Alum and Students Make Four Home Runs at the Boston Marathon

Our students (and alums) are beyond fantastic.  We all know that.  They are highly recruited, so smart, and destined to be leaders.   Today, I want to take a moment and to recognize a few members of our community, who have demonstrated exemplary leadership through their participation in this year's Boston Marathon.  I admire their effort so much and believe they have hit a "home run" for themselves and for the Institute.  See what you think:

Home Run Number 1: First off, CSD 2007 alum, Janis Greim decided to combine her passion for running and her commitment to the IHP into a remarkable memorial for her classmate, Chris Norman, (CSD 2007), who passed away suddenly last year.   Janis, who now lives in Pennsylvania, and works as a speech-language pathologist for a rehabilitation agency, entered the Boston Marathon with a goal of raising funds in memory of Chris.  When the Norman family heard of this, they developed a matching challenge to inspire Janis' classmates, faculty, and others to make a donation.  At the end of the 26 mile run, Janis' leadership inspired over $15,000 of commitment for future students in CSD!   Janis, now back at home, sent a wonderful message yesterday, and in it she said :    ..." But running is really the pinnacle of the sport, it decides who wins and tests you when you’re at your most vulnerable point in the race.  More than that though, by itself, running is such an innately natural part of who we are as humans. And it occurred to me, Chris taught me that. He taught me about running. It has become such a powerful medium for expression. People run out of anger, fear, pain, boredom, joy, excitement, worry, love. . . Running is colorful, just like Chris. That’s why I think he was drawn to it. So at the end of the day, I think I’m lucky for having gone through all of this. I got to learn something about Chris and something about myself.  

I had no idea what would happen on Monday. I went into the race reminding myself that in all my 28 years, I’d never started a race that I didn’t finish - this would not be the first. I ran slow and steady and did it with a killer smile, because that’s what I remember most about Chris."   

Here is a link to Janis' marathon site.  It will inspire:  http://www.mghihp.edu/about-us/ways-to-give/boston-marathon/janis-greim.aspx

Home Run Number 2:  Kailin Collins, a second year student in the DPT program decided that with school and clinical responsibilities that she could run in the marathon and raise money for the PT Center!   The faculty describe Kailin as a leader and clearly she is a great time manager, as well.  Training for the marathon, combined with her other responsibilities is an amazing commitment.   And the best  news, Kailin came in 36th in the women's division with 2:48:39 time, which is just 2 minutes shy of an Olympic trial qualifying time!   She says that ....
"the treck from Hopkinton to Boston was an indescribable journey for me and there so many faculty, family, and classmates cheering along the way!"   She went on..." 
"Throughout the race I was cognizant that I was representing the IHP...... I have had the privilege of working (in PT) with clients from the Aphasia Center and I was amazed by their fortitude and will."    
Kailin's fortitude and will raised over $5000 for the PT Center at the Institute.  PT Student Kailin Collins at the finish line!
Home Run Number 3:  Kelly Brush is a first year student in the Direct Entry (MSN) Nursing program.  Kelly brought distinction to herself and to the Institute by completing the course in under two hours......oh by the way...she came in first place (YES, FIRST PLACE) in the handcycle division of the marathon.   If you want to learn more about Kelly and her commitment to athletics and to other people with spinal cord injury, you may want to spend some time on her website: .  http://kellybrushfoundation.org/ .  Trust me, it is worth the time to learn of the drive and inspiration that Kelly brings to the Institute and to her racing!    Kelly described her participation in this year's Boston marathon as follows:  "The marathon was great, a lot of fun. I went much faster than I was expecting, which was exciting. It was such a great experience being on the course with all of the fans and hearing everyone cheering for me. I did my first marathon last spring in Burlington, Vermont (where I'm from) and qualified for Boston. I decided that since I'm living here and I qualified and it's such a great event I should do it. It was hard to train since it's winter in Boston and I can't ride my handcycle (what I used in the marathon) in the snow, but I obviously found a way to train enough to win my division! I was not expecting to win, but it was a pleasant surprise!
Home Run Number 4:  And then there is our DNP student, Ann Marie Larocca.  Ann Marie is one of the nurse leaders at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, for which she raised money during this year's marathon.  So, imagine  juggling a demanding "more than"  full time job at Spaulding, participation in a doctoral program after hours and on weekends and training for a marathon.   You can check out Ann Marie at the finish line on CBS Boston:  
http://video.boston.cbslocal.com/global/video/flash/popupplayer.asp?clipId1=5767709&flvUri=&partnerclipid=&at1=News&vt1=v&h1=Takes%20Much%20Longer%20For%20Some%20Marathon%2020Runners&d1=134667&redirUrl=http://video.boston.cbslocal.com&activePane=info&LaunchPageAdTag=homepage&clipFormat=flv&rnd=50097121

