Archived News and Events - 2009

Chief Residents Take the Helm

Captain, head honcho, leader, key player: no matter how you say it, the title "Chief Resident" comes with important responsibilities. At the UT Graduate School of Medicine, chief residents fulfill many roles within their departments, including planning call schedules, mentoring residents, taking second calls, and acting as resident liaisons to faculty and staff administration.

The 2009-2010 chief residents are

Anesthesiology
Richard Barber, MD
Jonathan DiRuzzo, MD
Chad Jenkins, MD

Dentistry
Clint Brodal, DMD

Family Medicine
Leonard N. Lamsen, MD
Geetha P. Reddy, MD

Medicine
Demetria Yarbrough, MD

Obstetrics and Gynecology
Lisa Buckingham, MD
Karen Horne, MD
L. David Moore, MD

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Lindsey Nagy, DDS
Ronnie Sorrow, DDS

Pathology
Brett Hendrickson, MD

Radiology
Christopher Guglielmo, MD
Jacob Noe, MD

Surgery
J. Fernando Aycinena, MD
Christy Lawson, MD

Posted: August 31, 2009

Collmann Fund Gives Students Research Experience

Collman Research Students 2009 Undergraduate, post graduate and medical school students planning to pursue careers in medicine gained research experience during the summer months in memory of Dr. I. Reid Collmann, former dean of the UT Graduate School of Medicine.

Dr. Collmann initiated the Dr. I. Reid Collmann, M.D. Medical Student Educational Fund to give students an opportunity similar to his own student research experience.

"Dr. Collmann was very pro-education," James Neutens, PhD, Dean, said. "He created this endowment so that students could do what he did: spend a summer or two working in a lab, gaining research experience and learning firsthand how research affects patient care."

Though their experiences varied, the students agreed their research projects were interesting and valuable to their future careers in medicine.

Scott Brown
Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tenn.

Brown conducted research under the guidance of faculty and staff in Surgery, including Stacy Kirkpatrick, Laboratory Supervisor; Deidra Mountain, PhD, Assistant Professor; Oscar Grandas, MD, Assistant Professor and Director of the Vascular Research Laboratory; and Victor Krylov, MD, PhD, Professor. In light of previous studies on hormone replacement therapy, Brown's research included growing tissue cultures of smooth muscle cells from post-menopausal women and then subjecting them to various physiological and pharmacological concentrations of estrogen, isolating the proteins after 24 hours, and then having them analyzed. He later tested the effects of certain estrogen blockers and estrogen's signaling pathway to identify effects on cellular proliferation.

Brown also participated in lecture and hands-on training in microsurgery, learning how to tie sutures under a microscope.

Of his experience, Brown said he has discovered his passion for research.

Andrew Elliott
Samford University, Birmingham, Ala.

Elliott conducted research with Roger Carroll, PhD, Professor, Anesthesiology, and Director, Anesthesiology Research. His research included testing citrated native human blood to determine if Novo7, a blood clotting factor that activates the body's blood clotting system, would help blood clot at certain pH and temperature levels.

Elliott said he most enjoyed being able to see what goes on behind the scenes in research and how it directly affects what will be used in the trauma bay on patients.

William Ergen
University of Tennessee College of Medicine, Memphis, Tenn.

Ergen conducted hormone replacement therapy research in the Vascular Research Laboratory with Surgery faculty and staff including Mitchell Goldman, MD, Chair and Professor, Stacy Kirkpatrick, Dr. Mountain, Dr. Grandas and Dr. Kyrlov. Ergen's research entailed histochemically staining carotid artery sections with a primary antibody mixture designed to attach to proliferating cell nuclear antigens (PCNAs). The goal was to identify if the cells treated with estrogen, estrogen/progesterone were in a "high proliferating state" post-injury. This high proliferating state indicates hyperplasia, a pathological state that compromises the integrity of vascular surgical procedures carried out on post-menopausal women who receive hormone replacement therapy.

Of his experience, Ergen said, "It's been quite wonderful; this was my first bench research experience."

Brittney Hall
University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tenn.

Hall conducted research in the Conformational Diseases and Therapeutics Research Laboratory in collaboration with Valerie Berthelier, PhD, Director, and Erica Rowe, PhD, Joint Postdoctoral Research Associate. Hall's research involved finding a compound which can alter the conformation of aggregates associated with Huntington's Disease. If an inhibitor is found, it can possibly lead to the development of new medications for the treatment of Huntington's while an activator will help researchers investigate the pathway of the disease.

Hall said, "I have especially enjoyed working with Dr. Rowe and Dr. Berthelier and loved the independence they allowed."

Andrea Ward
University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tenn.

