Summer 2004
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Grant Matches Students with Communities in Need
A THREE-YEAR GRANT is enabling Medical College of Georgia students to
assess rural communities’ needs while training for their careers in those
communities.
The approximately $1 million Health Resources and Services Administration Grant is funded through the Department of Health and Human Services’ Quentin N. Burdick Program for Rural Interdisciplinary Training. The grant matches clinicians-in-training to communities most in need of their services, according to Dr. Shelley Mishoe, dean of the MCG School of Allied Health Sciences and project director of the grant.
“This is an excellent way to make students aware of the great need for their services,” Dr. Mishoe said.
Co-sponsors of the grant are the Georgia Hospital Association and the Community Healthcare Network in Columbus, Ga. The organizations and Georgia’s Area Health Education Centers have identified training sites for the students, including homeless clinics, migrant farm worker clinics, mental health facilities and other community-based facilities. The AHECs also work directly with the students and their preceptors.
Students eligible to participate are seniors in the MCG Departments of Dental Hygiene, Health Informatics, Medical Technology, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Physician Assistant, Radiologic Sciences and Respiratory Therapy.
Clinical training is already part of the coursework for these students, but the grant takes their skills to specific areas of need, Dr. Mishoe said. These training opportunities also feature extensive interaction with clinicians from other fields to ensure a well-rounded experience.
“We also have incorporated training to enhance the cultural competency of our allied health students so they are better prepared to address health literacy needs and deliver ethnically centered and culturally centered care in rural and underserved areas of Georgia,” said Dr. Carol Campbell, co-director of the grant.
“The students work in interdisciplinary health care teams, with each student being supervised by a preceptor,” Dr. Campbell said. “The hope is that as these students are meeting the communities’ needs, they will consider returning to the community to practice after they graduate, and they can help members of the community understand the career opportunities available in health care.”
MCG has been the recipient of the grant several times in the past, and “our data show that we’ve met our goals,” Dr. Mishoe said. “For example, 98 students participated in a prior grant by working in 50 rural counties, with 40 percent from minority or disadvantaged backgrounds. Since 2000, 62 percent of graduates have been employed outside of metro Atlanta or Augusta, with 34 percent working specifically in rural and health professional shortage areas.”
Dr. Mishoe said she feels confident that the students and communities will reap significant benefits from the program. “We will continue to plant the seeds for people considering a health care career and we hope students will return to the communities they’ve come to know.”
Allied Health Sciences Creates New Department
THE MEDICAL COLLEGE of Georgia has combined five of its allied health sciences programs to create a Department of Biomedical and Radiological Technologies in the School of Allied Health Sciences.
The restructuring, approved by the University System of Georgia Board of Regents in February, combined the Department of Medical Technology and the Department of Radiologic Sciences. Dr. ElizabethKenimer Leibach, chair of the Department of Medical Technology, chairs the new department.
The department will include programs in medical technology, diagnostic medical sonography, medical dosimetry, nuclear medicine technology and radiation therapy. All use sophisticated technology to help prevent, diagnose and treat disease.
“This new department will facilitate collaboration for teaching, research and pursuit of external funding among these technology-based allied health sciences programs,” said School of Allied Health Sciences Dean Shelley Mishoe. “It also will help achieve economies of scale, cost-effectiveness of operations and streamlining of administrative functions.”
Students in these programs will receive a degree in either medical technology or radiologic sciences. The new program also will include MCG’s radiography program until it is suspended when all current students graduate. MCG is seeking funding to also include in the depart ment a first professional master’s degree program in biomedical technology.
Department Changes Name, Not Focus
THE MEDICAL COLLEGE of Georgia School of Allied Health Sciences has renamed its Department of Health Information Management the Department of Health Informatics.
The program will continue to train students to compile, manage and analyze health-related information to optimize patient care. Graduates will be prepared to work in roles including applied health informatics researcher, chief information officer, public health information officer, health information systems application designer and health data/information resource manager.
“The name change is more reflective of the profession and program,” said MCG Provost Barry D. Goldstein. “Informatics is a broad term that encompasses understanding the impact technology has on people, the development of new uses for technology and the application of technology in the context of another field.”
MCG offers a bachelor’s degree in the field for students transferring as college juniors and a post-baccalaureate certificate for students with registration or a license in an allied health or nursing profession.
“Today’s students are looking for an education that will give them career options now and in the future,” said School of Allied Health Sciences Dean Shelley Mishoe, noting that the name change better reflects the cutting-edge nature of the field that combines health care and extensive computer technology.
