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Health and Human Services News

  • McQueary College of Health and Human Services

Archives for February 2022

Serving the underserved

February 14, 2022 by Jonah Rosen

A few years ago, while adjusting the curriculum for the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Missouri State University, faculty and staff identified a need in the Springfield community. 

A large portion of the Springfield population was uninsured and not able to receive the treatment they needed.  

In response, the PT department created a pro bono clinic for patients without insurance or patients lacking insurance coverage for physical therapy services.  

More than physical therapy 

During patients’ visits, social work students meet with patients to help with other needs. 

“When you look at Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, people need shelter, food and water. And when they don’t have those things, it’s hard to focus on PT,” said Wendy Jackson, clinical instructor in the School of Social Work.  

“We try to help with all of those needs while they are here receiving treatment.” 

How the clinic operates 

The free clinic offers:  

  • Neurological services. 
  • Joint care. 
  • Posture and spine programs. 

“We are fortunate enough to have state-of-the-art equipment to provide quality care to every patient,” said Dr. Jeanne Cook, head of the physical therapy department. 

Students in the PT program evaluate and work with patients under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist.  

“Our students are able to work every week in our clinic and gain real on-the-job experience,” said Cook. “They end up working over 1,000 clinical hours before starting their clinical courses.”

 Learn more about the clinic

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Preserving Moments from the Pandemic

February 14, 2022 by Strategic Communication

MSU PA student Munia Mustafa

If these walls could talk, they would tell you of the historic moments here at Missouri State University during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

A time capsule was sealed within the walls of Ann Kempeter Health Sciences Hall, which will not be opened until March 13, 2070. 

Second-year physician assistant (PA) student Munia Mustafa represented those in the medical field and in her program by contributing items from her class to the time capsule. 

Recognition for going above and beyond 

Mustafa’s impressive contributions caught the eye of History Club co-founder Cole Howerton.  

Howerton asked Mustafa to be the keynote speaker alongside President Clif Smart and himself at the Jan. 31 sealing ceremony. 

“I not only wanted to represent my own life, but also my classmates and those in my chosen profession. I wanted to highlight who I am, who we are and what we can do for the community,” Mustafa said. “As a first-generation American, minority and a future health care provider, it is my duty to advocate for diversity and exhibit compassion.” 

Hope for the next generation 

While speaking at the sealing ceremony, Mustafa expressed how the time capsule “… symbolizes hope.” 

Items donated by Mustafa include: 

  • A personal letter she wrote. 
  • COVID-19 vaccination pin from Magers Health and Wellness Center. 
  • Original invitation from the 2022 White Coat Ceremony with signatures from the entire PA class. 
  • Original program with recipient names from the 2022 White Coat Ceremony. 
  • 16 GB flash drive containing digital pictures of the MSU PA Class of 2022 and promotional videos. 

Mustafa looks forward to attending the unsealing of the time capsule, or the next of kin in her honor. 

Explore the MSU PA program

Filed Under: Physician Assistant Tagged With: MCHHS Spotlights, McQueary College of Health and Human Services, students

Partnership seeks to bring Doctor of Psychology program to Springfield

February 10, 2022 by Jonah Rosen

Missouri State University and Burrell Behavioral Health are planning to begin a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) program in Springfield.

The partners signed a memorandum of understanding today (Feb. 10) at Burrell Administrative Center.

“With a nationwide workforce shortage and an ongoing mental health crisis made worse by COVID-19, there has never been a greater need for psychologists,” said Burrell Behavioral Health President and CEO Dr. C.J. Davis. “This program will provide a much-needed influx of these versatile behavioral health professionals to our regional workforce.

“For years Burrell has been interested in helping bring a PsyD program back to southwest Missouri, and Missouri State University is the ideal partner to accomplish this.”

Under the agreement, Missouri State will be responsible for creating and operating the program. Burrell will contribute $500,000 over the next few years to help establish the program and will provide clinical opportunities and training support for PsyD students.

“This is a win-win situation for everyone,” said MSU President Clif Smart. “Our community will have more mental health resources; our students will benefit from the expertise of Burrell clinicians; and our faculty members will be able to keep their skills sharp by seeing patients at Burrell.”

Details of the agreement

Students in the PsyD program will complete their second-year clinical hours and part of their third- and fourth-year clinical hours at a Burrell location.

Some classes in the MSU program will be taught by Burrell clinicians. And some MSU faculty members will have the opportunity to work at Burrell part time.

Burrell will also provide discounted continuing education courses to MSU program faculty.

Next steps in process

University approval of the program’s curriculum is complete. The MSU Board of Governors is expected to approve the program at its regular meeting on Feb. 16. Burrell’s Board of Directors approved the partnership at its meeting in late January.

The university will then seek formal approval from the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development and the Missouri Higher Learning Commission and accreditation from the American Psychological Association.

Missouri State hopes to begin the program in 2023.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Psychology

Student on the Street: Rudy Escobar

February 10, 2022 by Jonah Rosen

Sophomore exercise and movement science student Rudy Escobar

Rudy Escobar is a sophomore studying exercise and movement science at Missouri State University. Escobar is from Osage Beach, Missouri, and attended Osage High School.  

His favorite course has been Healthy Lifestyles: Preventative Approaches.  

“I love getting to learn more about the body and the proper ways to take care of it,” Escobar said.  

For Escobar, the best part of being a Bear is the campus community.  

“I have become so involved on campus and have had the ability to meet so many new people,” he said. 

After college, Escobar hopes to become a strength and conditioning coach. 

“I have always had a passion for training and want that to be a part of my life after college as well.” 

Learn about the Kinesiology department

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Kinesiology, MCHHS Spotlights, students

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