MD Students Present for National Latino Medical Student Association

On March 3-5, the Latino Medical Student Association held its 50th annual meeting providing the opportunity to pre-med and medical students to present their research and service projects. The NSU MD LMSA chapter medical students attended and presented posters at the conference.

Second-year student physicians Andrea Roca, Darisel Ventura, Laura Molina, Marla Fortoul, Brian Macias Martinez, Jose Garcia, and Adrian Alepuz worked together to develop a community outreach program, METAS (Medical Students Encouraging and Teaching Aspiring STEAM Students). They presented their findings with a poster titled “The Impact of Medical Students as Mentors of aspiring STEAM LHS+ High School Students.”

Second-year student physicians Laura Molina, Marla Fortoul, and Brian Macias Martinez presented on “Developing a Comprehensive, Culturally Competent Spanish Curriculum for Medical School.”

The first-year student physician Heli Patel won 1st place award for her poster presentation at the 13th annual Southeast Regional LMSA conference, which was held on February 25-27. Her presentation was titled “Maternal Mortality – A critical Analysis of Trends in Florida.”

Congratulations to all the students!

The NSU MD Latino Medical Student Association Chapter has been established with the intent to develop a network of Hispanic/Latinx medical students at NSU MD with a central mission aimed at increasing the diversification of the South Florida medical community. For more information:  https://md.nova.edu/diversity/outreach.html

Posted 03/25/22

Study: Drug Overdoses Rise During COVID-19, Creating ER Disparities

Nova Southeastern University professors conducted a landmark study on drug overdoses in Florida during COVID-19 and found unexpected results regarding disparities by age, ethnicity, and insurance status.

Among their key findings:

  • There were more opioid and stimulant overdoses reported by emergency departments (EDs) during COVID-19 in Florida than before the pandemic.
  • ED visits among those under age 18 were more likely to involve drug overdoses during COVID-19 compared to before COVID-19.
  • ED visits among those on Medicaid or without insurance were more likely to involve drug overdoses during COVID-19 compared to before COVID-19.
  • There were no disparities according to ethnicity or race. Drug overdoses were problematic for all groups during COVID-19.

The interdisciplinary, multi-college, multi-university study was conducted by Professors Timothy F. Page and François Sainfort from NSU’s H. Wayne Huizenga College of Business and Entrepreneurship, Professor Julie Jacko from NSU’s Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, and Professor Weiwei Chen from Kennesaw State (Ga.) University’s Department of Economics, Finance and Quantitative Analysis. Their study of disparities in drug overdoses during COVID-19 was the first research of its kind in the state of Florida.

The researchers compared ED data from April to September 2019 (before the pandemic) to the same time period in 2020 (during the pandemic). While opioid overdose visits increased during the pandemic, visits for other causes declined as activity was restricted during the pandemic.

“This type of research has broad impact in the scientific community. It advances our knowledge of drug abuse during the pandemic and therefore helps us help society,” said Andrew Rosman, Dean of the H. Wayne Huizenga College of Business and Entrepreneurship.

The opioid crisis continues to persist in Florida as well as the United States, fueling thousands of overdose deaths. In 2019, the CDC’s National Center for Injury Prevention and Control awarded Florida a new Overdose Data to Action grant, which was expanded in the scope of previous drug overdose surveillance to include more non-opioid related overdoses and strengthened funding of prevention efforts.

For details on the study go to https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/epdf/10.1089/pop.2021.0369 or contact Professor Timothy F. Page at tpage1@nova.edu

Posted 03/15/22

Professor Focuses on Treating Opioid Use Disorder

Deborah Mash, Ph.D.

Deborah Mash, Ph.D., is a professor of neurology at the Dr. Karin C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine. She is also the Chief Executive Officer and founder of DemeRx a clinical-stage drug development company advancing ibogaine and its active metabolite noribogaine for the treatment of opioid use disorder.

DemeRx has partnered with ATAI Life Sciences — a global biotech platform with a special focus on psychedelic medicine — to develop ibogaine for those suffering from opioid use disorder. Building on the extensive human data available around ibogaine, DemeRx and ATAI submitted Clinical Trial Applications for a Phase II study in opioid-dependent patients. This joint venture will also develop screening procedures, dosing guidelines, and best practices for opioid withdrawal management to ensure patient safety.

