The Journey

Trailblazer Award for Excellence in Medical Student Education

Medical education thrives on the dedication and ingenuity of its educators, and each year the Trailblazer Award for Excellence in Medical Student Education recognizes those who redefine the learning experience. This year, we proudly honor Sarah A. Sterling, MD, FACEP, Professor of Emergency Medicine, as the Trailblazer of the Year.

Dr. John Luk visits the School of Medicine

The School of Medicine will host Dr. John Luk on Thursday, April 2. At noon, he will be the featured speaker in the School of Medicine’s Annual Faculty Development Series. His presentation will address interprofessional education (IPE). Learn more details about Dr. Luk.

Technical Standards

To make expectations clear—and to support patient safety and an ADA-compliant learning environment—the SOM maintains Technical Standards for Admission, Retention, Promotion and Certification for the Degree of Doctor of Medicine. These standards define the essential functions all students must be able to perform with or without reasonable accommodations. Dr. David Norris gives more insight to the technical standards.

Implications of the Student Drug and Alcohol Policy

The Student Drug and Alcohol Policy, which can be reviewed on the intranet in PolicyTech, establishes a comprehensive framework governing student conduct related to substance use within the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) environment. The policy has significant implications for academic progression, professional eligibility, legal standing and personal responsibility for each student. Dr. Loretta Jackson explains more on this topic.

Rowland Medical Library Spotlights: ClinicalKey Interface Updates

ClinicalKey recently introduced a redesigned interface that improves navigation and overall user experience. One of the most significant updates allows users to choose between two distinct portals: Study Resources and Clinical References. Dr. Sarah Adcock provides details.

Supporting Accessible Digital Learning at UMMC

Instructors at UMMC take pride in delivering high-quality learning experiences that prepare students for success in their future professions. As expectations for accessible digital content continue to grow in higher education, accessibility standards add an important—though sometimes unfamiliar—layer to course content preparation for many faculty members. Elizabeth Jacobs explains more about supporting accessible digital learning.

DABE Research Day

Save the date for the annual DABE Research Day! The event will be held in the School of Medicine on April 15 from 10 a.m. -12:30 p.m. Information regarding abstract submissions will be sent via email in the upcoming weeks.

Spring 2026 SOM Faculty Development Sessions

The School of Medicine and the Department of Advanced Medical Education have collaborated again this year to develop the 2026 SOM Annual Faculty Development Series. This series provides one-hour sessions throughout the year on topics that aim to enhance teaching and learning, and the academic environment. These virtual sessions are held at noon and highlight the expertise and research of SOM faculty as well as faculty from other institutions. Select presentations will offer an in-person version.

October 2025