The Official USU Newsletter

Volume 8, Issue 7 • May 13, 2013

www.usuhs.edu
2 The Pulse The Official USU Newsletter

On the cover 

White coats are symbols of the medical 

profession, and donning them is a way 

to formally recognize each students’ 

commitment to a career in medicine with a 

focus on patient-centered care. (See photo 

essay, pp. 4-5.)

Sharon Willis

Deputy Vice President for External 

Affairs and Managing Editor

Gwendolyn Smalls 

Chief, Media Affairs

Tech. Sgt. Oshawn Jefferson

Deputy Chief, Media Affairs

Christine Creenan-Jones 

Editor

MC2 Brittney Cannady

Writer

Lori Fields 

Layout and Design

The Pulse is printed by USU’s Duplicating Center.

Production 

The Pulse is funded by the Department of Defense and 

published by the Uniformed Services University. It is 

authorized for members of the U.S. military services, 

USU alumni, faculty and staff. Contents of the Pulse are 

not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, 

the DoD or USU. Appearance of anything resembling 

advertising in this publication does not constitute 

endorsement by the DoD, USU or Pulse staff members.

The contents of this publication shall be made 

available for use or patronage without regard to race, 

color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, 

physical handicap, political affiliation or any other 

non-merit factor of the user or patron.

Editorial content is edited, prepared and provided by 

the USU Office of External Affairs. The editor reserves 

the right to edit articles to conform to DoD policy 

and Associated Press style. All photos are DoD photos 

unless otherwise indicated. 

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 301-295-3338.

Photo by Thomas C. Balfour

Photo by Thomas C. Balfour

Like the students they teach, 

instructors at the Uniformed Services 

University are learners, too. Which is 

why USU is offering a Faculty Development Certificate in Practical Skills 

for Medical Educators.

The program, developed by the 

Faculty Development Advisory 

Council, is designed to improve 

academic scholarship and teacher 

proficiency across several modules, 

including educator skills, feedback 

and assessment, research skills, career 

development and progression, and 

academic leadership. 

“The key is to improve their skills as 

teachers,” said Dr. Brian Reamy, associate dean of faculty and co-chair of the 

Faculty Development Advisory Council. 

In order to receive USU’s Faculty 

Development Certificate, faculty 

members must complete 30 hours of 

coursework for a Certificate in Medical 

Education, and 70 hours of coursework 

for a Certificate of Advanced Expertise in Medical Education. They must 

also take at least one course in every 

module to earn their certificate. 

Each module targets a different teaching competency, and the 

curriculum is presented using 

various instructional methods, from 

small-group discussions to case 

studies to seminars and lectures.

Although still relatively new, 

the program has been hugely successful already. USU faculty members 

have logged nearly 700 hours of 

instruction, and 12 certificates have 

been awarded.

“These sessions were informative and helpful. In addition, while 

attending the workshops, you 

meet other members of the USU 

community who share your interests,” said Diane Borst, PhD, an 

assistant professor in the Department of Anatomy, Physiology and 

Genetics, who recently earned her 

certificate. “I encourage other faculty 

members to pursue this certification. 

The faculty development program 

provides the skills and motivation 

to become a better medical educator.”

The next faculty development 

course, which is open to all faculty, 

both billeted and non-billeted, is 

called “Research Skills: Writing 

Specific Aims,” and takes place on 

May 23 at 11:30 a.m. in Building A, 

Lecture Room C. 

For more information about the 

program, contact Dr. Brian Reamy 

at brian.reamy@usuhs.edu. 

Dr. Brian Reamy, 

associate dean of 

faculty and cochair of the Faculty 

Development Advisory 

Council, presented 

Diane Borst, PhD, an 

assistant professor 

in the Department of 

Anatomy, Physiology 

and Genetics, with a 

Faculty Development 

Certificate in Practical 

Skills for Medical 

Educators.

USU offers Faculty Development 

Certificate for Medical Educators

By MC2 Brittney Cannady, writer
May 13, 2013 3

Military pilots have challenging jobs. 

That’s why the armed forces choose 

only the very best officers to fill these 

coveted positions. Still, pilots are not 

infallible. Like service members in all 

professions, workplace stressors can 

weigh heavily on their mental wellbeing. This can lead to serious behavioral 

health problems, like anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.

No flying group is exempt, either. 

Both land- and air-based pilots 

are diagnosed with mental health 

disorders every year. The degree 

and frequency between the groups, 

however, has become popular fodder 

in the press recently, with several 

news outlets reporting that drone 

pilots suffer more.

In an effort to better understand 

this health disparity, researchers at the 

Uniformed Services University and 

Armed Forces Health Surveillance 

Center investigated the problem. Their 

retrospective cohort study yielded 

surprising results.

“There was no significant difference in the rates of mental health 

outcomes between remotely piloted 

aircraft and deployed manned aircraft 

pilots,” said Air Force Capt. (Dr.) 

Bryant Webber, a graduate student in 

USU’s General Preventive Medicine 

and Public Health Residency. 

