University of Rhode Island
July 2013
Health-e-Newsletter
News & Updates from the URI Health Studies Program
“Intellectuals solve problems,
geniuses prevent them.”
- Albert Einstein
Letter from the Director:
Dear Colleagues and Friends,
The Interdisciplinary Health Studies faculty, staff and students
have been movin’ and groovin’ this year, committed to making
our major bigger, stronger, and a HUGE success!
One of the most notable successes is our first graduating class
– graduating a year earlier than originally anticipated! A small,
but talented and passionate group of young professionals, they
have set the bar high for their underclassmen by earning
campus awards and nominations, engaging in impactful
internship and research experiences, and being extremely
successful in a competitive job market.
We have also been extremely successful in growing the
program, anticipating enrollment of over 200 majors in the Fall
2013 semester. This enrollment is triple the original
expectations and doesn’t appear to be slowing any time soon.
Inside
1
Letter from the Director
2
External Advisory Board
3
Frequently Asked
Questions
4-6
Student Spotlight
7-9
Faculty Research
Highlights
Continued on Page 2
University of Rhode Island Interdisciplinary Health Studies
“Transforming Health. Changing Lives.”
University of Rhode Island
July 2013
Continued from page 1
In addition to the quantity of majors, the quality of our students
is also impressive – several students are actively engaged in
the URI Honors Program, taking advantage of international
study and volunteer experiences, and over 80% report that
they intend to apply to graduate or health professional school.
Within this newsletter, you will learn a little bit more about who
are students are, how some of our students are already
making an impact, how to get involved as an internship site or
career mentor and celebrate student and faculty successes.
Launched in Spring 2013, the
Rhode Island Health Care Matters
website is intended to help
community members and policy
makers learn about the health of
the community.
Sincerely,
The site aims to support the
development of community health
assessments and community
health improvement plans by
hospitals and health departments,
but its content is also relevant for
anyone interested in assessing and
improving the health of
communities.
Elizabeth Fallon, Ph.D.
Website: www.rihealthcarematters.org
Thank you for your continued interest and support for the
program! We look forward to working with you to transform
health and change lives for many more years to come!
External Advisory Board
• Richard Esposito, RI Department of Behavioral
Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and
Hospitals (BHDDH)
• Candice Fioravanti, Provant Health Solutions
• JoAnna Hillman, Centers for Disease Control &
Prevention, Public Health Informatics
• Robert Marshall, RI Department of Health
Thank you to our External Advisory
Board members.
Your time, passion and wisdom are
essential to the success of our
program, our graduates, and our
state and national health systems.
• Ana Novais, RI Department of Health
• Edward Quinlan, Hospital Association of Rhode
Island
• Kurt Rix, The Wellness Company
2
University of Rhode Island
July 2013
Frequently Asked
Questions
“If we could give
every individual the
right amount of
nourishment and
exercise, not too little
and not too much,
we would have found
the safest way to
health.”
- Hippocrates
What is Interdisciplinary Health Studies?
It is an innovative, interdisciplinary
undergraduate major designed to prepare
students for non-clinical careers in public
health, health education and promotion,
health services management, and healthrelated research in hospitals, for-profit
companies, not-for-profit organizations, and
community health agencies. For more
information, visit our website:
www.uri.edu/hss/health/
What is the earning potential for Health Studies
students?
What kinds of courses does the Health Studies
curriculum require?
Because the program is new, we don’t have
data specific to our students. A 2005 national
survey of public health professionals shows
salaries range from $30K - $150K, depending
on chosen field, job-related experience,
management experience, and earning a
graduate degree.
All students take courses in statistics, ethics,
and epidemiology. Core courses also focus
on the interdisciplinary research and practice
process, professional writing and verbal
communication. See more at:
www.uri.edu/hss/health/academics
Do the students have any kind of
“specialization?”
How can I become an internship site for URI
Health Studies students?
Students specialize in health promotion,
global health, or health services. They also
have the opportunity to double major, or
select a minor to enhance their skill set.
