Office of Alumni Relations eNewsletter ● June 2016 ● https://alumni.utmb.edu
about the roles and responsibilities of other healthcare
disciplines, including the contribution of public health.
Meticulously written by a cross section of faculty over a
period of eight months, the fictional case of a teenage
male who contracts Neisseria
meningitidis type b, was pre-
sented simultaneously to stu-
dents across campus during
class on Tuesday, January 12.
Warren’s case, designed to
span acute care, community/
public health response and
convalescent care, allowed
students from the schools of
Medicine, Nursing, Health
Professions and the Graduate
School of Biomedical Scienc-
es to recognize their own roles
and responsibilities in such an
outbreak while determining what is needed from other
areas.
In phase one, faculty members presented the case to stu-
dents using slides, detailed notes and prompts in their
discipline-specific classes.
During phase two, students moved around campus to fill
in the gaps of the case by consulting with students in oth-
er disciplines using “Warren dollars” as payment for each
consult.
After consultations, students returned to their original
groups to write down the information they gleaned from
each paid consultation on a color-specific note card that
corresponded with each discipline. The note cards were
then posted on a timeline to create a visual representation
of the different fields critical to Warren’s care.
W arren Bernard is a 16-year-old high school
student and captain of the wrestling team.
The day after his big championship win,
Warren is slow to rise from bed, has a high fever, is cov-
ered with purple spots and is in
an altered state of mind. His
mother decides to take him to the
hospital and he collapses as he
gets into the car.
At UTMB, more than 700
students immediately converge
to respond to Warren’s illness.
They break into groups to dis-
cuss his symptoms, learn about
his medical, family and social
history, review his vitals and
physical exam results and then
attempt to make diagnosis while
setting up consultations and creat-
ing treatment plans.
These students work tirelessly for nearly four hours on
Warren’s case, but oddly they never actually speak to or
examine him – for he only exists on paper.
Warren Bernard is an interactive tabletop exercise
designed to help students understand the role that each
healthcare discipline plays in the treatment of one patient.
Created by Dr. Judith Rowen, Associate Dean for Educa-
tional Affairs; Dr. Laura Rudkin, Chair of the Depart-
ment of Preventive Medicine and Community Health
(PMCH); Dr. Christine Arcari, PMCH faculty; and Dr.
Elisabeth Shell, Associate Professor in the School of
Health Professions, the objective of this project was to
promote interprofessional education and prepare students
to work in a collaborative environment while learning
More than 700 students discover what’s wrong with Warren
Students review “Warren’s” case before consulting with
other disciplines and forming a diagnosis.
continued, page 8
School of Medicine Alumni Association recognizes distinguished alumni
F our outstanding School of Medicine (SOM) alumni were honored at the 19th
annual Ashbel Smith Distinguish Alumnus (ASDA) Awards Ceremony and
Reception on Friday, June 3 at the Moody Gardens Hotel. These physicians, nomi-
nated and selected by their peers, were honored for their service to the medical profes-
sion and humanity and for their integrity, stature, ability, demonstrated pride in UTMB
and community contributions.
Established in 1965, the ASDA Award is the highest honor bestowed by the alumni of the
SOM Alumni Association. Of the more than 9,000 SOM alumni, only 199 have been
honored with this prestigious award since its inception.
The award honors the memory of Dr. Ashbel Smith, a prominent figure in Texas medicine, politics and educa-
tion. Dr. Smith was instrumental in establishing the University of Texas at Austin in 1881 and the medical
department in Galveston that would become UTMB.
Gerald A. Beathard, MD,
PhD, FACP
Class of 1964
A 1964 graduate of the School of
Medicine and a 1969 graduate of
the Graduate School of Biomedi-
cal Sciences, Dr. Beathard also
completed an internship, residency and fellowship at
UTMB.
From 1969 to 1970, Dr. Beathard served as chief res-
ident in the Department of Internal Medicine under
chairman, Dr. William Deiss and then joined the
faculty at UTMB. Here he rose to the position of
associate professor, initiated the Renal Pathology
Program and oversaw the Nephrology Outpatient
Clinic.
He left Galveston in 1977 and entered private prac-
tice in Austin, Texas.
Dr. Beathard is considered the Father of Intervention-
al Nephrology for his role in creating the field and
for his leadership and commitment to train others in
this area.
Since 2000 he has served as co-medical director of
Lifeline Vascular Access, a company that manages
75 dialysis vascular access facilities in 22 states.
Dr. Beathard is also credited with being a founding
member and the first president of the American Soci-
ety of Diagnostic and Interventional Nephrology.
Throughout his career, Dr. Beathard’s passion for his
alma mater has remained constant. He is a member of
the UTMB Development Board and a lifetime mem-
ber of the School of Medicine Alumni Association.
Paul Brindley, MD
(posthumously)
Class of 1925
Born in 1896, Dr. Paul Brindley
completed his medical degree at
UTMB in 1925.
After finishing his post-graduate
work, Dr. Brindley became an instructor of patholo-
gy at UTMB and was then promoted to associate pro-
fessor in 1927.
He was then appointed professor and chairman of the
Department of Pathology in 1929 and held that posi-
tion for 25 years.
He was instrumental in establishing the Galveston
Chapter of the American Cancer Society and was
named the society’s first president in 1948.
Dr. Brindley became a Fellow of the American Col-
lege of Physicians in 1934 and a Fellow of the Amer-
ican College of Pathologists in 1947. He was twice
president of the Texas Society of Pathologists and
was posthumously awarded their first Caldwell
Memorial Award in January 1955.
The Brindley Family holds a long legacy at UTMB:
eleven members of the Brindley family have graduat-
ed from UTMB since 1911 and now three of those
members are ASDA recipients.
The presence of Dr. Brindley’s nephews on campus
over the past 75 years has led Dr. Brindley to be
fondly known as “Uncle Paul.”
Dr. Brindley died in 1954 and was honored with the
installation of a bronze plaque in the lecture hall of
the Keiller Building by the sophomore class.
continued, page 3
Delbert Lee Chumley,
MD, FACP
Class of 1971
Dr. Chumley received his medi-
cal degree from UTMB in 1971
and remained in Galveston to
complete an internship and resi-
dency in internal medicine in
1974 and a fellowship in
gastroenterology in 1976.
After completing his post-graduate training, Dr.
Chumley returned to his home town of San Antonio
and entered into private practice where he later
founded Gastroenterology Consultants of San
Antonio -- a thriving, 19 physician group specializing
in clinical and endoscopic gastrointestinal services.
Dr. Chumley is board certified by the American
Board of Internal Medicine and is a Fellow of the
American College of Physicians and the American
College of Gastroenterology.
He maintains a clinical faculty appointment as
Professor of Medicine at the University of Texas
Health Science Center at San Antonio and continues
to maintain his busy private practice.
Albert E. Sanders, MD
Class of 1959
Dr. Sanders earned his master
of science in anatomy and his
doctor of medicine degree from
UTMB in 1959.
He completed a community
rotating internship at Denver
General Hospital and St.
Joseph’s Hospital in Colorado and did his residency
in orthopedic surgery at Baylor University College of
Medicine in Houston.
From 1962-1966, he was employed with the U.S.
Public Health Services Department with the Jicarilla
tribe, a tribe of Apaches in New Mexico.
Dr. Sanders was one of the founding faculty of the
University of Texas Health Science Center at San
Antonio (UTHSC-SA) in 1968 and served there in
several positions until his retirement in 2011.
A lifetime member of both the UTMB School of
Medicine and Graduate School of Biomedical Sci-
ences Alumni Associations, Dr. Sanders continues to
remain connected to his alma mater through his cur-
rent service on the UTMB San Antonio Regional
Leadership Council.
Paessler named 2016 GSBS Distinguished Alumnus
The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences Distinguished Alumnus
Award is presented annually to a graduate who has achieved special
recognition in their professional career.
This year, Dr. Slobodan Paessler (‘07), professor in the UTMB depart-
ment of Pathology, director of the Galveston National Lab Preclinical
Studies Core and scientific director of the Animal Bio-Safety Lab-3
Facilities was chosen as the school’s 2016 recipient.
Dr. Paessler has achieved international prominence as a researcher in
the field of virology since earning his PhD in Experimental Pathology
from the GSBS in 2007.
He shares his expertise with service on multiple national and interna-
tional study sections, including virology-focused study sections at the
National Institutes of Health.
His high public profile has helped attract the best students and postdoc-
toral fellows to our university.
Paessler and GSBS Dean David Niesel
UTMB Marketing and Communications
I t’s been a very long road for Galveston’s Hunter
Cherryhomes.
He completed the high point of a long journey as
he walked across stage at UTMB’s School of Nursing
graduation ceremony to receive his degree on Friday,
April 29.
As a single father trying to make ends meet after
2008’s Hurricane Ike, life was
anything but easy for Cherry-
homes.
A high school dropout, Cherry-
homes was working for a local
electrical contractor, sometimes
up to 15 hours a day. His job pro-
vided no insurance or other bene-
fits, which prompted the young
father to reexamine his future.
“I always regretted not finishing
high school,” said Cherryhomes.
“Working the long days I had
very little time to spend with my
young daughter and I wanted to
have a greater presence in her
life.”
Cherryhomes made the decision to
obtain his GED, which set him on a path for even
greater achievements than he may have anticipated.
While earning his GED he realized he had an affinity
for science, which led to an Associates of Science
degree from Galveston College.
During this time Cherryhomes also met his future
wife. She had three girls, making for a blended fami-
ly with four daughters. One of the four has Type 1
diabetes and Cherryhomes felt like he could not
properly care for her, inspiring him to consider a
medical career.
“Working in the healthcare field would give me the
opportunity to take care of my family and myself
with a rewarding career. That is how I came to the
decision that nursing school was right for me,” said
Cherryhomes.
The young father not only attended nursing school,
he was part of UTMB’s prestigious honors program.
Two days before the deadline to register for honors
UTMB nursing graduate beats the odds courses he learned that his test scores qualified him
for the program. He quickly composed the required
essay and submitted his application, ending up as one
of five students accepted.
When asked about the benefits of being a part of the
honors program Cherryhomes said there were many.
“One of the most rewarding aspects of the program
was the field experience we did in Beaumont,” said
Cherryhomes. “I had experience with inpatients, but
when working with outpatients
we saw many indigent patients.”
Cherryhomes took to heart many
of the challenges the indigent
patients experienced, such as a
lack of transportation and more.
“If a person has to make a choice
between medicine and food for
their family, they will choose
food.”
While Cherryhomes actually
completed his studies in Decem-
ber, he received his diploma at
the April graduation ceremony in
front of a large family contin-
gent.
“We are proud of Hunter and all of
our graduates,” said Pamela G. Watson, dean of
UTMB’s School of Nursing. “The integrity and quali-
ty of our graduates will be an ongoing asset to the
nursing community.”
Cherryhomes recently began his first nursing position
in the UTMB medical intensive care unit, which he
finds exciting and challenging. The new nurse is also
excited to be working in the recently opened Jennie
Sealy Hospital with its abundance of natural lighting
and expansive views.
When prompted to explain what he finds most re-
warding about nursing Cherryhomes quickly and
proudly responded.
“There are so many things. You are taking care of not
just the patient, but also their loved ones. I enjoy the
aspect of comforting families and patients and seeing
them come make a full recovery or getting better.
Even if it does not work out, I feel good knowing I
tried and always strive to be a positive influence.”
Cherryhomes at graduation with Dr. Pamela
Watson, dean of the School of Nursing.
I n 2013, members of the UTMB School of Health
Professions class of 1978 physical therapy (PT)
program gathered for dinner one night in Galves-
ton to celebrate their 35th reunion.
During that dinner, a most interesting question was
posed. Former faculty member, Mary Ann Barnett
asked, “With all that you know now, would you
choose to be a physical therapist again?”
The resounding answer was
yes followed by stories of
their time at UTMB and
their desire to become the
best in their field. It was a
night of great joy, laughter
and shared memories of
simpler times.
Everyone at the table
agreed that while much has
changed since they were in
school, two things have re-
mained the same – faculty
and staff continue to pro-
vide an outstanding educa-
tional environment at
UTMB and college debt
continues to be a daunting
issue for PT students.
Motivated by that conversation three years ago, Dr.
Robert (Tony) English, who currently serves as Chair
of the PT program at the University of Kentucky, de-
cided it was time to start an initiative to support stu-
dents who are striving to serve the PT needs of the
next generation.
