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Three ULM health studies faculty present at national conferences

Published November 9, 2016

MONROE, La. — During the month of October, three University of Louisiana Monroe faculty from the Health Studies program presented at national conferences.

Associate professors of health studies, Dr. Paula Griswold and Dr. Jessica Dolecheck, presented a poster presentation at the 2016 Assessment Institute held in Indianapolis, Ind. on Oct. 16-18.

The Assessment Institute in Indianapolis is the nation’s oldest and largest event focused exclusively on outcomes assessment in higher education. This year’s event focused on outcomes assessment in higher education with approximately 1,500 in attendance.

Griswold and Dolecheck’s poster presentation was titled “Assessment Strategies Used in an Undergraduate Community-Based Healthcare Practicum at ULM.” It provided valuable information to other educators on how to design a practicum, develop community partnerships and assess student outcomes. 

“The Health Studies Practicum has grown significantly over the years with now 92 contracts in Louisiana and beyond,” said Dolecheck. “I am amazed at how this has evolved and the impact this has on job placement for our students and with our healthcare agencies in the region.”  

“The practicum experience is a wonderful opportunity for our students to receive real-world healthcare experiences with our community partners while still in an academic setting,” said Griswold, who serves as the practicum coordinator for the health studies program.

Other relevant topics at the Institute included ePortfolios, faculty development, graduate education, and high impact practices. 

Kim Theodos, assistant professor of health studies, attended and presented at the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) National Convention in Baltimore, Md. on Oct. 16-19.  

Founded in 1928, AHIMA is the premier association of health information management (HIM) professionals worldwide. This year’s convention brought approximately 4,500 people. 

Theodos’ presentation was titled "Electronic Discovery Challenges and Solutions."

She also served as an elected delegate for the state of Louisiana HIM Association (LHIMA) at the AHIMA House of Delegates meeting held in conjunction with the National Convention. She was a past Chair of this National Convention Planning committee which planned the educational sessions for the entire conference. 


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