The Hub of Health THE 2014 - 2015 ANNUAL FUND FOR UAMS
What unifies us is what makes us different
{
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
UAMS Cabinet Leadership
What unifies us is what makes us different
THE UAMS MISSION is to improve the health and health care of those we serve. To accomplish this mission with distinction, it takes the skill of many dedicated individuals bringing their unique talents into service. There is great satisfaction in aligning together, each playing a different role, to reach the same common goal. The drive to reach excellence in all we do, collaboratively as a team, is what unifies us. We are a team of innovators, high-achievers and pioneers. Our collective pursuit is also what makes us different. It is what makes UAMS unlike any other—a place where so much is accomplished through the
commonalities we share, but distinguished by the multifaceted and diverse offerings of our campus as a whole. Our elaborate structure includes specialized health care providers, scientists and educators who set us apart as a system of robust care that is unparalleled. We are grateful to all who provide philanthropic support to UAMS. Without your thoughtful gifts, we would be unable to achieve our mission, let alone reach far beyond it. Thanks to you, we are equipped to usher in the new age of health care. Gifts of all sizes ensure our steady progress, allowing us to be poised to tackle the health issues of the future.
Dan Rahn, M.D. Chancellor University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
UAMS MEDICAL CENTER As patient and family partners, our medical skills are surpassed only by our people skills
MYELOMA INSTITUTE Internationally recognized for outstanding patient outcomes and innovative translational research
FAY W. BOOZMAN COLLEGE OF PUBLIC HEALTH Educating a diverse public health workforce and promoting the health of all Arkansans
JACKSON T. STEPHENS SPINE & NEUROSCIENCES INSTITUTE Innovative spine care using the EVE system to reduce pain and increase function
COLLEGE OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS More program and degree offerings than any other allied health school in Arkansas
PSYCHIATRIC RESEARCH INSTITUTE The state’s only comprehensive academic, research and behavioral health treatment provider
COLLEGE OF MEDICINE Arkansas’ only medical school – and so much more
DONALD W. REYNOLDS INSTITUTE ON AGING Translating world-class, aging-related research and education to benefit seniors in Arkansas
GRADUATE SCHOOL Moving innovative discoveries and treatment to patients and communities to improve health ACADEMIC AFFAIRS Providing centralized core services to support the educational mission of the University
WINTHROP P. ROCKEFELLER CANCER INSTITUTE Offering hope through a full spectrum of cancer research and treatment services TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE A nationally funded institute that is accelerating discoveries and improving health in Arkansas UAMS REGIONAL PROGRAMS The state’s premier provider of community-based health professions education UAMS NORTHWEST The only UAMS regional campus for health care education
HARVEY & BERNICE JONES EYE INSTITUTE Providing the most specialized training, research and care of the eye
2
giving.uams.edu
Lance Burchett
Christina Clark
Dr. Larry Cornett
Dr. Pedro Delgado
Cherry Duckett
Dr. Peter Emanuel
Dr. Lorraine Frazier
Dr. Stephanie Gardner
Mark Hagemeier
Dr. Jeanne Heard
Dr. Laura James
Rhonda Jorden
Mark Kenneday
Dr. Peter Kohler
Dr. Bobby McGehee, Jr.
Dr. Mark Mengel
Dr. Gareth Morgan
Dr. Douglas Murphy
Dr. T. Glenn Pait
Dr. James Raczynski
Dr. Daniel Rahn
Dr. Rick Smith
Leslie Taylor
Dr. Billy Thomas
Dr. Roxane Townsend
PHILANTHROPY is truly the common thread that is woven throughout every aspect of our collective mission here at UAMS. We have a long and storied history and, within every chapter, tales of the dedication, generosity, and commitment of our many friends and supporters are found. In fact, UAMS was founded on philanthropy. Our roots began in 1879 when eight visionary physicians pooled their money to invest $5,000 to pave the way for the first medical school in Arkansas. There is no finer testament to the loyalty of our own UAMS physicians, clinicians, students, faculty and staff than when they contribute their own resources in support of our institution. Undoubtedly, this support stems from the fact that they see firsthand
The power of unrestricted annual support gives UAMS the flexibility to utilize resources when and where they are needed most. By giving to one or more of these areas, you are providing important support for the highest priorities at UAMS.