You don’t have to wait for graduation to take
advantage of our students’ skills, youthful
enthusiasm and innovative point of view.
Many are interested in earning course credit
for internships within health agencies.
Who are the students enrolling in Health
Studies?
To learn more about hiring an intern visit the
office of experiential learning website
(www.uri.edu/internships/) and post your
internship announcement to RhodyNet.
We are proud to say that we have one of the
most diverse majors on campus, with 36%
reporting to be of racial/ethnic minority, and
78% women.
3
University of Rhode Island
July 2013
2012-2013 Student Highlights
Congratulations Class of 2013!
"I've been very impressed by the
professionalism, enthusiasm, and quality of the
faculty and students involved in the
program. This includes the faster than
anticipated growth of student enrollment.
It's a very exciting time for the program and the
University! I'm proud to have played a small
part in it as an external advisory board
member!"
Kurt A. Rix
Program Director - WellSolutions
Student Excellence
Lauren Fiske (bottom, right; Class of
2015) and Rebecca Piette (left; Class of
2013) presented their research posters
at the College of Human Science and
Services Research Night.
James Carrier (top, right; Class of 2013)
was a finalist for the URI Rainville
Employee of the Year Award.
4
University of Rhode Island
July 2013
Student Spotlight: Research Experiences
4. What was the most unexpected thing you
learned during your research experience?
There are many body image interventions
targeting children and adolescents, but very
few for adults (aged 20 and up).
Lauren Fiske
Junior,
Class of 2015
5. What advice would you give another
student who is thinking about doing research?
Stay organized. From the very beginning,
back up your files. Flash drives, external
hard drives, and excel spreadsheets are
your new best friends. Learn to love them
and use them to boost your efficiency and
peace of mind.
1. What topic and with whom did you do your
research?
I worked with Dr. Elizabeth Fallon to evaluate
empirical research reporting the US
population prevalence of body
dissatisfaction.
Keep your eye on the prize. As simple as
it sounds, having a to-do list with a clear
focus and set of goals, both long-term and
short term will save you time and energy.
2. Why is this research important to you?
This research hits close to home. Poor body
image affects many people I encounter - from
women battling eating disorders to people
who avoid going to the beach or a yoga class
because of their body insecurities. Because
of the numerous mental and physical health
problems influenced by a persons’ body
dissatisfaction, there is great need to conduct
high quality epidemiological research
examining the US prevalence of body
dissatisfaction.
Lean on others for support. Find a
mentor you can connect with and feel
comfortable turning to for advice and
questions throughout your research
process.
6. How does your research relate to your
future career ambitions?
After URI, I plan to pursue a Masters in
Public Health & a Masters in Business
Administration. I would like to design and
implement innovative solutions to public
health concerns and work with a non-profit
organization that promotes healthy
behaviors.
3. What did you like best about your research
experience?
I loved digging in to the library’s archives to
find original articles from the 70’s and 80’s
and converting the microfiche film into digital
copies.
5
University of Rhode Island
July 2013
Student Spotlight: Internship Experiences
3. How do your internship and classroom
experiences complement one another?
During my internship I was able to put into
practice many of the topics and lessons I
learned in the classroom. My classroom
experiences were a great complement to
my internship activities and they prepared
me well to complete all of the projects and
activities I was assigned.
James Carrier
Senior,
Class of 2013
4.What was the most unexpected thing you
learned during your internship experience?
1. Where and with whom did you do your
internship?
I was surprised to discover that I was more
prepared that I initially thought and was able
to complete all of my assigned work quickly
and thoroughly.
I completed my internship in the Division of
Infectious Disease and Epidemiology at the
Rhode Island Department of Health,
specifically working with the Tuberculosis
(TB) and Sexually Transmitted Disease
(STD) programs.
5. What advice would you give another
student who is thinking about doing an
internship?
Internships are a great complement to any
curriculum and every student should
consider completing an internship if
possible.
2. What did you like best about your internship
experience?
I was able to experience a wide range of
activities from administrative program
support to data entry, analysis and report
generation. I also got to see how clinicians,
laboratories, and public health officials work
together to protect the public.