“We believe the proposed name change better reflects our abilities as leaders in the allied health professions, offering innovative, value-added programs from the state’s only health sciences university,” said Dr. Carol Campbell, chair of the department.
Dr. Campbell also spearheaded MCG’s new master’s degree program in public health with a major in health informatics.
For more information about the programs, contact the department at (706) 721-3436.
Student Inspires Classmates Amid Cancer Treatment
THE FIRST TIME she was diagnosed with
lymphoma, Barbara Burk was only 5 years old.
“I had a swollen lymph node on my neck. It looked like a large knot. I remember losing my hair and staying at the Ronald McDonald House. I remember spinal taps and bone marrow aspirations. I can even remember the day I went into surgery,” says the second-year student in the Department of Physician Assistant.
Eight years after her first battle, Barbara’s cancer returned. “My doctor had just released me for another two years. He said, ‘I can’t say never, but once you’ve been in remission for this long, it hardly ever comes back.’ Six months later, it came back and they did another biopsy,” she says. “When they confirmed it was cancer, the treatment was more [aggressive] because it was the second time. I had to spend the entire eighth grade in homebound school because I was so sick and weak.”
Her recovery was steady and Barbara went on to complete high school in her hometown of Blue Ridge, Ga. Her personal exposure to the health care profession, coupled with her childhood desire to work in the field, led Barbara to investigate medical school while earning a biology degree at North Georgia College and State University.
“I was thinking about medical school and I learned about the PA program when I was [working toward] my undergraduate degree. It really appealed more to me. I felt I’d have just as much, if not more of a chance to help people by becoming a PA,” she says.
In May 2003, shortly after enrolling at MCG, Barbara felt a familiar lymph node swelling and went for an evaluation at Student Health. She was quickly referred to an oncologist, who questioned negative biopsy results in July. “Because of my history, they took another biopsy in August and it was positive, so I started chemo again.”
In the months that followed, Barbara maintained her determination to stay in school, despite nausea and pain. Classmates and faculty, armed with candy, warm meals and smiles, vigilantly made certain Barbara stayed on track with the PA program.
“They really helped me through the whole thing,” she says. “They taped the lectures, collected handouts, helped me study, decorated my hospital room and brought me food. I had to miss school a lot but I didn’t want to put my life on hold. Their work kept me caught up. I really don’t know how I would have made it without their support.”
On May 14-15, Barbara’s classmates and instructors continued their support by sponsoring a team for the Richmond/Columbia County Relay for Life, benefiting the American Cancer Society.
“We really wanted to help the entire community,” says Jennifer Coleman, Barbara’s classmate who organized the PA Class of 2005 relay team. “We wanted to do something bigger than ourselves. The money from Relay for Life helps research, community programs, cancer education and more in this community and across the nation.”
The class also presented Barbara with an Inspirational Award, citing her dedication, bravery and academic excellence (a 3.75 average) in the midst of her struggle. “She is the strongest person I have ever met,” says classmate Leigh Ryan. “She is truly an inspiration to the whole class.”
Dr. Bard Dies at Age 84
DR. RAYMOND C. BARD, the founding dean of the Medical College of
Georgia School of Allied Health Sciences, died Feb. 22, 2003 at age 84.
A native of New York City, Dr. Bard earned a Ph.D. in microbiology and biochemistry from Indiana University. He joined MCG as a vice president and professor of microbiology in 1967. He was named acting dean of the School of Allied Health Sciences in 1968 and permanent dean in 1972, a position he held until his retirement as Dean Emeritus in 1988.
Since its inception, the School of Allied Health Sciences has graduated approximately 6,700 graduates in the fields of dental hygiene, health informatics, medical technology, occupational therapy, physician assistant, radiologic sciences, respiratory therapy and medical illustration. The vast majority of the graduates practice in Georgia.
Dr. Bard’s vision and philosophy for the school continue to this day, according to School of Allied Health Sciences Dean Shelley Mishoe and Dr. Biagio Vericella, dean of the school from 1988 until his retirement in 2001.
“Working for Ray gave me a graduate program in how to be selfless and appreciative of others without ego and without pride of authorship,” said Dr. Vericella. “He showed me how to be a Nike kind of guy—just do it. He personified to me reverence for God, love of family, help for friends and concern for the common person.”
Dr. Bard was a fellow of the American Academy of Microbiology and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He was a fellow and past president of the Association of Schools of Allied Health Professions.
