“It takes a deep commitment to change and an even deeper commitment to grow.” ~ Ralph Ellison
January 13, 2012
Dear Colleagues and Friends:
What a Kick-off to USG Board of Regents’ 2012 Meetings …
This week’s first Board of Regents (BOR) meeting for 2012 was remarkably positive for GHSU and for education in Georgia. The ASU-GHSU consolidation was endorsed … igniting the flame for developing a new university … an incredible opportunity in itself … more on this later. Also support for our Educational Commons Building was endorsed … we will now begin our anticipatory planning. A new BOR Graduate Medical Education Committee (inclusive of our M.D. leaders, Drs. Walter Moore, Joseph Hobbs, and Shelley Nuss) was launched to oversee the development of potential new residency positions that are proposed in Governor Deal’s supportive budget. Chancellor Huckaby also highlighted his priorities this year including advancing the effective use of technology and distance learning, improving affordability for students and embracing international education.
Lifetime Achievement Award … A Wonderful Leader …
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Betty Wray for receiving the life time achievement award for distinguished service from the Southeastern Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Society. Dr. Wray was recently recognized for decades of service to the society (including tenure as President) as well as her many contributions in the field of allergy, asthma and immunology. Dr. Wray also received the MCG Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2000 for her many years of service to our institution including Chief, Section of Allergy-Immunology and Interim Dean of MCG. Please see http://www.mcghealth.org/media-center/GhsuContentPage.aspx?nd=408&news=1541 for more information on this prestigious award to one of our great alums.
Congratulations Are In Order …
We also want to say congratulations to Dr. Barbara Schuster for her recognition and hard work on a project facilitated by the American College of Physicians Foundation. The initiative is to develop educational materials for providers and patients on Atrial Fibrillation and the risks of Stroke.
Award from the MS Foundation …
Congratulations to the Department of Psychiatry on the award of a $20,000 grant from the MS Foundation to support psychological services for MS patients. This is wonderful news and is tangible recognition of the hard work and contributions to patient care that our caregivers are making with our MS patients.
Seeking Faculty Award Nominations …
Each year the MCG Faculty Senate recognizes faculty who have made outstanding contributions to the college in their particular field. It is time to send nominations forward to the MCG Faculty Senate Recognition Committee. Some of the awards include teaching, research, patient care as well as outstanding faculty. Please contact Laurie Lane (llane@georgiahealth.edu) for more information and the process to submit your nomination.
Seeking Student Nominations …. Walter L. Shepeard Achievement Award …
Nominations are being accepted for a graduating medical student for academic achievement and outstanding contributions in Pathology and/or Clinical Pathology disciplines. Students also should have a sensibility for science, wisdom, and humanism, which were essential characteristics of the late Professor of Pathology, Dr. Walter L. Shepeard. Please contact Lester G. Pretlow (lpretlow@georgiahealth.edu) for more information on the nomination process.
Georgia Tech – Connect with MCG Program …
Outreach is a key component of developing and sustaining our pipeline for excellent medical students as is a source for MCG medical student applicants especially for our M.D.Ph.D. program. Many thanks to Ms. Linda DeVaughn, Drs. Rhee Fincher, Kathryn Martin, Jennifer Pollock, Ms. Linda James, Ms. Wilma Sykes-Brown, and Ms. Christina Ostrowski, Mr. Joshua Bell (class president) and Ms. Robin Jacob (GA Tech AMSA President) and many other medical students for contributing to the success of this recruitment event for the GA Tech students. Recruitment is everyone’s business.
Most intriguing Medical Facts …
Did you know that for every American who quit smoking in 2011, another one became obese? Or nearly half of health organizations do nothing to protect data on mobile devices? Or in the first five months of 2011, measles cases were reported in 23 states and that the measles virus can linger in the air for up to 2 hours after an infected person sneezes or coughs? These are interesting medical ‘tidbits’ from 2011. http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/site/facts11.htm#top
Farewell to a Great Academician, Mentor, and Artist …
Dr. Sam Singal, MCG emeritus faculty and previous dean (1974-84) of the School of Graduate Studies recently passed away. After his retirement from MCG in 1985, he developed his artistic talents and became more involved with ASU. Dr. Singal was both an accomplished scientist and a recognized and respected artist. This week’s celebration of his life was a joyous occasion. Please see
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/augustachronicle/obituary.aspx?n=sam-singal&pid=155398283 for more information regarding Dr. Singal’s legacy.
Upcoming Dates and Events …
TODAY – Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration – 12 Noon, Gilbert Lambuth Auditorium, Paine College
January 16 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday
January 26 – Alumni Association Regional Reception – Atlanta
February 3 – National Wear Red Day for the Cure for Heart Disease
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
SAVE THE DATE …
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
Whether you are involved in celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy or spending time with family and friends, enjoy the long weekend. Many thanks for all you do.