Friday, November 10, 2023
- 8:00 AM
Welcome
- 8:15 AM
- 9:30 AM
Foster kids in school - how are they doing?
Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine 2021 – present
>Podiatry School Curriculum Planning Committee
>Self-Study Steering Committee
>Chair: Standard 4 – Curriculum
>Chair: Standard 6 – Students
>Worked with Dean, Associate Dean and Assistant Dean in developing the curriculum for the new
School of Podiatric Medicine. Specifically, worked with the team in developing the learning
objectives to meet the Council on Podiatric Medicine Education’s curricular guidelines. Also
worked with the team in developing the class schedules and curricular mapping materials for
each course.
>Structured the Podiatric Medicine Anatomy Laboratory including acquisition of plastinated
specimens, covering all body systems and facilitated product demonstrations and selection of
virtual anatomy table. Also assisted with direction of space and facility specifications for the
optimal student learning environment.
>Met with the CPME accreditation site visit committee, as requested and answered all questions
and provided all necessary information.
>Worked with SOPM team to produce further requested materials following the site visit.
>Worked on initial development of course materials for anatomy, embryology, histology, lower
extremity anatomy, radiology and other podiatric medical courses.
>Prepared materials for incoming faculty to facilitate curriculum mapping, use of our learning
management system, Problem-Based Learning procedures, and other course materials to
provide a smooth transition into the program.
>Prepare Interprofessional Educational Activities for our students and students in other health
professional programs at UTRGV
>Planning committee for IPE activities amongst health professional programs at UTRGV
Assistant Professor of Molecular Science 2020 – 2022
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Module Lead for Introduction to Medicine:
Served as faculty and in an administrative role for the course, which is the first 4 weeks of
the first year curriculum. My faculty lectures covered methods to be successful as a medical
student and an exercise in critical thinking skills to prepare students for the nature of higher order
questions they will be asked on assessments. I also taught one lecture on Acid-Base balance and
facilitated the organization of faculty members in giving a variety of lectures in preparation for the
traditionally difficult Molecules to Medicine Module. At the request of the Assistant Dean, Nikita
Chavarria, a pre and post-exam were kept in place to evaluate learning and effectiveness in the
module. The first exam was full-credit on the very first day of class and the same exam was given
at the end of the basic sciences portion of the module. The previous year’s class did not receive a
score on the second exam, only a passing grade if it was taken and it seemed that students did
not take the exam seriously. Therefore, results were not felt to indicate true learning. This year,
an actual number grade was given for the second exam and a significant improvement was seen
in knowledge of the material.
Module Lead for Language of Medicine, Year 2
Served as faculty and in an administrative role for the longitudinal module, which incorporates
anatomy/embryology/histology for the Musculoskeletal & Dermatology, Mind Brain & Behavior,
Digestive Health & Nutrition, and Endocrine & Female Reproductive Modules. I worked with the
Assistant Module Lead, other concurrent Module Leads and course coordinators to develop
lecture and laboratory schedules. Developed a laboratory guide for each respective laboratory
session, along with a list of structures they will be responsible for on their lab practical exams.
Laboratory exams were transitioned to an in-person format, with significant positive feedback
from the students. I worked with the faculty members on the anatomy team to develop
assessments for each module section and review of each examination was made with the
assessment team.
Serve as faculty member, providing lectures on human anatomy & physiology topics in the
various modules of the curriculum. Develop questions and materials in coordination with my
colleagues, to provide a sound assessment for medical students. Participate in leading anatomy
lab sessions and histology lab sessions.
University Committee Appointments:
Pre-clerkship Subcommittee of the Medical School Curriculum Committee
Chair: Standard 9 – Instituitional Effectiveness
Community Activity:
Unidos Contra la Diabetes
Steering Committee – Policy Task Force
Coalition for Empowering Children and Families
Member (stakeholder) – I participate in meetings/activities that help to improve
the lives of foster children and families in the RGV.
