Acknowledgements of Merit: They’ve Earned Them!

Good morning!

The Medical Center is large. Quite large. About 10,000 employees. More than 3,000 students. Seven schools. Six hospitals. Clinics and patient-care locations all over Mississippi.  Multiple research-oriented buildings. Many, many departments, offices and units. Countless active academic, research and clinical programs. There’s a lot going on, day and night. 

But the hustle and bustle of UMMC life shouldn’t stop us from taking a moment to recognize when someone accomplishes something big or receives acclaim or recognition on a broad level. Some personal or programmatic achievements may not turn into a news article or get specific publicity, but they can be a “big deal” for those directly involved in the accomplishment and certainly a feather in our institutional cap.

When I look through the eCV newsletter in my email each Monday (or whatever day I’m able to give it my attention), I make sure to check out what is highlighted when an “Accolade” item is included. I love reading about our employees’ achievements and whenever our schools, programs or departments are recognized for their good work. These accolades indicate how much of a vibrant, progressive academic medical center we are. These recognition posts may not be long, but they are very much worthy of the awareness they receive.

Take, for example, the Accolades item in the June 1 issue of eCV – found here. These include recognition from national societies for Dr. Gwen Windham, professor of geriatrics and The MIND Center researcher, and Dr. Claude Brunson, professor emeritus of anesthesiology and executive director of the Mississippi State Medical Association, and a well-deserved statewide award for Amber Kyle, director of trauma services. Each was recognized for the amazing, dedicated work they have done. They represent UMMC - and each of us - very well! 

Other past Accolades laud the work of UMMC nurses, GWIMS members and our Huntington’s Disease care team;  the research activities of Dr. Javed Butler, chair of medicine; and the efforts of one of our valuable volunteers. There are many more just like these covering each of our three mission areas. We all have a lot to be proud of with these recognitions. Beginning this summer, we will identify and consolidate the various awards committees and groups across campus to increase recognition opportunities for deserving People of the U.

So, please make it a point to check out the Accolades listings the next time they are included in eCV. In every case, a LOT of work was done to accomplish the state, regional, national or, in some cases, international achievements or appointments that fellow People of the U or Medical Center groups received. These shining lights help guide us on our path toward a healthier Mississippi.

(To submit a noteworthy achievement by a Medical Center faculty, staff, student, alum, department or group to be considered for inclusion in Accolades, email Bruce Coleman at bcoleman@umc.edu.)