UMMC makes strides in 2024
Published on Monday, January 6, 2025
The University of Mississippi Medical Center started 2024 with a medical first for the institution’s transplant program and multiple achievements followed throughout the year, from new cancer therapies and grants to millions in donations to fund clinical expansions and advance the research enterprise. UMMC’s overall success and focus on its three-part mission of health care, research and education earned a nod from Becker’s.
Among numerous achievements in health care, UMMC facilitated a seven-way kidney swap – largest ever in the state – and clinical teams delivered a second set of quintuplets in two years after caring for the mother during her high-risk pregnancy. Also, the Medical Center became the first in the state to offer CAR T therapy for persistent cancer.
Researchers received a near-record level of funding from grants and awards in fiscal 2024. The National Institutes of Health funded a $6.9 million community-based research collaborative, one of five research hubs in the country.
In education, the launch of a new traditional BSN track opened in Oxford, and UMMC welcomed its inaugural Honors College cohort.
These are just a few of 2024’s highlights. Read more about last year’s accomplishments below.
January
A New Year, A New Start: UMMC celebrates historic seven-way kidney swap
A new year ushered in a renewed start at life for seven Mississippians who required life-saving kidney transplants. Seven donors volunteered to undergo surgery for complete strangers through a meticulous process where they were successfully paired with recipients, culminating in a seven-way internal swap—the largest ever in the state of Mississippi. After four consecutive days of surgeries, the kidney patients received the gift of a lifetime.
March
Children’s of Mississippi epilepsy center receives highest level of accreditation
Epilepsy centers at the University of Mississippi Medical Center and Children’s of Mississippi both have Level 4 National Association of Epilepsy Centers accreditation, signifying the highest level of care. The two centers are the only NAEC-accredited epilepsy centers in the state.
April
Becker’s ranks UMMC among top 150 places to work in health care in U.S.
Quality care for patients and their families has translated into a big accolade for UMMC, as the Medical Center has been named among the top places to work in health care in the U.S. for 2024.
May
UMMC first in state to offer CAR T therapy for persistent cancer
After multiple rounds of chemotherapy and radiation were unable to treat Patricia Hurrod’s aggressive cancer, a new treatment offered by UMMC might have been her only hope. As the first patient of CAR T therapy, Hurrod’s prognosis looks better than ever.
UMMC graduates urged to ‘look for the joy’ during the essential work ahead
More than 900 graduates from the University of Mississippi Medical Center’s health sciences schools accepted their new degrees during UMMC’s 68th annual Commencement in May. Among them were two graduates from “a long line of nurses.” Actually, from the same line.
Of the University of Mississippi Medical Center's Class of 2024, about 765 of the 900-plus graduates take part in commencement ceremonies at the Mississippi Coliseum.
Asylum Hill discoveries: They’re something personal
On a portion of the Medical Center campus, graves holding the remains of patients who resided at a long-shuttered institution have yielded an assortment of personal items. Many are as poignant as they are revealing.
June
UMMC School of Nursing’s traditional BSN track opens in Oxford
Now prospective nursing students can earn a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Nursing in four years in Oxford as well as in Jackson. The traditional BSN track and the one-year accelerated BSN program are both helping meet the need for more registered nurses in Mississippi and beyond.
July
Meyers family welcomes quintuplets with care from UMMC collaborative team
When Ashley Meyers went into labor, her multidisciplinary team at UMMC went into action, safely delivering quintuplets.
UMMC announces new location for ambulatory clinics in Ridgeland
UMMC announced in July its lease of new medical office space across from the upcoming ambulatory surgical center at Colony Park in Ridgeland. The new location opens in February and will house a number of ambulatory clinics currently operating in the Pavilion, serving large numbers of patients regularly.
August
Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders renovations add comfort to world-class care
The ribbon was cut Aug. 23 on renovations that mirror the look of the Kathy and Joe Sanderson Tower next door. The more than $5 million project tripled the size of the center’s infusion room and increased the number of exam rooms from eight to 14.
September
Research enterprise reaches nearly $118M for FY 2024
Researchers received a near-record level of funding from grants and awards in fiscal 2024, thanks to more support at the federal level. It bolstered two longstanding sponsored programs vital to expanding health care access to underserved communities in Mississippi.
Dr. John Hall celebrates 50 years of research, teaching at UMMC
The Arthur C. Guyton Professor and chair of the Department of Physiology and Biophysics said the research atmosphere and colleagues kept him at UMMC over the past five decades.
UMMC’s first-ever Honors College welcomes inaugural class
A specialized program for students willing to take on an even more rigorous course of study and challenging, extracurricular activities made its debut. It’s also an opportunity for the honorees to enjoy professional relationships with others from different campus schools.
‘Changemakers’ Keeton, Thames lionized at inaugural gala
A first-ever festivity celebrated two friends whose names are practically synonymous with the University of Mississippi Medical Center, the institution that has prospered for decades under their guidance and generosity.
October
Golden retriever Hollywood joins Children’s of Mississippi care team
The state’s only children’s hospital now has Hollywood, a facility dog, on its team. Whether he’s calming patients or encouraging them, Hollywood is adding another layer of care while bringing smiles to everyone he meets.
UMMC chosen to lead one of five national hubs for community-led health care research
The National Institutes of Health recently selected the University of Mississippi Medical Center to host a community-based research collaborative led by Dr. Caroline Compretta, assistant vice chancellor for research. UMMC will lead the Southeast Center for Health Achievement and Growth in Equity, or SEACHANGE, one of five new research hubs across the United States that will receive $6.9 million over the next five years from the NIH Common Fund in collaboration with the National Cancer Institute to support community-led health research.
November
Bancroft Fund gives $1.5 million to create Croft Medical Surgical Unit
The Joseph C. Bancroft Charitable and Educational Fund is continuing its commitment to Children’s of Mississippi by donating $1.5 million toward renovation of the Blair E. Batson Tower. The gift will enable the hospital to transform the fourth floor, which will be named the Croft Medical Surgical Unit and serve patients with infectious diseases and respiratory concerns.
Annual awards recognize faculty achievements in research
The University of Mississippi Medical Center presented 35 awards to faculty and staff members during the Office of the Associate Vice Chancellor for Research Excellence Awards ceremony.
This year’s awards honoring investigators most successful at securing extramurally funded original projects during their careers at UMMC included five platinum, nine gold, nine silver and eight bronze recipients, as determined by the level of funding accrued. Two peer-nominated awards for Early Career Investigator and two patent awards were also presented.
December
Hardy-Raju chair honors groundbreaking surgeon and his eminent mentor
Through a generous donation, a physician who made history during and following his years at the Medical Center showed his appreciation to the institution that helped train him, and particularly to his world-renowned teacher.
Sanderson Farms Championship host organization donates $1M to benefit Children’s of Mississippi
Century Club Charities, host of the Sanderson Farms Championship, achieved a remarkable milestone by donating $1 million from tournament proceeds to support Children’s of Mississippi. This marked the 11th consecutive year that the tournament has contributed $1 million or more to Friends of Children’s Hospital, a nonprofit organization that raises funds for the state’s only children’s hospital.
