LLUAHSC SCOPE Summer 2001 - World Congress III

Loma Linda dean and graduates present papers at World Congress III of Health Professions

[SCOPE, Summer 2001]

Ortiz, Hopp
MOT graduate Alma Ortiz (right) poses for a picture with Joyce W. Hopp, PhD, MPH, RN, dean, School of Allied Health Professions, during the poster session at the health professions congress.

School of Public Health dean Joyce W. Hopp, PhD, MPH, RN, presented a paper at the World Congress III of Health Professions on development of the master's degree programs in occupational therapy (MOT) and physical therapy (MPT).

The congress, held in conjunction with the Third Hispanic Congress of Health Related Professions, was held March 27 to 31 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Loma Linda University, in conjunction with Antillean Adventist University, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, offers the only advanced degree programs in physical therapy and occupational therapy on the entire island.

"The programs have enrolled 45 students in the MPT program and 14 students in the MOT program," Dr. Hopp says. Of these, 26 students have completed the degree programs to date.

Faculty from Loma Linda University regularly spend two to five weeks--depending on the courses being taught--at Antillean Adventist University.

Students, who are all working professionals, attend classes from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. each Tuesday and Thursday. Ten of the 15 courses are shared between two professional programs, points out program directors Everett Lohman, DPTSC, and Donna Anzai, MS, OTR.

"During a recent mandatory site visit by a representative from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, the program was praised for the quality of its education and the research projects undertaken by the students," Dr. Hopp continues.

Four of the graduates from the physical therapy program presented poster sessions of their research projects at the world congress. Research presented included "Physical Therapy Knowledge, Support, and Opinion about Direct Access in Puerto Rico," by Patricia Silva; "The Relationship of the Knowledge of Law 114 and Support of Physical Therapy Profession," by Alma Ortiz; "Effect of Negative Biomagnetic Field in the Treatment of Chronic Low Back Pain: a Double Blind Study," by Damaris Rodriquez; and "Work Related Low

Back Pain Among Physical Therapists and Physical Therapists Assistants in Puerto Rico: Prevalance and Perceived Risk Factors," by Keyla Fuentes.

"The high visibility afforded by the congress for the extended campus degree programs generated additional applications, as well as a high degree of enthusiasm on the part of the students presently enrolled," concludes Dr. Hopp.

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‰ For more information about the MOT, MPT, and other programs in the School of Allied Health Professions, see the website at <www.llu.edu/llu/sahp/index.html>.

[SCOPE, Summer 2001]