“Excellence Is Not An Accomplishment. It Is A Spirit, A Never-Ending Process”.
~ Lawrence M. Miller
January 20, 2012
Dear Colleagues and Friends:
Our Student-Run Free Clinic …. Great Volunteerism … Happy Anniversary …
A year ago, we told you of the opening of the ‘Student-Run Free Clinic’ at Mercy Health Clinic in Athens. This clinic has expanded to a weekly endeavor with students and faculty physicians from the GHSU-UGA Medical Partnership now seeing patients every Wednesday night. The clinic will celebrate its first anniversary in a few weeks. We are very proud of our students who have continued with this clinic that not only gives hands-on experience and learning tools for our students, but also benefits the Athens community. Many thanks to Drs. Schuster, Steyer, Nuss, Richardson, Dickson, and many others for your continued support of this important initiative.
Health Equity and Access Leaders … Reaching out to High School Students …
Last fall we told you of the Health Equity and Access Leaders (HEAL) program sponsored by the Office of Diversity Affairs. We would like to bring you up to speed on their activities since then. HEAL recently wrapped up first semester activities with 20 medical students engaged in mentoring 60 high school students and hosting one program working with interpreters/translators. The elective will be offered again this semester along with focus on several other events including Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, Black History Month, Women’s History Month, and Mental Health Awareness Month. This is another important outreach activity that also helps develop a pipeline of interested students that aspire to later enter training to become tomorrow’s healthcare professionals.
Recruitments in Full Swing …
You will hear me say over and over again that “recruitment is everyone’s business”. Recruitment for our residency slots is at an advanced stage with decisions being made on finding the best residents for our positions … only a few more months until Match Day. Our medical student admissions committee is meeting weekly making decisions that will bring in the nation’s best and brightest students to our class of 2016. Gratifyingly, their task is larger this year because of the 10% increase in applicants! Faculty recruitment continues throughout the medical college as well as the institution with active faculty recruits in departments, services lines, centers, and institutes, as well as other key academic positions, such as Vice Dean for Academic Affairs and Associate Dean for Admissions. Remember, we are all part of our recruitment process, whether for our students, residents, staff, or faculty. We always need to put ‘our best foot forward’ and also represent the lifestyle advantages that Augusta offers to candidates. Our office is also committed to timely processing recruitment materials. We appreciate your support.
Resident of the Year Award…
We want to remind you to send in your nominations for the Resident of the Year Award to the Graduate Medical Education Office. Every year the final selected residents are so impressive by their demonstrated excellence in patient care, interpersonal relationships, and academic accomplishments. Please consider nominating one of your colleagues. Please contact Mary Stephens, GME office, (marys@georgiahealth.edu) for more information.
AAMC Report … Findings and Recommendations Advancing Social and Behavioral Training in Medicine …
Recently the AAMC put online the Behavioral and Social Science Foundations for Future Physicians – a comprehensive report from an expert panel of physicians, scientists and educators that now articulates learning outcomes and educational experiences to enhance behavioral and social science understanding in medical school graduates. The report will help prepare us and other medical schools for comprehensive, patient-centered training of our students. www.aamc.org
Art as a Window to the Mind …
On February 2, Psychiatry Department will be presenting its third in a series of outreach activities at the Morris Museum of Art (6 pm) to cultivate relationships with the community and lay the groundwork for future collaborations. This offering will look at the musical arts and focus on the psychology of composer and lyricist (Savannah’s own) Johnny Mercer and his music (Moon River, That Old Black Magic). A wonderful opportunity.
Other Upcoming Dates and Events …
January 26 – Alumni Association Regional Reception – Atlanta
January 27 – MAG Presentation by Executive Director, Donald Palmisano, Jr. on Georgia malpractice reforms – 12 noon, AF 1002
February 3 – National Go Red Day – Wear red in support of the Go Red for Women campaign
February 17 – MCG Faculty Senate Meeting – 12 Noon, Lee Auditoria Center
February 21 – MCG Foundation Board Meeting and Alumni Association Reception – Idle Hour Country Club, Macon
March 9 – Education Day
April 26-29 – GHSU Homecoming
May 10 – Hooding, 2 pm, Bell Auditorium – Keynote Speaker – Vice Admiral Matthew L. Nathan, Navy Surgeon General
May 11 – GHSU Graduation – 2 pm – James Brown Arena
Many thanks for all you do. Enjoy the weekend.