Health Sciences Education
Physician Assistant Education
Physical Therapy Education
Department of Health Sciences Education
Barfield Community Day
The Department of Health Sciences sponsored the inaugural Community Day at Barfield Elementary School, in the Pomona Unified School District, on Saturday, 
April 20, 2013. It was a day of learning, playing and growing together with students and their parents, focusing on health and wellness. Presentations included, family communication, behavioral topics, and fixing credit problems, while students were able to play basketball, picnic games, lead cheerleading, participate in healthy exercise workshops, and learn about safety at home and school. Students were instructed on safe cheerleading practice, bicycle safety, healthy diets, dealing with asthma, and general safety within the community. MSHS students, Crystle Guevarra, Lisa Ayers, Maria Huizar, Jade (Ngoc) Chim, Rolf (Warren) Gabrillo and Bryan Solis, were joined by students and faculty from the departments of physician assistant studies and physical therapy lending their support and expertise. The Colleges of Optometry, Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, and Podiatric Medicine were also represented providing health screenings and education. Thank you to everyone who made this event a success. A special thank you to council member Debra Martin, District 6, for her participation during Community Day.
East West Scholarship
MSHS student, Jayzona Alberto, was one of the recipients of this year's East West Scholarship. Jayzona was selected among a number of applicants, but her commitment to community service throughout her life made her standout. She has been an avid volunteer most of her life, from helping her parents with Meals on Wheels at a young age to volunteering throughout high school at Kaiser Permanente and St. Joseph Hospitals in Orange. She continues her volunteer work by participating in WesternU health fairs and occasionally with the Red Cross. Jayzona attributes her interest and passion in public health and community health education to her involvement in her community throughout her life. Congratulations Jayzona, on being one of the East West Scholarship recipients!
Accomplishments
MSHS students Jayzona Alberto, Amanda Brenner, Roxanne Rosas, and Helen Musharbash attended the Society for Public Health Education's (SOPHE) 64th Annual Meeting April 17-19. This years' conference theme was "The Magic of Health Education: Vision, Imagination, Transformation," and it was held at the Hilton Lake Buena Vista Hotel in Orlando, Florida. Jayzona and Amanda presented a poster entitled "Building a Better Tomorrowland: Empowering future health educators through the "Four I's of Student Leadership". With a record number of 297 abstracts submitted for this conference, we are proud that their abstract was accepted for presentation. During the conference, they attended some great presentations, including a session with Dr. Koh, the Assistant Secretary of Health for the Department of Health and Human Services. They further networked with many professionals in Community Health Education and Public Health, one in particular from the CDC who encouraged Amanda and Jayzona to write a manuscript for the Health Promotion Journal based on their poster presentation.
Annual Institute for Health Care Advancement (IHA) Health Literacy Conference
On May 9th, MSHS student Lesa Maugh and Resource Librarian Frances Chu presented their study at the 12th Annual IHA Health Literacy Conference in Irvine. The poster was well received and gave one group from Alaska great ideas. The study was to increase knowledge about Medline Plus as an outcome from an NIH grant. The MSHS department provided presenters to educate the patrons of the Pomona Public Library about Diabetes. After the 20 minute presentation, the patrons were ushered to the Public Computer Room at the library to navigate the Medline Plus website for Diabetes information. The program was rewarding for both the patrons and the presenters. Lesa states "One woman had never touched a computer and left our program proficient in computer use. She was so grateful for the opportunity to learn and thanked us profusely". The conference was very educational and Lesa and Frances came away with a new appreciation for health literacy. Lesa advised Dr. Meyer that the conference would be good for all the MSHS students.
