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Dr. Pennie S. Seibert

Pennie S. Seibert

Dr. Seibert received her Ph.D. in experimental cognitive psychology from the University of New Mexico at Albuquerque in 1990. She joined the Boise State University Psychology Department in 1990. In addition to being a Professor, Dr. Seibert serves as Idaho Neurological Institute's Director of Research at Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center. She is President Elect of the Rocky Mountain Psychological Association.

Phone: 208-426-3550
Email: pennieseibert@boisestate.edu


Potential Courses

Title
General Psychology (Psychological Science)

Directed Research (Co-Instructed with Dr. Christian G. Zimmerman, Neuroscience Perspective, conducted at the Idaho Neurological Institute, Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center)

Senior Thesis (Co-Instructed with Dr. Christian G. Zimmerman, Neuroscience Perspective, conducted at the Idaho Neurological Institute, Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center)

Independent Study (Co-Instructed with Dr. Christian G. Zimmerman, Neuroscience Perspective, conducted at the Idaho Neurological Institute, Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center)

Internship (Co-Instructed with Dr. Christian G. Zimmerman, Neuroscience Perspective, conducted at the Idaho Neurological Institute, Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center)


The Idaho Neurological Institute’s Leadership Team

Teaching and research are activities integral to the INI experience and are conducted in a team approach lead by Dr. Seibert, Dr. Zimmerman, and Ms. Whitener. Additionally, INI has two coordinators of research who are senior level research assistants. The coordinators also serve in leadership positions to facilitate the team approach to education and research. To date the INI team has trained over 125 Boise State University Student Researchers.

Dr. Christian G. Zimmerman
& Dr. Pennie S. Seibert

Christian G. Zimmerman, MD FACS MBA

Dr. Zimmerman received his Medical Degree from University of Maryland, F. P. Program, 1984; Internship: General  Surgical, University of Maryland Hospital (Affiliate), Prince George's Medical Center, Cheverly, 1986; Residency: Division of Neurosurgery, Oregon Health Science University, Portland, 1992; Fellowship: Complex Spinal Disorders and Instrumentation,  Department of Neurosurgery, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ,1993; Board Certified Diplomat American Board of Neurological Surgery, 1998, Diplomat American Board of Pain Management,1999; American College Of Surgeons: Diplomat, 1997; and AANS/CNS Annual Meeting Practical Clinics; Faculty Member - Cervical Spine Management 1992 – 2004.  He received his Masters of Business Administration: Auburn University, 2004.

Dr. Zimmerman’s recent positions include, NIH/NINDS (The Neuroradiology Education and Research Foundation Advanced Neuroimaging for Acute Stroke, IOM Forum on Neuroscience and Nervous System Disorder, Representative; Member, The National Academies, Institute of Medicine Forum on Neuroscience and Nervous System Disorders Board on Health Sciences Policy “Autism and the Environment, Challenges and Opportunities for Research.” Member, The National Academies Institute of Medicine Forum on Neuroscience and Nervous System Disorders Board on Health Sciences Policy “Neuroscience Biomarkers and Biosignatures” Board Member Think First Foundation AANS/CNS Joint Appointment; Chairman and Medical Director Idaho Neurological Institute, Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center; Executive Committee, Idaho State Trauma Coalition; Joint Council of State Societies, AANS/CNS, Member, Task Force on Health Care Reform and Managed Care; Member, Health Care Reform Council, National Policy Forum, Listening to America; Board Member, Idaho Board of Health & Welfare.

Nichole Whitener, RN CNRN

Ms. Whitener received her BSN from Boise State University in 1988, her A.D.N. from the University of the State of New York in 1988, and her MSN is currently in progress.

Ms. Whitener is currently the Director of the neuro service line at Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center. She has upheld this position for the past year. Her previous positions include Program Coordinator of the neuro service line, Lead Charge nurse on the Neurosurgical Med/Surg Unit, staff nurse on the Neurosurgical Med/Surg Unit, and staff nurse on the Rehabilitation Unit. She has been employed by Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center since 1990.

