ENT Surgeons Building Specialty Sinus Program at UConn Health

September 24, 2015

Drs. Belachew Tessema (left) and Seth Brown are building a specialty sinus practice at UConn Health. (Janine Gelineau/UConn Health)

UConn Health is building a specialty sinus practice as part of its ear, nose and throat practice.

Drs. Seth Brown and Belachew Tessema are seeing patients at the UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, on lower Farmington campus.

They bring their expertise to treat complex problems such as sinonasal disorders, sinusitis, nasal polyps and sinus tumors.

“Drs. Brown and Tessema allow us to offer surgical and nonsurgical treatment of the most complex sinus problems right here at UConn,” says Dr. Denis Lafreniere, medical director of UConn Health’s faculty practice. Both are well known in the community and to our students and residents, as they’ve been part of our faculty for years.”

Brown is a UConn School of Medicine graduate and teaches UConn residents as site director for UConn’s residency program at Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center. He did his residency training in otolaryngology at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and completed a rhinology fellowship in advanced endoscopic sinus and skull base surgery at Cornell University’s Weill Medical College.

Tessema also is a UConn School of Medicine graduate who did his surgical and otolaryngology training in New York City – at the Beth Israel Medical Center and the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary. His fellowship training in rhinology and advanced endoscopic sinus and skull base surgery was at the University of Miami. Tessema is a clinical assistant professor in UConn Health’s Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology.

Both are board certified in otolaryngology.

Brown and Tessema currently see sinus patients at UConn Health on alternating Fridays. They expect to extend those hours as the practice grows.

UConn Health’s Dr. Linda Barry Honored for Mentoring Women in Science

September 23, 2015

Dr. Linda Barry is the 2015 winner of the Connecticut Science Center's Petit Family Foundation Women in Science Leadership Award. (Chris DeFrancesco/UConn Health) — Dr. Linda Barry is the 2015 winner of the Connecticut Science Center’s Petit Family Foundation Women in Science Leadership Award. (Chris DeFrancesco/UConn Health)

Dr. Linda Barry, assistant professor of surgery at the UConn School of Medicine, has made it her life’s work to eliminate disparities in health care delivery and research.

This weekend, the Connecticut Science Center is presenting her with its Petit Family Foundation Women in Science Leadership Award.

As a UConn Health faculty member, Barry serves as chief operating officer and assistant director of Connecticut Institute for Clinical and Translational Science (CICATS). She also heads the CICATS Young Innovative Investigator Program and the CICATS Mentorship (M1) Award, and co-directs the CICATS Pilot Program for Collaborative Translational and Clinical Research.

“We need to continue to raise awareness — among both women and men — to break down the barriers that have traditionally discouraged women from joining these technical fields and to facilitate the realization of their potential as leaders in their own right,” Barry says.

Barry cofounded and coordinated the first National Women in Surgery Symposium, now in its sixth year. She established the Women in Surgery Interest Group at the UConn School of Medicine three years ago, and represents the school at the American Association of Medical Colleges. Barry also is co-managing editor of the Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities.

The award recognizes leadership in promoting women’s participation in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). The selection committee chose Barry “based on her unique background in both clinical and basic science research and her extraordinary commitment to mentoring and advancing the charge to recruit women and underrepresented students into medicine, and the field of surgery in particular,” according to the Science Center.

This is the third year of the Petit Family Foundation Women in Science Leadership Award, which is part of the Science Center’s Women in Science initiative. Barry was one of five finalists.

“I am honored to have been chosen for the Women in Science Leadership Award,” Barry says. “This prestigious award highlights that as far as we have come with more women deciding to pursue STEM disciplines, women continue to be underrepresented in these fields. The important work of organizations like the Petit Family Foundation, the Connecticut Science Center, and the Connecticut Institute for Clinical and Translational Science at UConn helps to create a future filled with professional success, achievement and opportunities for women and girls in science and technology.”

Barry will accept the award Saturday, Sept. 26, at the Green Gala, the Connecticut Science Center’s signature annual fundraiser for science learning.