Awards Ceremony
The Department of Health Sciences Awards Ceremony was held May 7, 2013 at the DoubleTree Hotel in Claremont. Honored guests included Tom Fox, PhD. Vice President WesternU, and Stephanie Bowlin, EdD, PA, Dean of the College of Allied Health, 2013 graduates and family members. Recipients of the College of Allied Health Professions Awards were, Amanda Brenner (The President's Society Award), Jayzona Alberto (The Dean's Award), Warren Gabrillo (Bertha Oliver Memorial Award). The Department of Health Sciences awarded Emma Arakelyan with the Don and Jean Griva Memorial Award for exemplifying a commitment to educational excellence in health care. Faculty recognition awards were presented to Sreekala Bharadwaj (Excellence in Promoting Health and Wellness of Families), Bryan Solis (Persistence in Advocacy and the Pursuit of Social Justice), Emma Arakelyan (Excellence in Promoting the Health and Well-Being of Children), Roxanne Rosas (Dedication to the Health and Well-Being of Seniors) and Elizabeth Maugh (Excellence in the Application of Evidence-Based Practice and Research).
Alumni Update
James Lally, DO '91, MSHPE '93, has been appointed by California Governor Edmund G. Brown to the Osteopathic Medical Board of California.
Sonia Mvuemba, MSHS '09, DPM '13, was part of the inaugural graduating class for the Podiatry program during May 15, 2013 graduation. Congratulations Sonia!
Commencement College of Allied Health Professions, Department of Health Sciences 2013
Thursday, May 16, 2013 the 32nd Annual Commencement Exercises was held at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena. Master of Science in Health Sciences Candidates included: Jayzona Alberto, Maryam Alrahmani, Zahra Alrahmani, Emma Arakelyan, Sreekala Bharadwaj, Amanda Brenner, Warren Gabrillo VII, Elizabeth Maugh, Roxanne Rosas, Bryan Solis, Ria Yambao and Negie Zin.
Professional Updates
The next CHES and MCHES exam is on October 19, 2013, and the cycle is now open for registration. For exam eligibility and registration information the link is http://www.nchec.org/exam/eligible/ches/. The MCHES exam registration information is available at http://www.nchec.org/exam/eligible/mches/. Plan now for the October 19 CHES or MCHES exam:
- 1st Registration Deadline (May 1-June 1): $240, non-student fee and $210, student fee
- 2nd Registration Deadline (June 2-July 1): $250, non-student and $210, student
- 3rd Registration Deadline (July 2-August 1): $280, non-student and $210, student
- Final (Late) Registration (August 2-September 1); $330, non-student and $265, student
Student News
Read the latest updates from the students themselves in the latest Student Government Association Newsletter.
Upcoming Events
October 24: WesternU's Pumerantz Lecture in the evening on campus. Save the Date!
November 9: WesternU's A Tribute to Caring at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim, CA.
See a full list of upcoming events on the Online Alumni Events page.
For more information or to RSVP for these events, please contact the Alumni Office at (909) 469-ALUM or alumni@westernu.edu.
Department of Physician Assistant Education
PA Profession News
News about the Affordable Care Act (ACA)
I wrote an article for an upcoming newsletter, but I feel its contents are valuable enough to share early with Western PA Alumni.
America will soon enter a revolutionary era in public health care. The Affordable Care Act (ACA), which, according to California State Senator Ed Hernandez, OD, is known interchangeably as the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) or Obamacare, will have far-reaching implications, especially as it pertains to healthcare access.
From a national perspective, ACA means that Physician Assistants will be:
- recognized as one of the primary healthcare professionals in the U.S. today.
- recognized as a vital component in providing quality, cost effective delivery of healthcare.
- eligible for 10% bonus for primary care codes through Medicare.
- allowed to order skilled nursing facility care for Medicare beneficiaries.
- embraced as healthcare professionals in patient-centered primary care medical homes and other new models of care designed to better coordinate care through team-based practice.
The ACA will provide for extended health insurance coverage for adult children up to age 26. Also, a child cannot be denied coverage based on a pre-existing condition. ACA will continue select preventive services without cost sharing, a choice of primary care providers, the use of the nearest emergency room, and prescription drug support for Medicare patients.
At a recent public forum held at Western University of Health Sciences, State Senator Hernandez outlined how ACA will specifically affect California, and what California is doing to comply with the ACA.
Starting in January 2014 a patient cannot be denied health insurance coverage based on a pre-existing condition. There will no longer be an annual limit or lifetime limit on health insurance coverage. Gender discrimination in healthcare premiums will stop. Most people over the age of 18 will be required to have health insurance by law and will be penalized if they do not get coverage. The 2014 penalty will be 1% of the annual income or $95 whichever is greater, but the penalty will increase to 2.5% or $695 by 2016.