“As a faculty member, I realize the great debt that
students incur to obtain a physical therapy degree,”
said English.
English enlisted the help of his classmate, Dr. Cecilia
(Ceil) Graham, a retired professor from the Universi-
ty of Alabama at Birmingham, to establish an en-
dowed scholarship for PT students at UTMB in the
name of the Class of 1978.
“Our class reunion made us reflect on how much we
valued our education at UTMB, so this was an oppor-
tunity both to give back to UTMB and to honor our
class,” said Graham.
Working closely with the UTMB Development
Office, English and Graham set an initial goal to raise
$10,000 – the minimum amount for an endowed
scholarship – to establish a scholarship to inspire and
support the next generation of PT students in the
School of Health Professions.
Earlier this year, English and Graham made their
gifts to the fund and appealed to their classmates to
support their efforts.
Monies raised will be
placed in a permanent en-
dowment account and the
income earned will be
directed to provide stu-
dent scholarships. The
remainder of the income
will be reinvested as a
tool for growth and a
hedge against inflation.
“Enabling young PTs the
opportunity to graduate
and start their careers with
less debt will facilitate
their ability to advance
and excel in their profes-
sion,” added English.
To learn more about the
Class of 1978 Physical Therapy Scholarship Fund in
the School of Health Professions, please contact
Lauren Sundermeier, UTMB Assistant Director of
Development, at 409-772-5343 or email
YOU CAN MAKE A GIFT NOW by clicking the
icon below and designate your gift to the Class of
1978 PT Scholarship Fund.
PT grads create scholarship while honoring their class
Dr. Ceil Graham (top left) and Dr. Tony English (bottom
right) were actively involved in the Allied Health Student
Organization in 1978.
G raduate School of Biomedical Sciences stu-
dent Justin Drake has spent the last nine
years of his life in the University of Texas
(UT) System.
His first four years were at University of Texas at
Austin, where he earned a Bachelor of Science de-
gree in biomedical engineering and his last five years
have been here at UTMB completing his doctorate in
biochemistry and molecular biology.
So it wasn’t too surprising when Texas Governor
Greg Abbott ultimately chose Drake from a list of
five finalists to serve as the UT System Student Re-
gent in July 2015.
As he completed his one-year service on May 31,
Drake reflected on his experiences as the second stu-
dent from UTMB
to serve in this
capacity.
“Less than a
week after being
appointed, an
emergency meet-
ing was called,”
said Drake.
“While it was
intimidating at
first, I was ex-
tremely excited
to immerse my-
self in this role.”
The UT System
student regent is
required to attend
five regularly
scheduled board
meetings and
must be familiar with all materials prior to each meet-
ing. Additionally, one full day of orientation is re-
quired to learn about the role and its responsibilities.
While student regents have the same rights as board
members, they are not allowed to vote or be counted
towards a quorum.
“I was able to ask questions and voice my opinion on
things pertinent to students,” he said.
One of the major issues that developed during
Drake’s term on the board were tuition increases at
all UT health and academic institutions.
According to Drake, “It was interesting to learn as a
student about the factors that drive up the cost of
higher education.”
In order to understand the culture of each campus and
the students’ stance on tuition, Drake traveled across
the state in the fall and met with student leadership
organizations from all 14 UT System institutions.
During each visit he was able to engage in candid dis-
cussions about the proposed increases and how the
money was being appropriated.
“In my travels, I found that students were generally
open to increases to improve the competitiveness and
stature of their
campus, as
long as the
need was
transparently
communicated
and they were
involved in the
process,” he
said.
Drake found
that students
were comforta-
ble talking to
him which also
allowed him to
communicate
the business
and priorities
of the board.
Ultimately,
increases in tuition over the next two years at all UT
institutions were approved by the board in February
and Drake felt confident that his visits were success-
ful in communicating the need.
As he finished his term last month, Drake realized
that the exposure he received to so many different
situations and leadership opportunities were invalua-
ble. So much so, that he and his UT System student
regent predecessor, Max Richards, have developed a
Becoming the ultimate student regent
UT System Chancellor William McRaven (left) and UT System Board of Regents
Chairman Paul Foster (right) present Drake with a certificate of appreciation
continued, next page
125th Anniversary Notables REGENT, continued from page 6
leadership forum to prepare other students for this
important role.
