Many of our faculty, staff and students participate in a variety of medical missions around the world. These trips serve as an educational tool for our residents and students, as they are able to provide patient care with supervision from our faculty members.
During a 2008 medical mission to Mali, doctors found a 7-year-old boy, Boi, with a benign tumor deforming his jaw, mouth and face. The 45-hour surgical procedure, performed in Kansas City, removed a tumor, which was double the size of a softball, and rebuilt the right side of his face and jaw. Over the course of five months, Boi went from being a child who was facing certain death for not being able to eat or breathe to a child with a bright future.
In order to make this successful operation happen, many people raised funds for the surgery and KU doctors donated their time and talent. This includes members of the Departments of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Neurosurgery, Anesthesiology, Radiology, Pathology, and Pediatrics, as well as dentists and many others.
A new book, “Boi’s Story: A True and Uplifting Story about Bravery and Heroism,” has just been published. The book, which outlines his journey to the University of Kansas Medical Center and KU Hospital, can be ordered online at the Medical Mission Foundation Web site. Proceeds will be used to fund health care services and educational opportunities for Boi and other children in his village.
Hundreds of remarkable people helped in the care of Boi, and it is a story of which we can all be extremely proud.
Thank you for all you do.
On Tuesday, Chancellor Robert Hemenway and Kansas State University President Jon Wefald signed a memorandum of understanding for the two institutions to work together on cancer-related research. Read more from the Lawrence Journal-World.
Community
Friday, Feb. 6 is Go Red day with the American Heart Association. You are invited to wear red to raise awareness. Read more or get involved.
A benefit concert for JayDoc Free Clinic, JayRock 4, will be at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 5 at the Uptown Theatre. This concert is the main fundraiser for the clinic, which is completely run by students. Read more or purchase tickets.
Education
The Princeton Review has cited KU as one of the best values in higher education, and it recognized the School of Nursing as one of our outstanding programs. Read more.
The Kansas Board of Regents on Wednesday released the results of a poll which indicated there is very little public support for higher education cuts. Read more.
Other Items of Interest
Dr. Karen Miller and I will be hosting a Town Hall Meeting on the budget
for faculty, staff and students, from noon to 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 30 in Battenfeld Auditorium.
The KUMC International Outreach 6th Annual Belize Benefit Auction will be held on Friday, Feb. 6, in Battenfeld Auditorium. A silent auction will start at 6 p.m. and a live auction starts at 7 p.m. Funds go to support medical outreach trips to Belize.
The Obstetrics and Gynecology Department will be hosting a Meet and Greet to introduce new faculty members and services from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 3, in the Wyandotte Room next to the Cafeteria.
Kudos
Congratulations to Stacey Mitchell, Sarah McQueeny, Anne Huffman, and Sara Shellenberger, who had their "39th Street CREW" project showcased at an American Libraries Association virtual poster presentation. Read more about their community project.
Research
The University of Kansas and Children's Mercy Hospital are working on a new collaborative effort with the Institute for Pediatric Innovation to reformulate drugs to make them safe and effective for children. Read more from the Kansas City Star.