Beginning October of 2013, Californians in need of insurance can purchase policies through a traditional broker or through an insurance exchange that the state is creating called Covered California. An individual making less than $15,415 can qualify for Medi-Cal at no cost. Individuals making up to $44,680 are eligible for a tax credit of $2,304 that can be used to pay an insurance premium. Individuals making more than $44,680 do not qualify for government subsidies or tax credits, but are still eligible to buy health insurance through Covered California.
A family of four making less than $31,810 qualifies for Medi-Cal. A family of four making up to $92,200 can receive a tax credit of $4,740 that can be used to pay an insurance premium. A family of four making more than $92,200 does not qualify for government subsidies or tax credits, but are still eligible to buy health insurance through Covered California.
Open enrollment for Covered California will be held October 1, 2013 through March 31, 2014. (www.coveredca.com).
All health insurance newly sold to individuals and small businesses must be classified as one of the four levels of coverage – bronze, silver, gold or platinum.
| Coverage Levels | ||
| Level | % Paid by Health Plan | % Paid by Patient |
| Platinum | 90 | 10 |
| Gold | 80 | 20 |
| Silver | 70 | 30 |
| Bronze | 60 | 40 |
All health insurance sold in Covered California must include the following 10 services:
- Ambulatory Patient Services
- Emergency Services
- Hospitalization
- Maternity and Newborn Care
- Mental health and Substance Use Disorders
- Prescription drugs
- Rehabilitative and Habilitative Services and Devices
- Laboratory
- Preventive and Wellness Services and Chronic Disease Management
- Pediatric Services, including Oral and Vision Care
State Senator Hernandez did point out some barriers to the ACA. Access to health care is problematic, especially in rural and inner city areas. More providers must serve in these areas. He believes that Medi-Cal reimbursement rates must be adjusted so that ongoing funding is sufficient for provider networks. The scope of practice of PAs, nurse practitioners, and pharmacists must be adjusted to insure that there are enough health care providers to treat the poor. He stressed that healthcare cost containment must be explored to include coordinated patient care and transparency. The increasing number of aging baby boomers (ages 60 and older) along with new individuals coming to California will also present difficulties in ACA implementation.
ACA is upon us and will affect all healthcare providers in California. California is trying to anticipate some of the ACA changes by setting up an insurance exchange, increasing Medi-Cal reimbursement, and enhancing the scope of practice of PAs. CAPA is providing its assistance to sponsor and support legislation that enhances the PA scope of practice. It is certain that PAs will make an impact in the way healthcare is managed and delivered to all patients as ACA is enacted and implemented.
The PA Department at WesternU has included the ACA in the student curriculum. We update our alumni about ACA through articles such as this. The Department and the Faculty believe that the ACA is going to be part of our future and we should strive to understand it and its future implications that it will have on us as healthcare providers.
Alumni & Faculty News
Chair Roy Guizado, PA '94, MSHPE '97, was elected Vice President for the California Academy of Physician Assistants. He wants to thank all of those that voted for him.
Assistant Professor Brian Tessier, PA '95, MSHS '10, and Instructor Elizabeth Maugh, PA-C, have accepted positions on the CAPA Student Affairs Committee.
Assistant Professor Tim Wood, MSPA '02, has accepted a position with the CME Conference Planning Committee with CAPA.
Elizabeth Maugh participated in the graduation ceremonies as she is finishing her Master of Science Health Sciences. Also, Pat Vader, Executive Director of the Pumerantz Library and Elizabeth Maugh presented their poster presentation at the Institute of Healthcare Advocacy 12th Annual National Conference. The title of the poster was Diabetes and Education Med Line Plus and it was a collaborative effort with the Pomona Public Library.
Student News
PA 2013 Class
Congratulations to the PA 2013 Class as they participated in the commencement exercises held in May at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. It was very nice to see everyone in their master's gown and hood!
