More than 350 students received their degrees at the University of Texas Medical Branch’s School of Health Professions commencement Aug. 11 at Moody Gardens in Galveston. The keynote address was provided by Laura Wiggs, a 1991 physical therapy graduate of the school and a certified brain injury specialist.
The school offers bachelor’s degrees in clinical laboratory sciences and respiratory care. The school also provides master’s degrees for occupational therapy, physician assistant studies, clinical laboratory sciences, transfusion medicine, nutrition and metabolism and health professions. Students also can earn doctorates in clinical laboratory sciences, occupational therapy and physical therapy. Since opening its doors in 1968, the school has granted degrees and certificates to more than 11,000 graduates.
Research fellow to lead global health confab
Medical branch research fellow Shannon Guillot-Wright has been selected the chair of the 2018 Houston Global Health Collaborative Conference. The conference, scheduled for March, is an annual gathering of interdisciplinary professionals from the field of global health. This will be the sixth annual conference and is a partnership between the Houston Global Health Collaborative, Rice Business and Texas Children’s Hospital. The collaborative was formed to further mutual global health interests across the medical, educational and service-oriented institutions in the greater Houston area. Its membership is representative of all key global health stakeholders in the area.
Diabetic volunteers needed for study
The Sealy Center on Aging is seeking volunteers who have Type 2 diabetes for a clinical study on exercise, nutrition and muscle growth. Volunteers should be between 60 to 80 years old and not have other serious medical conditions. Volunteers will be compensated for time and travel and receive copies of medical exams and tests. For more information, contact Paula Skinkis, 409-772-1907 or pskinkis@utmb.edu
Hinojosa to speak at Garcia Awards
State Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa will be the guest speaker at the Hector P. Garcia Awards Luncheon on Sept. 8. The winners of the Hector P. Garcia Cultural Competence Essay Contest and the Hector P. Garcia Abstract Contest will be announced at the event that will be held in Levin Hall on the Galveston campus. The awards and luncheon celebrate the life of Dr. Garcia, who graduated from the medical branch in 1940, and then served as a captain in the U.S. Army during World War II.
Outraged at the discrimination against Mexican-Americans, specifically military veterans, he fought for their civil and educational rights for more than 50 years. President Reagan presented Garcia the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1984.
Dementia conference in Angleton
The medical branch is teaming with the Alzheimer’s Association Houston and Southeast Texas Chapter and the Brazoria County Alzheimer’s Awareness Project to present the 2017 Brazoria County Dementia Conference from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 15 at the First Presbyterian Church, 130 S. Arcola St., in Angleton. Seating is limited. RSVP by calling 800-272-3900 or visit bit.ly/2mj7znS. For more information, call Dale Libby, 979- 236-5393.