KU Medical Center takes great pride in our community outreach efforts, many of which directly benefit the health and well-being of the people living in the area surrounding our campus. One program I’m particularly proud of is Healthy Hawks.
The Healthy Hawks Team is dedicated to helping overweight children develop healthier eating and exercise habits. A group of specialists works directly with families in a three-stage program that includes clinical visits or weekly meetings to map out a successful strategy to tackle the child’s weight issues.
To date, Healthy Hawks has assisted more than 140 children and their families, and currently has 12 children enrolled.
Last month, community members donated about 75 bikes to be given to children during the Healthy Hawks’ annual Bike Drive. The event helped about 60 children begin to lead a healthier life through cycling. Our thanks to Ann Davis, PhD, MPH, associate professor of pediatrics, for leading another great bike drive.
This summer, the Healthy Hawks team is also working on a special information program that would educate families on various physical activities which don’t require special equipment or gym memberships.
With childhood obesity rates continuing to increase, this program has become a vital tool in helping reverse this national trend.
Thanks to everyone who works on Healthy Hawks. Our community will continue to become a healthier place because of efforts like these.
Douglas Bradham, DrPH, MA, MPH, professor and chair of preventive medicine and public health in Wichita, was invested as the Kansas Health Foundation Professor last week. Congratulations, Dr. Bradham.
Research
We are very excited to have Buddhadeb Dawn, MD, FACC, FAHA, who has been recruited as the director of the Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, join our already outstanding cardiovascular team. Read more.
Community
All four campus entities are joining forces to sponsor the Survivor Pavilion for the Race for the Cure, which will take place Sunday, Aug. 9. Sign up.
To show your support for Kansas City's Race for the Cure, KUMC is hosting a Wear Pink Day on Tuesday, July 21. More information.
Other Items of Interest
Next week, we welcome the new Dean of the School of Medicine - Wichita, H. David Wilson, MD. Join us Tuesday, July 28 from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. for a reception at the Wichita Art Museum. The event is co-hosted by the Medical Society of Sedgwick County and KUMC.
Groundbreaking for the new Medical Office Building will take place at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, July 22, outside the Miller Building. Read more.
I would like to welcome our new Vice Chancellor for Public Policy and Planning, Marcia Nielsen, PhD, MPH. Dr. Nielsen will be involved in directing public policy initiatives on health care policy and strategic initiatives to advance the mission of the Medical Center.
Education
Physical therapy students are offering services at JayDoc Free Clinic. This is a great effort from our students, who continue to give back to their community. Read more.
Kudos
Congratulations to The University of Kansas Hospital. Three of the hospital's programs were named to the "America's Best Hospitals" list by U.S. News & World Report. Read more.
Thanks to Ryan Spaulding, PhD, director for the Center for Telemedicine and Telehealth, for spearheading the Health Information Technology (HIT) conference in Wichita this week.