and the Marianne F. Rickert Alejandro Sosa “We have tremendous potential to expand opportunities for our health studies Simulation Hospital will provide ideal Janice A. Mongo and Brian M. Rickert Deborah L. Watson Margaret M. Steinbach and Frank S. Watson students in Latin America,” Zdanowicz says. “We’re also well positioned to expand our settings in which to implement Maureen Monihan and Deborah J. Riquelme Brian Monihan and David N. Steinbach Andrew J. Wawrzyniak offerings to other parts of the globe over the next five years and to make these experiences interprofessional collaborations.” Patricia K. Rister Becky J. Montesino-King Mary B. Stein-Ferrer Lynn A. Weber and into something really special.” And while Zdanowicz is a skilled John A. Rivas Vibeke S. Stewart Donald A. Weber Claire A. Monzeglio-Barry Locally, Zdanowicz is developing new community partners “to increase our under- leader, his true passion is teaching. He has Ekaete J. Roberts Arnold T. Stocker James J. Weidel Karen M. Moosvi standing of community needs so we can better prepare our students to meet those needs.” been voted Teacher of the Year an extraordi- Mary E. Rodak Maureen A. Storey Robin J. Weidlich and Ann F. Morrisseau and New program ideas emerging from these conversations include speech therapy, occupa- nary eight times at three different institu- William L. Morrisseau Roberto L. Roman Laporte and William B. Storey Christopher P. Weidlich tions, including at the SONHS this year. Ivan Munro Angela R. Roman Nicole L. Stroud Diane L. Weisman and Richard S. Weisman “Teaching keeps me grounded and John Murphy Margaret T. Rosier Gail V. Symonette and John D. Rosier Rebecca S. Wells brings me great satisfaction,” Zdanowicz Lili K. Neale and Deborah Szabo and David Andrew Neale Nancy T. Rosman Attila Szabo Marcella U. Werblow says. “I’m always learning from my students Stephen Nicolais Kathryn G. Rothman Antoinette R. Taylor Karolina Wiech and from watching other people teach.” and Jason S. Rothman and Andrew L. Taylor Maidis Noguera Alethia C. Wildman-Jackson A pharmacologist by training, Lendy Rubalcaba Deborah F. Terry and Carolyn R. North* Jessica R. Williams Zdanowicz also enjoys publishing with Lillian M. Rucker James L. Terry Patricia C. Novoa-Vogt Marjorie Williams Christian G. Ruiz Diana L. Tershakovec and fellow faculty and is currently writing two Tracy D. O’Connell and George R. Tershakovec Senoria Williams and Ivette S. Ruiz James Williams textbooks, one on pharmacogenomics and Mark T. O’Connell Roxana D. Thalasinos Judith E. Ryan Marion Wollum and the other on physiology/pathophysiology. Rebecca A. Orzechowicz Doris H. Thompson Shirley A. Ryan Arnold Wollum He and his wife, Christine, as well as their Brenda Owusu Pamela B. Thompson Deborah Saber W. H. Woodside, Sr. teens, Alex and Olivia, have all enjoyed their Iris Padron Ann M. Thrailkill Aleida M. Saenz MaryAlice S. Yoham move from Georgia to Miami. Maria Padron Sally A. Titus Sonique S. Sailsman Sheyla K. Yuen “We love going on cruises, biking and Roberto Padron Johnny J. Torres Deborah A. Salani Ann P. Zani hiking, and being outdoors all year round,” Jamie A. Pannozzo-Plastina Maria E. Torres and Riccardo Salani Linda L. Zankl and he says. “It’s great to be at The U.” Deborah S. Paris Kimberly Salmi and Colleen A. Trahey Patrick J. McEnany and Mark V. Berger Frances E. Parrish Michael C. Salmi Dean Zarriello Bonnie F. Traiman and Kiff Parrish Michelle Sanay and Steve Traiman Yamile Zayas and John Llano Katherine Parry and Shelley A. Savage Robert E. Parry Gloria P. Trujillo and Darla J. Schaller Alejandro Trujillo *Deceased Lornette D. Patrick and Fergus R. Patrick Lee A. Schmidt Patricia M. Paxton-Alan Marcia A. Schram Martin Zdanowicz, professor and and Mark A. Alan Kecia Scigliuto We have made every effort to ensure that the Honor Roll is accurate and complete. If you discover an error or omission, please let us associate dean for health studies, is Vanessa A. Paz Gillian C. Scott know by contacting Jessica Herrington at [email protected] expanding opportunities for health Kristyna Pena Shirley Scott or 305-284-2046 in Advancement Services. studies students locally and abroad. R.M. LAMAZARES-ROMERO

