Archived News and Events - 2010
Dr. Kilgore Brings Gynecologic-Oncology Care 'Home'
Nationally-recognized physician Larry Kilgore, MD, has brought his expertise in diagnosing and treating women with cancer of the reproductive organs to the University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine as Professor and Chief of Obstetric and Gynecology's Division of Gynecologic Oncology.
Originally from East Tennessee, Dr. Kilgore built his career at the University of Alabama, Birmingham, in the Obstetrics and Gynecology department where he focused on patient care, the delivery of excellent service, and advanced cancer therapies, including robotic surgery and clinical research. When robotic surgery was approved for use in gynecologic oncology, Dr. Kilgore took it upon himself to be among the first trained so that he could offer his patients minimally invasive surgery that results in shorter hospital stays, quicker recoveries, less pain and smaller incisions.
At UAB Dr. Kilgore served as a Professor and held the J. Max Austin Endowed Chair in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, he was a senior scientist for the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center, fellowship director for gynecologic oncology, and residency program director in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Additionally, Dr. Kilgore has published more than 100 articles and serves as a board examiner for the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Specialty Boards in Gynecologic Oncology.
John Bell, MD, Professor and Chief, Surgery's Division of Surgical Oncology, said, "We are truly blessed to have a physician of Dr. Kilgore's caliber join our faculty. He brings the 'entire package' with his outstanding clinical care, proven academic skills and extraordinary teaching capabilities. We are thankful for his desire to be a part of our team."
Dr. Kilgore said the mission of the Graduate School of Medicine aligns with his personal values to focus on patient care, research and education.
"This is a call home for me. I love caring for patients, advancing robotic surgery, and training resident physicians and medical students. There are fascinating opportunities at the Graduate School of Medicine."
Esteemed by the community and welcomed home, Dr. Kilgore was recently featured in the Fall 2009 issue of Frontiers magazine and in the Physician Spotlight in East Tennessee Medical News.
Posted: January 28, 2010
Dean's Retreat Focuses on Progressing Research from Good to Great
The Third Annual Dean's Retreat brought together University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine Department Chairs, Program Directors and Service Office Directors as well as representatives from the colleges of Nursing and Pharmacy and University Health Systems, to discuss opportunities to progress the research enterprise from good to great.
"As an Academic Medical Center," said Dean Jim J. Neutens, PhD, "this is an essential step in defining who we are and what we do for the community as well as the region."
In fact, the importance of research is reflected in the core values of the strategic plan developed in 2009 by Graduate School of Medicine and UHS administrators to promote basic science and clinically relevant research and to cultivate physicians to be educational scholars, lifelong learners and informed consumers of clinical research. Tactics include creating an Office of Medical Education and Research, increasing the number of faculty who produce scholarly activity, and increasing the number of fellows and residents who produce scholarly activity.
The Graduate School of Medicine currently has several resources available to support research success including an institutional review board, research laboratories, collaborations with external enterprises, statisticians, hospital personnel including nursing and risk management, and grant fund management through the business office.
The retreat included presentations by Amy Paganelli, Assistant Dean of Finance and Administration, on financial aspects of research including current grants and partnerships, and by Mitchell Goldman, MD, Chair and Residency Program Director of Surgery, discussing his department's success of combining research and scholarly activity. This leads to positive effects on accreditation, faculty recruitment, and the ultimate goal of developing the "complete" doctor.
Dean Neutens noted the retreat was a starting point for discussions among departments to determine opportune areas for research; potential collaborators, both internal and external; whether current research activities are adequate for program re-accreditation; and what needs must be met to enhance research within the departments. As the Graduate School of Medicine moves research from good to great, it will increase its collaborations and strengthen its relationships within the University system and throughout the community.
Posted: January 28, 2010
The Scope Features GSM Faculty Advancing Patient Care Through Research Collaborations
The importance of research at the University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine is reflected in its mission and its core values to promote basic science and clinically relevant research and to cultivate physicians to be educational scholars, lifelong learners and informed consumers of clinical research. The January 2010 issue of The Scope is a tribute to Graduate School of Medicine faculty and staff who are advancing patient care through research collaborations and exemplifying these values through their accomplishments.
Read the January 2010 issue of The Scope E-Newsletter.
Posted: January 27, 2010
Preston Medical Library Faculty Lead Evidenced-Based Practice for Nursing Seminars
University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine Preston Medical Library Assistant Professors Cynthia Vaughn and Martha Earl have collaborated with Vicki Cannington, RN, MSN, Advanced Practice Nurse, Palliative Care, to provide the University of Tennessee Medical Center Nursing Research Council with a two-part beginner's-level program designed to teach nurses how to take current research information and use it to guide nursing practice and patient care.
