University of Mississippi Medical Center - News Feed - the University of Mississippi Medical CenterThis is a feed of the latest News from UMMCUMMC2026 University of Mississippi Medical Center2026-07-25T06:07:50-05:00https://www.umc.edu/img/ummc_u_200x200.cmp.pngdis-web@umc.edu5c56c6c3ac13310f49b6db0ef39c45e7UMMC School of Medicine grows class size to address physician shortage2026-07-20T00:00:00-05:002026-07-13T11:36:58-05:00As Mississippi grapples with a continuing physician shortage, particularly in rural and underserved communities, the University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Medicine is taking steps to help meet the state's future health care needs./news/News_Articles/2026/07/images/M1-White-Coat-candid-20250807-28.jpg7faecedcac13310f49b6db0ea16605dcFront and Center: Dr. Hiram Gatewood2026-07-20T00:00:00-05:002026-07-20T08:19:50-05:00For 45 years, Dr. Hiram Gatewood Jr. has helped shape the next generation of Mississippi dentists while carrying forward the values of service and compassion he learned from his father. A member of the School of Dentistry's third graduating class, his career has spanned the classroom, the clinic and his hometown community./news/News_Articles/2026/07/images/Hiram-Gatewood_02.jpg7faf841aac13310f49b6db0e49d4748cUMMC transforms rare disease diagnosis and care through collaboration2026-07-20T00:00:00-05:002026-07-20T08:20:36-05:00For families living with a rare disease, the longest journey is often the search for answers. UMMC’s genomic testing program Project Baby Magnolia and its multidisciplinary Barth Syndrome Clinic are helping shorten that journey by combining advanced genomic research with coordinated specialty. They’re bringing hope to patients who once faced years of uncertainty./news/News_Articles/2026/07/images/Genetics-Clinic-20260429-041.jpg805cab95ac13310f49b6db0e41721c5fUMMC experts explain what to know about gastrointestinal illness2026-07-20T00:00:00-05:002026-07-20T11:29:44-05:00As health officials investigate a nationwide outbreak of cyclosporiasis linked to contaminated produce, Mississippi has confirmed several cases of the intestinal illness. University of Mississippi Medical Center experts explain how the parasite spreads, the symptoms to watch for, and the steps people can take to reduce their risk of infection./news/News_Articles/2026/07/images/GettyImages-1883543200.jpg4d7a60ddac13310f49b6db0e6440a8842025-2026 UMMC Promotions and Tenure2026-07-13T00:00:00-05:002026-07-10T14:21:33-05:00More than 70 current Medical Center faculty will begin the new academic year with a promotion in rank, newly granted tenure, or both. Faculty are listed alphabetically, by school, in rank order of professor with tenure, associate professor with tenure, professor, and associate professor./news/images/promotions_tenure-1.jpg5bd42192ac13310f49b6db0e7b575aafFront and Center: Will Appleby2026-07-13T00:00:00-05:002026-07-13T09:14:16-05:00When disaster strikes, most people focus on the flashing lights, helicopters and first responders racing toward the scene. Behind many of those lifesaving efforts is someone making sure help gets where it is needed most. Will Appleby has dedicated his career to answering Mississippi's toughest calls — often before anyone else even knows help is on the way./news/News_Articles/2026/07/images/Will-Appleby-1.jpg5c69c251ac13310f49b6db0e0f2b453eFederal programs transform health research in Mississippi2026-07-13T00:00:00-05:002026-07-13T11:57:42-05:00When the National Institutes of General Medical Sciences created the Institutional Development Award program, or IDeA, its goal was to build research excellence in states historically overlooked for federal funding. Few investments have demonstrated the program's value more clearly than the Mississippi Center for Clinical and Translational Research, tackling longstanding chronic diseases and mortality./news/News_Articles/2026/07/images/MCCTR-COBRE_06.jpg378ce6f2ac13310f49b6db0ec307a287From hunter to advocate: Jim Kennedy gives $5M to strengthen cancer care at UMMC2026-07-06T00:00:00-05:002026-07-06T08:10:08-05:00Kennedy, chairman emeritus of Cox Enterprises, is helping build a new home for the UMMC Cancer Center and Research Institute by giving to the It’s About Time campaign./news/News_Articles/2026/07/images/BR2_1097d3.jpg37a0b20eac13310f49b6db0e8bee86aaUMMC PROMISE Program opens doors for future physicians from across