Featured News
Every day College of Health Professions students, alumni, faculty and staff do extraordinary things. Read more about our latest achievements below.
A new vision of mobility for lower-limb amputees
Assistant professor of physical therapy Paul Kline, Ph.D. is leading a VCU study on the unique challenges faced by individuals with lower-limb amputations. The project uses eye-tracking technology to understand how people with amputations visually navigate their environment while walking.
Can VR games improve chronic pain?
VCU Physical Therapy researcher James Thomas, Ph.D., director of the Motor Control Lab, is a pioneer in the use of virtual-reality interventional games — like simulated dodgeball and fishing — that encourage trunk movement while distracting participants from chronic back pain. His results: a 31% reduction in pain and a 30% decrease in disability among users.
Motivating underserved children to become more physically active
Through her innovative “Together We Run” program, Tamara Buck, PT, DPT, PCS, is helping underserved children ages 8-13 train for and complete a 5K race. The initiative removes barriers to safe physical activity by providing mentorship, race buddies, and necessary equipment.
Class of 2024: In the language of Afghan patients, Marjan Habib supports their mental health
Master's degree graduate from VCU College of Health Professions counseling program is serving her community in Northern Virginia.
Building manager recognized for outstanding service
Brent Sprouse, the College’s building and operations manager for the College of Health Professions, received VCU’s 2024 Building Manager Award for the MCV Campus in recognition of his exceptional service in maintaining a safe, functional, and welcoming environment for the CHP community.
Distance learning programs reflect commitment to education, health care access for rural communities
Distance learning programs in Abingdon enable students to earn a bachelor’s degree locally through synchronous videoconferencing, on-site faculty, and simulation labs. These programs not only empower students to stay rooted in their communities but also help supply rural areas with well-trained health professionals who otherwise might relocate for education.
‘Single most impactful point of connection’ Ayers receives Honorary Alumni Award as retirement nears
When accepting the Honorary Alumni Award from VCU Health Administration recently, Beth Williamson Ayers let the alumni in the audience know how important their work is.
Atheist chaplains are forging a new path in a changing world
Jason S. Callahan serves as an instructor in the Department of Patient Counseling, College of Health Professions, and as a chaplain for the Thomas Palliative Care Unit in VCU Massey Cancer Center. He provides pastoral care to patients, families and staff. Read about his approach to chaplaincy on CNN.
Answering the call: How VCU’s health sciences campus is unlike any other
Leaders from VCU Health and VCU’s health sciences schools share their perspectives on how a dedication to academic excellence, collaborative innovation and compassionate care impact students, patients and the greater community.
Collegewide commitment to team members at heart of third annual Staff Appreciation Celebration
CHP held its third annual Staff Appreciation celebration to honor staff excellence and introduce the new Sustained Impact Award, with Brenda Brown (program manager, Patient Counseling) recognized for her outstanding customer service after 13 years of dedicated work. Dean Amy R. Darragh praised the staff as “the backbone” of the college, emphasizing how integral their daily contributions are to CHP’s success.
