CHCS Perspectives Summer/Fall 2013

PERSPECTIVES • SUMMER-FALL 2013 – Page 5 On May 10, the Professional Development and Education office sponsored a conference on “The Impact of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) on the Health Professions.” Over 120 attendees partic- ipated in this full-day workshop that included keynote speakers and two panel discussions. The interprofessional audience learned about the health reform law and how it will impact future practice. The day ended with Senator Eleanor Sobel providing updates on the Florida Legislature. In addition, several of NSU’s clinical pre- ceptors were in attendance and acknowledged for their ongoing support of the College of Health Care Sciences’ programs. The First Leadership and Management Advancement course was taught during the 2013 winter semester. This is one aspect of the Center for Academic and Professional Ex- cellence (CAPE) that was developed to foster and support leadership development in the College of Health Care Sci- ences. Six faculty members were inducted into the academy as a result of successfully completing the 16-week course. They are Dave Kotun, Ed.D., PA-C, DFAAPA, former as- sociate professor and director of clinical education for PA programs, Melba Ovalle, M.D., associate program chair and medical director, Orlando Campus, Keiba Shaw, D.P.T., as- sociate professor of physical therapy, and Kris Winston, Ph.D., OTR/L, assistant professor, as well as Heather Saif- man, M.S.N., and Lisa Soontupe, Ed.D., R.N., from NSU’s College of Nursing. Leadership is defined in a variety of ways, but aspects that are incorporated into most definitions and descriptions include the ability to influence others for the attainment of agreed-upon goals. Contemporary leadership supports the fact that anyone can possess leadership skills. When individ- uals are intentional about building these skills, the outcome can be very beneficial and rewarding for themselves as well as for the organizations they work for. Everyday leadership is a construct that helps us to under- stand that we have multiple opportunities on a daily basis to make a difference in work life as well as our personal endeav- ors. The Leadership and Management Academy graduates were able to identify the benefits of gaining more knowledge in this area. Dr. Ovalle stated that her primary purpose for participating “was to learn more about the role of a leader and conflict resolution.” She indicated she has “tools to view conflict” and addresses challenging situations “without fear or avoidance.” Other graduates remarked they are now able to apply leadership theories for everyday situations. They are more aware of personal strengths and areas to improve on in regard to leadership and management skill development. We look forward to the new academic year with opportu- nities to develop additional resources through the Leadership and Management Academyas well as the Teaching/Learning and Research Academies under the CHCS’ CAPE. THE IMPACT OF THE AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE ACT WORKSHOP Center for Academic and Professional Excellence (CAPE) By Sandee Dunbar D.P.A., OTR/L Assistant Dean of Professional Development and Education CHCS HAPPENINGS N SU’s new Department of Cardiopulmonary Sciences is proud to announce the initiation of its inaugural degree program—the Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Ther- apy (B.S.R.T.) for the practicing registered respiratory therapist. NSU is the only university in Florida that offers a completion program resulting in a B.S.R.T. degree. The outstanding curricu- lum was designed by experts in the field and includes extended top- ics in critical thinking, research, diagnostic procedures, leadership, and other specialized areas of interest. The program provides every opportunity for students to succeed in being lifelong learners, crit- ical thinkers, evidence-based practitioners, managers, and the best providers of care in a multitude of environments. Students are challenged to achieve their highest potential. Classes are conducted fully online and the department is based out of NSU’s regional campus in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. The program offers students the flexibility to continue to work while obtaining their B.S.R.T. degree. In addition to the completion pro- gram, NSU’s Department of Cardiopulmonary Sciences offers a specialization in management for practitioners considering a career as an administrative professional. Future programs include a first-professional on-campus B.S.R.T. and an online Master’s in Cardiopulmonary Sciences. CARDIOPULMONARY SCIENCES West Palm Beach