Experience and qualifications related to topic being planned/presented: Ms. Whitener is an experienced Neuroscience nurse whose practice has involved project development and implementation, staff education, and inter-departmental communication. She has maintained neuro certification since 1996. In addition she has participated in policy and procedure development, as well as process improvement projects. Some of the projects she has developed include creation of a primary stroke center based on the American Stroke Association guidelines, implementation of the only Deep Brain Stimulation program in Idaho, interdisciplinary Stereotactic Radiosurgery for neurooncology services, and led a team to create a nationally recognized model system of care for brain injuries. Ms. Whitener also serves as the American Parkinson’s Disease Association Information and Referral Center Coordinator for the state of Idaho. Ms. Whitener is standing on the far right of the photo below.

INI Research

Dr. Seibert's research interests focus on the effects of CNS injury, recovery, neural repair, and neuroplasticity. She conducts her program of research under the auspices of the Idaho Neurological Institute at Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center (SARMC) and in partnership with Dr. Christian G. Zimmerman, Ms. Nichole Whitener, and various SARMC professionals, relevant to the specific project. This research is conducted in collaboration with a team composed of neurosurgeons, neurologists, neuroradiologists, neuropathologists, pulmonologists, trauma physicians, physiatrists, and other health care professionals. Examples of research projects include a 20-year longitudinal study of over 200 people who have sustained severe brain injuries, deep brain stimulation for control of Parkinson’s, stroke, innovative surgical procedures for spine repair, sleep disorders, CNS tumors, and using the findings from data driven research to design best practice models for superior recovery from neurological insult and disease. Additionally, Dr. Seibert serves as Scientific Officer for SARMC’s telemedicine grants funded by TATRC. All of Dr. Seibert's research projects combine basic and applied research designs to advance knowledge about neuroplasticity and neural repair with the goal of consistently improving outcomes for those who sustain neural insult.

SAMPLE OF RECENT PUBLICATIONS

Zimmerman CG, Seibert PS. A critique of the healthcare reform: the search for a union of ideals and realities. (in press) AANS Neurosurgeon.

Seibert PS, Whitmore TA, *Patterson CM, *Otto CC,  Ward MJ, *Coblenz MB, Whitener N, Zimmerman CG. Exploring the Versatility of Telemedicine in Diverse Medical Arenas.  In  Telemedicine in the 21st Century, Nova Science Publishers, Inc; 2008: 1-17.

Seibert PS, Whitmore TA, *Parker PD, *Patterson CM, *Otto CC, Basom J, Whitener, N., Zimmerman CG.  Telemedicine research:  Opportunities and challenges.  Mobile telemedicine: A computing and networking perspective.   1st ed. Boca Raton, FL. Taylor & Francis Group; 2008: 349-366.

Seibert PS, Whitmore TA, *Patterson CM, *Parker PD, *Otto CC, Basom J, Whitener N, Zimmerman CG.  Telemedicine facilitates CHF home health care for those with systolic dysfunction.   International Journal of Telemedicine and Applications 2008.

Seibert PS, *Whitmore TA, *Parker, PD, Payne, K, Grimsley FP, O’Donnell J.E.  The Emerging Role of Telemedicine in Diagnosing and Treating Sleep Disorders.  Journal of Telemedicine & Telecare (2006); 12 379-381.

Seibert PS, *Whitmore TA, *Dufty BM, Whitener N, Grimsley FP, O'Donnell, JE.  Sleep Disorders: Age Makes a Difference. Sleep Review (July-August 2005).

Seibert PS, *Stridh-Igo PM, *Whitmore TA, Zimmerman CG.  Cranio-cervical stabilization of traumatic atlanto-occipital dislocation with minimal resultant neurological deficit.  Acta Neurochir (Wien).2005;000:1-8.

Seibert PS, *Stridh-Igo PM, *Whitmore TA,  Zimmerman CG.  Perspectives of awareness and cognitive processing during the event of stroke and subsequent recovery: competence versus performance.  J Cog Rehabil. 2003; Winter:18-24.

Seibert PS, *Stridh-Igo PM, Zimmerman CG. Challenging the stigma of stroke.  Stroke Clin Updates. November, 2003. 

Seibert PS, Reedy DP, *Hash J, *Webb A, *Stridh-Igo PM, Basom J, Zimmerman CG. Brain injury: quality of life's greatest challenge.  Brain Inj. 2000;16:837-848.

Seibert PS, *Stridh-Igo PM, Zimmerman CG. A checklist to facilitate cultural awareness and sensitivity.  J Med Ethics.  2002;28:0-4.

