SRPH Faculty Promotions

Four faculty in the Texas A&M Health Science Center School of Rural Public Health recently were promoted.

Dr. Steve Moore has been promoted to executive associate dean. Dr. Moore received his M.D. from Southwestern Medical School, Master of Public Health (M.P.H) from the Medical College of Wisconsin and Bachelor of Science (B.S) in Physics from The University of Texas.

Dr. Antonio Rene has been promoted to associate dean for academic affairs. Dr. Rene received both his Ph.D. in Epidemiology and his M.P.H. in Disease Control from The University of Texas. He received a B.S. from Southern University.

Dr. Jean Brender has been promoted to associate dean for research. Dr. Brender received both her Ph.D. in Epidemiology and Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N) from the University of Washington. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) from Whitworth University.

Dr. James Burdine has been promoted to assistant dean for public health practice. Dr. Burdine received his Doctorate of Public Health (Dr.P.H.) in Community Health Education from the University of North Carolina, an M.P.H. in Community Health Education from California State University and a B.S. in Health Science from San Fernando Valley State College.

"The success of any school rides on the shoulders of the faculty, staff and students affiliated with the school’s activities," said Craig Blakely, Ph.D., M.P.H., dean of the HSC-School of Rural Public Health. "The experience, expertise and leadership reflected by this assembled team places the Texas A&M Health Science Center School of Rural Public Health in a great position to continue its commitment to improving the population health status of our global community, and rural and underserved populations in particular. I look forward to working closely with these colleagues and the entire school community as we continue pursuit of this mission.

Pregnancy Preparedness

When is the best time to start preparing for pregnancy?

Many people believe it’s when a woman is thinking of becoming pregnant. In reality, a woman should be healthy and aware of preconception health care before becoming sexually active or at least three months before conception, as studies indicate more than 50 percent of all pregnancies are unplanned.

“Women who make healthy choices before pregnancy and who maintain healthy behaviors during pregnancy increase their chances of having healthy babies,” said Jean Brender, Ph.D., R.N., professor at the Texas A&M Health Science Center School of Rural Public Health.

There are four steps a woman should follow toward a healthy pregnancy and child, Dr. Brender said. First, take 400 micrograms (0.4 milligrams) of folic acid daily at least three months before becoming pregnant. Found in most cereals and vitamins, folic acid is an easy way to prevent birth defects, especially neural tube defects.

Next, stop smoking and drinking alcohol, as research indicates babies born to a female smoker during pregnancy have 30 percent greater odds of being born preterm compared to a nonsmoker. If you have medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, epilepsy or Hepatitis B, be sure these conditions are under control and have the proper medication. Also avoid exposures to toxic substances or potentially infectious materials at work or at home such as cleaning chemicals, solvent-based paints, and cat or rodent feces.

When visiting with a doctor before conceiving, talk about current medicines you are taking, including herbal supplements and over-the-counter medicine, Dr. Brender said. If overweight or underweight, discuss a healthy eating and fitness program, as some adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preterm birth and a few types of birth defects are related to obesity.