Taylor Thomas

Master of Health Administration program wins award for excellence in innovative education from CAHME

Taylor Thomas — Mon, 27 Jan 2025 14:45:12 +0000

Master of Health Administration program wins award for excellence in innovative education from CAHME Taylor Thomas Mon, 01/27/2025 - 09:45

In This Story

Brenda Helen Sheingold, PhD, RN, FNAP

��AV’s Master of Health Administration program has been honored for pioneering innovative education and instruction.

The Master of Health Administration (MHA), Health Systems Management program won the prestigious Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME) award for innovative health care education.

Each year, the CAHME/George and Regi Herzlinger Innovation Education Award for the Development of Educational Skills Focusing on Invention, Evaluation, and Adoption of Innovation in Healthcare honors a CAHME-accredited program that has set the standard for inventive academic rigor and preparation of the next generation of health care administration professionals.

Graduate students enrolled in HAP 704 Contemporary Issues in Healthcare visit Capitol Hill. Read more.

“Our Master’s in Health Systems Management (MHA) program empowers students with the real-world skills and insights needed to excel in the competitive health care industry,” said Brenda Helen Sheingold, associate professor and division director of health administration and policy. "By graduation, our students possess hands-on experience that directly aligns with employers' needs and positions them as leaders in the field. This award recognizes how evolving innovative education with faculty colleagues, community partners and alumni contribute to successful and productive graduates. We are committed to a trajectory of success for the next generation by continually originating new education models and techniques."

This accolade includes a $10,000 grant to further innovation efforts in health systems education. The award will be presented March 23, 2025, at the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) Congress in Chicago.

CAHME is the only organization formally recognized as the accrediting body for master's level health care management programs in the United States and Canada. The MHA prepares students to become leaders in evolving health systems and health-related organizations by guiding them to develop strategic, business, analytic, and decision-making skills needed to navigate the rapidly changing health care industry successfully. The program is ranked at #32 by U.S. News and World Report.

Read more about George Mason and College of Public Health program rankings.

Topics

Master of Health Administration

MHA

Awards

Department of Health Administration and Policy

Graduate programs

Healthcare Workforce Development

Campus News

Bringing a Veteran’s Global Perspective to Nursing

Taylor Thomas — Fri, 08 Nov 2024 16:47:40 +0000

Bringing a Veteran’s Global Perspective to Nursing Taylor Thomas Fri, 11/08/2024 - 11:47

The School of Nursing here at George Mason is #1 in Virginia for veterans for a reason. Who better to attest to this than students who are veterans and pursuing their nursing degree?

Veteran Frankie Farmakis is pursuing his BSN at George Mason after 30 years in the Marine Corps. Learn why.
To all our veterans, thank you for your service.

During his 30 years of military service in the U.S. Marine Corps, Frankie Farmakis witnessed the differences across international health care systems and was exposed to cultural contexts across the globe. In this next chapter of his career, Farmakis applies these experiences to the field of nursing.

“My service brought immense internal and external gratification. There are many similarities to the U.S. health system across the world and also pieces I think would be beneficial to incorporate [into how we do things]. A major example is ensuring people have access to long-term care and don’t only seek care when their health is in serious decline,” Farmakis said.

Farmakis says George Mason is excellent at opening doors for veterans to attain higher education. “George Mason is undoubtedly veteran-friendly. They have the process down. You talk to real people well-versed in veteran needs and how to apply military benefits in a streamlined manner,” Farmakis said. “This is where to go to make your life easier.”

He entrusted the George Mason School of Nursing to nurture this journey and is currently a student in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Veterans Co-enrollment (VCE) program. Students complete a BSN degree online while simultaneously enrolled in an Associates of Applied Science nursing degree (AAS Nursing) program at a partner community college.

After earning his BSN, Farmakis intends to specialize in medical-surgical (med-surg) or emergency department (ED) nursing.

“I became interested in med-surg and ED nursing during my clinical rotations. I’ve been in chaotic environments, which I feel will lend well to handling the stress that comes with these specialties,” said Farmakis.

He is also eager to empower patients to continue their care once they are no longer under his. “Relationship building with patients is crucial positive outcomes. Engaging patients increases their desire to participate in continuity of care,” he said.

Learn more about the Veterans Co-enrollment (VCE) program.