Seibert PS, *Fee L, Basom J, Zimmerman CG. Music and the brain: the impact of music on an oboist’s fight for recovery.  Brain Inj. 2000;14:295-302.

SAMPLE OF RECENT PRESENTATIONS

Seibert PS, Ward MJ, Whitmore TA. A Guide for Designing and Sustaining Programmatic Telemedicine Research. American Telemedicine Association, Las Vegas, NV; April 26-28, 2009.

Seibert PS, Ward MJ, Whitmore TA. Telemedicine and Critical Care: Comparing Three Delivery Models. American Telemedicine Association, Las Vegas, NV; April 26-28, 2009.

Seibert PS, Ward MJ, Whitmore, TA Hazle, W. Meeting The Need For Outpatient Psychiatric Care In Rural Communities. American Telemedicine Association, Las Vegas, NV; April 26-28, 2009.

Seibert PS, *Otto CC, *Coblentz M, Whitener N, Zimmerman CG. Telemedicine: Advancing Care for Spinal Surgery. AANS/CNS Section on Disorders of the Spine and Peripheral Nerves; Phoenix, Arizona; March 11 - 14, 2009.

*Gilbert BL, Seibert PS, *Otto CC, *Coblentz M, Whitener N, Zimmerman CG. Vertebral Artery Dissection: Risk Factor for Stroke in Young Populations. Rocky Mountain Psychological Association; April 16-18, 2009. Albuquerque, NM.

*Reynolds SN, Seibert PS, Whitmore TA, Otto CC, *Coblentz M, Whitener N, Ward M, Zimmerman CG. Home Telemonitoring Applications for Diabetes Care. Rocky Mountain Psychological Association; April 16-18, 2009. Albuquerque, NM.

*Otto CC, Seibert PS, *Coblentz M, Whitener N, Zimmerman CG. Pharmacological treatment of psychological and sleep disturbances in women before, during, and after menopause. Rocky Mountain Psychological Association; April 16-18, 2009. Albuquerque, NM.

*Covert H, Seibert PS, *Otto CC, *Coblentz M, Whitener N, Zimmerman CG. Deep Brain Stimulation improves medication related addictive behavior and associated quality of life. Rocky Mountain Psychological Association; April 16-18, 2009. Albuquerque, NM.

*Nelson E, Seibert PS, Whitmore TA, *Otto CC, *Coblentz M, Ward M, Whitener N, Zimmerman CG. Challenges of Implementing Telepsychiatry in Rural Areas. Rocky Mountain Psychological Association; April 16-18, 2009. Albuquerque, NM.

*Coblentz M, Seibert PS, *Otto CC, Whitener N, Zimmerman CG. Neurological Complications Arise After Kyphoplasty: Physiological or Psychological Effects? Rocky Mountain Psychological Association; April 16-18, 2009. Albuquerque, NM.

Seibert PS, Whitener N, *Otto CC, *Coblentz M, Whitener N, Zimmerman CG. Post Deep Brain Stimulation Analyses Reveal Numerous Sex Differences. American Association of Neuroscience Nurses; Las Vegas, NV; March 28-31, 2009.

Zimmerman CG, Seibert PS, *Otto CC, *Coblentz M, Harrison B, Whitener N. Successful Lumbar Fusion: Using PEEK Longitudinal Stabilization Rods. American Association of Neurological Surgeons; San Diego, CA; May 2-6, 2009.

Zimmerman CG, Seibert PS, *Otto CC, *Coblentz M, Harrison B, Whitener N A Critique of Healthcare Reform: The Search for a Union of Ideals and Realities. American Association of Neurological Surgeons; San Diego, CA; May 2-6, 2009.

Seibert P, *Otto C, *Coblentz M, Whitener N, Zimmerman CG. A characterization of the menopausal transition: the role of sleep and psychological well-being. 19th Meeting of the European Neurological Society; June 20-24, 2009; Milan, Italy.

Seibert PS, Whitener N, *Coblentz M, *Otto CC, Zimmerman CG. An analysis of the relationship shared by environmental toxin exposure and movement disorders [abstract]. XVIII WFN World Congress on Parkinson's Disease and Related Disorders; December 13-16, 2009; Miami, Florida.

Seibert PS, Whitener N, *Otto CC, *Coblentz M, Zimmerman CG. Deep brain stimulation outcomes for Parkinson's disease and essential tremor [abstract]. XVIII WFN World Congress on Parkinson's Disease and Related Disorders; December 13-16, 2009; Miami, Florida.

