“Sincerity Is the Finest Point of Communication” Author Unknown
May 11, 2012
Dear Colleagues and Friends,
The Beginning of a New Journey …
Today marks the beginning of a new journey for our seven hundred ninety-five future health professionals of GHSU, including our one hundred eight-nine new physicians. Congratulations on your past here at GHSU. Enjoy your present endeavors. Good luck on what the future will bring you. We look forward to following your progress as you continue on your journey into the world of healthcare. We will see you at Graduation 2012!
News Guidelines Set Forth From the Board of Regents … GME State Funding …
During the agenda-filled BOR meeting this week, new rules for receiving state funds for establishing medical residencies were adopted. Governor Deal signed the budget which contains $1.2 million dollars to distribute to hospitals with the goal of creating 400 residencies. Only hospitals and clinics set to train general surgeons and primary care physicians will receive state funds. http://m.chronicle.augusta.com/news/government/2012-05-08/georgia-regents-set-rules-new-medical-residencies. We thank Mr. Robinson and Dr. Shelley Nuss for their leadership here.
Merger Moving Forward … New Mission Statement Approved … New Names in the Discussion …
The Regents’ also approved the new mission statement for the merged university of GHSU and ASU which is: “Our mission is to provide leadership and excellence in teaching, discovery, clinical care and service as a student-centered, comprehensive, research university and academic-health center with a wide range of programs, from learning assistance through postdoctoral studies.” http://chronicle.augusta.com/news/government/2012-05-08/regents-approve-mission-statement-merged-georgia-health-sciences-augusta. Also discussed during the BOR meeting was the new name for the merging of Gainesville State College with North Georgia College and State University with North Georgia State University being chosen as the new name. Middle Georgia State College was approved as the new name for the consolidation of Macon State College with Middle Georgia College. The task force working on the new name for the merged university of GHSU and ASU will present choices at the August Board Meeting. Many thanks to all of you who sent in suggestions for the name of the new university.
Georgia Golf Hall of Fame Garden Property … New Research Building and Student Dorms? …
This week Governor Deal signed off transferring the Golf and Gardens property to GHSU. The BOR previously approved this motion. Dr. Azziz has suggested creating a research park and student dorms on the property. This property represents a great opportunity for GHSU and our community. http://www.wrdw.com/politics/headlines/Ga_governor_signs_off_on_transferring_Golf_and_Gardens_property_to_GHSU_150626745.html
Congratulations …
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Ellyn Johnson on being selected to participate as an American Psychiatric Association/ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (APA/SAMHSA) fellow beginning July 2012. This is a wonderful and exciting opportunity for Dr. Johnson to continue her training.
We would also like to congratulate Tara Buehler-Bota, Michael Cain, Yasamin Chowdhury, Catherine Cook, Elizabeth Dewald, Rachael Guice, Ben Ham, Wendy Hanna, Vernon Horst, Sun Hsieh, Rusty Johnson, Diane Isaacson, George Lazari, Lydia Luangruangrong, Rachel Mathis, Philip Neiheisel, Anjali Shroff, Carmen Wallace, Matthew Ward, Manvar Ankur, and Cassie Grimsley Ackerly on being selected to the Annual Alpha Upsilon Phi Honor Society. Selection criteria included service and leadership activities.
Congratulations also to Dr. William Farr as recipient for the MCG Community Advocacy Award and Dr. Tony Pearson-Shaver as recipient for the MCG Professionalism Award. http://news.georgiahealth.edu/archives/5413 Both awards were given at the State of the College address as recognition of two key areas of development, focus and importance to our medical college.
Congratulations as well to Dr. Norman B. Chutkan for his appointment as an oral examiner for The American Board of Orthopedic Surgery and to Mr. David Adams on his appointment as President of the Academy of Graduate Embalmers of Georgia, Inc. What wonderful opportunities for both Dr. Chutkan and Mr. Adams.
Also congratulations go to Dr. Clinton Webb as recipient of the Carl J. Wiggers Award from the American Physiological Society which honors a scientist for a lifetime of outstanding and lasting contributions to cardiovascular research.
New MAG Website Launched …
Check out and book-mark the new and redesigned MAG website www.mag.org. This will serve as the primary communications resource for MAG. Many thanks to Angela Boltz and Katherine Fricke for their tireless efforts.
Saying Goodbye to Dr. Rhee Fincher … And Welcome to Dr. Paul Wallach …
After more than 30 years at GHSU (20 of those as Vice Dean for Academic Affairs), Dr. Rhee Fincher is retiring. http://chronicle.augusta.com/latest-news/2012-05-08/retiring-medical-college-georgia-vice-dean-made-her-career-about-students Dr. Fincher is the consummate teacher, mentor, and advisor not only to students, but to faculty, residents and staff as well. Dr. Fincher is not saying good-bye to academia or medical education … she will be playing a key role as a newly elected board member of the Association of American Medical Colleges. We want to thank Ms. Deborah Pinion and Academic Affairs for organizing a wonderful reception for Dr. Fincher. Dedicated, inspirational, motivated, cognizant, humble and cheerleader for others were some of the words of praise that we heard. Dr. Fincher once more gave us words to remember as well … “I never achieved anything worthwhile on my own in life … I have been fortunate to be supported by great people.” As Dr. Fincher goes out one door, we open another for and welcome Dr. Paul Wallach, an internist with over 25 years in academia, as our new Vice Dean for Academic Affairs. http://news.georgiahealth.edu/archives/5409 He is joining our faculty from New York Medical College. We are looking forward to having Dr. Wallach and his family later this summer. This is an exciting time for our medical college.
Many Thanks For All You Do …
Our thanks to Mr. Joe Thornton and all those who put on the hospital cookout yesterday. Over 750 people showed up. Even though the weather didn’t cooperate, it was lots of fun and appreciated by all. We appreciate the great professionalism and commitment of all our healthcare providers and staff.
Upcoming Dates and Events …
Month of May – May is Mental Health Awareness Month! The tradition of celebrating “May is Mental Health Month” began in 1949 with Mental Health America (MHA) wanting to raise awareness of mental health conditions and mental wellness for all. Many community events will be held this month.
Month of May – Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month – check out http://www.georgiahealth.edu/aaffairs/idi/apiahm/index.html
May 14th – National Peace Officers Day
May 15th – GHSU Public Health Conference, 8:30 a.m., Kroc Center – Director of American Public Health Association Keynote Speaker
May 15th – MCG Town Hall, 5 p.m., Large Auditorium – Question and Answer forum with Dr. Buckley
May 17th – Primary Care Summit, Macon. Contact Denise Kornegay for more info: dkornega@georgiahealth.edu
May 18th – 8 a.m. Fifth Paul G. McDonough Lectureship and Symposium – President Azziz will be discussing “The Needs and Expectations of Current and Future Faculty Leaders”
May 18th – 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., GME Leadership Retreat, Alumni Center – Agenda to include ACGME changes in the accreditation process
May 21st – Employee Appreciation Week; recognizing the contributions of our Mental Health employees
May 29th – 9 a.m. Georgia War Veterans Nursing Home Memorial Day Ceremony in the courtyard
May 31st – 10th Annual Tech Fair, Greenblatt Library- Conference Style Format with tracks on Teaching, Research, Clinical and General Technology http://georgiahealth.edu/techfair/
Best wishes for a great weekend!