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MEDexpressBARRY UNIVERSITY n SCHOOL OF PODIATRIC MEDICINE AND PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT PROGRAM

WHAT’SinsideLooking for a Healthy Career?

Choose Medicinen

Practicing Without a Net

WINTER 2009

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B A R R Y U N I V E R S I T Y n S C H O O L O F P O D I A T R I C M E D I C I N E A N D P H Y S I C I A N A S S I S T A N T P R O G R A M n W I N T E R 2 0 0 9

EDITOR: How will the Center improveeducation and training opportunities for careers inmedicine?

DR. EVANS: The Center’s central mission is totrain the next generation of health professionals toprovide health care for the many minority andmedically underserved communities of SouthFlorida. The Center will serve more than 400health professional students with two state of theart classrooms and a new physical assessment labwith a full range of diagnostic equipment. TheCenter has offices and meeting rooms for thefaculty and staff of the School of PodiatricMedicine and the Physician Assistant Program.

EDITOR: There has been one new podiatricschool opened in Arizona and another school willopen in 2009. What does the future look like fora career in podiatric medicine?

DR. EVANS: Yes, the newest podiatric medicalschool will open at Western University of theHealth Sciences in Pomona, California in fall

2009. The future looks very bright for podiatricphysicians who now provide 40% of all footrelated health services in the United States. TheUnited States Bureau of Labor Statistics projectsjob growth of about 16% in podiatric medicinebetween 2004 and 2014. The Podiatric MedicineWorkforce Study, conducted by the Center forHealth Workforce Studies in the School of PublicHealth at the State University of New York atAlbany, suggests that the per capita demand forpodiatric physicians will increase dramatically asthe population ages, due to the greater risk of footproblems among the elderly and the U.S. healthcrisis created by the surge in rates of diabetes andobesity. Just to increase the supply of doctors ofpodiatric medicine (DPMs) sufficiently to keeppace with population growth podiatric medicalschools would have to nearly triple their

production of graduates. Moreover, to meet theincreasing demand for foot care services generatedby the increase in the elderly population andexpected increases in obesity and diabetes, an evenmore dramatic increase in podiatric graduateswould be needed.

EDITOR: Describe career opportunities inmedicine in the State of Florida.

DR. EVANS: Two new allopathic medical schoolsrecently opened at the University of CentralFlorida in Orlando and Florida InternationalUniversity in Miami. The opening of the twoschools is to help address the nationwide shortageof physicians, especially in Florida. In Florida,with the increased aging of the population and thelarge influx of immigrants, there is a health careprofessional manpower crisis. In addition, there isa lack of residency training programs in Florida.Unfortunately, after graduation many allopathicphysicians are forced to train out of state andoften end up practicing there. Because of the

shortage of physicians there has been anincreasing demand for other primary care healthprofessionals, including physician assistants andnurse practitioners. The expansion of the Schoolof Podiatric Medicine and Physician AssistantProgram at Barry University is governed by eachprograms’ accrediting body. The availability ofresources to train students determines the abilityto expand educational programs.

EDITOR: Why is medicine a great career choice?

DR. EVANS: There is a tremendous need forphysicians and primary care health professionalsof all types both locally in Florida and nationally.When the economy is in a downturn, there isusually an upswing in the number of applicationsto medical school. Medical students report feelinglike they can control their own destiny whenasked why they apply during hard economictimes. Florida has one of the highest rates of‘diobesety,’ the combined epidemic of diabetes andobesity. Physicians and other primary carepractitioners are needed to care for the manychronic illnesses associated with these two diseasesincluding kidney disease, hypertension, gangrene,non-healing wounds, and vascular disease, amongothers. In addition, primary care practitioners areneeded to promote health education and diseaseprevention. At this time, health education anddisease prevention is just as important astreatment. I highly advise students seeking acareer to help others and to achieve a stableeconomic lifestyle, to choose the field of medicine.

The Barry University Center for Community Health and Minority Medicine just opened as the new

physical facility housing the School of Podiatric Medicine and the graduate Physician Assistant

Program. The Center provides the School with the increased capacity to attract and train medical

students from diverse backgrounds and enables the School to serve the medical needs of the

medically underserved populations of South Florida, the state, and the nation. The editor spoke

with Dr. Chet Evans, vice president for medical affairs and dean for the School of Podiatric Medicine

about the new Center and the career opportunities available in the field of medicine.

Looking for a Healthy Career?Choose Medicine

Chet Evans, DPM, CWS

MESSAGE FROM THEdean

MEDexpress MEDexpress is published for thealumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends ofthe Barry University School of PodiatricMedicine and Physician Assistant Program.Barry University is a Catholic institution ofhigher education founded in 1940 by theAdrian Dominican Sisters. Grounded in theliberal arts tradition, Barry University is ascholarly community committed to the highestacademic standards in undergraduate, graduateand professional education. Barry University’score commitments are: knowledge and truth,inclusive community, social justice, andcollaborative service.

Editor: Bob McKinlayCo-Editor: Rena Kizilisik

Barry UniversitySchool of Podiatric Medicine11300 NE 2nd AvenueMiami Shores, FL 33161(305)[email protected]

P A G E 2

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In 2006 and 2007 the Council of Teaching Hospitals conducted a national NewlyGraduated DPM Survey. The responses of 289 residency directors allows a comparison ofrecent Barry graduates to a national sample of recent graduates. Barry graduates scoredhigher than the national average.

Residency Directors’ Perceptionsby David Molnar, PhD

Residency Directors’ Perceptions

by David Molnar, PhD

In 2006 and 2007 the Council of Teaching Hospitals conducted a national Newly

Graduated DPM Survey. The responses of 289 residency directors allows a

comparison of recent Barry graduates to a national sample of recent graduates.

Barry graduates scored higher than the national average.

91.7%

83.8%

60%

65%

70%

75%

80%

85%

90%

95%

100%

Barry National

Pro

port

ion A

gre

ein

g

Resident is able to communicate effectively, orally and in

writing, with other healthcare providers.

WHAT’SMessage from the Dean ..............................................................................2

Program Director’s Column......................................................................4

Student News ........................................................................................................5

Money Matters ......................................................................................................6

School of Podiatric Medicine News..................................................8

Alumni News ..........................................................................................................9

Faculty Profile ....................................................................................................10

Research News ................................................................................................12

Alumni Profile ..................................................................................................13

Important Dates ..............................................................................................16

insiden

Residency Directors’ Perceptions

by David Molnar, PhD

In 2006 and 2007 the Council of Teaching Hospitals conducted a national Newly

Graduated DPM Survey. The responses of 289 residency directors allows a

comparison of recent Barry graduates to a national sample of recent graduates.

Barry graduates scored higher than the national average.

89.6%

85.2%

60%

65%

70%

75%

80%

85%

90%

95%

100%

Barry National

Pro

port

ion A

gre

ein

g

Resident met expectations for a beginner.

Who’s on the Cover: - Jacqueline Brill,DPM, Barry assistant professor of surgeryand residency director at Mount SinaiMedical Center with Jossy Paschal, DPM‘06 Barry University School of PodiatricMedicine perform an ultrasound onpatient’s foot at Bay Harbor BarryUniversity Foot & Ankle Institute.

P A G E 3

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P A G E 4


Terry Helopoulos, PA-C Operations Director

EDITOR: What is your position andresponsibilities for Barry’s PA Program in St.Petersburg?