“Dr. Linda Barry lives the mentorship ideal,” says Dr. William Petit, whose family foundation sponsors the Women in Science initiative. “She teaches medical students, residents and fellows as well as her patients. In addition she leads by example in exploring disparities in care and trying to lessen those barriers and to be sure her pupils gain an understanding of the issues at play in our society.”

Topping Out the Academic Building

September 22, 2015

A crane lifts the steel beam that will top out expanded UConn Health academic building. (Janine Gelineau/UConn Health)

Another significant piece of steel is in place as UConn Health continues its renovations.

The final beam of the new portion of the academic building was lifted into place Monday.

UConn Health's Stephen Bayley signs the beam at the topping out ceremony. (Janine Gelineau/UConn Health) — UConn Health’s Stephen Bayley signs the beam at the topping out ceremony. (Janine Gelineau/UConn Health)

“This represents yet another exciting milestone as our campus continues its incredible transformation thanks to our state’s Bioscience Connecticut initiative,” says UConn Health Chief Administrative Officer Carolle Andrews. “UConn Health’s mission to create tomorrow’s best and brightest physicians, dentists, researchers and educators is all the more promising, and we can proudly say that our medical, dental and graduate schools will be even better equipped to deliver on that promise.”

The final beam is in place atop the expanded UConn Health academic building. (Janine Gelineau/UConn Health)

The project will add nearly 17,000 square feet to the academic building, which will include a modern, high-tech teaching area designed to foster a more collaborative learning environment, as well as additional classrooms, renovations to Patterson Auditorium to create two new dental school classrooms, and student amenities including a wellness center. Part of the Bioscience Connecticut vision is to grow the number of physicians and dentists who graduate and practice in the state, and to attract additional faculty to facilitate that growth.

New ‘UConn Health’ Landmark

September 21, 2015

UConn Health’s new hospital tower now features the new UConn Health wordmark. (Janine Gelineau/UConn Health)

You may have noticed a new addition to the UConn Health skyline in recent days.

The new UConn Health wordmark now adorns the north façade of the new hospital tower.

It’s part of the effort to rebrand as UConn Health. The sign is visible from Farmington Avenue and will be lit at night.

The new hospital tower is the centerpiece of the reconstruction of the UConn Health campus under Bioscience Connecticut, the $864 million state investment envisioned by Gov. Dannel P. Malloy to be a catalyst for biomedical research and health care in Connecticut. It is on schedule to open next year.

The view from lower campus, days after the new wordmark was added to the new hospital tower. (Janine Gelineau/UConn Health)

Students Bring Back South Park 5K for 18th Year

September 18, 2015

Runners make their way toward the The Jackson Laborator for Genomic Medicine and new hospital tower (under construction) during the 2014 South Park 5K. (Pooja Uppalapati for UConn Health) — Runners make their way toward the The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine and new hospital tower (under construction) during the 2014 South Park 5K. (Pooja Uppalapati for UConn Health)

The UConn medical, dental and pharmacy students who staff the outreach clinics at the South Park Inn in Hartford are holding their largest annual fundraiser tomorrow, Sept. 19, on the UConn Health campus.

The South Park 5K Road Race starts at 10 a.m., with registration opening at 8 a.m.

Proceeds from the 5K help offset the cost of running the clinics, which serve the transient residents of the South Park Inn. The South Park Inn provides shelter and supportive services to Hartford’s homeless population.

The $15 advance registration fee ($20 on site) covers food and entertainment, T-shirts for the first 125 registrants, and prizes for the top three male and female finishers.

Additionally, UConn Health dermatologists will offer free skin cancer screenings from 9 a.m. to noon. Email shahriari@uchc.edu for more information.

Online registration for the 5K is available at http://bit.ly/15sp5k. The organizers also have set up a Facebook page for the event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1026120560740200/.

This is the 18^th annual South Park 5K.

UConn Health October 2015 Programs, Events

September 17, 2015

Here is a list of UConn Health programs scheduled for October and early November 2015. This information will be updated with any additions or other schedule changes. (Updated 10/14)

Free IVF Information Session
Thursday, Oct. 1, 6 to 8:30 p.m., Cell and Genome Sciences Building, 400 Farmington Ave.
Specialists with the Center for Advanced Reproductive Services lead an informational session about current treatments for infertility, specifically in vitro fertilization (IVF). Each program includes an in-depth explanation of the IVF process, discussion of some of the emotional issues surrounding IVF, and discussion of options for financial planning. Registration is required: 860-679-4580 or www.uconnfertility.com.