 She describes her experience, as follows: 

"I started off feeling strong, but at about mile 14 I hit a bad patch mentally and started to doubt my ability to finish. I was actually looking around for the next Red Cross station and thinking no shame, no blame, just take the bus back to the Mandarin. Then something just kicked in. There were no angelic voices, no super burst of speed, I just started thinking about the Spaulding tagline "find your strength" . Focusing on finding my strength helped me turn it around, kept me off the bus and after 6 plus hours on the course led me to the finish line. "

So, four home runs from the IHP community!  I encourage you to send each of our marathoners your congratulations!

"Grateful for Our Educational Resources" Week

April 10-16 is National Library Week.   I was on the "T" and saw a John Grisham (one of my favorite authors) poster promoting this recognition of libraries and librarians! Grisham caught my attention, and now I hope that I catch yours!

So, first off,   I think it's a good idea for me to express my thanks, at this time, to our librarian, Jessica Bell and to others who create a remarkable learning foundation for the Institute.   Jessica's leadership is supported by her remarkable colleagues at the Treadwell Libray at MGH, led by Elizabeth Schneider.  Together, all of these colleagues make an innumerable list of resources available to us, customize resources for our students, and serve as real "knowledge managers" for faculty on the front lines!  Many colleges and unviersities are struggling with the library model for the future, the decreasing relevance of "physical" libraries, the cost and need for connecting with library networks, and with redefining the librarian as a learning expert rather than an archivist.   With the wisdom of those who have been involved in Institute planning, with the cooperation of our MGH partners, and with the talent of Jessica as our liaison and "knowledge manager" we have acheived so much, without struggling with the issues mentioned above!   Our library (and our library team) are far ahead of the times and we are most fortunate to have such talent.

But, we also need to recognize the others who support our faculty and students in the teaching and learning enterprise.  Thanks to Denis Stratford and the IT staff,  we have state of the art classrooms that are loaded with technology that we need.  We have a learning platform that is supported 24/7 for our students and faculty, we have digital video capability in our clinical spaces that enhances instruction, makes observation feasible in ways unimagined ten years ago, and brings the clinic and the classroom closer and closer.   And we also have consistent attention to our technology, data, and web based needs!

And last, but not least, we are grateful for our Instructional Designer, Diane Ottovianni.  Diane is keeping busy supporting some of our online faculty,  conducting consultations and workshops for all of us, and looking to future needs.   Many of you have already experienced Diane's expertise in pedagogy and in technology improvements for courses.

So,  I hereby declare "library week" as "Grateful for Educational Resources Week."   We are so fortunate to have an energetic, passionate, and commited team of resource personnel in place to help make the IHP such a great place to teach and to learn.

Amazing Students with Amazing Stories

Meet some friends of mine--who are some of the current roster of John Hilton Knowles Scholars.  Left to right above, they are Jason Villarreal (DEN), Tammy Cheung (DPT), Katie Volpa (ABSN), Taryn  Townsend(CSD) and Ricardo Sedan (DEN) .  The Knowles family has established a scholarship in honor of John Hilton Knowles, who was President of Mass General Hospital when the Institute was founded. Dr. Knowles, now deceased, and his family recognized the important contribution that our students are to make, as future leaders of their various disciplines


Jason, whose home is in San Antonio, Texas has worked as a furniture mover for people who were impoverished and for three years as a health promoter in inner city Boston. Fluent in Russian (along with Spanish and English), Jason has volunteered with the Chernobyl Children's Project!  He is also involved in two choirs in his church and is active in flag football!   He is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame.