Saloni Swarup, MSPA '13, was appointed the Chair Person for CAPA Public Relations. Congratulations to Saloni.
PA 2014 Class
Five students were awarded $2000 stipends for their interest in primary care. The stipends were funded by a Health Resources and Services Administration grant secured by the Department of Physician Assistant Education earlier this year. The stipends will be renewed next year. Congratulations to those first-year students.
Kudos goes to Chelsea Hemming, MSPA '14, who was elected to the California Academy Physician Assistants Board of Directors as the Student Representative.
PA 2015 Class
The interviews are complete and the acceptance notices were sent out. The applicant pool was large and very competitive this year. The program received more than 1,940 applications, which is a 14.5 percent increase from last year. More than 350 applicants were interviewed over a three month period
Read the latest updates from the students themselves in the latest Student Government Association Newsletter.
Alumni Preceptor Profile
Bakersfield native, Jennifer Kaminski Guerra, MSPA '09, first became interested in a career in Physical Therapy as she began her studies at Biola University 
(Bachelor of Science in Human Biology, 2005). However, during her junior year, a professor, Dr. Harvey Havoonjian, introduced her to the PA profession. He facilitated her shadowing PAs Shelley Dolkas, MSPA '03, and Jennifer Faggionato, PA '99, during her final years at Biola. She became familiar with the PA profession through her interactions and encounters with them and was inspired to pursue further training in a PA program. Additional work experience at Huntington Memorial Hospital further solidified her goal to become a PA: "Working as a Patient Care Associate (similar to CNA) enabled me to see that taking care of people was what I truly wanted to do."
She entered the PA program in 2007 and notes that it is difficult to single out any one moment as being memorable. "PA school is such a process that in the moment seems like it is taking forever. Until one day, all of a sudden, you are done. I enjoyed participating in PCHAT during my first year. It was interesting to learn in a group setting with the DO students as well. I also enjoyed going to the PT students' anatomy labs and learning more collaboratively with them. Adult Medicine and Pharmacology definitely prepared me for the challenges of the field of medicine, and Health Promotion and Disease Prevention helped me to learn the culture of medicine."
Her first position was in a Primary Care Practice in Pomona under Dr. Ricardo Di Sarli. Currently, she practices with Riverside Cardiology Associates alongside Drs. Pond, Chen, Ho, and Abdelmalik. Though she is new to being a preceptor, she has found the experience quite rewarding: "I have been really fortunate to precept excellent PA students. I find that it helps push me forward and keeps me on my toes. Not only do I try to help my students learn, but I learn as well through the process."
Since her graduation in 2009, she has seen much progress in the PA profession in terms of legislation. However, she finds that locally, "there remains a lot of resistance and lack of knowledge regarding the profession." She hopes that knowledge of the profession in her specific area of Riverside, CA will grow and that local PAs will unite to promote the field, which also seems to be lacking in her geographical area. On a personal level, she hopes to continue to learn and possibly experience at least one other specialty of medicine, which has always been an attractive aspect of the PA profession to her – "the ability we have to experience new specialties and to be adaptable."
In her spare time, she enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time with friends. Following PA school, she married the love of her life, Aaron Guerra, whom she met through PA school classmate Naren Vasudevan, MSPA '09. They currently reside in Montclair, CA and are expecting their first child in September.
Upcoming Events
October 3-6: California Academy of Physician Assistants' Annual Conference in Palm Springs, CA.
- WesternU exhibit booth on October 4 and 5 in the Palm Springs Convention Center, Oasis 4 (277 N Avenida Caballeros)
- WesternU reception, Friday, October 4, 6:00-8:00 p.m., Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel, Andreas Room (888 Tahquitz Canyon Way)
October 24: WesternU's Pumerantz Lecture in the evening on campus. Save the Date!
November 9: WesternU's A Tribute to Caring at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim, CA.
See a full list of upcoming events on the Online Alumni Events page.
For more information or to RSVP for these events, please contact the Alumni Office at (909) 469-ALUM or alumni@westernu.edu.