Bladder Cancer Support Group
Saturday, Oct. 3, 2 to 3 p.m., UConn Health, Onyiuke Dining Room
Patients, family members and caregivers (not limited to UConn Health patients) are invited to join others whose lives have been touched by bladder cancer. This support group, established in partnership with the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network, usually meets on the first Saturday of the month and is the only group of its kind in New England. Call 860-679-4410 or email safo-agyeman@uchc.edu for more information.

Nutrition for a Healthy Heart
Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2 to 4 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion
The UConn Health’s Healthy Nutrition program invites you on a journey to a lower blood pressure, reduced cholesterol and healthier weight. This workshop usually is offered on the first Wednesday of the month. Registration fee is $30. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.

Free IVF Information Session
Thursday, Oct. 15, 6 to 8:30 p.m., Cell and Genome Sciences Building, 400 Farmington Ave.
Specialists with the Center for Advanced Reproductive Services lead an informational session about current treatments for infertility, specifically in vitro fertilization (IVF). Each program includes an in-depth explanation of the IVF process, discussion of some of the emotional issues surrounding IVF, and discussion of options for financial planning. Registration is required: 860-679-4580 or www.uconnfertility.com.

(added 10/14)
Infertility Peer Support Group
Thursday, Oct. 15, 7 p.m., Center for Advanced Reproductive Services, 2 Batterson Park Road, Farmington.
The Greater Hartford chapter of RESOLVE, a national nonprofit resource for those facing the challenges of infertility, offers support, information and confidential, informal, peer-led discussions on the third Thursday of the month. To learn more or to check for weather-related cancellation, call 860-523-8337.

UConn Health Auxiliary Fall Mum Sale
Friday, Oct. 16, UConn Health, locations and times vary, while supplies last
The UConn Health Auxiliary is selling 8-inch pots of mums, assorted colors, at three locations: 16 Munson Road starting at 8 a.m., outside the Connucopia Gift Shop in the main building starting at 9 a.m., and at the Outpatient Pavilion gift shop starting at 9 a.m. For more information please call 860-679-2963. More information about the Auxiliary is available at http://auxiliary.uchc.edu.

Free Hospital Maternity Tours
Saturday, Oct. 17, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., UConn Health, Main Lobby
A representative will guide you through labor and delivery, postpartum, and the nursery at John Dempsey Hospital. Children and grandparents are welcome. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.

Celiac Disease Nutrition Class
Monday, Oct. 19, 8 to 9 a.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion
A registered dietitian leads a discussion for those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity. This program now is scheduled to meet the third Monday of the month. Fee is $20. Call 800-535-6232 or 860-679-7692 to register or for more information.

Free Cosmetology Services for Cancer Survivors
Monday, Oct. 19, 1 to 3 p.m., UConn Health, Outpatient Pavilion, 4^th floor
“Look Good…Feel Better” is a free program to help improve the self-image and self-esteem of women experiencing appearance-related side effects from cancer treatment. During this hands-on workshop, a trained volunteer certified cosmetologist will offer self-help instruction and education on hairstyling and coping with hair loss, skin care, makeup and nail care. Wigs, turbans and scarves will also be discussed. Classes are offered monthly and are not limited to UConn Health patients. Registration is required: call 800-227-2345 with your name, program date, phone number, and skin color. Kits are available in Light, Medium, Dark and Extra Dark.

Free Lifestyle Medicine Program Talk on Cholesterol
Wednesday, Oct. 21, 7 to 8:30 p.m., UConn Health, Keller Auditorium
Physician assistant Bradley Biskup from UConn Health’s Lifestyle Medicine Program discusses cholesterol, including ways to manage cholesterol with lifestyle changes. Call 800-535-6232 or 860-679-7692 to register or for more information.

