The National Residency Matching Program Match Day 2014 results are in, and the UT Graduate School of Medicine is looking forward to welcoming the following 81 residents and fellows into its programs July 1. See the UTGSM Match Day 2014 photo album on Flickr.
July 14-18, 2014 - Lean for Healthcare August 9, 2014 - Best Practices and Principles for Utilizing Physician Assistants within Healthcare Facilities October 24-25, 2014 - Big 4 Cancer Conference: Detection * Diagnosis * Treatment * Survivorship November 3-7, 2014 - Lean for Healthcare
Academy of Scholars Members Discuss Their Perspectives
The UT Graduate School of Medicine has established the Academy of Scholars, an initiative based on prior work by the Carnegie Foundation to promote academic excellence among faculty physicians by creating a community of scholars on the UTGSM campus.
Continuing the series introduced in the February issue of The Scope, Academy members Kathleen Hudson, MD, and Larry Kilgore, MD, share what they see as the importance of the Academy and what they hope to accomplish through the organization. Learn more about the Academy members and its goals.
"I think the future of healthcare education is to further refine teaching methods and educational modules for adult learners and to allow each resident to indivdualize their own education."
- Kathleen Hudson, MD
Kathleen Hudson, MD, is Residency Program Director and an Associate Professor in the Department of Radiology. She specializes in women-related imaging such as mammography.
Dr. Hudson said the Academy is an opportunity to develop curriculum and try out new technologies for teaching.
"I think the future of healthcare education is to further refine teaching methods and educational modules for adult learners and to allow each resident to individualize their own education. What drives me as an educational scholar is the excitement of watching the development of residents from novice to competent physicians."
Larry Kilgore, MD,is Interim Chair and a Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. He specializes in services for patients with gynecologic malignancies.
He said, "Medical education will be changed by the expansion of mid-level providers and their abilities, so healthcare education will become much more case-based. The Academy is an opportunity to create lifelong learning habits through medical education."
Look in the next issue of The Scope for perspectives from Academy members Patrick McConville, MD, and Daphne Norwood, MD.
Faculty and Staff Honored for Long-Term Service to UT
Dean Amy Paganelli pins a 30-year service pin onto UTGSM Dean Neutens.UT Graduate School of Medicine employees were honored recently for years of service to the University of Tennessee. Faculty and staff with five or more years of service were honored in five-year increments.
40 years Sallie Macy, Research Medical Technologist, Medicine
35 years James Cloud, Medical Service Assistant I, Research
30 Years Mitchell Goldman, MD, Professor and Chair, Surgery J. Russell Langdon, MD, Associate Professor, Anesthesiology James Neutens, PhD, Dean, Dean's Office James Taylor, MD, Associate Professor, Surgery
25 Years David Adams, MD, Assistant Professor, Anesthesiology Mark Anderson, MD, Assistant Professor, Medicine Sandra Broughton, Medical Administration Specialist I, Obstetrics and Gynecology Edwin Rogers, PhD, Professor, Family Medicine Kimberly Rose, Medical Records Administrator, Family Medicine Thomas Young, MD, Assistant Professor, Medicine
20 Years Anton Allen, MD, Associate Professor, Radiology Robert Craft, MD, Professor, Anesthesiology Patricia Hamilton, Administrative Support Assistant III, Surgery Susan Hill, Administrative Support Assistant III, Medicine Kathleen Hudson, MD, Associate Professor and Associate Director, Radiology Gary Klipple, MD, Associate Professor, Medicine William Law, MD, Professor, Medicine John Mack, MD, Associate Professor, Surgery Murray Marks, PhD, Associate Professor, Pathology Dale Wortham, MD, Professor, Medicine
