Physician Assistant Receives Beard Award

Lorena D. Narvaez, whose Medical College of Georgia education included countless hours of volunteer work helping indigent and medically underserved patients, has received MCG’s 2005 John F. Beard Award for Compassionate Care.

The $25,000 award is presented annually by William Porter “Billy” Payne and his wife, Martha, to a graduating MCG student who exemplifies caring and compassion in health care. Mr. Payne established the award in 1998 to memorialize his father-in-law, who died of cancer in 1997.

Ms. Narvaez earned a bachelor’s degree in physician assistant from the School of Allied Health Sciences during MCG’s May 13 commencement. A native of Nicaragua, she came to the United States in 1988 and earned a bachelor’s degree in biology at the University of West Georgia before shifting her focus to health care.

Before beginning her MCG education, she helped establish a health clinic for indigent Latinos in Carrollton, Ga. While earning her MCG degree, she often stayed on after 12-hour shifts during clinical rotations to optimize her patients’ comfort and care, according to Dr. Bonnie A. Dadig, chair of the MCG Department of Physician Assistant.

“The gift of compassion and warmth is one that Ms. Narvaez gives to all she touches,” Dr. Dadig wrote in her nomination letter.

Ms. Narvaez organized a student mission trip to Belize last summer, and “her true gifts showed when she held in her arms the children of Belize,” Dr. Dadig said. “Her softness of voice and her radiant smile seemed to comfort them, and momentarily allowed the children escape from their harsh surroundings.”

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Chancellor Shares Perspective as Patient with Graduates

As the father of a physician and an administrator who has overseen the education of thousands of health professionals, University System of Georgia Chancellor Thomas C. Meredith probably thought he had an unparalleled understanding of health care.

But when a car crossed an interstate median and crashed head-on into Chancellor Meredith’s car last November, he obtained the most enlightening perspective of all: that of a patient.

“The importance of compassion and caring began to surface almost immediately,” said Chancellor Meredith as he recounted the ordeal to Medical College of Georgia graduates at the May 13 commencement ceremony. Dr. Meredith and wife Susan were severely injured in the accident, an experience that provided up-close-and-personal views of health care providers.

Small details are still fresh on Chancellor Meredith’s mind: a paramedic’s reassurance that everything would be fine, a nurse’s palm on his cheek as he was wheeled into the emergency room, the cheerful drawings of a physician’s child, which she wanted to share with her father’s patients during their Thanksgiving Day hospitalization.

“I knew I would get technical help, but I needed comfort and reassurance,” said Dr. Meredith. “This is the other side of medicine.”

He urged MCG graduates to deliver just such care. “Effective leaders always see through the eyes of the people they are leading,” he said. “The same is true of health care providers: The best see through their patients’ eyes. Health care professionals who seem to say, ‘What can we do to make you feel better?’ have already partially completed the task.”

Chancellor Meredith lauded MCG President Daniel W. Rahn and the faculty in preparing the graduates well for the challenges that lie ahead. “The value of your degree has increased exponentially since your arrival and continues to increase still,” he said. “MCG has exploded into national recognition. The bar is being raised for each new class.

“Open the door for others by supporting your alma mater,” he urged.

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Faculty Lauded for Excellence

The Medical College of Georgia presented 2005 Outstanding Faculty Awards during its April 28 General Faculty Assembly.

The School of Allied Health Sciences presented its Outstanding Faculty Award to Franklin H. Dennison, associate professor in the Department of Respiratory Therapy. Mr. Dennison earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from East Carolina University, a bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy from MCG and a master’s degree in education from Augusta State University.

He joined the School of Allied Health Sciences faculty in 1984 and received its 1989 Faculty Research Award. He received the 1990 Georgia State Allied Health Professional Research Award and the 1993 Radiometer American Literary Award from the journal Respiratory Care for the best feature pulmonary function article. He is the Georgia Society of Respiratory Care representative to the Georgia Society of Allied Health Professionals.

Dr. Jill B. Lewis, associate professor in the Department of Oral Biology and Maxillofacial Pathology, received the School of Dentistry Outstanding Faculty Award. Dr. Lewis earned a Ph.D. in biochemistry with distinction from MCG and completed postdoctoral work at MCG in herpesvirology.

She joined the MCG faculty in 1990 and received the 2003 School of Graduate Studies Distinguished Teaching Award. She is a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the American Association for Dental Research.

