Summer 2005

Dean's Welcome
President's Message
Doctor of Physical Therapy Program Inaugural Class - May 2006
Alumni News:
       Cardiopulmonary Science
       Ophthalmic Medical Technology
Departmental News:
       Clinical Laboratory Sciences
       Communication Disorders
       Occupational Therapy   
              LSU Children's Fund Heroes with Halos Event Update

Dean's Welcome

     

In this issue of the School Link you will read about the accomplishments of students and faculty throughout the School, as well as those of our graduates who are considered leaders in their respective disciplines.  You will see that changes are occurring in our academic departments like the announcement of our Doctor of Physical Therapy program, which will enroll its inaugural class in 2006. You will also read about how dedicated families, volunteers, and School of Allied Health Professions faculty and staff came together to put on a gala event to benefit the Children’s Fund and the infant/toddler and family services program associated with the Early Intervention Institute.
Click here for more from the dean.

President's Message
Aloma Lykes, COMD '76

    The School of Allied Health Professions’ Alumni Association has spent part of this year planning for a transition. As of July 1, 2005, Dr. Jan Jeter will no longer assist the Alumni Association in the role of faculty liaison. In preparation for the transition, Michele Zitzmann has assumed the position of Interim Vice President; Gregg Jones is the Treasurer; and Kim Simmons is the Secretary. Past President, David Klein, suggested changing activities from the large group format to individual departments with separate organizational structure. Upcoming plans include more departmental activities for alumni, continued alumni outreach under the direction of Kirk Nelson; and a fundraiser.
Click here for the more from the president.

Let us know the latest by sending an email to: sgelpi@lsuhsc.edu
We would especially enjoy hearing of your successes, if you are still in contact with your classmates or if you have retired from your profession.

We hope to hear from you soon!

Alumni News: Cardiopulmonary Science
by Kim Simmons, CPS '81, '86

Since our last newsletter, we have graduated the class of 2005.  That’s right—we now graduate in the spring semester.  The specialty rotation moved to the spring semester.

The newest alumni are:  Abiola Adams, Rommel Arlos, Ann Cain, Jeanette Demots,  Ben Dang,  Robin Dore, Johnny Hunyh, Anh–Linh Nguyen,  Minh Nguyen, Ana Sanchez and, Katie Vo.  The Faculty Award was given to Robin Dore, the Excellence in Cardiovascular Award was given to Robin Dore, and the John B. Bobear Award (respiratory) was given to Anh-Linh.  The RRT credential has already been earned by:  Abiola, Ann, Jeanette, Ben, Robin, and Ana.

How far would you travel to attend the Louisiana Society for Respiratory Care annual State Convention?  From New Orleans, or from New Roads, or from Shreveport???  How about Saudi Arabia? 
Click here to read about the journey of  Asad Mohamed (’91) and Wazir Mohamed (’92) from Dhahran Medical Center this year for the 2005 Convention. 

Congratulations to Kimberly Barnes, class of 2000 for graduating from the University of Alabama’s Optometry program.  Kimberly, a former Academic Excellence Award winner, credits the OMT program and her excellent training she received at LSUHSC for giving her a solid foundation to further her career.

Departmental News: Clinical Laboratory Sciences
by Michele Zitzmann, MHS '95 MT '90

The Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences has accepted 17 new students into the program.  Classes will begin on August 22, 2005.  The Department recently changed the curriculum to accept students twice a year instead of once a year.  We will be accepting an additional group of students to begin classes in January, 2006.  One reason for the curriculum change is to accommodate the School of Allied Health graduation ceremony, which will be conducted each year in May instead of August.

The current class of seniors attended the Louisiana/Mississippi Joint Annual Meeting in New Orleans during the week of April 25-28, 2005.  We had four teams compete in the Bi-state
Annual Student Bowl Competition.  All teams performed very well, and one of our teams won first place!  Members of the winning team are:  Catherine Reitmeyer (captain), Angela Brade, Paulette Gaudry, Smrity Shubha, and Elizabeth Sosa.  They received individual first place plaques, and a larger team plaque, which is on display on the departmental “wall of fame”.  We are so proud of our winning team!
Click here to read about the CLS Job Fair and to meet the new people in the CLS reception area.

'76

Paul Blanchet has accepted a position at Fredonia University in New York. He leaves us at the end of July.

Theresa Nicholls, Clinic Coordinator for Speech-Language Pathology, was on the airwaves. She discussed “Baby Signing” (teaching sign language to toddlers) on WWL Radio.
Click here for more from CD.

Departmental News: Occupational Therapy
by Kelly Alig, MA, LOTR '93

Since implementing our Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) curriculum in 2003, we have seen a steady increase in applicants.

In addition to teaching, members of the occupational therapy faculty have been busy with professional activities of their own. Theresa Smith, MHS, LOTR published an article titled, “Effects of Level II Fieldwork on Clinical Reasoning in Occupational Therapy” in Occupational Therapy in Healthcare. 
Click here to read more about OT.

LSU Children's Fund Heroes with Halos Event Update

On behalf of the families, volunteers and staff, we would like to continue to thank our event partners, guests and sponsors for their support. The event was an overwhelming success and far exceeded our expectations - raising over $120,000.
Click here for the Summer 2005 issue of Side by Side LSU Children's Fund Newsletter.

Click here to view more photos from the 2005 Heroes with Halos Event.

Every gift - no matter the size - makes a difference.
The LSUHSC School of Allied Health Professions now accepts charitable contributions online.
Please visit http://www.foundation.lsuhsc.edu/ahp.asp to make a tax deductible gift to the School or to a specific Department.

J.M. Cairo, PhD
Dean

Aloma Lykes, COMD, CCP-SLP '76
Allied Health Alumni Association President
Michelle Zitzmann, MHS '95 MT '90
Allied Health Alumni Association Interim Vice President
J. Gregg Jones, PT '85
Allied Health Alumni Association Treasurer
Chair - Electronic School Link
Kim Simmons, CPS '81, '86
Allied Health Alumni Association Secretary

Stephanie Gelpi
Editor

http://www.foundation.lsuhsc.edu/ahp.asp

This electronic publication is underwritten by the Foundation for the LSU Health Sciences Center. The Foundation for the LSU Health Sciences Center is the non-profit arm of the LSU Health Sciences Center organized in 1988 to promote and support the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center. The Foundation seeks financial support from business, industry, philanthropic foundations, and individuals to fund programs of excellence for the LSU Health Sciences Center.