No. 405, June 2007
Editor: Kathleen Watson, M.D., drwatson@umn.edu
Editorial Assistant: Allison Campbell Jensen, aac@umn.edu
In this issue:
NEWS:
STUDENTS:
FACULTY:
EVENTS:
LITERARY INSPIRATION
NEWS
A third medical school for Minnesota?
Allina and University of St. Thomas are exploring the feasibility of a third medical school for Minnesota, for the stated reason of providing more primary care physicians focused on chronic illness and issues of aging. For us, educating the next generation of physicians is exciting work, particularly as we strive to develop learner-centered education for patient-centered care through MED 2010. It's also challenging work, especially in an era of declining state and federal support for medical education. Our Medical School got its start when the University of Minnesota was established in 1851, and most of our medical students and residents end up practicing in Minnesota. It will be very interesting to see what happens to this feasibility study--and what other responses might arise as health-care leaders look to the future.
Osterholm spoke to 2007 graduates May 4
Not the latest about pandemic flu but the wisdom of a second mother was the focus for Michael Osterholm, Ph.D., M.P.H., head of the U's Center for Infectious Disease Research & Policy, when he spoke to our class of 2007 and their families and friends. In this profoundly personal talk, Osterholm highlighted some of the most valuable advice he received from his Nana, a woman who helped him grow up in small-town Iowa. Just one sample: "Never forget that the most important task you have before you in the many miles your life will travel is to leave a forever living legacy. And it doesn't matter if it is great or small -- it just matters that that you leave it behind and you are proud of it. One can only hope that your legacy makes way for a world that your children and your children's great-grandchildren will find better because you existed. Father Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, a Catholic philosopher I have long admired once wrote: 'The future belongs to those who give the next generation reason for hope.'"
Perdue spoke to American Indian 2007 graduates May 3
Medical School faculty member David Perdue, M.D., M.S.P.H., (Chickasaw) a gastroenterologist, and graduate of the University of Minnesota Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship programs, spoke at a May 3 gathering honoring our seven American Indian graduates: Michael Arredondo, Christine Athmann, Melissa Deer, Jeffrey Pinnow, Charles Hightower, Michael Kroll, and Bryan Trottier (who could not attend). Perdue said "Medicine is a mountain without a summit. The routes up the mountain are varied. Some people go straight up, extending their reach to holds only graspable with a lurch. Others find routes that meander. Still others start the climb after descending from other life paths. Nonetheless, you all started at the bottom looking up, wondering if you had what it takes to climb the good red road that disappears into the clouds.... Thousands who have never stepped in a hospital are certain they are destined to be a neurosurgeon, or a cardiologist, or another of the impressive sounding medical specialists. (For some reason gastroenterology does not usually rank high on the college freshman "impressivity" scale.) Then the reality of the journey sets in. Each year 50 percent of the Stanford University freshman class (about 800 individuals) declare themselves to be pre-med. At the end of four years, only 15 percent actually apply to medical school. Why?? The good red road up that mountain is not so much a road, but a route up a craggy rock face, with many headwalls -- a climber's term for steep faces requiring exceptional skill." He encouraged the students to reflect on their roads, where they have been and where they are headed.
Dorscher wins an Outstanding Service award
The President's Award for Outstanding Service recognizes exceptional service to the University, its schools, colleges, departments, and service units by any active or retired faculty or staff member. This year, Joycelyn Dorscher, M.D., director, Center of American Indian and Minority Health, and assistant professor, Department of Family Medicine, Medical School, Duluth Campus, was one of those receiving the award who have gone well beyond regular duties. Please join me in thanking Dorscher for her service and congratulating her on this well-deserved award.
Gold Humanism Honor Society announces new members
New members are joining our Medical School chapter of the Gold Humanism Society, which recognizes and rewards exemplars of humanism in medicine. These new members will be inducted at the White Coat Ceremony Oct. 13: Christy M. Boraas Alsleben, Shannon G. Bradley, Erin F. Drasler, Matthew J. Fitzpatrick, Gareth K. Forde, Ph.D., Dan P. Fulton, Amanda Hoffman, Helene M. Horwitz, Ph.D., Ann Isaksen, Colleen Kniffen, Johannah M. Krueger, Joshua E. Lackner, Carter C. Lebares, Benji Mathews, Mohamed E. Moussa, Brian K Muthyala, Heather M. Nelson, Elizabeth A. O'Leary, Samantha L. Pace, Ramsey E. Peterson, Radha Rajasingham, Brett J. Salek, Joel R. Schaffer, Andy Schippel Jr., Nate Scott, Marysia S. Shudy, John Y. Song, M.D. M.P.H., M.A.T., Patricia Sorenson, Caroline R. Stuart, and Elizabeth J. Wheatley. For more information on the national society, go to http://humanism-in-medicine.org/ .
GME welcomes new program directors, residents and fellows
About 15 new program directors were welcomed this week by the Graduate Medical Education programs. To prepare for their demanding jobs, they learned tips from the experts, details about residency requirements on curriculum and evaluation, and other useful information. On June 20 and July 6, GME staff will host orientations for new residents and fellows. Presentations will include Cross-Cultural Care, Professional, Educator Development and Respirator Fit Testing. Additional information can be obtained from Emily Jordan at jorda042@umn.edu.