Topics

bachelor of science in nursing

Setting standards of excellence for forensic nursing policy and practice

Jennifer Pocock — Thu, 07 Nov 2024 20:30:19 +0000

Setting standards of excellence for forensic nursing policy and practice Jennifer Pocock Thu, 11/07/2024 - 15:30

In This Story

Katherine Scafide, PhD, RN, FAAN

Associate Professor in the School of Nursing Katherine Scafide appointed to the inaugural American Academy of Forensic Sciences Standards Board Forensic Nursing Consensus Body.

Katherine Scafide, Associate
Professor, School of Nursing

Katherine Scafide, associate professor in the School of Nursing, has been appointed a founding member of the Forensic Nursing Consensus Body (CB) of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences Standards Board (ASB). Scafide and a dedicated team will collaborate to advance national forensic nursing standards.

“It is an honor to be a part of the first Forensic Nursing Consensus Body and to elevate the field of forensic nursing, fueled by the shared passion among my colleagues,” said Scafide.

The American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) is a multidisciplinary professional organization that advances science and its application to the legal system. Consensus Bodies focus on establishing forensic standards in specific disciplines. Each body is dedicated to the widespread formulation, adoption, and enforcement of recognized standards.

The Forensic Nursing Consensus Body will be responsible for developing, reviewing, and voting upon standards, guidelines, technical reports, and best practice recommendations in this discipline of forensic science.

Scafide’s revolutionary research in alternate light source and bruise detection is pioneering inclusivity, justice, and equity for domestic violence survivors of color. Her unique expertise stems from 20 years of experience in forensic nursing practice and research.

Congratulations Dr. Scafide!

Topics

Forensic Sciences Program

Intimate Partner Violence

gender-based violence

Faculty and Staff News

George Mason College of Public Health Professor Rebecca Sutter awarded $3 million Services to Afghan Survivors Impacted by Combat Program grant

Taylor Thomas — Fri, 13 Sep 2024 14:41:04 +0000

George Mason College of Public Health Professor Rebecca Sutter awarded $3 million Services to Afghan Survivors Impacted by Combat Program grant Taylor Thomas Fri, 09/13/2024 - 10:41

Afghan victims of combat arrive in the United States as refugees with unique health care needs. Rebecca Sutter, professor in the School of Nursing at ��AV, has been awarded a $3 million Services to Afghan Survivors Impacted by Combat (SASIC) grant to develop health service delivery infrastructure for Afghan survivors, refugees, and immigrants impacted by combat trauma and violence. The program, titled Healing and Educating Afghans for Resiliency-Virginia (HEAR-VA), will serve Afghan refugees residing in Northern and Central Virginia, where an estimated 95% of Afghans resettled in 2022.

HEAR-VA seeks to screen 500 individuals for eligibility and enroll 305 participants in care services.

Photo provided

“We are implementing a care coordination model where individuals, regardless of which HEAR-VA partner they interact with first, will receive screenings, and be connected with services that address their individualized care needs,” Sutter said. "What’s especially important is this program will be built not just for, but in partnership with actual Afghan survivors of combat and other refugees who are impacted by trauma and violence."

The SASIC grant was awarded from the Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families, Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR). The mission of ORR is to provide newly arrived refugees from Afghanistan with resources to begin healing combat-related trauma and facilitate sustainable physical, emotional, social, and economic well-being.

This interdisciplinary HEAR-VA initiative will be managed by the Mason and Partners Clinic in partnership with Virginia Department of Social Services Office of New Americans (DSS-ONA), the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services Office of Behavioral Health Wellness (DBHDS-OBHW), Health Brigade, Northern Virginia Family Services, and additional community partners. The program went into effect July 2024 and will extend through February 2026.

“This collection of partners is dedicated to creating an innovative program that will be community-based, community-driven, and community-led. We are building local capacity to serve vulnerable populations, not just for the duration of the grant, but long after we as the implementers have departed,” Sutter said.

In addition to her role as a professor in the School of Nursing, Sutter is the director of the Mason and Partners (MAP) Clinics. She is a credentialed Family Nurse Practitioner with expertise in community health care access and navigation to improve care and promote collaboration between public health, public safety, and health to ensure that evidence-based treatment is available for at-risk and marginalized individuals, families, communities, and populations.