Make sure to let people know that you are
there to learn and try to gain as much
experience as possible during your
internship. Both the knowledge and
experience gained through an internship are
invaluable resources in any student’s
professional development.
6
University of Rhode Island
July 2013
Internal Advisory Board Members
Sue Adams, Human Development &
Family Services
Kathy Meier, URI Cancer Prevention
Research Center
Patricia Burbank, Nursing
Patricia Morokoff, Psychology
Stephanie Champlin, Health
Studies/Kinesiology
Ellen Reynolds, URI Health Services
Phil Clark, Gerontology
Andrea Rusnock, History
Geoff Greene, Nutrition
Abran Salazar, Communication Studies
Anne Hubbard, General Studies
(Feinstein Providence Campus)
Donna Schwartz-Barcott, Nursing
Steve Kogut, Pharmacy Practice
Deb Riebe, Kinesiology
Alison Tovar, Nutrition
Tony Wheeler, URI Labor Research Center
Thank you to our Internal Advisory Board Members, who generously donate their time to create and
guide this program, as well as provide the high quality educational and research foundation from
which we will launch the next generation of health professionals.
Health Studies Faculty
Interdisciplinary Research Highlights: 2012-2013
1. Amoyal, N., & Fallon, E. A. (2012). Physical Exercise and Cognitive Training Clinical
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Interventions Used in Slowing Degeneration Associated with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Review
of the Recent Literature. Topics in Geriatric Rehabilitation, 28, 208–216.
Asselin, M.E. & Schwartz-Barcott, D., & Osterman, P.A. (2012). Exploring Reflection as a
Process Embedded in Experienced Nurses’ Practice. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 69, 4, 905914.
Bopp, M., Webb, B., and Fallon, E. A. (2012). Urban-rural differences for health promotion in
faith-based organizations. Online Journal of Rural Nursing and Health Care, 12 (2).
Byrd-Bredbenner, C., Johnson, M. Quick, V.M., Walsh, J., Greene, G.W., Hoerr, S., Colby, S.M.,
Kattelmann, K.K., Phillips, B.W., Kidd, T., and Horacek, T.M. (2012). Sweet & Salty: An
Assessment of the Snacks and Beverages Sold in Vending Machines on U.S. Post-Secondary
Institution Campuses. Appetite, 58, 1143-1151.
Economos D., Tovar, A. (2012). Promoting Health at the Community Level: Thinking Globally,
Acting Locally. Childhood Obesity, 8, 19-22.
Feldstein Ewing, S., Wray, A., Mead, H., & Adams, S.K. (2012). Two approaches for tailoring
treatment to cultural minority adolescents. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 43, 190-203.
7. Greene, G.W., White, A.A., Hoerr, S.L., Louse, B., Schembre, S.M., Riebe, D., Patterson, J.,
Kattelmann, K.K., Schoff S., Horacek, T., Blissmer, B., Phillips, B.W. (2012). Impact of an On-line
Healthful Eating and Physical Activity Program for College Students. American Journal of Health
Promotion, 27, e47-e58.
8. Greaney, M.L., Lees, F.D., Lynch, B., Sebelia, L., Greene GW. (2012). Using focus groups to
identify factors affecting healthy weight maintenance in Latino immigrants. Journal of Nutrition
Education and Behavior, 44, 448-453.
9. Horacek, T., Erdman, M., Byrd-Bredbenner C., Carey G., Colby S., Greene G., Guo W.,
Kattelmann, K., Olfert M., Walsh J., White A. (2012). Assessment of the dining environment on
and near the campuses of fifteen post-secondary institutions. Public Health Nutrition, 16, 11861196.
10. Horacek, T.M., White, A.A., Greene, G.W., Reznar, M.M., Quick, V.M., Morrell, J.S., Colby, S.M.,
Kattelmann, K.K., Herrick, M.S., Shelnutt, K.P., Mathews, A., Phillips, B.W., Byrd-Bredbenner, C.
