UMB Staff
‘A Million Miles’
Jody K. Olsen, PhD, MSW ’72, University of Maryland School of Social Work alumna, former University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) Center for Global Engagement director, and current UMB Center for Global Engagement senior fellow. “A Million Miles: My Peace Corps Journey” (University of Utah Press, 2024).
When Olsen enlisted as a Peace Corps volunteer in Tunisia in 1966, she was fleeing family tragedy and the stifling societal norms of her upbringing in Salt Lake City. However, her service in Tunisia upended her religious and cultural beliefs and propelled her into a six-decade career with the Peace Corps, culminating in her directorship of the agency. Olsen’s memoir reveals the personal and professional challenges she faced throughout her career, which spanned the Reagan era, the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, and the Trump administration. She writes candidly about her struggles as a woman in leadership, as well as personal hardships such as the sudden death of her brother and her emotionally difficult divorce after her husband’s coming out. This memoir is a sharp and vulnerable portrait, a testament to the transformative power of leadership and self-discovery.
Read more about Jody Olsen in this issue.
‘Saving Stella’
Former Maryland Sen. Shirley Nathan-Pulliam, MAS, BSN ’80, RN, FAAN, University of Maryland School of Nursing alumna and Visionary Pioneer. “Saving Stella: Notes from a Nurse Turned Legislator” (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2024).
“Saving Stella” is the autobiography of a nurse-turned-state senator determined to make health care equitable and available for all. From her childhood in Jamaica to her early days in nursing and, eventually, to her entry into politics, Nathan-Pulliam has exemplified what it means to translate principles and values into action through legislation and advocacy. This book takes readers on her personal and political journey by highlighting the injustices faced by Stella, a woman diagnosed with breast cancer. The experience of helping Stella, a woman whose position in society denied her timely diagnosis and treatment for her breast cancer, inspired much of Nathan-Pulliam’s professional path. Her gripping accounts of political battles, strategic alliances, and landmark bills provide insight into the art of governance and politics and the power of courage, perseverance, and remarkable compassion in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges. Nathan-Pulliam’s passion to ensure a future where people like Stella can get the care they need drives her tireless efforts to address health disparities and fight for meaningful change. “Saving Stella” is a poignant and thought-provoking autobiography that sheds light on the complex realities of health care and the profound impact of policy decisions. It is a testament to one woman’s determination to make a difference and create a more equitable and compassionate health care system.
‘American Apocalypse’
Rena Steinzor, JD, professor of law, University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law. “American Apocalypse: The Six Far-Right Groups Waging War on Democracy” (Stanford University Press, 2024).
The war on American democracy is at a fever pitch. Such a corrosive state of affairs did not arise spontaneously up from the people but instead was pushed, top-down, by six private-sector special interest groups — big business, the House Freedom Caucus, the Federalist Society, Fox News, white evangelicals, and armed militias. Steinzor argues that these groups are nothing more than well-financed armies fighting a battle of attrition against the national government, with power, money, and fame as their central motivations. While the groups do not coordinate their attacks, and sometimes their short-term goals even conflict, their priorities fall within a surprisingly tight bull’s eye: the size and power of the administrative state. In the near term, their campaigns will bring the crucial functions of government to a halt, which will lead to immediate suffering by the working classes, and a rapid deterioration of race relations. Over the long term, as the prevalence of global pandemics and climate crises increases, an incapacitated national government will usher in unimaginable harm. This book is the first to conceptualize these groups together as one deconstructive and awe-inspiring force. Steinzor delves into each of their histories, mapping the strategies, tactics, and characteristics that make them so powerful. She offers the most comprehensive story available about the downfall of American democracy, reminding us that only by recognizing what we are up against can we hope to bring about change.
‘Traumatic Brain Injury’
Eric J. Ley, MD, professor, Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine. Editor, “Traumatic Brain Injury: Hot Topics in Acute Care Surgery and Trauma” (Springer, 2024).
Despite great improvements in prehospital, critical care, and surgical management, traumatic brain injury remains a leading cause of death and disability, resulting in great socioeconomic burden. This book provides a comprehensive and practical perspective of the management of traumatic brain injury, from prehospital setting to discharge. Even more, the book highlights the importance of pathways (Trauma Center and Neurocritical Care Unit) and the central role of the specialized neurocritical care team and neurological critical care units in the practice of neurocritical care. Encouraging a practical, protocol-driven, multidisciplinary approach for adult and pediatric patients, the authors provide a methodological description of the diagnostic and therapeutic management of patients with traumatic brain injury throughout the patient journey. Paying particular attention to prognosis and treatment-limiting decisions, the authors review the critical role of neurorehabilitation and the clinical and bioethical perspective on brain death, organ donation, and communication with the family.
‘Practice & Leadership in Nursing Homes’
JoAnne Reifsnyder, PhD, MBA, RN, FAAN, professor, Department of Organizational Systems and Adult Health, University of Maryland School of Nursing. Co-author, “Practice & Leadership in Nursing Homes: Building on Academic-Practice Partnerships” (Sigma Theta Tau International, 2024).
Long-term care settings are highly regulated environments where the emphasis historically has been on compliance. Many misconceptions persist about practice in nursing homes, and these go largely unaddressed within nursing education programs. Herein lines one of the significant barriers to improving nursing home care. “Practice & Leadership in Nursing Homes” dispels many misconceptions and provides a foundation for clinical practice in a unique, exciting setting — illustrating how high-quality nursing care can result in positive resident outcomes. This book challenges educators and students to look beyond incorrect perceptions and negative attitudes to see a vibrant, growing health care sector ripe for nurses to make an impact and build rewarding careers. The authors cover comprehensive care planning, models of care delivery, common geriatric syndromes, staff development and training, and nursing home financing and regulatory information.
‘Dental Biomaterials’
Mary Anne Melo, DDS, PhD, MS, clinical professor and chair, Department of Comprehensive Dentistry, University of Maryland School of Dentistry. Editor, “Dental Biomaterials: From Fundamental Principles to Clinical Applications” (MDPI Books, 2024).
The continuous evolution of preventive and therapeutic strategies aims to enhance oral health outcomes. Novel approaches are being developed to prevent and treat prevalent oral diseases such as dental caries, periodontitis, and oral cancer. Researchers also are exploring the potential of biomaterials in regenerative dentistry, such as promoting bone growth and repairing damaged oral tissues. The research and development in dental materials and biomaterials holds great promise for improving oral health outcomes. However, it is imperative to maintain a sustained focus on research to fully leverage their potential and effectively address the existing gaps in dental care. In “Dental Biomaterials: From Fundamental Principles to Clinical Applications,” significant findings have emerged from a variety of sources, including in vitro experiments and clinical trials. These insights have deepened our understanding of oral disease biology, resulting in the development of innovative treatment approaches such as targeted drug delivery systems and gene therapy. Clinical trials also have provided evidence on the effectiveness and safety of these new treatment options. Overall, these advancements in technology and treatment offer hope for enhanced management of oral diseases. Nevertheless, it is crucial to emphasize the importance of continuous research and development to fully unlock the potential of these innovations and achieve significant progress in improving oral health outcomes.