Department of Physical Therapy Education
Professional Activities
Three pieces of legislation affecting physical therapy have been in the news recently. Success was achieved for the profession of physical therapy in California when SB 381, the bill that would prohibit physical therapists from performing joint manipulation, was defeated last month in the Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee with only one yes vote and six no votes. In addition, AB 864 that would have created an overly broad definition of athletic training that is inconsistent with the knowledge base and education necessary to provide athletic training services, died in the Assembly Appropriations Committee also last month. A vote was not taken and the bill was held in committee. Thanks to all the support received in Sacramento from patients, therapists, and students who contacted the legislators to express their views.
AB 1000 Direct Access to Physical Therapist Services: Professional Corporations was recently voted off the Assembly Floor by a 72-0 vote and moves next to the Senate Business, Professions, and Economic Development Committee. This bill would allow patients to directly access physical therapist treatment for 45 calendar days or 12 visits after which time the patient must be seen by a physician who must sign the plan of care. It also allows for any professional corporation listed in the Moscone-Knox Act to employ all professions included in the Business & Professions Code, including physical therapists, and includes a new subsection for a physical therapy corporation, authorizing physical therapy corporations to employ any health care professional listed in the Business & Professions Code and specify who may be officers, directors, or shareholders of a physical therapy professional corporation. A special session of the Assembly of Representatives of the California Physical Therapy Association (CPTA) has been scheduled for June 8 to review AB 1000 and vote on whether or not to support this bill. The meeting will be open to all CPTA members (membership cards are required for attendance) and is being held at the Renaissance Hotel at LAX from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Alumni News
Marijean Piorkowski, DPT '04, will be teaching the American Physical Therapy Association's two-day Clinical Instructor Education and Credentialing Program (CIECP) at Butte Premier Physical Therapy in Chico on June 22-23. Contact the California Physical Therapy Association (CPTA) for more information or click here to register.
Eric Folkins, DPT '05, OCS, is presenting a two-day course "Vestibular Basics for the Everyday Clinician" on July 27-28 at Los Gatos Orthopedic Sports Therapy. Dr. Folkins is a certified vestibular therapist and has been treating patients with vestibular disorders for over 12 years. He currently is Assistant Professor and Director of Clinical Education in the DPT program at the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia. Click here to register now or contact Rachel Thompson at Los Gatos Orthopedic Sports Therapy at rthompson@lgost.com for more information.
Victoria Graham, DPT '06, OCS, NCS, is part of an interprofessional WesternU team who published an article in The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, May 2013, Vol 113, No. 5, entitled "Use of the SMART Balance Master to Quantify the Effects of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment in Patients With Dizziness." In addition to Dr. Graham, other authors include COMP Assistant Professor Marcel Fraix, DO '03; Ashlynn Gordon, DO '13; Eric Hurwitz, DC, PhD; and COMP Professor Michael A. Seffinger, DO
Dorcas Tominaga, DPT '06, co-taught the American Physical Therapy Association's two-day Clinical Instructor Education and Credentialing Program (CIECP) that was recently held at Tri City Medical Center in Carlsbad.
Vu Nguyen, DPT '11, is working at Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center, physical therapy and rehabilitation in Claremont, CA.
Alumni Clinical Instructors
Once again, we are excited to have several of our alumni serving as Clinical Instructors (CI's). Those serving as CI's for the DPT Class of 2015 in their two-week clinical education experience during May include: Chad Comstock, MPT '01, Kaiser Medical Center, Ontario; Julius Cruz, MPT '00, Hospital of the Good Samaritan, Los Angeles; Nicole D'Acquisto, MPT '03, DPT '11, Diablo Physical Therapy, Danville; Claudette Fitch, DPT '06, California Childrens Services of San Bernardino County, Hesperia; Matthew Schatz, MPT '00, Mobility Physical Therapy, Lake Forest; Andrea Stouffer, MPT '00, DPT '11, Human Performance Center, Santa Barbara; and Holly Wagner, MPT '00, Hairston and Daley Physical Therapy, Orange.