STUDENTS
Branch receives AMA Foundation scholarship
Later this month in Chicago, first-year medical student Charles "Chuck" Branch will be awarded an American Medical Association Foundation 2007 Minority Scholar Award. Branch is one of 11 recipients selected from 113 students nominated by medical schools across the country and the only Native American to receive the award this year. Branch will receive a $10,000 scholarship. Branch says his goal as a Native American physician is to "advocate for Native American patients in regard to health and healing by acknowledging the value of both Western Medicine and Traditional Medicine in maintaining physical and spiritual well being." Please join me in congratulating Branch.
Forde honored with President's Leadership award
Third-year medical student Gareth Forde, Ph.D., was presented with a 2007 President's Student Leadership and Service Award in May. Forde has served the Medical School and University in several ways and, in particular, was a prime mover behind the new Minnesota's Future Doctors program to encourage more people underrepresented in medicine to consider the profession. Please join me in congratulating Forde.
Day receives national research fellowship
First-year medical student Andrew Day has been awarded a 2007 Alpha Omega Alpha Carolyn L. Kuckein Student Research Fellowship. He will be working with his mentor, Brian Van Ness, Ph.D., on the project "Drug Therapy on a Multiple Myeloma Mouse Model." Day receives $4,000; his faculty mentor has $500 available. Kudos to Day.
Calling all students: For future issues, we'd love to hear your news about volunteer efforts, research work, or medical experiences in new environments. Send an e-mail to Allison Campbell Jensen, aac@umn.edu.
FACULTY
Report from Best Practices Institute
Fifty-one educators from the Medical School, along with colleagues from the five other Academic Health Center Schools, attended the Second Annual Best Practices Institute: Excellence in Health Professions Education, May 17-18. This two-day event provided opportunities for skill-building in small groups and sharing of ideas among faculty who teach in the health professions. The institute offered a variety of educational opportunities, including three outstanding plenary addresses: one on Cognitive Theory and Learning; one on In-Class Assessment; and closing with a focus on the Ethics of Self Care. In addition, the AHC Deans held a panel discussion focused on the challenges to education in their respective disciplines. Students also participated in a panel discussion on what assessment means to the learner. Participants were also able to choose among 27 small group workshops presented as part of four education tracks: Learning Technology; Evaluation and Assessment; Teaching and Learning Strategies; and Community Based Learning. An evening poster session highlighted our faculty's innovative educational initiatives, giving attendees an opportunity to interact with individuals who share common interests. --Linda Perkowski, Ph.D., associate dean for curriculum and evaluation
Kudos to Christensen, Rural Health Hero
Ray Christensen, M.D., will be named Minnesota's Rural Health Hero at the Rural Health Conference, June 19, in Duluth. Long a leader in promoting rural health, emergency medicine, and medical education, Christensen is associate dean for Rural Health and practices medicine in Moose Lake, Minn.
Teachers of the Year
At the faculty assembly in May, three people were
recognized by Dean Powell and honored by their peers as great teachers. They
were chosen by class votes. John Andrews, M.D., was named Year Three
Distinguished Clinical Teacher of the Year for 2007. Tun Jie, M.D., was voted Year
Three Distinguished Medical Resident Teacher of the Year for 2007. And Gregory
Vercellotti, M.D., was named Year Two Distinguished Teacher of the Year for
2007. Congratulations and please join me in expressing gratitude for all for
their contributions to medical education.
Women Scientists in Leadership Roles, June 13-17
A national conference exploring the prevailing myths about women in science and how leadership roles in education, academia, and the greater community can enhance the achievement of women in science will be hosted at the U by Graduate Women in Science. Scheduled events include a one-day symposium with a Dean's Panel Discussion and a wide array of speakers, including Nancy "Rusty" Barcelo, Ph.D., U of M VP and Vice Provost for Equity and Diversity. The event will be held on the St. Paul campus. Registration and more information can be found at http://www.gwis.org/86th_meeting/info.htm.
Medical Bulletin available online
Keeping up with University of Minnesota Medical School news just got easier. Now you can sign up to receive the latest Medical Bulletin headlines--with links to all the current stories--via e-mail. It's simple to subscribe at www.mmf.umn.edu/mb/subscribe. You can always view the entire Medical Bulletin, as well as past issues, online at www.mmf.umn.edu/bulletin.
Dean's Report available in print and online formats
MED 2010, education in global health, the contribution of imaging to understanding of mental illness, Medical School researchers' contribution to advances in genetics, and continued leadership in transplantation are among the topics in the 2006 Medical School Dean's Report. It's available online as a PDF, from a link on the home page (www.med.umn.edu). In addition, printed copies are available from Allison Campbell Jensen, aac@umn.edu.
LITERARY INSPIRATION
Tell all the Truth but tell it slant--
Success in Circuit lies
Too bright for our inform Delight
The Truth's superb surprise
As Lightning to the Children eased
With explanation kind
The Truth must dazzle gradually
Or every man be blind--
Emily Dickinson