September 2009

Greetings!  This marks the beginning of a new school year and the beginning of a newly revised monthly newsletter for alumni, students, preceptors and friends of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-School of Health Related Professions (UMDNJ-SHRP).  The newsletter will be sent to you as a link monthly.  Please send news items to us to print and share with other members of the SHRP community that may not be getting this publication. Individuals can be added to the database or submit updates by e-mailing Avril Lecky at shrpnews@umdnj.edu.

I start this newsletter with a little history and in coming issues I will expand on this history. SHRP begins its 33 year as a School this fall, but has alumni of its programs for several years before that. For example, I graduated from our dietetic internship in 1976 several months before the School was founded. The certificate reads “College of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Allied Health programs and was signed by Stanley Bergen as President and John Martin, Dean for allied health programs, the founding dean of our School.  In 1976, when New Jersey’s Higher Education approved the School of Allied Health Professions (SAHP), CMDNJ consolidated 10 Newark and 1 Piscataway non-degree certificate programs into the new School.

In the 1980s, CMDNJ becomes UMDNJ and SAHP broadens to be School of Health Related Professions (SHRP). The School started academic partnerships with our course credit accepted by the partners.  In 1988 the first UMDNJ joint baccalaureate degree was approved by the State of New Jersey in Clinical Laboratory Sciences with 9 collaborating schools representing both public and independent colleges. 

The 1992 New Jersey Flexibility Legislation gave UMDNJ the right to provide associate and bachelor’s degrees with partner colleges and universities.  Most if not all of the original non-degree certificate programs now have the option of an AS or BS degree. The 1990s saw an expansion to post-professional programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, expansion to doctorate level programs, interdepartmental collaborations, and extensive development of  our high school enrichment programs.

Our enrollment has been increasing  steadily with about 1400 projected for Fall 2009, see below.

Our campuses have also expanded starting with Newark in 1973, Piscataway in 1974, Scotch Plains in 1994, Stratford in 1997 and the web in 1998. We now have 8 programs fully on the web and more advanced practice programs moving towards being fully distance education programs.  The first decade of the 21st century has seen maturing of many programs, especially distance programs and entry and advanced level practice doctorates, and the addition of multiple partners at the associate and bachelor level. The list of all of our programs follows.  The School reflects the diversity of allied health disciplines from post high school to post doctoral programs. As health care evolves, the role of allied health providers will evolve and our education of health providers. I look forward to an improved health care system and the strengthened role of allied health providers.

Regards,

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Table of Contents

Dean's Message

Department Highlights - Nutritional Sciences

Visiting Professors

Foundation Director - SHRP

Doctors: Thank You, Thank You

Peer Wellness Coach

Faculty Highlights

News from ICAM

To share your articles, stories, news send it to:  SHRPnews@umdnj.edu

SHRP

Alumni

Keeping in touch

We want to hear from you

Alumni are an important part of SHRP'S today, tomorrow and most of all you shaped our past.

Share with us where you are working now, your volunteer activities, honors, awards, the new addition to your family and more. If you have photos, send them.

Please take a moment and send us your latest news and information to:

SHRPnews@umdnj.edu.

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Foundation Appoints Development Director for SHRP

Dale R. Heffler, Vice President - Communications

We are happy to announce that the Foundation of UMDNJ has appointed Regina Kelly as the newly assigned Director of Development for the School of Health Related Professions. Regina will work with Liz Ketterlinus, vice president for development at the Foundation and Interim Dean Julie O’Sullivan Maillet to advance SHRP fundraising objectives.

Regina’s prior experience as a manager for corporate relations at the NY Blood Center and as associate director for corporate and foundation relations at NYU School of Medicine will be helpful background as she undertakes fundraising for the priorities for SHRP which include growing stu-dent scholarships, funding innovations in distance education and funding specialty services at SHRP such as the Center for Health Infomatics, the Institute for Nutrition Intervention and other allied health programs. You can reach Regina at (908) 731-6594 or email at rkelly@njhf.org.