COLLEGE OF PHARMACY From drug discovery to advancing medication therapy, we’re developing future pharmacy leaders
Bill Bowes
A great institution requires visionary leadership. We have each come to UAMS to fulfill a passion to care for others, to make life-changing discoveries and to educate the next generation of healthcare professionals. Through our collaboration and with your investment, UAMS is Arkansas’ hub of health.
ANNUAL GIFT DESIGNATIONS
COLLEGE OF NURSING The state’s only Ph.D. in Nursing and only master’s (M.N.Sc.) in Family Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program
Bob Bishop
THE ANNUAL FUND FOR UAMS
THE ANNUAL FUND FOR UAMS
Dr. Jeanne Wei
Dr. Christopher Westfall
the life-changing work that we do every day. Amazing things happen here, as you’ll soon see in the stories that follow. Each year, we share examples of how UAMS is impacting the state and beyond via astounding technology, forward-thinking therapies, cutting-edge research and inspiring teaching moments—all carried out in the hands of the most talented and compassionate team around. So, settle in and enjoy the inspiring stories in the pages ahead. We have no doubt that you will be moved by these triumphs of valiant individuals seizing or creating opportunities that only a place like UAMS can offer. All are made possible because of the leadership, support, and inspiration of philanthropy.
Thank you for caring about Arkansas.
Patricia S. “Patti” Bailey Chair UAMS Foundation Fund Board
Lance Burchett Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement Executive Director of the UAMS Foundation Fund Board
giving.uams.edu
3
{
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
UAMS Cabinet Leadership
What unifies us is what makes us different
THE UAMS MISSION is to improve the health and health care of those we serve. To accomplish this mission with distinction, it takes the skill of many dedicated individuals bringing their unique talents into service. There is great satisfaction in aligning together, each playing a different role, to reach the same common goal. The drive to reach excellence in all we do, collaboratively as a team, is what unifies us. We are a team of innovators, high-achievers and pioneers. Our collective pursuit is also what makes us different. It is what makes UAMS unlike any other—a place where so much is accomplished through the
commonalities we share, but distinguished by the multifaceted and diverse offerings of our campus as a whole. Our elaborate structure includes specialized health care providers, scientists and educators who set us apart as a system of robust care that is unparalleled. We are grateful to all who provide philanthropic support to UAMS. Without your thoughtful gifts, we would be unable to achieve our mission, let alone reach far beyond it. Thanks to you, we are equipped to usher in the new age of health care. Gifts of all sizes ensure our steady progress, allowing us to be poised to tackle the health issues of the future.
Dan Rahn, M.D. Chancellor University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
UAMS MEDICAL CENTER As patient and family partners, our medical skills are surpassed only by our people skills
MYELOMA INSTITUTE Internationally recognized for outstanding patient outcomes and innovative translational research
FAY W. BOOZMAN COLLEGE OF PUBLIC HEALTH Educating a diverse public health workforce and promoting the health of all Arkansans
JACKSON T. STEPHENS SPINE & NEUROSCIENCES INSTITUTE Innovative spine care using the EVE system to reduce pain and increase function
COLLEGE OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS More program and degree offerings than any other allied health school in Arkansas
PSYCHIATRIC RESEARCH INSTITUTE The state’s only comprehensive academic, research and behavioral health treatment provider
COLLEGE OF MEDICINE Arkansas’ only medical school – and so much more
DONALD W. REYNOLDS INSTITUTE ON AGING Translating world-class, aging-related research and education to benefit seniors in Arkansas
GRADUATE SCHOOL Moving innovative discoveries and treatment to patients and communities to improve health ACADEMIC AFFAIRS Providing centralized core services to support the educational mission of the University
WINTHROP P. ROCKEFELLER CANCER INSTITUTE Offering hope through a full spectrum of cancer research and treatment services TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE A nationally funded institute that is accelerating discoveries and improving health in Arkansas UAMS REGIONAL PROGRAMS The state’s premier provider of community-based health professions education UAMS NORTHWEST The only UAMS regional campus for health care education
HARVEY & BERNICE JONES EYE INSTITUTE Providing the most specialized training, research and care of the eye
2
giving.uams.edu
Lance Burchett
Christina Clark
Dr. Larry Cornett
Dr. Pedro Delgado
Cherry Duckett
Dr. Peter Emanuel
Dr. Lorraine Frazier
Dr. Stephanie Gardner
Mark Hagemeier
Dr. Jeanne Heard
Dr. Laura James
Rhonda Jorden
Mark Kenneday
Dr. Peter Kohler
Dr. Bobby McGehee, Jr.
