Efforts in research, patient care saluted

Medical Center faculty and staff often are recognized regionally, nationally and internationally for their academic or medical achievements. These accolades place UMMC among health science centers worldwide.

Takeshita selected as mentor by Japanese health agency

Dr. Kenichi Takeshita, a post-doctoral research fellow in the UMMC Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, has been selected as a mentor for an upcoming training session for young investigators from Japan and across the Asia-Pacific.

Chosen by the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development – similar to this country’s National Institutes of Health – Takeshita will travel to Tokyo in January 2026 to share his experiences as a trainee in the lab of Dr. Jorge Vidal, UMMC professor of cell and molecular biology, and associate director of the Center for Immunology and Microbial Research (CIMR).

“This opportunity reflects the excellence of [Takeshita’s] training and his strong commitment to his scientific career,” said Vidal, who noted that CIMR has been collaborating recently with AMED scientists.

“These are some of the leading medical scientists in Japan, and having Dr. Takeshita selected to serve as a mentor for the next generation of scientists in the Asia-Pacific region – addressing some of the most devastating infectious diseases – is a tremendous honor.”

In a related matter, Vidal said, Dr. Naruhiko Ishiwada, a professor in the Medical Mycology Research Center of Chiba University in Japan, will visit UMMC in December “to strengthen the collaboration between his lab, mine, AMED and UMMC’s CIMR.”

Takeshita received his PhD from Chiba University. He earned his medical degree in 2010 at Kanazawa University in Ishikawa, Japan. He is a board-certified pediatrician and a board-certified specialist in infectious diseases.

“Although I am still a trainee, I am truly honored to participate in this training session as a mentor,” Takeshita said of his selection by AMED.

“I am excited to share my experiences at UMMC with young investigators in Japan. By stepping outside of Japan and coming over to the U.S., I have been fortunate to learn about another culture, work on exciting research and build wonderful relationships. 

“I would be glad if my work as a mentor could help promote collaboration among young researchers in Japan and the U.S.”

Mallory Martello, a certified pharmacy technician at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, has been named the Specialty Pharmacy Technician of the Year by the National Association of Specialty Pharmacy.

Martello, who serves adult hematology and oncology patients at UMMC, was recognized during the NASP annual meeting and expo in Denver, Colorado, on Sept. 15.

“The most meaningful part of this work is being able to lighten the load for patients who already have so much to carry,” Martello said. “I’m fortunate to do it alongside a team that truly cares.”

Martello was one of eight honorees “who exemplify excellence and have made outstanding contributions to specialty pharmacy, NASP and the patients we collectively serve,” according to the organization’s website.

“The Pharmacy Technician of the Year Award is given to the individual who has made a recent singular, significant achievement or career-long contributions to serving the needs of specialty pharmacy patients.”

Martello excels at helping patients get access to specialty medication, and also connects them with non-profit grant funding, said Dr. Regan McIntosh, pharmacy supervisor-specialty in the UMMC Department of Pharmacy Services.

At the time of her nomination for the NASP award, Martello had brought in an estimated $800,000, an amount that has increased to more than $1 million, said McIntosh, who also noted Martello’s impact on the care of patients who are prescribed specialty medication through the UMMC Cancer Center and Research Institute.

Martello’s recognition from the NASP underlines “how vital she is to our specialty pharmacy team and the CCRI as a whole,” McIntosh said. “I’m grateful that I get to work with Mallory each day and immensely appreciate the heart she has for her patients.”

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Research team acknowledged for efforts in stroke study

The University of Mississippi Medical Center Neurology Clinical Research Team was recognized as the top enrolling site for last quarter in the DISCOVERY clinical trial.

DISCOVERY (Determinants of Incident Stroke Cognitive Outcomes and Vascular Effects on Recovery) is a nationwide study aiming to better understand cognitive and functional outcomes after a stroke.

“It will enroll 8,000 patients, including a significant number of African American and Hispanic participants, across 30 sites. UMMC is one of 10 Tier 2 sites across the country,” said Dr. Shreyas Gangadhara, UMMC associate professor of neurology and site principal investigator for the study.

“We enrolled 29 participants during the quarter and we ranked first nationally. We have, so far, enrolled 240 participants.”

In addition to Gangadhara, the Department of Neurology DISCOVERY team includes two nurse coordinators: Margaret “Maggie” Smith, manager of clinical research, and Charlene Usry, clinical research RN; and two administrative staff members: Lorraine Henry, clinical research regulatory specialist, and Jennifer M. Vaughan, certified medical assistant.

“The South is often underrepresented in clinical studies,” Gangadhara said. “DISCOVERY provides our patients an opportunity to be represented, allowing us to study our population directly, better understand the disease process and move science forward.

“I am especially grateful to our research team – the boots on the ground – whose dedication and hard work make this achievement possible.”