Discover the nursing program at George Mason

In This Story

Rebecca Sutter, DNP, APRN, BC-FNP

Topics

Refugees

immigrants and refugee communities

Access to Health Services

Community Partners

Mason and Partners Clinic

George Mason students travel to Japan to learn about international approaches to supporting older adults

Taylor Thomas — Mon, 26 Aug 2024 13:25:23 +0000

George Mason students travel to Japan to learn about international approaches to supporting older adults Taylor Thomas Mon, 08/26/2024 - 09:25

In This Story

Megumi Inoue, PhD

Across the globe, the number of older adults is rapidly increasing and health care systems around the world are adapting to the needs of this population. This summer, a group of ��AV graduate and undergraduate students, led by Associate Professor in the Department of Social Work Megumi Inoue, participated in the study-abroad program in Japan—Rise of the Super-Aged Society.

Students explored policies, programs, and services to meet the unique needs of an aging global population. During the program, students visited governmental and nonprofit agencies working with the older population and interacted with local older adults in community settings.

“Study-abroad programs offer students experiential learning opportunities in different cultures that go beyond traditional classroom education. By immersing themselves in new environments, students gain practical skills in cross-cultural communication, adaptability, and problem-solving while they are studying a specific topic. They also develop a deeper understanding of local issues and perspectives, enriching their academic knowledge and broadening their worldview,” said Inoue.

Samiah Clark, a bachelor of social work student set to graduate in May of 2025, attests to how students gained valuable, firsthand knowledge that can only be accomplished through immersing oneself in the culture.

"The trip enhanced my education and observational skills surrounding the cultural differences between the U.S. and Japan,” Clark said. "Additionally, I learned about their customs of respecting older adults and traditions families partake in when caring for their parents. If I had the chance, I would go again."

The course is designed to introduce and examine strategies implemented in Japan in response to issues and challenges surrounding its rapidly aging population. Students explore the strengths and limitations of strategies that Japan has incorporated expanding their perspectives on interventions for other aging countries, including the United States.

“Taking students on study-abroad trips is important for their educational and personal development,” said Inoue. "It enriches their academic experience, enhances cultural competence, and prepares them for the globalized world. After the program, students often express how cultural exposure facilitated personal growth, professional development, and self-reflection."

Learn more about the Japan - Rise of the Super-Aged Society Mason-led study abroad.

Topics

study abroad

International Health Policy

Older Adults

healthy aging

Social Work Faculty

experiential learning

Students

College of Public Health is fueling the pipeline for nutrition professionals

Taylor Thomas — Mon, 05 Aug 2024 12:49:46 +0000

College of Public Health is fueling the pipeline for nutrition professionals Taylor Thomas Mon, 08/05/2024 - 08:49

George Mason's first cohort of graduates had a 100% pass rate on the RD certification exam—and every student was immediately employed as an RD.

Eli Kalman-Rome is the first ��AV graduate to pass the Registered Dietitian (RD) exam and become a credentialed RD in Virginia. Kalman-Rome was part of the first cohort to graduate from the new Master of Science in Nutrition, dietetics concentration program in May.

Kalman-Rome asserts his Mason education was paramount to this achievement. His prior experiences at George Mason left no question of the College’s capacity to facilitate his academic success.

“I did my master's at George Mason previously and trusted the university to provide a solid education with caring and competent faculty,” said Kalman-Rome.

To pass the RD examination, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics requires students to demonstrate competencies in the principles of dietetics, nutrition care for individuals and groups, management of food and nutrition programs, and food service systems. While the typical pass rate for this for this prestigious exam is 70%, George Mason's first cohort of graduates had a 100% pass rate—and every student was immediately employed as an RD. "These impressive statistics are a testament to how effectively the Department of Nutrition and Food Studies' MS, Nutrition Dietetic Concentration program prepares students for the RD exam and for the job market. We are proud of our first cohort of graduates and eager to grow this program to meet today's demand," said Martin Binks, PhD, MBA, chair of the Department of Nutrition and Food Studies.

“George Mason not only provided the didactic and internship components I needed to be successful at the RD exam, but it has made me competitive as a hiring candidate. The classes laid a solid foundation for my skills and knowledge, and the internship placements for the program were varied, interesting, and provided real-life experience that helped me understand how dietetics is used professionally,” Kalman-Rome said.

