Newsletter

news&notesDr. Doug Skelton, former Dean of the Mercer University School of Medicine, recently made a gift of $100,000 to the schools Library Endowment while also assuming the role as head of its endowment campaign. According to Skelton, the gift is being used as a challenge to Mercers alumni, faculty, and other supporters to bring about its goal of $1 million. This is a high time of need for the Mercer Medical School and the economy has certainly impacted the support the school receives every year, said Skelton. Im hoping that what I do here and what others will do with me will help the medical school at this critical point in its history. The Medical Library and Peyton T. Anderson Learning Resource Center serve as the foundation for the high level of selfdirected study which is a cornerstone of the problem-based learning curriculum at the School of Medicine. As costs of providing the numerous amount of required re-

Dean Emeritus Doug Skelton, MD launches Medical Library Campaign with $100,000 Challenge Gift

sources to the students, community-based faculty, and others escalate ever higher, the endowment will provide a source of constant support every year. No medical school can exist without an adequate library, said Skelton. But,

we have a more than adequate library. I would like to see this $1 million endowment come to pass so we can generate even more support for our medical school and have a great library. Thats what we need here at Mercer. A great library for a great school.

MUSM Holds 2nd Annual Women in Medicine Celebrationannual Mardi Gras gathering hosted for MUSM women by the late Dona Harris, Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and Development. According to Jan LaBeause, Director of the Medical Library & LRC, Departments from across the School came together to plan the festivities, and the MUSM student chapter of the American Medical Womens Association played a key role in organizing and promoting the celebration. In keeping with the Women in Medicine theme, two presentations were given on notable figures in medicine: James Cunningham, M.D. offered an intriguing glimpse of Dr. J. Miranda Barry, Victorian Surgeon and Master of the Masquerade and Amy Christie, M.D. (MUSM Class of 2006) discussed the challenges that faced Elizabeth Blackwell as Americas first female physician. A social hour with traditional Mardi Gras king cake and refreshments followed the presentations. A silent auction was also held to benefit the Detmer-Harris Women in Medicine Endowed Lectureship Series, raising over $900 for the fund. The fund was begun in memory of faculty members Drs. Kris Detmer and Dona Harris by the MUSM Class of 2009. Plans are already underway for next years celebration which will be held on Fat Tuesday, February 21, 2012.

Mercer University School of Medicine enjoyed a taste of Mardi Gras on March 8, 2011 at the Second Annual Women in Medicine Celebration. The annual Women in Medicine event began in 2010 to commemorate MUSM women who had passed away in previous years and is held on Fat Tuesday each year in honor of the

Top left: Amy Christie, M.D. speaks at the 2011 Women in Medicine Celebration Above: Jan LeBeause and Rita Smith raffle off prizes to benefit the Detmer-Harris Women in Medicine Endowed Lectureship Series.

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School of Medicine Earns High Marks in Recent StudyThe Mercer School of Medicine received significant recognition in the recently released study of medical school graduates of 1999-2001 published in the June 15 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine. Mercer was ranked No. 8 among the nations 141 medical schools in Primary Care Output, No. 30 in the nation in Health Professional Shortage Area Physician Output and No. 41 in the nation in medical school rankings based on Social Mission Score. In analyzing the ranking results, the study assumed the basic purpose of medical schools is to educate physicians to care for the national population. Fulfilling this goal requires an adequate number of primary care physicians, adequate distribution of physicians to underserved areas and a sufficient number of minority physicians in the work force. While this study is focused principally on primary care, there is a need in the state of Georgia for physicians of all specialties, said Dr. William F. Bina III, dean of the School of Medicine. Mercer ranks highly in these categories because it has not deviated from its mission established in 1982 to educate physicians and health professionals to meet the primary care and health care needs of rural and medically underserved areas of Georgia.

news&notes

Malan Named Dean of Savannah Campus, Vice-Dean of Mercer University School of MedicineSAVANNAH Mercer University School of Medicine Dean William F. Bina III today announced the appointment of T. Philip Malan Jr., M.D., Ph.D., professor of anesthesiology and pharmacology and former vice dean for academic affairs at the University of Arizona College of Medicine, as Savannah Campus dean and vice dean of the Mercer University School of Medicine. Dr. Malans appointment, which is effective July 1, follows a 10-month national search. Dr. Malan has spent much of his academic career at the University of Arizona College of Medicine in Tucson. He first joined the university in 1989 as a professor and practicing physician in the Department of Anesthesiology. In 2005, he was named special assistant to the dean for academic program development. In 2006, he was named vice dean for academic affairs. He earned undergraduate degrees in chemistry and biological sciences from the University of California, Irvine, a Doctor of Philosophy from Harvard University in biochemistry and molecular biology, and the Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Massachusetts, Worcester. Dr. Malan has a deep commitment to the mission of the Medical School, one which sets Mercers School of Medicine apart as the leader in serving the state of Georgias medical needs in its small towns and rural areas, Dr. Bina said. He comes to Mercer with a strong record of leadership and an ability to work with complex issues facing medical schools today. He will be an outstanding addition to our team, and to the Savannah Campus as it grows and prospers. The Savannah Campus of the Mercer School of Medicine has been under the leadership of Interim Senior Associate Dean Wayne Glasgow, also the chair of biomedical sciences, since its opening as a full four-year program in 2008. Dr. Bina commended Dr. Glasgow for his groundbreaking work in leading the new campus over the past three years. Wayne Glasgow has made exceptional contributions to our four-year medical school program, said Dr. Bina. Without his steady presence and guidance, we would not be poised to achieve the next level of excellence in medical education and research on the Savannah Campus. Dr. Malan received postgraduate medical training in internal medicine at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center, Worcester, in 1985-1986 and in anesthesiology at Brigham and Womens Hospital, Boston, from 19861989. During his career, he has served administratively as chair of College of Medicine curriculum, promotion and tenure, and deans faculty advisory committees, and as a member of multiple curricular planning and review committees. Dr. Malan is internationally recognized for his research in pain biology and pain treatment. He has published more than 60 articles in prestigious scientific and clinical journals and is listed in Best Doctors in America. Dr. Malan and his wife, Carole, have a son, Tim.