Tammy, who is originally from New Jersey is first year student in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program.  Before coming to Boston, Tammy volunteered for Habitat for Humanity and also for "Open Hands" a group that brings food to homebound, ill, or disabled persons.  Tammy is a graduate of the University of California at Berkley.

Katie,  a graduate of Boston University with a master's in international health, is enrolled in the accelerated BSN program at the Institute.   She has spent one year in Chennai India where she focused on serving people with HIV/AIDS and another year working on the Thai-Burmese border, working in refugee camps.  Her international work convinced her that she wanted to combine her knowledge of international need with clinical skills in nursing.

Taryn,  a graduate of the University of Florida, has remained active with an organization that has significant outreach to multicultural populations and inclusiveness.  Taryn is a first year student in the MS program in Speech  Language Pathology.  In addition to her studies (and adjusting to Boston weather), Taryn is a volunteer with the Big Sisters organization.

 Ricardo, is in the first year of the three year DEN program.  His rich background includes participating as a professional card player during his undergraduate years at MIT, working as a medical interpreter at the Charlestown Community Health Center, producing films,  and being dad to two young sons (ages 3 and 5). 

The Knowles family has established a scholarship in honor of John Hilton Knowles, who was President of Mass General Hospital when the Institute was founded.   Dr. Knowles, now deceased, and his family recognized the important contribution that our students are to make, as future leaders of their various disciplines.

At the March 3 meeting of our Trustees, which was also attended by representatives of the Knowles family, these great students were able to share their backgrounds and stories.  As you can imagine, they were a "hit."   It was my great pleasure to be able to introduce them to the Board, and I described them as game changers.  They are going to change the health care game of the future.  I am so happy to know that indivduals such as Jason Villarreal (DEN), Tammy Cheung (DPT), Katie Volpa (ABSN), Taryn  Townsend(CSD) and Ricardo Sedan (DEN) are at the Institute.  These scholars have already demonstrated their academic talent, as a basis for coming to the IHP and receiving this award.  Now, they are on the way to demonstrate talent in their discipline and as the next generation of leaders in health care.

Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords: The Lost Story

Just over a month ago, Congresswoman Gabby Giffords (D-AZ) was shot in the head during a mass shooting in her home city of Tucson.   In this incomprehensible event, numerous others were killed or injured.   The nation’s hearts have been wracked with grief for this terrible tragedy.  As is always true with such events, the news media pounced on the story.     The public (myself included) looked forward to learning of what happened as the story progressed.  We all wanted to know that Giffords had survived.

For several weeks following Gifford’s tragic shooting, the media was filled with images of heroic “scrub clad” surgeons describing the specific details of the brain surgery, and her immediate post-operative recovery.   Descriptions of her early cognitive and motor responses (eye contact, hand squeezing) and removal of her ventilator filled newspapers and TV shows.  Discussions of her inability to communicate (attributed inappropriately to her tracheostomy) were presented repeatedly.  

Once her condition was stable, Congresswoman Giffords was transferred to a rehabilitation hospital in Houston, Texas.   Her husband, Mark Kelly, explained to the media and the world that now that she was moving into rehabilitation, he hoped that their privacy would be respected and that they would not give regular news briefings.  This decision, after such an exhaustive course of events, is completely understandable.  We respect this decision, of course.   Unfortunately, this is just the beginning of a very long story about which the media rarely focuses.

Most of us at the Institute—nurses, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists---all know that the story hardly ended upon discharge from the University of Arizona Hospital.   That was the preface to what is guaranteed to be a long docudrama.     My wish is that the heroes and heroines of the next several chapters of the story had the chance to share their contribution—just like that skilled surgeon.   What would the story sound like?   What would be the plot?

Anyone reading the story would know that the coordination, skill, inter-professional competence, 24 /7 basic and advanced care in a highly integrated set of daily events would be the setting.  The characters involved in this narrative would be graduate level professionals—like those that we educate---who would monitor the congresswoman’s physical and cognitive status on a moment-to-moment basis.  They would develop specific strategies, based on research evidence, to guide her in the direction of recovery.  Those steps in care would involve pharmacologic, behavioral, physiological, and psychological interventions.     Complexities of motor function, cognition, language, speech, swallowing, social and executive functions would be assessed daily, weekly, and monthly using sophisticated measures, technologies, and expert observational skills.   The mental health needs of this important patient and her family would need to be addressed and advanced methods of counseling and support will be used to deal with the emotional complexities of brain recovery and establishing positive skills in coping.    