HELOPOULOS: In March, my official titlebecame operations director of the BarryUniversity Physician Assistant Program(BUPAP) at the St. Petersburg campus. Isupervise the day-to-day operations of the St.Pete campus that houses 4 faculty members, 3staff members, and 24 students in each of the 3cohorts - Didactic, Clinical, and AdvancedDidactic classes. I also have been the liaisonbetween the BUPAP Executive directors and theSt. Petersburg College officials that we have apartnership with. Along with my administrativeduties, I still teach, mentor and advise the PAstudents. I am the Physical Diagnosis Labdirector, where I spend many hours with thestudents as they learn their "hands-on" physicalexam skills. I try to maintain a close connectionwith the students on the Miami Shores campusby continuing to lecture whenever possible. Sincewe always utilize the synchronousvideoconferencing technology, I am able tocommunicate freely with them, although thenewer students can be a little shy about havingthe cameras on them.

EDITOR: What role do you have with the PAstudents?

HELOPOULOS: As the faculty advisor to thestudent association, I foster relationships betweenthe students from both campuses and do my bestto be a role model for our future PA leaders. Iam the faculty liaison to the Florida Academy ofPhysician Assistants and am very optimisticabout the future of our profession, even in thesetough economic times. I am thrilled to bewelcoming the newest faculty and staff membersto the PA program, and already feel like they arean integral part of our Barry family.

Whitney Lester Clowney, PA-CAssistant Professor

EDITOR: What is your current position atBarry, including responsibilities?

CLOWNEY: I am an assistant professor andthe clinical coordinator for the PA students in St.Petersburg. As the clinical coordinator, I am partof a team responsible for placing students in theirclinical rotations during their second year in theprogram. I work closely with many physicians,physician assistants and nurse practitioners in thecommunity who graciously give their time andexpertise to serve as preceptors for our students.We ensure that our preceptors have all theinformation they need in order to effectivelyeducate our students, and most importantly, wemake sure they feel appreciated for their efforts!My responsibilities as an associate professorinclude lecturing to and advising students in theirfirst and third year of the PA program. This year,

my lecturing responsibilities are neurologylectures in pathophysiology, clinical therapeuticsand board review and OB/GYN lectures in thetrilogy course. The most important part of myjob is engaging with students. Demandingnothing less than the most respectful professionalbehavior, challenging them to study harder andfocus longer than they have ever had to before,and offering support when the late nights anddifficult tests take their toll.

EDITOR: What position did you hold prior tocoming to Barry?

CLOWNEY: I worked as a practicing PA withneurologist Dr. Erasmo Passaro, specializing inseizure and sleep disorders.

EDITOR: What degrees do you hold and fromwhat universities?

CLOWNEY: I am a very proud Demon Deaconwith a BA in psychology from Wake ForestUniversity in North Carolina (‘98) My master’sin Physician Assistant Studies is from theUniversity of Florida (‘04)

EDITOR: How do you like the video-conferencing teaching methodology?

CLOWNEY: Our program is setting the stagefor how medicine will be practiced in the future.It is very exciting to be surrounded by cutting-edge technology and commitment to beingpioneers in this paradigm of teaching.

EDITOR: What advice do you have for PAstudents concerning their career in medicine?

CLOWNEY: The most important thing toremember is that caring for another human is aprivilege. Find a physician who inspires you or aspecialty that excites you and pour your heart intoyour patients. We have the awesomeresponsibility as PAs to guide people throughvery vulnerable moments. Honor your patients byembracing life-long learning and rememberingthat the most important person in the room isalways the person you are treating.

The Barry University Physician Assistant (PA) program is pleased to announce the appointment of several new faculty members at its St.

Petersburg campus. The editor spoke with these faculty members about their positions and their advice for PA students regarding their future

careers in medicine.

New PA Faculty at St. Petersburg Campus

PROGRAM DIRECTOR’Scolumn

(continued on back cover)

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P A G E 5

STUDENT

On August 21, 2008 forty-five Physician Assistant (PA) students from the BarryUniversity PA program on the Miami Shorescampus were honored in a special White CoatCeremony for completion of their first year ofdidactic studies. On the following evening,August 22, twenty-four students from the classof 2009 in St. Petersburg were honored at theSt. Petersburg College University PartnershipCenter Digitorium for their accomplishment offinishing their didactic courses.

Keith Moore, JD, PA-C, associate programdirector for the Barry PA program delivered aninspiring keynote address for the St. PetersburgWhite Coat Ceremony. Major General BernardLoeffke, adjunct clinical faculty member for theBarry PA program provided a compellingkeynote address for the ceremony held on theBarry campus in Miami Shores.

The PA program has made impressiveprogress since its inception in the fall of 1997.The Miami Shores program received its fullnational accreditation in 1999 and has graduatedmore than 300 physician assistants. In fall 2005,the PA program began admitting students onthe west coast of Florida in partnership with theUniversity Partnership Center at St. PetersburgCollege via interactive video-conferencing onInternet2. In December 2007 the Programcelebrated the first graduation of one class seatedin two locations.

Dr. Chet Evans, vice president for medicalaffairs and dean of the Barry University Schoolof Podiatric Medicine awarded the Dean’sScholarship which is given to the ten studentswith the highest grade point average. Therecipients from the Miami Shores campus were:Kathryn Bluske, Lyndsey Cobb, Katie Kopin,Laura Larios, and Angela Vallejo. Dr. MichaelSiegel, associate academic dean presented the

Dean’s Scholarship Award to Kirsty Leavy,Kimberly Flynn, Jennifer Finger, NatalieWilbanks, and Karen Marshall on the St.Petersburg campus.

The Catherine Margaret ParkhurstMemorial Scholarship was awarded to JoettaTroyer in St. Petersburg and Mayret Padron inMiami Shores, for demonstration of compassionand sensitivity. In St. Petersburg, NatalieWilbanks and Lindsay Pelletier were nominatedfor this award, while Kendra Aalund wasnominated on the Miami Shores campus. Allnominees for this award received a certificate ofrecognition.

The Carolyn Parkhurst Rosser Scholarshipwas awarded to Clayton Noa in St. Petersburgand Tyler Nelson in Miami Shores for theirdemonstration of strong moral and ethicalcharacter, Lance Comstock and Jason Redd inSt. Petersburg and Lauren Dolan and ClaudeGuerrier in Miami Shores, were nominated forthis award and received certificates ofrecognition.

The Goldie Fien Memorial Award waspresented to Nora Watson in St. Petersburg andLee De Dore in Miami Shores fordemonstration of academic excellence inphysical diagnosis and for possessing thequalities of compassion and caring that a PAshould have. Students nominated for this awardreceived certificates of recognition: on the St.Petersburg campus, Jill Thompson, TravisRogers, and Lance Comstock; from the MiamiShoes campus, Miguel Garcia, Laura Larios,Justin Adrien, and Claude Guerrier.

On both campuses students were greeted byDr. Richard Fien, director for didactic studieswho handed the coats to Dr. Carmen Queral,director of clinical education, symbolicallypassing the responsibility of further trainingfrom the classroom and didactic faculty to theclinical setting and preceptors. Professor TerryHelopoulos placed the PA program pins on thecoats while other faculty members congratulatedthe students for their academic accomplishmentson both campuses.

Dr. Doreen C. Parkhurst presents PA studentMayret Padron with the Catherine MargaretParkhurst Memorial Scholarship Award

news’Smn Barry Physician Assistant Students Honored at White Coat Ceremony

The Barry University School of PodiatricMedicine is pleased to announce that JosephDickinson and Taren Cardona, fourth yearpodiatric medical students, Class of 2009,have been selected to receive the PodiatryInsurance Company of America (PICA)Group Scholarship Award for 2008. Mr.Dickinson and Ms. Cardona will each receivea $2,500 scholarship to defray tuition costsfor their medical education at Barry

University through the generous support ofPICA Group.