Ms. Garlington Named Distinguished Alumna
THE SCHOOL OF Allied Health Sciences Alumni Association has presented its 2004 Distinguished Alumnus Award to Octavia Garlington, Professor Emerita of the MCG Department of Medical Illustration. Ms. Garlington, who earned a master’s degree in medical illustration from MCG in 1961, served on the MCG faculty from 1961 until her retirement in 1990.
She received the 2001 Broedel Award for Excellence in Education from the Association of Medical Illustrators and the 1990 Ranice W. Crosby Distin guished Achievement Award from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Department of Art as Applied to Medicine. Ms. Garlington is a fellow of the Association of Medical Illustrators and a member of the Association of Medical Illustrators.
Students, Faculty, Alumni Win Illustration Awards
STUDENTS, FACULTY AND alumni of the Medical College of Georgia
graduate program in medical illustration received several awards during the
Association of Medical Illustrators’ 2003 annual meeting.
The association, founded in 1945, promotes the study and advancement of medical illustration and allied fields of visual communication.
Bill Andrews, assistant professor and education coordinator, received a Citation of Merit in the Medical Instructional Line category for an illustrated series on heart transplantation. He also made two presentations at the meeting.
Andrew Swift, assistant professor, received the Russell Drake Award for first place in the Medical Instructional Line category for his illustration, “Ansa Pectoralis and the Brachial Plexus.” MCG is the only medical illustration program in history with every full-time faculty member receiving this award for excellence in pen and ink illustration.
Mr. Swift also received an Award of Excellence in Marketing/Promotional Illustration for his illustrated poster, “Vasculogenesis vs. Angiogensis.” The poster was co-authored by Dr. James Fick, associate professor of neurosurgery. This entry also received the Ralph Sweet Award for Salon Best of Show.
Andrew Rekito, MCG alumnus and artist-in-residence in the Department of Neurosurgery, received the Will Shepherd Award of Excellence in Instructional Color for his poster, “Tumors of the Thoracic Spine: Schwannomas.” This poster was co-authored by Dr. Fick. Mr. Rekito also received a Citation of Merit for his pen and ink illustration, “Lumber Wound Closed Irrigation System,” illustrated for Dr. John Vender, vice chair of the Department of Neurosurgery.
Brandon Pletsch, a 2003 graduate of the Department of Medical Illustration, received a Student Salon Award of Excellence in Animation/Interactive Media for his production of “Visual Pathway.” His major advisor was Steve Harrison, chair of the Department of Medical Illustration.
Mr. Pletsch also received the Orville A. Parkes Award for Best of Show in the Student Salon for the same animation. He won the same award in 2002 and is the only student to ever win the Parkes Award twice.
Student Sara Constantine received a Certificate of Merit for her cover illustration for Hirsuitism.
Allison Lucas Wright (class of 1989) received a Certificate of Merit in Marketing/Promotional Illustration for “A Comparison of Whole Food Vitamins and Synthetic Vitamins.”
C. Knox Hubard Jr. (class of 2000) received a Certificate of Merit for his medical legal illustration, “Wrist Injuries, Fixation and Repair.”
Christopher Nadolski (class of 2000) received an Award of Excellence for his animation, “Protease Inhibitors: Targeting the HAART of HIV.”
Artist Brings Keen Eye to Neurosurgery Department
AS A TEEN, Andrew Rekito was forever doodling cartoons and other sketches on scratch paper.
His sketches have become more sophisticated--his cartoons have given way to the intricacies of the human brain--but the process, he insists, hasn’t changed much.
“When I was in high school, I liked science classes and thought I might be a
marine biologist,” said
Mr. Rekito, “but I liked to draw, too”
An observant teacher at Lakeside High School in Evans, Ga., noticed this somewhat unusual combination of talents and suggested that he check out one of the country’s six medical illustration programs. And, by the way, she mentioned...one of those six was practically in his own back yard.
Mr. Rekito took her advice. After earning an art degree at the University of Georgia, he headed back home, enrolling in the Medical College of Georgia to earn a master’s degree in medical illustration.
Mr. Rekito graduated in 2002, then found a career that was practically in his own back yard. The MCG Department of Neurosurgery hired him to create the many complex and esoteric illustrations needed to convey the anatomy of the nervous system.
“Neurosurgeons have always seemed to understand the value of medical illustration,” said Steve Harrison, chair of the Department of Medical Illustration and himself a former medical illustrator in the specialty. “That goes back decades. MCG’s neurosurgery department had its own medical illustrator in the 1960s.”
