Trainees' Stories

PPC

Pediatric Pulmonary Center (PPC)

Jessica Alvarez, Dietetic Intern, 2011

I think the Faculty is exceptional (very nice, very helpful, provided guidance, challenged me).

Laurie Finger
Nurse Trainee, 2009

I truly enjoyed my time at the PPC and I can say in no uncertain terms that it is because of the UAB PPC program (and mentors) that I now have my dream job at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital. I would recommend this program to any student who is to work within the pediatric field…

Kim Baxter, RD, MS, LDN, CSP
Nutrition Trainee, 2007-2008
Pediatric Pulmonary Nutritionist, Vanderbilt Children's Hospital

I really enjoyed working with multiple disciplines. It really helped me see a broader view of healthcare.

Jerry King, RRT, MAE
Respiratory Therapy Trainee, 2005-2006
Clinical Director, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Respiratory Therapy Program

The PPC taught me a great deal about leadership skills, especially regarding working as a team on a project. Since this program helped build my team membership skills, I know this will help me in any position, especially those of leadership.

Kara Lanfair McLain, MSW, LGSW
Social Work Trainee, 2005-2006
Adoption & Foster Care Social Worker, Lauderdale County DHR

Schools of Public Health (SPH)

Maternal & Child Health Education for Leadership & Policy

From the start of my MPH program I knew I wanted to work at the state level, and that is exactly where I am! I must add that after my initial phone interview for the FIMR position, they quickly called and requested that I come to visit their Department. At that meeting, they informed me that they were really impressed with my knowledge of the MCH field and public health in general. I want to thank each of you for the critical role that you played in preparing me for this position. Your help came in the form of class lectures, internship recommendations, assignment critiques, support to obtain funding for conferences, general advice, etc. I could go on and on about the different ways that you all affected my education! I hope that my strides in MCH continue to make our department proud!

Breana Lipscomb, MPH

Nursing

Leadership Education in Child-Health Nursing (LECHN)

LECHN has given me the opportunity to really fine tune my research interest through close interaction with peers and faculty interested in child health.

Jeannie Rodriguez,
C-PNP/PC

Jeannie Rodriguez is a PhD student residing in Atlanta, Georgia who received her BSN from Mercer University Georgia Baptist College of Nursing and her MSN from Emory University. Jeannie is certified as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner in Primary Care and currently works as needed at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Hughes Spalding. Jeannie is co-chair of the Student Network for the Southern Nursing Research Society (SNRS). She was previously an instructor at Emory University in their Primary Care Pediatric Advanced Nursing Practice Program. Jeannie is married and has two young boys.

Her research interests include physical growth and nutrition in children who were born prematurely. Jeannie plans to pursue an academic position in nursing upon graduation from the PhD program.

LECHN has meant a rare educational experience for which I will always be grateful. In addition to providing necessary funds to continue my doctoral education, LECHN has provided learning opportunities above and beyond what I would have been afforded within the traditional program. The opportunity to meet nursing leaders and researchers, the exposure to funding sources and other academic institutions, as well as the support of the LECHN faculty have all assisted in my growth as a doctoral student and as a future child health nurse leader.

Elizabeth Gulledge, MSN, RN

Betsy D. Gulledge, RN, MSN, received a BA in psychology from Auburn University in 1992. She graduated with an ADN from Southern Union State Community College in 1995 and immediately began practicing in the area of mental health. After several years of working at a free-standing psychiatric facility, Ms. Gulledge went on to pursue a BSN (2002) and MSN (2005) from Jacksonville State University. She is currently an instructor of nursing at Jacksonville State University where she teaches Community Mental Health, Leadership, Communication of Ethical Issues, and Pharmacology.

She is a doctoral student in the PhD program at UAB. Her dissertation is focusing on Biobehavioral Health examining self-concept, sedentary behaviors, and blood pressure in middle school children. Upon graduation from the PhD program, Mrs. Gulledge plans to continue teaching nursing and conducting research.

Pipeline

Maternal & Child Health Pipeline Training Program (MCHPT)

The MCH Pipeline Training program has been a major help to me. All throughout my undergraduate career I was not sure of what my career choice was in healthcare. After becoming a part of the MCH program, I developed an interest for maternal and child health and nursing. Within the program, Mrs. Catrina Waters prepared me for moving into the direction to pursue a degree in nursing and work in underserved communities. The program offered a lot of career networking opportunities and ways to excel professionally. I had the opportunity to meet Dr. Glenda Smith, a nurse practitioner from UAB. I was able to have mock interviews and resume and personal statement preparation. The MCH Pipeline Training program has been a major help in assisting me in finding my passion in healthcare. I would strongly recommend it to anyone.

Caroline Stewart

Ms. Caroline Stewart has been accepted into the University of Alabama at Birmingham Accelerated Masters Program in Nursing. Caroline is a very dedicated and academically successful young lady. She has participated in the ASU Pipeline Training Program for 3 ½ years. She is a native of Racine, WI. Caroline currently lives in Birmingham, AL. She is a biology pre-health major. She has maintained 3.0 or above G.P.A. in her years at Alabama State University. She is a member of Beta Kappa Chi National Honor Society and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated.