Volume 9, Issue 13• July 21 , 2014 www.usuhs.edu 

The Official USU Newsletter 

Learning to Care for Those in Harm’s Way 
 

Photo by MC3 Laura Bailey 

Sharon Holland 

Deputy Vice President for External 

Affairs and Managing Editor 

Gwendolyn Smalls 

Chief, Media Affairs 

Master Sgt. Oshawn Jefferson 

NCOIC of VPE and Deputy Chief, 

Media Affairs 

Christine Creenan-Jones 

Editor and Layout Design 

MC2 Brittney Cannady 

Writer and Photographer 

MC3 Laura Bailey 

Writer and Photographer 

Production 

Editorial content is edited, prepared 

and provided by the USU Office of 

External Affairs unless otherwise 

indicated. The Pulse staff may 

include or exclude articles based 

upon news value, impact on the 

university and space availability. 

Submissions 

The Pulse will be published 

bi-weekly on Mondays. The 

deadline for submissions is at 4 p.m. 

Tuesday prior to the publication 

date. Submissions can be sent to 

christine.creenan-jones@usuhs.edu 

or by calling 301-295-3338. 

On the cover 

Students at the Uniformed Services 

University participated in the Master 

Fitness Leadership Training Course, July 

15. Read more about the training on page 8. 

2 the pulse July 21, 2014 

Novel diagnostic marker can detect PTSD


by USU External Affairs 

Scientists at the Uniformed 

Services University have identified a novel panel of diagnostic 

markers for post-traumatic 

stress disorder which can lay 

the foundation for development 

of next generation diagnostic 

tests for PTSD. 

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a chronic psychological 

disorder which can occur because of witnessing a traumatic 

event. Symptoms of PTSD often 

overlap with mild traumatic 

brain injury which further complicates its diagnosis especially 

in war veterans where mild 

brain injury is also prevalent. 

Currently, a diagnostic test is 

not available for PTSD which 

can lead to a delay in accurate 

diagnosis and treatment. 

In an article published online 

in the Journal of Psychiatric 

Research in June 2014, Dr. 

Radha K. Maheshwari, a professor of pathology at USU, 

along with his team including 

Dr. Nagaraja Balakathiresan, Raghavendar Chandran 

(graduate student), Dr. Manish 

Bhomia, Dr. Min Jia and Dr. 

He Li identified a unique and 

specific panel of microRNAs 

(small RNA molecules) in blood 

samples associated with 

PTSD-type symptoms in an 

animal model. Previously, Maheshwari’s group also identified 

specific microRNAs for diagnosis of blast-induced traumatic 

brain injury. The findings of 

those studies were published in 

the Journal of Neurotrauma in 

May 2012. 

“PTSD and mTBI exhibit a 

spectrum of common clinical 

features such as difficulty in 

concentrating, sleep disturbance, depression, anxiety, 

irritability and fatigue which 

makes it difficult to differentially diagnose PTSD and mTBI,” 

said Maheshwari. 

“Veterans who suffer from 

psychological problems can be 

tested for the presence of PTSD 

which can help in timely medical intervention. PTSD is also 

prevalent in the civilian population and a timely diagnosis 

can significantly improve the 

outcome. This study is of significant importance to military 

since these results may lead to 

development of novel microRNAs based diagnostic methods 

for PTSD,” he added. 

These studies were supported by funding from Defense Medical Research and 

Development Program whose 

primary mission is to advance 

medical research and development for wounded warriors. 

This research may lead to novel 

advancements in diagnosis of 

mTBI and PTSD, which are a 

significant problem for both 

veterans and civilian population. 

Do you have an interesting story to tell? Share your ideas 

with Pulse staff members in room B1009 or via e-mail at 

christine.creenan-jones@usuhs.edu. 
USU hosts Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Seminar
 

by MC2 Brittney Cannady, writer and photographer

 Dr. Nathan Galbreath, a 

senior executive advisor for 

the Department of Defense 

Sexual Assault Prevention and 

Response Office, was the guest 

speaker at a seminar hosted 

by the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity at the Uniformed Services University, 

July 10.

 “Dr. Galbreath was chosen because he is the expert 

for the DOD’s Sexual Assault 

Prevention and Response 

programs, training initiatives and research. This SAPR 

training provided the entire 

USU community with valuable 

knowledge in sexual assault 

prevention,” said EEO director, 

Patricia Burke.

 Sexual assault has received a 

lot of high-level attention in the 

DoD recently, and top leaders 

are working to eliminate the 

problem. 

Galbreath, a USU alumnus 

and licensed psychologist, 

spent 11 years as an Air Force 

special agent for the Air Force 

Office of Special Investigations. 

