KU School of Health Professions

08/07/2026

Last month, faculty members in the KUMC Athletic Training Program participated in the 2026 National Athletic Trainers' Association Annual Meeting & Clinical Expo in Philadelphia. KU School of Health Professions was well represented and active all week:

🔵 Dr. Becky Bliss, clinical associate professor, led a learning lab titled "Creating Master Adaptive Athletic Trainers: Using Coaching to Foster Self-Regulation and Mitigate Burnout," which was moderated by Dr. Carolina Quintana and assisted by Dr. LesLee Taylor. Dr. Bliss was the lab assistant for the learning lab titled "Post-Traumatic BPPV: Simplifying Assessment, Treatment, and Referral," and she shared her expertise as an entrepreneur in the lecture titled “Profit From Your Practice: Leveraging Experience for Innovative Career Growth."

🔵 Dr. LesLee Taylor, associate dean of academic and faculty affairs, shared the results of a grant she received in a presentation titled “Pathway Development for Recruitment and Retention of Ethnically Diverse Students” during the Ethnic Diversity Advisory Committee Town Hall.

🔵 Dr. Carolina Quintana, program director, continued her service on the NATA Convention Programming Committee and the NATA Foundation Faculty Mentorship Program Committee.

08/05/2026

Join KU School of Health Professions on Thursday, Aug. 27 at the Ironhorse Golf Course in Leawood, Kansas, for our fourth annual Making Healthcare Heroes Golf Tournament.

The event is an essential fundraising effort to provide needed financial support to our students. Learn more about the event and register yourself or your team before Aug. 21: kumc.edu/healthcareheroes

07/29/2026

Please join us in congratulating Katie Siengsukon, Ph.D., PT, DBSM, CHWC, professor and director of research for the KU Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation Science, & Athletic Training department, who was recently honored with the Excellence in Neurologic Research Award from the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy.

As the only board-certified physical therapist in behavioral sleep medicine in the United States, Dr. Siengsukon has pioneered a research agenda demonstrating the critical role of sleep in neurologic recovery, function, fatigue, and quality of life — particularly for individuals with multiple sclerosis.

This award highlights sustained contributions to neurologic physical therapy research and work that not only advances clinical practice but also improves outcomes for individuals living with neurologic conditions.

The ANPT noted on their website, "Through rigorous science, sustained mentorship, and exceptional knowledge translation, Dr. Siengsukon exemplifies the highest standard of excellence in neurologic research." Learn more: https://www.neuropt.org/about-us/anpt-awards

07/23/2026

There's still time to register for our fourth annual Making Healthcare Heroes Golf Tournament! Join us on Thursday, Aug. 27 at the Ironhorse Golf Course in Leawood, KS, for a fun day on the green.

The annual event is an essential fundraising effort for KU School of Health Professions to provide needed financial support to our students. Learn more about the event and register yourself or your team today: kumc.edu/healthcareheroes

07/16/2026

During their last semester, Class of 2026 graduates Emma Cornwell, Alisyn Davis, Sydney Krull and Taeghan Sharpe presented posters at the International Educational Experiences Showcase, hosted by the KU Medical Center Office of International Programs.

School of Health Professions students won all three prizes in the photo contest, with Taeghan Sharpe selected for first- and second-place honors and Rachel Watson taking third place in the contest. Congratulations to all!

07/07/2026

David Slusky, Ph.D., co-director of our Intercampus Program in Communicative Disorders, is a health economist whose innovative research reveals the socioeconomic consequences of health policies in the United States.

Dr. Slusky recently received the University Scholarly Achievement Award from The University of Kansas for his economic research that helps inform evidence-based policymaking in support of better health outcomes for all.

Learn more about his research and hear about his teaching philosophy:

Learn more about David Slusky, 2026 recipient of a University Schol...

07/01/2026

In the spring, students in our University of Kansas Occupational Therapy Education program participated in the Kansas Occupational Therapy Association Day at the Kansas state capitol in Topeka.

Students engaged in conversations with Kansas legislators while advocating for their profession and connected with students from other occupational therapy programs in our region.

06/26/2026

The 4th annual Making Healthcare Heroes Golf Tournament returns August 27! This event is an essential fundraising effort for KU School of Health Professions to provide vital financial support to our students. You can get involved in a variety of ways:

⛳ Register yourself or your team to play
⛳ Become a sponsor
⛳ Donate to our silent auction

Learn more about the event and sign up online: kumc.edu/healthcareheroes

06/01/2026

Lauren Foster, OTD/OTR/L, clinical associate professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy Education and director of the post-professional OTD program, received the 2026 Stata Norton Distinguished Teaching Award during the KU School of Health Professions Hooding and Recognition Ceremony on May 16.

The award recognizes a faculty member for an enthusiastic commitment to teaching, effectively imparting knowledge to students and making outstanding contributions to their profession. Please join us in congratulating Dr. Foster for this recognition!

05/27/2026

Aaron Carbuhn, Ph.D., associate professor of dietetics and nutrition at KU School of Health Professions, is breaking down the science of sports drinks and energy drinks and their vital differences.

While sports drinks are hydrating and contain electrolytes, energy drinks contain caffeine. The purpose of each drink varies, and understanding the unique benefits and intended uses of each beverage can support your health and fitness goals. Learn more:

KU School of Health Professions researcher helps demystify these popular beverages