VISION Magazine 2018 by leighana.wood

VISION HARVEY & BERNICE JONES EYE INSTITUTE â&#x20AC;¢ FALL 2018

HARVEY & BERNICE JONES EYE INSTITUTE

CONTENTS FEATURES

4 6 8 10 12

UAMS, BLUE CROSS PARTNER FOR TELEHEALTH CLINICS

FORMER PROTÉGÉ HONORS MENTOR WITH JIM LANDERS RESIDENT EDUCATION FUND

18 20

KATIE BROWN, O.D., WINS YOUNG OPTOMETRIST OF THE YEAR UAMS MED STUDENT GETS JUMP START ON LIFE GOAL PAMELA MOREHART WINS BACK HER VISION ‘LUCKY TO SURVIVE’

JONSSONS’ GIFT EQUIPS JEI FOR THE FUTURE JEI OPENS WALKER EYE SURGICAL SIMULATION AND EDUCATION CENTER

DEPARTMENT

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NEW RESIDENTS

RESIDENT AND ALUMNI NEWS

OMT PROGRAM UPDATE 2018

VISION PUBLISHER Christopher T. Westfall, M.D., F.A.C.S. Dean, College of Medicine Director, Harvey & Bernice Jones Eye Institute CHANCELLOR Cam Patterson, M.D., M.B.A. EDITOR Elizabeth Caldwell GRAPHIC DESIGNER Norma Edwards PHOTOGRAPHER John Paul Jones WRITER Lee Hogan

OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING Leslie Taylor Vice Chancellor Andrea Peel Associate Vice Chancellor

Vision is an annual publication of the Harvey & Bernice Jones Eye Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas. For permission to reprint any portion of this magazine please call Meredith Garner at 501-686-8638.

RESIDENTS TAKE TRIP TO HELP OTHERS

4301 W. Markham St., #523 Little Rock, AR 72205-7199

HARVEY & BERNICE JONES EYE INSTITUTE

MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR 2018 has been a year filled with excitement and change for the Harvey & Bernice Jones Eye Institute (JEI). I am pleased to welcome our newest faculty members to UAMS and to Arkansas Children’s Hospital. Dr. Paula Grigorian who specializes in strabismus, children with cataracts, genetic eye conditions, neuro-ophthalmology conditions, and retinopathy of prematurity joined our faculty in March. Her husband, Dr. Florin Grigorian joined our faculty in July. His expertise includes retinal conditions and ophthalmic genetics. We are also happy to introduce our new ophthalmology residents Kinza Ahmad, M.D., Steven Dragosljvich, M.D. and Joe Fong, M.D., to the JEI eye care team and to congratulate our graduating residents; Donald Gauldin, M.D., Joshua Hardin, M.D. and Shawn Nash, D.O. We had our ninth floor ribbon-cutting ceremony in March. Our ninth floor renovations include; new clinic eye lanes and classrooms with the latest technological advancements. The jewel in the crown on our ninth floor is the Walker Eye Surgical Simulation & Education Center. We were fortunate to have Mr. Johnny Mike Walker, Walker Foundation trustee and son of Willard and Pat Walker, and Mandy Macke, foundation associate director, join us for the dedication of this wonderful resource. The generous gift from the Walker Foundation provides a unique experience for our residents and medical students. There are only a small number of surgical simulation centers of this caliber and we are proud to be able to offer this type of enhanced education at JEI. Our Ophthalmic Medical Technology Program, the only baccalaureate program of its kind in the country, had a successful site accreditation visit in March. The International Council of Accreditation (ICA) for Allied Ophthalmic Education Programs was very impressed with our program and granted us accreditation for the next five years. Congratulations to the Chair of our Ophthalmic Medical Technology Program, Ms. Alicia Baird (a 2010 graduate of our OMT program), CO, COMT, on her tremendous work. We also graduated the 16th class from our Ophthalmic Medical Technology Program this year. We proudly watch our most recent graduates—Ms. Krupa Patel, Ms. Sara Peppard and Mr. Nicolis Russell—as they start their careers, and we welcome our next class: Ms. Hidaya Jafar and Ms. Shawanda McCoy. I am pleased to announce that Dr. Katie Brown is the recipient of the Arkansas Optometric Association 2018 Young Optometrist of the Year award. The Jones Eye Institute is fortunate to have dedicated clinicians and educators like Dr. Brown on our staff. In February, I was appointed as interim dean of the College of Medicine, and in September the appointment was made permanent. It has been a privilege and honor to serve as the Chair of the Ophthalmology Department and Director of the Jones Eye Institute. My experience at the Jones Eye Institute prepared me for my new role as Dean of the College of Medicine. I will cherish my time as Chair and trust that the College of Medicine will benefit from my experience at Jones Eye Institute. As I stepped down as Chair of Ophthalmology in September to accept my new role, I appointed Dr. Sami Uwaydat, as interim chair. Dr. Uwaydat has served in several leadership positions since joining the faculty in 2008. Dr. Uwaydat, an associate professor, completed an ophthalmology residency at the American University of Beirut in Lebanon and a second residency at the Jones Eye Institute, UAMS. He also completed a fellowship in Medical Retina at New York University and a fellowship in Vitreoretinal surgery at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston and UT Health Sciences Center in Houston. Dr. Uwaydat has served as director of the Vitreoretinal Service, medical director of the Leland and Betty Tollett Retinal and Ocular Genetics Clinic, and medical practice director for the Ophthalmology Service. His clinical and research interests include pharmacogenomic treatments for genetic eye disorders, treatment of complex ocular injuries, management of diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration. He has received numerous teaching awards. Dr. Uwaydat holds the Martha Wood Bentley Chair in Ophthalmology. Recognizing Dr. Uwaydat’s professionalism and experience, I am certain the Department will flourish under his leadership as we begin the search for a permanent Chair. I thank Dr. Uwaydat for accepting this responsibility and congratulate him on his appointment. It has been a wonderful year for all of us at JEI. With your support, we look forward to continued success as we pursue excellence in research, education and patient care.

