In the KU School of Medicine, we are fortunate to have many faculty members who hold a special place in the hearts of the students they have taught over the years.
Every year, medical students get the opportunity to honor one of these inspirational faculty members through the Rainbow Award, which acknowledges the KU SOM physicians and community preceptors who display outstanding attributes of professionalism and excellence in medicine and who pass these same characteristics along to their students.
Past winners of the Rainbow Award include Drs. David Robbins, Mary Duff, Daniel Dickerson, Vance Burns, Steven Simpson, Belinda Vail, LeAnn Detar-Newbart, Debra Smith, Michael Moncure, and Linda Campbell.
Two weeks ago, the students chose Mark Meyer, MD, associate professor in family medicine and associate dean for student affairs, as this year’s Rainbow Award recipient. Dr. Meyer is loved by many of his students because he always has their best interests at heart. He sets a great example by being dedicated to his patients, and he shows exemplary professionalism toward everyone with whom he works. The fact that he is the personal physician of many fellow doctors speaks volumes about how he is viewed by his colleagues and students.
The other finalists for this year's award were: Gary Doolittle, MD, professor of hematology and oncology; Mary McDonald, MD, assistant professor in family medicine; John Shell, MD, Coffey County Medical Center; and Tyler Hughes, MD, general surgeon for McPherson Hospital.
Congratulations to Dr. Meyer on this award, and thanks to all of the faculty who teach our students.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City (BCBS) presented a check for $25,000 to KU Endowment to fund a medical scholarship for a fourth-year student interested in family medicine. From left to right are Peter Yelorda (BCBS) , Josh Freeman, MD, Alice Ellison (BCBS), Tom Bowser (a member of our Advancement Board and president and CEO of BCBS), and Marilyn Rymer, MD, (BCBS).
Research
The National Institutes of Health released its School of Medicine rankings last week, and I am pleased to see that we are continuing the momentum toward our goals laid out in Time to Get It Right. Read more.
Led by Ed Ellerbeck, MD, chair of preventive medicine and public health, researchers from the Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health were published in the Annals of Internal Medicine for their smoking cessation research. See the video news release or view the publication.
Last weekend, the Kansas Physical Therapy Association Research Symposium awarded Kendra Gagnon, PT, clinical instructor in physical therapy, the research platform scientific inquiry award; and Neena Sharma, PT, PhD, CMPT, assistant professor and associate director of clinical education in physical therapy, the research poster scientific inquiry award. Congratulations.
Kudos
Members of the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology received three major awards at the Annual Society of Toxicology Meeting. Curtis Klaassen, PhD, University Distinguished Professor and chair of the department, received the Career Achievement Award by the Metals Specialty Section of the Society of Toxicology. Yvonne Wan, PhD, professor, received the 2009 Elsevier Award from the Women in Toxicology Division of the Society of Toxicology. And Yue Julia Cui was the only graduate student to receive a one-year fellowship given by the Society of Toxicology, supported by Novartis. Congratulations.
KU Medical Center's publication, 39th + Rainbow, received a Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) District VI Silver award for Excellence in Communications - Periodicals Magazine - Four or More Colors. Read the current issue.
Community
The annual Scrubs Drive for the Wyandotte County Chapter of the Red Cross was a major success. We collected 500 pounds of new or gently used scrubs. Thanks to all who donated.
Education
The University of Kansas Medical Center 2009 commencement ceremonies are just around the corner. See a schedule of all graduation activities or register for your KUMC Alumni Association events.
The 12th Annual Medical Education Retreat will take place on June 12 in G013 School of Nursing Auditorium in Kansas City and via ITV in the Founder's Room in Wichita.
Other Items of Interest
International Outreach is hosting its 6th Annual Jayhawk Medical Outreach Golf Tournament on April 18 at Falcon Ridge. Find out more and register online.
The International Affairs Committee and several student organizations are hosting a three-day International Health Care Experiences Forum, April 20-22. Read more.