No summer slowdown

The dedication and commitment of our students at the UMKC School of Medicine are admirable, perhaps even more so during summer. While students in many fields of study are able to take the summer off, or to take jobs that give them a mental break, ours are busy taking classes, doing research, making rounds and adding to their skills and knowledge.

So, it’s particularly important this time of year to let them know we support them on their journey to a medical degree or other advanced degree as a physician’s assistant or anesthesiology assistant, or in research or medical education.

Please join me in congratulating all of the recent graduates of the School of Medicine, and in encouraging all those working this summer toward their graduation in the coming years.

Shanna Kimmis
Friends Group President

Graduation excitement

The 2018 UMKC School of Medicine Graduation ceremony, May 21 at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, was a spectacular celebration complete with the conferring of 153 medical and other health-care degrees. Read all about the honors and festivities here. Relive the joy and excitement with this photo gallery.

 

 

Hospital Hill Run weathers the weather

School of Medicine students participated in this year’s Hospital Hill Run, some as runners and others as volunteers in the medical tent. The weather caused some postponements and delays, but eventually the races were run Saturday morning under good conditions — cloudy skies and temperatures in the 60s. It also was the first year for the UMKC Health Sciences District to be the presenting sponsor for the race weekend. Enjoy a recap of the weekend and lots of photos from the races and the medical crew.

 

 

Refreshing and relaxing

The Friends have made several amenities possible for our students, and alumni support was crucial for the recently opened Wellness Wing on the fifth floor of the School of Medicine. “This is our official place where you can take a break, step away and then get back to what you need to do,” said Niloofar Shahmohammadi, the School of Medicine Wellness Program coordinator. Fitness equipment can be checked out; soothing teas are available; bean bag chairs and a massage chair promote relaxation. Read more about it here.

 

Back-to-school plans

At the start of each academic year, the Friends give School of Medicine parents a chance to connect with one another and to get the information we need. Help us start the 2018-2019 school year off right by attending a new parent welcome event and panel discussion on Thursday, Aug. 16, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the UMKC Student Union. Mark your calendars!

 

Dr. Jackson chosen interim dean

The School of Medicine has its new interim dean: Mary Anne Jackson, M.D., a 1978 graduate of the school and a faculty member since 1984. She is a professor of pediatrics with a specialization in infectious diseases, practicing at Children’s Mercy. She will guide the school while it looks for a permanent replacement for Dean Steven L. Kanter, M.D., who is leaving to be president and CEO of the Association of Academic Health Centers and the Association of Academic Health Centers International. Read more about Dr. Jackson here.

 

 

Gold Humanism chapter wins national award

The School of Medicine’s chapter of the Gold Humanism Honor Society was one of three nationwide to win this year’s Distinguished Chapter Award. The med school chapters at Vanderbilt and Georgetown also were winners. The awards recognize advancement in patient-centered care, sustaining a humanistic learning environment and demonstrating leadership. The 15-year-old UMKC chapter has been led for several years by Dr. Carol Stanford, who earned her M.D. at UMKC. The chapter has been a leader in the national society, particularly advancing ideas for National Patient Solidarity Week, which is filled with activities that encourage stronger bonds between patients and their physicians, nurses and other caregivers.

 

Research furthers care quality, patient safety

Students, residents and fellows presented a record number of 35 research abstracts related to quality improvement and patient safety during the School of Medicine’s Fifth Annual Vijay Babu Rayudu Quality and Patient Safety Day on May 11. The event included workshops for faculty. Read about the event and top prize winners here, and see who participated in this photo gallery.

 

Join us or renew

The Friends group is open to all parents or guardians of students, School of Medicine alumni and others interested in furthering the school’s mission. We’re committed to helping you connect with other parents and friends, keep informed about activities at the school, and support our students as they become the next generation of physicians and other health-care professionals.

Joining the Friends of the UMKC School of Medicine or renewing your membership is easy. Just click here.