Christopher T. Westfall, M.D., F.A.C.S. Executive Vice Chancellor Dean, College of Medicine Pat Walker Professor and Director Harvey & Bernice Jones Eye Institute HARVEY & BERNICE JONES EYE INSTITUTE University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

FEATURE

UAMS, BLUE CROSS PARTNER FOR TELEHEALTH CLINICS BRINGS DIABETIC RETINOPATHY TREATMENT TO RURAL ARKANSAS BY LEE HOGAN

ision loss and blindness from diabetic retinopathy can occur gradually with no symptoms when high blood sugar levels cause damage to blood vessels in the retina. That’s why Ryan Jones makes sure she undergoes a yearly eye exam. But it’s not always easy for her to access ophthalmologists who specialize in the disease. A recent pilot program by UAMS and Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield is providing access to medical specialists for patients who live in rural areas where eye screenings that would detect diabetic retinopathy are unavailable. In Arkansas, more than 350,000 people have diabetes. 4

Diabetic retinopathy occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow on the back of the eye. These vessels can leak or bleed, causing vision loss if left untreated. With a disease that can progress without symptoms, it’s vital for those with diabetes to be screened annually. Ms. Jones, 31, recently took advantage of the program, receiving an eye screening at the UAMS Regional Campus at Pine Bluff and a consultation, via video, from Sami Uwaydat, M.D. a UAMS Harvey & Bernice Jones Eye Institute ophthalmologist. Ms. Jones was diagnosed with diabetes about three years ago. She had gestational diabetes HARVEY & BERNICE JONES EYE INSTITUTE

“By partnering with entities like Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield on programs like this, we can come up with a way to provide that care to all parts of the state.” M AR K T. JA N SE N , M .D.

Ryan Jones received an eye screening to monitor for diabetic retinopathy thanks to a pilot program between UAMS and Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield.

during her three pregnancies, but each time the condition went away after the pregnancy. Then, in 2014, she was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. “Diabetes affects so many things, including your vision,” said Ms. Jones. “Keeping a good check on it is important when blindness is a possibility.” The program allows for diabetic retinopathy screenings to be completed at UAMS Regional Campuses clinics during routine appointments. The images are sent to JEI ophthalmologists — Dr. Uwaydat or Ahmed Sallam, M.D., Ph.D., — for review. Patients who show signs of the condition are referred to local ophthalmologists for treatment. Jones’ screening showed no signs of diabetic retinopathy, but she was encouraged to seek an annual exam. “Every diabetic patient has to have an eye examination every year,” said Dr. Uwaydat. HARVEY & BERNICE JONES EYE INSTITUTE

“Luckily, Ryan has fine vision and her retina looks normal; however, she will have to continue to be monitored annually.” The pilot program began in June and Mark T. Jansen, M.D., medical director for UAMS Regional Campuses, said he hopes it will show an increased ability to reach rural residents in Arkansas and prevent more cases of blindness. “UAMS Regional Campuses strive to help care delivery for rural areas in making sure those patients’ needs are met,” said Dr. Jansen. “By partnering with entities like Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield on programs like this, we can come up with a way to provide that care to all parts of the state.” Diabetic retinopathy screenings and telemedicine appointments are available at UAMS Regional Campuses clinics at Pine Bluff, Magnolia, Texarkana, Fort Smith and Fayetteville. 5

FEATURE

HARVEY & BERNICE JONES EYE INSTITUTE

KATIE BROWN, O.D., WINS YOUNG OPTOMETRIST OF THE YEAR BY LEE HOGAN

atie Brown, O.D., an optometric physician at the UAMS Harvey & Bernice Jones Eye Institute, is the Arkansas Optometric Association’s 2018 Young Optometrist of the Year award recipient. The award is given to an optometrist who has practiced at least four years, shows promise and interest in Arkansas Optometric Association leadership, and volunteers their time. Dr. Brown was nominated and selected by a committee comprised of optometric physicians. Dr. Brown has been at UAMS since 2013. She sees patients at the eye institute, performs comprehensive eye exams, diabetic eye exams, glaucoma screenings and contact lens fittings. Additionally, she treats conditions such as corneal abrasions, pink eye, corneal ulcers, dry eye syndrome and glaucoma. She works closely with cornea and retina specialists to provide prosthetic contact lens fittings for vision rehabilitation due to corneal dystrophies or after ocular trauma and corneal transplantation. Dr. Brown is also an assistant professor in the UAMS College of Medicine’s Department of Ophthalmology, where she teaches ophthalmic medical technology students, medical students and ophthalmology residents. Dr. Brown is involved with the association’s student membership, education, and recruitment. She also volunteered this year with a UAMS medical student’s non-profit, ROOTS, which provided eye exams to children. She is the coordinator at the Shepherd’s Hope Neighborhood HARVEY & BERNICE JONES EYE INSTITUTE

Health Center’s free eye clinic in Little Rock. “I have a passion for optometry and providing high quality eye care for Arkansans,” she said. Dr. Brown graduated magna cum laude from Southern College of Optometry in Memphis. She completed internships at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and The Eye Center in Memphis. She received contact lens training at Alcon Academy for Eye Care Excellence in Fort Worth, Texas, and at Vistakon Vision Care Institute in Jacksonville, Florida. Dr. Brown is certified by the National Board of Examiners in Optometry and the Arkansas State Board of Optometry. She is a member of the Arkansas Optometric Association and the American Optometric Association.

“I have a passion for optometry and providing high quality eye care for Arkansans.” KATI E BROWN, O.D.

