 |
 |
|
Letter From The Dean
As February unfolds with its focus on heart health and affection, it's a wonderful coincidence that we also celebrate Student Appreciation Week here at JCU. This week especially, I want to express my profound gratitude for our students, whose dedication and passion not only drive the success of our College of Health but also make a profound impact on the communities we serve.
Let us also acknowledge that February hosts Valentine's Day—a time to spread love and care—and American Heart Month. I encourage our entire college community to engage with the Go Red for Women's Cardiac Health campaign, which emphasizes the importance of heart health, particularly for women, who are disproportionately affected by heart disease.
This month, let’s make an extra effort to show appreciation for each other and for our own health. Your hard work and commitment are what make our college truly outstanding.
With warm regards,
Melissa Cole
Dean of the College of Health
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Letter From The Dean
As February unfolds with its focus on heart health and affection, it's a wonderful coincidence that we also celebrate Student Appreciation Week here at JCU. This week especially, I want to express my profound gratitude for our students, whose dedication and passion not only drive the success of our College of Health but also make a profound impact on the communities we serve.
Let us also acknowledge that February hosts Valentine's Day—a time to spread love and care—and American Heart Month. I encourage our entire college community to engage with the Go Red for Women's Cardiac Health campaign, which emphasizes the importance of heart health, particularly for women, who are disproportionately affected by heart disease.
This month, let’s make an extra effort to show appreciation for each other and for our own health. Your hard work and commitment are what make our college truly outstanding.
With warm regards,
Melissa Cole
Dean of the College of Health
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Program Spotlight
|
|
Pre-Health Professions Department
|
|
Since August 2024, the Pre-Health Professions program has strengthened its foundation under new leadership, continuing to evolve to meet the needs of students and the healthcare field at large.
With an expanded team, support from the University and an incredible community of students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends, our department has been able to cultivate a space where students feel supported and a sense of belonging throughout their academic journey.
A few exciting updates include:
-
Relaunch of the Health Professions Advisory Committee (HPAC)
-
Enrollment in the Healthcare Career Foundations continues to grow
-
Implementation of a structured shadowing and mentorship program
-
Students in the Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Med program have joined the Pre-Health community
-
Launched a test preparation course for the DAT, GRE, MCAT and OAT tests
​With a focus on discernment in everything we do – from advising to teaching – we’re proud to cultivate today’s JCU students into the holistic healthcare professionals of tomorrow.
|
|
Since its inception in August 2024, the Pre-Health Professions program has continued to build on a strong foundation and address the evolving needs of students and the healthcare field at large.
With an expanded team, support from the University and an incredible community of students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends, our department has been able to cultivate a space where students feel supported and a sense of belonging throughout their academic journey.
A few exciting updates include:
|
|
• Relaunch of the Health Professions Advisory Committee (HPAC)
• Enrollment in the Healthcare Career Foundations continues to grow
• Implementation of a structured shadowing and mentorship program
• Students in the Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Med program have joined the Pre-Health community
• Launched a test preparation course for the DAT, GRE, MCAT and OAT tests
|
|
​With a focus on discernment in everything we do – from advising to teaching – we’re proud to cultivate today’s JCU students into the holistic healthcare professionals of tomorrow.
|
|
|
|
|
Meet the Pre-Health Professions Team
|
|
|
 |
|
Tara Jenner-Donaldson
|
|
DMH, Director
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Brittany Kincaid
|
|
M.Ed., Assistant Director
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Donald Serva
|
|
S.J., Advisor
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Theresa Tolin
|
|
MPA, Administrative Assistant
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Undergraduate Research Publication
|
|
By Naya Alsouss, Class of 2025
Major: Biology / Minors: Chemistry and Spanish
I am pleased to announce the publication of our research article, "Efficacy of water filters and training interventions in mitigating gastrointestinal symptoms in rural Honduras."