(2012). Sneakers and Spokes: An Assessment of the Walkability and Bikeability of U.S. PostSecondary Institutions. Journal of Environmental Health, 74, 8-15.
11. Kogut, S.J., Johnson, S.M., Higgins, T., Quilliam, B.J. (2012). Evaluation of a Program to Improve
Diabetes Care Through Intensified Care Management Activities and Diabetes Medication
Copayment Reduction. Journal of Managed Care Pharmacy, 18, 315-325.
12. McGee, H.A., Babbin, S.F., Redding, C., Pavia, A., Oatley, K., Meier, K., Harrington, M., &
Velicer, W.F. (2012). Prevention of Smoking in Middle School Students: Psychometric
Assessment of the Temptations to Try Smoking Scale. Addictive Behaviors, 37, 521-523.
13. Murdock, K.K., Adams, S.K., Pears, E. & Ellis, B. (2012). Caregiving load and pediatric asthma
morbidity: Conflict matters. Families, Systems, and Health, 30, 101-13.
14. Toobert, D.J., Strycker, L.A., Smith, M.L., Barrera, M., Klesgees, L.M., Resnicow, K., Elliot, D.L.,
Ory, M.G., Williams, G., Greene, G.W., Nebeling, L., Peterson, K.E., Yaroch, A.L. (2012) Social
resources as a mediator of dietary and physical activity change in a multi-site sample. Journal of
Health Behavior in Public Health, 2, 15-26.
15. Tovar, A., Chasan-Taber, L. Bermudez, O. A., Hyatt, R., & Must, A. (2012). Acculturation and
Gestational Weight Gain in a predominantly Puerto Rican population. BMC Pregnancy &
Childbirth, 12, 133-143.
16. Tovar, A., Kuross Vikre, E., Gute, D., Luongo Kamins, C., Pirie, A., Metayer, N., Economos, C.
(2012). Development of the Live Well Curriculum for Recent Immigrants: A Community Based
Participatory Approach. Progress in Community Health Partnerships: Research, Education and
Action, 6, 195-204.
17. Tovar A., Chui K., Hyatt R.R., Kuder J., Kraak V.I., Choumenkovitch S.F., Hastings A., Bloom J.,
Economos C.D. (2012). Healthy-lifestyle behaviors associated with overweight and obesity in US
rural children. BMC Pediatrics, 2, 102-112.
18. Tovar, A., Hennessy, E., Pirie, A, Must, A., Gute, D., Hyatt, R.,.Luongo,C., Hughes, S., Boulos,
R, Sliwa, S., Economos, C. (2012). Feeding Styles Among Immigrant Mothers. International
Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 9, 62-70.
19. Adams, S.K. & Kisler, T. (2013). Sleep quality as a mediator between technology-related sleep
quality, depression and anxiety. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, 16, 25-30.
20. Bennett, J., Greene, G., Schwartz-Barcott, D. (2013) Perceptions of emotional eating behavior:
a qualitative study of college students. Appetite 60, 187-192.
21. Bopp, M., & Fallon, E. A. (2013). Health and wellness programming in churches: A description of
a nationwide sample. Health Promotion Practice, 14, 122-131.
22. Clark, P. G. (2013). Towards a transtheoretical model of interprofessional education: Stages,
processes, and forces supporting institutional change. Journal of Interprofessional Care, 27, 4349.
23. Clark, P. G. (2013). Understanding aging and disability perspectives on home care: Uncovering
facts and values in public policy narratives and discourse. In M. Cutchin, C. Kemp, & V. Marshall
(Eds.), Researching social gerontology. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE.
24. Fallon, E. A., Bopp, M. & Webb, B. (2013). Factors Associated with Faith-Based Health
Counseling in the United States: Implications for Dissemination of Evidence-Based Behavioral
Medicine. Health and Social Care in the Community, 21, 129-139.
25. Fields, R., Kaczynski, A. T., Bopp, M., Fallon, E. A., & Montanez, S. (2013). Built environment
associations with health behaviors and outcomes among Hispanics. Journal of Physical Activity &
Health, 10, 335-342.