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T. Philip Malan Jr., M.D., Ph.D.

February 2011 April 2011

Scholarships Help Fulfill School of Medicines MissionIf Crystal Bailey Gary, M.D. 05, could say anything to the donors who contributed to the scholarship she received, it would be Thank you, thank you, thank you. Dr. Gary operates a family practice in her hometown of rural Blairsville with her husband, Thomas Gary, M.D. 05. She received the Joseph A. Ray Scholarship one of the first scholarship funds established at the Mercer School of Medicine (MUSM). She said that though she has always been passionate about practicing medicine in her hometown, without the scholarships she received, achieving her goal would have been impossible. Without financial assistance, I never could have attended medical school, she said. I am reminded of this everyday when I put on my white coat and head into a patients exam room. Scholarships often play a crucial role in a students decision to attend MUSM. The Schools mission is to provide a medical education for future physicians who will meet the health care needs of Georgias rural and underserved communities. For students without financial aid or scholarships, this goal can be impossible to meet. In spring 2011, Doctor of Medicine graduates completed their degrees with an average debt of $197,000. Annual tuition at the School is approximately $40,000. In todays shaky economic and health care climate, its going to be difficult to convince future physicians to choose a primary care specialty and live in a region that is financially less beneficial than living in a city practicing as a specialist, Dr. Gary said. Most students will choose to go large cities where its easier to pay off their debt. Currently, 187 scholarships offered in the School of Medicine assist 159 medical students. Dr. Gary encourages current medical school students to consider practicing in a rural community. There are few career choices that offer as much personal satisfaction as being a family physician in a small town, she said. Family physicians are a needed, vital entity of the community, and are treated as such. I feel very blessed to enjoy going to work each day. Dr. William F. Bina III, dean of the School of Medicine, said that scholarships and financial aid play a crucial role in a students decision to attend Mercer and eventually return to his or her hometown to practice medicine as a primary care physician. These scholarships are very important to both the School and the students in reducing the cost of a medical education, he said. Any reduction in individual student debt we can offer, especially for those from rural areas, increases the probability that they can afford to return and practice medicine in rural and underserved areas. Aside from saying thank you to the donors of the scholarship she received, Dr. Gary said she hopes they realize what an impact their contributions had on her education and profession. When patients walk through my door, the last thing on my mind is whether his insurance is going to reimburse well enough to help pay off my medical school debt, Dr. Gary said. Rather, I think about the kindness that was shown to me through the scholarship money, and I pass this kindness on to my patients. If you would like to establish a scholarship in the School of Medicine or contribute to an existing scholarship, contact Donavan Eason in the Office of University Advancement at (800) 837-2911 ext. 5648 or [email protected].

Upcoming Continuing Medical Eduaction Opportunities Internal Medicine: Evidence-Based Update July 14 - 16, 2011 Harbour Town Conference Center Hilton Head, South Carolina

Board of Trustees Approve New Degree ProgramsThe School of Medicine will add a Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences and a certificate in preclinical sciences to its academic programs. The Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences at Mercer University School of Medicine is a twoyear, research-based graduate program. Students will work closely with research mentors in either the Division of Biomedical Sciences on the Macon Campus or in the Division of Biomedical Sciences on the Savannah Campus. The goal of this program is to prepare students for further postgraduate studies in the biomedical sciences or employment in academic research laboratories or in the pharmaceutical/biotechnology industries. Following successful completion of a Research Thesis, students will be awarded the degree of Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences with a concentration in one of the disciplines represented by the Basic Science faculty in the Mercer University School of Medicine. The Certificate in Preclinical Sciences, currently in the early stages of program development, is conceived as a one-year graduate program for students who need more time to prepare for the academic expectations of medical school. The curriculum will be uniquely designed for students who are passionate about the medical field but have some gaps in their educational background. We have confidence that a program that invests time in these students will support MUSMs mission by generating greater numbers of physicians practicing in rural and underserved Georgia.

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Upcoming Events upcomingeventsSaturday, May 7, 2011Medical School Commencement Ceremony 5 PM at the Mercer University Center

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Got News?Let us and your fellow classmates know whats new in your life. Email your class notes to Donavan Eason at [email protected]

The Twelfth Annual Armour Family Therapy Lecture Series 9 AM 4:30 PM at Mercer Universiy School of Medicine Auditorium

Saturday, August, 13, 2011Class of 2015 White Coat Ceemony Details to follow

Mercer

A Mercer University School of Medicine Publication

MedicineEditor: Desing and Layout: Photography: Contributing Writers: Leslie Jackson Derek Hart John Knight Mark Vanderhoek and Donavan Eason

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Click here to see more photos from Match Day, The Women In Medicine Celebration and other events.