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Kristen Kaiser

COMM – Bones & Joints

COMM - Bones & Joints Activity

On November 19th, students Chris Stewart, Anton Pham, Ryan Braumann, Rachel McCann, and Max Gove from COMM went to Coral Cliffs Elementary School where they presented on the bones and joints. The 1st - 5th graders all listened eagerly as the medical students explained what the bones and joints do, and have a great and interactive time playing with life-size bones. The lesson concluded with the students coloring in skeleton cutouts.

November 26, 2018
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SOMA Winter Blanket Drive

SOMA Winter Blanket Drive

On a Friday afternoon following another packed week of tests, standardized patient encounters, and OMT competencies, 20 first and second year RVU-SU students chatted away as they made blankets in a library conference room. The event, organized by RVU-SU’s Student Osteopathic Medical Association (SOMA) chapter, was part of the National SOMA Region V Community Development initiative for a winter blanket drive. The blankets will be donated to Project Linus, a national charity who’s mission is to “Provide love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gifts of new, handmade blankets and afghans, lovingly created by volunteer “blanketeers”.“ Making the initial cuts on a soon to be blanket, Kat Forneris OMS-I and SOMA member said “Even though winter starts a little bit later here in Ivins, these blankets will keep those less fortunate warm. Plus who doesn’t love a fuzzy, fleece blanket!?!”.

As Footloose played in the background and cookies on hand for snacks, OMS I and II students carefully matched fleece patterns and colors, lined them up on tables, and then cut strips into the edges so the blankets could be tied. Everyone even had a quick lesson on the surgical square knot as well so the final step of tying each blanket together could be completed. The project was funded in part by RVU-SU SOMA’s fall fundraiser in which 1/4 zip pullovers and sweatshirts were sold to students and faculty. In total, the volunteering osteopathic medical student “blankenteers” made twenty new, warm, and colorful fleece blankets for donation. “What a great way to end another busy week filled with academic commitments!” Katie Zuspan OMS-II and SOMA Vice-President said as she tied off the final blanket.

November 26, 2018
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Days for Girls Activity

Days for Girls Activity - Sponsored by WIM & DOCARE

Days for Girls Activity

What is the "Days for Girls" Organization?
Every girl in the world deserves an education, safety, and dignity. We help girls gain access to quality sustainable feminine hygiene and awareness, by direct distribution of sustainable feminine hygiene kits, by partnering with nonprofits, groups, and organizations, by raising awareness, and by helping communities around the world start their own programs. Thanks to a global grassroots network of thousands of volunteers and supporters on 6 continents, we have reached women and girls in 123 countries on 6 continents. It's working. You can help us reach the rest.

Imagine...
What if not having sanitary supplies meant DAYS without school, DAYS without income, DAYS without leaving the house? Girls use leaves, mattress stuffing, newspaper, corn husks, rocks, anything they can find...but still miss up to 2 months of school every year. It turns out this issue is a surprising but instrumental key to social change for women all over the world. The poverty cycle can be broken when girls stay in school.

How can you help?
Come and help make feminine hygiene kits and learn more about the Days for Girls International Program. Sewing skills are helpful but not required. There are many tasks at many skill levels and we invite all to help.

Donations Needed:
Panties, briefs (GIRLS’ size 10-16 briefs or hipsters
(NOT ladies or bikini or boy shorts.)
Fabric 100% woven cotton (quilter’s cotton)*
Flannel 100% cotton or poly/cotton blend*
Financial donations of any size are always welcome
*Fabric should be bright to dark in shades to be cheerful and disguise stains. Floral and geometric prints are best. Do not use prints with animals, reptiles, war, camouflage, glam, bugs, knives, or anything culturally specific, as they are forbidden in some cultures.
For more information: see www.daysforgirls.org

Sponsored by the Women in Medicine Club & DOCARE

November 7, 2018
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Finishing the Semester Strong

Finishing the Semester Strong

Close up of athlete's legs running on the empty road at the sunset

You don’t feel like you have the energy to finish the semester? Feeling overwhelmed by the work that needs to be completed? Here are some thoughts that might help.

