Alumni Profile
Edward Blask, PhD 1974, MD 1978, Cooperstown, N.Y., is a senior research scientist with the experimental neuroendocrinology/oncology research institute in Cooperstown. He said, "My research on melatonin and cancer has provided me with an opportunity to travel around the world lecturing on our exciting research results."
Patricia D. Chancellor, DDS 1993, San Antonio, served as 1997-98 national treasurer of the American Association of Women Dentists.
Barbara Giesser, MD 1978, Tucson, Ariz., was named to Who's Who in the World, 15th edition, 1998.
Kevin S. Hardwick, DDS 1983, Frederick, Md., was selected an international health officer for the National Institute of Dental Research in the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. He was formerly with the World Health Organization in Geneva.
Terry C. Hicks, MD 1977, New Orleans, La., was elected treasurer of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons for 1998-99. He is associate chairman of colon and rectal surgery and director of the fellowship program at the Ochsner Clinic. He serves as associate clinical professor of surgery at Louisiana State University Medical School and vice chairman of the American Medical Association's Residency Review Committee for Colon and Rectal Surgery.
Maria Lopez Howell, DDS 1983, San Antonio, is the American Dental Association's national television spokesperson. She will host the "ADA Dental Minute," featuring 39 television public service announcements (PSAs) airing on all national cable and network stations. The PSAs are available in Spanish and English.
James Martin, MD 1973, San Antonio, is president of the American Board of Family Practice. He is involved in health care legislation at state and national levels.
Claudia Miller, MD 1985, San Antonio, was selected a member of Leadership Texas, 1997-98. Dr. Miller is an assistant professor of environmental and occupational medicine at the Health Science Center and director of the South Texas Environmental Education and Research Center.
Lt. Col. Linda Yoder, MSN 1985, San Antonio, is chief of nursing research service at Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC), Fort Sam Houston, Texas. She received the 1998 Dr. Anita Nuwcomb McGee Award from the Daughters of the American Revolution in Washington, D.C. The award is referred to as the U.S. Army's Nurse of the Year award.
Alumni Profile
Pat Prodajko
1979--School of Nursing, BSN
1984--Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences,
MSN
"We have come a long way in long-term care," added the alumnus. "Nursing homes of the past rushed residents to hospitals at times of crisis. Now we do as much as possible to grant care and provide an opportunity for residents to die with dignity in a familiar location."
Noting the national focus on residents' rights and subsequent changes in the organization of nursing homes, Prodajko said that residents' hopelessness and depression, which used to go untreated, have reached the forefront of concerns. "It is now acceptable to treat depression," she said, "and some facilities are very creative in their approaches."
Eden Home emphasizes staff training, advocates residents' rights and encourages the frequent presence of children of all ages. Comfort also is provided by small animals. "People in these facilities are survivors, with a lot of experiences and stories," said Prodajko. "Some of the things they have lived through are amazing. I receive satisfaction knowing I have made a small difference in their lives.
"Students need to realize the different responsibilities and challenges in nursing homes," said Prodajko. "For example, some nursing homes have sub-acute care units, but crash teams and doctors are not present every day. When they're absent, it's time for nurses to ‘step up to the plate' with their assessment skills."
Also noting students' need for communication skills, she added, "We provide support to residents and their families during times that can be very difficult. In the case of Alzheimer's patients, nurses have developed unique coping skills and patience in dealing with their jobs.
"Students need to remember that they will interact with elderly patients and their family members in almost all nursing environments," Prodajko said.
"Elderly people want to be productive and to have hope, and the totally dependent resident must have the commitment and sensitivity of the staff," she added. "We need to realize these goals are our own."
To contribute news items to Alumni Impact, call the Office of Alumni Relations & Annual Fund at 210-567-5151.
Return
to index--Fall 1998