32 heartbeat FALL 2015 FALL 2015 heartbeat 33 class notes INSPIRE 1950s &ENGAGE Ann Marie McCrystal, B.S.N. ’59, Veda Andrus, B.S.N. ’76, is co-presenting Yesenia Villalta, B.S.N. ’99, M.S.N. Christopher Slivka, B.S.M.A.S. ’10, FUT URE G ENERATIONS was appointed by Florida Governor a podium presentation titled “Mapping an ’03, D.N.P. ’13, was promoted to the B.S.N. ’11, completed a year in a telemetry You don’t have to be wealthy to leave a Rick Scott to the Indian River County Innovative Future: Pioneering the Healing position of executive nursing director for unit at Albert Einstein Medical Center in legacy – any size gift can make an impact Hospital District Board of Trustees. Organization” at the 2015 American Nurses JENNY ABREAU the Florida Department of Health in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, before working for generations to come. McCrystal, of Vero Beach, has over 50 years Credentialing Center National Magnet Miami-Dade County. for two years on a MICU/SICU/CCU at ’CANES GIVE BACK By naming the School of Nursing and Health of public health experience, serving as the Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. She also Capital Health in Hopewell, New Jersey. chief administrator of the Indian River recently co-authored a chapter on Holistic On behalf of the American Assembly He completed his CCRN certification as trust, you can support the greatest need Urology Association from 1966 to 2009. Leadership in Holistic Nursing: for Men in Nursing (AAMN), faculty well as TNCC certification and moved into or your preferred program at the SONHS. She currently serves as a member of the A Handbook for Practice (7th edition; Jones advisor Tony Roberson (above left) 2000s a per diem position in the trauma medical A bequest in your will or trust allows you Visiting Nurses Association of the Treasure & Bartlett Publishers). and AAMN ’Canes chapter president Joyce Granda Chavarria, B.S.N. ’05, ICU at Capital Health Regional in Trenton, Coast, Florida Nurses Association, and Luis Diaz-Paez, B.S.N. ’15, presented D.N.P. ’10, was appointed executive New Jersey. He is currently working in the minimizing your taxable estate and simplifying the probate process. You also Association of Fundraising Professionals, Dean Nilda (Nena) Peragallo director of patient services for UHealth trauma medical ICU per diem as well as at retain full use and control of your assets and she is a lifetime honorary member of Montano with a $1,500 donation International, beginning in October 2015. Penn Presbyterian Medical Center in a heart during your life. the American Cancer Society. Her term toward the Simulation Hospital at the and vascular ICU per diem. He is in his 1980s A bequest is easy – just ask your attorney runs to November 15, 2016. Rose Marie Prince, B.S.N. ’82, is an Spring 2015 Awards Ceremony. The Jadine Louissaint, B.S.N. ’05, works second year of the Acute Care NP program to draft a codicil to your existing will, or if application systems analyst at Presbyterian organization coordinated several at Jackson Memorial Hospital as the at the University of Pennsylvania and will you don’t have a will, now is a good time Healthcare Services in Albuquerque, New activities throughout the year to help director of case management for the graduate in the summer of 2016. He would to have one prepared. A bequest to the Mexico. She was recently awarded the raise funds for the contribution. Behavioral Health Hospital. She has like to practice as a CT surgery NP or School of Nursing and Health Studies can be University Academic Excellence Award been able take her passion for commu- trauma NP after completing the master’s 1960s of your residual estate or trust. Marilyn Van Houten, B.S.N. ’69, is an from American Sentinel University for her nity health globally and is currently program. “I would not be where I am today inaugural member of The Heroines Choir, 4.0 GPA in the M.S.N. with informatics working on a nonprofit that will help without the fantastic nursing base that started in 2012 for breast cancer patients specialization. Prince was also elected as 1990s transform Haiti. As always, she is proud I received while at The U,” he says. and their family