15 Years Ruth Baldridge, Assistant Professor, Family Medicine Debra Dellinger, Clinical Assistant III, Family Medicine Kim Emmett, MD, Assistant Professor, Medicine Edward Kim, MD, Professor, Surgery Stacy Kirkpatrick, Research Supervisor III, Surgery Brenda Leach, Clinical Specialist II, Family Medicine Matthew Mancini, MD, Associate Professor, Surgery Mary Ann Murphy, Coordinator I, Obstetrics and Gynecology John Narro, MD, Associate Professor, Medicine Amy Paganelli, Assistant Dean, Dean's Office Nancy Smith, Administrative Coordinator I, Family Medicine Loney Spires, Administrative Support Assistant I, Surgery Stephen Strevels, MD, Assistant Professor, Anesthesiology
10 Years Eva Bukovska, Research Associate II, Surgery W. Eric Cox, MD, Assistant Professor, Anesthesiology Kristi Edsell, Administrative Support Assistant I, Surgery Oscar Grandas, MD, Associate Professor, Surgery Sachiko Hurst, Coordinator III, Graduate Medical and Dental Education Amy LeBlanc, DVM, Associate Professor, Radiology Annette Mendola, PhD, Instructor, Medicine Sandor Nagy, MD, Assistant Professor, Obstetrics and Gynecology Teresa Rector, Social Worker, Genetics Center Darla Smith, Dietitian, Genetics Center Wendy Smith, Administrative Specialist I, Obstetrics and Gynecology Dana Taylor, MD, Assistant Professor, Surgery Matthew Vance, MD, Assistant Professor, Anesthesiology Andrew Young, Instructor, Dentistry Nikki Zite, MD, Associate Professor, Obstetrics and Gynecology
5 Years Paul Campbell, MD, Associate Professor, Radiology Carol Ellis, MD, Assistant Professor, Medicine Susan Gilmore-Rawn, Research Nurse Coordination, Surgery Julie Jeter, MD, Assistant Professor, Family Medicine Larry Kilgore, MD, Professor, Obstetrics and Gynecology Heather Moss, MD, Assistant Professor, Obstetrics and Gynecology Abbey Putnam, Genetic Counselor, Genetics Center Barbara Robinette, Licensed Practical Nurse II, Obstetrics and Gynecology Walter Schoutko, MD, Assistant Professor, Obstetrics and Gynecology Jeffrey Staack, MD, Assistant Professor, Anesthesiology Jaclyn Van Nes, MD, Assistant Professor, Obstetrics and Gynecology Michele Westerling, Senior Clinical Specialist I, Genetics Center Wesley White, MD, Assistant Professor, Surgery
Spring Frontiers Features Residency Alumni
The Spring 2014 issue of Frontiers is now available in print and online. Inside this issue are stories featuring the Advanced Orthopaedic Center, the sixth Center of Excellence at The University of Tennessee Medical Center; stories about UT Graduate School of Medicine alumni who have gone into practice or are now faculty in a UTGSM program; research into liver and skin cancers; and an introduction to the Academy of Scholars. In every issue are "Ask the Expert" and "5 Minutes with a Pharmacist." In this issue, read how to prevent sports-related injuries and information on pain management clinics.
Frontiers magazine is a publication of the University of Tennessee Medical Center and the University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine available in print and online. Did you know you can now receive a sneak peek of Frontiers before the print version is available? Learn more.
IRB Welcomes Becky West as New Assistant Director
Becky West has joined the UT Graduate School of Medicine as the new assistant director of the Institutional Review Board, following Reni Leslie's retirement. She brings with her more than 20 years of IRB experience, most recently as administrator for Convenant Health. Prior to that, she was program manager for IRB at the Medical University of South Carolina. She is a member of the Public Responsibility in Medicine and Research, which advances the highest ethical standards in the conduct of biomedical, behavioral and social science research.
IRB Chair Kim Mason, PharmD, said, "I am thrilled to have Becky aboard as she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from her prior work with large academic medical centers and her familiarity with cutting edge IRB process and technology."
IRB exists to protect the rights of persons involved in research studies. All studies must be approved by IRB before the project can be initiated. Learn more about IRB and its Board members.
