Dermatology faculty garners MGMA nod; organ transplant staff earn MORA awards

Published on Monday, August 17, 2020

Dermatology faculty member ‘rises’ to MGMA recognition

The Medical Group Management Association has named Dr. Adam C. Byrd, UMMC assistant professor of dermatology, recipient of its “Rise Above” distinction.

The recognition by MGMA is given nationally to individuals who go “above and beyond” in caring for their patients, especially when the medical community is coping with the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the MGMA’s website, the association singles out medical professionals who “have solved difficult problems, conquered challenging situations, inspired others in times of uncertainty, contributed to their community and overcome the circumstances with innovation and excellence.”

Byrd was lauded for his efforts to increase access to dermatological care for patients in rural Mississippi. He began practicing dermatology in his hometown of Louisville in Winston County in 2017; before Byrd began seeing patients there as a faculty member of UMMC’s Department of Dermatology, Louisville residents had to drive 50-plus miles to receive dermatological care.

Dr. Robert T. Brodell, UMMC chair of dermatology, commended Byrd for the accomplishment.

“Dr. Adam Byrd is living proof of what Margaret Mead once said: ‘Never believe that a few caring people can’t change the world. For indeed, that is all who ever have,’” Brodell said. “His impact on caring for rural Mississippians, teaching medical students and residents the joys of a rural physician life, and serving his community when they need him, such as leading the Winston Medical Center response during the COVID-19 pandemic, has been enormous.”

Amanda Jensen, MGMA program manager, said, “We respect and appreciate all the great work Adam does.”

A graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Byrd earned his M.D. from the School of Medicine at UMMC in 2011 and finished his combined residency in internal medicine and dermatology in July 2016 at the University of Minnesota.

UMMC’s organ transplant program earns even MORA kudos

The Mississippi Organ Recovery Agency has honored UMMC for its organ transplant program's success with the agency’s 2020 Spero Awards.

MORA annually recognizes hospital partners, medical professionals, corporate partners and donor ambassadors who work to promote organ, eye and tissue donation to ultimately save and heal lives.

Spero Awards go to individuals and organizations from across the state. The word Spero is Latin for “hope.” The name reflects the hope that organ and tissue donation brings to those in need of a life-saving organ or a life-improving tissue transplant.

UMMC faculty and staff who received 2020 Spero Awards include: Angie Fagan, Advanced Practice Nurse/Nurse Manager Award; UMMC Critical Care Transport Team, Most Supportive Ancillary or Healthcare Staff Award; Children’s of Mississippi Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Most Supportive Care Team Award; and Dr. Jennifer Hong, Physician Champion Award.