And the dramatic outcome of the story that started with a bullet will include a whole person, restored as fully as possible to someone who solves problems, socializes with friends, enjoys others, independently carries out needed activities and in that most hoped for outcome, returns to work again. 

I wish that when the media tells their version of the story that they would name the “other” heroes who contribute to this long drama.   The nurses, physical and occupational therapists, the speech-language pathologists and psychologists could all have a dramatic message that would really complete Congresswoman Gabrielle Gifford’s lost story.     

Martin Luther King Speaks to MGH Institute Community

Wouldn’t this have been a great headline on the Institute website?  At about the same time that MLK was assassinated, the Institute was in its earliest formative years.  Wouldn’t it have been something if Dr. King had been able to have given the first commencement address or speak at the Schwartz rounds?   His message, I am sure, would have been one that focused on urgency for bringing access to all, eliminating disparities and barriers to health care, and assuring that the needs of all people and all providers were addressed.  

Earlier today I heard a talk regarding Dr. King’s message.  The speaker, Dr. Anne Bonnyman, an Episcopal Priest at Trinity Church Boston, referred to a letter that King wrote while imprisoned in Birmingham, Alabama in 1963.   A portion of that letter reads:

“ I cannot sit idly by in Atlanta, and not be concerned about what happens in Birmingham.  Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.  We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny.  Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. “ 

(Source:  King, ML (1964), Why We Can’t Wait. Penguin Group:  New York, NY.)

This quote really could be directed to our faculty and students at the Institute.   To me, it serves as a reminder that we are preparing health providers and leaders for the whole world.   Our students have had the great opportunity to study with and learn from excellent preceptors and mentors in some of Boston’s (and the nation’s) greatest institutions.   This privilege is afforded, I believe, not so that they can all continue their professional roles in this remarkable environment.   In fact, I believe a true measure of our institutional success lies in our graduates’ ability to take what they have learned here, and then to apply these learnings wherever they are most needed.

Are we encouraging our students to use their cutting edge professional education to serve the world?  Are we providing regular, visible, and substantive opportunities for our students to bring their newly formed skills to those places in our city, nation, and the world that are most likely to be transformed by our care?   In each of our programs and disciplines, are we consistently highlighting issues of equal access, disparity, health literacy, and prevention?  Are we assuring that our students leave us with the ability to respectfully and competently apply their skills and knowledge throughout every neighborhood in Boston, and in Haiti, in New Orleans, and other areas where excellent healthcare is not easily found? 

Our new strategic map will provide opportunity and direction for us, regarding those issues that Dr. King raised over 50 years ago. During 2011 (and beyond)  I hope that each and every faculty member and student within the Institute will:

•  spend time talking about their opportunity to transform health care for everyone,
• discuss issues of health care in the context of justice, and
• always remember that “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”   

The King's Speech (Pathologist)

Happy 2011!   I hope that each and every member of the IHP community had a wonderful break, a good rest, and joins me in looking forward to a lively semester!   Part of my break time was filled with seeing a few films.   One that was memorable for me was "The King's Speech".  www.kingsspeech.com/

This film is receiving great reviews for the acting performance, the strong writing, and its historical significance.  I liked it for all of those reasons.  However, my reason for discussing "The King's Speech" in this blog is because of some important take home messages offered. 

First of all, let me reveal my bias.  I am a speech-language pathologist and spent many (wonderful) years working with people who stutter, helping young parents cope with their children's stuttering, dealing with prevention of bullying and teasing for PWS I(people who stutter), and  teaching masters and PhD students  in the area of fluency disorders.  It is safe to say that I care deeply about people who stutter and the challenges and compromised quality of life that many of them have experienced.   Given my "bias" and personal interest, it is no surprise that I had great interest in seeing this film.  I expect that many of my SLP colleagues around the world share this enthusiasm.