The students were selected by Barry’sfull-time podiatric clinical faculty based upontheir excellence in third year clinical rotationsthis past academic year. Dr. Chet Evans,MS, DPM, vice-president for MedicalAffairs and dean of the School of PodiatricMedicine indicated, “Student doctorsDickinson and Cardona are most worthy andadmirable recipients. They serve as fine rolemodels for their classmates for their hardwork and high level of achievement. PICA isto be congratulated and gratefully thanked forrecognizing quality podiatric medical studentswhose efforts exceed expectations.”

In addition to providing the PICAscholarships, PICA is the exclusive sponsor ofthe School of Podiatric Medicine’s Rite ofPassage Ceremony. PICA committedsupport of $5,000 per year for the next fiveyears, amounting to a gift of $25,000. PICAwill be honored at the Barry Founder’s Ball asa member of the Barry University Society ofFounders and will have a plaque placed intheir honor in the Barry Founder’s Walk.

PICA Scholarship Honors Two Podiatric Seniors

Joseph Dickinson and Taren Cardona, PICAScholarship Recipients, Class of 2009

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On September 25, 2008, the Barry UniversitySchool of Podiatric Medicine hosted a fixationin-service with Synthes USA, who develop andproduce instruments, implants, and biomaterialsfor the surgical correction of the skeleton andsoft tissues of the lower limb. This hands onlearning experience, held on the BarryUniversity campus in Miami Shores, provided afirsthand opportunity for third year students towork with cutting edge fixation hardware atfully loaded individual workstations.

According to Thomas Merrill, DPM, professorof surgery for the Barry University School ofPodiatric Medicine, “we are very grateful toSynthes for providing this important seminar atBarry. This type of equipment is very expensiveand this type of hands on experience isindispensible for our students.”

The Barry School of Podiatric Medicine thanksSythes consultants: Craig Whitehead, WarrenFoust, Steve Foverns, and Jeff Brown forsharing their expertise with us and hope thatthey will make this a regular event for third yearpodiatric medicine students at Barry University.


P A G E 6

Synthes USA Sponsors OrthopedicFixation Workshop

Jordan Tacktill and JD Sill-Powell, Class of 2010

The School of Podiatric Medicinein proud to announce thatShakira Henderson successfullydefended her thesis for her MS inAnatomy, “Lack of GlycosylationDoes Not Affect the Antigenicityof Epithelial Mucin 1 in a rarecase of Extramammary Paget’sDisease,” in which shedemonstrated that the humanimmune system is surprisinglyindifferent to the level of sugarsattached to human proteins, onMonday, August 25, 2008.

In an effort to improve the efficiency ofday to day activities in the medicalbusiness office, Podiatry Billing Serviceshas developed a twelve step protocol.These procedures provide uniformity toyour business operation and serve as asystem of checks and balances, protectingagainst lost income. Because of the lengthof this article, it will be presented in twoparts. The first seven steps are presentedin today’s article.

1. New patient appointments should beverified prior to their appointment.

2. Using the appointment schedule, ALLencounter forms are printed prior tothe start of the business day.

3. A dated sign in sheet is maintained foreach business day.

4. The physician is provided a copy of theappointment schedule prior to seeingpatients.

5. During the day if there are ANYchanges in the schedule i.e.cancellations, no shows, or additions,these changes must be notated on theschedule in the front and back office.

6. The encounter form accompanies thepatients when they are taken to theexamination room.

7. Following evaluation and treatment theprocedures on the encounter formMUST be coded by the physician andreturned to the front office PRIOR tothe patient check out. If there are anydiscounts or write-offs, the physicianneeds to sign (not initial) theencounter form.

The concluding portion of “ImprovingFront Office Efficiency” will appear in theSpring 09 MEDexpress. We will discussuse of a Cash Log and reconciliation ofthe Day Sheet, helping to preventpotential embezzlement. Podiatry BillingServices is dedicated to working with ourclients, improving front office efficiency. Ifyou need help, please call us at (800) 394-1169.

MoneyMatters

Improving Front OfficeEfficiency (Part I)

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(pic of Bucki here)

Be a Buccaneerand

Mark your Calendarfor

Barry University’sSchool of Podiatric Medicine

25thAnniversary CelebrationThusday, January 14, 2010

Caribe Royal ResortOrlando, FloridaHeld during the FPMA SAM Meeting

To benefit the

Barry University Dr. Marvin and Ruth Steinberg Memorial Scholarship

Contact: Bob McKinlay or Rena Kizilisik

305-899-3269 for more detailsTicket prices to be announced

(pic of Bucki here)

Be a Buccaneerand

Mark your Calendarfor

Barry University’sSchool of Podiatric Medicine

25thAnniversary CelebrationThursday, January 21, 2010

Caribe Royal ResortOrlando, FloridaHeld during the FPMA SAM Meeting

To benefit the

Barry University Dr. Marvin and Ruth Steinberg Memorial Scholarship

Contact: Bob McKinlay or Rena Kizilisik

305-899-3269 for more detailsTicket prices to be announced

EVENT

P A G E 7

BE ABUCCANEER

newsBE A

BUCCANEER

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P A G E 8


The School of Podiatric Medicine YucatanCrippled Children’s Project at Barry Universityhas recently received a generous gift of $25,000from the Frank J. Lewis Foundation of RivieraBeach, Florida.

The Yucatan Project, now in its twelfth yearof operation, has rendered treatment to morethan 6,000 crippled children in the YucatanPeninsula of Mexico by podiatric physician andsurgeons of the Podiatric Medical School.

The grant from the Lewis Foundation willsupport travel costs, medical equipment, andorthopedic devices for the crippled children.

Previously, the Lewis Foundation hasprovided Barry with $190,000 to support theProject according to Dr. Charles Southerland,founder and director of the Yucatan CrippledChildren’s Project, “we are very grateful to theFrank J. Lewis Foundation for their generoussupport of the Project over the years. Theirsupport has enabled us to make over 60 mercyflights to the Yucatan to continue our mission tohelp poor crippled children to walk worldwide.”

To assist the Yucatan Crippled Children’sProject, please send your check made payable tothe Barry University School of PodiatricMedicine at 11300 NE 2nd Avenue, MiamiShores, Florida, 33161, attention: Office ofProgram Development. On the notation lineplease specify “Yucatan Crippled Children’sProject.”

Young Mexican patient after one limbcorrected, soon to have other limb corrected

Barry University’s School of Podiatric Medicineis home to over 200 medical students from allover the United States as well as numerousforeign countries. According to recent estimatedfigures listed by the Council on PodiatricMedical Education (CPME), there are 232approved residencies with 502 available positionsfor graduates of one of the eight podiatricmedical schools in the United States.

As the class of 2009 gets closer to graduationtheir focus is on finding a podiatric residencythat is the “perfect fit” for the sub-specialty theywant to practice. All programs have their niches,specialties, and attractions for candidates. Withvariables such as location, vacation time, on-callschedules, salary, benefits, sports medicine,wound care, rear-foot training, fore-foot surgery,cases logged, trauma, there is much to consider.How could students ever possibly find the timeto research all of these wonderful programs?

In years past, the fall semester of the junioryear was loaded with phone calls from residencyprograms trying to schedule a visitation dayduring the already hectic schedules. Withclinics, classes, exams, on-call schedules, andschool events, this task seemed daunting.

In 2006, Barry podiatric medical studentsdecided to bring all of the programs together onone day and host an Annual Podiatric MedicalResidency Fair on campus. The event, whichtook place this year on the Barry campus onSeptember 27, 2008, was set up and run entirelyby a committee of students within the class of2009. All residency and clerkship programslisted in the Centralized Application Service for

Podiatric Residencies (CASPR) handbook wereinvited. More than 38 residencies and clerkshipsregistered for this one day event from states asfar away as Arizona and California andapproximately 100 students participated.