and friends. The purpose secretary on the Board of Directors for the Cassandra Garcia, M.S.N. ’90, is a to be a Miami Hurricane! of the choir is to improve health and spirits New Mexico Health Information and certified nurse midwife who has delivered Jennifer L. Mindell, B.S.N. ’13, is of both participants and audiences. While Management Systems Society (HIMSS). thousands of babies over the years. She now Leo Oliva, B.S.N. ’06, wrote, produced, working as a ventilator nurse on the performing recently on the University of works with Dr. Ruel T. Stoessel, a maternal and starred in her own movie about nursing Ventilator/Infectious Disease Unit at Miami campus for National Voice Day, the “Mimi” Mary Asher, M.S.N. ’85, D.N.P. fetal medicine specialist with two offices in with Danny Glover called The Shift. The Mount Sinai Medical Center and is choir met representatives from the School ’11, had her first book chapter published in West Palm Beach and an office in Port St. film is distributed though iTunes, Amazon, excited to start the Family Nurse of Nursing and Health Studies and Office Nursing Leadership and Management: The Lucie, Florida. They work with 80 OBs in Google Play, etc. Practitioner program at Florida Atlantic of Alumni Relations and toured the campus Advanced Practice Role, edited by Denise M. five counties from Indian River to Broward. University this fall. and the Frost School of Music. Korniewicz. The chapter, “Principles of Prior to working with Dr. Stoessel, she Orfirio M. Sanchez, B.S.N. ’07, is in Quality and Safe Patient Care,” is derived worked for the Florida Department of charge of the Crohn’s and Colitis Center, Maria Sosa, B.S.H.S. ’13, graduated from the work she did while in the D.N.P. Health and was fortunate to be granted a under the direction of Dr. Maria T. this July with her nursing degree from program at the UM School of Nursing and U.S. Public Health Service traineeship grant Abreu, at UHealth-University of Miami Breckenridge School of Nursing at ITT. 1970s Health Studies. She is teaching as adjunct during her studies at the UM School of Health System. She and her fiancé, Stefano Cillis, B.B.A. Clare Good, B.S.N. ’70, is retired but still faculty for Appalachian State University in Nursing and Health Studies. For that, she is ’10, are expecting their first child this fall. active in the Florida Nurses Association and Boone, North Carolina, and for Lees eternally grateful to her alma mater. “It “We have a future ’Cane to add to our IT’S EASY TO Florida Organization of Nurse Executives, McRae College up the mountain in Banner changed my life and has allowed me to give ’Cane family!” she says. She is preparing for LEAVE A LEGACY! holding emeritus status in both organiza- Elk, North Carolina. She also works as a per back my time and energy over these past 25 2010s her NCLEX-RN boards at the moment tions. The newest member of her family diem resource nurse in the rehabilitation years to the families I have served in Fatma Sadaf Haiderzad, B.S.N. ’10, and is looking forward to starting her career TO LEARN WAYS YOU CAN MAKE is a great, great granddaughter, born here in floor at Blowing Rock Rehabilitation. She Florida,” she says. recently graduated from CRNA school at in nursing, with hopes of returning to UM A BEQUEST, OR FOR SAMPLE Florida. They are five generations, all recently received a new family addition—a Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine in the future for an M.S.N., FNP or Nurse BEQUEST LANGUAGE, CONTACT: residing in Florida. Border Collie puppy. Altovise Williams-Ware, B.S.N. ’97, and Science. She is forever grateful to the Anesthesia program. completed a Master of Science in Nursing, faculty at UM for “giving me such a strong Cynthia L. Beamish, Executive Director

Ann-Lynn Denker, Ph.D. ’89, with specialization in advanced nursing foundation during my B.S.N.” Raquel R. Bernal, B.S.N. ’14, is attending (305) 284 - 4342 immediate past chair of the Florida Board practice, from South University in FIU to become a family nurse practitioner [email protected] of Nursing, has been named chief clinical Savannah, Georgia (June 2015). He is while also working as a PACU Nurse at www.miami.edu/plannedgiving Send us your news! officer at Plaza Health Network, a network currently employed with the Jackson Health Baptist Hospital. SONHS Advancement Email Rosa Lamazares-Romero, of seven rehabilitation/nursing homes. System at Ryder Trauma Center. (305) 284 -1892 www.miami.edu/SONHS SONHS Communications Manager, [email protected] at [email protected]