“Our goal is to bring together all incoming and out-
going student regents from universities across Texas
so we can learn from each other, establish a network
and make the role more effective.”
Their first workshop, the Texas Student Regent Lead-
ership Forum, will be held in Austin this month and
hosted by the UT System. Drake and Richards have
arranged for a series of state and academic leaders in
higher education to speak on certain leadership and
board governance topics and engage students in dis-
cussions.
“It is our hope that this forum will be held annual-
ly and hosted by different systems,” said Drake.
“Some issues are pervasive across the state and it is
important to learn what other student regents are ex-
periencing.”
While Drake is grateful for this unique leadership
opportunity, he is looking forward to returning to his
research, completing his dissertation and graduating
at the end of the year.
Click here to learn more about the UT System student
regent selection process.
This year, UTMB marks its 125th year
with a series of special events to celebrate
our rich history and legacy. See photos
and learn more about these events and
accomplishments by clicking on the links
below:
October 2015
Employee Kick-off celebration held at Old Red
February 2016
New Jennie Sealy Hospital is dedicated
April 2016
Jennie Sealy Hospital opens for patients
May 2016
Alumni gather for 125th Reunion Reception
Milestones Gala honors UT System Chancellor,
William McRaven and raises $3.7 million for UTMB
June 2016
League City Campus Hospital opens
OCTOBER 2016
Homecoming celebrating the classes of 1966, 1971,
1976, 1981, 1986, 1991, 1996, 2001, 2006
During the first week of March, the UTMB Office of Alumni Relations reached out
to more than 9,500 alumni with email addresses in our database to get a better
understanding of your thoughts on our communication efforts.
More than 415 alumni completed the survey and of those, three lucky alumni re-
ceived a prize for completing the five-question instrument (see winners on Bulletin Board page).
Here is what we learned:
Less than half of the respondents answering the survey have visited our alumni website in the last year.
Approximately 75% of alumni responding said they read this e-newsletter and are interested in seeing
more news about their specific school and their classmates.
The email messages sent by our office are well-received and being read by more than 58% of respondents.
When asked if alumni have been back to Galveston to visit the campus, unfortunately more than half of the
alumni have not been back or attended a UTMB event in the past 12 months.
We want to extend our sincere gratitude to those alumni who participated in our survey and provided feedback
on our efforts. If you missed the survey but want to submit your comments on our communication efforts,
please email our office at [email protected].
And the survey said...
1930s Dr. Clarence T. Agress, SOM 1937
Santa Barbara, CA - February 24, 2016
Elizabeth S. Crawford, SOM 1939
Houston, TX - March 11, 2016
Dr. George W. Tipton, SOM 1938
Santa Fe, NM - February 5, 2016
1940s Dr. W. Thomas Arnold, SOM 1944
Houston, TX - March 29, 2016
Margery F. Gartman, SON 1949
March 22, 2016
Dr. William R. Livesay, SOM 1946
Houston, TX - March 28, 2016
Ruth M. Meador, SON 1948
Bandera, TX - February 3, 2016
Charles E. Stephens, SON 1947
Abilene, TX—January 20, 2016
Rosemary E. Walker, SON 1942
Ft. Worth, Texas—April 16, 2016
1950s Dr. Thomas H. Alexander, SOM 1955
Flint, TX—January 22, 2016
Dr. Jack L. Anderson, SOM 1959
Austin, TX —April 24, 2016
Dr. James M. Berler, SOM 1954
San Antonio, TX—February 11, 2016
Dr. Charles R. Craig, SOM 1958
Corpus Christi, TX—April 25, 2016
Dr. Wilbur E. Crenwelge, SOM 1955
Fredericksburg, TX—March 2, 2016
Dr. Leonard P. Haber, SOM 1954
Northridge, CA—March 16, 2016
Dr. Frances P. Lankford, SOM 1950
Ft. Worth, TX—February 6, 2016
Dr. W. H. McCullough III, SOM 1959
El Paso, TX — March 3, 2016
In Memory Of...