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Department Highlights

Department of Nutritional Sciences

The Vision for 2014 for the Department of Nutritional Sciences adopted in October 2008 is as follows:
The Department of Nutritional Sciences offers dietetics education programs that are models for entry, specialty and advanced-level clinical nutrition academic and continuing professional education.  The programs utilize in-person and technology driven platforms to prepare dietetics practitioners at all levels of practice to service the state, nation and communities abroad.  Graduates are prepared with critical thinking and scientific skills needed for clinical dietetics practice, management, research, and leadership to respond to the challenges of the 21st century.  The programs instill an appreciation for interdisciplinary collaboration and education provides opportunities to achieve expanded roles in health promotion, disease prevention, and intervention for a multi-cultural society.  The faculty members serve as role models in dietetics education, practice, and service to the profession, leadership and research. 

In addition to the undergraduate, preprofessional and graduate program, the department  also manages clinical nutrition services at the Cancer Institute of New Jersey whose focus is patient care and research in oncology with the support of the CINJ as well in the New Jersey Dental School clinics. Clinical research is also included at these two sites.

Through 4 programs, the Dietetic Internship, the Coordinated Program in Dietetics, the M.S. in Clinical Nutrition and the Doctorate in Clinical Nutrition, the Department’s programs utilize in-person and technology driven platforms to prepare dietetics practitioners at all levels of practice to service the state, nation and communities abroad. 

The Dietetic Internship program is a full-time program housed on the Scotch Plains campus and one of the oldest SHRP programs, directed by Gerri McKay, M.Ed, RD. It prepares dietetic interns to assume the role of a dietitian by providing the core professional competencies required for practice as Registered Dietitians (RDs) through didactic instruction and clinical rotations. The program emphasis areas, nutrition therapy and community dietetics, include varied nutrition outreach activities each year in addition to clinical rotations.

The Coordinated Program in Dietetics, directed by Joyce O’Connor, Dr.PH, RD, an undergraduate pre-professional program, is a unique and flexible distance education program designed specifically for the Registered Dietetic Technician (DTR) seeking to become RDs.  The program consists of didactic course work and clinical rotations completed in the student’s geographic locale. Upon completion of the program, the student receives a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences degree and will be eligible to take the registration exam for Registered Dietitians administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). 

The Masters of Science degree program is designed exclusively for Registered Dietitians (RDs) seeking an advanced degree in clinical nutrition. The Doctorate in Clinical Nutrition is the first nationally recognized clinical doctorate program in nutrition (DCN) which incorporates didactic learning, research, and a clinical practice residency.  What makes these two graduate programs unique is the clinically challenging, innovative, and rigorous academic structure with research, technology, and advanced practice skill development woven throughout coursework.  Adjunct faculty members like the students represent all regions of the United States, Europe, and Asia and come from diverse dietetics backgrounds including clinical practice, education, management, industry, and wellness.  The MSCN program is directed by Laura Byham-Gray, PhD, RD and the DCN and PhD in Health Sciences Nutrition Track are led by Riva Touger-Decker, PhD, RD. 

The Department of Nutritional Sciences faculty have expanded contributions to education, service and research.   Faculty members are highly visible professionally at the state, national and international levels.   Scholarly activities of the Department are diverse and include student supported and faculty generated research and publications.  In 2008-2009, over 20 peer reviewed articles were published; over 18 students/alumni presented abstracts at state, national and international conferences.  Additional highlights of the Department include the design, implementation and evaluation of education programs in the US and abroad including the dietetic internship at the South Jersey Health Center and the University of Shizuoka in Japan. Faculty members are actively engaged in clinical research within the department as well as with other disciplines in SHRP, NJDS, SOM and CINJ.

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Upper L-R: Diane Rigassio Radler, PhD; Maureen Huhmann, DCN; Julie O'Sullivan Maillet, PhD; Jane Ziegler, DCN; Front Row: Laura Byham Gray, PhD; RIva Touger Decker, PhD; Tami Mackle, MS

Cynthia Kwiatkowski, MS and

Gerri McKay, M.Ed.

Jane Barracato, MS and

Joyce O'Connor, DrPH

Visiting Professors at University of Shizuoka

From August 5 – 12, 2009, Dr. Diane Radler PhD, RD (Associate Professor in the Dept of Nutritional Sciences SHRP and Assistant Professor in NJDS) and Dr. Riva Touger-Decker PhD, RD, FADA (Professor in Dept of Nutritional Sciences SHRP and NJDS) were visiting professors at the University of Shizuoka in Japan.