Furthermore, he has been the 

lead author for the DoD’s annual reports on Sexual Assault 

in the Military since 2007.

 Galbreath believes maintaining an environment of dignity 

and respect in the workplace is 

one way to curb sexual assault 

in the DoD. 

“Unchecked sexual harassment gives offenders room to 

commit crimes because they 

do not believe their behavior is 

criminal,” he said. 

The SAPR Annual Report on 

Sexual Assault in the Military 

spans more than 5,000 reports 

of sexual assault but Galbreath 

said the problem is still “vastly 

underreported.” 

In fact, a DoD survey estimates about 26,000 cases of 

unwanted sexual contact were 

never brought forward by victims. 

“Because it is underreported, 

we have to ask ourselves, ‘if 

I were sexually assaulted by 

someone in the workplace, 

would I report it, and what 

would happen if I did’? If you 

think about that, it’s a very 

challenging situation,” said 

Galbreath. 

Victims may not report sexual 

assault because of fear of retaliation or punishment. By fostering a safe workplace, Galbreath 

hopes more victims will begin 

to report assaults when they 

happen.

 “When more victims report, 

it’s our opportunity to get them 

care, to get them back on their 

feet and provide them with 

services they need to recover. 

It’s also our opportunity to hold 

offenders appropriately accountable, and that’s our way to 

make a very clear message that 

this type of behavior will not be 

tolerated,” he said.

Photo courtesy of NASA 

Astronaut in training 

 Army Maj. (Dr.) Andrew 

Morgan, an F. Edward 

Hébert School of Medicine 

alumnus, was selected for the 

astronaut program by NASA 

in 2013. Since then, he has 

been undergoing diverse and 

rigorous training to prepare 

for futre missions into space. 

Here, Morgan practiced 

replacing a multiplexer/ 

demultiplexer space station 

computer.

 Follow Morgan’s progress 

on Facebook as he continues 

his astronaut training at 

#USUDrewMorgan. 

3 the pulse July 21, 2014 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SoM professor achieves ‘Master Teacher’ certification
 

by MC3 Laura Bailey, writer and photographer
	

Dr. Martin Ottolini, Capstone 

Program Director in the Office of 

Curriculum at the F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine, recently 

completed George Washington 

University’s Master Teacher 

Leadership Development Program for faculty members who 

teach medical students, residents 

and fellows.

 Emphasis is placed on strengthening teaching skills, encouraging scholarship in education and 

cultivating educational leadership 

potential in the program’s participants.

 The program, administered by 

GW’s Graduate School of Education and Human Development 

for the School of Medicine and 

Health Sciences, consists of six 

courses taken over one year, with 

a selected team of educators from 

several institutions which has 

included participants from USU, 

the Veteran’s Administration and 

the National Capital Consortium.

 Faculty members who complete the program are awarded 

a graduate certificate in leadership development from GSEHD. 

The core courses can serve as the 

foundation for a master’s degree 

in Education and Human Development.

 “USU has always been a leader 

in education innovation,” said Ottolini. “I plan to use the tools and 

approaches I acquired through 

this training to continue to support the development and vitality 

of our curriculum, particularly in 

the Capstone Program which is 

the final phase of our Molecules 

to Military Medicine Curriculum. 

The ability to link your current 

work to your own long-term skill 

development is the kind of opportunity uniquely available at the 

Uniformed Services University, 

and is a win-win for everyone.” 

Meet the SoM’s chief of staff: Navy Cmdr. Kevin Jackson
 

by Christine Creenan-Jones, editor
	

As a licensed optometrist, Navy 

Cmdr. Kevin Jackson has spent 

the bulk of his military career 

engaged in patient care, administration and academic medicine. In fact, before coming to the 

Uniformed Services University as 

Chief of Staff for the F. Edward 

Hébert School of Medicine, he was 

immersed in all three simultaneously while stationed at Ft. Belvoir 

Community Hospital in Virginia.

 At Ft. Belvoir, Jackson was the 

Deputy Commander of Education, Research and Training. In 

this role, he helped develop the 

hospital’s academic mission with 

an average daily census of 120 inhouse students.

 “I’ve always been a bit of a geek, 

so getting involved with education 

was a great way to stretch myself 

in an academic environment,” he 

said. “Also, I like new challenges, 

so being a part of the team that 

opened Fort Belvoir Community 

Hospital was exciting. We helped 

drive the hospital’s mission. It was 

a really rewarding experience.”

 For Jackson, the rewards of military service have been plentiful, 

and they stretch back many years. 