Vaughn recently led the first seminar, covering the history and theory of evidenced-based practice, the steps of evidenced-based practice, levels of evidence, and searching the literature. Earl will provide a second session in the spring focused on critical appraisal. Evidenced-based practice is a characteristic of the Magnet nursing model, a model recognized by the American Nursing Credentialing Center as the highest standard of nursing care that provides optimal patient outcomes.
Preston Medical Library provides reference, research, and instruction for UT Graduate School of Medicine faculty, residents, students and physicians, and outreach to the community. Learn more about the training opportunities and services available through the library.
Posted: January 22, 2010
Surgery Grand Rounds Now CME-Certified
The weekly University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine Surgery Grand Rounds now offer up to one CME credit per session. The sessions are held Thursdays, 7-8 a.m., in Morrison's Conference Center at the University of Tennessee Medical Center.
Julio A. Solla, MD, FACS, Associate Professor of Surgery, Colon and Rectal Surgery, was the featured speaker for the launch of the series.
This year, the Grand Rounds will include the John W. Whittington, MD Visiting Lectureship series, bringing specialists from across the country to the UT Graduate School of Medicine. Whittington lectures will be held during regularly scheduled Grand Rounds times and will be offered several times each year. Coming February 18, The Whittington lecture features visiting lecturer Charles Balch, MD, Professor of Surgery, Oncology and Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, who will present, "Melanoma as an Example of Evidence-based Medicine."
View the UT Graduate School of Medicine Continuing Medical and Dental Education calendar to see dates and topics for the Surgery Grand Rounds and John W. Whittington, MD Visiting Lectureship Series.
Posted: January 21, 2009
GSM Resident Noah Gudel Presents at Osteopathic Internists Convention
University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine Internal Medicine Resident Noah Gudel, DO, presented a poster, "Nausea and Vomiting as Presentation of a Hypercoagulable State" at the 2009 American College of Osteopathic Internist (ACOI) Annual Convention. Dr. Gudel was one of 38 resident presenters and 145 residents in attendance at the convention.
Posted: January 21, 2010
March 13 Diabetes Conference Examines Complications, Patient Noncompliance
Register today for the Sixth Annual Diabetes Regional Conference: Evidence-Based Interventions to Stem the Burden of Diabetes Complications, Saturday, March 13, 2010, 7:45 a.m.-4:30 p.m., University of Tennessee Conference Center. This course offers up to 6 AMA, AAFP, AAPA and ACPE credits or .6 CEUs.
While the cost, morbidity and mortality from diabetes, itself, is high, its numerous complications and associated risk factors account for the overwhelming burden of this disease. Healthcare professionals play a pivotal role in stemming these health consequences by learning and applying the most recent evidence-based treatment strategies and interventions.
In response to participant evaluations of past diabetes conferences, the 2010 conference will address patient noncompliance in addition to latest medical research into ophthalmological, cardiovascular, vascular and renal complications of diabetes. Specialists in these and other fields, including nutrition and psychology, will offer knowledge to help physicians help their diabetic patients.
Posted: January 13, 2009
CME-Certified Radiology Seminar Offers Guide to Ordering X-Rays
Attend both parts of the upcoming radiology seminar: The Busy Clinician’s Guide to Ordering X-Ray Exams, and receive two CME credits. Part 1 is scheduled for January 19, 2010, noon-1 p.m., and Part 2 is January 26, noon-1 p.m. Both sessions will be held in Morrison’s Conference Center.
Anton Allen, M.D., Associate Professor, Head of Musculoskeletal Subsection, Radiology, UT Graduate School of Medicine, will lead the discussion, and educational CDs will be provided at the end of Part 2.
To receive CME credits, both parts must be attended. Partial credit for attending one session is unavailable.
The University of Tennessee College of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians. The UT College of Medicine designates this educational activity for a maximum of 2 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits.
Posted: January 13, 2009
Explore the UT Graduate School of Medicine from the New Viewbook
Prospective residents and fellows can explore the opportunities and programs offered at the University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine through its new viewbook, a booklet that provides an overview of an academic institution. Including input from all departments, the viewbook portrays the UTGSM mission, 12 residency and 11 fellowship programs, and research and services, including Preston Medical Library and the Medical Simulation Center. This 32-page book also includes information about living in East Tennessee, making it an ideal addition to departments' recruiting efforts.