Childbirth Preparation Class
Saturday, Oct. 24, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., UConn Health, Onyiuke Dining Room
This one-day class covers anatomy and physiology of pregnancy and labor, emotions of pregnancy, nutrition, fetal growth and development, comfort measures for labor, working with unexpected events in labor, cesarean delivery, and practice of relaxation and breathing techniques for labor. Class size is limited to eight couples. Remember to bring two pillows and wear comfortable clothing. Light snack is provided. Fee is $100. Call 800-535-6232 or 860-679-7692 to register or for more information.

Free Workshop: “Things to Consider Before Joining a Research Study”
Monday, Oct. 26, 5 p.m., UConn Health, Onyiuke Dining Room
The UConn Health Human Subjects Protection Office offers an educational session about the rights and responsibilities of participants in research projects on the last Monday of the month. Registration is required: 860-679-8802 or cagganello@uchc.edu.

Stroke Survivor Group
Wednesday, Oct. 28, noon to 1 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 3^rd floor
The UConn Health Stroke Center invites stroke survivors, families and caregivers to a monthly group meeting to discuss topics such as prevention, coping methods, support systems, rehabilitation tips, resources, and promoting independence. The Stroke Survivor Group plans to meet on the fourth Wednesday of the month. Call 860-679-4846 for more information.

Free IVF Information Session
Thursday, Oct. 29, 6 to 8:30 p.m., Cell and Genome Sciences Building, 400 Farmington Ave.
Specialists with the Center for Advanced Reproductive Services lead an informational session about current treatments for infertility, specifically in vitro fertilization (IVF). Each program includes an in-depth explanation of the IVF process, discussion of some of the emotional issues surrounding IVF, and discussion of options for financial planning. Registration is required: 860-679-4580 or www.uconnfertility.com.

Nutrition for a Healthy Heart
Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2 to 4 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion
The UConn Health’s Healthy Nutrition program invites you on a journey to a lower blood pressure, reduced cholesterol and healthier weight. This workshop usually is offered on the first Wednesday of the month. Registration fee is $30. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.

Free IVF Information Session
Thursday, Nov. 5, 6 to 8:30 p.m., Cell and Genome Sciences Building, 400 Farmington Ave.
Specialists with the Center for Advanced Reproductive Services lead an informational session about current treatments for infertility, specifically in vitro fertilization (IVF). Each program includes an in-depth explanation of the IVF process, discussion of some of the emotional issues surrounding IVF, and discussion of options for financial planning. Registration is required: 860-679-4580 or www.uconnfertility.com.

Bladder Cancer Support Group
Saturday, Nov. 7, 2 to 3 p.m., UConn Health, Onyiuke Dining Room
Patients, family members and caregivers (not limited to UConn Health patients) are invited to join others whose lives have been touched by bladder cancer. This support group, established in partnership with the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network, usually meets on the first Saturday of the month and is the only group of its kind in New England. Call 860-679-4410 or email safo-agyeman@uchc.edu for more information.

Free Hospital Maternity Tours
Saturday, Nov. 7, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., UConn Health, Main Lobby
A representative will guide you through labor and delivery, postpartum, and the nursery at John Dempsey Hospital. Children and grandparents are welcome. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.

(added 10/14)
Free Discovery Series: “Exploring Memory Disorders”
Tuesday, Nov. 10, 7 to 9 p.m., UConn Health, Keller Auditorium
Drs. Patrick Coll and Karina Berg from the UConn Center on Aging, along with Drs. Neha Jain and Kevin Manning from the UConn Department of Psychiatry, will discuss memory disorders. Register online, for free, at http://discoveryseries.uchc.edu or call 800-535-6232.

Directions to UConn Health are available at www.uchc.edu/directions/index.html.

National Honor for UConn Prosthodontics Chair

September 15, 2015

Dr. Thomas Taylor will receive the American College of Prosthodondics Education Foundation Founders Society Award at the ACP's annual meeting in October. (Lanny Nagler for UConn Health) — Dr. Thomas Taylor will receive the American College of Prosthodondics Education Foundation Founders Society Award at the ACP’s annual meeting in October. (Lanny Nagler for UConn Health)

When the American College of Prosthodontics meets next month in Orlando, it will present UConn Health’s Dr. Thomas Taylor with a medallion for its education foundation’s highest honor.