There is a distinct advantage in being mentored by someone who has had a similar educational experience, and our current students are excited to learn from your expertise. We are always looking for quality clinical education opportunities and are eager to have even more alumni involved in our clinical education program. Please contact Director of Clinical Education Janet Konecne at (909)706-3819 or jkonecne@westernu.edu if you are interested and able to participate as a Clinical Instructor at your clinical facility.
Faculty News
Associate Professor Casey Chaney, PT, PhD, CSCS, OCS, as an elected representative of the San Gabriel Valley District of the California Physical Therapy Association (CPTA), attended a special meeting on June 8 of the statewide Assembly of Representatives in Los Angeles. This governing body of the CPTA usually meets annually and is comprised of more than 110 elected representatives from twelve geographical regions of the state.
Chair and Associate Professor Dee Schilling, PT, PhD, was a speaker at the 11th Annual Trends in Autism Conference sponsored by Casa Colina Centers for Rehabilitation that was held April 6 at WesternU. Dr. Schilling addressed the audience on "An Inter-professional Approach to Autism: Oh the Possibilities" along with her participation in a panel presentation of autism specialists. This one-day conference is given each year as an introduction for parents, educators and those involved in autism treatment so that participants can learn about the latest research, most effective treatment approaches, how to access services, and what the opportunities are for those on the autism spectrum.
Assistant Professor Mary Hudson-McKinney, PT, MS, DPT, NCS, was an invited speaker for the Multiple Sclerosis Care Forum held in April at the Sofitel Hotel in Los Angeles. This one-day program, sponsored by Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in cooperation with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, provided attendees with the skills necessary to successfully manage the complex health needs and provide high quality, cost effective care to individuals with multiple sclerosis.
Associate Professor Georgeanne Vlad, PT, MA, was an invited speaker at the 7th Annual Health Professions Conference sponsored by the Mount San Antonio College (Mt. SAC) Caduceus Club. Over 1,000 students attended the all-day event recently held on the Mt. SAC campus with this year's theme being "Planting the Seed of Global Health, We are the future of Medicine." Professor Vlad addressed two sessions of students each with a one-hour presentation on "Your Future in Physical Therapy."
Assistant Professor Janet Konecne, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS, was recently named as the Public Relations Chair on the Board of the Private Practice Group of California, a special interest group of the California Physical Therapy Association.
Associate Professor Georgeanne Vlad, PT, MA, was an invited speaker at a recent panel presentation on "Physical Therapy as a Career Choice" for the Future Physical Therapists Organization (FPTO) at San Diego State University. The FPTO is a student lead organization with the mission to promote academic success, preparation for graduate school, professionalism, and growth in the fields of physical therapy, occupational therapy, and the general study of kinesiology.
Assistant Professor Mary Hudson-McKinney, PT, MS, DPT, NCS, has been invited to speak at the 2013 Western Foot and Ankle Conference to be held June 20-23 in Anaheim. For registration information go to www.thewestern.org.
Student News
The DPT students raised almost $500 from their fundraising activities for the American Physical Therapy Association's Pittsburgh-Marquette Challenge. This is the fourth year of participation by the DPT classes and this year WesternU's contribution to the fund came from the sponsorship of a comedy night at the Ontario Improv, a raffle, and on-campus bake sales. Each year for the past 24 years, students at PT and PTA schools nationwide have made an impact on physical therapy education and research by supporting the Foundation for Physical Therapy through the Marquette Challenge. To date, students have raised more than $2.3 million to support the Foundation's doctoral and research grants, and last year 68 schools across the country, including WesternU, participated in the Challenge
Read the latest updates from the students themselves in the latest Student Government Association Newsletter.
Upcoming Events
September 20-21: California Physical Therapy Association's Annual Conference in Pasadena, CA.
- WesternU exhibit booth (#200) September 20-21 in the Pasadena Convention Center (300 East Green Street)
- WesternU reception, Saturday, September 21, 5:30 p.m., location TBA
October 24: WesternU's Pumerantz Lecture in the evening on campus. Save the Date!
November 9: WesternU's A Tribute to Caring at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim, CA.
See a full list of upcoming events on the Online Alumni Events page.
For more information or to RSVP for these events, please contact the Alumni Office at (909) 469-ALUM or alumni@westernu.edu.
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