The School of Graduate Studies presented its Outstanding Faculty Award to Dr. Michael W. Brands, professor of physiology and associate member of the Vascular Biology Center. Dr. Brands earned a Ph.D. in physiology from the University of Missouri and joined the MCG faculty in 2000. He is researching the effects of inflammatory cytokines on blood pressure.

Dr. Brands received a 1997 American Physiological Society Young Investigator Award, the 1998 American Heart Association Established Investigator Award and the 1999 University of Mississippi Medical Center Basic Science Teacher of the Year Award. He is a member of the American Physiological Society, the American Society of Hypertension and two councils of the American Heart Association.

Honored in the School of Medicine was Dr. Jatinder Bhatia, chief of the Section of Neonatology and vice chair for clinical research in the Department of Pediatrics. Dr. Bhatia, who earned his medical degree from the University of Pune Indian Armed Forces Medical College, joined the MCG faculty in 1991.

He received the MCG Faculty Senate Committee’s 1999 Distinguished Faculty Award for Institutional Service and the 2001 and 2002 Georgia Nutrition Council Awards of Excellence. He is secretary/treasurer of the Southern Society for Pediatric Research and a past president of the Georgia Nutrition Council.

The School of Nursing presented its Outstanding Faculty Award to Nancy L. Stark, an instructor in the Department of Physiologic and Technologic Nursing. Ms. Stark earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Indiana State University and a master’s degree in nursing administration from Indiana University. She joined the MCG faculty in 1990.

She received the 2004 Reflection of Nursing Spirit and Commitment Award from the School of Nursing, The Augusta Chronicle and the 10th District Georgia Nurses Association. She received three MCG Nurse of the Year Awards and is a member of the American Nurses Association, the American Association of Critical Care Nurses, Sigma Theta Tau and the American Heart Association.

MCG’s Greenblatt Library presented its Outstanding Faculty Award to Marie A. Collins, assistant professor and chair of the Department of Dental Hygiene. Ms. Collins earned a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene and master’s degree in dental hygiene education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is earning a doctoral degree in educational administration from Georgia Southern University.

She joined the MCG faculty in 1998 and is a member of the Sigma Phi Alpha Dental Hygiene National Honor Society. Ms. Collins helped integrate library resource instruction into the dental curriculum, including a significant library component focusing on evidence-based search techniques for the Research, Design and Critical Thinking Course.

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Interim Deans Named in Medicine, Graduate Studies

Dr. Steve J. Schwab, chair of the Medical College of Georgia Department of Medicine, has been named interim dean of the School of Medicine. He succeeds Dr. David M. Stern, dean since 2002, who will become dean of the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine in August.

Also, Dr. Gretchen B. Caughman, associate dean of the School of Graduate Studies, has been named interim dean of the school. She succeeds Dr. Matthew J. Kluger, dean of the School of Graduate Studies and vice president for research since 1999, who has joined George Mason University as vice president for research. MCG Provost Barry Goldstein will temporarily assume the duties of vice president for research.

"We regret the departure of these two talented individuals who have made enormous contributions to the Medical College of Georgia," said MCG President Daniel W. Rahn. "They are enthusiastic, brilliant leaders who have contributed mightily to this institution.

"We already have begun to execute a strategy to select a new medical school dean to ensure continued momentum. I am grateful that Steve Schwab has stepped up to serve in this transition period. Steve is another of our energetic, talented leaders who will continue to serve the school and the university well. We are delighted as well that Gretchen has agreed to accept the job of interim dean of graduate studies. She has the respect of the program directors, the other deans, the faculty and students."

Dr. David Hess, chair of the Department of Neurology, will chair the national search for a medical school dean and Dr. Jin-Xiong She, director of the Center for Biotechnology and Genomic Medicine, will serve as vice chair. No immediate plans have been made to recruit a graduate studies dean, Dr. Goldstein said.

Dr. Schwab came to MCG in 2003 from Duke University Medical Center where he was vice chair of the Department of Medicine. Dr. Caughman, a faculty member at MCG 1985, was named associate dean of graduate studies in 1999.

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Homecoming 2005

Homecoming photo gallery.

School of Medicine Class of 1945

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MCG Health System opened a free-standing Cardiovascular Center June 22 at 1004 Chafee Avenue in Augusta that was designed with input from patients and families.  (See indepth article: Steadying the Course - Advances Lead to Lifesaving Heart Arrhythmia Treatments.) The 8,500-square-foot facility optimizes comfort and convenience with 12 patient rooms, six specialty diagnostic areas featuring state-of-the-art technology, a patient education area and more.  For more information or an appointment, call 706-721-CARE (2273) or visit www.MCGHealth.org/Cardio.

