Archived News and Events - 2010
CME-Certified Dermatology Meeting, April 16
The April 16 meeting of the East Tennessee Dermatology Society will be CME-certified. Make plans to attend the meeting, 4-6 p.m., Knoxville Dermatology Group, Suite 209, University of Tennessee Medical Center. Presenters will discuss the unusual presentations of dermatologic disorders and diseases that are refractory to typical therapy. Items to be covered are pathology, dermatologic disorders and their mimics, and treatment strategies.
This activity offers up to 2 CME credits through AMA and AAPA and up to .2 CEUs. To register and for more information, contact Charlsie Huffstetler, Knoxville Dermatology Group, 342-5808.
Posted: February 25, 2010
Deborah Brown Completes 'Leading at UT' Training
Deborah Brown, Assistant Director, Business Administration, recently received certification for part two of the "Leading at UT" training series offered by Employee and Organizational Development at the University of Tennessee. "Part 2: UT Leaders Lighting the Way" certification consists of 70 hours of courses focused on advanced management concepts, particularly courses dealing with rules and regulations at UT. Brown previously completed the Communication Training and Part 1 of the series, which cover communication skills and the basic concepts of employee supervision, respectively.
Brown joined the UT Graduate School of Medicine in 2007 and has worked for the University since 2005. She has more than 30 years of accounting experience in both private and public organizations.
The University of Tennessee encourages faculty and staff to take advantage of professional development programs. These programs are designed to empower and enlighten employees who work at all levels in the university.
Posted: February 25, 2010
CME-Certified Medicine Grand Rounds Examines Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Treatment
Samuel Durso, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine and Interim Director, Division of Geriatric Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, will present, "Hitting the Sweet Spot: Individualized Targets for Older Americans with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus," at the CME-certified University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine Internal Medicine Grand Rounds meeting to be held from 8-9 a.m., March 9, in Morrison's Conference Center at the University of Tennessee Medical Center.
Dr. Durso's presentation will identify the impact of co-existing disease and geriatric syndromes on older adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus; explain the impact of macro and micro-vascular risk factors in older adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus; and discuss a rational approach to prioritizing clinical targets for an older adult with this disease. This session offers up to 1 CME credit.
View the UT Graduate School of Medicine Continuing Medical and Dental Education calendar to see dates and topics for the Internal Medicine Grand Rounds Series.
Posted: February 23, 2010
Dr. Branca Discusses New Technologies for Lung Disease at UT Science Forum
Paul Branca, MD, Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine and Chief, Section of Critical Care Medicine, will present “New Technologies to Help People with Lung Disease” at the University of Tennessee Science Forum, March 5, from 12-1 p.m. The Forum is free and located in the Thompson-Boling Arena Dining Room C-D on the UT Knoxville campus. Visit www.utk.edu/scienceforum for more information.
Posted: February 23, 2010
Hudson Provides Leadership for Radiology Exams
Kathleen Hudson, MD, Associate Professor and Residency Program Director, Radiology, has been selected as an examiner for the American Board of Radiology oral exam to be administered in Louisville, Kentucky, in May. Dr. Hudson previously served as an examiner in 2008.
Dr. Hudson also recently served as an author for the American College of Radiology In-Training Examination for Diagnostic Radiology Programs. This was her seventh year providing input on this exam.
Posted: February 18, 2010
Genetic Counselor Noyes Passes Board Exam
Amanda Noyes, MS, CGC, passed the American Board of Genetic Counseling certification examination and is now a Certified Genetic Counselor (CGC). Noyes has worked for the University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine Genetics Center since June 2007, seeing pediatric and adult patients. When a child is diagnosed with a genetic condition, Noyes meets with the family to discuss the condition, the inheritance risk and recurrence risk, and provide support to the family. She also counsels adults regarding family histories of genetic conditions, cancer gene susceptibility, Huntington Disease presymptomatic testing, multiple miscarriages, hemochromatosis and thrombophilia.
Posted: February 18, 2010
Dr. Mack Presents Advances in Cardiovascular Care at UT Science Forum, February 26
John Mack, MD, Associate Professor, Surgery's Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery and Medical Director of the Heart, Lung and Vascular Institute, University of Tennessee Medical Center, will present "Advances in Cardiovascular Care at a Dedicated Heart Hospital" at the UT Science Forum, February 26, from 12-1 p.m. The Forum is free and located in the Thompson-Boling Arena Dining Room C-D on the UT Knoxville campus. Visit www.utk.edu/scienceforum for more information.
Posted: February 16, 2010
Medical Simulation Center Open House Demonstrates Virtual Operating Room
The University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine Medical Simulation Center held an open house sponsored by Simbionix to assess virtual reality simulation models. Faculty, residents, fellows, medical students and staff were invited to survey upper and lower GI (gastrointestinal) tracts; practice complete laparoscopic cholecystectomy; and practice bronchoscopy while receiving feedback and performance metrics from the computer-based simulators. The technologies included true-to-life case scenarios, including patients with varying anatomies, diverse pathologies, and reactive vital signs and complications.