To receive a GSM viewbook in the mail, contact Graduate Medical and Dental Education at 865-305-9339. For more information, contact Communications and Outreach at 865-305-9190.
Download the GSM Viewbook (.pdf)
Posted: January 12, 2010
Stroke Symposium Hosts Capacity Crowd
A capacity group of learners attended the CME-certified Second Annual Stroke Symposium in October. More than 150 medical professionals from across the region learned about Tennessee Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Plan guidelines; evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of stroke; interventional management of cerebral aneurysms; strategies for primary and secondary prevention of stroke; post-stroke rehabilitation priorities and innovations; evaluation and triage of patient problems; and drug therapies for stroke patients. The participants also were engaged in a cooking demonstration presented by the Healthy Living Kitchen staff from the University of Tennessee Medical Center, Mark McKinney, Executive Chef, Jane Kelly and Janet Seiber.
Featured speakers were Todd Crocco, MD, Associate Professor and Chair, Emergency Medicine, West Virginia University; James Groce, III, PharmD, Professor, Pharmacy Practice, Campbell University School of Pharmacy; Corley Roberts, MHS, Director, Quality Improvement Initiatives, American Heart Association, as well as local experts from the UT Graduate School of Medicine and University of Tennessee Medical Center. Directed by John Beuerlein, MD, Medical Director, Knoxville Inpatient Physicians and University of Tennessee Medical Center Primary Stroke Program, the course was presented by the University of Tennessee Medical Center Brain and Spine Institute and UT Graduate School of Medicine. It offered up to 7.0 CME credits through AMA, AAPA, ACPE and TPTA as well as up to 0.7 CEUs.
Posted: January 12, 2010
Anesthesiology Residents Receive Top Marks on Exam
All six graduating Anesthesiology residents from the UT Graduate School of Medicine scored within the top quartile in the nation on Part I of the American Board of Anesthesiology Certification Examination. Individually scoring as high as the 98th percentile, these residents represent the excellence in education provided by Anesthesiology faculty and the UT Graduate School of Medicine. Taking the test were Colin Clanton, MD; Thuc Le, MD; Patrick McConville, MD; Sonia Ristev, MD; John Termini, MD; and Matt Wright, MD.
Posted: January 6, 2010
Conference Discusses Crime Scene Investigations
The University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine, the Department of Pathology and the Regional Forensic Center recently held a day-long conference entitled "Regional Forensics: Coordination of a Death Investigation." More than 100 attendees from the East Tennessee forensic science community included county medical examiners, medical investigators, sheriffs, funeral directors, Tennessee Donor Services staff, attorneys general and their support staffs.
The conference included discussions on basic autopsy service, including autopsy on child abuse victims, by Darinka Mileusnic-Polchan, MD, PhD, Chief Medical Examiner for Anderson and Knox Counties and Associate Professor of Pathology; gunshot wound cases from scene to autopsy by Steven Cogswell, MD, Assistant Professor of Pathology; office dynamics and paperwork procedure by Linda Hall, office manager for the Regional Forensic Center; elements for developing successful crime scene investigations by Larry Vineyard, Chief Medical Investigator; and anthropological perspectives from scene to laboratory by Murray Marks, PhD, Associate Professor, Pathology and General Dentistry. The invitation-only conference culminated with tours of the center and offered up to five medical, law and law enforcement continuing medical education credits.
Posted: January 6, 2010
UTGSM Continuing Dental Education Reaccreditation Successful
The University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine earned national reaccreditation from the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) for its continuing dental education programs. The standing, approved by the AGD Program Approval for Continuing Education (PACE), extends through December 2013.
The reaccreditation allows the Graduate School of Medicine to continue to provide certified national and regional programs that offer continuing dental education credits through the AGD.
"The reaccreditation demonstrates that the Graduate School of Medicine is committed to learning, being a catalyst for quality improvement in health care and managing education programs professionally," said James Neutens, PhD, FASHA, Dean.
National PACE provider approval is awarded when the provider offers courses in more than one state; draws a significant number of participants from more than one state; offers self-instruction programs; and offers protocol-participation courses. PACE-approved providers must adhere to 13 standards, addressing administration, fiscal responsibility, needs assessment, patient protection, evaluation and more. Additionally, approved providers must offer quality continuing education that helps professionals achieve AGD's Fellowship and Mastership awards.
For information about continuing dental education programs at the Graduate School of Medicine, contact Communications and Outreach at 305-9190.
Posted: January 4, 2010
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