Mississippi2026-07-06T00:00:00-05:002026-07-06T08:31:45-05:00For aspiring physicians from across Mississippi, the path to medical school can be filled with financial, academic and personal challenges. Through the University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Medicine's P.R.O.M.I.S.E. Program, 32 students from 11 colleges and universities are receiving mentorship, resources and early exposure to medicine that could help turn their dreams of becoming physicians into reality./news/News_Articles/2026/07/images/PROMISE-Program-Students_02.jpg37b4cfecac13310f49b6db0ef7db9124UMMC aims for the goal during Patient Safety Week2026-07-06T00:00:00-05:002026-07-06T08:53:44-05:00UMMC will observe Patient Safety Week July 13-16 with a soccer-inspired theme, “Safety is Our Goal.” Employees are invited to celebrate patient safety accomplishments from across the Medical Center, follow unit progress on the championship boards and take part in activities throughout the week./news/News_Articles/2026/07/images/Safety-Wheel-20240306-04.jpg139d7ef7ac13310f49b6db0e9391d044Front and Center: Alice Chaney Herndon2026-06-29T00:00:00-05:002026-06-29T08:41:56-05:00After more than two decades of serving patients at UMMC, Alice Chaney Herndon, director of adult nursing services, was confronted with her own diagnosis: a brain tumor./news/News_Articles/2026/06/images/Alice-Chaney-Herndon-11.jpg13b143f3ac13310f49b6db0ebee67d1bIngram named McCarty Chair of Neurology2026-06-29T00:00:00-05:002026-06-29T09:03:32-05:00Dr. Brad Ingram has been named the McCarty Chair of Neurology, an appointment honoring his impact as a clinician, researcher and mentor and the continued legacy of H.F. “Mac” McCarty’s support for medicine and education in Mississippi./news/News_Articles/2026/06/images/Neurology-Chair-20260507-069.jpg13d23606ac13310f49b6db0eea1a0ef3Photos: NICU reunion brings former patients, families back to Children's of Mississippi2026-06-29T00:00:00-05:002026-06-29T09:39:31-05:00Laughter, hugs and heartfelt reunions filled Children's of Mississippi as former neonatal intensive care unit patients reunited with the physicians, nurses and staff who cared for them./news/News_Articles/2026/06/images/NICU-Reunion-22.jpga77beb61ac13310f78b267da679a72a3Programs in physical therapy, nursing to expand in Oxford2026-06-22T00:00:00-05:002026-06-08T08:46:16-05:00Expansion of key programs in the School of Health Related Professions and the School of Nursing in Oxford positions both specialties to meet growing demand in the workforce./news/News_Articles/2026/06/images/Physical-Therapy_16.jpge065e96cac13310f78b267da942076ceCCRI receives $10M gift from philanthropist Jean Morris Adams in honor of late son and best friend2026-06-22T00:00:00-05:002026-06-19T10:00:35-05:00Inspired by profound personal loss, Jean Morris Adams is investing in CCRI’s mission to ensure Mississippians can access exceptional cancer care close to home./news/News_Articles/2026/06/images/IMG_3882.jpgefa164ebac13310f49b6db0ee20ea00bPhotos: A magical day at Children's of Mississippi2026-06-22T00:00:00-05:002026-06-22T08:59:52-05:00Friends of Children's Hospital transformed Children's of Mississippi’s Sanderson Tower community room into the happiest place around during Disney Day. Patients had the opportunity to experience Disney-themed activities, meet favorite characters and enjoy a day filled with fun, laughter and imagination.d75273f4ac13310f78b267da92c0b488Children's of Mississippi achieves Magnet recognition, earns seven exemplars2026-06-17T00:00:00-05:002026-06-17T15:42:45-05:00A yearslong commitment to nursing excellence culminated in a historic achievement as Children's of Mississippi earned Magnet recognition and seven exemplars, distinctions that recognize exceptional patient outcomes and clinical excellence./news/News_Articles/2026/06/images/magnetdecisionreveal-5.jpgcbbcdf08ac13310f78b267daaa5fbdacNew cancer biology and therapeutics PhD program approved at UMMC2026-06-15T00:00:00-05:002026-06-15T09:43:33-05:00At a time when Mississippi faces some of the country’s toughest cancer challenges, a new generation of researchers is beginning its training at the state’s only academic medical center./news/News_Articles/2026/06/images/Cancer-Therapeutics-3.jpgcbd9026eac13310f78b267da35dd853fPhotos: Ole Miss Rebels football brings joy and encouragement to Children’s of Mississippi2026-06-15T00:00:00-05:002026-06-15T10:14:17-05:00Smiles