UTGSM STAFF RECOGNIZED FOR EXCELLENCE
The UT Graduate School of Medicine recently honored employees with the eighth annual Employee Excellence Awards program. Excellence Awards are given to staff members who go beyond the scope of their jobs by providing outstanding community service, job performance, courtesy and customer service, and leadership. View photos from the Awards presentations and luncheon via Flickr.
From left: Dean James Neutens, Kristen Bass,
Dr. Mitchell Goldman
Excellence in Community Service
Kristen Bass
Coordinator
Research
Kristen Bass has been actively involved with Alzheimer's Tennessee since she was an undergraduate at UT Knoxville, and she brought her passion for helping people afflicted with Alzheimer's and dementia to the UT Graduate School of Medicine. In 2012, she coordinated a donation drive at Christmastime to help people suffering from the neurodegenerative diseases who did not have local family support. The donation drive continued in December 2013. Prior to that, she assisted in the coordination of a winter coat drive. She often participates in activities to support disease-related causes and area organizations, such as walk-a-thons and relays. Bass is also actively involved in her sorority, Sigma Kappa, as the president of the Knoxville-area alumni chapter.
In nominating Bass, Kandi Hodges, Information Specialist, Health Information Management and Services said, "Kristen has a heart for service, and she exemplifies Excellence in Community Service for both UTGSM and the Knoxville area."
From left: Dean Neutens, Natalia Tanasov,
Lisa Stephens
Excellence in Job Performance
Natalia Tanasov, LPN
Nurse
Family Medicine
Natalia Tanasov is knowledgable in her role as a nurse for University Family Physicians. She is considered a great mentor and always ready and willing to help when the physicians and other staff need assistance with patients or forms. She is said to be an inspiration to others in that she is always willing to help, does not complain, and always has a smile on her face.
In nominating Tanasov, Lisa Stephens, Nurse Manager, Family Medicine, said, "Her doctors always know that they can go to her for help when they can't find something or do something, and she will get it taken care of without any problems."
From left: Dean Neutens, Khristy Harris,
Kelly McDaniel
Excellence in Courtesy and Customer Service
Khristy Harris
Medical Administrative Coordinator
Family Medicine
Khristy Harris works with recruiting incoming Family Medicine residents and fellows. She is extremely organized and is said to go above and beyond the call of duty to make sure the applicants are taken care of. She works tirelessly to ensure applicants are scheduled for their interviews and that all their needs are taken care of when they are visiting. She also continues to stay in touch with the applicants throughout the entire recruiting process to provide a personal touch.
In nominating her, Adam Lett, MD, Third-Year Family Medicine Resident, said, "Several applicants have pointed her out individually as the best part of their whole experience. Khristy has a great attitude, is a hard worker, and she is the sweetest person you'll meet."
From left: Dean Neutens, Sandra Sterling,
Dr. Mitchell GoldmanExcellence in Leadership
Sandra Sterling
Supervisor
Surgery
Sandra Sterling has a track record for leading and growing the Department of Surgery. She has supported employee growth and development; she advises employees on UT and GSM policies and opportunities; she cleverly handles varying personalities among the faculty, residents and staff; she manages the finances for the department; and she is instrumental in faculty recruitment.
In nominating her, Mitchell Goldman, MD, Chair, Surgery said, "Sandra is the go-to person in the department. Under her guidance, a highly-productive support staff has been recruited, which she leads with steady and constant proficiency. She is respected by the staff, consulted by the faculty, and is a source of thoughtful advice for the Division Chiefs and Chair."
Urology Resident Jared Moss Investigates Impact of Testosterone Replacement
Radio and TV ads suggest that testosterone can cure depression, improve mood and sexual performance, even boost energy and melt away extra pounds. Hormone experts say those looking for a quick fix are turning to Rejuvenation Clinics (RC) to treat hypogonadism, or low testosterone.
While testosterone replacement therapy is prescribed to improve sex drive, erectile function, muscle mass and bone density, there is little known about these drugs’ effect on men’s fertility.