FEATURE

UAMS MED STUDENT GETS JUMP START ON LIFE GOAL ‘I JUST WANT TO HELP ANYONE’

BY LEE HOGAN

here is a bulletin board in John Musser’s apartment with a big number on it: 50,000. That’s the number of eyes the second-year UAMS medical student would like to save in his lifetime. “That’s my dream,” said Mr. Musser. “I just want to help anyone who wouldn’t have an opportunity otherwise.” Mr. Musser came to this goal pragmatically. It averages four eyes a day over a 35-year career. He’s already ahead of schedule after Martin Luther King Jr. Day. His nonprofit, Rural Ophthalmology Optometry Treatment and Screening (ROOTS), treated 12 area students, ages 5-16, who had

failed multiple school-required eye screenings. When a child fails a school-sponsored eye screening, he or she is required to take another within 30 days. If the second test is failed, the child is referred to an ophthalmologist or optometrist for further testing; however, some children are never seen by a specialist. They sit in classes with possible eye issues or conditions that hinder their ability to learn. That’s where Mr. Musser hopes to help. He, five of his fellow medical students and two UAMS Harvey & Bernice Jones Eye Institute faculty — Katie Brown, O.D., a JEI optometrist and assistant professor, and Sami Uwaydat, M.D., a JEI ophthalmologist and associate professor in the UAMS College of Medicine’s Department of Ophthalmology — treated the dozen students in January. It was ROOTS’ first community event, but Mr. Musser said it wouldn’t be its last, and it was not. In August, ROOTS was part of the Head of the

HARVEY & BERNICE JONES EYE INSTITUTE

Clash Bash on the Clinton Presidential Center lawn providing free eye screenings. The free event handed out 3,000 backpacks filled with school supplies to students and also provided free immunizations, dental screenings, health screenings and healthy cooking demonstrations. UAMS medical student Rachel Ekdahl and Dr. Brown assisted Mr. Musser with the screenings. Dr. Brown said Mr. Musser deserves to be applauded for his efforts to provide this service. “He’s incredibly organized and motivated,” said Dr. Brown. “He has a vision and wants to help restructure and reform screening processes so more kids don’t fall through the cracks. John’s work is commendable.” Mr. Musser wants to do more than reform the screening processes. He spent four days in Barcelona, Spain, in June, attending and speaking at the World Ophthalmology Congress about research he’s involved in at his undergraduate alma mater, the University of Michigan. A Michigander, his love for ophthalmology began in high school in his home state while rotating in the operating room. “I learned the impact of different eye procedures, like for cataracts,” said Musser. “In 10 or 15 minutes, someone could have their life changed and their vision restored. I decided right then I wanted to spend the rest of my life providing that type of care and opportunity to the less fortunate.” While completing his undergraduate in electrical engineering, Mr. Musser was paired with a couple of faculty members who practice at the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center’s Glaucoma Clinic who were interested in improving quality of care. Mr. Musser used radio-frequency identification, or RFID, technology to track patient movements and determine wait times in the clinic. It is the same technology used by businesses to track inventory as it moves from warehouses to shipping trucks to storefronts. “It monitors patient wait times, tracks clinic providers, and will ultimately help improve the quality of the clinic,” said Mr. Musser. “Ultimately, this system will provide live updates and alert staff when people are waiting longer times. They’ll be able to analyze the data afterward, as well, to hopefully identify problem areas and prevent future bottlenecking.” HARVEY & BERNICE JONES EYE INSTITUTE

John Musser providing a free eye screening to a child at the Head of the Clash Bash on the Clinton Presidential Center Lawn.

Mr. Musser also sees how this technology could be used in Arkansas and with ROOTS to bolster the way medicine and medical equipment reaches those in need. “When you look at a statewide health care system, it comes down to where are the tools we need to care for people,” said Mr. Musser. “If we could scan them at an RFID checkpoint, then have them scanned again as they move to another warehouse or before being given to a patient, we could track and provide resources more efficiently. We could make sure they’re getting to the right people at the right time.” Mr. Musser said he believes this could improve access in rural areas for people with chronic diseases such as diabetes or glaucoma. “Using RFID to handle some of the labor and resources not available in those areas could be huge,” he said. Adapting to the rigors of medical school is usually enough for a person. Most opt not to take on the added work of a nonprofit and pilot research program. Mr. Musser does not seem to mind, though. “The passion is there,” he said. “None of it is work to me.” Wherever his endeavors take him, he plans to take ROOTS along for the ride. “Fifty thousand eyes will be ROOTS’ mission,” he said. 9

FEATURE

PAMELA MOREHART WINS BACK HER VISION ‘WE HAVE A BLESSING IN JEI’

BY LEE HOGAN

aintaining her vision with three rival eye conditions is a battle, but it’s one Pamela Morehart is able to win thanks to the UAMS Harvey & Bernice Jones Eye Institute. “We have a blessing in the Jones Eye Institute at UAMS,” said Ms. Morehart. First, there’s the macular degeneration, an eye condition that deteriorates the retina and causes the loss of central vision. Early indicators of it were discovered nearly a decade ago when a regular eye exam discovered drusen, a yellow accumulation in the retina.

For the past five years, she’s fought the condition with routine injections to stave off the growth of blood vessels on the back of the eye. Left untreated, these vessels leak, can cause poor vision and even legal blindness. Ms. Morehart, of Little Rock, also has glaucoma, a condition where fluid pressure inside the eyes increases. Normally, this fluid flows in and out of the eye, but in glaucoma patients, the fluid collects and causes pressure damage to the optic nerve which can lead to vision loss. Ms. Morehart receives treatment for both conditions at Jones Eye Institute from Sami H.