Residents and directors were able topersonally meet with interested students andensure that their application was not “just aname.” First and second year students had theopportunity to see what their future process forclerkships were going to be like and hopefullystart getting an idea of where they might want togo. Third year students were able to betterprepare for clerkship applications due inDecember, while fourth year students whoattended were helping make their decisions forthe upcoming match.

Overall, this event was a huge success andaccolades were showered upon the students andSister Myra Jackson, coordinator of clerkshipsand post-graduate placement for the School ofPodiatric Medicine. A special thank you isextended to all programs that participated as wellas planning committee members: Ashish Kapila,Sheena Azari, Michele Bertelle, KristinBlanchet, Stephanie Bock, Richard Boothby,Stephen Boykins, Kevin Bryant, BarbaraBuckley, Nicole Cupp, Kristen Diehl, NathaliaDoobay, Candice Edwards, Craig Cranford,Martha Huertas, Max Rand, Jennifer Rosello,Jackie Schwartz, Melissa Sgro, James Sills-Powell, Krupa Trivedi, who helped make thisevent a success.

(l to r) Greg Boco, Ai-Quoc Heller, Bret Smith, (all from class of ’09) and (center) Diana Rogers, DPM (’08)

SCHOOL OF PODIATRICMEDICINEnewsYucatan Crippled Children’s Project Receives $25,000 Grant

Annual Podiatric Residency Fair Held

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P A G E 9


The Barry University School of PodiatricMedicine is pleased to announce that Bradley Haves, DPM, ’90 has been selected asthe Barry University 2008 DistinguishedAlumni recipient from the Barry UniversitySchool of Podiatric Medicine.

Dr. Haves was presented with his award byDr. Chet Evans, vice president for MedicalAffairs and dean of the School of PodiatricMedicine. The award ceremony, attended by 200guests, was held on November 15 at the GroveIsle Hotel and Spa, and featured the culinaryworks of four different chefs who competed forBarry Distinguished Top Chef Award.

Dr. Haves, upon receiving the awardindicated, “It is always an honor to berecognized for doing in your life and career whatyou do out of love. Barry University has givenme an opportunity to excel in my career and mylife. I hope my example inspires other studentsand alumni in all Barry’s schools to realize whata special place we belong to, and to give back toBarry and make the world a better place.”

The award honors Barry alumni who arelocally, nationally and/or internationallyrecognized for their pre eminent contributionsto their professions, communities and/or theirdemonstrated commitment to Barry Universityand its mission.

Currently in private practice in Miami,Florida, Dr. Haves has served as the president ofthe Dade County Podiatric Medical Society.He now holds the position of First VicePresident of the Florida Podiatric MedicalAssociation, and will be installed as President inJanuary, 2009. He is an attending physician at

the Mount Sinai Medical Center SurgicalTraining Program.

Dr. Haves has “given back” to the BarryUniversity School of Podiatric Medicine sincethe time of his graduation, serving as an adjunctlecturer for the school and mentoring third -and fourth - year podiatric students who rotatethrough his podiatric practice. Year after year,he has returned to campus to inspire freshmenin Dr. Evans’ podiatric medicine class to seewhat it is like to be a successful podiatricphysician. In the Rite of Passage Ceremony, Dr.Haves re-lives before the junior class memberswhat it is like to go into your first clinicalrotation and work on a real live patient.

Every year, Dr. Haves works with Barry’sDivision of Institutional Advancement and callson his podiatric alumni colleagues to donate tothe Dr. Marvin and Ruth Steinberg AlumniStudent Scholarship fund, raising thousands ofdollars to help Barry’s podiatric medical studentsreach their goals of becoming podiatricphysicians.

This fall, Dr. Haves was appointed to servea three year term as President of the BarryUniversity Podiatric Alumni Chapter. Dr.Haves’ appointment is his second term as theChapter President, having previously servedfrom 1995 – 2000.

Dr. Haves was previously recognized byBarry University as Alumni of the Year, and hasreceived the Dr. Marvin Steinberg PodiatricAlumni Award by the School of PodiatricMedicine for his contributions to the school andthe field of podiatric medicine.

Dr. Brad Haves Selected As BarryUniversity Distinguished Alumni Recipient

Dr. Bradley Haves, wife Milly Haves, grandmother Ann Forster, Dr. Chet Evans, Mother andFather Eileen and Stuart Haves

IC ALUMNInews Dear Barry Alumnus/Alumna,

As a graduate of Barry University, you arepart of a family of over 46,000 proudgraduates. As a Barry graduate, weencourage and appreciate the time you takepromoting the University to your friends,co-workers, family and prospectivestudents.

We also appreciate the efforts of ouralumni to give back through participationin the classroom as mentors, speakers,serving on boards and committees andattending programs and events. Theseopportunities promote networking onmultiple levels – personal, business,educational and social.

We hope that you will remain proactivewith your future and stay connected toBarry.

The Alumni Association has madesignificant improvements to our programoffering graduates increased benefits andservices that you indicated to us weremissing. Alumni are now eligible to receivea lifetime email account as part of ourMembership Plus program. Come travelwith us in the “Barry Abroad” programwith alumni trips around the world!

Additional benefits include onlinelibrary access and discounts from the BarryFitness Center to hotels, theme parks,restaurants and more! Enjoy Barry’s ownwine, The Jolly Buccaneer you can order atwww.personalwine.com/barry.

The Alumni Association recognizesBarry’s outstanding graduates every year atour Distinguished Alumni Awards. RecentSchool of Podiatric Medicine recipientsinclude Dr. Bradley Haves and Dr. JohnSteinberg. Additional programs includeannual traditions such as Barry SpecialChristmas which took place on Sunday,December 7th at the Miami ShoresCampus.

We look forward to seeing you at someof our upcoming events and programs.

If we can ever be of service, pleasecontact us at [email protected] or at1-877-899-ALUM.

Always Remain Barry Proud!

Sean Kramer Assistant Vice-PresidentAlumni RelationsBarry University11300 NE 2nd AvenueMiami Shores, FL 33161 [email protected]

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P A G E 1 0

Dr. Samuel M. Cleveland, Jr., DO, FACEPjoined the Barry University Physician Assistant(PA) Program in January, 2008 because of hispassion for teaching medicine. While workingas a full-time attending physician in emergencymedicine at Morton Plant Hospital inClearwater, Florida, Dr. Cleveland worked withseveral PAs who had graduated from Barry’s PAprogram. Upon meeting Associate Dean andDirector, Dr. Doreen Parkhurst and the PAprogram team, Dr. Cleveland immediately feltan intangible connection and commonality ofvision regarding PA education. He admired thequality of the training students received at Barryas well as the enthusiasm of the BUPAP team.When a teaching position became available inDecember 2007 he took the job and the rest ishistory.

Serving as the medical director for the BarryPA program in St. Petersburg, Dr. Clevelandinteracts with medical directors of otherprograms. He is the liaison for any issues withoutbreaks of diseases such as TB, and heprovides lectures to community and professionalgroups on the role of the PA in medicine. Asassociate professor of medical education heteaches the medical pathophysiology andemergency medicine courses in the first year andteaches the clinical therapeutics course to thirdyear students. In December 2008 he will teach

electrocardiology during the Barry BoardReview Course.

Born in Philadelphia, Dr. Cleveland movedwith his family to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida at theage of 4. He holds a BS in Biology and an MSin Radiation Physics from the University ofMiami, and received his DO at Kansas CityUniversity of Medicine and Bioscience. Dr.Cleveland completed his residency at AkronGeneral Medical Center. Married during hissecond year of college, Dr. Cleveland feels thathis wife, Diane was instrumental in thecompletion of his professional studies. “I owemy professional success to the sacrifices my wifewas willing to make over the years as the spouseof a medical student,” he said. Dr. Cleveland isboard certified by the American Board ofEmergency Medicine and has been elected as alifetime Fellow by the American College ofEmergency Physicians.

