“Change is the law of life and those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.”
~John F. Kennedy
November 4, 2011
Dear Colleagues and Friends:
A Columbia County Event Benefits the CSRA in More Ways Than One …
Congratulations to Columbia County, organizers, and sponsors for an exciting community concert with hometown artists, Lady Antebellum. It was a terrific event that had an “inspirational feel” to it that brought the entire CSRA together for an evening of entertainment.
Congratulations Are in Order …
We want to applaud our Department of Pediatrics/Pediatric Cardiology section for being awarded Continued Accreditation for three years by the Residency Review Committee. We also want to congratulate our Department of Anesthesiology/Critical Care Medicine for being awarded Initial Accreditation. Our thanks to our GME office, faculty, staff, residents, and students that prepared for these site visits.
Congratulations also go to Drs. Jigar Bhagarwala and Sampi Parikh, residents in GPI for poster awards at the recent American College of Physicians Georgia Chapter meeting.
Student Educational Enrichment Program (SEEP) on the Road in Savannah …
Dr. Kim Halbur, Office of Diversity Affairs and her team, along with Dr. Kathryn Martin recently met with the Savannah State Dean of College of Science and Technology as well as colleagues from Beach High School. “SEEP on the road in Savannah” will be launched this summer allowing 10 Beach High School students to receive 4 college credit hours in this 6-week program, utilizing Savannah State science faculty, classrooms and labs. This is the first of its kind outside Augusta where local academic colleagues are undertaking the challenge to enhance the science curricula and build the pipeline from high school –> undergraduate school –> medical school, sharing resources and channeling energies to promote diversity in health careers.
Posters Highlighted …. Medical Scholars Research Day …
Our GHSU-UGA Medical Partnership students have been busy ‘learning’ this year as evidenced by involvement in the inaugural summer Student Research Symposium. There was a broad range of projects and excellent ‘buzz’ about their experiences. There was a good turnout of faculty advisors and colleagues at the recent poster presentation. The program brings together students as well as clinical and lab researchers which gives students opportunities to explore clinical areas as well as research interests they may not see until later medical school experiences. Congrats to our students and thanks also to their mentors. Next week we will highlight one of the posters presented.
Check It Out … Quality … Infection Sepsis Management …
According to a recent report by the CDC, four types of common healthcare-associated infections (central line-associated bloodstream infections, catheter-associated urinary tract infections, surgical site infections and invasive methicillin-resistant staph) are in decline. However, Sepsis, either present on admission or acquired while in hospital, continues to plague us as a significant contributor to morbidity, prolonged hospital stay an almost tenfold greater mortality rate. Dr. Rissing now leads a task force to recommend and implement ways to prevent sepsis in our patients. The task force is focusing on implementing evidence-based methods to identify the patient more quickly and intervene effectively. Although the task force is working hard and there is a lot to get done. Our patients will get better care and our learners will know how to do it right.
Be the Match … Bone Marrow Drive… Registering is easy!
Be The Match Registry is hosting two bone marrow drives on Wednesday November 16. Volunteers will ask for health information for you to join Be the Match Registry. You will be “cheek swapped” for tissue typing to list on Be The Match Registry where patients turn when they need a matching donor. There are 2 on campus locations – Health Sciences Building – 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Children’s Medical Center overlook – Noon to 6 p.m. and there are 4 off campus locations all noon to 6 p.m., Tabernacle Baptist Church, Augusta State University, St. Mary’s on the Hill Catholic Church and Blanchard & Calhoun Insurance Agency Inc. Contact Brad Wills at bwills@georgiahealth.edu for more information.
Upcoming Dates and Events …
November 4-9 – Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) Annual Meeting
AAMC will hold its annual meeting in Denver, CO this year. On Sunday evening November 6, MCG will host its annual reception honoring Dr. Ruth-Marie Fincher and Mr. David Hefner.
November 6-12 – National Allied Health Professions Week
We want to acknowledge our colleagues for a job well done!
November 8 – Informational Research Meeting – First Year Students, Faculty & Mentors
Please join us at 5 pm in CL 1101 for this important meeting. Contact Dr. Richard Cameron (rcameron@georgiahealth.edu or Dr. Kathy McKie (kmckie@georgiahealth.edu).
November 11 at 1 pm – Cadaver Memorial – Lee Auditorium
This is an excellent memorial led by our students to say thank you to the donors and their families for their selfless act of donation. We hope to see you there.
November 16 at 5:30 pm – GHSU Annual Medical Staff Meeting – BT 1810
All medical staff members are encouraged to attend. Contact the Medical Staff Office at 1-3928 for more information
November 17 at 5 pm – PPG Membership Meeting – Alumni Center
All PPG members are encouraged to attend.
November 30 at 8:30 am – Employee Recognition Event – Kroc Center
A breakfast event to honor Georgia Health Sciences University, Medical Center, and Medical Associates, faculty and staff with 5 – 20 years of service.
December 2 – ‘A Red Carpet Affair’ GHSU MCG Talent Show, 6:30 to 9 pm – Lee Auditorium
The esteemed panel of judges will be Drs. Azziz, McKie, and Ganapathy. All proceeds will be donated to the Christmas Party benefiting children with HIV infection. Contact Vijay Palvia, Director (vpalvia@georgiahealth.edu) for more information.
December 2 – 2012 SGEA Conference Submission Deadline
University of Kentucky COM will host the 2012 Regional Conference of the Southern Group on Educational Affairs (SGEA) ‘Best Practices in Medical Education: Bring Us Your Best, April 19-21, 2012. The best initiatives and practices in place at medical schools across the southern U.S. will be delivered through oral presentations, small group discussions, workshops, demonstrations, and poster sessions. Visit the website at http://www.cecentral.com/live/2874.
December 6 – 6:30 pm – Employee Recognition Event – Kroc Center
A dinner event to honor Georgia Health Sciences University, Medical Center, and Medical Associates, faculty and staff with 25 – 40 years of service.
Many thanks for your leadership!