Taylor, a professor who heads the UConn School of Dental Medicine’s Department of Reconstructive Sciences and chairs the Division of Prosthodontics, is the co-recipient of the 2015 American College of Prosthodontics Education Foundation (ACPEF) Founders Society Award.

The award recognizes those who have made a significant impact on the growth and development of the ACPEF and who “have demonstrated an extraordinary level of commitment” to the advancement of the specialty of prosthodontics, according to the Foundation.

“It is wonderful that external organizations like the ACPEF see in Dr. Taylor what we have recognized here in the School of Dental Medicine for many years,” says Dr. R. L. “Monty” MacNeil, dean of the UConn School of Dental Medicine. “He’s a thought leader, inspiring teacher and a strong advocate for our profession.”

In addition to his academic, clinical and research work at UConn Health, Taylor has published extensively in the prosthodontic literature and is a past editor of the International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Implants.

“Prosthodontics is the most wonderful—and most challenging—specialty to be a part of,” Taylor says. “Our parent organization, the American College of Prosthodontists, has been supportive of me throughout my career. I feel that I couldn’t possibly give back the value of what my chosen specialty has done for me. I’m so very proud to have been able to support the ACPEF in its efforts to further our specialty and the patients we serve. It is truly an honor to be recognized with this award.”

Taylor serves as executive director of the American Board of Prosthodontics and is president of the Greater New York Academy of Prosthodontics. He is a past president of the International College of Prosthodontics and the International Team for Implantology.

“His leadership is the breath and the heartbeat of our vital organization,” says Dr. Lyndon Cooper, ACPEF chair. “The recognition of Dr. Thomas Taylor by the ACPEF is an inspiring testimony to his level of generosity and dedication as a leader, educator, and clinician.”

Taylor also is a past president of the ACP, whose president, Dr. Frank Tuminelli, says, “His passion makes him a trailblazer for our specialty in the 21^st century.”

The ACP Annual Session is Oct. 21-24.

Pearson Named Editor-in-Chief of Nursing Scholarly Journal

September 9, 2015

Geraldine Pearson starts as editor-in-chief of the Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association Jan. 1, 2016. (Janine Gelineau/UConn Health Center Photo) — Geraldine Pearson starts as editor-in-chief of the *Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association* Jan. 1, 2016. (Janine Gelineau/UConn Health Center Photo)

UConn Health’s Geraldine Pearson will serve as editor-in-chief for the Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (JAPNA) starting next year.

JAPNA is a bi-monthly peer-reviewed publication with an international circulation of nearly 13,000.

“At an exciting time of growth and increased visibility for the journal, it was paramount to secure an editor who could build upon current momentum,” says APNA President Susie Adams. “With her prior experience as an editor as well as her clearly defined vision for developing JAPNA, the Board of Directors feel confident that Dr. Pearson will be successful as editor-in-chief of JAPNA in meeting readership interests across diverse settings and roles while retaining the quality and rigor of the journal.”

Pearson, associate professor of psychiatry at the UConn School of Medicine, has been the editor of Perspectives in Psychiatric Nursing since 2008.

“My appointment as the editor-in-chief of JAPNA presents an exciting opportunity to work with an association journal that includes a membership from all ranges of psychiatric nurses involved in practice, education, administration, and research,” Pearson says. “I hope to craft a journal that meets a broad range of member needs while maintaining a professional, evidence-based focus.”

Pearson is an advanced practice registered nurse and has a doctorate in nursing research from the UConn School of Nursing. She serves as chair of the medical school’s admissions committee, as director of UConn Health’s Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Outpatient Clinic in West Hartford, and as director of the HomeCare Program for adolescents involved in the juvenile justice system.

“Dr. Pearson adds this achievement to several other accomplishments in her career,” says Dr. David Steffens, UConn Health psychiatry chair. “This is a recognition of her longstanding leadership in the field of academic nursing, and it speaks volumes about the important roles that nursing leaders play at UConn Health.”