Leonard Hines, MD, Co-Director, said, "Virtual reality simulation provides a significant opportunity for residents and staff alike to learn or review surgical techniques and improve performance in a risk-free environment outside the operating room. The potential availability of this technology at the Medical Simulation Center enables us to advance toward the level of sophistication we hope to reach in our curricula and training programs at the UT Graduate School of Medicine and the University of Tennessee Medical Center."
The open house provided an opportunity for Medical Simulation Center staff to become familiar with the virtual reality models available and determine which would best fit the needs of the Graduate School of Medicine.
The Medical Simulation Center opened its doors in 2008 and provides training opportunities on life-size human mannequins, laparoscopic simulators and other skills-building models. Under the direction of Dr. Hines; Co-Director Paul Huffstutter, MD; Melinda Klar, RN, Administrator; and Judy Roark, CST, Coordinator and Skills Coach, the Center is utilized by faculty, staff, residents, fellows and medical students for instruction, skills practice and simulation.
Posted: February 15, 2010
Dr. Mountain Leads HRT Study Funded by American Heart Association
Several years ago, clinical faculty in Surgery's Division of Vascular/Transplant Surgery at the University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine discovered that women receiving hormone replacement therapy (HRT) who presented with vascular disease requiring intervention often had more adverse outcomes after their procedures than women who were not taking HRT. They found that women taking HRT experience failed vascular interventions because of the development of intimal hyperplasia, a thickening of the arterial wall, causing arterial stenosis, a decrease in vessel diameter and reduced blood flow.
Investigators in the Vascular Research Laboratory are now on a mission to identify the vascular cell mechanisms that are influenced by estrogen and progesterone. Led by Deidra Mountain, PhD, Assistant Professor of Surgery's Division of Vascular/Transplant Surgery and Research Scientist in the Vascular Research Laboratory, their goal is to develop possible therapeutic interventions to improve outcomes for these affected women.
Vascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity in the U.S., and cases are expected to rise by 75 percent over the next 35 years. Although estrogen was the second most frequently prescribed medication in the U.S. in 2000, surveys show 58 percent of women stopped taking HRT due to possible increased risks for breast cancer and heart disease; however, many women still use HRT for relief of menopausal symptoms.
Dr. Mountain believes the need for therapeutic intervention to HRT's adverse effects on vascular interventions is increasingly important, and the American Heart Association (AHA) agrees. Dr. Mountain's project is funded in part through a four-year Scientist Development Grant from the AHA. Comments for the grant approval included that the problem is of "significant clinical importance" given the prevalence of vascular disease and the seemingly contradictory reports of the risks and benefits associated with HRT use. Additionally, the reviewers commented on the "supportive environment" at the UT Graduate School of Medicine, including the availability of resources and the dedication of Surgery faculty, including Mitchell Goldman, MD, Chair, to advance the practice of medicine through basic, translational and clinical research.
"Things can be discovered and solved in a basic science laboratory that are often left unanswered in retrospective or prospective clinical studies alone," Dr. Mountain said. "But if it stays in the laboratory and never makes it back to the clinic, then what was the point? What is gratifying about the work we do here is the collaboration between basic, translational, and clinical science all working together."
Posted: February 15, 2010
Radiology Residents Demonstrate Leadership at RSNA National Meeting
University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine Radiology residents Chris Guglielmo, MD, and Jason Hill, MD, attended the Radiology Society of North America (RSNA) 2009 annual meeting held in Chicago, Illinois.
Dr. Guglielmo attended sessions for his role in the American Alliance of Academic Chief Residents in Radiology (A3CR2). The mission of the organization is to encourage residents and other trainees in academic pursuits, to involve the leadership of residency programs with the leaders of academic radiology, to encourage scientific inquiry among residents, and to provide a voice for academic radiology residents in the affairs of organized radiology.
Dr. Hill's role at the meeting was to help organize a resident chapter of the American College of Radiology (ACR) in Tennessee. The mission of the ACR is to serve patients and society by maximizing the value of radiology, radiation oncology, interventional radiology, nuclear medicine and medical physics by advancing the science of radiology, improving the quality of patient care, positively influencing the socio-economics of the practice of radiology, providing continuing education for radiology and allied health professions, and conducting research for the future of radiology.
Posted: February 4, 2010
Oelschlegel to Present Preston Library's Role in GSM Mission at Research Seminar
The University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine Research Seminar series will continue February 9 with "Preston Medical Library's Role in Teaching, Research, Patient Care," presented by Sandy Oelschlegel, Library Director and Assistant Professor, Preston Medical Library. Seminars are at noon in Morrison's Conference Center at the University of Tennessee Medical Center.