34 heartbeat FALL 2015 FALL 2015 heartbeat 35 alumni profile

A Calling to Help the Community Sharah Herise Kittles, B.S.N. ’13, has Kittles completed her B.S.N. with Emotional) of Dade County for helping taken a road less traveled in the nursing minors in psychology and human her safely bridge the gap between The School profession, but in doing so, she hopes— services and development. She “blos- adolescence and young adulthood. In to paraphrase Robert Frost’s poem—she somed” at the SONHS, encouraged by fact, a chance meeting while speaking on of Nursing and will have made all the difference. professors and staff who were “very behalf of CHARLEE at a United Way Health Studies Kittles knew from a young age that friendly, very loving,” she says. “It was a Women’s Leadership Breakfast at the Uni- she wanted a career in nursing, but it wasn’t community, a home. Coming from my versity of Miami set her on a path that led Celebrates until her last semester of nursing school that situation, that’s what I needed.” directly to the SONHS. Commencement she found her niche. Her defining moment Born and raised in Miami, Kittles, “After I spoke, (then University of PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNY ABREU came while she was teaching residents in an now 26 and married with a 4-year-old Miami president) Donna Shalala It was a spring and summer to celebrate at the School of Nursing assisted living facility about diabetes stepdaughter, entered foster care at the age introduced herself,” Kittles recalls. “She 2015 and Health Studies. The May 8 Spring Commencement exercises mellitus, explaining their medications, of 8. After “aging out” of the system at 18, asked about my interest in the nursing recognized the accomplishments of 149 Ph.D., B.S.N., B.S.H.S., and proper nutrition, and how to stay healthy, she was on her own. “Most young adults profession and encouraged me to call her B.S.P.H. graduates. The day began with a time-honored tradition where fam- as part of the community health nursing have parents to coach them, help them when I was ready to attend the University.” ily and friends gathered to watch graduates receive awards and official nursing pins. curriculum at the University of Miami find an apartment, pay bills, shop for Kittles, who was taking nursing School of Nursing and Health Studies. groceries,” she says. “I didn’t have that.” prerequisite courses at Miami Dade College During the August 6 Summer Commencement ceremony, 117 graduates received their “I realized that community health Kittles credits CHARLEE (Children at the time, called Shalala’s office the M.S.N. degrees. We warmly congratulate all of our graduates on their amazing achieve- nursing combines all of the things I love to Have All Rights: Legal, Educational, following week, and by spring she was a ments, and we acknowledge our faculty for their ongoing commitment to education do—outreach, medical missions, feeding full-time student at the SONHS. Now she and the health care professions! missions, and things of that nature—into works with children with special needs in nursing,” Kittles says. “The community the community and is considering pursuing needs more people to educate them about a master’s degree with a concentration in preventative care, to keep them from being community health nursing. in the ER frequently and using the ER as “So many people—my teachers, my their primary care provider. I decided to husband, my church pastors—have given make it my mission to advocate, educate, me so much that right now, I’m in a place and heal, one community at a time.” where I want to be able to give back what was given to me,” she says.

36 heartbeat FALL 2015 Nonprofit Post Office Box 248153 Organization Coral Gables, Florida 33124 U.S. Postage P A I D Permit No. 438 Miami, FL

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