My great endorsement of this film, though, centers not so much on the interesting and unorthodox representation of speech therapy (by a passionate, devoted, quirky, charming, untrained) speech "therapist".  Rather, the great story of this film is it's portrayal of the stuttering experience by King George, the persistent and postive self motivation for healthy communication, and his accomplishment in coping with his fluency disorder in such a heroic manner.   I believe that the courage and devotion of King George is representative of many, probably most, of the PWS with whom I have been involved.   This part of the story rang true for me.

So, why write about it here?   This movie is so unique in its accurate representation of the stuttering experience.  I have, over the years collected episodes of television shows, cartoons (Porky Pig?), popular movies (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjbkBjYwc84), and some novels that have included persons who stutter as characters.  People who stutter are most often portrayed in these media as cognitively challenged, mentally unhealthy, shy, dangerous, or as the object of ridicule.   How difficult a road this has been for people who stutter.   I always think of that young child, sitting in the movie theater, when the Porky Pig character sputters out "Th-th-th-at's All FFFFFFolks".  How difficult, embarassing, and horrific it must be to have everyone in the room laughing at a caricature of your speech!  Many people who stutter have written about and spoken about this unfair and cruel portrayal as both hurtful and as adding to the burden of their communication problem.

 While this movie portrays the challenge and effort associated with stuttering realistically, it offers hope to people who stutter, portrays the work being done between the clinician and the patient in meaningful and effective ways, and demonstrates the positive result that can be acheived.   Given that 1 in 100 persons stutters, it is likely that all health care providers (not just SLPs) will deal with people who stutter over the course of their career.   My hope is that films such as "The King's Speech" will begin to challenge stereotypic and damaging views of stuttering for all of us!

Thanks for letting me share this "very biased' blog!  "That's All Folks."





December has provided for some interesting "sights"  for the Institute community.   I had the chance to accompany some Partners' colleagues to Delhi, India in order to explore some collaborative opportunities for the future.  This picture, taken at India's largest mosque, is my favorite one from the trip!

Six faculty members representing our two Schools shared their research results with members of the Board at their recent Board of Trustees Dinner.   During a pre-dinner reception, faculty work was displayed on posters around the room and Trustees had a chance to visit with the faculty members and learn of their contributions.



Faculty members Pat Reidy and Dan Kane  (above)
hosted visitors in the ICU environment.

The lovely patient in the home care setting presented
an interesting mix of  challenges including her own
personal health habits and a bad wig!  By the way, the patient
is Dr. Deb Navedo!

Dr. Marianne Benninato (Physical Therapy) explained her work to Board Chair, Dr. George Thibault during the recent Board Dinner



On another note, Dec. 15 was the Institute Open House for the Simulation Center.  Many faculty members were able to see first hand the simulated home care environment and the ICU environment.  One of the goals of the event was to encourage faculty and student use of simulation in teaching activities.

By the way, the home simulation center is in need of a variety of products, furnishing, and assorted items.  Be sure to check out the list provided by the Simulation group that is posted in the main lobby of the Shouse Building.

Thanks to the faculty members who pulled the "open house" off and made it a big success!

CSD Faculty members Julie Atwood and Lesley Maxwell were seen attending the amazing holiday party hosted by the President!   What an event!   As usual, members of our Institute community raised money for a local shelter and donated two bins of toys for "Toys for Tots."   The marines were present to pick up the goods.  

Wake Up; It's December Already

     December Thought #1:  From all of my years in school (when have I ever NOT been in school?), December is always a memorable time.   In elementary school, December meant holiday planning and celebrations; in high school and college  it meant looking forward to a much desired break; and now in my professional life it almost always means time to "take stock."  One of the things that I have been thinking about as I take stock of this year is--how fast we are moving to the future.  I am so optimistic about our future at the Institute, that I almost can't remember all we have been accomplishing.   Rather, I keep wanting to jump ahead to that next exhilerating step.  I know that everyone doesn't always embrace my enthusiasm for change, and I am trying to be respectful of that.  At the same time, I am so excited about what is to come.
       This December, I am making a resolution to look back with appreciation for the wonderful environment in which I work (with each of our faculty members, staff, and students); the accomplishments of our faculty; and the responsibilities that we all take so seriously. As we look ahead together, I am promising myself and all of you to remember the Institute's long history of successful leadership and the recent work that has brought us to this exciting threshold.   More about that in January.....