Seibert PS, Whitener N, *Otto CC, *Coblentz M, Zimmerman CG. Exploring the effects of caffeine on men and women with movement disorders [abstract]. XVIII WFN World Congress on Parkinson's Disease and Related Disorders; December 13-16, 2009; Miami, Florida.

Seibert PS, Whitener N, *Otto CC, *Coblentz M, Zimmerman CG. Implications of deep brain stimulation on sleep disturbances for individuals with movement disorders [abstract]. XVIII WFN World Congress on Parkinson's Disease and Related Disorders; December 13-16, 2009; Miami, Florida.

Zimmerman CG, Seibert PS, *Otto C, *Coblentz M, Whitener N. Intraoperative electromyographic monitoring during pedicle screw placement. Congress of Neurological Surgeons Annual Meeting; October 24-29, 2009; New Orleans, LA.

Seibert PS, *Otto CC, *Patterson C, *Coblentz M, Whitener N, Whitmore T, Ward MJ, Zimmerman CG.  Telemedicine: Opportunities to increase stroke intervention in rural and other underserved communities. 6th World Stroke Congress; September 24-27, 2008; Vienna, At.

Seibert PS, *Otto CC, *Patterson C, *Coblentz M, Whitener N, Zimmerman CG. The role of sleep disorders in stroke prevention and treatment. 6th World Stroke Congress; September 24-27, 2008; Vienna, At.  

Seibert PS, *Otto CC, *Patterson C, *Coblentz M, Whitener N, Zimmerman CG. Diagnostic complexities:  Interactions among stroke, psychotherapeutics, and sleep disorders. 6th World Stroke Congress; September 24-27, 2008; Vienna, At.  

Whitener, N, Seibert PS.  Community Stroke Program:  Uniting Care Practices.  Trinity Health Care Conference; October 12-13, 2008 Chicago, IL

Seibert PS, Whitmore TA, Ward MJ, *Patterson CM, *Otto CC, Whitener N, Zimmerman, CG.  Providing accessible, standardized education for perioperative nurses.  American Telemedicine Association, 13th Annual International Meeting & Trade Show; April 6-8 2008; Seattle WA.

Seibert PS, Whitmore TA, *Patterson CM, *Otto CC, Ward MJ, Whitener N, Zimmerman, CG. Telemedicine:  Possibilities for Improving Traumatic Brain Injury Care.  World Congress on Brain Injury; April 9-12 2008 Lisbon Portugal.

Seibert PS, *Otto CC, *Patterson CM, Whitener N, Zimmerman, CG.  Diffuse Axonal Injury:  Reporting Successful Outcomes Despite Grim Prognosis.  World Congress on Brain Injury; April 9-12 2008 Lisbon Portugal.

Seibert PS, *Otto CC, *Patterson CM, Whitmore TA, Whitener N, Zimmerman, CG. The Role of Spirituality in Coping with Traumatic Brain Injury. World Congress on Brain Injury; April 9-12 2008 Lisbon Portugal.

Zimmerman, CG. Seibert PS, *Otto CC, *Patterson CM, Whitener N. Neurosurgical intervention of craniocervial dislocations to maximize successful outcomes. American Association of Neurological Surgeons Annual Meeting; April 26-May 1 2008; Chicago, IL.

*Appel J, *Nelson E, Seibert PS, *Otto CC, *Patterson CM, Whitener N, Zimmerman CG. Traumatic brain injury:  Understanding the relationship shared by emotions and independence. Rocky Mountain Psychological Association 78th Annual Meeting; April 10-12, 2008; Boise, ID.

*Coblentz M, *Bond K, Seibert PS, *Otto CC, *Patterson CM, Whitener N, Zimmerman CG. Pain:  The ubiquitous influence across CNS disorders and injuries. Rocky Mountain Psychological Association 78th Annual Meeting; April 10-12, 2008; Boise, ID.

*Otto CC, Seibert PS, *Patterson CM, Whitener N, Zimmerman CG.  Sleep and menopause:  Characterizing sleep patterns in menopause and post-menopause. Rocky Mountain Psychological Association 78th Annual Meeting; April 10-12, 2008; Boise, ID.

