Medical Center employees reap honors

Published on Monday, February 14, 2022

SON dean Dr. Julie Sanford named AACN board secretary

Dr. Julie Sanford, dean of the School of Nursing at the University of Mississippi Medical Center and a professor of nursing, is among those selected to serve among the top leaders of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.

Sanford was elected to serve on the AACN Board of Directors as secretary.

“On behalf of AACN’s member deans, faculty, and students, I applaud this distinguished group of nurse leaders for their strong commitment to advancing excellence in nursing education, research, and practice,” said AACN Board Chair Dr. Susan Bakewell-Sachs. “AACN’s effectiveness is driven by our highly engaged membership, and we are truly grateful for the expertise, insights, and energy that the new and returning Board members bring to our work to lead transformation in academic nursing.”

Sanford, a registered nurse who holds a Doctor of Nursing Science degree and is a fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, said she is honored to continue her AACN service.

“AACN is the voice of more than 850 schools of nursing across the country,” Sanford said. “It is an honor and a privilege to serve the AACN membership as secretary as we continue to prepare the next generation of nurses, work to advance health equity and increase public support for professional nursing education, research and practice.”

Geissler edits book on wrist, elbow surgery

Dr. William Geissler, professor of orthopedic surgery and rehabilitation, edited the third edition of “Wrist and elbow arthroscopy with selected open procedures: A practice guide to surgical techniques.”

He is also the author or co-author of 13 chapters in the book, which is lauded for bringing together an international team of orthopedics expert to create a premier resource for clinicians in this field. Springer published the volume in 2022.

Geissler specializes in hand surgery, sports medicine and joint replacement procedures. He directs the department’s hand fellowship and holds Alan E. Freeland, MD, Chair in Orthopaedic Hand Surgery.

Walker named to inaugural Ole Miss Top 40 Under 40

Dr. Marc Walker, assistant professor of plastic surgery and orthopaedic surgery, has been named to the Ole Miss Alumni Association’s inaugural 40 Under 40 Class for 2022.

The program celebrates the personal, professional and philanthropic achievements of University of Mississippi graduates under age 40. Recipients will be recognized March 25 as part of Young Alumni Weekend.

Walker, division director of adult and pediatric hand and upper extremity surgery and fellowship program director of surgery of the hand, joins a group of young alums that includes an NBC News producer, a U.S. Space Force commander and a director of the National Security Council.

Walker graduated from UM in 2006 and is a graduate of Harvard Medical School. He earned his master of business administration from Harvard Business School. Walker completed plastic surgery and hand and microsurgery training at Yale and then returned to Mississippi.

"It was always my hope to ultimately come back and practice medicine in my home state,” Walker said. “I never imagined that those four years in Boston would expand so quickly into the 13 years of amazing educational and life experience opportunities, for which I am eternally grateful, but the dream of returning home never diminished.

“My most sincere hope is that my story inspires other young Mississippians and Ole Miss alumni who desire to venture out to do it, to see and do as much as you can do, to live your dreams, and then to consider returning to enrich, build and support our local communities.”

Honorees must have earned an undergraduate degree from UM and be an active member of the Alumni Association, have made a significant impact on their industry or field, have civic or professional achievements, and demonstrate a commitment to maintaining a lifelong relationship with the university and Alumni Association.

Riebock receives national athletic trainer honor

Tori Riebock, a certified secondary athletic trainer with UMMC Sports Medicine, has been honored by the National Athletic Trainers Association.

Riebock, a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi and the University of West Georgia’s graduate studies program, was chosen state-level representative to NATA’s Early Professionals Committee. The committee was created to address the issues faced by athletic trainers within the first six years of initial certification as they begin in their careers. 

The committee focuses on leadership, educational initiatives and professional and ethical values.

“We are proud to see this young lady take on a leadership role that we hope grows our profession,” said Jeff Martinez, supervisor of UMMC Sports Medicine.

Riebock became a certified athletic trainer in 2019.