In fact, while running the optometry clinic at the U.S. Naval Academy, Jackson volunteered for sea 

duty days before a 7.0-magnitude 

earthquake ravaged the island nation of Haiti in 2010, leaving more 

than 600,000 thousand casualties 

in its wake.

 Jackson joined the U.S. military’s 

massive disaster responsive effort 

aboard the USNS Comfort, where 

he provided acute ocular care to 

earthquake survivors for more 

than two months.

 “On the Comfort, we performed 

a lot of eye exams, and in some 

cases, provided glasses to people 

who’ve never had them before. For 

me, it was immensely gratifying 

work because I felt like I was making a lasting impact on someone’s 

life,” he said.

 Jackson hopes to make the same 

kind of impact at USU as Dean 

Arthur Kellermann’s right-hand 

man. In his new position, JackPhoto by Sharon Holland 

Navy Cmdr. Kevin Jackson 

son is overseeing daily operations 

for the Hébert medical school 

and planning for the university’s 

future.

 “Part of my job is to look at the 

big picture and find ways for us to 

move forward in a way that maximizes the incredible talent and 

resources available at our medical 

school,” he said. “I’m excited to 

take this challenge on because I 

know the value of USU’s incredible 

mission.” 

4 The Pulse The Official USU Newsletter 
 

 

 

 

 

 

USU fellow puts new face on dental medicine
 

by Christine Creenan-Jones, editor 

Cancer, congenital disease, gunshot wounds 

and other trauma can transform faces into 

unrecognizable visages. Often, treatment – or 

the injury itself – leads to missing eyes, noses, 

ears and jawbones. Moreover, disfiguring facial 

wounds can also significantly impair daily functions, like talking, eating and breathing.

 Treating these types of facial injuries can be 

challenging. It requires multidisciplinary collaboration between physicians, dentists, engineers and technicians who join forces to piece 

their patients back together.

 Army Lt. Col. Cynthia Aita-Holmes – who 

earned her master’s degree from the Postgraduate Dental College at the Uniformed Services 

University as part of her maxillofacial prosthodontics fellowship at the Naval Postgraduate 

Dental School – is part of this elaborate process at Walter Reed National Military Medical 

Center in Bethesda. She creates synthetic body 

parts from molds cast into silicone that are 

painted to match the unique characteristics of a 

person’s face. In best case scenarios, the transition from skin to silicone is nearly indiscernible.

 “I try to make my prostheses as close to perfect as possible because my patients have already endured so much by the time I see them. 

Hopefully, fitting them with a natural, comfortable prosthesis brings a little solace to their difficult recovery process,” said Aita-Holmes.

 Creating eyes that twinkle, ears that dip and 

fold in all of the right places and noses with the 

perfect bridge is equal parts science and artistry. That’s why Aita-Holmes, a dentist and 

visionary, uses both the left and right sides of 

her brain to make prostheses that are functionally sound but visually appealing.

 “I had a patient who had the tendency to place 

her hand on the corner of her mouth to improve 

her speech with her prosthesis. One day, while 

out at her local grocery store, the cashier told 

her it was difficult to hear what she was saying 

with her hand over her mouth. My patient was 

happy when the cashier told her she couldn’t 

tell she was wearing a prosthesis,” said AitaPhoto by Thomas Balfour 

Army Lt. Col. Cynthia Aita-Holmes makes facial prostheses 

for wounded warriors, people with congenital disease and 

cancer survivors. 

Holmes. “As her provider, I was thrilled, too. 

I want my patients to feel comfortable in their 

skin, real or silicone.”

 Across the country, a handful of military 

dentists like Aita-Holmes are studying maxillofacial or practicing in military hospitals around 

the world. The field has become especially 

important over the past 12 years because thousands of service members have sustained facial 

wounds while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. 

Although most combat veterans have been fitted with their first prosthesis already, a new 

one has to be made annually because daily 

wear-and-tear lessens their functionality and 

authenticity.

 Furthermore, cancer and congenital disease 

strike without restriction, making the need for 

maxillofacial prosthodontists imminent.

 “I absolutely love what I do because I’m part 

of a team that delivers life-changing treatment,” 

said Aita-Holmes. “Personally, I can’t imagine 

a more rewarding and fulfilling career.” 

5 The Pulse The Official USU Newsletter 
 

 

 

1st Lt. Rachel Broussard: From USU enlisted staff to GSN student 

by MC3 Laura Bailey, writer and photographer 

Air Force 1st Lt. Rachel Broussard 

is currently a student at the Daniel 

K. Inouye Graduate School of Nursing but her military journey began at 

the Uniformed Services University 

more than a decade ago.