were everywhere at children’s hospital during a recent visit from Ole Miss Rebels football players, who spent time connecting with patients throughout the hospital.cc084d87ac13310f78b267dab3900d0a‘Lucky Threes’ distinguish Class of 20292026-06-15T00:00:00-05:002026-06-15T11:05:56-05:00One set of triplets in a medical school class is a rare occurrence. The UMMC School of Medicine has two sets of triplets represented in the same class, highlighting a remarkable first for the school./news/News_Articles/2026/06/images/Basha triplets-6.jpg75084ec8ac13310f78b267da91462516Priscilla and David O’Donnell make historic $9 million commitment to Children’s of Mississippi2026-06-08T00:00:00-05:002026-05-29T13:38:59-05:00Priscilla and David O’Donnell have made a transformational $9 million gift to support the Pediatric Heart Center at Children’s of Mississippi./news/News_Articles/2026/06/images/ODonnell-20260520-12_USE-2.jpga77e4bfbac13310f78b267da3c0be020UMMC celebrates Hall’s legacy, names research building in his honor2026-06-08T00:00:00-05:002026-06-08T08:48:52-05:00Dr. John E. Hall devoted more than a half-century to advancing research, education and leadership at UMMC. His retirement celebration featured heartfelt tributes from family, friends and colleagues who praised his lasting impact./news/News_Articles/2026/06/images/John-Hall-Retirement-20260601-057.jpg7507c187ac13310f78b267da5a120944Tumors don't stop CCRI patient from earning degree, launching ventures2026-06-01T00:00:00-05:002026-05-29T13:38:23-05:00Chantal Taylor of Jackson has continued her creativity and studies while fighting rare tumors with the help of her UMMC care team./news/News_Articles/2026/06/images/Chantal-Taylor-10.jpg4ab7a110ac13310f781c90f836b8a3b3UMMC excellence shines for faculty, staff, students2026-05-26T00:00:00-05:002026-05-21T08:26:48-05:00Medical Center faculty and staff often are recognized regionally, nationally and internationally for their academic or medical achievements. These accolades place UMMC among health science centers worldwide./news/images/MCM_Accolades_24_800x600.jpg4b386530ac13310f781c90f8520e2b3eUMMC AirCare expands fleet with addition of fixed-wing aircraft2026-05-26T00:00:00-05:002026-05-21T10:47:27-05:00UMMC AirCare is growing its reach with the addition of a fixed-wing aircraft capable of transporting patients over longer distances. The expansion also brings new opportunities for medical flight staff as the program continues to evolve./news/News_Articles/2026/05/images/AirCare-5-Promo.jpg4b3de227ac13310f781c90f8b9c8a556Donation to MIND Center brings dedicated building funds to $10 million2026-05-26T00:00:00-05:002026-05-21T10:53:27-05:00A planned $1 million gift from the late Catherine Powell Klipple is helping move UMMC’s future centralized MIND Center building past a major milestone. The donation honors Klipple’s lifelong commitment to service and supports ongoing research and care for patients affected by neurodegenerative diseases./news/News_Articles/2026/05/images/Barbara-Powell_Mind-Center-gift.jpg64a6de27ac13310f78b267da3fa5a198Trustmark gives $2M gift to campaign for UMMC Cancer Center and Research Institute2026-05-26T00:00:00-05:002026-05-26T09:18:37-05:00Trustmark’s donation will help UMMC build a new home for cancer care and research, supporting the Medical Center’s work to expand treatment options for patients across Mississippi./news/News_Articles/2026/05/images/Trustmark-CCRI-Gift-20260520-33.jpg64bdf1a5ac13310f78b267da0036c9ffPhotos: Graduates prepare for the next chapter of their lives2026-05-26T00:00:00-05:002026-05-26T09:43:50-05:00As the University of Mississippi Medical Center honored its Class of 2026 during commencement ceremonies Friday, graduates were reminded that health care is more than a profession — it is a calling. The celebration represents the resilience, compassion and purpose of students preparing to make a lasting impact on patients and communities.37dd70f0ac13310f49b6db0e6f37f1e9Staff receive national appointments; online course wins recognition2026-05-26T00:00:00-05:002026-07-06T09:38:07-05:00Medical Center faculty and staff often are recognized regionally, nationally and internationally for their academic or medical achievements. These accolades place UMMC among health science centers worldwide./news/images/MCM_Accolades_24_800x600.jpg5172fcc4ac13310f781c90f88c9cf993UMMC honors 992 health