Event Title
Panel Presentation
Start Date
14-4-2018 12:00 PM
End Date
14-4-2018 12:45 PM
Description
Dr. Michael Bacigalupi, OD, MS, FAAO
My Journey to Optometry
Dr. Michael Bacigalupi grew up in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. His father was a letter carrier for the US Postal Service and his mother was an office manager for a local optometrist. He decided at a young age that he wanted to become an optometrist and has never regretted this decision. He is proud of his career and hopes to inspire others to consider the profession of optometry. Dr. Bacigalupi earned an Associate of Arts degree in Chemistry from Schreiner University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Optometry from the University of Houston. In 1993, he graduated magna cum laude from the University of Houston College of Optometry with a Doctor of Optometry degree. He earned a Master in Business Management with emphasis on Leadership at the H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship at Nova Southeastern University. Prior to joining the faculty of Nova Southeastern University, Dr. Bacigalupi was in private optometric practice for 12 years. He is licensed as an Optometric Glaucoma Specialist in Texas. His private practice focused primarily on ocular disease and glaucoma care. He served on the Board of Directors of the Texas Optometric Association (TOA) and was honored as the Texas Young Optometrist of the Year in 2003. Dr. Bacigalupi is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and is a clinical examiner for the National Board of Examiners in Optometry. He has been honored by Lions Club International with the International Service Award for his many eye care mission trips into Central America. Dr. Bacigalupi was appointed Assistant Dean for Student Affairs of the College of Optometry in 2008. He is a lecturer for the 4th practice management course entitled “Current Topics in Practice Management” and lab instructor for “Optometric Theory and Methods.” Dr. Bacigalupi is a frequent author and lecturer in the areas of practice management, student affairs, and admissions.
Dr. Cyril Blavo, DO, MPH and TM, FACOP
Dr. Cyril Blavo is a Professor of Pediatrics and Public Health at Nova Southeastern University (NSU). He is a practicing board-certified Pediatrician as well as Director of the Public Health Program. As a volunteer, Dr. Blavo serves as President of International Health Initiatives, Inc, a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote, develop and support health promotion and disease prevention initiatives for underserved populations, domestically and globally. Dr. Blavo serves on a variety of community-based committees and boards including the Broward Regional Health Planning Council (Board of Directors), the United Way Health Impact Committee and the One Community Partnership (Governance Board). His humanitarian efforts have earned him several awards including the Heart Award from the Broward County Children’s Consortium, the Arnold Melnick Child Advocate Award, and a Living Tribute Award from NSU’s Osteopathic medical school’s Alumni Association. He is a seventime recipient of the Golden Apple Award for teaching excellence in the medical school. As a hobby, Dr. Blavo produces African cultural performing and creative arts events.
Dr. Tambi Braun CCC/SLP
Path to Speech Language Pathology
Dr. Tambi Braun CCC/SLP is an Associate Professor at Nova Southeastern University. She is a lead faculty member for several classes including Neuroanatomy and Physiology, and Craniofacial Anomalies. She served on the executive board of FCPA for 6 years and was President in 2009. Dr. Braun served on the International Outreach Committee of ACPA and has presented nationally in Cleft Palate and Resonance disorders.
She is considered a leading consultant in pediatric voice and resonance assessment and intervention in the South Florida region. Dr. Braun is invested in community service and spends much time working with students on many community projects. She grew up in South Africa and her journey in working with children with Cleft Palate began there working in community-based hospital. Dr. Braun has been on the Joe DiMaggio Cleft Palate team for over 15 years.
Dana Altschul Haimo, M.M.S., PA-C
My Journey: From the NSU College Classroom to the Dermatology Office Exam Room
I was introduced to the Physician Assistant profession as a high school sophomore during a pre-medical program. I always desired to be in the medical field as I enjoyed science, problem solving, and interacting with others. I decided to learn more about what a PA does and if I could see myself becoming one. I began shadowing my now supervising physician in 2004. At the time, he had a physician assistant working with him, so I had the opportunity to observe their interaction, learn dermatologic terminology and procedures, and strengthen my interpersonal communication skills. I knew I could see myself as an integral part of the patient’s care and was determined to become a physician assistant. Once accepted as a dual admission student, my undergraduate journey began. I had a rigorous schedule for three years, which included required science courses and honors program seminars. I was on the executive board of pre-medical clubs and was a peer tutor at Academic Services. It was crucial to have an organized and strict schedule, which I feel helped prepare me well for the challenging and intense coursework in PA school. Being a PA student taught me to persevere and gave me confidence to apply my knowledge.
