COM Outlook Winter 2021

54 | DR. KIRAN C. PATEL COLLEGE OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE CLOSING NOTES On May 28, NSU’s New Program Review Committee approved the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Health Infor- matics program, which will commence in fall 2021. The program is a collaboration between NSU’s Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine (KPCOM) and College of Computing and Engineering (CCE). Students can expect a rich undergraduate curricu- lum, where they will have an opportunity to apply core concepts of health informatics to myriad fields, includ- ing mental health, public health, nutrition, clinical practice, private sector, and non-health professions. B.S. in Health Informatics students will have a few choices in the degree paths they can take, such as pursuing a traditional, four-year degree or a dual admission in the B.S. in Health Informatics and Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine programs. The B.S. in Health Informatics program looks forward to working with the CCE as educators, mentors, and guides for incoming students on their academic journey. The program will offer an inter- disciplinary curriculum that is focused on cultivating and developing health information technology (HIT) knowledge, skills, and attitudes that allow graduates to pursue successful and meaningful HIT careers. Graduates will be able to interpret, gather, clean, analyze, and present HIT data and information while acquiring the necessary applicable knowledge and skills to create or enhance existing HIT processes and systems—improving health care organizational operations while meeting their goals. Students will learn to recognize the importance of lifelong learning and be champions of HIT adoption. “This innovative program will be the fourth under- graduate program developed and facilitated by the KPCOM,” said Phyllis J. Filker, D.M.D., M.P.H., associate dean of undergraduate, graduate, and community education. “The involvement of faculty from both colleges in the collaborative curriculum design will positively influence the program’s out- comes. Medicine has finally embraced electronic health records, patient portals, and numerous other IT strategies to advance patient care, and the B.S. in Health Informatics will provide students with the background to contribute to this advancing field.” o New B.S. in Health Informatics Approved CLOSING Notes On November 12, the Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine’s COM Outlook magazine received the first-place prize in the magazine and periodicals category at the Public Relations Society of America Tampa Bay Chapter PRestige Awards virtual ceremony, which recognizes outstanding PR programs and tactics by PR pros in Florida and across the country. “Winning awards is gratifying, but they are even more meaning- ful when they involve a team effort,” said Scott Colton, B.A., APR, director of medical commu- nications and public relations for the osteopathic medicine college and the Health Professions Division. “Creating each issue of COM Outlook involves the efforts of many dedicated individuals who contribute to the magazine’s enduring popularity.” Colton, who oversees the magazine’s editorial content, also credits the talented team from NSU’s Office of Print- ing and Publications | Division of Business Services for playing a significant role in the magazine’s award-winning success. “The accolades COM Outlook continues to receive truly exemplify the One NSU philosophy of collaboration and collegiality.” This marks the second first- place prize COM Outlook earned in 2020 after receiving the national award for Best Magazine in March from the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine. o COM Outlook Wins PRSA PRestige Award DR. KIRAN C. PATEL COLLEGEOFOSTEOPATHICMEDICINE Outlook COM BIG APPLE ANGUISH PAGE 5 FRONTLINE INSIGHTS PAGE 13 THE VIRUS SEE-SAW PAGE 17 “NEW NORMAL”MUSINGS PAGE 36 SUMMER/FALL 2020 NOVA SOUTHEASTERNUNIVERSITY COVID FIRSTHAND SPECIAL ISSUE