Last week, Dr. Earl Merkel and his wife Kathy celebrated his 50th year of practicing family medicine in Russell, Kan., as well as his 76th birthday. I, along with most of the town, helped him celebrate. It was a real tribute to see the generations of people he has cared for over the years. He said he held the party to thank the town that welcomed him so many years ago.
Dr. Merkel completed his undergraduate degree at Fort Hays State University, then graduated from the KU SOM in 1957. After a residency in Wichita, he began his practice in Russell in July of 1958. While Dr. Merkel has given so much to his community, he has also given back to his medical school. He has been a preceptor for many of our medical students, and also has endowed a scholarship for students. Dr. Merkel was actually a preceptor himself while at KUMC, as the program was in its early stages.
I think everyone associated with KU should be proud of each of the physicians we have educated, and especially those like Dr. Merkel who have dedicated their lives to their rural community and taking care of the generations of families who live there.
Dr. Earl Merkel, along with his wife Kathy, celebrated Dr. Merkel's 50th year of medical service to the Russell, Kan. community. Dr. Merkel, 76, who is an alumnus of the KU School of Medicine, doesn't plan to retire anytime soon.
Community
On Monday, I visited Quinter, Kan. to tour Gove County Medical Center and the Bluestem Medical Group. I was impressed with how they are offering the finest care to their patients. See pictures from the trip.
I am the corporate recruitment chair for this year's ALS walk, and I'm encouraging everyone to get involved. If you are interested in being a team captain for the ALS walk, please contact Paula Baum at 8-1017. This year's walk will be at 10:30 a.m. on Sept. 20 at Corporate Woods in Overland Park. Find out more information.
Kudos
Bob Klein, PhD, received the International Association of Medical Science Educators Master Teacher Award this week. The award goes to IAMSE members who, over the course of many years, have consistently demonstrated excellent teaching skills. Congratulations, Dr. Klein.
Dr. James Thomas was elected as a Fellow of the American Surgical Association. Congratulations, Dr. Thomas.
Research
Kristine Williams, RN, PhD, CS, FNP, recently presented at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease that adults with Alzheimer’s are resistant to "elderspeak." She garnered national media attention for her research. Watch and read more from Good Morning America.
Robyn Honea, PhD, presented at the same conference as Williams that she used an MRI to research the link between Alzheimer's and phyiscal activity. The research also attracted national media. Read more from Forbes.
Jennifer Hirt, a graduate student at KUMC studying dietetics and nutrition, is working on research at NASA regarding the amount of Vitamin D needed to protect the astronaut's bone health during prolonged amounts of time in space. Read more from the Kansas City Star.
Education
Tomorrow is one of my favorite days of the year at the Medical Center. It's the last day of M1 orientation, which means the new students will be given their first white coat in a ceremony for their family and friends. Congratulations and welcome, Class of 2012.
Other Items of Interest
Roy Jensen, MD, director of the University of Kansas Cancer Center, delivered a State of the Cancer Center address in Lawrence and Kansas City on Friday, July 25. The address updated Cancer Center members on our progress toward applying for National Cancer Institute (NCI) designation.