26. Hastman, T.J., Bopp, M., Fallon, E.A., Rosenkranz, R.R., & Dzewaltowski, D. (2013). Factors
Influencing the Implementation of Organized Physical Activity and Fruit and Vegetable Snacks in
the HOP’N After-School Obesity Prevention Program. Journal of Nutrition Education and
Behavior, 45, 60-68.
27. Johnson, P., Fallon, E. A., Harris, B. S. & Burton, B. (2013). Body Satisfaction is associated with
Transtheoretical Model constructs for Physical Activity Behavior Change. Body Image: An
International Journal of Research, 10, 163-174.
28. Kim, S.K., Schwartz-Barcott, D., & Holter, I.M. (2013) Cross-cultural Use and Validity of Pain
Scales and Questionnaires—Norwegian Case Study. In Incayawar, M. & Todd, K.H. (Ed.),
Culture, Brain, and Analgesia: Understanding and Managing Pain in Diverse Populations (pp.
105-119). Oxford University Press: England.
29. Jackson, A., & Kogut, S. (2013). Use of Electronic Personal Health Records to Identify Patients at
Risk for Aspirin-Induced Gastrointestinal Bleeding. The Consultant Pharmacist, 28, 313-318.
30. Lipschitz, J.M., Fernandez, A.C., Larson, H.E., Blaney, C.L., Meier, K.S., Redding, C.A.,
Prochaska, J.O., & Paiva, A.L. (2013). Validation of decisional balance and self-efficacy measures
for HPV vaccination in college women. American Journal of Health Promotion, 27(5), 299-307.
31. Regine, M., & Kogut, S. (2013). A Markov Model to Assess the Incremental Cost Effectiveness
Ratio for Optimal Statin Utilization as Compared with Current Use: An Analysis of Medicaid
Beneficiaries Having Type 2 Diabetes. Value in Health, 16, A163.
32. Tovar A. Must, A., Metayer, N., Gute, D.M., Pirie, A., Hyatt, R.R., Economos, C.D. (2013).
Immigrating to the US: What Brazilian, Latin American and Haitian Women Have to Say About
Changes to Their Lifestyle That May be Associated with Obesity. Journal of Immigrant and
Minority Health, 15, 357-364.
33. Velicer, W.F., Redding, C.A., Paiva, A.L., Mauriello, L.M., Blissmer, B., Oatley, K., Meier, K.S.,
Babbin, S.F., McGee, H., Prochaska, J.O., Burditt, C,. & Fernandez, A.C. (2013). Multiple
Behavior Interventions to Prevent Substance Abuse and Increase Energy Balance Behaviors in
Middle School Students. Translational Behavioral Medicine: Practice, Policy and Research, 3, 8293.
34. Webb, B., Bopp, M., & Fallon, E. A. (2013). A qualitative study of faith leaders’ perceptions of
health and wellness. The Journal of Religion and Health, 52, 235-246.
Announcements & Current Events
Recent Institute of Medicine reports – http://www.iom.edu/Reports.aspx
• Educating the Student Body: Taking Physical Activity and Physical
Education to School (May 2013)
• Interprofessional Education for Collaboration: Learning How to Improve
Health from Interprofessional Models across the Continuum of Education to
Practice – Workshop Summary (May 2013)
• Best Care at Lower Cost: The Path to Continuously Learning Health Care
in America (September 2012)
Upcoming Regional Conferences • American Public Health Association annual meeting is in Boston November 2-6, 2013. http://www.apha.org/meetings/AnnualMeeting/
• Global Public Health and the Educated Citizen: A Workshop on Liberal
Education and Public Health is in Providence, RI - October 3-5, 2013
www.aacu.org/public_health
Become part of the URI
Career Mentor Network
University of Rhode Island
Interdisciplinary Health Studies Program
25 West Independence Square
Kingston, RI 02881
Website: http://www.uri.edu/hss/health/index.html
This network offers alumni to the opportunity to
share their career experiences and wisdom with
current students and fellow alumni.
To learn more, go to
www. career.uri.edu/alumni_mentor.shtml