A pioneer in Mississippi rural and urban health care, Dr. Aaron Shirley was so much more than an excellent physician. Shirley, who in 1965 became the first African-American learner at UMMC when he became a pediatrics resident in the School of Medicine, dedicated his life to bringing medical care and health education services to those most in need. He died Wednesday, Nov. 26, at UMMC at the age of 81.

Two University of Mississippi Medical Center researchers were awarded a patent that could revolutionize how cancer drugs are delivered. The new approach is one that could cut down on the number of chemotherapy treatments required, a measure that could save patients from some of the side effects that come with the aggressive treatment.

For more than two decades at UMMC, Ada Seltzer made the Rowland Medical Library hospitable to everyone from computer users to coffee lovers.

Her mission was to ensure that the library remained relevant and welcoming; and now, six years after retiring, she’s still at it.

Seltzer, who gave the Medical Center more than 20 years of her life, has given it some of her art, donating four works by paper sculptor Blanche Batson.

“I believe they belong here,” Seltzer said.

The Medical Center is proud to acknowledge those employees who will celebrate service anniversaries this week:

25 Years

* Michelle Brown, associate director of revenue cycle, Patient Financial Services
* Rebecca Massey, senior IT support analyst, Information Systems

20 Years

* Darrell Dozier, anesthesia technician supervisor, Anesthesia

15 Years

* Donna Fairchild, clinical trials coordinator, Cancer Research and Registry

10 Years

* Renee Brown, chart review auditor, Emergency Department Charge Capture and Posting
* Ruthie Harris, inpatient nurse, University Hospital (7 West)
* Charles Kennedy, orthotics clinical coordinator, School of Medicine (Orthopedic Surgery)
* Dr. Grayson Norquist, professor of psychiatry
* Tanunyia Pinson, medical office assistant, Batson Specialty Clinic
* Paula Rutledge, administrative support coordinator, School of Medicine (Clinical Skills Assessment Center)
* Katrina Williams, physician scheduler, University Physicians Scheduling

5 Years

* Fremel Backus, intermediate IT project manager, Information Systems
* Debra Carley, ambulatory nurse, School of Medicine (General Surgery)
* Maury Sherman, clinical documentation specialist nurse, Batson Children's Hospital

A number of interesting events is scheduled for the upcoming week at the Medical Center.