Ward worked under the direction of Mike Karlstad, PhD, Division Chief, Surgical Research. Ward helped to develop an in vitro system to study insulin responses in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue. She participated in studies designed to investigate the cross-talk between the pathways that mediate the actions of angiotensin II and IV peptides in the development of insulin resistance in burn injury. Ward also presented a research seminar, "Angiotensin System Improves Insulin Receptor Signaling and Skeletal Muscle Glucose Uptake In Burn Injury," at the American College of Surgeons Tennessee Chapter meeting in May.

Steven Yau
University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tenn.

Yau worked with Murray Marks, PhD, Associate Professor of Pathology, Dentistry, and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, processing and harvesting bones that will be used for teaching purposes and research. Yau also participated in and observed several forensics cases, including reviewing slides of muscle tissue samples to see if there is a correlation between taphonomy, the post-mortem interval, and the decomposition rate of skeletal muscle tissue.

Yau said his experience was interesting, especially in learning how to identify bullet entry points and angles in forensics cases.

Students interested in gaining research experience may visit I. Reid Collmann, M.D. Medical Student Educational Endowment for more information.

Posted: August 20, 2009

Bell Elected to Southern Surgical Association

Membership in the Southern Surgical Association, known in the medical and surgical fields as one of the most prestigious regional surgical organizations in the nation, recently elected John Bell, MD, Professor, Surgery, as a member.

"To be elected to the prestigious, invitation only Southern Surgical Association is truly one of the highlights of my professional and personal career," said Dr. Bell.

Dr. Bell becomes one of just three Knoxville-area surgeons to be elected as a member of the organization, joining his nominator Mitchell Goldman, MD, Chair and Residency Program Director, Surgery. Dr. Goldman earned election to the SSA in 1988. He filed the initial nomination of Dr. Bell to the organization while numerous other members throughout the nation added letters of support for Dr. Bell.

"Throughout his career, Dr. Bell's extensive involvement with research and clinical care for cancer has gained national recognition," said Dr. Goldman. "Dr. Bell has a lifetime career in advancing the quality of medical care for patients with cancer, which has earned him the respect of his peers and led to the support for his nomination to the Southern Surgical Association."

Dr. Bell is widely recognized for his work in the establishment of the Breast Health Outreach Program at The University of Tennessee Medical Center, a program that brings breast cancer education, outreach and screening mammograms to women throughout the East Tennessee region, with an emphasis on the medically underserved. Dr. Bell's work with regional and national professional medical and surgical organizations is extensive. Among his societal memberships: American Cancer Society, American Society of Breast Disease, American Society of Breast Surgeons, American Society of Clinical Oncology, American College of Physician Executives, American College of Surgeons – Fellow, American Medical Association, Association for Academic Surgery, Association of Cancer Executives, Knoxville Academy of Medicine, Medical Association of the State of Alabama, Society of Surgical Oncology, Southeastern Surgical Congress and Tennessee Medical Association.

Posted: August 20, 2009

GSM Research Lab Becomes Luminary Training Site for Siemens

The UT Graduate School of Medicine Preclinical and Diagnostic Molecular Imaging Laboratory (PDMIL) recently entered into a five-year agreement with Siemens Preclinical Solutions to become a luminary training site for Siemens customers.

As part of the agreement, the PDMIL will receive a state-of-the-art triple modality imaging machine that delivers PET, SPECT and CT imaging capabilities in a single system. Customers will receive training on all aspects of small animal imaging, including compliance and regulatory issues, animal handling, and the safe and proper use of radioactive molecules. The participants will have varied research interests including cancer, atherosclerosis and diagnostic imaging; and they will learn how to organize a preclinical imaging facility and to perform imaging studies using the latest small animal imaging equipment.

The imaging laboratory is directed by Jonathan Wall, PhD, and staff include Stephen J. Kennel, PhD, radio-biochemist; Tina Richey, MS, animal model specialist and researcher; and Alan Stuckey, BA, CNMT, imaging specialist and facility manager.

The PDMIL is an imaging facility dedicated to the study of disease and the development and evaluation of novel treatments and diagnostic techniques.

Posted: August 19, 2009

Graduate School of Medicine Helps UT Earn Top-Level CME Accreditation

ACCME The UT Graduate School of Medicine's exemplary efforts in meeting new methods for planning and evaluating continuing medical education (CME) have helped UT earn Accreditation with Commendation from the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME). Jointly, the Graduate School of Medicine office of Communications and Outreach in Knoxville and the CME offices at UT College of Medicine in Chattanooga and College of Medicine in Memphis earned the top-level accreditation during the statewide four-year reaccreditation review of the UT Health Science Center, the parent organization for UT's CME initiatives.

"Accreditation with Commendation is awarded to providers [who] demonstrate compliance in all 22 Criteria," said Murray Kopelow, MD, Chief Executive, ACCME, in a letter. "The ACCME…commends your organization for not only meeting ACCME's accreditation requirements…but for demonstrating that yours is a learning organization and a change agent for the physicians you serve. You have demonstrated an engagement with your environment in support of physician learning and change that is part of a system for quality improvement."

