Research Day Keynote Speaker
Watch Keynote Speech
Judy Thorne and Dr. Margaret Doucette Idaho to Uganda: Crossing Boundaries to Public Health
North Fork and Middle Fork Rooms Pond Student Union 8:45 a.m.
Judy A. Thorne, MPA, RTC
Judy Thorne is the HIV/Viral Hepatitis Education Coordinator and affiliate faculty in the Master of Public Health Program at Idaho State University in Meridian, Idaho. She administers a grant from the Northwest AIDS Education and Training Center (NW-AETC) through the University of Washington. Ms. Thorne holds a Master's degree in Public Administration with an emphasis in public health and has been in the medical field for over 25 years. Having begun her career in the rehabilitation field, Ms. Thorne treated HIV patients early in the epidemic in San Francisco, California. After moving to Boise, Idaho in 1988 and serving as the Clinical Director for Outpatient Therapy at Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center for over 15 years, Ms. Thorne now provides HIV and AIDS education to rural clinics/medical personnel and high-risk populations. She currently serves as the HIV lead on a medical team serving 600 students at the Nsumba Orphanage in Uganda, Africa.
Margaret Doucette D.O.
Margaret Doucette D.O. is the Chief of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the Boise VA Medical Center in addition to being the founder and former medical director of the Elks Wound Center. She is published and presents regionally and nationally on wound care and hyperbaric medicine. Her work, 'outside of work' involves being medical lead for "Be The Change" Nsumba Project in Uganda, working with a large orphanage to improve the health and well-being of almost 500 children. Dr. Doucette resides in Boise, Idaho with her husband, 3 teenagers and 2 dogs. They love all things outdoors, traveling and adventures.
Be the Change, Inc.
Boise, Idaho Local Action: Nsumba Orphanage in Uganda, East Africa
Medical Program
Led by Margaret Doucette, MD and Judy Thorne, MPA a local medical group has begun evaluating over 500 students at the Nsumba Orphanage in Uganda to create their individual medical record. Health screenings that include malaria, HIV, height, weight, ear, nose and throat checks, dental, and vision are being documented over the child's life span at the orphanage.
Idaho State University is collaborating with the project to provide teaching/learning opportunities in this setting for Division of Health Science Students pursuing careers in the Physician Assistant Program, Audiology, Dietetics, Nursing, Dental and others.
Student Watumishi Program
College and High School student leaders apply and are selected to participate in annual trips to the Nsumba Orphanage where they assist the medical team. Students also participate in community-based activities in and around the capitol city of Kampala, Uganda. They are encouraged to mentor others upon their return home as well as commit to local, action-oriented events and planning.
Contacts for more information:
Dr. Peggy Doucette
Medical Lead
208-859-0077
Judy Thorne
Co-lead, Medical
208-342-7057 or 208-373-1710