The Tennessee Department of Health Commissioner Tours BHSU

Tennessee Department of Health Commissioner's office in the ONMM lab watching a demonstration

On June 25, 2024, the Tennessee Department of Health Commissioner's office visited Baptist Health Sciences University to tour the College of Osteopathic Medicine building. The tour showcased the university's offerings for students, including training programs with the potential to significantly impact the region and the world.

“It was exciting to show our state representatives in the Tennessee Department of Health what we have to offer at Baptist University and how our focus is not just on the greater Memphis area, but also the state of Tennessee in how we can improve the health care of all,” said Cheryl Scott, IPE simulation coordinator.

The tour was hosted by Hampton Hopkins, president of BHSU, and Dr. Peter Bell, vice provost and dean of BUCOM, along with Cheryl Scott; Dr. Cathy Stepter, dean of nursing; and Kapil Bajaj, director of information technology. Attendees included Dr. Ralph Alvarado, Tennessee Department of Health commissioner; Misty Hernandez-Perry, executive assistant to Dr. Alvarado; Sally Pitt, Office of Patient Care Advocacy director; Amanda Ables, director of health care partnerships; Grayson Carter, legislative liaison; Dr. Shavetta Conner, west region medical director; Tina Boam, county director for Fayette, Tipton, and Lauderdale counties; and Mary Freeman, director of government relations, BMHCC.

During the tour, the group visited various facilities within the building, including the Anatomy Lab, Osteopathic Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine Lab, Standardized Patient Lab, IPE Lab (which included an escape room prototype, simulation rooms, and the home health virtual tour).

TN Dept of Health office in the simulation lab TN Dept of Health office viewing a mannequinTN Department of Health office in the anatomy lab watching a demonstration TN Dept of Health office in the ipe lab

God's Blessings

Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance.

Proverbs 1:5