They had the opportunity to meet with the University President and deans as well as the President and members of their Global Center of Excellence in addition to faculty members in Nutrition and Food Sciences and undergraduate and graduate students. Their week started with distinguished lectures to the University’s Global Center of Excellence (COE) for Innovation in Human Health Sciences, which is dedicated to training future scientists who understand and study the interactions of medicine and food to address sociomedical problems. A full day workshop on oral assessment and dysphagia screening techniques for dietitians with the Japanese Society of Nutrition Care and Management was held.

In addition, lectures on dietetic practice, nutrition assessment in aging, and evidence based practice for graduate and undergraduate dietetics students were conducted by Dr. Rigassio Radler and Dr. Touger Decker. With the use of Elluminate Live, an interactive technology, joint lectures in Japan with the UMDNJ colleagues in New Jersey were made possible, bringing two continents together live. Joint meetings were held with faculty members and school administrators about building more collaborative education. They also  found time to share their culture with a hike up a part of Mt Fuji in March 2010, up to eight Japanese faculty members will come here for clinical visits.

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Doctors: Thank you, thank you

Editor's note: This letter is excerpted from one written to Drs. Kevin Browne and Kevin Muench, and all of the doctors, dentists, assistants, technicians and volunteers who took part in the recent Pankey Dental Access Day...

Letter to the editor:

"What a treat -- no one can ever say everyone is out for themselves or only interested in themselves. Ain't so. I'm here to tell you as a recent participant in a totally free -- yes, gratis --dental evaluation and removal of two roots and two fillings (cavities). Also, my husband had almost the same, all because of the kind and generous doctors who represented the Pankey Dental Access Days at the Scotch Plains Campus of UMDNJ School for Health Related Professions.

I understand that this was the first time they've done this in our area, and many people, families and children participated. I'm sure they'll all agree with me to give all of you a loud "thank you." You saved us lots of money.

I'm still overwhelmed at what I experienced, and I simply can't thank all of you enough.
My mouth and my teeth thank you, and I know there's a place in heaven that's waiting for all of you because of this act of kindness and total generosity that all of you bestowed on us."

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Miscellaneous

Go to ICAM Summer09 for updated issue of the ICAM newsletter:

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by: Peggy Swarbrick, PhD, OTR, CPRP

There is significant concern that people living with mental illness die too young and/or live a poorer quality of life due to significant medical conditions. The Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS) has issued the “10 in 10 Campaign” seeking to lengthen life expectancy by 10 years in a decade. In response the University of Medicine and Dentistry of NJ - School of Health Related Professions (UMDNJ-SHRP) Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Counseling Professions and the Collaborative Support Programs of New Jersey (CSP-NJ) Institute for Wellness and Recovery Initiatives partnered to design a peer wellness coach certificate to address health and wellness needs from a self-management perspective. This training curriculum educates peer wellness coaches who become compe-tent to proactively support peers to promote wellness through supportively addressing high risk behaviors and health risk factors such as smoking, poor illness self-management, in-adequate diet, and infrequent exercise.

This summer 18 peers in the New Jersey mental health workforce completed the coursework at UMDNJ-SHRP in the Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Counseling Professions. This collaborative academic experience included instruction from faculty in the Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Nutritional Sciences, Allied Dental Education, Rehabilitation and Movement Sciences and staff from CSP-NJ.  The coursework was intense but the students bonded through the shared experience of learning many new skills that could empower them to empower others in pursuit of wellness. The following are some student responses:

Louis Blicharz, CPRP, CSP-NJ

“I am proud to have taken the Peer Wellness Certification Course with so many dedicated people. It was an intense 8 weeks but everyone really bonded and supported each other. I believe that this is an indication of the caliber of Wellness Coaches who will be going forth to serve the people in the community. I personally have battled with mental illness for most of my life. I hope to use my personal experience, combined with the knowledge I have gained from this training, to help promote better health combined with increased longevity and a better quality of life for my peers”.

Robin Weiss, CPRP

“I think that for the consumers/clients who take advantage of this new service they will find coaching to be a fun and effective way to accomplish Wellness goals that they couldn't previously achieve on their own. The excitement and enthusiasm we have about the coaching method/technique is sure to communicate hope and enthusiasm”

Lori J.Bell, Certified W.R.A.P. Facilitator and Trainer

“I feel this training directed me to go from a peer ‘counselor’ approach which is a more medical model to a ‘coaching’ approach leaving the accountability up to the individual themselves”.

What is a Peer Wellness Coach?