Dr. Jennifer Hastings
TV Healthcare
Born in New York to a Colombian mother and Puerto Rican father, Dr. Hastings has had the opportunity to travel to various countries and see first-hand the impact of a fast paced lifestyle and stress on health. She has been involved in one of the top Natural Health care professions in our country for over 22 years and in practice for almost 15 years. Deeply called to help her community achieve better health, she pursued her bachelors in biology and then doctors in Chiropractic from Life University in YYYY. Currently living in South Florida, Dr. Hastings has not only helped thousands in her practice and though her Wellness Workshops in leadership conferences, churches and corporations, but she has educated millions through national and international TV on shows such a Despierta America, Tu Desayuno Alegre, and alongside 2006 Miss Universe in La Revista de Zuleyka. Lifestyle educational workshops and TV segments are shared with the members of the community providing tools for Healing and Full Life Expression! It is her goal to Empower, Educate and call into Action all those she can reach to achieve better health and Express their Optimum Potential!
Dr. Rania Margonis, P.T.
My Journey to Physical Therapy
Dr. Margonis is a licensed Physical Therapist who has practiced in inpatient and outpatient adult rehabilitation settings since 2009. She received a BA degree in Biology and History & Sociology of Science from the University of Pennsylvania in 2001, and a Doctor of Physical Therapy from Nova Southeastern University in 2009. Prior to joining the faculty of NSU’s Department of Physical Therapy, Dr. Margonis worked in the acute rehabilitation unit in the Memorial Healthcare System. She developed a passion for working with patients with neurological disorders including spinal cord injury, brain injury, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s Disease. She was eventually promoted to Supervisor of Rehabilitative Services, where she oversaw inpatient therapy staff operations and collaborated with physiatrists, nursing, and case workers to ensure high quality interdisciplinary care and patient outcomes. She now continues to serve as a consultant concentrating on projects related to optimization and development of new modules to improve documentation accuracy for clinical outcomes, reimbursement, and potential research data collection. At the start of 2017, Dr. Margonis transitioned from being an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Physical Therapy to a full-time position. Her time is currently shared between clinical settings and the PT classroom. She evaluates and treats patients with neurological disorders in the NSU Rehabilitation Clinic, where she is also developing her skills for custom wheelchair seating assessments and assistive technology. In the classroom, she functions as lab instructor for hands-on coursework in the entry-level DPT program, including Clinical Anatomy, Exercise Physiology, Neuromuscular Systems, Systems Management, and Applied Clinical Decision-Making. Dr. Margonis also serves as a mentor and course leader for NSU’s Neurologic Physical Therapy Residency program. In addition to the courses is currently involved in, her academic and professional interests include movement system diagnoses, clinical and interprofessional education, interdisciplinary care and discharge planning models, and community wellness programming.
Panel Presentation
Dr. Michael Bacigalupi, OD, MS, FAAO
My Journey to Optometry
Dr. Michael Bacigalupi grew up in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. His father was a letter carrier for the US Postal Service and his mother was an office manager for a local optometrist. He decided at a young age that he wanted to become an optometrist and has never regretted this decision. He is proud of his career and hopes to inspire others to consider the profession of optometry. Dr. Bacigalupi earned an Associate of Arts degree in Chemistry from Schreiner University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Optometry from the University of Houston. In 1993, he graduated magna cum laude from the University of Houston College of Optometry with a Doctor of Optometry degree. He earned a Master in Business Management with emphasis on Leadership at the H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship at Nova Southeastern University. Prior to joining the faculty of Nova Southeastern University, Dr. Bacigalupi was in private optometric practice for 12 years. He is licensed as an Optometric Glaucoma Specialist in Texas. His private practice focused primarily on ocular disease and glaucoma care. He served on the Board of Directors of the Texas Optometric Association (TOA) and was honored as the Texas Young Optometrist of the Year in 2003. Dr. Bacigalupi is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and is a clinical examiner for the National Board of Examiners in Optometry. He has been honored by Lions Club International with the International Service Award for his many eye care mission trips into Central America. Dr. Bacigalupi was appointed Assistant Dean for Student Affairs of the College of Optometry in 2008. He is a lecturer for the 4th practice management course entitled “Current Topics in Practice Management” and lab instructor for “Optometric Theory and Methods.” Dr. Bacigalupi is a frequent author and lecturer in the areas of practice management, student affairs, and admissions.
Dr. Cyril Blavo, DO, MPH and TM, FACOP
Dr. Cyril Blavo is a Professor of Pediatrics and Public Health at Nova Southeastern University (NSU). He is a practicing board-certified Pediatrician as well as Director of the Public Health Program. As a volunteer, Dr. Blavo serves as President of International Health Initiatives, Inc, a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote, develop and support health promotion and disease prevention initiatives for underserved populations, domestically and globally. Dr. Blavo serves on a variety of community-based committees and boards including the Broward Regional Health Planning Council (Board of Directors), the United Way Health Impact Committee and the One Community Partnership (Governance Board). His humanitarian efforts have earned him several awards including the Heart Award from the Broward County Children’s Consortium, the Arnold Melnick Child Advocate Award, and a Living Tribute Award from NSU’s Osteopathic medical school’s Alumni Association. He is a seventime recipient of the Golden Apple Award for teaching excellence in the medical school. As a hobby, Dr. Blavo produces African cultural performing and creative arts events.