The ACCME is the accrediting body for CME providers offering physicians continuing education credits from the American Medical Association. To reach the level of Accreditation with Commendation, the UT offices met or exceeded all ACCME criteria for purpose, mission, educational planning, evaluation, improvement and engagement. This achievement demonstrates that the CME program integrates into its activities a process for improving professional practice; identifies factors outside its control that impact patient outcomes; implements educational strategies to address barriers to physician change; and more.

"This is the highest accreditation possible for CME providers," said James Neutens, PhD, Dean. "It demonstrates our staff's dedication to excellence, understanding of the intricate ACCME regulations and desire to conduct business ethically and professionally."

CME activities at the Graduate School of Medicine are managed by Lea Anne Law, Director, Communications and Outreach, and Laura Maples, Continuing Education Coordinator, along with dedicated course directors, their coordinators and administrative support staffs.

The reaccreditation process for providers with Accreditation with Commendation is extended from four years to every six years.

Posted: August 19, 2009

The Scope Presents a Close-Up View of the Graduate School of Medicine

The Scope The collective activities of the University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine faculty, staff, residents, fellows and students contribute to its mission of excellence in education, research, patient care and service. Learn more about UT Graduate School of Medicine successes in the The Scope August 2009 issue.

Posted: August 18, 2009

Video Offers Surgeons Skills for Teaching in the OR

Formal instruction on teaching has been shown to be effective and can improve the overall quality of the clerkship. Based on the premise that most physicians receive little formal training on how to teach in the operating room, William Metheny, PhD, Assistant Dean, Graduate Medical and Dental Education, collaborated on the development of a video that demonstrates a stepwise approach to teaching these skills with co-authors Eric Sokol, MD, Stanford University School of Medicine, and Renee Ward, MD, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine.

"An Instructional Video to Improve Teaching Techniques and Learning in the Operating Room" is available through MedEdPortal.

Posted: August 13, 2009

Grand Rounds to Discuss How Weight Loss Surgery May Improve Sleep

Internal Medicine will host a Grand Rounds Series activity, "The Impact of Weight Loss Surgery on Diabetes and Sleep Apnea," presented by Gregory Mancini, MD, FACS, Assistant Professor, Surgery, from 8-9 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 11, in Morrison's Conference Center at the University of Tennessee Medical Center.

Available for continuing education credits, this session will help identify mechanisms by which bariatric surgery results in weight loss, discuss mechanisms by which bariatric surgery improves diabetes, and discuss the link between weight gain and sleep apnea/disturbances.

Learn more about surgical weight loss in an article, "The Formula for Success: Weight Loss and Surgery Center Provides Options to Get Your Health Back," on Page 16 of the Frontiers Summer 2009 issue.

Download Grand Rounds flyer (.pdf)

Posted: August 10, 2009

Surpassing Expectations: Summer 2009 Frontiers Focuses on Surgery

Frontiers Summer 2009 The summer 2009 issue of Frontiers, "Surpassing Expectations: The Innvovative Surgery Advancements of an Academic Medical Center," hit newsstands this week. No longer just "going under the knife," surgery can take on several meanings at the University of Tennessee Medical Center from minimally invasive to robotic to weight loss. Read articles about the surgical process from anesthesia to recovery. Also in this issue, learn how physicians use simulation to learn surgical techniques and how the UT Graduate School of Medicine addresses the needs of people in rural communities with surgical resident rural rotations.

Frontiers is a quarterly publication for alumni and friends, produced by UT Medical Center and UT Graduate School of Medicine. For more information or to request a copy, contact UT Graduate School of Medicine at 305-9190.

Read Frontiers Summer 2009 issue online.

Posted: August 10, 2009

Vaughn Evaluates Preston's CML Service

MRSQ Cynthia Vaughn, Clinical Librarian at Preston Medical Library, evaluated the Clinical Medical Librarian service, which includes attendance of a librarian at rounds and other meetings and currently provides services to Family Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. In her article, "Evaluation of a New Clinical Service," Vaughn studies the impact of the CML on clinical decision making and evaluates the quality and usefulness of search results, as well as how the service is used and viewed. Read the results of Vaughn's study in her article published in Medical Reference Services Quarterly.

Posted: August 6, 2009

Rarely in the Family: Solomon Studies Fatal Disease in Father and Son

Haematologica Alan Solomon, MD, Program Director of the Human Immunology and Cancer Program, collaborated with researchers in Sweden, Norway and the United States in a study, "A Father and His Son with Systemic AL Amyloidosis." AL amyloidosis is a widely varied, elusive disease that has not been considered hereditary and is often diagnosed in its late stages. Few cases of AL amyloidosis are reported in biological family members, providing Dr. Solomon and the international team of researchers a rare opportunity. Learn more about the study and their findings in Haematologica.