Pediatric Update Newsletter - Spring 2024 - University of Mississippi Medical Center

A Message from the Chair

Warmer days bring thoughts of vacations and summer breaks, but this season is busy for the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

True Burns of Jackson smiles as neurophysiology tech Jazmine Anderson prepares her for an EEG at the Comprehensive Epilepsy Center at Children's of Mississippi.

Children’s of Mississippi epilepsy center receives highest level of accreditation

Monday, March 25, 2024

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.

Calendar of Events

Fundraising events and the Sanderson Farms Championship are upcoming.

2023 - 2024 chief residents Drs. Liz Adeyemi, Breanna Lao, and India Hemphill accept their certificates.

2024 Pediatrics Awards honor residents, faculty

The Department of Pediatrics Awards started bright and early on May 15 with breakfast burritos in the BankPlus Community Room of the Kathy and Joe Sanderson Tower and a coffee truck parked outside. The 7:30 a.m. ceremony had the theme of “Rise and Shine,” honoring the dedication and expertise of the Department of Pediatrics as well as pediatricians’ early hours.

The multidisciplinary spina bifida care team at Children's of Mississippi includes orthopaedic surgeons, urologists, physical therapists, psychologists, social workers and experts in pediatrics, orthotics and complex care.

Childrens of Mississippi clinic acclaimed for spina bifida care

Children’s of Mississippi’s multidisciplinary spina bifida clinic has been recognized by the Spina Bifida Association as an SBA Clinic Care Partner.

Famuyide honored with GWIMS award

Dr. Mobolaji Famuyide received the Dr. LouAnn Woodward Faculty Award.

The SPARK team at the Center for Advancement of Youth includes, from left, Dr. Dustin Sarver, Dr. Gabrielle Banks and Ayana Davis

UMMC seeks African American participants in world’s largest autism research study

Monday, May 6, 2024

The University of Mississippi Medical Center is one of five sites in the country dedicated to recruiting a broader cohort of families affected by autism spectrum disorder for SPARK. The study also seeks to support the work of all researchers and develop culturally relevant engagement across a variety of communities.

Antonina Karam, center, presents her gift to Children's of Mississippi with, from left, her father, Dr. Simon Karam; First Presbyterian Day School library Jana Heimer; Dr. Mary Taylor, Suzan B. Thames Chair and professor of pediatrics; and her mother, Dr. Rola Abi Selah.

Student donates reading prize to buy books for patients

Children’s of Mississippi patients will have more books to read, thanks to a kind gift from Antonina Karam, a fifth-grade student at First Presbyterian Day School in Jackson. She is the daughter of Dr. Rola Abi Selah, assistant professor of geriatric medicine, and Dr. Simon Karam, associate professor of neonatology.

Monica Harrion shows her scar from heart surgery 50 years ago at UMMC. Photo credit: Rob Kirk (www.robkirkphotography.com)

UMMC patient celebrates 50th anniversary of congenital heart repair

Monday, May 13, 2024

Monica Harrion, an art director, animator and designer in Burbank, California, is living a healthy life thanks to heart surgery performed at the University of Mississippi Medical Center 50 years ago. Dr. Akio Suzuki, a world-class heart surgeon, performed the operation, and her pediatric cardiologist, Dr. David Watson, was the state’s first.

Spring 2024