The American Psychiatric Nurses Association focuses on the specialty practice of psychiatric-mental health nursing and wellness promotion, prevention of mental health problems, and the care and treatment of those with psychiatric disorders. Its journal publishes clinical and research articles intended to promote psychiatric nursing, shape health care policy for the delivery of mental health services, and improve mental health care for culturally diverse people, families, groups and communities.

National Presence for UConn M.D./Ph.D. Program

September 4, 2015

M.D./Ph.D. student Alex Adami shares the American Physician Scientists Association’s Research Residency Program Database at the National M.D./Ph.D. Association Meeting in Keystone, Col. (Carol Pilbeam for UConn Health)

UConn Health’s M.D./Ph.D. Program was well represented this summer at two national meetings to advance physician-scientist training, including a presentation to M.D./Ph.D. program directors and administrators by one of its students.

The National M.D./Ph.D. Association Meeting is for program directors, and students don’t often attend. But Alex Adami, a sixth-year M.D./Ph.D. candidate, was invited to this year’s conference to present the database project he spearheaded – one that quickly got the attention of M.D./Ph.D. programs throughout the country.

M.D./Ph.D. student Alex Adami in the lab (Chris DeFrancesco/UConn Health)

Adami has long held leadership roles in the American Physician Scientists Association (APSA), the national M.D./Ph.D. Student Association, and has overseen many initiatives within APSA, serving previously as its technology chair and currently as APSA’s president-elect.

One of his APSA initiatives was the development of a database of research-intensive residency programs, those with goals of training future physician-scientists, including graduates of M.D./Ph.D. programs.

“Many residency programs targeting physician-scientists exist, but there was no easy way for a physician-scientist trainee preparing to apply for residency to find them,” Adami says. “With this project, we aim to correct that. Residency is a critical period for physician-scientist trainees, one where many become discouraged and leave the career path. By connecting more trainees to programs designed for them, we hope to reduce those losses and increase the number of physician-scientists who go on to make important advances in understanding human health.”

In addition to his presentation, Adami joined a panel of M.D./Ph.D. program and residency program directors focusing on postgraduate physician-scientist training.

“I am so proud to see our students representing UConn, not just at the national level but on the same stage as directors of M.D./Ph.D. programs and other very senior physician-scientists,” says Dr. Carol Pilbeam, director of the UConn M.D./Ph.D. Program, who was also at the meeting. “It is a testament to Alex’s leadership and accomplishments and to the caliber of student that the UConn M.D./Ph.D. program attracts.”

Further accolades for UConn at the association meeting went to Tracy Dieli, admissions coordinator and M.D./Ph.D. program administrator. Dieli received a plaque from the National M.D./Ph.D. Association recognizing 10 years of dedicated service to the program.

M.D./Ph.D. student Jeremy Grenier in the lab (Chris DeFrancesco/UConn Health)

As the directors and administrators were wrapping up in Denver, the 30th annual M.D./Ph.D. Student Conference was just beginning. Featuring presentations by internationally-prominent physician-scientists and networking opportunities between students from programs nationwide, the student conference is one of the premier gatherings of M.D./Ph.D. trainees. As part of its mission to train physician scientists, UConn’s M.D./Ph.D. program annually sponsors students to travel to the conference. This year’s representatives were Adami and fifth-year student Jeremy Grenier.

Several sessions of the conference are devoted to research presentations by current M.D./Ph.D. students. Grenier’s work in the Department of Immunology was featured during one of the poster sessions. His project examines the impact of viruses on stroke outcomes. Infection is a leading cause of mortality following stroke. Grenier is pursuing his thesis work in the laboratories of Drs. Kamal Khanna and Louise McCullough.

“I am continually amazed by the scientific achievements of our students,” says Dr. Suzanne Rose, UConn School of Medicine senior associate dean for education. “The accomplishments of students like Alex and Jeremy demonstrate our institution’s ability to foster mentorship, discovery, and excellence.”

Adami was selected to give an oral presentation on his project that explores the relationship between the host microbiota, the microorganisms that dwell on and inside of each of us, and the development of asthma.

“Asthma is becoming more and more common in every region of the world,” Adami says. “The increase in asthma has been linked to overuse of antibiotics, particularly in children, and my research supports this. Our hope is that by understanding how the microbiota interacts with our immune system, we can better treat infections in childhood without promoting the development of asthma later in life.”