HARVEY & BERNICE JONES EYE INSTITUTE

Uwaydat, M.D., an ophthalmologist and associate Ms. Morehart’s connection to Jones Eye professor in the Department of Ophthalmology Institute extends to her immediate family. in the UAMS College of Medicine. The monthly Her son, Austin, was 17 years old when a injections treat her macular degeneration and baseball incident resulted in a traumatic injury to daily eye drops fight her glaucoma. his eyes and nearly around-the-clock care for the Subsequently, Ms. Morehart noticed a decline better part of three weeks by Joseph G. Chacko, in vision due to cataracts. This brought her under M.D., and David B. Warner, M.D. the care of another institute ophthalmologist Dr. Chacko is director of the neuro— Romona L. Davis, M.D., also an associate ophthalmology service and a professor in the professor in the College of College of Medicine’s Medicine’s Department of departments of Ophthalmology. Ophthalmology and “Cataracts develop in Neurology. Dr. Warner almost everyone, eventually, is director of the but it’s a condition that cornea service at and increases in frequency with associate professor “There are so many aging,” said Dr. Davis. “The in the College of haziness of the cataract wonderful physicians at Medicine’s Department makes her vision blurred Jones Eye Institute. We’re of Ophthalmology. but also makes managing “They feared he would blessed to have a place her macular degeneration lose sight in both eyes, like this that can give you more difficult. This makes but 10 years later, he has her treatment more critical.” your vision back.” his vision, thanks to the Ms. Morehart, who Jones Eye Institute,” said enjoyed near perfect Ms. Morehart. vision before her latest eye PA MELA MOREHART Dr. Warner treated Ms. condition materialized, Morehart’s 82-year-old noticed a drastic change in mother last year, fitting her vision late in 2016. her with lenses to treat a “From one month to the severe astigmatism that next, my vision went from caused her eyes to be less round and more of an 20/20 to 20/80 or 20/100,” said Ms. Morehart. oblong shape. In December of 2016, Ms. Morehart “She would be legally blind without those underwent her first cataract procedure with Dr. lenses,” said Ms. Morehart. Davis. In March she had the second cataract Also last year, Ms. Morehart’s 82-yearremoved. Ms. Morehart received intraocular lens old diabetic father received intraocular lens implants in both eyes, a common treatment for implants, like Ms. Morehart, in procedures done cataract. The artificial lens replaces the natural by Dr. Davis. This month, he renewed his driver lens when it becomes cloudy with cataracts. license with 20/20 vision in one eye and 20/25 “By removing the cataracts, we were able to vision in the other. sharpen her vision again,” said Dr. Davis. “My son’s now graduating with his second Ms. Morehart said she’s incredibly appreciative engineering degree, I was able to work and pay of all Drs. Davis and Uwaydat have done to save for him to go to school, and my parents are able her vision. to run their business and keep their employees “There are so many wonderful physicians at working,” said Ms. Morehart. “None of that Jones Eye Institute,” said Ms. Morehart. “We’re would be possible without the Jones Eye Institute blessed to have a place like this that can give you at UAMS.” your vision back.” HARVEY & BERNICE JONES EYE INSTITUTE

‘LUCKYTO Survive’ VIETNAM POW EXPERIENCED 5 ½ YEARS OF CRUELTY IN CAPTIVITY

DR. F. HAROLD KUSHNER WAS FOUR MONTHS INTO HIS DEPLOYMENT AS AN ARMY FLIGHT SURGEON IN THE VIETNAM WAR WHEN A DRIVING RAINSTORM CAUSED THE HELICOPTER HE AND THREE OTHER SOLDIERS OCCUPIED TO CRASH INTO THE SIDE OF A MOUNTAIN IN THE MIDDLE OF ENEMY TERRITORY. The pilot was killed on impact. The copilot was gravely injured, crushed against the chopper’s instrument panel with bones protruding from his leg. The crew chief had been thrown from the aircraft and lay unconscious on the ground.

Dr. Kushner was unconscious, still strapped into his seat. When he came to, the chopper was ablaze. Now an accomplished ophthalmologist in Daytona Beach, Florida, he spoke at UAMS on Feb. 7 in the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute’s Walton Auditorium. Dr. Kushner spent five and a half years as a prisoner in the Vietnam War. Following his release, John P. Shock, M.D., founding director of the UAMS Harvey & Bernice Jones Eye Institute, mentored him during his ophthalmology residency at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio. Dr. Kushner related his harrowing yet inspiring story of survival to UAMS students, faculty and staff.

BY LEE HOGAN

After freeing himself from the chopper, Dr. Kushner worked to free the co-pilot, but was forced to jump from the aircraft when it was engulfed in flames in what he recalled as a “big whoosh.” The inferno caused the chopper’s attached M60 machine gun to fire off multiple rounds that pierced his body through the back and left shoulder. Dr. Kushner’s pants were burned off his body and he sustained burns to his legs and back. He was missing several teeth, his glasses were gone and he realized his left collarbone and both bones in his left forearm were broken. By the light of the chopper’s fire, he could see the co-pilot and crew chief on the ground, still alive. With no supplies other than two .38 pistols, six rounds in each weapon, the three soldiers, members of the 1st Squadron’s 9th Cavalry Regiment, huddled under one of the chopper’s doors as the torrential rains continued through the night. The next morning, the crew chief was sent to find help, but never returned. He was later found killed in a field, ten miles from the crash site. “The rule they teach you in survival school is stay with your airplane,” said Dr. Kushner. “We stayed for three days and three nights.” The morning of the third day, Dec. 2, the co-pilot died. Dr. Kushner was alone. “I took the compass from the airplane and moved east by the compass, zero-nine-zero,” HARVEY & BERNICE JONES EYE INSTITUTE

said Dr. Kushner. “I followed that compass and went down the mountain, my left arm strapped to my body with an army belt.” The next morning’s light revealed his terrible error. The compass had failed him. “I had not gone east,” he said. “I had gone west. I had gone the wrong way because the compass was broken and was reading 180 degrees off.” Dr. Kushner watched as Army choppers hovered over the mountainside he’d left the day before. The crash site would be found the next day. He continued down the mountain and met a man working in a rice field. The man led him a mile further down a path and to a hut where he retrieved a can of condensed milk, a plastic spoon and a can opener. “That stuff just billowed out of the can,” said Dr. Kushner. “It was the greatest stuff I’ve ever eaten.” His first meal in four days was cut short as a squadron of Viet Cong soldiers approached, commanding him to raise his hands and surrender. Dr. Kushner raised his right arm, as his left remained strapped down. One of the soldiers shot him through the shoulder. “They took all my possessions, I showed them my Geneva Convention card, which identified me as medical personnel,” said Dr. Kushner. “He tore it up and said, ‘No POW, no POW. Criminal.’” 13