A peer wellness coach is someone who can help a peer to set and achieve a wellness or health goal by offering support, and asking questions to see what would be most helpful. .A coach does not provide a prescription, wisdom or advice, but rather helps a person seeking coaching to define what is important and set a plan to accomplish a personally valued goal.

What is coaching?

Coaching is not counseling or therapy; therefore a coach is not a therapist, counselor or mentor. Coaching does not require that you explore your past expe-riences or gain insight into the problem or challenge you encounter.

Coaching is a positive supportive relationship between the coach and the person who wants to make the change. This positive supportive connection empowers the person seeking change to draw upon their own abilities and potentials so they can achieve lasting lifestyle changes. A critical aspect of coaching is self-responsibility. A person seeking coaching should accept responsibility for where they are in their own life including their health. Through coaching a person can determine what they are responsible for and become empowered to take the action to improve their wellness status, in terms of the many dimensions of wellness: spiritual, emotional, physical, occupational, financial, environmental, intellectual, and social. 

Why Peers?

We believe that there are many possibilities for peers to contribute to the health and well being of people living with mental illness seeking support in pursuit of recovery. Wellness Coaching is a new opportunity for people in recovery seeking a career in the helping professions to explore.  

Do you want to become a Peer Wellness Coach?

A new semester of Peer Wellness Coaching classes will begin this fall. If you are a currently working as a peer provider and would like to learn more about becoming a Wellness Coach please contact Ann Murphy for more information at 908-889-2734.

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Faculty Highlights

Publications

Riva Touger-Decker PhD, Professor; Chair, Nutritional Sciences, served as guest editor of an issue of Topics in Clinical Nutrition which featured the following papers from Department faculty and students:

Rebecca Brody, PhD in HS Nutrition and PreDoctoral Fellow; Laura Byham-Gray, PhD, Associate Professor, Program Director, MS Clinical in Nutrition; Riva Touger-Decker, PhD, Professor and Chair, Nutritional Sciences. “A review of characteristics of graduates in the allied health and nursing professions entry level and advanced practice.” Topics in Clinical Nutrition 2009; 24: 181-192.

Rebecca Brody, PhD in HS Nutrition and PreDoctoral Fellow; Tomesko J, MacDonald A, Parker A. “Perspectives from RDs who completed advanced practice doctorates.” Topics in Clinical Nutrition. 2009; 24: 193-199.

Riva Touger-Decker, PhD, Professor and Chair, Nutritional Sciences. “Advanced dietetic practice commentary.” Topics in Clinical Nutrition 2009; 24: 176-180.

Julie O’Sullivan-Maillet , PhD, Professor, Nutrition Sciences; Interim Dean, SHRP.  "An historical perspective on specialty and advanced level practice in dietetics." Topics in Clinical Nutrition 2009; 24: 236-242.

Maurenn Huhmann, DCN, Assistant Professor, Nutritional Sciences; August D. “Review of A.S.P.E.N. clinical guidelines for nutrition support in cancer patients: surgical oncology.” Nutrition in Clinical Practice. 2009; 24:520-526.

D.August; Maurenn Huhmann, DCN, Assistant Professor, Nutritional Sciences; Clinical guidelines: nutrition support therapy during adult anticancer treatment and in hematopoietic cell transplantation." Journal of Parental and Enteral Nutrition. 33(5) 2009. 472-500.

Laura Byham-Gray,PhD, Associate Professor, Nutritional Sciences; Program Director, MS in Clinical Nutrition; Tammy Drasher, student, MS in Clinical Nutrition; K.Deckman, D.Graham, C.Liftman, L.Roberto, P.Peiffer, Robert Denmark, PhD, Assistant Professor, Interdisciplinary Studies; Interim Assistant Dean for Research. "Effect of aggressive osteodystrophy management on clinical outcomes in stage 5 chronic kidney disease." Journal of Renal Nutrition.  2009;  19:321-333.

Presentations

Adam Perlman, MD, MPH, Associate Professor and Chair, Primary Care; Executive Director for the Institute for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, will present on National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine’s New York City media briefing to be held on September 15, 2009. This media briefing is to make the public aware of the NCCAM’s upcoming celebration of its 10th Anniversary and would like to share, with New York City based media, new and exciting research being conducted in the field of complementary and alternative medicine.

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"Every day is a new beginning. Treat it that way. Stay away from what might have been, and look at what can be."

- Marsha Petrie Sue, motivational speaker

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