When a debilitating spinal condition stole a successful 23-year dental career from Dr. Charles Ramsey, he learned an important lesson about caring for patients with chronic pain. As the first Last Lecture speaker chosen from the School of Dentistry, Ramsey shared his experiences to those gathered at the third annual presentation.

It comes with age, and it comes with osteoporosis: Post-menopausal women’s bones become less dense and more fragile. A simple fall or bump can lead to a bad break. UMMC’s new Secondary Fracture Clinic offers patients education and lifestyle changes to help ensure their first break is also their last.

Breast cancer patients who qualify may choose to use a new type of tissue expander that uses air and can be operated from home, negating the need for weekly doctor visits, said Dr. Ben McIntyre, UMMC plastic surgeon.

Dr. Carroll Raybourne Ball, a UMMC alum and longtime faculty member in the School of Medicine, died April 29. He was 92.

Several interesting events are scheduled for the upcoming weeks at the Medical Center.