Dr. Kushner spent the next month tightly bound and marching through the South Vietnam jungle. Traveling at night and sleeping in the day to avoid detection, the group forced him to walk in front of it through rice fields on 18-inch wide levees with no light to guide his steps. “I would fall off the dyke and into the water, I didn’t have shoes or boots, my feet were lacerated,” said Dr. Kushner. “They pulled me up out of the water by my bandage. It was rough.” Eventually, they reached what Dr. Kushner said “was to be my home” for the next couple of years, although the camp itself would move often, a day’s or two days’ hike through the jungle each time. It was a muddy clearing in the jungle located next to a stream with a few huts and “four of the saddest looking American creatures I had ever seen in my life.” Twenty-seven American POWs passed through the camp and “ten of them died in my arms,” said Dr. Kushner. The prisoners went without shoes, clothes, mosquito nets and medicine. They survived on rice that had been had been stored for 15 years and contained rat feces, rocks and weevils. “Which we ate,” said Dr. Kushner. Each man constantly suffered from multiple conditions, including malaria, dysentery and malnutrition. Despite subhuman living conditions and what Dr. Kushner called “intense indoctrination,” he said they found ways to survive. “We were Americans and we stayed together,” he said. On American holidays, the group would quietly sing patriotic songs as to mark the occasion without alerting their captors. “We nursed each other, we cleaned each other and we took care of one another,” he said. In 1971, the dozen prisoners were moved to North Vietnam as their captors feared the group would die without better rations, said Dr. Kushner. The prisoners were divided into two groups of six, a fast group and a slow group, with Dr. Kushner in the former. 14

The groups walked 560 miles — over 57 days for the fast group and 180 days for the slow group — to a train station. Then, on to the infamous Hanoi Hilton in North Vietnam, a well-known prison camp during the war. Kushner and five other prisoners were put in a 10-foot by 14-foot cell with six wooden pallets, a cement floor, no windows, no electricity, no water and only a slit in the door. They received pumpkin soup, hog water and a piece of bread, twice a day. Dr. Kushner said he later calculated the daily rations at about 600 calories. “It was a cruel jail,” said Dr. Kushner, adding that propaganda was piped through loud speakers. “It was terribly hot in the summer, and dank and damp and cold in the winter. But no one died.” In December of 1972, B-52 bombers began battering Hanoi in Operation Linebacker II. Dr. Kushner said he and his fellow captives cheered even as payloads were dropped on their camp. A day after the bombing started, the camp’s commander gave the prisoners a shovel and pick to build a shelter if they chose. “It was hard with a cement floor,” said Dr. Kushner. “But we shared the work and dug a pit and covered it with our pallets.” The bombings would continue for 12 days. “When the bombings resumed, we jumped in the hole, covered it and cheered them,” Dr. Kushner said. Peace was reached Jan. 27, 1973 in Paris Peace Accords. Dr. Kushner was headed home; however, it would be another two months before he would reach America. On March 16, 1973, Dr. Kushner walked out of a shed at Gia Lim Airport in Hanoi to a C-141 Starlifter with an American flag emblazoned on the tail. It was the first time in five and a half years he’d seen the flag. “I was overwhelmed,” he said. “I almost fainted. I can’t describe the deep emotion that I felt when I saw it.” After a short stint at a hospital in the Philippines, Dr. Kushner returned to American soil in Hawaii. Upon debarking the plane, he sang “America the Beautiful.” HARVEY & BERNICE JONES EYE INSTITUTE

“I swore to myself I would sing that if I ever got back to American soil,” he said. “There were 1,500 people receiving us at three in the morning, including a bunch of reporters. They all joined in with us in singing.” He met his then-5-year-old son for the first time and greeted, again, his daughter, then in the fifth grade. Kushner used the next few months on convalescent leave to travel the country and visit the families of those POWs who perished while imprisoned with him. He returned to duty in August 1973 and restarted his medical career. Kushner left active-duty service in 1977 and retired from the Army Reserve in 1986 as a colonel. Kushner completed two residencies at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, including one in ophthalmology. UAMS’ Dr. Shock served as his chief the final year of his residency. “Col. Shock,” as Dr. Kushner referred to him was a “wonderful mentor and for the last 42 years, has been a treasured and trusted friend.” Following Dr. Kushner’s lecture, Dr. Shock presented Dr. Kushner with a framed photograph taken of the Hanoi Hilton’s gatehouse, all that remains of the prison that was destroyed in the 1990s and transformed into a museum. The photographers, Mary and Marie Ryan, were in attendance. UAMS Provost Stephanie Gardner, Pharm.D., Ed.D., said she was most moved by the compassion shown between the prisoners that carried them through. “I thank you for that, and for what you’ve done for your country and how your story continues to inspire us,” said Dr. Gardner. Dr. Kushner hasn’t allowed his war experiences to overshadow his life. He’s enjoyed a long, successful career as an ophthalmologist and credits his medical career to Dr. Shock. His patients are aware of his military past, especially since Kushner was featured in Ken Burns’ Vietnam War documentary, but Dr. Kushner says “my patients and I don’t talk about it, that’s not what they think about me.” HARVEY & BERNICE JONES EYE INSTITUTE

Hal Kushner, M.D., recounted his five and a half years as a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War to UAMS faculty, staff and students Feb. 7.