UTMB alumni who have passed since January 1, 2016
1950s continued
Dr. Hal E. Montgomery, SOM 1957
Austin, TX—February 11, 2016 Iris R. Press, SON 1955
Quinter, KS—April 19, 2016
Dr. W. Jamar Reid, SOM 1957
Lufkin, TX—April 9, 2016
Dr. Nina M. Sisley, SOM 1950
Corpus Christi, TX—January 10, 2016
Dr. Richard F. Timmer, GSBS 1959 / SOM 1960
Houston, TX—February 8, 2016
Margaret C. Westenburg, SON 1954
Childress, TX—February 25, 2016
Dr. Charles H. Williams, SOM 1954
Bandera, TX—February 7, 2016
1960s Dr. John M. Deaton, SOM 1969
Ft. Smith, AR—May 4, 2016
Rachel A. Herreth, SON 1965
Pasadena, TX—March 18, 2016
Dr. Jesse V. James, GSBS 1965
Knoxville, TN—January 18, 2016
Dr. Stanley M. McAnelly, SOM 1962
Brady, TX—March 15, 2016
Dr. Gordon S. Tekell, SOM 1961
Sedona, AZ—March 24, 2016
Dr. Susan M. Skrovan, SOM 1961
Granger, TX—March 16, 2016
1970s Dr. Nancy Kirchmer, SOM 1973
Beaumont, TX—March 25, 2016
Dr. Robert S. Totz, SOM 1970
Houston, TX—January 11, 2016
Dr. William C. Weise, SOM 1979
San Antonio, TX—February 17, 2016
1980s David Cavazos, Jr. SON 1980
San Benito, TX—May 22, 2016
1990s Sylvia M. Cohen, SHP 1991
Galveston, TX—April 21, 2016
Dr. Mark D. Munoz, SOM 1996
San Antonio, TX—April 6, 2016
2000s Rebecca Michels, SON 2001
Live Oak, TX—January 6, 2016
2010s Dr. David Gersztenkorn,
GSBS 2014 / SOM 2015
Galveston, TX—February 11, 2016
Monique A. Massey, SHP 2014
New Orleans, LA—March 23, 2016
To report the death of a
UTMB alumnus, please call
the UTMB Office of Alumni
Relations at 1-888-862-7111
or email [email protected].
A copy of an obituary or
death certificate will be
helpful for our records.
Class Notes 60s DR. W. RICHARD CASHION (SOM ‘66) has pub-
lished a new book , The Road from Troas, in it he writes
about his learning disability as a child and his dream to be-
come a doctor.
70s CECILIA GARCIA AKERS (SHP ‘77) has pub-
lished a book, The Inspiring Life of Texan Hector P. Garcia,
which provides her perspective on her father’s remarkable
achievements as an activist, physician and the first Mexican-
American graduate of UTMB.
DR. BEN RAIMER (GSBS ‘70 / SOM ‘74) was
named the 2016 recipient of the Frank Webber, MD
Award from the Texas Medical Association’s Medi-
cal Student Section.
DR. KEITH SWANSON (SOM ‘71) has been
named director of the new Graduate Medical Educa-
tion department at Barton Health in South Lake Ta-
hoe, CA.
80s DR. CARLOS CARDENAS (SOM ‘85) was voted
president-elect of the Texas Medical Association.
EDGAR MONTALVO (SHP ‘83) was named
CEO and Managing Director of the Fort Duncan Re-
gional Medical Center in Eagle Pass, Texas.
90s DR. JACQUES BAILLARGEON (GSBS ‘97) re-
cently published a population-based study that finds
older men using testosterone therapy are less likely to
be readmitted to the hospital.
DR. EDWARD BUCKINGHAM (SOM ‘97) has
been named one of America’s Best Physicians by the
National Consumer Advisory Board.
90s continued DR. M. DEREK CARAWAY (SOM ‘96) has been
tapped to serve as medical director of the First
Choice Emergency Room in the Woodlands, Texas
DR. CHERYL JUNEAU (SON ‘96) was elected to
the UTMB Academy of Master Clinicians.
MELISSA LOFTIN (SON ‘95) was promoted to
Vice President of Quality and Patient Safety by the
Tampa Community Hospital in Tampa, Florida.
DR. YUAN BO PENG (GSBS ‘96) was par t of a
research team that developed an alternative solution
to alleviating chronic pain without the use of drugs.
