The brain is an important and incredibly complex organ - and only in recent decades have we begun to understand many of its intricacies. It's no surprising that the behaviors and actions of others have been confounding us for most of our lives! The brain plays a critical role in nearly every major body system, and some of its main functions include processing sensory information, regulating blood pressure and breathing and releasing hormones. But beyond regulating physical tasks, our brains also have a role in how we perceive people and our environment, how we remember (and forget), how we may act and think differently than someone else - and how were interact with others in our daily lives.

Clinical research offers rewarding careers for people who want to make a difference in healthcare. Year after year, this field experiences tremendous growth with jobs constantly opening up across the public and private sectors. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that this field will grow by more than 13 percent by 2026, which is nearly double the industry average of seven percent.

Sometimes finding a fulfilling career doesn't follow a uniform A-to-B trajectory. Such was the case for Cynthia Trinidad, one of our first Clinical Research internship recipients, who initially graduated with a degree in psychology from the University of Oregon, but wasn’t sure where to go once she entered the workforce. Her passion for people led her to a career in the healthcare industry where she started as a CNA. She originally hoped to grow her skillset into nursing, until she realized she had a passion for research.

One of the most beautiful times in a woman's life is the birth of her children, but certain events can impact the birthing experience. This can lead to perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMAD) - affecting nearly 1 million women annually - which can cause women significant stress and even prolong the healing process.

Both yoga and Ayurveda have their roots in India, where they are commonly practiced as ways to improve the health of both the body and mind and prepare oneself for liberation. Though each of these sciences has been used for thousands of years, they have become more popular in Western cultures over the past few decades. By 2020, it is estimated that the Yoga industry in the US will reach $11.6 billion and the global Ayurveda market is not far behind. From a variety of yoga studios to herbs, spices and essential oils, the value of these practices is blossoming across the United States.

We’ve all faced the dread that comes with going to a doctor or hospital. And in some cases, a poor first impression is all it takes someone for someone to turn around and leave, even if it means missing out on necessary treatment. That first impression is everything - and it’s what you’ll be able to provide as a patient access specialist.

The following post was written by Melody Finnemore and originally published by the Oregon Dental Association. It features IHP's Professional Development and Dental Health Education Coordinator Stacy Bone and is republished here with permission from the ODA. 

Ann Wagoner is a yoga therapist, has taught yoga for over 25 years and is a certified practitioner of Ayurveda. She researched protocols and herbs for the prevention of cancer recurrence and is a NAMA presenter. She is also a student of Rama Jyoti Vernon and publishes yoga books. We recently asked her about her experience with Ayurveda, and what inspires her about teaching and the subject matter. 

Across the country, hundreds of thousands of people participate in American Heart Association (AHA) trainings every year, and many of these courses are available at Portland Community College’s Institute for Health Professionals. These cardiology-focused trainings help nurses, doctors, medics, and even professionals in non-healthcare settings be ready to support or save a life at a moment’s notice. The American Heart Association is the top provider of these trainings in the United States, offering evidence-based strategies that help in a cardiac event.

Pharmacy technician job prospects continue to represent a success story in the American economy in 2018. Data from 2017 demonstrates there were nearly 80,000 job postings nationwide – with over 1,700 opportunities listed in the Portland-metro region. At PCC’s Institute for Health Professionals, students in the pharmacy technician program enjoy flexible schedules and can become qualified in just six months.