KU School of Health Professions

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

05/26/2026

Join us for the fourth annual "Making Health Care Heroes" Golf Tournament on August 27. Don't miss the chance to connect with KU School of Health Professions alumni, faculty, staff and friends and support our students. Learn more about the event and reserve your spot at the scenic Iron Horse Golf Course in Leawood, Kansas: https://bit.ly/3UP8dIT

05/21/2026

The University of Kansas recently announced the promotion and tenure of 96 faculty and researchers at KU Medical Center. Please join us in congratulating the following KU School of Health Professions faculty members on their achievements:

🔵 Danielle Christifano: to associate professor with tenure (tenure track)
🔴 Andrew Jones: to clinical associate professor (clinical track)
🔵 Marion Leaman: to associate professor with tenure (tenure track)
🔴Carolina Quintana: to clinical associate professor (clinical track)
🔵Alice Zhang: to associate professor with tenure (tenure track)

See the full list: https://bit.ly/431wBvv

05/17/2026

Today, we awarded more than 330 degrees and certificates to the Class of 2026 during the KU School of Health Professions Hooding and Recognition Ceremony. Congratulations to all! We can't wait to see you soar in your healthcare careers.

05/15/2026

We're excited to celebrate the Class of 2026 this weekend, when we will bestow 338 degrees and certificates across an array of specialties. Our graduates are heading into careers in physical therapy, audiology, occupational therapy, nurse anesthesia practice, health information management and more. Join us in wishing our graduates the best of luck in their next chapter! 🎓

Learn more about our Hooding and Recognition ceremony and graduating class: https://bit.ly/4fia3O9

05/14/2026

🎓 As our students prepare for graduation, they are reflecting on why they chose a profession in healthcare.

Originally from Osawatomie, Kansas, Leonardo Flores will be earning his Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management later this week. He was drawn to the profession because of his drive to make a difference. “I wanted to help people,” he said. “I was always really interested in science, and I believed that in healthcare I could make my greatest impact.”

As someone who likes analyzing data and improving workflows — and already practiced his skills through an on-campus internship with The University of Kansas Cancer Center — his new field promises to be a great fit.

“Even though (health information management professionals) may not be clinical or at the bedside, we are still working every day trying to make improvements for an organization as a whole,” he said.

Learn more about Leonardo's journey and explore what drives other KU School of Health Professions graduates: https://bit.ly/4fia3O9

05/13/2026

Graduates from KU School of Health Professions are looking back on their journey and reflecting on why they chose a profession in health care. A Kansas City native, Sabine Jean-Philippe will be walking across the stage to receive her Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care this weekend.

With experience working in a nonprofit healthcare clinic as well as her experience as a U-CHaMP scholar in the School of Health Professions’ first rural residency program, Sabine hopes to provide a “safe space” for patients, especially those who are wary of the healthcare system or face obstacles accessing care.

“I love (working in) underserved communities,” she said. “That’s where my heart is.”

Learn more about what's next for Sabine and explore other Class of 2026 graduate profiles: https://bit.ly/4fia3O9

05/12/2026

KU School of Health Professions was well represented at a recent event hosted by the Center for Survivorship and Patient-Oriented Research at The University of Kansas Cancer Center. The event, Re-Imagining Survivorship: A New Chapter of Strength & Wellness, featured presentations from a variety of experts focused on patient education and scientific research.

Katie Siengsukon, Ph.D., PT, DBSM, CHWC, professor and director of research for the KU Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation Science, & Athletic Training department, presented on sleep health after cancer treatment.

As director of the Sleep, Health and Wellness Laboratory, Dr. Siengsukon explores how to prevent chronic conditions and improve health and wellness by helping people sleep better.

05/07/2026

We're getting ready to celebrate the Class of 2026! Graduates, families and friends will come together for the KU School of Health Professions Hooding and Recognition Ceremony on Saturday, May 16. The University of Kansas Commencement ceremony will honor all KU graduates on Sunday, May 17. Learn more about graduation weekend events: https://bit.ly/3FN48gu