  1. Give yourself a good, realistic reason. I am not going to insult you by telling you that it is time to get pumped up about the work that you have ahead of you. Let’s be honest with ourselves. You are an expert at telling yourself why you don’t need to study or do as much work required of you. Let’s take a look at changing the negative script. Pay attention attention to what thoughts come to mind when you start to think about studying.
  • I’d rather do something else.
  • I can study later.
  • This class is boring.
  • I really don’t understand the material.

Some ideas to replace the negative self-talk messages:

  • If I get some studying done now I won’t have to worry about it later.
  • Boring work isn’t going to get more interesting later. I can get started now and take short breaks to break up the subject matter.
  • If I open my computer and get my notes out and begin lecture series, at least I will feel like I’m heading in the right direction. Once I get started, things will start to flow.
  1. You are in charge of your feelings. If you are worrying about studying and feeling tense because of it, staying calm and productive will be difficult. Instead of doing things to escalate anxiety, try and do the opposite.
  • Study consistently. Study for 30 minutes at a time if that is all you can handle. You might surprise yourself and do more. Take a break and then study another 30 minutes. You are less likely to criticize yourself for doing less.
  • Being productive early and often beats last minute cramming and less worry.
  • It is important to pay attention to physical tension. Take a break, do some yoga for a few minutes, meditate, do some cardio or take a hot bath.
  1. If you haven’t tried this, look into getting a study buddy. Studying with a classmate or friend can be beneficial. Some of the benefits might be:
  • You are less likely to not show up to study because you would be breaking a commitment.
  • Teaching and discussing course material will help in the retention of that material.
  • Having someone to talk to during breaks makes the time studying less intense and tedious.
  • While working on different things might boost your motivation to get the studying completed.
  • Working with a study partner might be a good way to get out of the house and away from distractions.
  1. Use problem-focused coping skills. When you have course material that you need to read, lectures to watch, flash cards to review and exams to get ready for, at some point the work needs to get done. Problem-focused skills will help you stay on track.
  • Figure out what needs to be done and how long it will take.
  • Schedule a time and put it on your calendar, smart phone or any other device that you use to keep your schedule.
  • The things that are more challenging or more important work on first.
  • Identify things that would prevent you from achieving your goal. What can you do about them?
  • Reach out to anyone that may be able to help you and/or give you advice about how to finish strong. That might be academic counselor, faculty, tutors, mentors, and other students.
Killian-Harman_Kathy

Article written by:

Kathy Killian-Harmon, LMFT
Mental Health & Wellness Counselor
(435) 222-1257
kkharmon@rvu.edu

October 31, 2018
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Airline Emergency Simulation

Airline Emergency Simulation with Global Medicine Track

Gobal Medicine - Airline Emergency Track Simulation

Global Medical Track had an Airline Medical Emergency simulation in the middle hallways of the SP suite, it was a small fuselage area set up with SP’s and simulation passengers. There were nine track students which were involved in the simulation. There were two different sessions, during which the track students treated airline passengers with emergencies. During the sessions, Dr. Wardle and Dr. Pryor evaluated the students and then debriefed them on their performance. Dr. Mark Wardle, DO, said “What an entertaining and educational event this was!  The students were presented with difficult cases shortly after “take-off” in a challenging environment with limited resources.  They had to decide what was going on, what they could reasonably do in that situation, and what to recommend to the flight crew.  Each group did great and found areas in which to grow.  They discovered the importance of staying calm and taking time to think.  Challenges ranged from making sure to have the “barf with-bag” ready, locating the needed equipment and dealing with selfie-taking passengers, to starting I.V.’s, attaching AED’s and deciding whether to recommend diverting the plane.  Overall, I think this activity has brought the Global Track to new heights!”

Dr. Jan Pryor, DO, MPH, C-NMM/OMM,  said, "as a physician, it is not unusual when traveling by air to be asked to respond to an in-flight medical event, particularly during long international flights. As such, RVUCOM’s Global Medicine Track reviews with its students a variety of issues related to providing appropriate and professional care during an in-flight emergency, including the incidence of in-flight emergencies, the most common types of in-flight medical complaints, the contents of emergency medical kits found on commercial aircraft, the elements of in-flight medical decision making, and the legal ramifications of providing in-flight assistance. This information is then consolidated by having the students participate in a mock in-flight emergency using standardized patients who act out a typical in-flight medical complaint to which the students must appropriately respond. Following in the footsteps of our colleagues in Colorado, RVUCOM-SU just completed its first experience with these simulated in-flight emergencies and it was a great success as measured by the amount of learning that occurred and the practical experience that was gained by our students being placed in that situation. The Clinical Assessment and Simulation staff and the other RVU staff who worked hard to make this activity a success are to be congratulated! Significant learning occurred, it was an enjoyable experience, and we’ll continue to provide this valuable learning experience in subsequent years."