care professionals at 70th annual commencement2026-05-22T00:00:00-05:002026-05-22T15:49:10-05:00Family members, faculty and friends filled the Mississippi Coliseum on Friday as the University of Mississippi Medical Center conferred nearly 1,000 degrees. Graduates were encouraged to carry forward the compassion, humility and dedication that inspired them to pursue careers in health care./news/News_Articles/2026/05/images/Commencement-Overall-2026_01.jpg2ce71156ac13310f781c90f8ca7295afUMMC faculty recognized for contributions to medicine, research2026-05-18T00:00:00-05:002026-05-15T13:30:01-05:00Medical Center faculty and staff often are recognized regionally, nationally and internationally for their academic or medical achievements. These accolades place UMMC among health science centers worldwide./news/images/MCM_Accolades_24_800x600.jpg2d2626afac13310f781c90f87ca3b7abPhD graduate left India for UMMC to advance her research goals2026-05-18T00:00:00-05:002026-05-15T14:38:55-05:00Sheetal Chowdhury found a community that helped shape her future. Now, as she prepares to earn her PhD in biomedical materials science, she is turning years of obesity research into the next phase of her career in orthopaedic clinical research.2d62fd8bac13310f781c90f871750b8aRare, fully preserved cast iron casket recovered from Asylum Hill excavation2026-05-18T00:00:00-05:002026-05-15T15:45:22-05:00Beneath a quiet ridge on the University of Mississippi Medical Center campus, archaeologists have uncovered a rare, fully preserved cast iron casket dating back to the late 1800s — one of the most unusual finds to emerge from the Asylum Hill Cemetery excavation./news/News_Articles/2026/05/images/20260508-AsylumHill-32.jpg3b505638ac13310f781c90f88d34fee6Project SEARCH builds skills for life2026-05-18T00:00:00-05:002026-05-18T08:39:41-05:00Young adults with developmental challenges are celebrating a ticket to self-sufficiency with their completion of a program at UMMC, aimed at preparing them for the working world./news/News_Articles/2026/05/images/Project-Search-Graduation-60.jpg3b800023ac13310f781c90f8b0e46a70Photos: UMMC celebrates employees with a week of appreciation events2026-05-18T00:00:00-05:002026-05-18T09:31:44-05:00Employees across UMMC took part in food, games, giveaways and celebrations during this year’s Employee Appreciation Week. The weeklong festivities recognized the people who support UMMC’s missions of education, research and patient care every day.1722fe49ac13310f781c90f8e3d61cceCareer pivots lead SHRP Alumnus of the Year, Early Career Achievement awardees to UMMC2026-05-11T00:00:00-05:002026-05-11T08:03:49-05:00The School of Health Related Professions has named Dr. Lee Brown as its 2026 Alumnus of the Year and Dr. Chelsea Stephens as its Early Career Achievement Award winner./news/News_Articles/2026/05/images/SHRP-Alumni-Award_01.jpg17329544ac13310f781c90f8f216a3e6SON recognizes Alumnus of the Year, Early Career Achievement award winners2026-05-11T00:00:00-05:002026-05-11T08:20:51-05:00The School of Nursing has named Dr. Jennifer Hitt and Michael Jones as its Alumna of the Year and Early Achievement Award winners for 2026./news/News_Articles/2026/05/images/Nursing-Alumni-Award_02.jpg173b2872ac13310f781c90f8cfdcbe5bHal’s St. Paddy’s parade and festival raises over $205K for Children’s of Mississippi2026-05-11T00:00:00-05:002026-05-11T08:30:13-05:00Leaders from Hal’s St. Paddy’s parade and festival presented proceeds from the 2026 event to Children’s of Mississippi, the state’s only children’s hospital./news/News_Articles/2026/05/images/St.-Paddys-Check-Presentation_33.jpg1744bdebac13310f781c90f893eb47e4Front and Center: Marlene Rios2026-05-11T00:00:00-05:002026-05-11T08:40:41-05:00Before patients meet their care team or hear a treatment plan, they meet someone who instantly puts them at ease. For CCRI, that reassuring presence is often Marlene Rios./news/News_Articles/2026/05/images/Marlene-Rios.FC-3.jpg175a707fac13310f781c90f8ac260d4cStudents celebrated for achievements at first UMMC Honors College awards2026-05-11T00:00:00-05:002026-05-11T09:04:23-05:00Nearly 100 students across all six health professional schools and the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy were recognized Thursday during the inaugural University of Mississippi Medical Center Honors College awards ceremony, marking the first formal celebration of academic excellence in the