Jared Moss, MD, Chief Resident of Urology, studied the impact of rejuvenation hormones on sperm count. “Rejuvenation Clinics are becoming more popular and men are having children at later ages than ever before,” said Moss. “Testosterone reduces sperm counts and may compromise fertility.”
The normal range of testosterone is 300 to 1,000 ng/dL (nanograms per deciliter) of blood. After age 30, men typically have a slow decline of testosterone. Low testosterone, or Low T, is generally indicated at a testosterone level under 300, paired with symptoms such as low sex drive, excessive fatigue, depression and weight gain.
The data from his study also suggests that there is a link between prostate cancer and testosterone. “Testosterone does not cause prostate cancer, but it may exacerbate it if it is already there,” said Moss.
The Cystic Fibrosis Clinical Trial team with Dr. Bruce Ludwig (third from right).Ongoing research to find a treatment for cystic fibrosis may finally pay off. Bruce Ludwig, MD, Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine and Medical Director of the Adult Cystic Fibrosis Program, and his clinical trial team are partnering with Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. to study the underlying mechanism of the gene that causes cystic fibrosis and its protein product.
Cystic Fibrosis is the most common fatal genetic disorder of Caucasians, affecting about 30,000 people in the US. It is a genetic defect in a protein that impacts the transport of chloride, sodium and water in all ducts of the body. This can cause bronchiectasis with chronic and recurrent lung infections, often with resistant bacteria. Patients also suffer from malnutrition, diabetes, liver disease, respiratory issues and sometimes death. Most current medications are directed to treat symptoms of the disease, but now there is a drug approved to treat the root cause of the disease.
This trial studies the Vertex drug, Kalydeco, combined with Lumacaftorin patients with cystic fibrosis. The pairing should improve transportation to the membrane and improve lung function. If proven to work, the outcome would benefit at least 50 percent of patients with cystic fibrosis who carry two copies of the Delta F508 mutation. The Food and Drug Administration called the collaboration of the two drugs “breakthrough therapy designation” for its effort to speed the development of potential treatments for life-threatening diseases or conditions. “These patients would not be able to receive this type of medication if it were not for this clinical trial,” said Ludwig. Ludwig and his team expect to see significantly improved lung function in patients and improved weight control in the short term. He hopes the long-term effects will translate to improved survival rates, reduced infections and hospitalizations, and eventually turn cystic fibrosis into a much more controllable disease.
“Being able to continue to participate in trials like these give them hope for their future,” said Dr. Ludwig. “Hope that one day there will be a cure for the disease that challenges their daily lives.”
Conference Addresses Best Practices for Utilizing Physician Assistants
The landscape of healthcare is changing, and physician assistants are being utilized more and more in hospitals and doctors’ offices. But what are best practices and how should they be integrated into medical staff?
A first conference of its kind, on August 9, South College in partnership with the UT Graduate School of Medicine will present “Best Practices and Principles for Utilizing Physician Assistants (PA) within Healthcare Facilities” at Holiday Inn World’s Fair Park in Knoxville, Tennessee.
This conference is designed to provide a best practice approach in defining effective strategies for the utilization of physician assistants. Speakers will consist of experts in management and reimbursement of physician assistant services. This conference will benefit hospital administrators, healthcare administrators, educators and physicians who are interested or currently involved in the use of these health care professionals. Physician assistants and nurse practitioners are also welcome to participate.
Industry leaders will lead panel discussions on
Health System Viewpoints: Challenges and Barriers for Team Based Practice
Effective Solutions Regarding Reimbursement for PAs
Compliance with CMS and JCAHO Standards
Best Practice Models: Quality of Care, Credentialing, Risk Assessment and Mitigation, and Applicable State Regulations
MD/PA Teams: The Right Team for the Right Reason with the Right Outcome
Effective and Efficient Workforce of the Future: Solutions
UT Health Science Center Associate Dean Robert Shreve Steps Down
Robert Shreve, EdD, will step down as Associate Dean of the UT Health Science Center College of Medicine June 16. He will continue in a full-time administrative role until he retires at the end of the year. Dr. Shreve has been with the UTHSC College of Medicine since 2002. Most recently, he led the college through its successful eight-year reaccreditation by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education. James “Pat” Ryan, currently assistant dean for basic science curriculum in the UT College of Medicine, will serve as the interim associate dean for medical education, effective in mid-June. The search for a senior associate dean of medical education and chair of the Department of Medical Education already has started.
