Author: Jamie Stoskopf

Gina Brown, Associate Professor – Department of Physician Associate, published “A review of Prader-Willi syndrome” in Journal of American Academy of Physician Associates (JAAPA) Feb. 15.

Abstract: Prader-Willi syndrome is a rare and complex genetic disorder with multiple physical and behavioral characteristics, affecting endocrine, metabolic, and neurologic systems and producing a plethora of medical complications. Early identification and diagnosis are paramount to providing timely and appropriate interventions to improve patient outcomes. Treatment should focus on neonatal feeding and growth, followed by hormonal therapy for hypothalamic dysfunction, and should then be directed at the prevention and treatment of obesity and obesity-related complications. Effective treatment requires a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach.

Dr. Linda Moody, Associate Teaching Professor – Department of Public Health Sciences, was recognized with 2025 Health Care Heroes from Wichita Business Journal.

Wichita State University Physician Associate Program was recognized with 2025 Health Care Heroes award from Wichita Business Journal.

Dr. Brent Ehresman, Assistant Director of Clinical Education/Assistant Teaching Professor, and Dr. B.J. Lehecka, Professor – Department of Physical Therapy, published “Improved Hip Flexibility and Gluteal Functioning Following a Daily Lunge-and-Reach Stretching Intervention” in International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy June 1.

Abstract: Background: A sedentary lifestyle contributes to hip flexor tightness. Some evidence suggests that tight hip flexors may contribute to impairments in gluteal function. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a daily lunge-and-reach stretching program on hip flexor length and gluteus maximus strength, power, and endurance in healthy college-aged adults. Study Design: Cohort Study. Methods: Twenty-three participants with hip flexor tightness (15 females, 8 males; average age 24.0 ± 2.58 years) totaling 46 limbs were tested. Twelve participants were randomly assigned to the experimental group, while the remaining eleven were placed in the control group. Hip flexor length was measured with the Modified Thomas Test using an inclinometer. Gluteal power was measured on each lower extremity using a single-leg broad jump for distance with a tape measure. Gluteal strength was measured with prone hip extension using a handheld dynamometer and luggage scale. Gluteal endurance was measured with a single-leg bridge using a stopwatch. Participants in the intervention group performed five minutes of a lunge-and-reach stretch daily for six weeks. Results: Statistically significant changes were found for the Modified Thomas Test (mean change 5.92 ± 3.73 deg, p=0.01) and single-leg broad jump for distance (mean change 12.39 ± 11.23 cm, p=0.02) for the intervention group. No significant change was found for gluteal strength or single-leg bridge endurance (p=0.23 and p=0.26, respectively) for the intervention group. All measurements demonstrated high reliability (ICC=0.92-0.99). Conclusion: These results suggest that the lunge-and-reach stretch can be used to improve hip flexor length and gluteal power in a young, healthy population. Clinicians, coaches, and athletes may find these improvements beneficial for rehabilitation or performance.

Dr. Justin Smith, Assistant Professor – Department of Physical Therapy, published “The effectiveness of a geriatric simulation suit for improving empathy and simulating the aging process for older adults in a DPT program: A pilot study.” in Gerontology & Geriatrics Education June 4.

Abstract: Enhancing empathy toward older adults among physical therapy students is essential to prepare graduates to be equipped to properly treat geriatric patients in all types of healthcare settings. This pilot study evaluated the effectiveness of a homemade geriatric suit to simulate an older adult and improve empathy among physical therapy students. The Jefferson Scale of Empathy for Health Professions student version was utilized to measure empathy-related parameters before and after the geriatric simulation experience. Physical and cognitive performance tests were used to assess the effectiveness of the geriatric suit to simulate typical age-related changes in physical and cognitive performance. Additionally, sociodemographic data were collected such as age, gender and prior experience working with older adults. Following the geriatric simulation suit experience, participants did not demonstrate statistically significant post-intervention empathy scores on the Jefferson Empathy Scale (t = 2.09, p = 0.022). However, patients did demonstrate similar physical scores when compared with older adult norms while wearing the geriatric simulation suit. The geriatric simulation suit experience effectively simulated the aging process, but did not significantly increase empathy in students. The homemade geriatric simulation suit may be a feasible and cost-effective way to simulate typical age-related physical changes in older adults.

Dr. Jennifer James, Assistant Teaching Professor – Department of Physical Therapy, was recognized with Dually certification in both Pediatric and Neurologic Physical Therapy from American Board of Physical Therapy Specialists.

Dr. Heather Henderson — Associate Dean for Research, Compliance and Accreditation in the College of Health Professions Dean’s Office and Assistant Professor of Public Health Sciences — taught the introductory course on teaching in higher education for Association of University Programs in Health Administration’s (AUPHA) Art of Teaching Institute that Henderson helped design.

Dr. Karissa Marble-Flint, Associate Professor, MA CSD (SLP) Program Coordinator – Communication Sciences and Disorders, published “Turning the Page: Midwest SLPs’ Lived Experiences Providing Literacy Services in Schools” in Seminars in Speech and Language June 5.

Abstract: School-based speech-language pathologists (SLPs) from four midwestern states were surveyed about their knowledge and confidence regarding literacy intervention. To obtain accounts of lived experiences, SLPs who completed the survey were invited to a follow-up interview. Fourteen SLPs completed interviews with a member of the research team via a recorded Zoom meeting. The interviews were approximately an hour long and each question was presented on a shared screen. Interview data were transcribed and then analyzed using thematic analysis. Five overarching themes emerged: (1) SLPs are responsible for language services to support student literacy; (2) barriers of time, administrator knowledge, and instructional tools that support SLP literacy instruction; (3) collaboration and training would improve confidence; (4) how multi-tiered systems of support and Title I impact SLP literacy services; and (5) the role of other team members in literacy services. Overall, SLPs know that they can play an important role in literacy assessment and intervention but are unsure of how their specific skills fit into the greater school context. Training may improve confidence in serving students with literacy needs differently from other service providers. Future work could explore partnerships between SLPs and other professionals to best serve students with literacy needs.

Collaborators Dr. Amy Peterson, Dr. Klaire Brumbaugh and Dr. Whitney Schneider-Cline

Dr. Voncella McCleary-Jones, Associate Dean for Academic, Faculty and Student Affairs – College of Health Professions Dean’s Office, was selected to serve as a reviewer of nursing programs, Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

The Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) program at Wichita State is proud to welcome four new resident dentists to the 2025-26 class: Dr. Ahmed Al Rawe, Dr. Cheyanne Cornwell, Dr. Eric Nguyen and Dr. Monica Noh.  

The AEGD program is a one-year dental residency program that provides dentists with advanced comprehensive clinical experience. It is the only dentistry education training in Kansas. 

The dentists practice at WSU General Dentistry, located at the corner of 29th and Oliver St. The clinic provides a full range of services including cleanings, whitening, fillings and implants, along with in-house specialists for periodontics, endodontics, oral surgery, and prosthetics.  

WSU General Dentistry is open to the public and currently accepting new patients. WSU students and their spouses and children are eligible for the Student Dental Discount program. Learn more at wichita.edu/WSUdentalclinic.