The School of Medicine welcomed 175 new medical students on July 24 for orientation, prior to starting classes on Aug. 4. Orientation week gives medical students an opportunity to meet each other, learn how to use their Tablet PCs and locate other resources they may need throughout the next four years.
There are two especially important events that take place during orientation. First, each student participates in one of several community service projects in Wyandotte County. This year, these projects included working on a Habitat for Humanity house, school supply drives, and painting a mural for our Reach Out and Read program. These projects mean a great deal to our neighbors, and give the students a real sense of belonging to a larger community.
The other important milestone during orientation is our White Coat ceremony, which celebrates the beginning of each student’s journey to become a physician (see picture). This year’s speaker was L. D. Britt, MD, MPH, the current Chair of Surgery at Eastern Virginia Medical School and president of the physician practice group there. He is the first African American in the United States to hold an endowed chair in surgery, and he spoke eloquently about professionalism in the practice of medicine. I hope the students enjoyed his remarks as much as I did.
Each year, I am reminded by student comments that this ceremony is one of the most significant events for them. I believe it's also a nice way for families and friends to be able to share this moment with their loved ones. Thank you to everyone who helps make orientation week such a success.
Community
We recently held a Scrubs Drive with the Hospital and KUPI, which will benefit fire victims in Wyandotte County. Together we collected almost 500 pounds of new or gently used scrubs. I'd like to thank everyone who donated to the worthy cause.
A Volunteer Idea Fair will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 25 on the ground floor of the School of Nursing. Everyone is invited to attend to learn more about how they can help the community and fulfill their 8 in '08 commitment.
Kudos
Caryl Goodyear-Bruch, RN, PhD, CCRN, a critical care specialist and associate professor in nurse anesthesia education, is the new president of the Board of Directors of the American Association of Critical Care Nurses. Read more.
Grant James, educational technologist, recieved the Colleague-to-Colleague Outstanding Support Staff Award at the recent Summer Institute of Distance Learning and Instructional Technology conference. Congratulations, Grant.
Education
Elizabeth Rosen, RN, BSN, a doctoral candidate in nursing, is one of eight registered nurses who have been awarded scholarships from the March of Dimes this year. Read more.
Our students and residents had a great showing at the recent American Association of Family Physicians Conference. Congratulations to the following people who were elected to offices: Eric Clarkson, R2 at KU Hospital, named national AAFP resident delegate; Jennifer Bacani, R3 at Via Christi, named national resident representative to the AAFP Board; Mike Oller, R1 at Wesley, named the national resident representative to the AAFP Foundation Board; and Bethany Enoch, M3, named national convener for next year's conference. Congratulations to all.
Deborah Clements, MD, FAAFP, is one of 31 physicians nationwide who graduated from the 2007-2008 National Institute for Program Director Development I: Fundamentals Fellowship, which is sponsored by the Association of Family Medicine Residency Directors. Congratulations, Dr. Clements.
Research
The KU School of Medicine - Wichita has received an NCI grant totaling $200,000. It will enable internal medicine and family medicine residents to participate in a multi-faceted point-of-care nutrition and cancer education program designed to enhance their skills for primary care practice. Read more from the Wichita Business Journal.
John Neuberger, DrPH, MPH, MBA, professor of preventive medicine and public health, recently presented the results of a study indicating that 60 percent of community leaders support a statewide smoking ban. Read more from the Lawrence Journal-World.
Mark Fisher, PhD, professor of biochemistry and molecular biology, recently led a team of researchers from KUMC, Harvard Medical School, UMKC and William Jewell who discovered the structure of the anthrax toxin pore. The study was published in Nature Structural & Molecular Biology. Read more.
Other Items of Interest
The 2008 University of Kansas Medical Center Gala will be held Oct. 4, at the Hyatt Regency Crown Center. The reservation deadline is Friday, Sept. 12. For more information, please contact Kelly Hutsell at 8-2695, khutsell@kumc.edu.