The department uses Mr. Rekito’s work for journal articles, presentations, meetings, marketing/promotional work, teaching and many other purposes. He also redesigned and continually updates the department Web site with new illustrations and information.
“The complexity of the anatomy involved in the brain and spinal cord is hard to grasp,” Mr. Rekito said. “Surgeons use tiny openings to access [seemingly] impossible places.... It’s amazing, and the illustrations help make it more understandable.”
Mr. Rekito often observes neurosurgery operations,
with the patient’s consent. Working closely with neurosurgeons James R. Fick and
Mark Lee, chair of the department, he obtains advance information about what
they want illustrated, then pays close attention as they work. He makes sketches
during the operation that he transforms into rich, detailed illustrations when
he returns to the drawing board.
He combines traditional and high-tech tools to create his artwork. For instance, he might begin with a pencil drawing, then scan it into a computer and use software to add depth and color. The computer, he notes, is a useful tool...but only to the extent that it can complement his imagination and creativity.
“Computers are a great artistic medium, but research, storytelling and sketching is the key,” Mr. Harrison said. “That hasn’t changed in centuries, and it never will.”
The work requires a keen eye for detail and a continual willingness to learn more, Mr. Harrison noted. “It’s so complex and it involves constant research,” he said. “It doesn’t get boring.”
Mr. Rekito has won several prestigious awards for his artwork, including the Will Shepherd Award of Excellence for a poster illustrating the removal of spinal tumors. The award was presented during the Association of Medical Illustrators’ annual meeting last July.
Mr. Rekito is thrilled to have found a career that turned his avocation into a vocation. He spends his spare time painting and doodling the cartoons he hasn’t tired of to this day.
Student Wins National Award
GINGER E. MADDOX, a respiratory therapy student at the Medical College of Georgia, has received the American Respiratory Care Foundation’s 2003 Morton B. Duggan, Jr. Memorial Education Recognition Award.
The $1,000 award, named in memory of a leader in the field of respiratory therapy, honors academic achievement and an original referenced paper on some aspect of respiratory therapy. Respiratory therapy students nationwide are eligible to apply. Ms. Maddox received the award for her paper, “Nosocomial Pneumonia: Are you putting your patients at risk?”
“This is the fifth year running that at least one of our students has been recognized by the American Respiratory Care Foundation as one of the best in the nation,” said Dr. Randy Baker, chair of the MCG Department of Respiratory Therapy. “I don’t believe any other program in the country can make that claim.”
Dr. Bradley Named Association Fellow
DR. KATHY P. BRADLEY, chair of the Department of Occupational Therapy, has been named a fellow of the American Occupational Therapy Association.
The association represents approximately 40,000 occupational therapy professionals and students in advancing the field through standard-setting, advocacy, education and research.
“Fellowship in this national professional organization brings tremendous recognition to MCG and its commitment to excellence in the allied health sciences,” said School of Allied Health Sciences Dean Shelley Mishoe.
Dr. Bradley earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from MCG and a doctorate in education from the University of Georgia. Her research and clinical interests in occupational therapy include cognitive rehabilitation, distance education, balance and vestibular impairments, teaching effectiveness and issues concerning older adults.
2004-05 School of Allied Health Sciences Alumni Association Officers
- Linda Bolt (Occupational Therapy), Martinez, Ga.—President
- Carla Simpkins (Medical Technology), Louisville, Ga.—Secretary
- Steven J. Harrison (Medical Illustration), Augusta, Ga.—Treasurer
- Sharon Clark-Jordan (Physical Therapy), Hephzibah, Ga.—Past President
- Sue Ward, Augusta, Ga.—General Director: Dental Hygiene Representative
- Carla Simpkins, Louisville, Ga.—General Director: Medical Technology Representative
- Angela Griffin, Hephzibah, Ga.—General Director: Physical Therapy Representative
- Glenn Link, Evans, Ga.—General Director: Physician Assistant Representative
- Jonell Poe, Hephzibah, Ga.—General Director: Physician Assistant Representative
- Kimberly Archer, Martinez, Ga.—General Director: Occupational Therapy Representative
- Juan Reyes, North Augusta, S.C.—General Director: Respiratory Therapy Representative
- Shelley Mishoe, Ex Officio—Dean, School of Allied Health Sciences
- Gia Johnson, Ex Officio—Director of Development, School of Allied Health Sciences