Dr. Tambi Braun CCC/SLP
Path to Speech Language Pathology
Dr. Tambi Braun CCC/SLP is an Associate Professor at Nova Southeastern University. She is a lead faculty member for several classes including Neuroanatomy and Physiology, and Craniofacial Anomalies. She served on the executive board of FCPA for 6 years and was President in 2009. Dr. Braun served on the International Outreach Committee of ACPA and has presented nationally in Cleft Palate and Resonance disorders.
She is considered a leading consultant in pediatric voice and resonance assessment and intervention in the South Florida region. Dr. Braun is invested in community service and spends much time working with students on many community projects. She grew up in South Africa and her journey in working with children with Cleft Palate began there working in community-based hospital. Dr. Braun has been on the Joe DiMaggio Cleft Palate team for over 15 years.
Dana Altschul Haimo, M.M.S., PA-C
My Journey: From the NSU College Classroom to the Dermatology Office Exam Room
I was introduced to the Physician Assistant profession as a high school sophomore during a pre-medical program. I always desired to be in the medical field as I enjoyed science, problem solving, and interacting with others. I decided to learn more about what a PA does and if I could see myself becoming one. I began shadowing my now supervising physician in 2004. At the time, he had a physician assistant working with him, so I had the opportunity to observe their interaction, learn dermatologic terminology and procedures, and strengthen my interpersonal communication skills. I knew I could see myself as an integral part of the patient’s care and was determined to become a physician assistant. Once accepted as a dual admission student, my undergraduate journey began. I had a rigorous schedule for three years, which included required science courses and honors program seminars. I was on the executive board of pre-medical clubs and was a peer tutor at Academic Services. It was crucial to have an organized and strict schedule, which I feel helped prepare me well for the challenging and intense coursework in PA school. Being a PA student taught me to persevere and gave me confidence to apply my knowledge.
Dr. Jennifer Hastings
TV Healthcare
Born in New York to a Colombian mother and Puerto Rican father, Dr. Hastings has had the opportunity to travel to various countries and see first-hand the impact of a fast paced lifestyle and stress on health. She has been involved in one of the top Natural Health care professions in our country for over 22 years and in practice for almost 15 years. Deeply called to help her community achieve better health, she pursued her bachelors in biology and then doctors in Chiropractic from Life University in YYYY. Currently living in South Florida, Dr. Hastings has not only helped thousands in her practice and though her Wellness Workshops in leadership conferences, churches and corporations, but she has educated millions through national and international TV on shows such a Despierta America, Tu Desayuno Alegre, and alongside 2006 Miss Universe in La Revista de Zuleyka. Lifestyle educational workshops and TV segments are shared with the members of the community providing tools for Healing and Full Life Expression! It is her goal to Empower, Educate and call into Action all those she can reach to achieve better health and Express their Optimum Potential!
Dr. Rania Margonis, P.T.
My Journey to Physical Therapy
Dr. Margonis is a licensed Physical Therapist who has practiced in inpatient and outpatient adult rehabilitation settings since 2009. She received a BA degree in Biology and History & Sociology of Science from the University of Pennsylvania in 2001, and a Doctor of Physical Therapy from Nova Southeastern University in 2009. Prior to joining the faculty of NSU’s Department of Physical Therapy, Dr. Margonis worked in the acute rehabilitation unit in the Memorial Healthcare System. She developed a passion for working with patients with neurological disorders including spinal cord injury, brain injury, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s Disease. She was eventually promoted to Supervisor of Rehabilitative Services, where she oversaw inpatient therapy staff operations and collaborated with physiatrists, nursing, and case workers to ensure high quality interdisciplinary care and patient outcomes. She now continues to serve as a consultant concentrating on projects related to optimization and development of new modules to improve documentation accuracy for clinical outcomes, reimbursement, and potential research data collection. At the start of 2017, Dr. Margonis transitioned from being an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Physical Therapy to a full-time position. Her time is currently shared between clinical settings and the PT classroom. She evaluates and treats patients with neurological disorders in the NSU Rehabilitation Clinic, where she is also developing her skills for custom wheelchair seating assessments and assistive technology. In the classroom, she functions as lab instructor for hands-on coursework in the entry-level DPT program, including Clinical Anatomy, Exercise Physiology, Neuromuscular Systems, Systems Management, and Applied Clinical Decision-Making. Dr. Margonis also serves as a mentor and course leader for NSU’s Neurologic Physical Therapy Residency program. In addition to the courses is currently involved in, her academic and professional interests include movement system diagnoses, clinical and interprofessional education, interdisciplinary care and discharge planning models, and community wellness programming.