Dr. Mark Mengel
Dr. Gareth Morgan
Dr. Douglas Murphy
Dr. T. Glenn Pait
Dr. James Raczynski
Dr. Daniel Rahn
Dr. Rick Smith
Leslie Taylor
Dr. Billy Thomas
Dr. Roxane Townsend
PHILANTHROPY is truly the common thread that is woven throughout every aspect of our collective mission here at UAMS. We have a long and storied history and, within every chapter, tales of the dedication, generosity, and commitment of our many friends and supporters are found. In fact, UAMS was founded on philanthropy. Our roots began in 1879 when eight visionary physicians pooled their money to invest $5,000 to pave the way for the first medical school in Arkansas. There is no finer testament to the loyalty of our own UAMS physicians, clinicians, students, faculty and staff than when they contribute their own resources in support of our institution. Undoubtedly, this support stems from the fact that they see firsthand
The power of unrestricted annual support gives UAMS the flexibility to utilize resources when and where they are needed most. By giving to one or more of these areas, you are providing important support for the highest priorities at UAMS.
COLLEGE OF PHARMACY From drug discovery to advancing medication therapy, we’re developing future pharmacy leaders
Bill Bowes
A great institution requires visionary leadership. We have each come to UAMS to fulfill a passion to care for others, to make life-changing discoveries and to educate the next generation of healthcare professionals. Through our collaboration and with your investment, UAMS is Arkansas’ hub of health.
ANNUAL GIFT DESIGNATIONS
COLLEGE OF NURSING The state’s only Ph.D. in Nursing and only master’s (M.N.Sc.) in Family Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program
Bob Bishop
THE ANNUAL FUND FOR UAMS
THE ANNUAL FUND FOR UAMS
Dr. Jeanne Wei
Dr. Christopher Westfall
the life-changing work that we do every day. Amazing things happen here, as you’ll soon see in the stories that follow. Each year, we share examples of how UAMS is impacting the state and beyond via astounding technology, forward-thinking therapies, cutting-edge research and inspiring teaching moments—all carried out in the hands of the most talented and compassionate team around. So, settle in and enjoy the inspiring stories in the pages ahead. We have no doubt that you will be moved by these triumphs of valiant individuals seizing or creating opportunities that only a place like UAMS can offer. All are made possible because of the leadership, support, and inspiration of philanthropy.
Thank you for caring about Arkansas.