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School of Allied Health Sciences

Marjorie Herring McNeill (medical record administration, ’76) recently received her Ph.D. in educational leadership from Florida A&M University. Her dissertation was titled “Academic Program Variables that Predict Success on the Registered Health Information Administrator Certification Examination.” She is the interim director of the Health Information Management Program in the Florida A&M University School of Allied Health Sciences.

Renee B. Howell (medical record administration, ’83) has been promoted to chief quality officer at Walton Rehabilitation Healthcare System in Augusta. She has worked at Walton since 1987 and is a clinical instructor in the MCG Department of Health Informatics. She is a member of the Georgia Health Information Management Association and the Augusta Area Health Information Management Association and has held numerous offices in both associations, including president. Mrs. Howell received the 1998 Georgia Hospital Association Professional Achievement Award. She and husband Joe live in North Augusta, S.C., with their two children.

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School of Dentistry

Dr. Larry L. Tilley (’75) is a dentist in Calhoun, Ga., and recently completed his tenure as president of the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain. He is a founding member of the organization and has served on its board of directors since its inception in 1985. Dr. Tilley also is an assistant clinical professor of oral medicine at MCG and lectures internationally on TMD, craniofacial pain and dental sleep medicine. He is the founder of the American Alliance of TMD Organizations.

Dr. Thomas P. Godfrey (’93) has been appointed by Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue to the Georgia Board of Dentistry. Dr. Godfrey has a general practice in Atlanta.

Dr. Ben Adams (’96), Greenville, S.C., has been named South Carolina Young Dentist of the Year.

Obituaries

Dr. Willis James (Jimmy) Walker (’75) died April 19 at age 60.

Dr. Walker, who graduated with honors from Augusta’s Lucy C. Laney High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Paine College, practiced dentistry for 30 years in Augusta after earning his dental degree.

“Dr. Walker was a treasured friend and colleague,” said MCG School of Dentistry Dean Connie Drisko. “ He was a tireless supporter of MCG, including helping students financially and mentoring new generations of dentists, particularly minorities.”

He was a member of the Stoney Medical, Dental and Pharmaceutical Society, the Augusta Dental Society and the Georgia Dental Society.

Survivors include daughter Walidah Jenell Walker, son Willis James Walker III, a granddaughter and four brothers.

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School of Medicine

Dr. Andrew Delone Muse Jr. (’59), has retired from practice, the Surgery Clinic in Athens, Ga., after more than four decades of service. Dr. Muse served in the Georgia Army National Guard from 1966 and retired as a brigadier general in 2002. His career has included fellowship in the American College of Surgeons and the Southeastern Surgical Congress and membership in the American Medical Association, American Society of Abdominal Surgeons, American Society of General Surgeons, American Society of Military Surgeons, Georgia Surgical Society, Medical Association of Georgia, Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons and Society of Medical Consultants of Armed Forces. His retirement plans include traveling, gardening, fishing and spending lots of time with his friends and family, including three granddaughters.

Dr. Charles L. Rice (’68) has been named president of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. He completed his general surgery residency at the National Naval Medical Center. Following active duty, he continued in the Naval Reserve and retired as a captain in 2003. Former positions include vice chancellor for health affairs at the University of Illinois, vice dean of the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine and chair of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Division of General Surgery.

Dr. Vendie Hudson Hooks III (’74), a colon and rectal surgeon with Colon and Rectal Surgery Associates, P.C. in Augusta, has been elected vice president of the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery.

Dr. Eddie R. Cheeks (’76), Augusta, has been reappointed as the physician member of Georgia’s Composite State Board of Medical Examiners by Gov. Sonny Perdue. Dr. Cheeks is an assistant clinical professor in the MCG Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and a clinical instructor in the Morehouse School of Medicine Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. He is president of Augusta Medical Partners, LLP and the Academy of Women’s and Children’s Health, LLC, Inc. He and wife Monique have four children.

Dr. Raymond L. Fowler (’76), associate professor of surgery at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, received the Keith Neely Outstanding Contribution to EMS Award from the National Association of EMS Physicians during the group’s annual meeting in Florida. The award honors lifelong achievements to the founding and growth of the group. Dr. Fowler was a co-founder of the association and its second president. Dr. Fowler, deputy EMS medical director for the EMS System of Dallas, has been on the UT Southwestern faculty since 2001.

Dr. Jonathan Forester (’78) is the founder of the Christian Oasis, a non-profit ministry to help emotionally scarred people with or without substance abuse problems. Church leaders, trained counselors, psychologists, a medical doctor and medicines are free to Oasis attendees. He also is the author of Conquering Chronic Fatigue (Regal Books, 2003). He and wife Cheryl live with their four children in Louisiana.