Assistant Professor, Sanford School of Medicine 2018 – 2020
University of South Dakota
Basic Biomedical Sciences
>Course Director for Medical Foundations I (Gross Anatomy/Biochemistry):
Served as faculty and in an administrative role for the course, which is the first 12 weeks of
the first year curriculum. My faculty lectures covered the upper and lower extremity, and the
spine, back and posterior aspect of neck. Two other faculty members lectured on the
head/anterior neck and the thorax, respectively. As the course director, I organized
lecture and lab schedules, clinical correlation speakers, developed assessment tools in
ExamSoft, organized review sessions, developed NBME examination, dealt with student
and faculty concerns, maintained course page in D2L, and other general administrative
functions
>Course Director for Human Gross Anatomy:
Served as faculty and in an administrative role for the course, which is composed of
Physician Assistant, Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy students. My faculty
lectures covered the upper and lower extremity, and the spine, back and posterior aspect of
neck. Two other faculty members lectured on the head/anterior neck and the thorax,
respectively. As the course director, I organized lecture and lab schedules, clinical
correlation speakers, developed assessment tools in ExamSoft, organized review
sessions, developed NBME examination, dealt with student and faculty concerns,
maintained course page in D2L, and other general administrative functions
Lecture on the anatomy/histology/embryology for the following system blocks:
Skin/Musculoskeletal, Renal/Urinary System, Respiratory System,
Blood/Hemo/Lymphatics System, Endocrine and Reproductive Systems
>Lecture in Human Anatomy course for graduate students in our Post-Bacc Plan B
program
>Faculty Advisor for first and second year medical students
>Serve on the following committees: Medical Education Committee, Faculty Development
Committee, Admissions Committee, INMED Subcommittee of Admissions Committee
(program for Native American student applicants)
>Co-Director for the Body Donation Program for the State of South Dakota
>Serve on Student Affairs subcommittee for strategic planning
Instructor of Biology, Schreiner University 2016 – 2018
Trull Dept. of Math and Science
>Instruction of courses for undergraduate pre-healthcare students including: Anatomy &
Physiology I & II (lecture and lab), Freshman Biology, Biomechanics, Microbiology
>Developed Health Sciences track for BA – Biology degree plan to accommodate
necessary pre-requisites for professional schools in the health care field
>Academic advising for students going into healthcare professions, advising and
facilitating support services for at-risk students
>Faculty Advisor for Medical Careers Club
>Strategic Planning Faculty Focus Group
>NetVue Advising Committee
>Certified Digital Professor
>Service-Learning Committee
>Compensation Committee
Adjunct faculty, Schreiner University 2014 – 2016
Trull Dept. of Math and Science
Duties:
Same as above
Solo-Practice 2012 – 2014
Edelweiss Podiatry, PLLC
>Provided podiatric medical and surgical care to patients in the office and hospital settings
>DMEPOS provider including custom orthoses, AFO’s, prefabricated and custom molded
diabetic shoes with and without modification
>Helped patients to navigate the process of acquiring a prosthesis following amputation
>Advised community healthcare providers in the most effective use of diabetic shoes,
orthoses, AFO’s, and assistive devices to lower risk of amputation
>Active member of surgery department which is responsible for policy and other topics
related to the delivery of healthcare in an inpatient setting
>Note: Retired from practice of podiatric medicine due to motor vehicle accident
Wound Care Specialist 2012 – 2014
Hill Country Memorial Hospital
>Provided limb salvage services, including facilitation and modification of
prosthetic/orthotic and assistive devices
>Educated patients and healthcare providers on the importance of prefabricated and
custom molded diabetic shoes, with or without modification, in preventing recurrent
diabetic wounds and lowering the risk of amputation
>Involved with planning and policy issues related to healthcare delivery
Podiatric Physician 2009 – 2012
United Medical Centers (Federally Qualified Health Center)
>Provided podiatric medical and surgical care to patients in the office and hospital settings
>Worked within state and federal regulations of Federally Qualified Health Centers to
provide healthcare services, adapt and create policies to better serve the community, and
to assist patients in finding resources via available local, state and federal programs
>Established United Medical Centers as the only DMEPOS provider in Maverick County
providing custom devices
Wound Care Specialist 2008 – 2012
Fort Duncan Regional Medical Center
Hyperbaric Medicine & Wound Care Center
>Co-medical Director, 2010–2012
>Provided limb salvage services
>Responsible for leading team in day to day operations
>Involved with planning and policy issues related to healthcare delivery
Podiatrist 2008 – 2010