program’s short history./news/News_Articles/2026/05/images/HonorsCollegeAwards-17.jpg1782f820ac13310f781c90f8e4c4cbf2UMMC graduate Hunter Sylvester pursues life-changing Alzheimer’s research2026-05-11T00:00:00-05:002026-05-11T09:48:39-05:00As Hunter C. Sylvester earns his PhD from the University of Mississippi Medical Center, he is already helping shape the future of Alzheimer’s research through groundbreaking work in biostatistics and neurological disease. His journey reflects his calling for improving lives through science.dea24a6cac13310f781c90f8c8843781UMMC celebrates employees during annual appreciation week2026-05-04T00:00:00-05:002026-04-30T08:44:31-05:00The University of Mississippi Medical Center is preparing to celebrate the people who move its mission forward every day. Starting Monday, May 11, employees across UMMC hospitals and clinics will enjoy gifts, games and delicious treats during this year’s Employee Appreciation Week./news/News_Articles/2026/05/images/Mini-Carnival-20250513-15.jpgdea419eeac13310f781c90f888783712New lectureship honors Dr. Michael Jabaley’s legacy in hand surgery2026-05-04T00:00:00-05:002026-04-30T08:46:29-05:00A legacy of innovation in hand surgery is opening new doors for education and collaboration. A new endowed lectureship, created through a generous gift from Mary Jabaley, will bring world-renowned experts to UMMC to share their knowledge and help shape the next generation of surgeons./news/News_Articles/2026/05/images/JabaleyHandLecture-22.jpgdea60f25ac13310f781c90f8225955afNew dedicated adult psychiatric emergency services unit improves care at UMMC2026-05-04T00:00:00-05:002026-04-30T08:48:38-05:00UMMC has opened a dedicated psychiatric emergency services unit within the adult emergency department. The new space enhances safety and supports a more coordinated approach to caring for patients in crisis./news/News_Articles/2026/05/images/ED-Psych-Unit_01.jpge52f249aac13310f781c90f8564baddaPhotos: Mississippi State University baseball’s winning visit to Children’s of Mississippi2026-05-04T00:00:00-05:002026-05-01T15:16:05-05:00Before stepping onto the field for its Governor’s Cup win, the Mississippi State University baseball team showed what it means to make an impact beyond the game: spending time with patients and families at Children’s of Mississippi.f3258a15ac13310f781c90f8577ef31cMcRae Foundation’s generosity continues with significant gift to UMMC cancer center campaign2026-05-04T00:00:00-05:002026-05-04T08:20:16-05:00A legacy of Mississippi philanthropy is shaping the future of cancer care, as the Selby and Richard McRae Foundation supports UMMC’s campaign to build a comprehensive cancer center for the state./news/News_Articles/2026/02/images/CCRI-rendering.jpgf355d764ac13310f781c90f8d5dfde5eFor School of Nursing student, degree is fulfillment of lifelong calling2026-05-04T00:00:00-05:002026-05-04T09:13:02-05:00After nearly 25 years as a surgical technologist at UMMC, Tommie Wells received her BSN and is stepping into a new role as a circulating nurse in surgery at UMMC./news/News_Articles/2026/05/images/Wells.jpgcf408f2fac13310f781c90f80b703ea7Even in death, they teach: 2026 Ceremony of Thanksgiving honors UMMC anatomical donors2026-04-27T00:00:00-05:002026-04-27T09:03:27-05:00They gave one final gift – and it continues to ripple outward. Honored at UMMC’s Ceremony of Thanksgiving, anatomical donors leave a legacy of knowledge, compassion and care./news/News_Articles/2026/04/images/Ceremony-of-Thanksgiving-20260422-13.jpgcf184fc4ac13310f781c90f851e5e4c5Gift from pioneering researcher establishes professorship, names lab at UMMC2026-04-27T00:00:00-05:002026-04-27T08:19:30-05:00Decades after establishing the groundwork for biomedical materials science in Mississippi, the late Dr. Lyle Zardiackas continues to move the field forward. Gifts from one of the Medical Center’s most influential researchers established an endowed professorship and named a laboratory in his honor./news/News_Articles/2026/04/images/Zardiackas-Professorship-in-Biomedical-Materials_45.jpgcf30ab1cac13310f781c90f817d8e889UMMC dental student builds on family legacy as she looks ahead to the next chapter2026-04-27T00:00:00-05:002026-04-27T08:46:06-05:00Aubree Dillon has spent years learning the family trade. Now, the 2026 SOD graduate prepares to carry that legacy forward, returning home to practice alongside her father and brother.