Tammie Akiyoshi
Working behind the scenes, Tammie Akiyoshi balances personal care with programs that improve the health of thousands of students each year.
As nursing director of Outreach Programs for the University Park Health Center, Tammie oversees the student immunization program and provides one-on-one counseling to students in the center’s travel clinics and pregnancy counseling program.
A member of the Trojan Family for 11 years, Tammie is “an amazing, dedicated, committed health care provider and advocate for students,” according to Larry Neinstein, associate dean of the University Park Health Center.
Tammie created a new -- and very successful -- system to provide immunizations to more students.
“Tammie helped increase our immunization numbers from 500 per year in 1996 to over 12,000 per year currently,” says Neinstein. “She has been a key person in creating our travel clinics and pregnancy counseling program, [providing] easier access to emergency contraception and ensuring overall high quality of nursing and health care.”
“I find my work in the pregnancy program the most rewarding because I can work with students on an individual basis and help them connect with someone,” says Tammie. “I have the opportunity to provide health care services and offer health education to our students.”
In addition to her work at the health center and vaccination clinics, Tammie provides tuberculosis screening at international student orientation. Another orientation role is advising parents about the importance of meningococcal meningitis vaccination for incoming students.
“She has also been involved with many departments on campus and in many orientation sessions with students and parents,” says Neinstein. “She is an ultimate team player and caring health professional.”
Tammie received bachelor’s degrees in psychology and nursing from California State University, Los Angeles and a master’s degree in psychology from Pepperdine University. She is a member of the Society of Adolescent Medicine, the American College Health Association and the Pacific Coast College Health Association.