University of Arizona Health Sciences

Jamee Emens remembers the sleepless nights all too well. Her son Jack was only 2 years old when he was diagnosed with reactive airway disorder, which escalated into severe asthma. The endless cycle of respiratory issues and emergency hospital visits continued until Jamee’s father met Fayez K. Ghishan, MD. A diagnosis of eosinophilic esophagitis – not asthma – and dietary changes brought Jack much-needed relief. The Steele Children’s Research Center at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson and the U of A Health Sciences Center for Advanced Molecular and Immunological Therapies are leading innovative research to advance precision medicine solutions for autoimmune diseases, bringing hope for better, faster and ore personalized diagnoses and treatments. More: https://bit.ly/4eYpEyW

The physician assistant profession is on the rise with opportunities in leadership, education and technology. As we celebrate National Physician Assistants Week, it’s worth highlighting five emerging trends that are reshaping the role of PAs in health care. From an expanded scope of practice and leadership opportunities to advanced training and growing salaries, PAs are more integral than ever to the future of patient care. If you are considering a career in health care, now is the time to explore the exciting opportunities within the PA profession. Read more in The Healthy Dose: https://bit.ly/3NkvDSU

As a Hispanic male, Julio Loya, PhD, RN, assistant professor at the University of Arizona College of Nursing, is passionate about sharing the need for community engagement to combat prostate cancer disparities among Hispanic men. Discover the promising initiatives designed to help improve screening rates and health outcomes. https://lnkd.in/gCyjQ_3U

Primary Care Physicians (PCPs) play a key role in building healthier communities by promoting well-being, early diagnosis and preventive care. In Arizona, where we face a critical shortage of doctors, their contributions are needed now more than ever. This week, we are proud to shine a spotlight on three exceptional U of A Health Sciences Primary Care Physician Scholarship recipients. These doctors have entered Arizona’s workforce to help address the state’s primary care physician shortage and expand access to quality health care for all, especially those in underserved communities. Read more: https://bit.ly/49juAMt

Frank G. Walter, MD, a tenured professor of emergency medicine at the?University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson, received the 2024 Career Achievement Award from the American Academy of Clinical Toxicology, its highest honor. Walter is only the fourth person to have received this honor from the academy and previously earned the AACT Distinguished Service Award, its second-highest honor. More: https://bit.ly/3TPEU9i

A cross-border research collaboration between the University of Arizona Health Sciences and the Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública in Mexico seeks to address a critical health gap. The project, funded by a $2.2 million The National Institutes of Health grant, focuses on Hispanic women of Mexican heritage and aims to explore the link between infertility and chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. “Hispanics are the largest minority group in the United States, and 60% of Hispanics have Mexican heritage. We need to know more about infertility and related health risks in this group,” said Leslie Farland, ScD, an associate professor at the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health and member of the University of Arizona Cancer Center who is collaborating with Dalia Stern, PhD, of the Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública to lead the study. “We hope this project is the first step toward personalized screening recommendations that improve women’s health and lengthen women’s lives.” More: https://bit.ly/3BpRhT4

Sheila Soto, DrPH, MPH, draws deep inspiration from her parents’ work ethic. Her parents continue to harvest produce, and their dedication fuels her own commitment at the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, where she focuses on improving the health of Arizona’s farmworkers. “Helping migrant farmworkers is personal,” says Soto, who earned her doctorate while raising three children. Today, she directs mobile health units that deliver care to underserved communities. Her parents’ sacrifices motivate her daily as she champions policies to support those who, like her family, work tirelessly for a better life. Learn more: https://bit.ly/42Te0k6

The University of Arizona Health Sciences inaugural Wellness and Wonder event on Sept. 21 brought the community together to enjoy hands-on exhibits, health talks and fun wellness activities for all ages. “We were thrilled to welcome the Tucson community to explore the work we do in Health Sciences that improves the health of Arizonans and helps solve critical health care challenges in the state and beyond,” said Rachel Reinhardt, associate vice president for communications at the U of A Health Sciences. “Whether it was families experiencing the high-tech manikins and simulation stations in the Arizona Simulation Technology and Education Center, children enjoying STEAM activities or people of all ages dancing for wellness with the director of our developing physical therapy doctoral program, everyone was engaged and having fun.” More photos from the event. https://bit.ly/3XYABel

Meet Deepta Bhattacharya, PhD, the inaugural executive director of the Center for Advanced Molecular and Immunological Therapies. His career focuses on exploring the complexities of immunology as he champions the integration of academic research with practical applications. Bhattacharya aims to foster a culture of collaboration that drives innovation in patient care. More: https://bit.ly/4emUFwI

Lindsay Bouchard, DNP, PMHNP-BC, RN, an associate clinical professor and interim vice chair and Doctor of Nursing Practice program director at the The University of Arizona College of Nursing, has been accepted into the Elevating Leaders in Academic Nursing program offered by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. This yearlong program is designed to enhance the executive leadership skills of senior faculty members aspiring to lead academic nursing programs. More: https://bit.ly/3ZIhXJ6