UMMC faculty, staff reap kudos

Published on Monday, October 31, 2022

Moore named ‘Most Effective Radiologic Sciences Educator’ 

Dr. Kristi Moore, chair and professor of the Department of Radiological Sciences in the School of Health Related Professions, has been named the Most Effective Radiologic Sciences Educator for 2022 by AuntMinnie.com.  

The online imaging sciences trade journal and forum, whose members include radiologists, researchers, radiation therapists and medical centers, presents its annual Minnies awards across 15 categories.   

Moore, who bested 11 other nominees from medical centers and colleges throughout the country, is passionate about teaching radiologic concepts in unique ways so that students get it, she said.  

“Each person has different learning needs and styles, and I want to meet them where they are,” she said. “It’s thrilling when we’re going over a difficult concept and I see the lightbulb go off when a student comes to understanding.” 

Advising students, though, is her “sweet spot.” 

“I enjoy discussing plans for the future with students and helping guide them to reach their goals. That’s when I feel most in my element.” 

After earning a certificate in radiologic technology from the University of Mississippi Medical Center, Moore worked as a diagnostic radiographer and a CT technologist before deciding to teach. She earned a bachelor’s in health sciences, and a master’s and doctorate in clinical health sciences, all from UMMC, where she has worked for 21 years.  

She also serves as board chair for the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, a position she assumed at a difficult time in health care, said Dr. Angela Burrell, interim dean of SHRP. 

“She approached the national role with the same goal that she had when she assumed the chair position in SHRP: to amplify the profession and create a workforce that delivers the highest quality of care,” said Burrell. “Her passion is contagious and is evident in her faculty’s influence at both state and national levels. She has always been a compassionate leader who leads from the heart, putting others first and giving them reasons to support her vision.”  

In addition to Moore’s win, her department was a semifinalist in the Best Radiologic Sciences Programcategory. Burrell said she has always known the program was one of the best in the nation, but receiving a double recognition this year is validation. 

“This team's mission has always been to make a significant impact on advancing radiologic sciences, and they are doing just that,” said Burrell. “They share a love for innovation, student success and our community. And, their success is a product of doing it the right way, putting their students first, and watching the magic happen.” 

Moore said it is a “huge honor” to be recognized twice, made possible by her support system, which includes coworkers.  

“Teamwork makes the dream work,” she said.  

UMMC honored by INSIGHT Into Diversity

For the institution’s steadfast support of underrepresented students and employees, the University of Mississippi Medical Center has been named a recipient of the 2022 Health Professions HEED Award Recipients | INSIGHT Into Diversity from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine.

UMMC is one of 63 institutions of higher learning in the country to be honored this year for its dedication to diversity and inclusion by INSIGHT Into Diversity, the oldest and largest diversity publication in higher education, according to its website.

“The criteria for this award are stringent yet very insightful when determining where we are and what we must continue to strive for,” said Dr. Juanyce Taylor, chief diversity and inclusion officer at UMMC.

“Combined efforts in each of our schools and many of our service areas strengthened this year’s submission. It is exciting to know UMMC is awarded for the third time, since 2019, and we are very grateful for this recognition.”

The application process for the HEED Award is rigorous, Lenore Pearlstein, the magazine’s publisher, said in a statement. “[It] examines the recruitment, retention, and support of underrepresented students and employees, effective leadership in a diversity mission-setting, innovative programming aimed at inclusive excellence, and many other aspects of diversity and inclusion across campus.

“Our HEED Award recipients have demonstrated extraordinary resolve in working to build a more equitable, safe, and diverse campus environment.”

The honorees will be featured in the November 2022 and December 2022 issues of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine.

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Faculty recognized for 20-year employment milestone

Eleven University of Mississippi Medical Center faculty members were recognized Oct. 18 for celebrating 20 years of service at the Medical Center.

The honorees are Dr. William Buchanan and Dr. Pia Chatterjee Kirk, School of Dentistry; Dr. Anne Norwood, School of Nursing; and Dr. Licy Cardozo, Dr. J. Anthony Cloy, Dr. Jeffrey Crout, Kelly Killcreas Land, Dr. Neal Liu, Dr. Drazen Raucher, Dr. Scott Stringer and Dr. Hong Zhu, School of Medicine.

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Wallace lauded with Science Diversity Leadership Award

Dr. Kedra Wallace, associate professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, has received the Science Diversity Leadership Award from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative.

She is among 25 awardees recognized by the Initiative, which supports science, technology and education to cure, prevent and manage diseases by the end of the 21^st century and fosters collaboration between scientists and engineers, among other goals.

The Initiative’s website states that the award recognizes “ the leadership and scientific accomplishments of outstanding early- to mid-career researchers at U.S. universities, medical schools, or nonprofit research institutes who — through their outreach, mentoring, teaching, and leadership — have a record of promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in their scientific fields.”

Wallace was recognized for her proposal entitled “Evaluation of Neurovascular Function and Hypertension Across a Selected Lifespan.” Its purpose is to determine long-term effects of uremic toxins on cognition in women with renal injury. Trainees historically underrepresented in science will be brought in to work within the project. 

A $1.15 million, five-year grant will support her work.

“I am excited and honored to receive this award,” Wallace said. “With this grant, trainees that are part of my team will have the opportunity to present their research findings and network with leaders in the field. All of that is vital to young scientists and physician-scientists as they are starting out in their career.

“We will also be able to move outside of the doctor’s office and work more with women in the community to talk with them about their mental health.”

Wallace “has truly carved a niche for herself in this area of research, and works very hard as a productive scientist and educator of residents and fellows in OB-GYN and students in Pharmacology and Neurosciences,” said Dr. Babbette LaMarca, professor and chair of Pharmacology and Toxicology.

“She is committed to cross-collaborations between departments and has created productive relationships with faculty, staff and trainees in OB-GYN and Pharmacology and Neurosciences,” LaMarca said. “She embodies the characteristics of this award, and we are so proud to have her as one our leaders in maternal-fetal medicine and Pharmacology.”