Adami is pursuing his thesis work in the immunology laboratory of Dr. Roger Thrall.

Internships at UConn Health Promote Path to Independence

August 31, 2015

Kirsten Saraceno is a Project SEARCH intern working in the linen area at UConn Health. (Janine Gelineau/UConn Health)

Kirsten Saraceno has been working at UConn Health for the last few months, rotating through assignments in the linen area, materials management, and human resources.

She’s one of two summer interns taking part in a pilot program at UConn Health in partnership with Favarh’s transition program for disabled young adults called Project SEARCH.

“What I like best about being here is the people,” Sarcaeno says. “I’ve learned to master social skills. I think it’s changed me, made me better with interaction and being social.”

The idea is to help those with intellectual disabilities transition from school to into adult life by preparing them for independent employment. UConn Health is one of only a few Project SEARCH host sites in the state.

Favarh, based in Canton, is a chapter of the Arc, a worldwide organization that supports people with disabilities. Favarh has partnered with the Connecticut Departments of Developmental Services and Rehabilitative Services, and UConn Health Human Resources, to bring the program to UConn Health.

Francis Matos (right) is Kirsten Saraceno's mentor in the linen department. (Janine Gelineau/UConn Health) — Francis Matos (right) is Kirsten Saraceno’s mentor in the linen department. (Janine Gelineau/UConn Health)

“Our goal is to help individuals achieve their personal best,” says Sandy Finnimore, the Favarh site instructor at UConn Health. “Take Kirsten. She has grown so much. She’s made a lot of strides with communication and overcoming her shyness.”

Based on an international model developed at the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital nearly 20 years ago, Project SEARCH is dedicated to building a workforce that includes people with disabilities. The interns gain marketable and transferable employment skills through worksite rotations and hands-on learning. The program teaches job-searching skills, assists with the application process, and provides job coaching. The ultimate goal for each intern is competitive employment.

“Project SEARCH interns are very reliable and bring their best efforts every day, and employees gain a better understanding of working with a diverse workforce that includes people with disabilities,” says UConn Health HR Director of Organization and Staff Development Cindy Couture. “It really brightens your day, seeing the determination and commitment of these students.”

The other UConn Health summer intern, Matt (who agreed to be identified by first name only), has spent time working in materials management, the mail room, and contract services.

“I like meeting new people, working with other people, and treating other people with respect,” he says. “I like the mail room the best. You get to see where all the mail is.”

Finnimore says supervisors had to remind Matt to take his breaks because he didn’t want to stop sorting mail.

“Matt is very shy, but he’s gained a lot of confidence from the program,” Finnimore says. “Our students do well with repetitive tasks, and even complex repetitive tasks. This program gives them a chance to thrive.”

A typical day starts at 8 a.m. with a classroom session in the Munson Road building to go over problem solving, teamwork, decision making, and other skills for independent living and working. They arrive at their worksites by 9:30 for hands-on learning of the core skills of entry-level jobs, with new skills introduced as they master basic tasks. They get a lunch break after about two hours, then return to work until 1:30, when they gather their belongings and return to Munson Road for an afternoon classroom session to reflect on the day, plan for the next, and practice communication skills.

“I’ve seen Kirsten and Matt grow so much during their Project SEARCH experience,” Couture says. “They’ve earned positive reviews from their coworkers and supervisors and have gained core skills needed for an entry-level position in the community.”

Finnimore checks in on them to observe and identify areas that may need coaching. Both she and Couture credit much of the pilot program’s success to the enthusiasm, interest and support of UConn Health host department managers and staff mentors.

“They’ve been very well received,” Finnimore says. “We’re hoping to be able to bring in more interns for the regular school year.”

The first full year of the program starts next month, with several weeks of classroom instruction and skills assessment before the students start their work assignments. Any UConn Health work areas that may be interested in hosting an intern in the fall can reach Couture at ccouture@uchc.edu or 860-679-2035.

As for Sarcaeno, she hopes eventually to work in human resources.

“I see myself in HR, because I think it fits all my skills,” she says. “It can be simple, yet challenging. I can blend in, yet stand out.”