December Thought # 2:  Today is December 1 and that means it is World AIDS Day.  How far our health care and social systems have come in prevention, treatment, and support of those with AIDS and HIV.  We work in an environment-Partners, MGH, Brigham and of course, the Institute-that has consistently demonstrated strong leadership about AIDS and also in serving those with this disease in a responsible, helpful, and respectful manner.  Today, I am particularly proud of those on our faculty, particularly some of our nursing colleagues, who have exemplified this leadership.   It is suggested that we wear "red" on AIDS awareness day.  Today, I am wearing and AIDS pin that was given to me by some health workers when I visited South Africa in honor of our nursing colleagues at the Institute.  Thanks for your leadership in our program, in Boston, and around the world.

December Thought #3:  Were you able to attend our first ACADEMIC TOWN MEETING?  It was held on November 22 and was well attended by the academic community.  If you missed it, the slides from my comments are available on the intranet.   As always, I am happy to answer any questions or hear comments from the Intstitute community.

On Giving Thanks: Some IHP Thoughts

      Almost every culture has a celebration of remembrance and gratitude. In the United States and Canada, Thanksgiving is the holiday where we spend time acknowledging those people and events that we appreciate most. In a few weeks, most of us will be spending time with friends or family (or maybe sharing time with a student or colleague who is new to Boston) and sharing in this great American holiday tradition.
           This year, as I celebrate Thanksgiving with my own family, I will also be remembering some aspects of the Institute community for which I am most grateful.   First of all, I am so appreciative to be part of this remarkable group of colleagues and students. We are all working together to prepare the future leaders of health care delivery, and this is an honor beyond words.
I am grateful for those in the larger community who have their eyes (and hearts) on the Institute. Having just come from the annual Scholarship Gala, I am filled with appreciation for those who are so generous in support of our work, the volunteers who contribute so much to our strength and impact.
  I am thankful to be part of the larger health system and education arena in Boston. Our city’s health institutions, especially our Partners’ colleagues, are transforming health care every day. Our friends in the health and education community add value to our educational programs, precept and mentor our students, and honor us by their commitment.
I am thankful for the enthusiastic and energetic staff who “keep the trains running on time” at the Institute. Our support structures are small, so as not to add to the cost of educating our students. Despite our size, our staff operates to get the job done, assures high quality services and responsiveness, and provides considerable value to the educational enterprise.
I could go on and on with this catalog of appreciation. Instead, I hope that my own reflection encourages you to think about the Institute community with gratitude.  Happy Thanksgiving to the whole community!

Happy Birthday Physical Therapy

This weekend, the Department of Physical Therapy is celebrating the 30th Anniversary of PT at the Institute. Alumni, faculty, and friends will come together for social and educational events. PT Chair (and Interim Dean of SHRS) Leslie Portney has produced a publication that reports the history of the program. Congratulations to our PT faculty, students, and alumni!

This birthday celebration of PT, which coincides with National PT Month, is a reminder of the important contribution that our PT programs make to the life of the Institute. From an educational standpoint, our program is recognized for cutting edge curricula, and is ranked 7th in the nation and first in the northeast by US News and World Report. Faculty in PT contribute as Institute leaders, and many have high profiles in the American Physical Therapy Association. Our remarkable and talented Physical Therapy students participate in wellness projects that impact many aspects of the community and they conduct an annual dodgeball tournament that raises thousands of dollars for charity.

The impact of the PT Department extends beyond the classroom. This past year, the program opened an exciting new clinic for the community. Located on the third floor of the Shouse Building, the clinic provides physical therapy services to individuals also being seen in the Speech and Language Center, and to our Charlestown and Navy Yard neighbors. The clinic is staffed by our students two days per week and he schedule is already full.

Finally, the PT program is unique in its international master's program. This program is customized to meet the needs of internationally licensed physical therapists who wish to accomplish advanced study in the U.S. These phenomenal individuals from around the world add much to the life of the Institute.

I hope that everyone in the Institute community will take a moment to say "thanks and congratulations" to our colleagues in Physical Therapy! We are all so grateful for your leadership and service!  Happy Birthday PT!