Last year, Mash was invited to speak at the 2021 Wonderland: Miami about her research. Wonderland: Miami brings together an impressive group of global psychedelic medicine leaders, including scientists and researchers, investors, entrepreneurs, therapists and patients, government. This year’s event will be Nov. 14-16 at the Mana Lynwood Convention Center. The topic is Healing, Science, Art, Experience, Culture, Music, Investing, History, Technology, Business, and the Future.

Posted 02/27/22

NSU MD Hosts Human and Physiology Conference; Early Bird Deadline Feb. 28

Human Anatomy and Physiology Society (HAPS) 36th International Annual Conference will be held in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, from May 25 to 29, with workshops hosted by Nova Southeastern University. The theme for the annual conference is “Overcoming Obstacles.” The Early Bird Registration and Proposal Submission deadline is February 28.

NSU and HAPS prioritizes the health and safety of its members, and conference attendees will be completing a form attesting for full vaccination against COVID-19 status or negative COVID-19 tests. Conference attendees will be required to wear masks in all indoor locations, unless actively eating or drinking.

Get more information on the HAPS 2022 conference.

This meeting is hosted by Chasity O’Malley and Cheryl Purvis from the Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, NSU. For other queries please contact the HAPS Main Office at info@hapsconnect.org or 1-800-448-4277.

Posted 02/16/22

Faculty Member Earns Top Healthcare Management Credential

François Sainfort, Ph.D., FACHE

François Sainfort, Ph.D., FACHE, professor and chair, H. Wayne Huizenga College of Business and Entrepreneurship and professor in the Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, recently became a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, the nation’s leading professional society for healthcare leaders.

“The healthcare management field plays a vital role in providing high-quality care to the people in our communities, which makes having a standard of excellence promoted by a professional organization critically important,” says Deborah J. Bowen, FACHE, CAE, president and CEO of ACHE. “By becoming an ACHE Fellow and earning the distinction of board certification from ACHE, healthcare leaders demonstrate a commitment to excellence in serving their patients and the community.”

Fellow status represents achievement of the highest standard of professional development in healthcare management. To obtain Fellow status, candidates must fulfill multiple requirements, including long-standing experience in healthcare management at the highest level, demonstrating impact on the field of healthcare management, meeting stringent academic and experiential criteria, maintaining continuing education hours, engaging in professional/community service, and passing a comprehensive examination. Fellows are committed to ongoing professional development, continuing community service, sustained impact on healthcare management, and undergo recertification every three years.

Sainfort is privileged to bear the FACHE® credential, which signifies board certification in healthcare management as an ACHE Fellow.

“Being awarded the FACHE® credential is an honor and, in part, a reflection of the quality of our graduate programs in HCBE and NSU MD. One of my goals is to draw a path for our graduates to pursue the fellowship in their careers as well,” he said.

NSU MD Holds Virtual Run for Pipeline Programs

NSU MD invites you to celebrate diversity in our communities and to support the building of our pipeline programs. NSU MD will host its 2nd Virtual Dash for Diversity 5K from September 25 to October 3, 2021.

We will come together virtually, across Florida and from coast to coast, to raise funds to support our pipeline programs with local middle and high schools. These enrichment programs engage middle and high school students who are socioeconomically disadvantaged and underrepresented in medicine through mentorship and various science, technology, engineering, and math related activities.

Through these programs, we aim to encourage a diverse group of students to consider a career in medicine, as well as to give them the support that they need to make these dreams a reality. Funds raised from the 5K will go directly into these pipeline programs to help us continue to grow our engagement with the community. Read about our pipeline programs. 

The 2021 Virtual Running of the NSU MD 5K Dash for Diversity can be run at the time and location that works best for you between the beginning and ending dates of the event.

Get details on the event.

Session Will Provide Details on COVID-19 Vaccines and Emerging Variants

Johannes W. Vieweg

During an “Ask the Expert” presentation, Johannes W. Vieweg, M.D., FACS, the dean and chief academic officer for the Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, will address the public health value of the COVID-19 vaccines, information on the recovery plan to manage the production, distribution and administration of the FDA approved vaccines, and the new emerging COVID-19 variants. The presentation will be on Wednesday, July 14 at 12:30 p.m.