In addition to setting him up for academic success, Kalman-Rome praises the College for preparing him to enter the field as a nutrition dietetics professional with an appreciation for nutrition’s role in public health.

“Adequate nutrition is instrumental to public health outcomes because it's impossible to remain healthy without it. Nutrition impacts all stages of life, from fetal development, infant mortality, maternal health, success in the classroom for growing children, the incidences of infection and disease, shortened lifespan from chronic diseases, but it is also a critical aspect of culture. Sharing food is a way of caring for each other and passing down our traditions and beliefs, nutrition is not only about physical health but also part of a holistic wellness of communities,” he said.

Kalman-Rome recently accepted a position as a Clinical Dietician at HCA Healthcare.

Congratulations, Eli!

Topics

Nutrition Students

registered dietitian

MS Nutrition

Department of Nutrition and Food Studies

Student Success

Students

Learning Laboratory for Community Health prepares graduate students to solve real-world public health challenges

Taylor Thomas — Wed, 05 Jun 2024 15:55:33 +0000

Learning Laboratory for Community Health prepares graduate students to solve real-world public health challenges Taylor Thomas Wed, 06/05/2024 - 11:55

The Learning Laboratory for Community Health at ��AV held the first in-person Learning Lab Challenge at the Inaugural Empowered Communities Conference. For the challenge, graduate research assistants (GRAs) were tasked with developing an intervention that addressed the very real public health issue of opioid use disorder among adolescents and young adults.

Over the semester, GRAs worked in interdisciplinary teams, with community stakeholders providing insights into their research process and conducting interviews with affected youth and families to determine how to best meet the community's health needs.

Ashley Wiest

“We were excited to showcase student milestones achieved, challenges overcome, and collective triumphs that define our community journey toward a healthier, more equitable future,” said Ashley Wiest, a research faculty member in the College of Public Health and the Learning Lab project coordinator.

The challenge concluded with GRAs presenting their interventions to a panel of experts, who evaluated and selected the intervention that will be implemented at the Mason and Partners (MAP) clinics. The experts included

Kadhambari Sridhar, Community Preparedness Coordinator at the Fairfax County Health Department;
Jennifer Felts, Population Health Epidemiologist specializing in substance use and mental health; and
Shannyn Snyder, an adjunct faculty in the Department of Global and Community renowned for her expertise in socioeconomic disparities and social justice issues.

Under the guidance of Lisa Gring-Pemble, an associate professor in the Costello College of Business, the winning intervention, titled "Club Culmore: A Place-Based Wellness Model for Adolescents and Young Adults," was designed by three GRAs:

Shams Hadi Al Jassar, biology major and pre-medical student
Olivia Hutton, Master of Health Administration student
Eyesha Shaikh, Master of Social Work student

Shams Hadi Al Jassar

Olivia Hutton

Eyesha Shaikh

Club Culmore presents a comprehensive seven-step approach to wellness. From mental health services to tailored social media campaigns, workforce skill development, and a dedicated medication-assisted treatment (MAT) clinic, this innovative proposal promises to address the opioid epidemic through community collaboration and tailored services for at-risk youth.

“It was rewarding to celebrate the transformative impact our Mason students have had on the landscape of community health. Their dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment to excellence have enhanced their individual growth and enriched our community,” said Wiest.

The Learning Lab was created with support from a $1 million Health Services Research grant, made possible by Congressman Gerry Connolly of Virginia's 11th District, who shepherded the proposal through Congress. Rebecca Sutter serves as the grant's project director and principle investigator. The mission of the Learning Laboratory is to support multidisciplinary training for public health students and professionals, with special attention to marginalized communities within Northern Virginia.

The Learning Lab’s impact on students and the community

Since its inception, the Learning Laboratory has been highly successful. In the second year of the lab, students reported the lab

increased their knowledge of community stakeholders,
increased confidence in discussing core public health topics, and
significantly improved their critical thinking skills related to community health, networking and research, problem-solving, and professional development.

“The Learning Lab is dedicated to equipping students with the multifaceted skills essential for success in the workforce after graduation. Our teaching models foster proficiency in research, interviewing, data collection, administrative tasks, and community resource utilization alongside technological competencies, thus nurturing a generation of adept community health professionals,” said Wiest.

Read the Lab’s 2023-24 Impact Report.

