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Stories - Winter 2022

Leadership Message image
Leadership Message
By Wendy Rheault, PT, PhD, FASAHP, FNAP, DipACLM

Rosalind Franklin University is entering a new year with great optimism and resolve, grounded in science and committed to helping lead the fight for a…

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Editor's Note
By Dan Moran

As we explore the concept of lifelong wellness in this issue of Helix, we draw inspiration from a recent mini-reunion — held in virtual fashion, as these…

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Running Machine image
Running Machine
By Judy Masterson

“I’m like, ‘You have trained for this. You have run thousands of miles to go this distance in one go,’” said Stefanie Flippin (née Elitharp), DPM ’15,…

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In the Swim image
In the Swim
By Meg Wakefield

“Representing your country, hearing the national anthem, seeing the flag go up and realizing that you have a small impact on that...” Dr. Cunningham said…

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"We Had That Bond" image
"We Had That Bond"

Every class that emerges from RFU has its own examples of strong connections to its alma mater, but the Chicago Medical School (CMS) Class of 1956 has…

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Straight Talk
By Yadira Sanchez Olson

As someone who loves teaching, Lisandra Ochoa, MS ’17, CMS ’22, is getting a pulse on the community and using her ethnicity and bilingualism to educate…

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Putting Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Into Practice image
Putting Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Into Practice
By Judy Masterson

Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) Eric G. Williams, PhD, joined RFU Aug. 30 from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW), where…

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Feet First image
Feet First
By Margaret Smith

To the untrained eye, something as simple as an error in a magazine advertisement might go unnoticed. However, for Howard Liebeskind, DPM ’78, FFPM RCPS(Glasg)…

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Supporting Scholars image
Supporting Scholars

Rosalind Franklin University is leveling the playing field by ensuring access to healthcare education. Our commitment to providing scholarships increases…

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Moving Forward image
Moving Forward
By Sara Skoog

When Kina Peppers, MD ’01, delivered the keynote address at the Chicago Medical School’s White Coat Ceremony in September, she told members of the Class…

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Innovation Spotlight: The Baldwin Center image
Innovation Spotlight: The Baldwin Center
By Judy Masterson

The DeWitt C. Baldwin Institute for Interprofessional Education, led by James Carlson, PhD ’12, PA‑C ’01, vice president for interprofessional education…

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Alumni Impact
By Judy Masterson

Mental illnesses are among the most common health conditions in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Data gathered…

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The Difference a Four-Legged Friend Can Make image
The Difference a Four-Legged Friend Can Make
By Sabreen Alfadel

To work in the healthcare field is also to strive toward shaping an inclusive system. This inclusivity widens the possibilities of treatment, which may…

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College of Nursing Progress image
College of Nursing Progress

Throughout the last 18 months, RFU has been working diligently on obtaining the necessary accreditation and regulatory approvals to realize its vision…

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Interim Deans Appointed at CHP, COP image
Interim Deans Appointed at CHP, COP

Smooth and capable transitions were assured in mid-2021 when both the College of Health Professions (CHP) and the College of Pharmacy (COP) appointed interim…

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In Memoriam image
In Memoriam
By Sara Skoog

Russell Robertson, MD, former Chicago Medical School dean and vice president of medical affairs, died May 31 at age 68 after battling a form of dementia…

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IRP Awarded $2 Million Matching DCEO Grant image
IRP Awarded $2 Million Matching DCEO Grant

RFU’s Innovation and Research Park was awarded $2 million from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s Wet Lab Capital Program. QUICK…

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New Leaders for Pre-Matriculation Program, Pre-Professional Health Sciences image
New Leaders for Pre-Matriculation Program, Pre-Professional Health Sciences

RFU appointed two faculty members to leadership positions for the Pre-Matriculation Program (PMP), which aims to produce a more diverse health professions…

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Physical Activity: Moving Forward to Reverse Chronic Disease image
Physical Activity: Moving Forward to Reverse Chronic Disease
By Jeffrey Damaschke, PT, DPT, PhD

Lifestyle Medicine is an evidence-based intervention to prevent, treat and reverse chronic illness and population-health epidemics through healthy behaviors…

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Nutrition: Working a Plant-Based Diet Into Your Life image
Nutrition: Working a Plant-Based Diet Into Your Life
By Melissa Bernstein, PhD, RDN, LD, FAND, DipACLM

Lifestyle Medicine is an evidence-based intervention to prevent, treat and reverse chronic illness and population-health epidemics through healthy behaviors…

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Stress Reduction: Recognizing Cues That Impact Your Overall Health image
Stress Reduction: Recognizing Cues That Impact Your Overall Health
By Kristin L. Schneider, PhD

Lifestyle Medicine is an evidence-based intervention to prevent, treat and reverse chronic illness and population-health epidemics through healthy behaviors…

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Physician Assistant Program: 30 Years Feeding a Growing Field  image
Physician Assistant Program: 30 Years Feeding a Growing Field
By Kelly Reiss

Gaining accreditation in 1991 and graduating its first baccalaureate class in the spring of 1993, the Physician Assistant (PA) Program at RFU celebrates…

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College of Pharmacy: 10th Anniversary  image
College of Pharmacy: 10th Anniversary

The first decade for the College of Pharmacy (COP) began in the summer of 2011, when the inaugural class celebrated the opening of the Morningstar Interprofessional…

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The Leadership We Found in Ourselves During the Pandemic
By Elizabeth Coulson

The concept of character being forged in fire has been witnessed throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Dire circumstances forced all of us to adapt to a reality…

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