Prior to coming back to Florida, Dr.Cleveland served as chairman of theDepartment of Emergency Medicine at St.Thomas Medical Center in Akron, Ohio andwas instrumental in establishing the residencywith Akron City Hospital in emergencymedicine. He has served as director of theDivision of Emergency Medicine at St. ThomasMedical Center and vice chairman of theDepartment of Emergency Medicine forSumma Health Systems of Akron. Both inOhio and in Florida he has participated inseveral leadership roles including RegionalMedical Director in emergency medical servicefor Pinellas County, Florida.Dr. Cleveland’s academic appointments include:assistant professor of emergency medicine atNortheast Ohio University College ofMedicine; Director of the School of ParamedicEducation at St. Thomas Medical Center, andassistant professor at the University of SouthFlorida School of Medicine. In 1994, he washonored as “Teacher of the Year” for theemergency medicine residency for SummaHealth Systems in Akron.

Outside of academe, Dr. Cleveland enjoysdownhill skiing in Colorado and Utah. In thewarm environs of Florida he enjoys biking,boating, jogging, and yoga. He considers hisfamily: wife Diane, son Grant and daughterAlicia as his greatest daily inspiration.

Dr. Cleveland’s passion for teaching reacheswell beyond the PA, resident, or EMS studentas he has actively educated the public about therisk of medical emergencies. Much of thiseducation involves television and radioappearances to answer questions about medical

emergencies from parasailing accidents toinjuries caused by fireworks.

“I came to Barry because I saw how the PAstudents were very well prepared academicallyand how Barry provides a strong sense of ethicalresponsibility to patients,” Dr. Cleveland said.“I believe that the PA program at Barry is thefuture of medicine,” he predicted. “With theincreased need for mid-level health providers,the shortage of physicians, the shrinking healthcare dollar, the shorter time to become a PA,and the competitive pay, this is the career of thefuture,” he added. With his diverse andexceptional background, Barry’s PA studentswill benefit greatly from participating in Dr.Cleveland’s courses at Barry.

Samuel Cleveland, DO, FACEP

FACULTYprofileB A R R Y U N I V E R S I T Y n S C H O O L O F P O D I A T R I C M E D I C I N E A N D P H Y S I C I A N A S S I S T A N T P R O G R A M n W I N T E R 2 0 0 9

Dr. ClevelandDedicated to TeachingMedicine

SCHOOL OFGRADUATE MEDICAL SCIENCES

11300 NE 2nd AvenueMiami Shores, FL 33161

305.899.3249

LIFE AND LIMB PROGRAMNow you can ensure that others will receive limb and

life-saving care by making a contribution to Barry

University’s Program in Podiatric Medicine. A gift of

any amount can help save a life.

Ma

kea

dif

fere

nce

!YES, I would like to contribute the following tax deductible

gift to: (check One)

CLINICAL EDUCATION

BUILDING FUND

YUCATAN CRIPPLED CHILDREN’S PROJECT

PODIATRIC SCHOLARSHIP FUND

NAME: ___________________________________________

ADDRESS: ________________________________________

CITY: ________________ STATE: _____ ZIP: __________

PHONE: __________________________________________

E-MAIL: ___________________________________________

Method of Payment and $___________ amount:

Check or Money Order made payable to BUSGMS

MASTER CARD #: ________________________________

VISA #: __________________________________________

AMEX #: ________________________________________

NAME ON CARD: ___________________________________

EXPIRATION DATE: _________________________________

SIGNATURE: _______________________________________

Thank you for making a difference.

RETURN TO:Bob McKinlay

BARRY UNIVERSITYDIVISION OF MEDICINE

11300 NE 2 AveMiami Shores, FL 33161

305.899.3283 or [email protected]

With your permission, we will recognize your donation in the Medexpress, newsletter for the Barry University Division of MedicineIf you wish, the podiatric physician or staff who helped you will benotified of our gift. We are deeply grateful for your support.

LIFE & LIMB:The Campaign To Train

Tomorrow’s Doctors

Support the Barry University Foot and Ankle Institutes at Mercy, North Miami, North Shore, Hialeah,

and Mt. Sinai/Miami Heart.

www.barry.edu/podiatry

Podiatric Medicine and SurgeryB A R R Y U N I V E R S I T Y

SCHOOL OFGRADUATE MEDICAL SCIENCES

11300 NE 2nd AvenueMiami Shores, FL 33161

305.899.3249

LIFE AND LIMB PROGRAMNow you can ensure that others will receive limb and

life-saving care by making a contribution to Barry

University’s Program in Podiatric Medicine. A gift of

any amount can help save a life.

Ma

kea

dif

fere

nce

!YES, I would like to contribute the following tax deductible

gift to: (check One)

CLINICAL EDUCATION

BUILDING FUND

YUCATAN CRIPPLED CHILDREN’S PROJECT

PODIATRIC SCHOLARSHIP FUND

NAME: ___________________________________________

ADDRESS: ________________________________________

CITY: ________________ STATE: _____ ZIP: __________

PHONE: __________________________________________

E-MAIL: ___________________________________________

Method of Payment and $___________ amount:

Check or Money Order made payable to BUSGMS

MASTER CARD #: ________________________________

VISA #: __________________________________________

AMEX #: ________________________________________

NAME ON CARD: ___________________________________

EXPIRATION DATE: _________________________________

SIGNATURE: _______________________________________

Thank you for making a difference.

RETURN TO:Bob McKinlay

BARRY UNIVERSITYDIVISION OF MEDICINE

11300 NE 2 AveMiami Shores, FL 33161

305.899.3283 or [email protected]

With your permission, we will recognize your donation in the Medexpress, newsletter for the Barry University Division of MedicineIf you wish, the podiatric physician or staff who helped you will benotified of our gift. We are deeply grateful for your support.

LIFE & LIMB:The Campaign To Train

Tomorrow’s Doctors

Support the Barry University Foot and Ankle Institutes at Mercy, North Miami, North Shore, Hialeah,

and Mt. Sinai/Miami Heart.

www.barry.edu/podiatry

Podiatric Medicine and SurgeryB A R R Y U N I V E R S I T Y

0000_winterMED.qxd 12/18/08 10:47 AM


P A G E 1 1

“Now is the best time to become a podiatricphysician,” said Dr. Ira Kraus, member of theAmerican Podiatric Medical Association(APMA). Dr. Kraus, a board of trustees’member for APMA, was part of a team ofrepresentatives from the APMA visiting thecampus to discuss how they can help studentswith issues such as coping with the pressures ofmedical school and how to prepare for clerkshipand post-graduate residency.

Dr. Amber Shane, a Barry graduate ofpodiatric medicine and member of the APMA’sYoung Members Committee emphasized howthe group helps close the gap between studentand podiatric practitioner.

“The next ten years will be the most excitingten years of your life,” Shane said. “The youngmembers committee will be there to help youduring your student years, residency and first fiveyears of practice.” Shane added how theAmerican Podiatric Medical StudentAssociation (APMSA) is a significant part ofevery student’s career.

“With the aging of the baby boomers therewill be a dramatic increase in the elderly patientpopulation,” Dr. Kraus said. An occupationalsurvey conducted for APMA indicates thatpodiatric physicians will be in the greatestdemand among medical professionals. Manyolder podiatric physicians will be retiring, sopodiatric medicine will continue to be a greatcareer choice, Kraus explained to the students.