In This Story

Shannyn Snyder, MAIS

Ashley Wiest, DNP, FNP-BC

Rebecca Sutter, DNP, APRN, BC-FNP

Lisa M. Gring-Pemble

Topics

experiential learning

Impact

Community Health

Mason and Partners Clinic

Public Health Students

Is AI more helpful than humans in health care?

Taylor Thomas — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 13:35:18 +0000

Is AI more helpful than humans in health care? Taylor Thomas Thu, 04/11/2024 - 09:35

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly expanding to increase productivity and quality in both personal and professional settings, performing tasks previously thought only humans were capable of completing. Like other industries, health care is implementing this technology to enhance patient experiences and improve health outcomes, specifically using conversational agents like chatbots and AI-based conversational large language models (LLM), such as ChatGPT. Conversational agent apps have been developed for personalized health coaching, blood pressure monitoring, medication reminders and motivational coaching for healthy eating and physical activity to name a few.

The eHealth market relies on a direct-to-consumer business model that avoids costly regulatory compliance studies that assess their effectiveness. Chatbot apps offer the potential to improve consumer uptake and treatment adherence leading to a stable business revenue base. However, research conducted by Public Health PhD candidate Kevin Cevasco and colleagues concluded that despite popular claims, there is not enough evidence to conclude chatbots have better patient uptake and adherence than non-chatbot apps, such as in addressing anxiety and depression care.

“It is unclear if chatbots improve patient experiences or if trends to include chatbots in electronic health applications are due to technology hype cycles and pressures to innovate,” said Cevasco. “The real impact of chatbot-enabled applications is largely unknown.”

Cevasco and team reached these conclusions after conducting a systematic literature review and meta-analysis which sought to confirm if publications proclaiming the efficacy of electronic health (eHealth) chatbots provide measures for user engagement, adherence, and working alliance.

“We selected studies where chatbot applications were patient-facing with health education, monitoring, or treatment-related purposes. We selected studies with primary measures that were focused on the user’s health outcomes and engagement with the applications,” said Cevasco.

After thorough screening, Cevasco and team discovered that there are very few randomized controlled trials on eHealth chatbot applications. From the small sample of publications available, the documented evidence suggests that patient engagement with chatbot eHealth applications is not conclusively better than human interventions or apps without conversational agents.

“The small number of studies available suggests researchers should include methods for measuring patient uptake, engagement, and working alliance in their ongoing conversational agent research.”

Despite the few research studies that support the claims of AI’s effectiveness in health care settings, Cevasco and colleagues’ work expands on the future implications of the clinical applications of LLMs. Currently, 50% of patients do not adhere to their prescribed medication regimens, and Cevasco is optimistic about the potential for AI to improve patient care if developed and implemented correctly.

“Although chatbots have the potential for improving personalized medicine by increasing health literacy and providing easily available and understandable health information, it is important the applications have the capacity to address the complexity of different health challenges,” said Cevasco

Contributing authors include College of Public Health MPH in Epidemiology alumna Rachel Morrison, PhD in Health Services Research student Rediet (Redd) Woldeselassie, and Seth Kaplan, professor of Psychology in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.

“Patient engagement with conversational agents in health applications 2016-2022: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis" was published online April 10, 2024, in the Journal of Medical Systems.

Topics

digital innovation

Patient Experience

PhD in Public Health

public health research

Tech Talent Investment Program (TTIP)

Artificial Intelligence

Associate Professor Erin D. Maughan receives VDOE Grant to invigorate the future of school nursing

Taylor Thomas — Fri, 09 Feb 2024 17:53:38 +0000

Associate Professor Erin D. Maughan receives VDOE Grant to invigorate the future of school nursing Taylor Thomas Fri, 02/09/2024 - 12:53

Both regionally and across the country, there is a severe lack of programs dedicated to school nursing administrators (i.e. nurses who lead school nursing and school health programs at the district level). Erin Maughan, an associate professor in College of Public Health’s School of Nursing at ��AV, intends to remedy this with a $364,503 grant from the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE). With the funding, Maughan will establish the School Nursing Leadership Academy.

Erin D. Maughan

"There are over 130,000 school nurses across the nation, who are central to the foundation of the health and well-being of children,” Maughan said. "The goal of the academy is to develop leaders in school nursing who have the knowledge and skills needed to successfully oversee school health programs at the district level, as well as state and regional school nursing associations."

