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Student Health Center

Provider Profiles

Tom Hill, Medical Doctor

Tom Hill, Medical Doctor

Education
B.A. in Biology (UT Austin)
M.D. (UT Health Science Center in Houston)
Family Medicine Residency (UT Medical Branch in Galveston)
Why did you decide to work in Huntsville?
After rotating here a few times, I found that I really enjoyed the camaraderie of my coworkers, so I stayed.
Why do you enjoy working at the Student Health Center?
It is a pleasure to work with people who are motivated to get better quickly.
What is the one line of advice that you would give students about living healthy?
" Never begin smoking; quit immediately if you already smoke. Smoking cessation is even more valuable (for your health) than childhood immunizations!"

Crystal Birdsong, Nurse Practitioner

Crystal Birdsong, Nurse Practitioner

Education
B.S.N., R.N. (UT Medical Branch in Galveston)
M.S.N., A.P.N. (UT Health Science Center at Houston)
Why did you decide to work in Huntsville?
It is a slow-paced, small town without the road rage madness that Houston exhibits.
Why do you enjoy working at the Student Health Center?
I enjoy the student population. I can identify with the stress, anxiety, and aggravation that come with being a college student, particularly a sick college student.
What is the one line of advice that you would give students about living healthy?
Be accountable and responsible for your own health. You only have one shot at this life. Don't throw it away by being irresponsible.
Favorite Quote
" Take care of your body. It is the only place you have to live." - Jim Rohn

Lewis DeVore

Lewis (Lew) DeVore, Physician Assistant

Education
University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center Physician Assistant Program (1975)
Why did you decide to work in Huntsville?
I originally came to Huntsville for the change of environment and to explore various medical settings, such as emergency medicine, correctional medicine, orthopedics, and family care. I stayed in Huntsville because I love the community.
Why do you enjoy working at the Student Health Center?
I enjoy working at the SHC becuase the job entails primarily working with healthy young adults.
What is the one line of advice that you would give students about living healthy?
Exercise. Eat "right." Get plenty of rest and don't smoke.

Lorna Wadsworth, Registered Nurse

Education
R.N. (Adirondack Community College, Queensbury, NY)
Why did you decide to work in Huntsville?
I enjoy the small town atmosphere. I moved to Texas in 1994 to get away from the harsh winters in upstate New York.
Why do you enjoy working at the Student Health Center?
The diversity of the college population; i.e., age, race, cultures. I enjoy learning about other cultures/customs and conversing with others from different countries.
What is the one line of advice that you would give students about living healthy?
You're only given one body -- treat it well. Events of today may not show effects until later in life.
Favorite Quote
" What goes around, comes around."

Ana Maiorano, Licensed Vocational Nurse

Ana Maiorano, Licensed Vocational Nurse

Education
L.V.N. (Joe G. Davis School of Nursing, Huntsville, TX – Received the Patsy Woodall award for the Outstanding Nursing Student of the Year)
Why did you decide to work in Huntsville?
Initially, I moved to Huntsville with my parents at the age of 17. I remained attracted to Huntsville because of its beauty and small town atmosphere. It has been a great place to raise my daughter.
Why do you enjoy working at the Student Health Center?
I have taken care of patients from the ages of newborn to geriatrics and I have enjoyed the diversity. Working at the Student Health Center has not only allowed me to help meet the students’ medical needs, but allows me to educate, nurture, and guide them.
What is the one line of advice that you would give students about living healthy?
Live each day as though it is your last day on Earth.
Favorite Quote
"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

Frieda Turner, Licensed Vocational Nurse

Frieda Turner, Licensed Vocational Nurse

Education
L.V.N. (Joe G. Davis School of Nursing, Huntsville, TX)
Why did you decide to work in Huntsville?
I came to Huntsville to be near my mother. I stayed in Huntsville because of the size of the city and the location.
Why do you enjoy working at the Student Health Center?
I enjoy my fellow nurses and co-workers. I love the students and love seeing them grow from freshmen to graduates.
What is the one line of advice that you would give students about living healthy?
What you do now will affect what you CAN do later.
Favorite Quote
"All things are possible!"

Patricia (Pat) Luna, Medical Technologist

Patricia (Pat) Luna, Medical Technologist

Education
Completed 1 year training program in Marlin, TX
Successfully completed national exam for certification
Why did you decide to work in Huntsville?
I was attracted to the small town atmosphere and the beautiful setting of Huntsville.
Why do you enjoy working at the Student Health Center?
I enjoy the work at a calm pace.
What is the one line of advice that you would give students about living healthy?
Use all of the conveniences that the university offers, get plenty of rest, and eat carefully planned meals.
Favorite Quote
"In your career you will meet many people. All are significant. They deserve your attention and care even if all you do is smile and say hello." - Joann Jones

Denise Irby

Denise Irby, Pharmacist

Education
B.S. in Pharmacy (University of Colorado Health Sciences Center)
Why did you decide to work in Huntsville?
In addition to a a more tolerable commute away from the city, I was originally attracted to this position because of the unique practice setting at the SHC, which offers a team-approach to healthcare. Having practitioners alongside a laboratory and pharmacy can lead to an enhanced continuum of care and a greater impact on student health.
Why do you enjoy working at the Student Health Center?
I enjoy the relaxed atmosphere that allows for more time to discuss correct medication usage.
What is the one line of advice that you would give students about living healthy?
Even though you may feel better after taking an antibiotic for a few days, you must finish the complete course. If you take only part of the prescription, only the most vulnerable bacteria are destroyed. Treatment failure can result in additional health center visits, lost time, and more expensive drugs.
Favorite Quote
"Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forwards." - Soren Kier Kegaard

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