Voices of the people

“The Ear of the Leader Must Ring With the Voices of the People.”
~ Woodrow Wilson
January 6, 2012

Dear Colleagues and Friends:

Congratulations Are In Order …

The Ryan White HIV Outpatient Program, headed up by Dr. Rissing, has just received notice that its competitive renewal for three years of federal funding was successful. This is an exceptional program and a great resource to our community. Congratulations to all for their dedication to this program.

We applaud our Department of Radiology, Neuroradiology training program for its successful review with recommendation for another five (5) year accreditation cycle. Many thanks to our GME office, faculty, staff, residents, and students that prepared for this site visit.

Congratulations as well to Dr. Satish Rao, GI Section Chief on being named GI Fellowship Program Director.

Another Alumnus in the News …

We are very proud to announce that Dr. Mercedes Dullum, 1979 graduate of MCG, has been nominated as Health Commissioner for the U.S. Virgin Islands. With over 30 years as a chest surgeon and administrator under her belt, she brings much experience and training which will be invaluable in heading up the territory. Please see http://virginislandsdailynews.com/news/health-nominee-believes-no-challenge-is-insurmountable-1.1244151#axzz1gVz73v00 for more information.

Ophthalmology ‘Syncs Up’ with Synchronicity …

Ophthalmology’s Integrity EMR, designed by an academic Ophthalmologist and now integrated with Synchronicity, supports (especially with pre-populating the EMR with historical data) the unique demands of chronicling the eye exam in a teaching institution. This innovation shortens clinic visits and having a complete and printed note with a signed letter by mid-afternoon for patients seen in the morning is a great advantage, as well as enhancing our relationship with referring physicians.

New Technology … Enhancing Quality …

The Primary Stroke Center has acquired VasoCT, a new imaging system allowing doctors to more precisely evaluate and remove clots in stroke patients. This new angiography suite enables neurosurgeons to more quickly diagnose and treat carotid artery hardening as well as blood vessel defects. We appreciate the continued commitment to enhancing technology as one important facet of enhancing quality.

Changing Demographics …

A recent AAMC Analysis in Brief (https://www.aamc.org/download/266758/data/aibvol11_no8.pdf) focused on “The Changing Demographics of Full-time U.S. Medical School Faculty, 1966-2009”. Data was examined from the AAMC’s Faculty Roster database using the criteria of women and non-white faculty (new to academic medicine or new in rank) in comparison to other faculty appointments. The data shows the diversity in gender and race has increased over the last 40 years with newly appointed faculty more diverse than continuing faculty.

Upcoming Presentations …

Dr. William Rayburn, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Chair and Dr. Carole Mendelson, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas North Texas March of Dimes Birth Defects Center Director will be on site January 22-24 conducting an external review of our OBGYN department. On January 23 at 4:30 pm Dr. Rayburn will be presenting “A Perspective on Recruitment of Chairs in Academic Medicine” to our Clinical Chairs as well Dr. Mendelson will be presenting “Novel Roles of MicroRNAs in the Timing of Birth” to our OBGYN faculty, Basic Science Chairs and Center/Institute Directors.

Martin Luther King Jr., Day Celebration …

Ms. Sylvia Russell, President of AT&T Georgia, will be the guest speaker at the annual celebration hosted by Augusta State University, Augusta Technical College, Georgia Health Sciences University and Paine College to honor the memory and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The program will be at noon Friday, January. 13 at Paine’s Gilbert-Lambuth Memorial Chapel.

Upcoming Dates and Events …

January 12 – Email Exchange Lunch and Learn – Noon and 12:30, Magnolia Room, Terrace Dining Room

January 16 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday

January 26 – Alumni Association Regional Reception – 6 pm in Atlanta

SAVE THE DATE …

March 3 – CSRA Heart Walk – 9 am, Greeneway, North Augusta

March 9 – Education Day – Keynote Speaker, Dr. Craig Brater, Dean, SOM University of Indiana

April 26-29 – GHSU Homecoming

May 10 – Hooding, 2 pm, Bell Auditorium – Keynote Speaker – Vice Admiral Matthew L. Nathan, Navy Surgeon General (and Alumni)

May 11 – GHSU Graduation – 2 pm – James Brown Arena

Many thanks for all you do and wishing each and every one of you a successful and productive 2012.