School of Health Professions News

Experiment by MLS faculty demonstrates effectiveness of masks and distancing

Friday, August 28, 2020

By Kate Hunger 

Two faculty in the Division of Medical Laboratory Science conducted an experiment to demonstrate the impact of masks and social distancing in reducing the spread of potentially contagious aerosols – including COVID-19.  Aerosols are a suspension of tiny particles or droplets in the air.

Conducted in July, the experiment was a collaboration with WOAI News 4, which reported on the results. 

Students attend virtual summer seminars hosted by Coventry University

Thursday, July 30, 2020

By Kate Hunger 

Like many people who enjoy traveling and meeting new people, Caitlin Schwein found her opportunities to do so drastically hampered by the COVID-19 pandemic. But a partnership between UT Health San Antonio and Coventry University in England enabled Schwein and other UT Health students to attend online summer seminars with other students from around the world.

Department of Health Sciences chair receives Piper Professor Award

Monday, June 29, 2020

By Kate Hunger 

When the Department of Health Sciences Chair and Professor George Kudolo, Ph.D., CPC, FAIC, FAACC, was in college, he had a professor who delighted in delivering detailed lectures on the nervous system of the cockroach. The professor was so enthusiastic about his subject, he made a lasting impression on Kudolo.

“I also wanted to be the person to make every subject I teach as interesting as possible,” Kudolo said.

MLS alumna is lab manager for seven oncology clinics

Monday, June 29, 2020

By Kate Hunger 

When Rebecca Jasso reflects on what persuaded her to enroll in the clinical laboratory science program at UT Health San Antonio, she credits two people: her father and Cheryl Burns M.S., MLS (ASCP) Associate Professor.

“My father, who is a fellow UT Health San Antonio graduate, led me to the degree, as he recognized my strengths in the field of science,” Jasso says. “He found the program and got me in contact with a faculty member.”

SHP Students selected for Alpha Eta Society

Thursday, May 28, 2020

By Kate Hunger 

School of Health Professions students and faculty were inducted this spring into the Alpha Eta Society, the national honor society for the allied health professions.

Because of COVID-19, the campus chapter has not held its traditional in-person ceremony. A virtual induction ceremony is being discussed as a possible alternative, said campus chapter president, Physical Therapy Associate Professor Martha Acosta, Ph.D., PT, GCS. 

Medical Laboratory Sciences: an alumna’s perspective on the profession

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

By Kate Hunger 

Carrie Bartosh is a laboratory supervisor in the Microbiology Department at University Hospital in San Antonio, where she oversees day-to-day operations and performs testing within the Immunology, Virology, and Molecular sections. She earned a bachelor’s degree in clinical laboratory sciences from UT Health San Antonio and is certified as a medical laboratory scientist (MLS) with a specialty in virology.
Read Bartosh’s insights below on the education and expertise an MLS brings to the medical team, as well as her experiences during COVID-19 testing.

Reflections on SHP graduating classes 

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

By Kate Hunger 

Spring and summer graduates from the School of Health Professions programs are beginning their careers at a time of significant challenge. Faculty and department leaders share their accomplishments and reflect on their hopes for the students as they launch their careers in the health professions.

Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders

SHP students receive awards for leadership, service, research and clinical excellence

Monday, March 30, 2020

By Kate Hunger

Lisa Le never considered herself to be an academically strong student, but she says something clicked when she began clinical rotations. In recognition of her performance during the clinical phase of her program, the third-year physical therapy student recently won the Student Clinical Excellence Award.

PA professor still relies on her medical laboratory sciences training

Monday, March 30, 2020

By Kate Hunger 

Department of Physician Assistant Studies Admissions Chair and Assistant Clinical Professor Leticia Bland wasn’t sure about her path after graduating high school, so she decided to join the U.S. Air Force. When she asked the recruiter to recommend a career that paid well and offered transferrable skills to the civilian world, she was given assigned a medical laboratory science.

“It was the best decision I ever made,” says Bland, DHSc, MPAS, PA-C.

New MLS program director plans to continue legacy of excellence

Thursday, February 27, 2020

By Kate Hunger 

Assistant Professor Gerardo Ramos, MS, Ph.D. MLS (ASCP), F-ABFT, officially assumed the duties of Medical Laboratory Sciences program director on Jan. 1.

“The first goal is to continue the legacy of excellence,” established by his predecessor, former Program Director and Associate Professor Cheryl Burns, M.S., MLS (ASCP), Ramos said. “She has done an amazing job.”