Last week, I was pleased to attend the opening of the Marc A. Asher, MD, Comprehensive Spine Center.
It was a privilege to be a part of this special event for Dr. Asher, who has served the Medical Center for 36 years with a dedication to the academic practice of orthopedic surgery and clinical research. Dr. Asher’s and his wife Ellie’s philanthropy and commitment to the University of Kansas are genuine and heartfelt, and they are two of this university’s biggest supporters.
The Center's mission is to relieve pain in the most appropriate and safest manner for our patients' well-being and quality of life. The hospital truly had patients in mind when they designed the new center. The new Spine Center, one of the most advanced in our region, will provide many specialized services including, but not limited to, rehabilitation medicine, pain psychology, occupational therapy, and speech therapy.
Included in the new Center will be the George Varghese, MD, Spine Learning and Resource Center. Varghese, chair of the physical medicine and rehabilitation department, joined the program in 1977, and remains dedicated to providing the best education possible for students and residents. In his time at the Medical Center, he has developed a nationally recognized model rehabilitation program which has helped many patients.
The conference room in the Spine Center has been named the James P. McLean, MD, Memorial Conference Room. Dr. McLean was taken from us much too soon after a snowboarding accident earlier this year. During his short time at KU, he had a tremendous impact as the director of the Spine Center.
We are proud to honor all three men, whose names and legacies will permanently grace a Center that will serve patients for years to come.
I was joined by (left to right) Drue Jennings, the first Advancement Board chair, Bob Page, CEO of KU Hospital, Kirk Benson, president of KUPI, and Cheryl Jernigan, the current chair of the Board, at the Advancement Board dinner. The board has been focused on the passing of the Johnson County Education Research Triangle and raising money to gain NCI designation.
Community
Johnson County voters overwhelmingly approved the "Triangle tax," which will provide funds for a new clinical trials building for KUMC. I would like to especially thank Sens. Barbara Allen and Karin Brownlee, Mary Birch, Dick Bond, Bob Regnier, Fred Logan, Bill Hall, and Steve Rose. Read more from the Kansas City Star.
We are only $7,500 away from our $90,000 United Way goal. Tomorrow is the last day to pledge your support. Thank you so much for all you have given so far in this campaign. Check out our progress on the KUMC Web site.
Education
Patricia Thomas, MD, chair of pathology and laboratory medicine and associate dean for cultural enhancement and diversity, has received a $1.25 million NIH SEPA award that will pair researchers with schools and community organizations for educational projects. Read more from the Kansas City Business Journal.
Bridget Harrison, a third-year medical student, has received 2nd place in an essay contest on the interface between medical education and pharmaceutical promotion. The contest was organized by Harvard Medical School. Congratulations, Bridget.
Kudos
Jerry Menikoff, MD, JD, who has been on leave from the SOM since April 2007, has been named the director of the HHS Office of Human Research Protections. Congratulations on your new appointment, Dr. Menikoff. Read more.
Congratulations to Kathey Huey, a clinical nurse coordinator in the Richard and Annette Bloch Cancer Care Pavilion, who recently received the Heart of Healthcare award. Read more.
Susan Carlson, PhD, professor of dietetics and nutrition, has received the Agnes Higgins award from the March of Dimes for her exceptional research in maternal-fetal nutrition. Congratulations, Dr. Carlson. Read more.
Congratulations to Joan Hunt, PhD, professor of anatomy and cell biology and vice chancellor for biomedical research, who was chosen to serve on the Executive Council of the National Association of IDeA Principal Investigators.
Research
I'd like to thank Floriene and George Lieberman, who recently donated $1 million to the Cancer Center. Read more.
The Great Plains Coalition for Diabetes is opening a new Core Islet Biology Laboratory to serve researchers in the region studying diabetes. The facility, located in Wahl Hall East, will be dedicated from 4 - 6 p.m. on Nov. 12th.
Other Items of Interest
The University of Kansas Hospital will host their annual Drive Thru Flu Shot Clinic from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Nov. 8. This is a great service to our community, and I want to thank everyone involved. Read more.
A video of KU Medical Center's 77th Evacuation Unit from World War II will be released on Tuesday, Nov. 11 (Veterans Day). Free screenings will be offered at the Screenland Theatre in Kansas City. Read more.