Patricia S. “Patti” Bailey Chair UAMS Foundation Fund Board
Lance Burchett Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement Executive Director of the UAMS Foundation Fund Board
giving.uams.edu
3
What unifies us is what makes us different Theresa Wyrick-Glover, M.D. and Lilly Patient, Physician
{
Expecting the Unexpected Did You Know? At UAMS, we have
one of the largest adult blood cell transplant centers in the country, thanks to unanimous legislation by the Arkansas Legislature that allows us to store and perform research on blood cells harvested from umbilical cords following the birth of healthy children. With further research and an efficient banking system, more than 100 million Americans and 2 billion people worldwide suffering from diseases could potentially be treated or cured. The Cord Blood Bank of Arkansas (CBBA) links with national and international networks of cord blood banks all over the world. Theresa Wyrick-Glover, M.D., and daughter Lilly
THERESA WYRICK-GLOVER, M.D., and her husband, David, were eagerly anticipating the birth of their second daughter in May 2014. After 39 weeks of a healthy pregnancy, she came to the hospital at UAMS, expecting a normal delivery. “After six hours of labor, there was suddenly no heart beat from our baby,” said Wyrick-Glover. “In one moment everything changed. It was a very scary time for us.” The labor and delivery team quickly performed an emergency C-section, and Lilly was born 10 minutes after her heart beat was lost. Lilly had a ruptured blood vessel that resulted in a sudden loss of blood. More than half of all babies who experience this die. A UAMS pediatrician quickly inserted a breathing tube and intravenous lines 4
giving.uams.edu
to deliver fluids and blood. After Lilly was stabilized, she was transferred to Arkansas Children’s Hospital, where she spent 10 days in the neonatal intensive care unit. “Lilly received a special treatment
called ‘head cooling,’ used for infants with potentially significant injuries to the brain at birth,” said Wyrick-Glover. “They put a cold cap on her head for 72 hours to prevent permanent injury to her brain. They slowly rewarmed her brain and
Michele Fox, M.D., Medical Director, Cord Blood Bank of Arkansas at UAMS THE ANNUAL FUND FOR UAMS
More than half of the 2,000 babies born at UAMS each year are cared for in the NICU, including more than 200 very low birth weight (VLBW) babies weighing less than 1,500 grams (3 pounds, 6 ounces)
watched for improvement. An ultrasound and MRI of her brain showed it was completely normal.” Wyrick-Glover, a UAMS orthopedic surgeon specializing in hand surgery, attended medical school at UAMS and completed her residency at the UAMS Medical Center. “UAMS is known for being the place to get prenatal care and deliver if you are high-risk or expect complications,” she said. “In my case, I had a picture-perfect pregnancy and labor. I have no doubt that at another hospital Lilly would have died or been neurologically devastated. However, because we were at UAMS, and the quick well-oiled machine of labor and THE ANNUAL FUND FOR UAMS
delivery kicked into motion when needed, she is alive and totally unscathed.” Lilly is now a happy, growing, healthy baby who loves to play with her big sister.
UAMS boasts Arkansas’ top obstetricians and gynecologists who provide personalized care for expectant mothers. In addition to expert care for general OB patients, we have MaternalFetal Medicine specialists who provide highly-specialized care of high-risk pregnancies. Because we offer the only board certified sub-specialists in the state, we are best prepared to handle any complications that may arise during pregnancy, labor and delivery. Our women’s health center is widely recognized as one of the best in the country.