 “I was stationed at USU in 2001,” 

said Broussard. “I worked in the 

(University Health) clinic as a 

medical technician. I participated in 

many Bushmaster exercises, FTX 

101s and the Antietam Road marches. I was in the medical clinic or I 

was doing moulage for the mass-cal. 

From the operational perspective, 

I did not exactly know how everything was run. Only enough to be 

dangerous,” she joked. “If I had only 

known then that I would one day 

participate as a student, I would 

have taken more notes.”

 While Broussard was hard at work 

in the clinic, she was also pursuing a 

college degree, with her sights set on 

future enrollment at USU.

 “I was stationed here enlisted, 

going to school full-time nights and 

weekends,” said Broussard. “I finished my first bachelor’s at Southern 

Illinois University in health care 

administration. In addition, I got 

my science courses out of the way 

and thought I wanted to go to med 

school but I changed my mind after 

I had kids. Nursing was the best option for me. Nursing is very flexible, 

and has allowed me to explore many 

clinic and inpatient environments.”

 With one bachelor’s degree under 

her belt and two years left on her 

nursing degree, she applied to the 

Nurse Enlisted Commissioning 

Program in 2007.

 “I worked with some amazing 

physicians over in the clinic and 

they were all very supportive of my 

goals,” said Broussard. “So, I applied 

for the commissioning program and 

got my bachelor’s in nursing.”

 She graduated in 2010 from the 

University of Maryland, Baltimore 

Courtesy photo 

Air Force 1st Lt. Rachel Broussard (second from left), a student in the Psychiatric 

Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program at the Daniel K. Inouye Graduate 

School of Nursing, credits the support of her family for her professional success. 

with a degree in nursing. Afterward, 

she served as a nurse in the Labor 

and Delivery department at Langley 

Air Force Base in Va., where she ran 

the Exceptional Family Member 

Program. After attending officer 

training school, Broussard came 

back to USU, this time as a student 

in the Psychiatric Mental Health 

Nurse Practitioner Program.

 “I had always wanted to do psych 

nursing but there was not a direct 

route in the Air Force as a new 

nurse. I had started pursuing my 

master’s on my own then learned 

about the PMHNP program here at 

USU. Additionally, it was a doctorate degree, so it was even more 

enticing. I think being on staff has 

helped build confidence for being a 

student because I know how supported the students are here. I knew 

that going into it. At the same time 

though, it’s a different role. You’re 

in a learning role rather than being 

in a leadership role. I have to take a 

step back and know that now I have 

a lot to learn from other people. It’s 

a good thing. Being on staff has also 

helped me know what to expect 

and relieve some of the anxiety that 

usually accompanies an opportunity 

like this,” she said.

 Although Broussard has proven 

that she can work hard, she also 

credits the support of her family 

with helping her get this far.

 “I have a lovely wife, Vanessa 

Broussard, and our four amazing 

children. They are my world. It can 

be overwhelming at times, but at the 

end of the day, family is the reason 

we do what we do,” she said.

 The last year for her has been especially monumental, both personally 

and professionally.

 “I have been so blessed throughout 

my life and Air Force career,” said 

Broussard. “I am so grateful for the 

mentors I had when I was stationed 

here so many years ago. In fact, 

many of them are still here. They 

have just retired the uniform. The 

ending of the Defense of Marriage 

Act and my acceptance to the GSN 

has given me new confidence,” she 

added. “My personal and professional opportunities feel limitless. I 

am thrilled to have this momentum 

in my favor and hopefully do amazing things as a future USU graduate 

and psychiatric nurse practitioner.” 

6 the pulse July 21, 2014 
 

 

GSN Associate Dean inducted into American Academy of Nursing
 

by MC3 Laura Bailey, writer and photographer 

Dr. Sandra Bibb, the associate dean for faculty 

affairs at the Daniel K. Inouye Graduate School 

of Nursing, will join the American Academy of 

Nursing fellows during the induction ceremony 

at the Academy’s 2014 Transforming Health, 

Driving Policy conference in Washington, D.C., 

Oct. 18. She is one of 168 nurses selected for the 

2014 class of Academy fellows. 

“The American Academy of Nursing welcomes 

this stellar cohort of new fellows,” said Academy 

President Diana Mason, PhD, RN, FAAN. “As 

clinicians, researchers, educators, executives and 

leaders in all sectors of our society, they are joining the nation’s thought leaders in nursing and 

health care.” 

A panel of elected and delegated fellows reviews the applicants and selects those nurses 

whose careers have had the most effect on health 

policies and health overall. 

“It’s quite an honor because it’s a pretty prestigious group,” said Bibb, a USU faculty member 

since 2004, “and there is a very small percentage 

of nurses who get in.”