Podiatry Group of South Texas
>Provided podiatric medical and surgical care to patients in the office and hospital settings
>Active member of surgery department which is responsible for policy and other topics
related to the delivery of healthcare
Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Resident 2006-2008
DVA – Black Hills/So. Arizona
>Provided medical care to veterans and other patients
>Completed clinical rotations in compliance with PM&S – 24 residency program
>Learned surgical and medical skills to further my knowledge and skill set in providing
patient care
>Learned healthcare delivery policies and dealt with issues in both the VA and private
Sector patient populations
Lab Instructor/Science Lab Coordinator
Schreiner University 2001-2002
Tutor for Learning Disabled Students
Schreiner University 2001-2002
Personal Care Assistant
Private Homes of Elderly Patients 1996-2001
Biology Laboratory Work Study
Schreiner University 1998-2001
Peer Tutor
Schreiner University 2000-2001
Veterinarian Assistant
All Creatures Animal Clinic 1997-1999
- 9:30 AM
- 10:45 AM
Navigating Moral Injury and Ambiguity
>Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker; Board-approved Supervisor; Registered Parent
Educator, Circle of Security – Parent; Certification in Trauma-Effective Leadership
>Over 30 years providing/supervising services for people with mental health needs, trauma
histories, intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, emotional/behavioral needs, and
financial crises
>Consultant and speaker with National Child Protection Training Center and Zero Abuse Project
>Consultation and training with organizations related to trauma-effective practices and staff
support across disciplines (education, healthcare, mental health, legal, social work, advocacy,
faith, etc.)
>Completion of extensive training/certifications in Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy,
Circle of Security – Parenting, and Trauma-Effective Leadership
>Experience starting and directing nonprofit organizations in child welfare
>Experience starting and managing a cross-discipline trauma consultation LLC
>Experience managing projects and teams
>Experience building and facilitating collaboration and team building
- 10:45 AM
- 11:00 AM
Break
- 11:00 AM
- 12:00 PM
Indicators of Sex Trafficking
Dr. Diana Almaguer has served, since 2019, as the Regional Director for Common Thread, a program
under the Human Trafficking Interdiction Division with BCFS Health and Human Services. Common
Thread is a program whose mission is to connect with Commercially Sexually Exploited Youth through
relational advocacy, intensive case management and peer support. In this role, she oversees the direct
delivery of services of human trafficking survivors in 13 counties under the Rio Grande Valley region.
Prior to joining the BCFS family, Dr. Almaguer served as an Executive Director for CASA of Hidalgo
County In., as well as an Investigations Supervisor and Licensing Supervisor with the Texas Department
of Family and Protective Services for over ten years. Dr. Almaguer is also an Adjunct Lecturer in the
Public Affairs and Security Studies Division with the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Almaguer
has over 20 years of experience in advocating for youth who have been victims of abuse and neglect and
children who have suffered severe trauma through other forms of abuse. Dr. Almaguer’s experience
extends into both the private and nonprofit sectors.
Dr. Almaguer has been certified as a TBRI (Trust Based Relational Intervention) Practitioner. Dr.
Almaguer is an active member of the Pharr Sunrise Kiwanis and has served as President, as well as two
years as the Lt. Governor for Region 11 for the Kiwanis. Dr. Almaguer is also an active board member for
Palmer Drug Abuse Program, San Juan Community Lions Club and currently serves as the Chair of the
Public Administration Advisory Committee at South Texas College.
Dr. Almaguer is a graduate of Our Lady of the Lake University with a PhD in Leadership Studies and holds
a Master of Public Administration from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and a Bachelor of Arts
in Political Science from the University of Texas Pan American.
- 12:00 PM
- 1:30 PM
Lunch
- 1:30 PM
- 2:30 PM
Ending Generational Cycles of Familial Abuse
Andrew Campbell is an expert on domestic violence and the associated risks of harm for adults,
children, and animals residing in homes where this violence occurs. Utilizing cutting-edge data
analysis and a unique perspective on violence in the home, he provides education for agencies
across the country and assists in developing more efficient and effective community responses
to physical and emotional violence. Andrew’s several recent publications in major academic
journals include his analysis of nearly 10,000 first responder reports and observations from the
scene of domestic violence incidents and are the first in academic literature to use law
enforcement data to quantify risk of harm/injury in this manner.
- 2:30 PM
- 3:30 PM
Prevention initiatives and hope for the future
Sasha Rasco
- 3:30 PM