Dr. Barney Greenberg, APMA and PAC(political action committee), secretary-treasurer,discussed how the organization is the largest andstrongest representing the podiatric physician.More than 80 percent of practicing doctors ofpodiatric medicine are members. Greenbergnoted the APMA is a strong advocate forpodiatric medicine and surgery through thePAC by supporting political candidates who

favor legislation supporting podiatric medicineand encouraged “give back to the profession thatwill give them a living.”

APMA board of trustee’s member, Dr.Dennis Frisch, counseled the students to “find abalance in your lives between your studies andyour life which happens outside the classroom.”

The APMA has made tremendous stridesfor the profession through “Vision 2015” anational initiative to bring the education,training and experience of the podiatricphysician on an even level with allopathic andosteopathic physicians. The goal of the initiativeis to mandate core competencies at the schoolsof podiatric medicine and have three-year-longresidencies for all residency programs by the year2015.

“Today’s students are the future of podiatricmedicine,” said Bradley Haves, DPM ‘90 andpresident-elect of the Florida Podiatric MedicalAssociation. “I have been involved as a mentor,making fundraising calls for scholarships amongmy fellow alumni, serving as alumni presidentfor the Barry University Podiatric AlumniChapter and teaching in courses at the school,”he said. “Make the profession grow from thebottom up by being involved with student clubs,community health fairs, and any other way youcan contribute.”

Dr. Chet Evans with Dr. Amber Shane, (’02)

American Podiatric MedicalAssociation Visits Barry

Dr. Chet Evans, vice president for medical affairsand dean of Barry University's School of PodiatricMedicine has been appointed to a two-year termas chair-elect of the Florida Governor’s DiabetesAdvisory Council.

When asked about his appointment Dr.Evans said, “It is always an honor and privilegewhen your knowledge and leadership on animportant health concern, such as diabetes, isrecognized by your colleagues.”

The Diabetes Advisory Council serves toadvise the Florida State Department of Health,the Surgeon General of the state, and the Floridalegislature on this critical health care issue. Itprovides statewide leadership to improve the livesof Floridians with diabetes and reduce all aspectsof the burden of the disease.

“The State of Florida has one of the highestrates of diabetes in the country,” said Dr. Evans,who has served as a member of the DiabetesAdvisory Council for the past eight years.“Education and prevention of diabetes are just asimportant as management and treatment. I ampleased to serve my fellow Floridians in thisregard.”

Dr. Evans also serves on the editorial board ofthe Journal of Diabetes Care, published by theAmerican Diabetes Association. The journal forthe health care professional is intended to increaseknowledge, stimulate research, and promotebetter management of people with diabetes.

Dr. Chet Evans Appointed Chair-elect of Governor’s Diabetes Advisory Councilby Gladys Amador

The Barry University School of PodiatricMedicine as part of its mission, provides freehealth care to the medically underserved andindigent of greater Miami, includingminorities, the elderly, the homeless, andother needy people. Each year, the School ofPodiatric Medicine provides more than $1million in charitable health care through itsFoot and Ankle Institutes, community basedclinics and health fairs for these individuals.

This fall, Barry’s podiatric physicians,residents, and podiatric medical students havebeen conducting health screenings atcommunity health fairs throughout greaterMiami to provide podiatric health care as wellas health promotion and disease preventioninformation to a diverse group ofunderprivileged people.

At St. Thomas the Apostle Food Bankmore than 200 homeless men had their feetwashed and screened by students andresidents from the School of PodiatricMedicine. During the Smoking CessationHealth Fair on the Miami Shores campus ofBarry University, Dr. Karina Baesso andpodiatric medical students Olivera Jovic andBrook Dix provided health promotion anddisease prevention information to Barry

students, staff, and faculty.More than 2,000 medically underserved

individuals attended the 2nd Annual Feria deSalud: Por Tu Familia and received footscreenings and health education informationfrom Barry students and residents. At theFlorida International University Health Fairnearly 300 people were seen by Barry studentsand residents for foot concerns.

Barry Provides Care at Health Fairs

Podiatric Students speak to high schoolstudents about podiatric medicine as acollege major

0000_winterMED.qxd 12/18/08 10:47 AM


P A G E 1 2

EDITOR: What is the process involved ingetting a research study approved by the IRB?

DR. OUZOUNOV: Barry University’s IRB iscomprised of 15 faculty members from variousdepartments throughout the university. For aresearch study, an IRB application package mustbe properly completed, submitted with 15copies, and received by the IRB secretary beforea scheduled deadline each month. Theapplication package is forwarded to all 15members of the IRB, one of whom is chargedwith the review, presentation andrecommendations to the board. After thepresentation each board member gets a chanceto voice their opinion and ask the submittingresearcher questions regarding the researchproject. After rigorous discussion a majority voteof the entire board decides the outcome of thesubmitted research proposal. The discussion andthe order of the meeting is recorded by thesecretary of the IRB and an official letterverifying status sent to the researcher signed bythe chair of the IRB.

EDITOR: What are the reasons the study hasto go through the IRB?

DR. OUZOUNOV: Under federal guidelines,all research studies must go through the BarryIRB if it involves both Barry University andhuman participants, no matter what the level ofinvolvement. If the study is anonymous, it maybe granted exemption from full review.Otherwise, the study will be subject to fullreview. In either case, it is the responsibility ofthe principal researcher to comply with standardfederal and university guidelines and policies,and contact the secretary of the IRB or any ofits board members for more information.Human subjects research without IRB approvalviolates federal and state provisions and carriescivil and criminal liabilities. The IRB is chargedwith the duty to protect the interests of thepublic from undue harm from potential riskrelated to research. Various human rightsviolations such as unnecessary pain andsuffering, loss of autonomy, privacy andconfidentiality in the past have promptedCongress to develop federal laws for research.

And obtaining IRB approval is the law at actionas exercised on the territory of the university.

EDITOR: Are there podiatric studies recentlypresented to the IRB?

DR. OUZOUNOV: Yes, there are severalpodiatric studies recently presented to the IRBon various levels. A commercially sponsored,institutional, clinical research study wassubmitted, revised and fully approved inNovember. Two podiatric student studies weresubmitted and provisionally approved pendingverification of changes. At this time, I am not atliberty to disclose details regarding the projects.I hope in the near future, upon securingpermission from the primary investigators andtheir sponsors to be able to discuss our researchprojects as they move through the subsequentphases.

EDITOR: Do you see these studies resulting inpublishable papers?

DR. OUZOUNOV: Absolutely yes! In fact, onthe level of commercially sponsored institutionalresearch study, the principal investigator has

under law enforceable contractual obligations,and a tentative timetable to deliver a qualitystudy data, proper results analysis, relevantdiscussion and publishable manuscript. On thelevel of podiatric student research, it is up to thehonor of the students and their faculty sponsorsto persist, and get things accomplished. I cannotforce them by any means to complete what theyhave started, or hold them liable for non-performance. Of course, as the director ofresearch I will do whatever I can to provideproper guidance and council to students andfaculty involved in research. Yet this is in no waya substitute for the personal time, effort andgoodwill investment on behalf of the studentsand the faculty involved necessary to move theprojects to completion. All of the recentlyreviewed podiatric studies have the potential ofcontributing significantly to the podiatricknowledge and as such would be a primematerial for any peer-reviewed professionalmedical journal.

EDITOR: Are you involved in working withthe students on the study?

DR. OUZOUNOV: Yes, I am involved onmultiple levels: as their research courseinstructor, as the director of research at theschool, and as a member of the IRB regardingIRB compliance issues. I am available and oftenhave multiple discussions in the classroom, inthe corridors, in my campus and clinical practiceoffices, in person, by phone and email. I do haveto emphasize though that while I am alwaysavailable and responsive to the students, it isthey themselves who would put the effort tofollow guidelines, fill-in forms, attend meetings,administer patient surveys and document studyfindings …and whatever it takes, to completethe podiatric research studies. This requirescommitment, goodwill, stamina and persistence.I can show them the door to the garden ofresearch and give them the secret passwords, butit is up to them to open it, walk through it, andreach for the tree carrying the fruit ofknowledge they so desire.