The academy, which is expected to be fully developed by June 2024, will be designed to train future leaders in school nursing using TeamSTEPPS, an evidence-based curriculum that prioritizes incorporating effective communication and teamwork into the health care system. The program will take place over one-and-a-half years and will incorporate experiential learning, equestrian activity, and expert-led discussions.

In addition, Mason's Center for Health Workforce is guiding the development of sustainable asynchronous modules for the professional development program, which along with virtual webinars, will provide additional information and mentoring opportunities.

The program kicks off with three days of in–person instruction, during which participants will use virtual reality (VR) modules to practice interprofessional skills and conflict management. Mason's College of Public Health is a leader in integrating VR into the curriculum and training of future health care leaders.

“Participating in the VR will allow gaining experience in a safe, nonthreatening environment where we can talk about how they reacted so they will have confidence and experience when they encounter situations in the real world,” said Maughan.

Maughan was originally approached by the VDOE’s state school nurse consultant Tracy White, who wanted to foster more leadership training and was aware of Maughan’s passion to do so as well. Together, they set into motion plans to create the academy.

Maughan is a leading expert on school nursing and the health of school-age children. Her research expertise is in looking at the role of infrastructure and policy on school nurse staffing and services. In addition, she has expertise in leadership, strategic planning, innovation, and mentoring. Her career is dedicated to children’s health, especially vulnerable populations. She is excited to contribute her skills and knowledge for the success of the academy.

“Having been a school nurse leader and researcher for many years, it has been a dream of mine to create such a program,” said Maughan. "I hope this program will build excitement and create a network of confident school nurse leaders who can transform school nursing in their districts, so that frontline school nurses have the guidance and support they need to work to their full scope of practice.

Maughan emphasizes how this program is not only for school nurses but also for the students they will be serving.

At its core, the School Nursing Leadership Academy is about building capacity to help school nurse leaders build their confidence and skills needed to do well in the position,” said Maughan. “We are confident this initiative will position school nurses and their program leaders to work effectively with school administrators, local health departments, health care providers and families to positively impact student health, and thus improve child health in the commonwealth and the rest of the nation.”

In This Story

Erin D. Maughan, PhD

More news from the College of Public Health

College of Public Health announces Terri Rebmann as inaugural Divisional Dean of the School of Nursing
January 29, 2025
��AV leads Virginia with strong U.S. News online program rankings
January 21, 2025
James Metcalf marks 50+ years of teaching
November 19, 2024
Bringing a Veteran’s Global Perspective to Nursing
November 8, 2024
Marine veteran changed his life and seeks to reach others in need of positive direction
November 6, 2024

Topics

Nursing Administration

Workforce Development

Research

School Nursing

Tech Talent Investment Program (TTIP)

TTIP

James Metcalf marks 50+ years of teaching

Taylor Thomas — Fri, 01 Dec 2023 14:42:45 +0000

James Metcalf marks 50+ years of teaching Taylor Thomas Fri, 12/01/2023 - 09:42

This year, College of Public Health professor James (Jim) Metcalf joined some very rare company, becoming the fourth ��AV faculty member to mark 50 years of service. Since joining the Mason Nation in August 1973, Metcalf has seen the university grow into the largest public research university in Virginia.

“When I came here, I was young and energetic,” says Metcalf, a professor in the Department of Global and Community Health. “Now I'm old and energetic, and I continue to love it here. It was always in the cards that George Mason would be something special.”

Metcalf earned his BS, MA, and PhD in physical education at the University of Maryland. He completed a minor in biological sciences during his undergraduate career, an applied statistics minor during his master’s degree, and earned a doctoral cognate in zoology over the course of his PhD.

He came to George Mason from Federal City College, now the University of the District of Columbia, where he was an associate professor and director of the school’s first-of-its-kind exercise physiology laboratory.

His early work across the university places Metcalf among the pioneers who helped make George Mason the interdisciplinary institution it is renowned for being today. Metcalf helped with the planning and formulating new courses and developing the curricula for writing-across-the-curriculum and the PAGE (Program for Alternative Education) program, served as a teacher consultant, and was part of a team of science faculty dedicated to alternative general education.