00s DR. SHEYANNE CHAN (SON ‘07) is now a life-
time member of the UTMB School of Nursing
Alumni Association.
DR. KJELL LINDGREN (GSBS ‘07) was present-
ed with the first Graduate School of Biomedical
Sciences Impact Award on May 20.
DEANNA LUSTY (SHP ‘07) was named the 2016
Dallas-Fort Worth Hospital Council Employee of the
Year.
DR. JOAN NICHOLS (GSBS ‘00) is one of 10
professors in Texas to be selected by the Minnie Ste-
vens Piper Foundation as a 2016 Piper Professor.
DR. MICHAEL K. OBENG (SOM ‘01) delivered
the commencement address at his undergraduate
alma mater, Midwestern State University in Wichita
Falls, Texas.
DR. SLOBODAN PAESSLER (GSBS ‘07) was
chosen as the 2016 UTMB Graduate School of Bio-
medical Sciences Distinguished Alumnus.
Want to share your latest news with your classmates?
00s continued
DR. KENDALL ROEHL (SOM ‘03) is now lead-
ing the Memorial Plastic Surgery Group’s Clear Lake
facility.
DR. RAYNE ROUCE (SOM ‘07) was selected to
participate in the American Society of Hematology-
Harold Amos Medical Faculty Development
Program.
10s DR. LINDA BENSKIN (GSBS ‘13) was invited to
give three podium presentations at the World Council
of Enterostomal Therapists Biennial Congress in
South Africa this past March.
DR. ASHLEY PURGASON (GSBS ‘14) was rec-
ognized by Fort Worth Business as being a young
and upcoming leader in her community of Arlington,
Texas.
TYLER FIEBRICH (SHP ‘15) has joined the or-
thopedic division of the Matagorda Medical Group in
Bay City, Texas.
Residents & Fellows DR. PAYMAN SADEGHI (internal medicine resi-
dent) was named a 2016 Top Doctor in Houston.
DR. MEREDITH WARNER (foot/ankle surgery
fellow) founded Warner Or thopedics & Wellness
in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and recently invented the
Healing Sole Flip Flop, a treatment and recovery flip
flop sandal for those who suffer from heel pain and
plantar fasciitis.
Class Notes WARREN, continued from page 1
“This activity gave me insight about the scope of the
care to be provided by the other professionals in the
medical community,” said Rama Heyratifar, a first-
year medical student.
Lastly, a debrief session concluded the activity with
Dr. Rowen leading a discussion about the importance
of collaboration with other professions to assess and
address the healthcare needs of the patients and popu-
lations we serve.
“The energy of the
students as they
dashed around con-
sulting each other and
adding to the timeline
was compelling,” said
Dr. Rowen. “We plan
to continue this pro-
gram to increase our
students’ ability to
work together in
teams.”
Post-survey results of the
event revealed that shared
learning with other disci-
plines helped students with
clinical problem-solving
skills, communication, and
clarifying the nature of pa-
tient problems.
“When interprofessional
activities are accomplished,
the results are increased
respect, professionalism,
and, ultimately, patient out-
comes,” said Dr. Pamela Watson, Senior Vice Presi-
dent of Interprofessional Education and the Institution-
al Effectiveness and the Dean of the School of Nurs-
ing.
Students post colored notes on the
timeline.
“Warren dollars” were used
for consultation services.
On April 29, the School of Nursing celebrated its 126th commencement ceremony with more than 450 graduates walking across the stage and 35 students receiving awards. In total, the school had 607 graduates this year.
The School of Medicine held its commencement on June 4 at Moody Gardens, with 216 graduates. Victoria Shepard (center) received the Gold-Headed Cane Award and UTMB alumnus, Dr. Ben Raimer (right) lead the faculty procession and carried the ceremonial mace.
The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences awarded 33 degrees during its 48th commencement ceremony on May 20 in Levin Hall. Overall 74 graduates were conferred by the GSBS this year.
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These three lucky winners were chosen from more than 400 alumni who answered our survey to win UTMB alumni-branded gifts. They are, from left, Dr. Joel Blumberg (SOM ‘89), Dr. Greta Jo (SOM ‘08) and Mrs. Maria Barclay (SON ‘08). Thank you for taking our survey!