Kushner was presented a photograph of the gatehouse at the Hanoi Hilton by John P. Shock, M.D., JEI founding director; Stephanie Gardner, Pharm.D., Ed.D.; and Christopher Westfall, M.D., JEI director.

He said he feels lucky to have survived his imprisonment “when so many stronger, better-trained men died,” and to have avoided post-traumatic stress disorder and flashbacks. “I’ve done missions all over the world in every continent except Antarctica and I just feel so lucky that I was born an American,” he said. “I love my country so much and I’m just proud and honored that I could serve it under the most difficult and harrowing circumstances and I could return with even more love for my exceptional America.” 15

FEATURE

FORMER PROTÉGÉ HONORS MENTOR WITH JIM LANDERS RESIDENT EDUCATION FUND ‘HE WAS INSTRUMENTAL TO ME’ BY LEE HOGAN

t is hard to say where the retina service in Arkansas and surrounding states would be had it not been for Jim Landers, M.D. Through 40 years of work, Dr. Landers met and trained the majority of ophthalmologists to come out of the state. “He and his partner Dr. Sloan Wilson were the founding retina doctors in Little Rock,” said Rickey Medlock, M.D., a former student of the duo. “They virtually trained every resident coming out of the program at UAMS and were influential in forming

bonds with each of them as they moved throughout their careers.” Dr. Landers’ impact started not too long after he returned to Arkansas following his out-of-state retina fellowship. The former UAMS resident came back in 1976 and opened a private practice with Dr. Wilson. The two would switch off weeks between working at their private practice and heading the retina service for UAMS, Arkansas Children’s and the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System. In HARVEY & BERNICE JONES EYE INSTITUTE

“I have always loved teaching and helping residents,” said Dr. Landers. “With my private practice, it was the best of both worlds. It was incredible to help train those residents and then see them progress in their knowledge and abilities and, ultimately, see them graduate and enter practice.” JIM LANDERS, M.D.

doing so, Dr. Landers became an integral part in the training of every ophthalmologist in Little Rock. “I have always loved teaching and helping residents,” said Dr. Landers. “With my private practice, it was the best of both worlds. It was incredible to help train those residents and then see them progress in their knowledge and abilities and, ultimately, see them graduate and enter practice.” Most of the time, the program had about 12 residents with three in each year of the four-year program. With so many trainees under his tutelage, it’s easy to see how the numbers and impact grew quickly. One of those was Dr. Medlock. “He was one of the main reasons I chose to do a retina fellowship” said Dr. Medlock. “His explanation of the retina when examining patients and their subsequent tests was excellent. This made it very easy to learn about the retina.” Following Dr. Medlock’s retina fellowship in Philadelphia, Dr. Landers offered him a position in his private practice which Dr. Medlock happily accepted. He worked alongside Dr. Landers and HARVEY & BERNICE JONES EYE INSTITUTE

even helped at UAMS, Arkansas Children’s and V.A. Dr. Medlock is now a senior partner at the practice. “He and Dr. Wilson opened doors and made it a well-respected profession to be in,” said Dr. Medlock. Dr. Landers retired from his private practice in 2016. At his final annual Christmas luncheon with the staff, Dr. Medlock informed Dr. Landers of his intentions to honor him with a resident fund in the UAMS Harvey & Bernice Jones Eye Institute. The Jim Landers Resident Fund will support JEI residents interested in retina services. The fund hopes to reach endowment status at $50,000. “I wanted to do this because he was instrumental to me and so many others,” said Dr. Medlock. “We all loved him, cared for him and appreciated what he did for us.” Dr. Landers said he was surprised by the gesture and deeply honored. “I thank him for thinking of me and hope this fund grows and helps train residents for years to come, and helps them to become better ophthalmologists,” said Dr. Landers. 17

FEATURE

HARVEY & BERNICE JONES EYE INSTITUTE

JONSSONS’ GIFT EQUIPS JEI FOR THE FUTURE BY LEE HOGAN

magine if physicians could see the intricacies of the eye, monitor for developing eye conditions and provide post-operative care previously unavailable, all with technology that can fit into a tool about the size of a pen. Ophthalmologists at the UAMS Harvey & Bernice Jones Eye Institute no longer have to imagine. It is reality thanks to a donation from Philip and Diane Jonsson. Philip, a former JEI board member, and his wife, Diane, a JEI board member, have been longtime supporters of the institute. Their latest gift provided funds to purchase an ultrasonic biometry machine, or UBM probe, which creates an ultrasound image of the eye. To create the image, the tool, about two inches in diameter, makes gentle contact with the eye. Patients receive numbing drops before so there is no discomfort. The image allows physicians to see the small structures within it and provide a level of care unlike before. JEI ophthalmologist Ahmed Sallam, M.D., Ph.D., said the probe will improve management of multiple eye conditions, like glaucoma and ocular inflammation, and negate costly exploratory procedures to diagnose or manage eye conditions and diseases. “Without this probe, it is nearly impossible to see parts of these structures in the eye responsible for glaucoma and other ocular HARVEY & BERNICE JONES EYE INSTITUTE

diseases,” said Sallam. The UBM probe will also provide physicians the opportunity to provide better post-operative care. Physicians will be able to see complications from a cataract surgery or monitor to make sure tubes placed within the eye during glaucoma surgery are indeed reducing pressures in the eye. “Patients from around the world count on JEI for superior eye care,” said Christopher T. Westfall, M.D., JEI director. “The continued generosity of donors like the Jonsson’s ensures that level of care carries into the future.”