Download information flier (.pdf)
Posted: February 4, 2010
Resident Business Course Lite Series Features Popular Topics
Through the Resident Business Course Lite series, resident physicians and dentists at the University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine have the unique opportunity to gain essential business skills to prepare them for careers in a private practice, hospital or academic medical center setting.
New this series is the real estate course which will include timely information on home-buyer tax credits and making investments in residential and commercial real estate that fit your needs and budget.
Sessions will be held from noon-1p.m. in Wood Auditorium and include the following:
March 25, 2010: "Residential and Commercial Real Estate Investments" presented by Megan Stansbury, Keller Williams Realty: The Laing Team. This meeting was originally scheduled for February 18.
April 15, 2010: "The Importance of Your Starting Employment Contract: Pitfalls to Avoid" presented by London and Amburn, P.C., Attorneys at Law
April 29, 2010: "Personal Financial Management: A Roadmap for Medical Professionals" presented by Laura Lyons and Chad Schollaert, The Trust Company
May 20, 2010: "Your Money and Taxation: Business Advice from a Certified Public Accountant" presented by Amy Holley, Lattimore Black Morgan and Cain, PC
May 27, 2010: "Realistic Insurance Planning for Physicians" presented by Heath Hildreth, The Hildreth Agency. This meeting was originally scheduled for March 25.
Residents have previously evaluated the course as practical, necessary and engaging, with speakers scoring high on knowledge and approachability.
Resident Business Course Lite is sponsored by UT Graduate School of Medicine Graduate Medical and Dental Education.
Posted: February 3, 2010
Updated: February 18, 2010
Department of Medicine Faculty Recognized at Reception
The University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine Department of Medicine held its annual faculty award reception December 15, 2009.
Since the early 1980s, the Department of Medicine has had a yearly tradition of recognizing one teacher who deserves the accolade "excellent." The medicine residents vote for this deserving faculty member. The 2009 London Award was presented to Juli Williams, MD, Assistant Professor. Dr. Williams has been a faculty member since 2006. She was appointed to the position of Director of the Internal Medicine Residency Clinic this year. Dr. Williams has proven to be a very enthusiastic, dedicated and knowledgeable teacher.
The London Award is named in memory of the late Frank London, MD. Dr. London was the founding member of the Knoxville Cardiovascular Group and Professor in the Department of Medicine, where he served as Chief of Cardiovascular Medicine. Dr. London is remembered by his students as a faculty member who was accessible, dedicated and thoughtfully knowledgeable with regard to treating the disease and patient.
The Richard A. Obenour, Jr. Award is presented annually to a deserving faculty member for steadfast commitment to education and teaching. The 2009 recipient of this award was Daphne M. Norwood, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine. Dr. Norwood has been an active faculty member in the Department of Medicine since 1996 and has served as Program Director for the Transitional Year Residency Program, developed a course on evidence-based medicine, and serves as an inpatient attending.
The Richard A. Obenour, Jr. Award was established after the untimely death of the son of Dr. and Mrs. Richard A. Obenour. The Obenour family, friends, and coworkers generously donated to an endowment fund in their son's memory. Since young Dick spent most of his life pursuing an education, Dr. Obenour thought it fitting to create an award dedicated to a faculty member who displayed a commitment to education through teaching residents and medical students.
A long standing faculty member, John H. Acker, MD, Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine, was recognized with a 25 Years of Service Award. Dr. Acker has been an active faculty member in the department since 1984.
Posted: February 3, 2010
CME-Certified Faculty Development Workshop, March 26
The University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine and Academy of Scholars Committee present the second annual Faculty Development Workshop for Graduate School of Medicine faculty, Friday, March 26, UT Conference Center, 8 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Registration will open soon.
Two keynote presenters, Dr. Pamela Rowland from Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire, and Dr. Sheila Chauvin from Louisiana State University Health Science Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, will address "Professionalism" and "Scholarly Research in Medical Education."
After the two plenary presentations, participants will attend workshops to apply the material covered in the plenary sessions. A continental breakfast and box lunch will be provided.
This workshop will offer CMEs through AMA and AAPA. Watch for more details and registration information.
Posted: February 1, 2010
Radiology Residents Excel on Board Exams
University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine Radiology residents received high marks on the American Board of Radiology (ABR) Diagnostic Radiology exam. Passing the exam administered in September 2009 were fourth-year residents Cassy DiRuzzo, MD; Chris Guglielmo, MD; Jason Hill, MD; Monty Smith, MD; Rob Thurman, MD; and Nick Waddell, MD.
The following third-year residents passed the ABR General Radiologic Physics exam in September 2009: Cheryl DeWitt, MD; Jacob Pirkle, MD; and Delaney Santoro, MD.
Posted: February 1, 2010
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