 

October 31, 2018
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It’s that Time of Year – Halloween

The Summer is officially over, the weather has cooled off, the barbecue and pool supplies are on clearance, so that brings on the Halloween and Fall decorations. It’s time to haul out the Halloween decorations and merchandise since there’s nothing better than a rack of skeletons, bones and all the pumpkin spice you can’t get enough of. Here at the Rocky Vista University Southern Utah Campus we decided that we wanted to partake in the fun of the Halloween season. Which inspired a door decorating contest between all the Staff, Faculty and Fellows. Who has the best door?

October 17, 2018
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RVUCOM-SU Placed 3rd at the Lake Tahoe MedWAR

The Lake Tahoe MedWAR is held every year, it consists of a team of 4 people with an interest in wilderness medicine. Teams often have any combination of health care professionals, emergency personnel, students of all varieties, and outdoor enthusiasts. All team members will participate in all disciplines and medical scenarios. Medical knowledge is recommended but not required.

The WMSIG members competed as a team representing RVUCOM-SU placed third at the Lake Tahoe Medwar competition! The first place team was a group of orthopedic fellows at Barton Medical Center, and second place a team of flight nurses.

Finish times: 

1st: Completed in 5hr49m

2nd: Completed in 6hr13m

3rd: Completed in 6hr27m (That’s RVUCOM-SU!)

Course Description: 

The course was comprised of 5 miles kayaking, 5 miles hiking and 8 miles mountain biking for a total length of 18 miles. There were 36 checkpoints, with 30 posing various medical questions, 1 orienteering challenge, and 5 patient scenarios.

Scenario 1: A hysterical female with left arm impaled on a tree branch, and a dog with an unfortunate run-in with a porcupine. Arm stabilization, quill removal, and exfiltration required.

Scenario 2: Bike crash victim suffering from anaphylaxis with collapsed right lung, left leg fracture, and cervical spine instability. Epipen injection, lung decompression, leg stabilization, and exfiltration required.

Scenario 3: Intoxicated campers. One aggressive camper held a knife and was speaking nonsensically. We to alert authorities, and uncover the patient’s condition of hypoglycemia from an insulin injector found from searching their campsite. The second camper was trapped under a tree limb for several hours and was conscious and alert. Patient diagnosed with right leg crush injury with cyanosis and dehydration. The first camper required food to stabilize blood sugar, and the second patient required stabilization without tree limb removal while waiting for the exfiltration team.

Scenario 4: Avalanche victim scenario enacted on the beach. Required to use radio transponders to locate and unbury victim. The victim was in cardiac arrest when uncovered, and required clearing of the airway, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and gentle rewarming to treat hypothermia.

Scenario 5: Intoxicated college students at a beach party, with a female diving headfirst into a rock upon our arrival. We rescued the student from the water despite interference from other intoxicated individuals and started performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Once breathing, we had to stabilize c-spine and take measures to prevent hypothermia.

Scenario 6: Cimber found collapsed under a tree with cervical spine instability, left leg compound fracture, and symptoms of hyperthermia. Required transport to the shaded area, rapidly cool, stabilize c-spine and stabilize leg fracture.

 

Impressions:

We are proud to say that we received no deductions for patient care during any scenario, and we were prepared to treat the scope of all injuries. These scenarios pushed our critical thinking skills and required us to use all we have learned at RVUCOM. This competition was extremely valuable in that we were able to apply our knowledge in a controlled setting, gain experience in what conditions are like when treating in the field. and learn what areas we need to improve upon.

Our overall impression of MEDWAR is that it is a well thought out event with quality teaching and preparation. Though non-medical individuals were able to participate, the lectures and scenarios were made to be both challenging and effective for those with medical backgrounds. The lecture material was given by the wilderness medicine director at the Reno School of Medicine in a similar manner to Dr. Nigh’s coursework in the Rural Track.

We are incredibly happy with our experience and we are enthusiastic for another such opportunity. Thank all of you for your support in our participation and training for the event.