EDITOR: Are there any other studies pendingwhich will go through IRB review?

DR. OUZOUNOV: There are two morestudents currently contemplating IRBsubmission. I encourage such submissions as itrenders significant credibility on behalf of thereaders in the peer-reviewed journals, andpromotes higher standards of protocoldevelopment on par with our MD, and DOcolleagues. And besides, it is the law. As always Iencourage the readers of MEDexpress to emailme with any questions they may have [email protected]

Podiatric Research StudiesApproved by Barry's InstitutionalReview BoardDr. Kaloian Ouzounov serves as the research director for the Barry University School of PodiatricMedicine. The editor asked Dr. Ouzounov to discuss how research studies with human subjects areauthorized under the guidance of the Barry Institutional Review Board (IRB) and what studies havebeen presented to the IRB

Kaloian G. Ouzounov, DPM

RESEARCHnews0000_winterMED.qxd 12/18/08 10:47 AM

At 28, Jason McClasky is a young man. But hislungs won’t let him enjoy it. For the last sixmonths he’s had a severe lung infection fromliving in a moldy apartment. As an uninsuredconstruction worker and father of three withanother one on the way, McClasky can’t afford tosee a doctor – he was lucky to scrape together thecost of moving himself and his growing familyinto a new apartment.

Sick people – particularly working adults –who can’t afford medical treatment are nothingnew to Physician Assistant Joanie Kemsley. Infact, Kemsley begins each day surrounded bystacks of patient files, stacks that continue toaccumulate on and around her desk at the St.Vincent de Paul Community Health Care Inc.clinic in Port Charlotte, a small town on the westcoast of Florida. Located in what’s known as“Hurricane Alley,” between the more affluentcities of Naples and Tampa, the average annualincome in Port Charlotte is approximately$25,000.

As the clinic’s only medically trainedemployee, Kemsley often spends her morningsmaking calls to get free medical care for theuninsured residents of Charlotte County; to saythis can be frustrating at times would be anunderstatement.

In Jason’s case, the doctor Kemsley initiallycalled to see if he would treat Jason free ofcharge, turned her down flat. Kemsley says shebelieves he may be afraid that if he has to referJason to someone else, it would involve himasking the next health care provider for furtherfree services – something he is not willing do.“That’s the way it works,” she says. “I call thephysician or lab and beg; many say yes and manygo above and beyond. However, there are alwaysthe exceptions which make my job moredifficult.”

For Jason, Kemsley will have to rely on achest X-ray she was able to procure through hercontacts in the area and a strong dose of genericantibiotics that she knows he can get for freethrough the Publix prescription drug program.

Better late than neverThe St. Vincent de Paul clinic, founded by

Drs. Marianito “Mark” Asperilla and DavidKlein, first opened its doors in Port Charlotte inFebruary 2008. The doctors, both of whom have

busy private practices in the area, used theirprevious experience with AIDS and Hepatitis Cclinics when devising the model for the clinic.Asperilla drew up the original business plan ontable napkins after experiencing “years offrustration” trying to get public funding to set upa free clinic in Charlotte County. “I sat down onenight when I could not sleep and wrote out thebusiness plan for the clinic on napkins at 2 in themorning,” he said.

His plan was to create a loose collaborationbetween local health care institutions, physiciansand pharmaceutical companies in order toprovide free care for those who do not qualify forMedicare or Medicaid. The central componentof his model was the hiring of a single PA tomanage and coordinate the day-to-day operationof the clinic. Although they felt they had a solidconcept, both men knew that the key to theirsuccess would be the hiring of the PA.

“The start-up team had been interviewingPAs for weeks and had narrowed the decisiondown to three candidates. Joanie came in frombehind; she was not even one of the originalapplicants, but we are grateful she came along,”Asperilla said, adding that Kemsley’s medicalexpertise, straightforward demeanor and justplain guts made her stand out from other PAsthey interviewed. She was the only candidatewho was not scared off by the huge responsibilityof running a clinic virtually alone.

Kemsley’s success as a PA seems to support

the old adage that there’s something to be saidfor coming to something later in life. Afterraising her son Alex as a single mom she madethe decision to go back to school to not onlycope with the reality of being an empty-nesterbut also to “find a greater purpose.”

It was always just the two of them, she says,so she needed something that would be allconsuming in order to give him his space.

Approaching middle age, she had been outof school for many years, so she took a summercourse in biology at the University of Vermont toprepare for the PA program. “We did a chapter aday, it was very grueling. I had flash cards pastedall over my house and studied constantly. Manynights I cried,” recalls Kemsley.

However, despite the difficulties inherent inbeginning a new career later in life, Kemsleyfound inspiration when, on the first day, theinstructor announced that he had a brain tumorand warned the students that he may haveseizures during class.

“I thought, ‘If this poor young guy with abrain tumor can stand in the basement, in thesweltering heat, and teach this basic biologyclass, then I can overcome my own limitations asan adult learner,’ ” says Kemsley, who jokes thatshe found Barry “the hard way.”

On her way to vacation in Key West beforestarting a PA program in Pennsylvania, Kemsleyvisited Barry’s campus and felt inspired. “I stoodon the campus in the sunshine, under the palms,listening to the wild parrots and knew this waswhere I needed to be,” she said, adding that she’snever regretted losing her $500 deposit for thePennsylvania program.

Going withoutPerhaps it is her life experience, such as takingcare of her father when he was terminally ill, orher desire to find an all consuming passion thatmakes Kemsley comfortable working in anenvironment in which practicality is at apremium and ego a hindrance.

In order to keep costs down, Kemsley hasno staff physicians to regularly consult with,instead she relies on Asperilla and Klein’s off-sitesupervision or input from one of the dozen or sophysicians who volunteer their time at the clinic.There is no billing system as the clinic is free.There are no labs or imaging services availableexcept through institutions that are willing todonate services. A simple blood test becomes aluxury.

“All we can supply is a safety net for theuninsured in our local area,” says Klein. “Thescope of practice of the PA allows us to providecare to those who would otherwise go without.”And, unfortunately, there are many goingwithout. The U.S. Census recently reported that45.7 million Americans were uninsured in 2007.

ALUMNIPracticing Without a NetBy Rena Kizilisik

profilePhysician Assistant Joanie Kemsley ’04 is a lifeline for hardworking Charlotte County

residents who just can’t afford to see a doctor

P A G E 1 3


0000_winterMED.qxd 12/18/08 10:47 AM


In addition, a report released in October by theU.S. Census Bureau estimated that more thanone in five Floridians younger than 65 lack healthinsurance. In Charlotte County, 19 percent of thepopulation is uninsured, slightly above thenational average of 17.3 percent.

Statistics in and of themselves cannot put aface on the uninsured, but if it they could, the facecould easily be one of a working adult betweenthe ages of 18-65 who has a full-time job. In fact,the National Scorecard on U.S. Health SystemPerformance (2008) states that 42 percent of allworking age adults in the United States are eitheruninsured or underinsured. Although somedisagree on what qualifies someone asunderinsured, it is generally taken to includeanyone who is unable to obtain needed carebecause their insurance coverage is inadequate.

Those employed by small businesses - lesslikely than larger corporations to offer theiremployees affordable health plans - are amongthe hardest hit, Kemsley says.

Helping the uninsuredMary, the sole employee at a small UPS franchise,was hit hard.

The franchise does not provide her withhealth care coverage, and, like so many workingpeople, she lives paycheck to paycheck. She can’tafford to pay for her own health insurance, so,needless to say, regular mammograms are out ofthe question.

