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SCHOOL OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS
A Message from the Dean
The School of Health Professions
has progressed rapidly since its
inception in 2013. May 2016 brought
our second cohorts of Doctor of Physical
Therapy students and Master of Science
Speech Language Pathology students. We
also enrolled our inaugural class in the
Master of Athletic Training program. A
Bachelor of Science in respiratory care
and a Master of Science in respiratory
care have been approved by Samford's
board of trustees, and we are in the
process of seeking provisional accreditation
for these programs.
While we have exceptional
Alan P. Jung
programs, we recognize that the School of
Health Professions is called to more than simply offering degrees. 1 Peter 4:10 tells
us, “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully
administering God’s grace in its various forms.” This verse is the foundation of who
we are in the School of Health Professions, and it is what we desire to instill in our
students: using one’s gifts to serve others. We help students understand that they
are pursuing more than a job; they are pursuing a unique calling and purpose that
God has placed on each of their lives. As our students pursue careers in physical
therapy, speech language pathology, athletic training, the sports industry or any
other area, we want our students to view these professions as tools to reach people.
As we strive to instill a sense of calling in our students, we also want to
recognize God’s calling on the School of Health Professions. As a school, we know
that we have a higher purpose, and when God lays something on our hearts, it is
difficult to ignore. Such was the case last summer when God impressed upon me
the need to raise scholarship dollars for underrepresented minority students in the
School of Health Professions. Minorities represent at least 25% of the total U.S.
population but only 10% of health professionals. Studies have shown that minority
health professionals are more likely to practice in underserved areas, and when
given a choice, minority patients will more often choose a health care provider
from their same racial and ethnic background. I believe God is calling us to serve
and to train the next generation of leaders to improve this disparity that exists in
health care.
As you can see in the accompanying stories, our students, alumni and
employees are making a positive impact locally and globally. Whether it is in their
daily professions, on mission trips or as community outreach, they are using their
gifts to serve others, and I am thankful for the role the School of Health
Professions plays in helping them fulfill their calling to serve. I invite you to learn
more about our programs and the School of Health Professions underrepresented
minority scholarship at samford.edu/healthprofessions.
Alan P. Jung, Ph.D., FACSM
Dean and Professor
School of Health Professions
Department of Kinesiology
to Offer New Community
Testing Services by Katie Stripling
Beginning this fall, the Department of Kinesiology
will offer wellness, fitness and performance testing
services. Utilizing state-of the art equipment and
facilities, faculty and students will perform comprehensive
tests aimed at assisting clients in becoming
healthier adults or improved athletes. In addition,
functional testing for older adults is available to assess
physical abilities in performing common daily tasks.
“We are looking forward to providing
Birmingham and the surrounding areas with quality
health, fitness and performance assessments at
affordable costs,” said Rebecca Rogers, coordinator of
the human performance lab. “The program allows
community members of any exercise level and athletic
experience to determine their fitness status and design
an optimal plan for achieving their goals.”
Participants will choose specific wellness or
performance assessments from a menu of services.
Specific assessments provide individualized information
in the areas of body composition, resting
metabolism, maximum oxygen consumption
(VO2max), ventilatory threshold testing, exercise
energy expenditure, fuel usage assessments (contributions
of fat and carbohydrates), lactate threshold
assessment, anaerobic capacity, force production and
strength testing, dynamic and static balance,
functional movement screening, and physical
functional performance. Multiple services can be
bundled together in a single visit to provide comprehensive
analysis at a discounted price.
Faculty and students from the Department of
Kinesiology provide testing services using a team
approach, providing an important experiential
learning opportunity for students in the exercise
science, health sciences and sports medicine
programs.
“The direct client interaction provides students
with valuable experience in individualized assessment
and physical activity prescriptions. Many of
these students go on to careers that involve direct
patient care, and it is our hope that these experiences
provide them with a strong understanding of the
importance of personal and individualized care,” said
John Petrella, department chair. ◗
For more information about this program, go to
samford.edu/healthprofessions or call Rebecca Rogers
at 205-726-2717.
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