Metcalf describes that early faculty as enthusiastic and idealistic. “We built curricula and served on interdisciplinary committees. I connected with colleagues across disciplines and made many friends along the way.”

At George Mason, Metcalf began teaching exercise physiology and kinesiology in the Department of Health and Physical Education (HPE) in the School of Education and served as an instructional faculty across multiple departments. After his time in the HPE, Metcalf joined what was formerly the College of Nursing and Health Sciences teaching clinical physiology to nursing students. He also taught in the Honors College.

James Metcalf. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Shortly after coming to George Mason, Metcalf established a cardiac rehabilitation program alongside Fairfax cardiologist Robert Matthews, MD, with funding from the Virginia Department of Vocational Rehabilitation. The grant helped fund one student fellow each semester, and Metcalf was able to support numerous students with stipends to become cardiac fellows. The program still exists today and is operated by Inova Fairfax Hospital.

Metcalf currently teaches GCH 332 Health and Disease and GCH 360 Environmental Health, and as he has traversed across departments, his hopes for his students have never wavered. In his classes, Metcalf encourages student creativity and individual expression.

“I once had a student in one of my GCH courses who came to me and told me she was a painter. I had recently assigned an essay and she expressed to me she would like to do her essay as a painting. I said, of course, and she did it and came up with three magnificent acrylic paintings that really captured the theme of the novel the essay was for,” said Metcalf. “I want my students to have an open mind and to think for themselves. I say, think outside of the box, color outside of the lines. Take a walk on the wild side and sin boldly.”

In addition to teaching, Metcalf has published academic works on exercise physiology, cardiovascular rehabilitation, a textbook on aerobic and strength fitness, women and maternal health, nursing, and health education and writing. He is proud to have published works alongside his students on athletics and behavioral characteristics of athletes, particularly attack players in soccer.

He has recently been exploring a new potential research endeavor about the relationship between freedom and health, with a focus on the lack of equity in choice of medical care.

“I've been developing some classroom exercises where the students are asked to consider the relationship between freedom and health. In other words, if you can't choose your own provider, your own doctor or dentist, does that affect your health?” Metcalf said. “It is perhaps more philosophical than medical and has not been studied much.”

Over the course of his career, Metcalf was elected president of the Sports Medicine Association of Greater Washington, which later became a chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine, as well as a nonphysician president of the Physical Fitness Committee of the District of Columbia Medical Association.

Outside of teaching, Metcalf fueled his love for music by singing in George Mason’s University Chorale for more than 20 years and following along with the university’s various athletic teams.

Beyond teaching, Metcalf has also sat on the other side of the George Mason classroom as a student, auditing philosophy and physics courses, and continually seeking dialogue with colleagues across disciplines.

He remains as energized as he was when he first came to George Mason, and he looks forward to what the university has in store for its next 50 years.

“The 50 years I have been here at George Mason have been absolutely unbelievable in terms of where we've come from,” says Metcalf. “I was born at the right time and came to George Mason at the right time as it was just exploding. I’m thankful that I was here and along for the ride.”

Additional reporting by Shayla Brown.

Taylor Thomas

Master of Health Administration program wins award for excellence in innovative education from CAHME

In This Story

Topics

Bringing a Veteran’s Global Perspective to Nursing

Topics

Setting standards of excellence for forensic nursing policy and practice

In This Story

Associate Professor in the School of Nursing Katherine Scafide appointed to the inaugural American Academy of Forensic Sciences Standards Board Forensic Nursing Consensus Body.

Topics

George Mason College of Public Health Professor Rebecca Sutter awarded $3 million Services to Afghan Survivors Impacted by Combat Program grant

Discover the nursing program at George Mason

In This Story

Related News

Topics

George Mason students travel to Japan to learn about international approaches to supporting older adults

In This Story

Topics

College of Public Health is fueling the pipeline for nutrition professionals

George Mason's first cohort of graduates had a 100% pass rate on the RD certification exam—and every student was immediately employed as an RD.

Topics

Learning Laboratory for Community Health prepares graduate students to solve real-world public health challenges

In This Story

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Is AI more helpful than humans in health care?

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Associate Professor Erin D. Maughan receives VDOE Grant to invigorate the future of school nursing

In This Story

More news from the College of Public Health

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James Metcalf marks 50+ years of teaching

DIscover the College of Public Health

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