September 10, 2018
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Simple Tips for Self Care

SIMPLE TIPS FOR SELF CARE

Blue Dots

A visual reminder can help short circuit stress. Blue dots which you can buy at any stationary or office supply store will do the trick. Where should you put them? Any place where your stress meter tends to swing upward: on a car dashboard, on your computer, on your cell phone, and even on the cabinet where you stash your sweets.

Let the blue dots remind you to stop and breathe while putting a stop to negative thoughts or distortions. Put aside some time for the relaxation response: reach out to a classmate, try the mini-relaxation response you have been meaning to do. Simply take a few deep, calming breaths.

Mini Body Scan

While sitting down, take a break from whatever you’re doing and check your body for tension. Relax your facial muscles and allow your jaw to fall open slightly. Let your shoulders drop. Let your arms fall to your side. Allow your hands to loosen so that there are spaces between your fingers. Uncross your legs or ankles. Feel your thighs sink into your chair, letting your legs fall comfortably apart. Feel your shins and calves become heavier and your feet grow roots into the floor. Now breathe in slowly and breathe out for a short while.

Mini Relaxation

Mini-relaxations can help calm fear and reduce stress while you sit in the dentist’s chair. They are equally helpful thwarting stress while sitting in the auditorium waiting to take an exam or faced with the situation that annoys you like not being able to download your quiz.

Minis are intended to take only a few seconds to a few minutes, though you can do them for any amount of time you want. Here are a few mini relaxation techniques to try. It is recommended to try and do 3-4 mini-relaxation exercises daily.

Mini Breath Focus

Place your hand just below your nave so you can
feel the gentle rise and fall of your belly as you breathe. Breathe in slowly. Pause for a count of three. Continue to take a few slow, deep breaths.

Alternatively, while sitting comfortably, take a few slow deep breaths and silently repeat to yourself “I am” as you breathe in and “at peace” as you breathe out. Repeat slowly two or three times. Then feel your entire body relax into the support of your chair.

Mini Guided Imagery

Start by sitting comfortably in a quiet room. Bring your awareness to your breath for a few minutes. Now picture yourself in a place that conjures up good memories. What do you smell the heavy scent of roses on a hot day, crisp fall air, the wholesome smell of baking bread, hot coffee brewing? What do you hear? Drink in the colors and shapes that surround you. Focus on sensory pleasures: the swoosh of a gentle wind; soft cool grass tickling your feet; salty smell and rhythmic beat of the ocean.

From the desk of Kathy Killian-Harmon at RVUCOM-SU:

For those of you who don’t know me I am Dr. Kathy Killian-Harmon, LMFT. I am honored to be the counselor for the Mental Health and Wellness Center here at RVU. I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to the first edition of the Positive Pulse Newsletter. I am acutely aware of the struggles and concerns that student doctors, married or single, go through personally and professionally. I have an extensive professional history as well as having a married student doctor son that graduated in May of 2018 from RVU-Colorado. My goal is to share positive ideas that can help you cope with the rigors of medical school. I am invested in helping you thrive to be the best student doctor that you can be by first taking care of yourself mentally and physically. I would like to help you learn how to contend with medical school’s demanding, unpredictable schedule and help you deal with the various feelings and emotions that you will probably endure at one time or another. I would like to present to you a compilation of ideas, techniques, and approaches from a host of different sources. Some of the ideas will be new to you. Some of what you will read focuses on basic skills that we seem to easily forget when caught up in exceptionally difficult problems and situations. I hope to provide you with a multitude of approaches that will improve and enhance your academic journey.

If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed and unable to cope or if you feel that you can’t find the solution you are looking for, please feel free to reach out to me or schedule an appointment. You can e-mail me at kkharmon@rvu.edu or click here to schedule an appointment.

August 1, 2018
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COMM – GI System & Nutrition

COMM - GI System & Nutrition Activity

The COMM Department visited Coral Cliffs Elementary School to finish the discussion on the GI System and Nutrition. We used Legos to demonstrate the breakdown of nutrients in each section of the GI tract. We also learned how to read Nutrition Facts and use MyPlate to plan healthy meals. The elementary students enjoyed all of the hands-on activities and were excited to teach their parents about what they had learned.

May 21, 2018
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