Departmental news
- Dr. Osman Athar was named 2022 Attending of the Year by the M3 students!
- Nominated by their peers, recipients of the Trailblazer Teaching Award are recognized as effective teachers who engage, inspire, and mentor learners, demonstrate teaching innovations in curriculum design, and serve as a catalyst for enhancing teaching and learning. This year, Dr. Allen Richert received this award, along with Dr. Osman Athar, who was named the 2022 Trailblazer of the Year. The Trailblazer of the Year is respected as a dynamic medical educator, and leads peers in curricular adaptation and innovation.
- Dr. Osman Athar was chosen to be part of the 2022 Nelson Order for exemplary teaching skills.
- Sophia Kang, PMHNP, and Mary "Meg" Gardner, PMHNP, were recognized as Master Preceptors.
- Kristy Herbison would like to take a moment and brag on her son, Ryan, for his performance in the MHSAA 6A State Championship Baseball Series: Ryan threw the most pitches he's ever thrown in a baseball game by pitching the entire 7 innings of the final game of the series and his high school career. He's only served as the team's closer throughout the season. Ryan and his teammates at Northwest Rankin High School went on to win the championship at Trustmark Park on May 29, 2022, with a 3-2 win over DeSoto Central! Way to go guys!! Below is a picture of Ryan in all his post-game glory!
- June 13 - 24, 2022, the Department hosted high school students that self-identify as members of under-represented in medicine groups on the UMMC campus for the Insight Program. This goal of this program is to promote inclusion in the field of health care. Below are some photos from this year's program!
- Dr. Jahan Khan shares that a Pizza Party was shared with patients of 3 Circle that was hosted by the medical students, and a BBQ Party in collaboration with UMMC Campus Police! What a great way to spend time with our patients in 3 Circle. Thank you to all involved!!
- Barbara Daniels, our Senior Education Administrator, who has worked diligently with medical student education in our department for the last 25 years, will be retiring at the end of July. Her dedication to the department does not go unnoticed, and we are forever grateful for her service. We wish her nothing but happiness and relaxation in her future retirement! Thank you, Barbara! We will miss you!
- During the 2022 University of Mississippi Medical Center Commencement ceremony, many of our faculty members were able to snap some fun photos. Below you can see Dr. Osman Athar, Dr. Sara Gleason, Dr. Eric Vallender, Dr. Lais Berro, Dr. Harry Pantazopolous, Dr. Barbara Gisabella, Dr. Andrew Voluse, and Dr. James Rowlett enjoying the morning in their regalia.
Staff Spotlight
Courtney Fleming is executive assistant for the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior. Courtney joined the Department in September 2021 and has quickly become a vital member of the team.
An alumna of the University of Mississippi, Courtney majored in psychology and minored in sociology as an undergraduate before earning a master’s degree in criminal justice. It is no surprise that she is a fan of true crime series and documentaries. She started her career as a paralegal in worker’s comp before exploring other opportunities.
After spending time in the retail industry, Courtney then moved toward administrative work. She brings experience from the Office of the State Auditor, where she served as administrative assistant, and from the Mississippi Development Authority Office of International Trade, where she was protocol officer.
Courtney was reminded of her educational roots in psychology when she answered the job posting at the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior. She enjoys a challenge and variety in her work and she has certainly found that here. Courtney’s office is on the 8th floor, but she is involved in activities across all areas of the Department. Her many duties include assisting faculty with administrative tasks, serving as property officer, filing expense reports, purchasing supplies, monitoring Kronos entries, scheduling in Contact U, engaging with Healthstream, updating the website, posting on the Department’s Facebook page, and co-editing the Psychiatry Connection newsletter.
Courtney is from Pelahatchie, Mississippi. Her dog Milo, a Pomeranian, brings her joy. An ideal day is spent boating on the river with multiple generations of her family and her friends. Below is a photo of Milo, to also, hopefully, bring you some joy.