giving.uams.edu
5
What unifies us is what makes us different Theresa Wyrick-Glover, M.D. and Lilly Patient, Physician
{
Expecting the Unexpected Did You Know? At UAMS, we have
one of the largest adult blood cell transplant centers in the country, thanks to unanimous legislation by the Arkansas Legislature that allows us to store and perform research on blood cells harvested from umbilical cords following the birth of healthy children. With further research and an efficient banking system, more than 100 million Americans and 2 billion people worldwide suffering from diseases could potentially be treated or cured. The Cord Blood Bank of Arkansas (CBBA) links with national and international networks of cord blood banks all over the world. Theresa Wyrick-Glover, M.D., and daughter Lilly
THERESA WYRICK-GLOVER, M.D., and her husband, David, were eagerly anticipating the birth of their second daughter in May 2014. After 39 weeks of a healthy pregnancy, she came to the hospital at UAMS, expecting a normal delivery. “After six hours of labor, there was suddenly no heart beat from our baby,” said Wyrick-Glover. “In one moment everything changed. It was a very scary time for us.” The labor and delivery team quickly performed an emergency C-section, and Lilly was born 10 minutes after her heart beat was lost. Lilly had a ruptured blood vessel that resulted in a sudden loss of blood. More than half of all babies who experience this die. A UAMS pediatrician quickly inserted a breathing tube and intravenous lines 4
giving.uams.edu
to deliver fluids and blood. After Lilly was stabilized, she was transferred to Arkansas Children’s Hospital, where she spent 10 days in the neonatal intensive care unit. “Lilly received a special treatment
called ‘head cooling,’ used for infants with potentially significant injuries to the brain at birth,” said Wyrick-Glover. “They put a cold cap on her head for 72 hours to prevent permanent injury to her brain. They slowly rewarmed her brain and
Michele Fox, M.D., Medical Director, Cord Blood Bank of Arkansas at UAMS THE ANNUAL FUND FOR UAMS
More than half of the 2,000 babies born at UAMS each year are cared for in the NICU, including more than 200 very low birth weight (VLBW) babies weighing less than 1,500 grams (3 pounds, 6 ounces)
watched for improvement. An ultrasound and MRI of her brain showed it was completely normal.” Wyrick-Glover, a UAMS orthopedic surgeon specializing in hand surgery, attended medical school at UAMS and completed her residency at the UAMS Medical Center. “UAMS is known for being the place to get prenatal care and deliver if you are high-risk or expect complications,” she said. “In my case, I had a picture-perfect pregnancy and labor. I have no doubt that at another hospital Lilly would have died or been neurologically devastated. However, because we were at UAMS, and the quick well-oiled machine of labor and THE ANNUAL FUND FOR UAMS
delivery kicked into motion when needed, she is alive and totally unscathed.” Lilly is now a happy, growing, healthy baby who loves to play with her big sister.
UAMS boasts Arkansas’ top obstetricians and gynecologists who provide personalized care for expectant mothers. In addition to expert care for general OB patients, we have MaternalFetal Medicine specialists who provide highly-specialized care of high-risk pregnancies. Because we offer the only board certified sub-specialists in the state, we are best prepared to handle any complications that may arise during pregnancy, labor and delivery. Our women’s health center is widely recognized as one of the best in the country.
giving.uams.edu
5
What unifies us is what makes us different Jacob Smith Third-Year Medical Student
{
A Desire to Serve “The 12th Street Health and Wellness Center bridges our educational and clinical missions by focusing on the ultimate goal of improving health outcomes by educating highly skilled practitioners who work collaboratively as an effective team.” Stephanie F. Gardner, Pharm.D., Ed.D. Professor and Dean, College of Pharmacy
Did You Know? UAMS promotes
Jacob Smith examines a patient at the 12th Street Health and Wellness Center
JACOB SMITH of Hackett is a busy third-year medical student, but not too busy for opportunities to give back to an underserved community while gaining experience that will be useful later in his career. As student director of the UAMS student-led 12th Street Health and Wellness Center in Little Rock, Smith coordinates student staffing from all of the UAMS colleges — Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Public Health, Health Professions and the Graduate School.
Jeanne Heard, M.D., Ph.D., Provost, with students Shaima Iskandarani (CHP), Mauri Rogers (CON), Brandon Achor (COP) and Linda Murphy (COM)
6
giving.uams.edu
The students provide free wellness screenings and health information to residents under supervision of licensed health care professionals. Students also provide dental screenings and basic dental care under the supervision of licensed dentists. “It’s a good way to get involved in the community. I have relatives who were from this area so I’m glad to be able to help community members here,” Smith said. “The interprofessional opportunity is incredible — we get to meet and work alongside students from the other programs.” The 12th Street Health and Wellness Center opened in 2013 with the two-fold purpose of engaging the community and learning through meaningful community service. Housed in a former pharmacy building donated by a couple who graduated from the UAMS College of Pharmacy, the center positions those services and information close to the neighborhood it serves. In addition to the interprofessional
Interprofessional Education (IPE) as a vital component of our mission as an institution for health sciences education. In the IPE model, students from multiple health care professions learn and work together with the objective of improving patient- and family-centered health care. In this way, health professionals work together to provide the best possible care for each patient.
