CHANGES IN DISTRIBUTION OF SEAGRASSES IN THE CHESAPEAKE BAY: A GIS ANALYSIS OVER FOUR DECADES

The distribution of seagrasses in the Chesapeake Bay estuary are changing spatially and temporally. Changes in seagrass distribution occurring in the Chesapeake Bay along with sedimentation, nutrient inputs, and human population growth in the watershed were mapped, analyzed, and reviewed in this study. These impacts continue to threaten and hinder seagrass growth with increased nutrients and sedimentation from farms, developments, and drainage systems across the watershed. Macroalgae, epiphytes, and non-native grasses have begun to dominate as primary producers, however, these organisms cannot sustain the same habitats and services provided and maintained by seagrass meadows. While some seagrass beds have shown decreases in abundance, even complete decimation, other areas have shown an increase in distribution due to restoration efforts and stricter nutrient limitations. Due to the size of the Chesapeake Bay watershed, which includes six states and the District of Columbia, not all nutrient limitations are equal nor are all jurisdictions involved adhering to the limitations set forth by the U.S. EPA. While there are other mitigating factors, human population growth and increased activities have been shown to be the primary impact driving seagrass decline. More humans equal more runoff, nutrient and sediment inputs, increased impermeable surfaces, which increases turbidity, harmful algal blooms, and dead zones, depleting necessary light and oxygen to the water columns surrounding seagrass meadows

Using Institutional Track Programs and Block Scheduling to Help Students Prepare for Postgraduate Residency Training

Purpose The development and implementation of institutional track programs and block scheduling to help students prepare for postgraduate residency training are described. Summary Institutional track and block scheduling models were implemented into advanced pharmacy practice experience rotations to provide students with several of these experiences at the same practice site. Students at Purdue University College of Pharmacy (PUCOP) and Butler University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (BUCOPHS) can apply for an institutional track or block schedule. The application process for the institutional track and block scheduling programs provides students with an opportunity to refine written and oral skills that are necessary for residency applications and interviews, since the process mimics that of the ASHP Resident Matching Program. Students are frequently provided with mentors to assist in the residency or fellowship preparation, curriculum vitae or cover letter design, and career planning. Students at the site may also be paired with pharmacy residents enrolled in blocked rotations to serve as mentors. The top students are matched with a practice site and then assigned to five consecutive patient care rotations. Since 2011, a total of 71 students have participated in institutional tracks at PUCOP or block scheduling at BUCOPHS. Most institutional track students (83%) and block scheduling students (81%) were successful in matching to residency programs or hospital pharmacy positions after graduation. Conclusion Block scheduling and institutional track programs were offered to students at two colleges of pharmacy interested in pursuing postgraduate residency training. Most institutional track students and block scheduling students successfully matched to residency programs or hospital pharmacy positions after graduation