Webber and his research partner, 

Jean Otto, PhD, a senior epidemiologist at AFHSC, analyzed data on more 

than 5,000 Air Force pilots who flew 

aircraft – either while deployed to 

combat or remotely from U.S. bases. 

The data – adjusted for age, number 

of deployments, time in service 

and prior mental health problems 

– showed no statistically significant 

discrepancies for any mental health 

outcomes, including PTSD, anxiety 

disorders or depressive disorders, 

within the pilot community.

“Our study was impactful, because it 

cleared up a lot of misconceptions and 

tempered some of the media sensationalism surrounding this issue,” said Webber. 

“The military gains from this research in 

others ways, too. It gives them a better 

purview of where their money and 

resources should go, which is toward 

understanding and solving legitimate 

health care problems in the DoD.”

Although Webber helped dispel a 

common myth, his research also raised 

interesting questions, which could lead 

to new discoveries.

“Although the data haven’t been 

adjusted, our research seemed to 

indicate that Air Force pilots as a whole 

are less likely to be diagnosed with a 

mental health problem than airmen 

in other occupations,” said Webber. “It 

would be interesting to find out why.” 

Webber has a few theories already, 

but he’s not assuming anything. After 

all, he’s been surprised before.

Researchers at the Uniformed Services University and the Armed Forces Health Surveillance Center conducted research to see if any mental 

health disparities exist in the pilot community.

USU Researchers investigate perceived 

mental health disparities in pilot community 

By Christine Creenan-Jones, editor

Photo by Air Force Staff Sgt. Chris Willis
4 The Pulse The Official USU Newsletter

The White Coat Ceremony is an annual tradition at the Uniformed Services University. It represents an important 

milestone for USU students, who have completed their first year of medical school and have thereby earned the privilege 

to wear the coveted white coats of their chosen profession.

USU celebrates White Coat Ceremony

By Christine Creenan-Jones, editor

At the event, Dr. Richard MacDonald, associate dean for Student Affairs at USU, shared the history 

and meaning of the White Coat Ceremony. “The White Coat Ceremony is a seminal moment in 

the process of professional formation for medical students, not only at USU, but across our entire 

nation,” he said. “This ceremony was nationally developed by Dr. Arnold P. Gold, and the Arnold P. 

Gold Foundation for Humanism in Medicine, where the accent and theme are intended to emphasize 

the importance of the very human and professional relationship between patients and physicians.”

Students recite the Oath of 

Hippocrates after donning their 

white coats for the first time.

The Dermatones, USU’s official a capella singing group, performed the National Anthem at the White Coat Ceremony on April 26. 

Photo by Thomas C. Balfour Photo by Thomas C. Balfour

Photo by Sharon Willis
May 13, 2013 5

First-year medical students affix the Humanism in Medicine 

pin to their white coats. 

Army Brig. Gen. (P.) (Dr.) Joseph Caravalho, commanding 

general of U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel 

Command, Fort Detrick, Maryland, was the keynote 

speaker at this year’s White Coat Ceremony. During his 

speech, Caravalho—a member of USU’s graduating class 

of 1983—offered important advice to the medical students 

participating in this year’s event. “With everything you do, 

pour your heart and soul into it,” he said. “You are the future 

of military medicine, and the nation is depending on you.”

Hundreds of family and friends attended this year’s White Coat Ceremony. 

Photo by Thomas C. Balfour

Photo by Thomas C. Balfour Photo by Thomas C. Balfour Photo by Thomas C. Balfour
6 The Pulse The Official USU Newsletter

Word on Campus

By Christine Creenan-Jones, editor

“My mom was diagnosed with Hodgkins 

lymphoma when I was six years old. It was the 

nurses who made a difference in my life and the 

quality of life for my mother. I still remember 

the name of one particular nurse who always 

addressed my sister and me. I knew from that 

point on that I was going to become a nurse. As a nurse, you 

never know the impact that you will have on someone’s life.”

Army Lt. Col. Michelle Munroe, commandant and assistant dean for Student 

Affairs in the Graduate School of Nursing

“I first got into nursing because it was the 

quickest way to get out of my parents’ house. 

Once I started nursing school, I knew this is what I 

wanted to do. I still can’t imagine doing anything 

else but taking care of those in harm’s way.”

Army Maj. Thomas Rawlings, assistant director of the Clinical Nurse 

Specialist program

“I was an armor officer, and through profound 

experiences in Desert Storm, I had some 

exposure to the medical community. That 

touched me more than what I was doing, and 

it exposed me to a different challenge that had 

personal meaning.”

Air Force Maj. Scott Christie, student in the Family Nurse Practitioner program

“As a child, I went with my mother, who was 

a University of Kansas nurse, to her job as an 

office nurse. I loved what she did and wanted 

to follow in her footsteps. She is 100 years old 

now and is still a role model for me.”

Ada Sue Hinshaw, PhD, dean of the Graduate School of Nursing

The Uniformed Services University is home to many remarkable nurses who 

deserve special recognition, especially during National Nurses Week, which 

began on May 6. 