opportunities for UAMS students, the center promotes service learning — providing much-needed wellness services in partnership with the community, which in turn offers learning opportunities to the students. While most UAMS academic programs require students to perform some level of community engagement or service activities, many who work at the 12th Street Center continue to come back and volunteer even after fulfilling any requirements. “These students want to be here. They want to serve and this commitment broadens the conversation with their colleagues and with their patients,” said Lanita White, Pharm.D., director of the 12th Street Center and an assistant professor in the UAMS College of Pharmacy. THE ANNUAL FUND FOR UAMS
Paige Collins
{
Paige Collins Patient
Surgery Helps Teen Blossom
FOR TWO YEARS, 18-year-old Paige Collins of Harrison thought her fate was to live with a tilted neck following a 2012 accident after undergoing car — until she surgery to repair the came to broken bones at another UAMS. A tilted hospital she wasn’t out neck wasn’t only of the woods just yet. her injury. She endured a broken neck, fractured femur and tibia, internal bruising, and a T6 fracture. But after undergoing surgery to repair the broken bones at another hospital she wasn’t out of the woods just yet. Collins developed a fatty embolism THE ANNUAL FUND FOR UAMS
from her long bone fractures in her leg that then spread to her lungs and, because of a congenital hole in her heart, spread to her brain, causing a stroke. At 16, she had to learn how to walk and talk again. “They were telling my mom they would have to put me in a nursing home or something like that and I was like, what?” Collins said. Even after learning how to walk and talk, and graduating high school only one semester behind, Collins’ doctors couldn’t figure out the source of her head tilt or the pain in her back. Her primary care doctor sent her to Richard McCarthy, M.D., chair of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery in the UAMS
College of Medicine. McCarthy and Monir Tabbosha, M.D., assistant professor in the college’s Department of Neurosurgery, discovered Collins had a cervical spine dislocation, which they could correct by using a specialized surgical tool. Prior to surgery, Collins needed to spend one week wearing a metal halo attached to her skull and to a traction walker device used to stretch the arteries and soft tissues prior to realigning the bones. “When we saw her, we recognized that she had a problem with this dislocation,” McCarthy said. “So, Dr. Tabbosha and I were able to work together and get the arteries stretched out with the traction and reduce the giving.uams.edu
7
What unifies us is what makes us different Jacob Smith Third-Year Medical Student
{
A Desire to Serve “The 12th Street Health and Wellness Center bridges our educational and clinical missions by focusing on the ultimate goal of improving health outcomes by educating highly skilled practitioners who work collaboratively as an effective team.” Stephanie F. Gardner, Pharm.D., Ed.D. Professor and Dean, College of Pharmacy
Did You Know? UAMS promotes
Jacob Smith examines a patient at the 12th Street Health and Wellness Center
JACOB SMITH of Hackett is a busy third-year medical student, but not too busy for opportunities to give back to an underserved community while gaining experience that will be useful later in his career. As student director of the UAMS student-led 12th Street Health and Wellness Center in Little Rock, Smith coordinates student staffing from all of the UAMS colleges — Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Public Health, Health Professions and the Graduate School.
Jeanne Heard, M.D., Ph.D., Provost, with students Shaima Iskandarani (CHP), Mauri Rogers (CON), Brandon Achor (COP) and Linda Murphy (COM)
6
giving.uams.edu
The students provide free wellness screenings and health information to residents under supervision of licensed health care professionals. Students also provide dental screenings and basic dental care under the supervision of licensed dentists. “It’s a good way to get involved in the community. I have relatives who were from this area so I’m glad to be able to help community members here,” Smith said. “The interprofessional opportunity is incredible — we get to meet and work alongside students from the other programs.” The 12th Street Health and Wellness Center opened in 2013 with the two-fold purpose of engaging the community and learning through meaningful community service. Housed in a former pharmacy building donated by a couple who graduated from the UAMS College of Pharmacy, the center positions those services and information close to the neighborhood it serves. In addition to the interprofessional
Interprofessional Education (IPE) as a vital component of our mission as an institution for health sciences education. In the IPE model, students from multiple health care professions learn and work together with the objective of improving patient- and family-centered health care. In this way, health professionals work together to provide the best possible care for each patient.