 New inductees are encouraged to join expert 

panels upon induction to the Academy. These 

expert panels represent the Academy’s working 

groups and provide forums where fellows come 

together within their expertise area. Current 

research and needs in health care help expert 

panels make recommendations on projects or 

initiatives which ultimately shape health care 

policy and practice. 

“My mentor in the process recommended, 

and I agreed, that I had positioned myself to be 

inducted for my contributions in research in the 

area of population health and access to care,” 

said Bibb. “I want to really roll my sleeves up 

and join forces in terms of making a difference 

and improving health care, particularly in access 

to health care,” said Bibb. “My area of research 

Stay connected 

Courtesy photo 

Dr. Sandra Bibb 

looks at people who have health insurance, but 

perhaps don’t use that coverage for preventive services. Access is more than having health 

coverage – it’s also using it. This is a great group 

of nurses who are making major contributions. 

I’m looking forward to the opportunity for me 

to grow and learn from others who’ve pioneered 

in a areas of practice, education, research and 

policy.”

 In addition to being selected for induction, a 

new position awaits her as dean and professor at 

the College of Health Professions, Wichita State 

University in Wichita, Kan. She will relocate to 

WSU at the end of July. 

“I’m going to miss a lot of things,” said Bibb, 

who recently celebrated her 10th anniversary 

at USU. “You know, they (the GSN) had a party 

for me. I stood around with my Kleenex in my 

hand as people said things. I’m going to miss the 

people, this sense of community and family.” 

Follow the Uniformed Services University on Facebook at 

www.facebook.com/pages/Uniformed-Services-University-ofthe-Health-Sciences/96338890888 

7 The Pulse The Official USU Newsletter 
 

 

 

 

Master Fitness Training Course benefits USU students, mission 

by MC3 Laura Bailey, writer and photographer 

Photo by MC3 Laura Bailey 

Medical students at the Uniformed Services University participate in the U.S. Army’s Master Fitness Training Course. 

Army and Navy medical students experience. On top of the course of runs their Army Physical Fitness 

at the Uniformed Services University instruction, the Department of Mili- Test and how they do a lot of their 

participated in the Master Fitness tary and Emergency Medicine added training since we are a tri-service 

Training Course as part of their its own educational twists, and in the school,” said Navy Ensign Allison 

Summer Operational Experience, end, we had a program of instruc- Spies, a class of 2017 student at 

July 7-18. tion of high educational and opera- the F. Edward Hébert School of 

The MFTC provides the Army tional value to our students,” said Medicine. “We’ve been told a lot that 

with certified fitness advisers who Army Col. (Dr.) Francis O’Connor, we’re moving toward a tri-service 

have earned Army Skill Identifiers chair of the Department of Military health system where we might be 

as Master Fitness Trainers and who and Emergency Medicine. interacting with the other services. It 

serve as additional-duty special The emphasis of the MFTC is would be helpful to know what their 

advisers to unit commanders. These meeting the mission through proper services are going through as far as 

MFT’s facilitate physical training fitness training and preventing physical training.”

based on the Army’s Physical Readi- injury as well as re-integrating the Furthermore, having this knowlness Training program. injured back into their unit. edge base delivered from a subject 

“This course was established after “The Army is fielding a system of matter expert is helpful.

partnering with the Army Physical physical performance optimization “It was really great to have the 

Fitness School last year when coop- to improve combat readiness,” said professionals come up from Fort 

erating on a functional movement Army Maj. David Feltwell, a physical Jackson,” said Spies. “It’s been nice 

conference. With the Army re-insti- therapist at the United States Army to have people who are formally 

tuting the Master Fitness Trainer’s Physical Fitness School. “Health trained in this to teach us. They’ve 

Course, we thought this was an care providers who understand that been enrolled in this MFTC for a peexcellent opportunity to bring an system can play a lead role in im- riod of time so it’s good to get it from 

operational program from U.S. proving the medical readiness of the the source as to what’s right and 

Army Training and Doctrine Com- force.” what’s wrong and how to prevent 

mand directly to our students. As At USU, students participating in injuries. They’ve made it applicable 

opposed to our teaching fitness, we the MFTC learn everything from to the health care profession and 

thought real-world Army fitness in- nutrition planning to running tech- medical students and how it can imstructors teaching “doctrine” would niques. pact future care, which I would say is 

be value added to our students, and “As a Navy student, it’s been really very beneficial.” 

serve as a great summer operational enlightening to learn how the Army 

8 The Pulse The Official USU Newsletter 
20 Diversity Day 

~ 14 August 14th 

11 :30 

Graphic by Kyle Furhman