As the student team leader of this project, I worked closely with Colin Swearingen of the John Carroll University Political Science Department as we led a team of 12 JCU students: Marko Babic '25, Jacob Clark '24, Christian Dwyer '25, Chase Hudock '25, Laila Julien '25, Patrick McGraw '23, Rebecca Mekhel '24, Veronica Mekhel '25, Shubham Patel '25, Vladimir Tchepak '25, Mia Urbani '25 and Katie Vasiliauskas '25, in conducting and analyzing our own research.
|
 |
|
The research stems from a May 2023 trip to Honduras, where I joined Dr. Swearingen, JCU faculty and students to organize medical brigades addressing the shortage of clean drinking water. We distributed water filters, provided training and analyzed their impact on gastrointestinal symptoms, finding a significant reduction with proper use and education.
We hope this work raises awareness and drives lasting change for rural Honduran communities and invite you to read the full article below!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Upcoming Event
|
 |
|
HEAL
|
|
The Health Education and Awareness League (HEAL) is bringing Relay for Life back to JCU on March 30th! Sign up as an individual or a team to unite as a community in remembrance and support of cancer survivors and caregivers. All proceeds will go to the American Cancer Society. For more information or questions contact: iscarnecchia25i@jcu.edu
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
News
|
|
Student Health Center
|
|
The Student Health Center has seen an increase in students experiencing viral symptoms. Please wear a mask and call the Health Center, 216.397.4349, for guidance. Students with mild cold symptoms and no fever are encouraged to attend class but should wear a mask. COVID tests are available in all RA offices in the residence halls.
|
 |
|
JCU EMS
|
|
We have weekend coverage for the semester! The department will be in service from Thursday through Sunday each week. Coverage starts Thursday at 5 p.m. through 7 a.m. each day or until 11 p.m. on Sundays. In addition to regular coverage, EMTs will be on call for various club sports tournaments and special campus events throughout the semester.
JCU EMS is also collaborating with the Pre-Med Society to host a Pop-Up Skills Lab in the coming weeks—stay tuned for more details!
We look forward to sending four members of the executive board to attend the National Collegiate Emergency Medical Services Foundation (NCEMSF) Conference in Pittsburgh from February 21–23.
|
 |
|
Department of Counseling
|
|
We’re happy to share that the Continuing Education Conference: Unified Care – Enhancing Behavioral Health Through Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration took place on January 17, 2025, and was a great success!
With nearly 150 registrations, the event brought together professionals from various disciplines to explore innovative approaches to behavioral health. Attendees highlighted the value of cross-disciplinary collaboration with engaging discussions throughout the conference.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rebecca Young
|
|
Congratulations to Rebecca Young (Exercise Science ’21) on recently earning her Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies from D’Youville University and passing the PANCE, officially becoming a certified Physician Assistant (PA-C)! She now works as a primary care PA in her hometown of Buffalo, NY.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Rebecca Young
|
|
Congratulations to Rebecca Young (Exercise Science ’21) on recently earning her Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies from D’Youville University and passing the PANCE, officially becoming a certified Physician Assistant (PA-C)! She now works as a primary care PA in her hometown of Buffalo, NY.
|
|
|
|
|
Mentor the Next Generation
of Health Professionals
|
|
Mentor the Next Generation of Health Professionals
|
|
Do you work in healthcare or a healthcare-related field and are interested in mentoring current JCU College of Health Students? Please complete the form below to express your interest in providing networking, shadowing, or research opportunities for our students!
|
| SUBMIT INTEREST FORM |
|
|
💛 We Want to Hear From You! 💛
|
|
Your feedback is crucial to us! As we strive to make our newsletter a valuable resource for everyone involved with the College of Health, we invite you to share your thoughts, suggestions and stories. Here’s how you can contribute:
Feedback on Content: What topics do you find most informative or engaging? Are there subjects you would like us to cover in future editions?
Suggestions for Improvement: Do you have ideas on how we can enhance the newsletter? We’re all ears, whether it’s about design, format, or the types of articles included.
Share Your Stories: Do you have a story or an experience related to healthcare or education that you think could inspire or educate our community?
Please send your feedback, suggestions and stories to coh@jcu.edu.
We look forward to your contributions and thank you for helping us continuously improve and adapt to serve you better!
|
|
|
|
|