Cole Neuroscience Center Recognized as a Center for Comprehensive MS Care
The Cole Neuroscience Center at The University of Tennessee Medical Center, directed by John Dougherty, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine, is now officially recognized as a Center for Comprehensive Multiple Sclerosis Care through the National MS Society's Partners in MS Care program.
This formal recognition honors Cole Neuroscience’s commitment to providing exceptional coordinated, comprehensive MS care; and a continuing partnership with the Society to address the challenges of people affected by MS. The center is a leading provider of care for people living with MS in the region.
A Center for Comprehensive MS Care recognizes the critical need for access to a full array of medical, psycho-social and rehabilitation services to address the varied and often complex issues related to living with MS, an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system. The Partners in MS Care program acknowledges and encourages total care of people living with MS. The central focus is on the ability of patients to access the needed services, which may be offered on-site or through referral, while upholding excellence in coordinated and comprehensive MS care.
Each year, CityView magazine surveys the areas referring physicians to see which physicians they recommend for specialized care. Several faculty physicians from the UT Graduate School of Medicine and The University of Tennessee Medical Center have been named in the survey again this year as "2014 Top Docs" in the specialized areas of anesthesiology, cardiology, critical care, dermatology, family practice, gastroenterology, genetics, internal medicine, neonatology, nephrology, neurology, obstetrics and gynecology, ophthalmology, otolaryngology, pain medicine, pathology, pediatric surgery, pediatrics, pulmonary medicine, radiation oncology, radiology, rheumatology, sleep medicine, surgery colon and rectal, surgery general, surgery neurological, surgery oral and maxillofacial, surgery orthopedic, surgery plastic, surgery thoracic, urogynecology, and urology. Several faculty members were also featured in a Q & A section on the medical profession. See the Top Docs feature in CityView.
Medicine Residents Receive Clinic Star Award
The UT Internal Medicine Center began awarding "stellar" residents with the Clinic Star Award during the 2013-2014 academic year. A "Resident of the Month" is given to an Internal Medicine resident who excels in the areas of patient care, medical knowledge, practice improvement, interpersonal/communication skills, and professionalism. Winners include:
The National Residency Matching Program Match Day 2014 results are in, and the UT Graduate School of Medicine is looking forward to welcoming the following 81 residents and fellows into its programs July 1. See the UTGSM Match Day 2014 photo album on Flickr.
Kathleen Hudson, MD, is Residency Program Director and an Associate Professor in the Department of Radiology. She specializes in women-related imaging such as mammography. 
The Spring 2014 issue of Frontiers is now available in print and online. Inside this issue are stories featuring the Advanced Orthopaedic Center, the sixth Center of Excellence at The University of Tennessee Medical Center; stories about UT Graduate School of Medicine alumni who have gone into practice or are now faculty in a UTGSM program; research into liver and skin cancers; and an introduction to the Academy of Scholars. In every issue are "Ask the Expert" and "5 Minutes with a Pharmacist." In this issue, read how to prevent sports-related injuries and information on pain management clinics.
Becky West has joined the UT Graduate School of Medicine as the new assistant director of the Institutional Review Board, following Reni Leslie's retirement. She brings with her more than 20 years of IRB experience, most recently as administrator for Convenant Health. Prior to that, she was program manager for IRB at the Medical University of South Carolina. She is a member of the Public Responsibility in Medicine and Research, which advances the highest ethical standards in the conduct of biomedical, behavioral and social science research.
