Diversity at KU Medical Center is not just something we practice; it is an integral part of our everyday operations and important to the people we serve.
FOX Sports recently approached two of our doctors to profile for Americans in Focus, a series of short features that celebrate the human spirit and the will of people who overcome any obstacle to achieve greatness. The series features Americans of diverse backgrounds who have excelled in life and their professions.
Mayra Sanchez, MD, a resident and School of Medicine graduate, was profiled in September in conjunction with Hispanic Heritage Month. In the film, Dr. Sanchez talks about her parents' culture and the benefits of being a physician who is bicultural and bilingual. See her video.
In addition, a profile of Patricia Thomas, MD, associate dean of the Office of Cultural Enhancement and Diversity and chair of the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, is currently being featured in honor of Black History Month. In the film, Thomas talks about growing up and her early decision to become a doctor. See her video.
Both women faced the challenges of being told they couldn’t do well in medicine or that they might not be accepted to medical school. It’s a great testimony to their strength that they were able to overcome the hurdles everyone faces, not only in successfully graduating from medical school but also becoming doctors we can all look up to.
I am very proud to have them as a part of KUMC. They contribute to our excellence in education, research and patient care.
On Feb. 22, I attended the Pink Zone KU Women's Basketball game. During halftime, breast cancer survivors were invited onto the court for a special recognition ceremony where checks were presented to Lawrence Memorial Hospital and the University of Kansas Cancer Center.
Education
Glen Andrews, PhD, professor of biochemistry and molecular biology, has been named a University Distinguished Professor. This is the highest award the University of Kansas chancellor gives to professors. Congratulations on this well- deserved honor, Dr. Andrews.
Community
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has awarded the Rosedale Development Association a $225,000 grant to work with KU Medical Center to combat childhood obesity. Read more.
Kudos
Marc Asher, MD, University Distinguished Professor in orthopedic surgery, and Sandra Walker, administrative assistant in urology, have both received Ingram's Magazine Heroes in Healthcare awards. Asher received the Lifetime Achievement award, and Walker received the Outstanding Auxiliary Staff award. Congratulations to both of you. Read more.
Mary McDonald, MD, assistant professor of family medicine, has been named the Kansas Academy of Family Physicians Exemplary Teacher of the Year. Congratulations, Dr. McDonald.
Cybermetrics Lab, a research group based in Spain, has listed the University of Kansas Medical Center's Web site as No. 4 among hospitals in the United States based on its size, the number of "rich" files, its visibility, and its level of scholarly activity. Congratulations to our Internet Development team on this ranking. See the rankings.
Research
The Midwest Cancer Alliance Clinical Trials Network has announced that St. Francis Medical Center in Topeka, Kan., is a new partner of the Midwest Cancer Alliance. Read more.
The Student Research Forum, which will take place April 9-10, has announced its keynote speaker: Martin Pera, PhD. Read more about the event.
Other Items of Interest
Karen Miller and I have created an advisory committee to help us evaluate options to achieve the proposed FY10 budget cuts. Read more.
A University Distinguished Professor symposium held in honor of Dale Abrahamson, PhD, chair of the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, will be at 3 p.m., Friday, March 13, in Lied Auditorium. The guest lecturer will be Billy Hudson, PhD, the director for the Center for Matrix Biology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Attendees are invited to a reception following the lecture.