Pulse staff members are thankful for your work and service. We also want to 

know why you chose a career in nursing. 

“When I was 

nine years old 

and standing 

in the pulpit 

of the Baptist 

church I grew 

up in, one of the deacons 

asked me what I wanted to be 

when I grew up, and I said a 

nurse. I always knew that I was 

predestined to help mankind, 

but when I declared my 

specific contribution to serving 

mankind, in one of the most 

precious places in my church, 

to one of the most loved 

deacons, my destiny was set.”

Sandra Garmon Bibb, DNSc, 

associate professor and associate dean 

for Faculty Affairs in the Graduate 

School of Nursing 

“I want to 

take care of 

people and 

help them. 

Also, I was 

enlisted 

before, and the Air Force 

helped pay for my education in 

a field I love.”

Air Force Capt. Michelle 

Tibetts, student in the Family Nurse 

Practitioner program
May 13, 2013 7

Stephen Enokida, a contract 

specialist at the Uniformed Services 

University, is a great business 

advisor. His tough negotiation skills 

and keen ability to find good deals 

save Uncle Sam thousands of dollars 

every year.

These talents keep him very busy. 

Enokida’s office awards thousands of 

contracts for new computers, office 

furniture, stethoscopes, text books, 

virtual-reality technology, and every 

other big and small item that USU 

needs to run smoothly.

Although Enokida’s work is 

demanding – especially toward the 

end of the fiscal year, when purchase 

requests come in daily droves – he 

enjoys being challenged.

 “I love my work,” Enokida said. 

“We’re really busy, and there’s always a lot 

to learn, especially at a place like USU.”

But, Enokida’s business acumen – 

good as it may be – doesn’t transcend 

Fridays. Instead, his weekends are 

spent snowboarding and surfing, his 

favorite activities.

“There’s nothing else I’d rather do,” 

he said. 

For Enokida, riding waves and 

mountains are freeing experiences. 

Solicitations, end users and requisitions don’t exist when he’s on a surf or 

snow board. A smooth ride and nailing 

the next daring stunt are the 

only things that matter.

He’s good, too. Enokida is 

an expert rider, who can do 

all kinds of tricks, including roundhouse cutbacks 

and getting barreled on his 

surf board and a backflip and 

nose press on his snowboard. 

Enokida has taught 

some of these tricks to less 

experienced riders, as well. 

Before coming to USU, he 

worked as a surf instructor in Cape Hatteras, North 

Carolina. He also competed 

in local surf competitions, 

and even placed 8th in the highly 

competitive Chesapeake Surf and 

Skate Annual Cold Water Classic. 

Still, Enokida hasn’t reached his 

peak performance, yet. The former 

teacher recently became a student at 

a snowboarding camp for extreme 

athletes in Oregon, where he spent 

a week developing new skills and 

testing his limits. 

“I got to ride snow in April, and 

learn some new tricks,” Enokida said. 

“It was pretty incredible.”

Back at work again, Enokida has 

stowed his boards away, and he’s ready 

to keep USU moving. He’s got a dozen 

requisitions that need to be researched 

and turned into contracts. It’s a tall 

order, but Enokida’s business side has 

taken over...for now. Courtesy Photo

Courtesy Photo

Contract specialist pursues 

challenges on and off duty

By Christine Creenan-Jones, editor

Stephen Enokida, a contract specialist at the Uniformed 

Services University, is an avid snowboarder, and even 

attended a week-long camp for extreme athletes.

Enokida enjoys surfing in his free time.

Research Days 2013

May 14th - 15th

Celebrating 

Excellence 

in Research

The Presidential Lecture:

Harvey V. Fineberg, M.D., Ph.D.

President, Institute of Medicine 

“Doctors as Decision Makers: Coping with 

Uncertainty and Human Nature”

Wednesday, May 14th

UNIFORMED SERVICES UNIVERSITY

of the Health Sciences

Countdown to 

Commencement 

Trivia Question #2

The Uniformed Services 

University’s commencement has 

been held at the Daughters of the 

American Revolution Constitution 

Hall more than any other place. 

However, it hasn’t been the only 

venue to host graduation. 

The first person to correctly 

identify two additional venues wins 

a large coffee and doughnut courtesy 

of the USU Cafeteria. Responses can 

be e-mailed to Christine.CreenanJones@usuhs.edu. 

Save the Date

Research Days

Celebrating Excellemce in Research

June 11, 2013
Final Frame

Courtesy Photo

The archives at the Uniformed Services University is celebrating the life of 

Dr. Kenneth Kinnamon, former USU professor, associate dean for Operations, 

and director of several departments, through an exhibit currently on display in 

the Learning Resource Center. Kinnamon was a member of the USU community 

since its founding and in 2004 served as editor of “The Uniformed Services 

University of the Health Sciences: First Generation Reflections, a history of USU.” 

Kinnamon passed away in December of 2012.