About a year ago, Mary found a lump in herbreast. Initially, she wasn’t too worried becauseshe had a history of breast cysts and assumed itwould fade away on its own as the others had.But as time went on, the lump continued to growand cause her increasing discomfort. When afriend told her about the free clinic, Mary calledimmediately to get an appointment.

As soon as she examined Mary, Kemsleyknew there was cause for concern. The lump inMary’s breast actually did not technically qualifyas a “lump” as it took up more than 50 percent ofthe breast tissue, she says. Knowing that time wascritical, Kemsley’s first step was to get a biopsyfree of charge. After a week passed and she stillhad no luck getting the biopsy scheduled,Kemsley and a doctor who volunteers at the clinicdecided to do the biopsy themselves. The samplewas sent to a lab, which revealed that the lumpwas malignant, confirming Kemsley’s suspicions.

As is so often the case, Kemsley again tookto the phones and was able to get Mary into aclinical study at the H. Lee Moffitt CancerCenter and Research Institute at the University ofSouth Florida in Tampa. Not only would Moffittreat Mary free of charge but, as part of theclinical study, she would also be eligible for freeprescriptions, have a place to stay during radiationtreatments, and a coupon for their salon to befitted for a wig when she loses her hair.

“I consider Joanie a blessing from above. Iam being treated like a queen at Moffit,” Marysays, adding that she hopes others will be helpedthrough what they learn from her case.

Blood, sweat and tears As Kemsley begins to examine Robert, who hascome to the clinic with a toothache, he apologizesto her for being sweaty. “I’ve been working on theroof all day so I probably stink,” he says as theybegin to chat. Kemsley says guys like Robert arethe reason she becomes so angry and frustratedwhen faced with working people who aren’tgetting access to health care. Robert works hardas a roofer all day long and has from a very youngage, a tough job which the South Florida sunmakes even more grueling.

“To think that a man who has worked ashard as Robert would have to go to theemergency room for a toothache is just not theway it should to be,” says Kemsley.

Although not much about the health caresystem as Jason, Robert and Mary experience it isas it should be, Kemsley and the clinic staff andvolunteers remain focused on working with thewhat is, and on doing what they can to improvethe lives and health of every patient who comesthrough their doors – a utilitarian, needs-basedapproach more often associated with developingcountries than with 21st century U.S. health care.

“We are about practical solutions which canhelp right now, one patient at a time,” saysExecutive Director James Sidbury, who estimatesthat more than 8,000 patients will visit the clinicby the end of its first year of operation.

And as the number of patients continues toincrease, the question of how the clinic cancontinue to serve the community most effectivelyis one that is constantly revisited.

Paramount to the success of the clinic modelis that it continues to provide services free ofcharge. The clinic currently provides treatment toany individual within Charlotte County who isuninsured and can show income of no more than$28,000 per year. This figure is based on a scale of200 percent of poverty level, which is currentlycalculated at $14,000 per year for a two-personhousehold by the U.S. Department of Health andHuman Services.

“We are part of the Society of St. Vincentde Paul, an international Catholic network ofcharities, which provides us with volunteers.Funding comes from various sources such as thecounty, grants and help from the local hospitals,”says Development Director Lauren Schmidt,adding that the clinic recently received a$100,000 grant from the Blue Foundation for aHealthy Florida Inc., a philanthropic affiliate ofBlue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida.

Although the county provides some supportto the clinic through grant funds allocated by theState of Florida through the volunteer HealthCare Provider Program, administrators have so farnot sought federal funds due to federal mandatesregarding race, ethnicity and indigence.

“We have avoided a federal designation aswe are not interested in a sliding scale or ademographic quota and we are not waitingaround for legislation to solve the health carecrisis in Florida,” Sidbury says.

Clean bill of healthKemsley’s last patient of the day is Andrew, animposing man with a bald head and a boxer’sgrin. Andrew first met Kemsley through his wifewho volunteers at the clinic one night a week.Talking to Kemsley, tears come to his eyes and hegoes on to tell his story to anyone who will listen.

At 63 years of age, Andrew has started torehab after more than 40 years of hard drug abusewhich included a 19-year stay in a federalpenitentiary. He is three weeks clean and creditsKemsley with getting him into rehab. “She justtold me not to come back if I was not at leastwilling to try,” he said. “Somebody cared enoughabout this old drug addict to offer to fight thehealth care system.”

And fighting the system is somethingKemsley, the ‘accidental’ advocate says she willcontinue to do one patient at a time.

“There are so many uninsured in PortCharlotte alone that I know I can’t help them all.If I can help one person feel better today, my jobhas been done,” Kemsley says.

Kemsley examines patient Dustin Pearson

P A G E 1 4

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IMPORTANT DATES

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n JANUARY 15, 2009Barry University Podiatric Alumni ReceptionFPMA SAM MeetingCaribe Royale OrlandoContact: Paulina Munoz 305-899-4873

n FEBRUARY 6, 2009Barry University APMSA Delegation andPedinol Student Lounge Dedication ReceptionCenter for Community Health and MinorityMedicineContact: Rena Kizilisik 305-899-3269

n FEBRUARY 21, 20092009 Agnes Seminar“Billing Code 77.51: A Symphony in PodiatricMedicine”Barry Campus, Andreas 111 & 112CME’s are availableContact: Solange Brinson 305-899-3255, ext.3266Online registration available:www.barry.edu/podiatry/cme

n MAY 2, 2009School of Podiatric Medicine Class of 2009Commencement CeremonyBarry University Campus, Broad CenterContact: Rena Kizilisik 305-899-3269

n MAY 20-24, 2009School of Podiatric MedicineComprehensive Board Review (31CMEs)Regal Sun Resort, Orlando, FloridaContact: Solange Brinson 305-899-3266Online registration available:www.barry.edu/podiatry/cme

PRES

IDEN

T’S

OFFI

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NLY

CAM

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ONLY

Debbi L. Hanson, PA-C, MMS ‘02Assistant Professor

EDITOR: What is your current position atBarry? Describe your responsibilities includingteaching, administration, and clinical work.

HANSON: I am an assistant professor ofPhysician Assistant studies and joined BarryUniversity July 1st 2008. My current

responsibilities this semester include lecturing tophysician assistant students in the courses ofPhysical Diagnosis and Clinical Therapeuticsand instructing students in the PhysicalDiagnosis lab.

EDITOR: What position did you hold beforecoming to Barry? What degrees do you holdand from what universities?

HANSON: I attended the Physician Assistantprogram at Barry University and graduated inDecember 2002 with a master of clinicalmedical science in Physician Assistant studies.After graduation, I was privileged to work as aphysician assistant in the internal medicinedepartment at the Veterans AdministrationHospital in Dallas, TX. In a busy teachingclinic, I gained extensive clinical experiencetreating patients with both acute and chroniccomplex medical problems. I worked with suchan exceptional medical team and it was anhonor to care for patients who were so gratefulfor the care they received.

EDITOR: How do you like the video-conferencing teaching methodology whichBarry's PA Program utilizes?

HANSON: I find the interactive video-conferencing to be a highly innovative newteaching tool in education. As a new facultymember, it did not take long to adapt to thisnew way of teaching. Furthermore, the programutilizes many complimentary technology toolssuch as Blackboard (to post lectures, give timedtests on the computer, among others) and aremote polling response system for all studentsto participate during the lecture.

EDITOR: What advice do you have for PAstudents concerning their career in medicine?

HANSON: Work diligently now to learn thebasic sciences and continue life-long learning asyou grow as a Physician Assistant. The field ofmedicine is a both privilege and responsibility togive the highest quality care to all patients.Treat all patients with the respect and dignitythey deserve by exemplifying empathy andkindness in all you do.

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