Public health officials are working to learn more about how easily the new emerging variants can spread, whether they could cause more severe illness, and whether currently authorized vaccines will protect people against them. COVID-19 has exposed a changed world, which requires educating our community in order to help people better navigate the changes.

Master of Biomedical Sciences Program Accepting Applications for Fall 2021

In addition to a curriculum focused on enhancing students’ basic science knowledge, the M.B.S. program includes courses on business and interview skills to develop essential soft skills.

Earning a coveted spot in medical school, dental school and other competitive health professions programs is becoming more and more challenging. Many applicants have impressive credentials but still may not receive an acceptance letter on their first attempt.

NSU’s Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine (NSU MD) offers students an opportunity to pave their path to a successful career in health care or research. The Master of Biomedical Sciences (M.B.S.) program was developed and is administered by the medical school faculty to enhance students’ academic backgrounds and make students more competitive applicants for programs in medicine, dental medicine, physician assistant, pharmacy, optometry, anesthesiologist assistant and more. The program also prepares students for graduate programs in biomedical sciences.

The M.B.S. program provides a foundation in science with a focus on clinical correlation. The 30-credit interdisciplinary program can be completed in one year and includes courses in test preparation, interview skills, basic sciences, business and a variety of other electives that allow students to focus their strengths, interests, and needs.

M.B.S. graduates who meet program-specific requirements are guaranteed an admission interview in select highly-competitive NSU health professions programs.

To learn more about the program and how it may benefit students who aspire to launch a successful career in health care, visit the program web page or contact Shenika “Nikki” Merrell at smerrell@nova.edu or 954-262-1113.

 

New Master’s Program to Help Students Gain an Edge in Health Professions

Earning a coveted spot in medical school, dental school and other competitive health professions programs is becoming more and more challenging. Many applicants have impressive credentials but still may not receive an acceptance letter on their first attempt.

NSU’s Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine (NSU MD) has launched an updated Master of Biomedical Sciences (M.B.S.) program developed and administered by the medical school faculty to enhance students’ academic backgrounds and make students more competitive applicants for programs in medicine, dental medicine, physician assistant, pharmacy, optometry, anesthesiologist assistant and more. The program also prepares students for graduate programs in biomedical sciences.

The M.B.S. program provides a foundation in science with a focus on clinical correlation. The 30-credit interdisciplinary program can be completed in one year and includes courses in test preparation, interview skills, basic sciences, business and a variety of other electives that allow students to hone in on their strengths, interests, and needs.

In addition, M.B.S. graduates who meet program-specific requirements will be guaranteed an admission interview in select highly-competitive NSU health professions programs.

To learn more about the program and how it may benefit students who aspire to launch a successful career in health care, visit the program web page or contact Michelle Demory Beckler, Ph.D., program director, at mdb@nova.edu or 954-262-1392.

NSU MD Faculty and Administrators to Present at National Medical Conferences

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Several NSU Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine faculty and administrators have been invited to present at upcoming Association of American Medical Colleges conferences to showcase some of the successes of the new M.D. college. They include:

AAMC Southern Group on Educational Affairs Regional Conference on March 27-30, 2019 in Orlando.

  • Daniel Griffin, Ph.D., associate professor, medical education has been invited to lead a workshop titled “Connecting and actively engaging clerkship students through synchronous, technology-supported, team-based learning (TBL) in a distributed campus model.”  The topic Dr. Griffin’s Harvard Macy project where we worked to overcome the limitations of synchronous active learning (TBL) in a distributed campus model, by virtually connecting students into teams for inter and intra-team engagement.

AAMC National Professional Development Conference for Institutional Advancement on April 11-13, 2019 in Orlando.

  • Johannes W. Vieweg, M.D., FACS, dean, will be part of a panel of medical school deans from throughout Florida called “Deans’ Perspective: Looking to the Future”
  • Jeremy Katzman, M.B.A., APR, director of public relations and marketing communications, will be facilitating a panel called “Using Content to Enhance Your Brand and Develop New Audiences”

AAMC Group on Faculty Affairs (GFA) and Group on Women in Medicine and Science Professional Development Conference on July 11-13 in Chicago.

  • Stefanie Carter, Ed.D., director of professional affairs and faculty development, and her GFA mentoring group will be presenting an Ignite Session titled: “What are we not talking about but should be?”
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