*Patterson CM, Seibert PS, *Otto CC, Whitener N, Zimmerman CG. The essential role of psychological science in assessing stroke interventions. Rocky Mountain Psychological Association 78th Annual Meeting; April 10-12, 2008; Boise, ID.

*Richards JD, *Wilson PM, Seibert PS, *Patterson CM, *Otto CC, Whitener N, Zimmerman CG. The effect of deep brain stimulation for movement disorders on emotions.  To be presented in:  Rocky Mountain Psychological Association 78th Annual Meeting; April 10-12, 2008; Boise, ID.

Seibert PS, *Otto CC, *Patterson CM, Whitener N, Zimmerman, CG. The universal role of pain: Addressing pain across CNS disorders and injury. 4th World Congress – World Institute of Pain; September 25-28 2007; Budapest, Hungary.

Seibert PS, *Patterson CM, *Whitmore TA, Whitener N, Zimmerman, CG. Telemedicine: Demonstrations of significance for neurosurgery. Congress of Neurological Surgeons; September 15-20 2007; San Diego, CA.

Seibert PS, Whitener N, *Patterson CM, *Parker PD, Zimmerman CG. Recognizing sleep disorders in people with nervous system damage/disorders. American Association of Neuroscience Nurses 39th Annual Meeting; April 29 – May 2, 2007; Orlando, FL.

Seibert PS, *Otto CC, *Davis A, *Parker PD, *Patterson CM, Grimsley FP, O'Donnell JE, Whitener N, Zimmerman, CG. Pharmacological treatments of psychological disorders and their effects on sleep. Western Psychological Association; May 3-7, 2007; Vancouver, BC, Canada.

*Parker PD, Seibert PS, *Whitmore TA, Whitener N, Zimmerman CG. Hedonistic homoeostatic dysregulation and pathological gambling within a statewide sample of Parkinson's disease. Western Psychological Association; May 3-7, 2007; Vancouver, BC, Canada.

*Bektic A, *Bock N, Seibert PS, *Parker PD, *Whitmore TA, Whitener N, Zimmerman CG. Characterization of non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease in Idaho. Western Psychological Association; May 3-7, 2007; Vancouver, BC, Canada.

*Thompson P, Seibert PS, *Parker PD, *Whitmore TA, Whitener N, Zimmerman CG. Patient empowerment medicine: an athlete's exemplary recovery from catastrophic injury. Western Psychological Association; May 3-7, 2007; Vancouver, BC, Canada.

Seibert PS, *Patterson CM, Whitmore TA, *Parker PD, Whitener N, Zimmerman CG. Opportunities for psychological science in telemedicine. Western Psychological Association; May 3-7, 2007; Vancouver, BC, Canada.

Seibert PS, *Whitmore TA, *Parker PD, *Patterson CP, Ward MJ, Basom J. Telemedicine facilitates CHF home health care. American Telemedicine Association 2007: 12th Annual International Meeting and Trade Show; May 13-15, 2007; Nashville TN.

Seibert PS, *Whitmore TA, *Parker PD, *Patterson CM, Whitener N, Zimmerman, CG. Central nervous system disorders and damage: implications for stress, anxiety and depression. 10th Jubilee Multidisciplinary International Conference of Neuroscience and Biological Psychiatry; May 16-20, 2007; St. Petersburg, Russia.

Seibert PS, *Whitmore TA, *Parker PD, O’Donnell JE, Whitener N, Grimsley FP, Zimmerman CG. Medications and Sleep Disorders: A Very  Slippery Slope. Congress of the European Neurological Societies; September 2-5, 2006; Glasgow, Scotland.

Seibert PS, *Whitmore TA, Payne K, *Parker PD, Grimsley FP, O'Donnell, JE, Whitener, N, Zimmerman CG. Diagnosing and Treating Sleep Disorders: The Viability and Opportunities for Telemedicine. Congress of the European Neurological Societies; September 2-5, 2006; Glasgow, Scotland.

Seibert PS, *Whitmore TA, *Parker PD, O’Donnell JE, Reedy DP, Grimsley FP, Zimmerman CG. The Complex web of intervening variables shared by medications, psychological well-being, and sleep disorders. World Psychiatric Association International Congress. July 12-16, 2006; Istanbul, Turkey.

* DENOTES STUDENT

Sample of Professional Memberships

Sample of Professional Awards

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