“Patients from around the world count on JEI for superior eye care. The continued generosity of donors like the Jonsson’s ensures that level of care carries into the future.” CHRISTOPHER T. WESTFAL L , M.D., JEI DIRECTOR

FEATURE

JEI OPENS WALKER EYE SURGICAL SIMULATION AND EDUCATION CENTER “UAMS WOULD NOT BE WHAT IT IS TODAY WITHOUT THE WALKERS” BY LEE HOGAN

John Shock, M.D., Stephanie Gardner, Pharm.D., Ed.D., Mandy Macke, Johnny Mike Walker, Nancy Shock, Terry Westfall and Christopher Westfall, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Dean Westfall addresses the crowd. Mandy Macke, Sue Williamson and Johnny Mike Walker

HARVEY & BERNICE JONES EYE INSTITUTE

The ninth-floor revamp moves all simulationportion of the ninth floor at related tools and equipment that were once the UAMS Harvey & Bernice located across multiple floors in the institute, Jones Eye Institute has been to a centralized, modern space where residents transformed into an instructive, can review surgeries on television screens and collaborative center where practice procedures. UAMS residents and students can learn surgical “We are thankful for the many contributions techniques and procedures outside the confines the Walker family has made to UAMS through of an operating room. All thanks to a $600,000 the years,” said UAMS Provost Stephanie donation from the Willard & Pat Walker Gardner, Pharm.D, Ed.D. “UAMS would not be Charitable Foundation. what it is today without the UAMS faculty, staff and Walkers.” supporters celebrated the John P. Shock, M.D., opening of the Walker JEI founding director, Eye Surgical Simulation lauded the Walker family’s & Education Center on “We are thankful for the charitable giving and March 7 with a dedication many contributions the commended Johnny Mike ceremony, complete with Walker family has made Walker and Mandy Macke tours of the simulation for carrying on the Walker center, classrooms and to UAMS through the Foundation’s philanthropic clinical space that comprises years. UAMS would not be spirit. the renovated floor. Johnny what it is today without The center will be led Mike Walker, Walker by Ahmed Sallam, M.D., Foundation trustee and the Walkers.” Ph.D., JEI ophthalmologist son of Willard and Pat and associate professor Walker, and Mandy Macke, STE PHANIE GARDNER, in the Department of foundation associate PHARM.D, ED.D. Ophthalmology. director, were in attendance. “There’s real evidence The Walker Center this will improve our features simulation residents’ competency machines, microscopes and levels, so the benefit of this simulation center other equipment to help the next generation of is two-fold,” said Dr. Sallam. “It increases the ophthalmologists hone their skills. Under new comfort level and proficiency of our residents, curriculum requirements, ophthalmology resident which in turn, improves patient safety and physicians will have to show proficiency in certain satisfaction.” surgical techniques and procedures, including: The ninth-floor waiting room walls feature suturing, cataract surgery and glaucoma surgery. a tribute to Pat Walker and Bernice Jones, two The center will also be open to medical students supporters central to JEI’s success over the years. and ophthalmic medical technology students. Both are members of the Arkansas Women’s Hall “The completion of the ninth floor is the of Fame which honors women for their impact in capstone of the Jones Eye Institute,” said the community, state or region and inspiration to Christopher T. Westfall, M.D., JEI director and others by their example. UAMS College of Medicine dean“It’s fitting Walker was inducted in 2016 and Jones this was accomplished through the continued posthumously in 2017. generosity of the Walker family.”

HARVEY & BERNICE JONES EYE INSTITUTE

DEPARTMENT NEW RESIDENT KINZA AHMAD, M.D.

NEW RESIDENT STEVE DRAGOSLJVICH, M.D.

Kinza Ahmad, M.D., came to UAMS from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee, where she earned her medical degree. She completed her postgraduate year of training in internal medicine at UAMS in June. Dr. Ahmad graduated cum laude from the University of Washington with her bachelor’s in biochemistry and a minor in chemistry and international studies. Outside the hospital, Dr. Ahmad enjoys spending her time with family and friends, hiking, learning new languages, meeting new people and traveling.

Steve Dragosljvich, M.D., comes to UAMS from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston where he earned his medical degree cum laude in 2017. He completed his postgraduate year of training in internal medicine at UAMS in June. Dr. Dragosljvich graduated summa cum laude from the University of Oklahoma with his bachelor’s in biochemistry and a minor in mathematics in 2013. He attended the University of Oklahoma as a National Merit Scholar and earned two scholarships from the Kiwanis Club of Downtown Oklahoma City while enrolled there for his volunteer work and leadership. He served as president of CKI, Kiwanis’ collegiatelevel service organization. During medical school, he was awarded the Arthur V. Simmang Scholarship and became a member of Alpha Omega Alpha. He provided care to underserved patients at an eye clinic as part of CKI. Dr. Dragosljvich enjoys traveling, swimming and hiking with his fiancé, Aaron, and is also an avid reader.

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NEW RESIDENT JOSEPH FONG, M.D. Joseph Fong, M.D., comes to UAMS from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis where he earned his medical degree in 2017 with highest honors. He completed his postgraduate year of training in internal medicine at UAMS in June. Dr. Fong graduated summa cum laude with his bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in biology and a minor in chemistry from Christian Brothers University in Memphis in 2011. There, he received the Christian Brothers University Buckman Scholarship and the Nelson Family Foundation Scholarship. During medical school, he received the American Medical Association Medical Scholars Fund Scholarship, the Dorothy B. Snider Scholarship and the Albright Armstrong Rice Scholarship. He was also a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society and the Imhotep Society for Leadership and Service. He won the Eben J. Carey, M.D. Award for Excellence in Gross Anatomy from the Phi Chi Medical Fraternity in 2014 and received the Faculty Medal for Highest Academic Achievement in 2017. Dr. Fong spent extensive time on mission trips to Dakar, Senegal, and Moyo, Uganda, during medical school. In Senegal, he assisted with care for child trafficking and human rights victims and provided general medical care to indigent Ugandans and refugees of the South Sudan Civil War and genocide in Uganda. It is during these trips Dr. Fong found his passion for surgery and ophthalmology. He has also served on the Navajo Reservation in New Mexico and Arizona, providing care at diabetic foot clinics and at alcohol and substance abuse counseling seminars. Dr. Fong has self-published two anatomy review books. Dr. Fong loves spending time with family and is an avid Memphis Grizzlies fan. HARVEY & BERNICE JONES EYE INSTITUTE

DEPARTMENT

OMT PROGRAM UPDATE

OMT Class of 2018. Sara Peppard, Nicolis Russell, and Krupa Patel.

