SHRP diagnostic sciences chair wins ASRT term; CCRI volunteer receives honor; SON prof earns presidential distinction

Published on Monday, October 12, 2020

ASRT taps SHRP diagnostic sciences chair for additional term

The world’s largest radiologic science association has elected Dr. Kristi Moore, chair and director of clinical and diagnostic sciences in the School of Health Related Professions, to serve another term on the Board of Directors of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists.

Moore was installed as president-elect for 2020-21 at the ASRT Virtual Special Meeting in June. She previously served as vice president. The president-elect automatically assumes the position of president the following year and assumes the office of chair of the Board the third year following election as president-elect.

ASRT represents the health care professionals who perform medical imaging procedures or plan and deliver radiation therapy. With more than 156,000 members, its mission is to advance and elevate the medical imaging and radiation therapy profession and to enhance the quality and safety of patient care.

“I am committed to listening to my colleagues in the profession during this time of great crisis in health care,” said Moore. “I’m certain there are many challenges that can become opportunities for the advancement of our organization.”

Cancer Center volunteer receives Outstanding Partner Award

Jimmie Wells, a UMMC retiree and longtime volunteer for the UMMC Cancer Center and Research Institute, has received the See, Test and Treat Outstanding Partner Award from the College of American Pathologists Foundation for her dedication to fighting cancer.

The CCRI annually takes part in See, Test and Treat, a community program that offers free mammograms and cervical cancer screenings and an oral cancer exam to women who meet certain qualifications. The free screenings, available for uninsured and underinsured women, are funded by a College of American Pathologists Foundation grant.

Wells was lauded with the award - created in 2019 - for galvanizing community support and participation for See, Test and Treat, leading to hundreds of women being screened and multiple cancers discovered.

“Jimmie developed a widespread network of relationships that is unique,” said Dr. Timothy Allen, UMMC chair of pathology, when he presented the award to Wells on Oct. 6. The honor came as a surprise to Wells, who was acknowledged during a Zoom call with CCRI staff and representatives of the CAP Foundation and See, Test and Treat.

“We are here to recognize a leader among you,” said Dr. Guillermo Martinez-Torres, president of the CAP Foundation Board of Directors, before Wells realized she was receiving an award.

The recognition goes to a non-pathologist, See, Test and Treat supporter who has made significant contributions to the program’s success, Martinez-Torres said.

“Oncology is what I’ve always done. I’m a cheerleader,” said Wells, a registered nurse. “I pull the pieces together and translate between oncology, pathology and obstetrics-gynecology.

“This is not about me. This is about the team at UMMC that is so awesome. I’ve never asked anyone to do something for me and had someone say no to me.”

100 Black Men of Jackson honor SON prof with presidential award

Dr. Audwin Fletcher, UMMC professor of nursing, received the 2020 Presidential Award of Honor from 100 Black Men of Jackson during the 30th annual Scholarship/Awards Virtual Celebration Sept. 26.

“I am honored to be recognized by 100 Black Men of Jackson, an organization that I’ve been proud to serve for the past 15 years,” Fletcher said.

Fletcher has served on the organization’s national Health and Wellness Committee. Locally, he has served as health and wellness chair, lead mentor/coordinator for Hardy Middle School in Jackson, public speaking coordinator for youth and member of the Board of Directors.

For the last 10 years, Fletcher has co-chaired 100 Black Men of Jackson’s annual Scholarship/Awards Banquet, which was virtual this year. He has a Ph.D. in nursing and is an advanced practice Registered Nurse, a board-certified family nurse practitioner and a fellow of the American Academy of Nursing.

A 30-year employee of UMMC, Fletcher began his career in the Medical Center’s Adult Emergency Department. He has taught students in the School of Nursing for the last 22 years, first in the undergraduate program, then in the graduate program after he gained graduate faculty status. He has been director of the Family Nurse Practitioner and Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Tracks since 2014. Before that, he was the School of Nursing’s Director for Multicultural Affairs.

Dr. Julie Sanford, School of Nursing dean, praised Fletcher’s contributions to the Medical Center and to the community.

“Congratulations to Dr. Fletcher for his generous contributions of time and mentoring the next generation,” Sanford said. “His leadership and service in the community make us all proud and demonstrate the mission of the School of Nursing and UMMC at its best.”

100 Black Men of Jackson focuses on the national organization’s pillars of mentoring, education, leadership development, economic empowerment and health and wellness. The chapter has donated more than $750,000 to historically black colleges and universities. Since its start in 1990, the chapter, through its various programs, has touched the lives of more than 4,000 youths.

Founded in 1963, 100 Black Men of America is recognized as the nation’s top African American-led mentoring organization.