Dr. Robert P. Booth (’80), St. Augustine, Fla., was named one of the best doctors in Jacksonville, Fla., in the June 2005 issue of Jacksonville Magazine. The magazine used the services of Best Doctors, Inc., a Boston-Based medical referral and research firm, to compile its list. Those included in the list are selected by their peers. Dr. Booth is a neuroradiologist at Shands Hospital in Jacksonville. He and his wife, a colonel in the Florida Air National Guard, have a 3-year-old daughter, Ashley.

Dr. Henry Muriel Patton (’80), Covington, Ga., has been appointed by Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue to the board of the Department of Human Resources. He will represent the 13th congressional district. He is the attending physician for Newton General Hospital, consulting physician for Rockdale County Hospital, assistant clinical professor of medicine of the Primary Care Preceptorship Program for MCG and an instructor of advanced cardiac life support for the American Heart Association. He and wife Victoria have four children.

Dr. Robert Rosengart (’88), Macon, Ga., is a board-certified radiologist for Radiology Associates of Macon, P.C. and medical director of the Ultrasound Department of the Medical Center of Central Georgia. He recently earned a master’s degree in business administration from American Intercontinental University.

Dr. Daniel Heithold (’93), Flintstone, Ga., has been named chief of staff for Hutcheson Medical Center in Fort Oglethorpe, Ga. His two-year term began Jan. 1. He is a board-certified general surgeon for Memorial Surgical Specialists at Hutcheson. He is a native of Atlanta and enjoys golf, hiking and raising horses.

Dr. Christopher Lang (’94) is an orthopedic surgeon at Spokane Orthopedics in Spokane, Wash. He is a member of the Spokane County Medical Society.

Dr. Suresh Mendpara, who completed a hematology/oncology residency at MCG in 2004, passed his board certifications in oncology, hematology and internal medicine with perfect scores.

Obituaries

Dr. Rupert Bramblett (’44) died April 30 at age 86 at his Cumming, Ga., residence. He was a general practitioner for 53 years, making house calls through the 1970s. He worked with other physicians in Forsyth County to open its first public hospital in 1957 and became its first chief of staff. Dr. Bramblett retired in 1998. Survivors include a son, two daughters, eight grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Dr. Michael Jennings Murphy (’69) died Feb. 22 at age 61 after a six-month battle with cancer. Dr. Murphy, a lifelong Augusta resident, specialized in ophthalmology and founded the Southern Eye Center where he practiced for years. Survivors include wife Judy and three children.

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School of Nursing

Dr. Marion Broome (’73), dean of nursing at Indiana University, received the Southern Nursing Research Society’s Distinguished Researcher Award at its Feb. 3-5 conference.

Gwendolyn Fryer (’74) is assigned at Fort Gordon, Ga., as population health program manager.

Norma J. Luten (’75), Savannah, Ga., is the owner and chief executive officer of Lutern’s Nursing Services, supplying nursing staff to area hospitals.

Antonia Dixon Autry (’75) is an operating room nurse at University Hospital in Augusta and an activated reservist in support of the war.

Dr. Charlotte Ramsey Price (’75) chairs the Augusta State University Department of Nursing.

Elaine Gunter (’87), Bogart, Ga., celebrates the fifth anniversary this month of her company, Aging Resources Inc., offering in-home geriatric care management.

Kristen Rhodes (’94), earned a master’s degree with honors in May from Boston College’s first graduating class in nurse anesthesia. She will practice in San Diego.

Shelby Lacy (M.S.N., ’96), Athens, Ga., has been named the 2005 Athens Woman of Distinction by the Girl Scouts of Northeast Georgia. Ms. Lacy is the manager of health education for Athens Regional Medical Center, where she has worked for almost 40 years. She has chaired the Clarke County Board of Health, the Clarke County Family Connection and the Athens Tobacco Prevention Coalition. She has received the American Heart Association’s Gold Medallion Award and two Boss of the Year Awards at Athens Regional Medical Center.

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Attention, Alumni

Please keep us posted on personal and professional achievements by dropping us a line. Remember to include your degree, class year and contact information. Also, please let us know if your address has changed. Send information to:

Christine Hurley Deriso,
Publications Editor
FI-1040, Medical College of Georgia
Augusta GA 30912
706-721-2124 (phone)
706-721-6397 (fax)
cderiso@mcg.edu (e-mail)

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