Pulse

Volume5/2003_June02UNIVERSITY OF UTAH HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER PULSE June 2,2003 Dr. Allen Gives Healing Insight to Students at Medical School Commencement H Elizabeth M. Allen, M. D., whose experience with cancer fundamentally altered her view of a doctor's role in healing, addressed the School of Medicine May 24 com-mencement. Allen, associate dean for student affairs and education and associate professor of pediatrics, spoke about her " most significant educational journey into medicine." A 20- year physician who came to the U in 1990, Allen learned last July Elizabeth M. Allen that s h e h a d non- Hodgkins lym-phoma, cancer of the lymphatic system. The experience taught Allen that physicians, by themselves, cannot heal patients. But by assisting them in examining their thoughts and feelings during illness- and by acknowledging those emotions-physicians can help patients heal. The class of 2003 receivedl06 doctor of medicine degrees, 33 doctor of philosophy degrees, two master's of philosophy and 14 master's of science degrees, 19 master's of science in public health degrees; 27 master's of public health degrees; one master's in public health administration; 40 master's of physician assistant studies degrees; 25 bachelor's of science degrees, and one bachelor's of Commencement exercises at Kingsbury Hall science degree in medical laboratory science/ cytotechnology. honored 268 students in numerous disciplines. A. Lorris Betz, M. D., Ph. D., senior vice president for health ^^ sciences and dean of the medical school, expressed the U's appreciation to donor families. SOM Honors Body Donors, Families The 96 people who donated their bodies to the School of Medicine last year were honored in a service at Salt Lake City Cemetery. The grave site memorial, where donor cremains are interred, included a scripture reading, music, and congregational sharing. Donor family members, medical students, faculty, and staff attended. " This grave site is the resting place of nearly 2,000 body donors," said Kerry Peterson , director of the U's body donor program. " It is important that these caring people and their families be recognized and honored for their significant contribution to science and medi-cine." In Memoriam Wayne Clifford died May 24. Clifford, who retired in December 2001, started at U Hospital in 1971 after attending the American Fork Training School. He worked in the hospital's Linen Services Department for more than 30 years. ... And the Walls Came Tumbling Down The day after ground was broken for the Health Education Building, crews began preparing the construction site by razing the barracks east of the College of Nursing. A. Lorris Betz, M. D., Ph. D., senior vice president for health sciences and dean of the medical school, started the work by bringing down sections of the second floor with a backhoe. The building was the last of the six original barracks constructed on the health sciences campus during World War II. Presidential Commission Opens Applications for Women's Leadership Seminar Applications for the 2003- 2004 Leadership Development Seminar for Staff Women at the U are now available. The seminar is designed to provide insight about higher education in general and the U in particular. It also gives participants a chance to network with leaders and others on campus, and to further career- development opportunities. Applications with selection criteria and seminar information are available on the Presidential Commission on the Status of Women Web site, www. sa. utah. edu/ presidential/ or by calling xl- 8030. Balance, Coordination Study Seeks Volunteers The Sports Medicine Center is looking for volunteers for a study on balance and coordination training. Participants will test their balance, undergo a simple balance exercise training program at home for four weeks, and then return for re- testing. The Institutional Review Board- approved study, needs participants between the ages of 18- 50, with no previous injury to the lower limbs, and no neuromuscular disorders or diabetes mellitus. To sign up or for more information, call Matt Brady, MSII, 633- 8780. State Honors AirMed with Performance Award AirMed's response to the Mt. Nebo loop bus crash last year has earned the UH medical helicopter service an award from the Utah Department of Health's Bureau of Emergency Medical Services. AirMed, including three crews, received the award at last week's Emergency Medical Services Awards Ceremony. All three helicopters responded and transported eight of the 10 patients lifted from the scene, according to Ken Matthews, R. N., AirMed program director and chief flight nurse. AirMed coordi-nated the air operation with other helicopters, law enforcement, and paramedic services. Those honored were pilots Dan Laguna, Andy O'Pry, Bob Wilkey, flight nurses Brian Simpson, Ann Lystrup, Rob Stantus, Rick Thompson, and paramedics Daniel Yeaman, Randy Scott, Ray Huntzinger, Corey Miles, and executive assistant Alicia Brimley. The AirMed team recognized included ( clockwise) Ray Huntzinger, Randy Scott, Brian Simpson, and Alicia Brimley. O PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER uuhsc. U t a h . e d