Krupa Patel, Alicia Bratten, Sara Peppard, and Nicolis Russell at the College of Health Professions Scholarship Reception on November 8, 2017.

Ms. Sara Peppard gave a very moving keynote address “The Value of a Scholarship – A Student’s Perspective” and was also a recipient of the College of Health Professions’ Legacy Scholarship from its general fund. Patel, Peppard and Russell all graduated at the end of July 2018. 24

2018

In February, the OMT program was moved into the newly renovated space on the ninth floor of the Jones Eye Institute. The new space includes two state-of-the-art classrooms and a teaching eye lane complete with teleconferencing capabilities. The Ophthalmic Medical Technology Program at UAMS, offered in collaboration between the College of Health Professions and Jones Eye Institute since August 2000, is one of only four accredited technologist level (highest level) training programs in the United States. In March, the International Council of Accreditation for Allied Ophthalmic Education Programs, visited the campus for a re-accreditation site visit. The continued strong support of the program, by the Jones Eye Institute and the College of Health Professions, was evident and the site visitors were blown away by the classrooms and clinical experiences available to the students. The visit was an outstanding success thanks to the many faculty that helped prepare for the site visit. In May, the program was awarded re-accreditation for an additional five years. In July, members of the 16th class of the OMT Program – Krupa Patel, Sara Peppard, and Nicolis Russell– graduated and will continue their careers in eye care. All three students have also successfully completed the first step in becoming Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologists (COMT). This is the fifth year in a row that all program candidates have passed the COMT multiple choice exam in their first attempt. After successful completion of the program, graduates receive a Bachelor of Science degree and are eligible to take the threepart national certification examination to earn the Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT) credential from JCAHPO. Graduates of the OMT program continue to be recognized as leaders in the field and are highly valued by the clinics that hire them. For more information about the program please contact us at 501-686-5880 or visit http://healthprofessions.uams.edu/OMT HARVEY & BERNICE JONES EYE INSTITUTE

RESIDENT TAKE TRIPS TO HELP OTHERS Scott Davis, M.D., was the latest ophthalmology resident to take advantage of a new elective in the UAMS Harvey & Bernice Jones Eye Institute with a medical trip overseas. Dr. Davis accompanied Joe Chacko, M.D., professor and director of neuro-ophthalmology, on a 9-day trip to Chichicastenango, Guatemala, in July. The duo saw 76 patients and performed 34 sight-restoring surgeries which included cataract and pterygia procedures. JEIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s international rotation elective, which became effective in 2017, allows residents to travel overseas to provide ophthalmic care and gain valuable experience. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an opportunity few other ophthalmology residents in the region enjoy.

Scott Davis, M.D. and Joseph Chacko, M.D. with some of the patients they treated during their trip to Guatemala in July 2017.

harvey bernice jones eye institute advisory board John Chambers

Joan Hearnsberger

Becky Tucker

Margaret Clark

Johnelle Hunt

Richard Williams

Barbara Dale Crafton

Diane Jonsson

Craig Wood

Rick Adkins

Fern Cross

Peter Kumpe

Bryn Wood Bagwell

Philip J. Deer III, M.D.

Ann McCoy

Pat Blass

Mandy Dillard

Allen McDowell

Lee Bodenhamer

Carrie Eggart

Angela Moody

Richard Butler

Greg Hartz

Walter Nunnelly

John Shock, M.D. Chairman Byron Eiseman Vice-Chairman

HARVEY & BERNICE JONES EYE INSTITUTE

DEPARTMENT

JEI Spring Advisory Board Meeting and Annual ReceptionApril 17, 2018 The annual JEI Spring Advisory Board Meeting and Annual Reception was held at the Capital Hotel in downtown Little Rock. The board heard presentations from John Shock, M.D., Paul Phillips, M.D., and Christopher Westfall, M.D.

Grady McCoy, Barbara Crafton, Dean Christopher Westfall, M.D. and Teresa Westfall

Joe Chacko, M.D., Theresa Chacko and John Shock, M.D.

Resident and Alumni Day The annual Resident and Alumni Dinner was held at the Chenal Country Club on June 1, 2018. The ceremony celebrated the graduation of our three chief residents: Joshua Hardin, M.D., Donald Gauldin, M.D. and Shawn Nash, D.O. Awards announced that evening included Resident of the Year to Joshua Hardin, M.D., who also received the Academic Achievement Award. The Raymond and Mary Morris Award winner was John Chancellor, M.D.; second place was awarded to Alice Behrens, M.D.; and third place went to Kyle Kirkland, D.O. Paul Phillips, M.D., was named Faculty of the Year. Brita Rook, M.D., received the Deanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Faculty Award. The Administrative Award was presented to Lamonda Corder. William Henry, Michael Franzetti, Santiago Gonzalez, Jeremy Light were presented with the John P. Shock, M.D. Medical Student Award.

2018 Department of Ophthalmology

HARVEY & BERNICE JONES EYE INSTITUTE

Resident and Alumni Dinner

Dean Christopher Westfall, M.D. and Shelli Madison presenting gifts to the graduating residents: Shawn Nash D.O., Joshua Hardin M.D., and Donald Gauldin, M.D.

Marty Thomas and Henry Thomas, M.D.

Joshua Hardin, M.D. and Olga Hardin

Donald Gauldin, M.D. and Christiana Hardin

Paul Phillips, M.D. presenting an award to Shawn Nash, D.O.

Mark and Shelli Madison

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