opportunities for UAMS students, the center promotes service learning — providing much-needed wellness services in partnership with the community, which in turn offers learning opportunities to the students. While most UAMS academic programs require students to perform some level of community engagement or service activities, many who work at the 12th Street Center continue to come back and volunteer even after fulfilling any requirements. “These students want to be here. They want to serve and this commitment broadens the conversation with their colleagues and with their patients,” said Lanita White, Pharm.D., director of the 12th Street Center and an assistant professor in the UAMS College of Pharmacy. THE ANNUAL FUND FOR UAMS
Paige Collins
{
Paige Collins Patient
Surgery Helps Teen Blossom
FOR TWO YEARS, 18-year-old Paige Collins of Harrison thought her fate was to live with a tilted neck following a 2012 accident after undergoing car — until she surgery to repair the came to broken bones at another UAMS. A tilted hospital she wasn’t out neck wasn’t only of the woods just yet. her injury. She endured a broken neck, fractured femur and tibia, internal bruising, and a T6 fracture. But after undergoing surgery to repair the broken bones at another hospital she wasn’t out of the woods just yet. Collins developed a fatty embolism THE ANNUAL FUND FOR UAMS
from her long bone fractures in her leg that then spread to her lungs and, because of a congenital hole in her heart, spread to her brain, causing a stroke. At 16, she had to learn how to walk and talk again. “They were telling my mom they would have to put me in a nursing home or something like that and I was like, what?” Collins said. Even after learning how to walk and talk, and graduating high school only one semester behind, Collins’ doctors couldn’t figure out the source of her head tilt or the pain in her back. Her primary care doctor sent her to Richard McCarthy, M.D., chair of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery in the UAMS
College of Medicine. McCarthy and Monir Tabbosha, M.D., assistant professor in the college’s Department of Neurosurgery, discovered Collins had a cervical spine dislocation, which they could correct by using a specialized surgical tool. Prior to surgery, Collins needed to spend one week wearing a metal halo attached to her skull and to a traction walker device used to stretch the arteries and soft tissues prior to realigning the bones. “When we saw her, we recognized that she had a problem with this dislocation,” McCarthy said. “So, Dr. Tabbosha and I were able to work together and get the arteries stretched out with the traction and reduce the giving.uams.edu
7
What unifies us is what makes us different
{
W. Sue T. Griffin, Ph.D. Researcher
dislocation in surgery back to where it belonged.” Collins’ mother, Jane Anne Beckham, was grateful that McCarthy was able to pinpoint the root of her daughter’s discomfort. “When he identified that there was an additional break, then it was just great to have a plan of action and to know that she wasn’t going to be in that position forever,” Beckham said. McCarthy and Tabbosha performed the surgery to correct Collins’ C1-2 spinal dislocation using an intraoperative CAT scan imaging platform called the O-arm Surgical Imaging System. “Paige came to UAMS because we have an O-arm and the skills to fix her spine,” McCarthy “Paige came to UAMS said. “This was very unusual because we have an asurgery because O-arm and the skills usually you see cases when to fix her spine.” these they first happen. These trauma cases seen later can be problematic.” Collins said she hasn’t experienced any problems since the surgery and is living a normal life again. After a few more months of physical therapy, she will be able to remove her neck brace.
As integral members of our team, CHP graduates extend the spectrum of care to create the best possible outcomes for patients. From surgical techs to radiology techs to physical therapists, these highly skilled clinicians provide specialty care in a variety of forms
“I see this as one of the last steps as far as her physical health and her really recovering and a boost to her confidence because she did have a head tilt,” Beckham said. “I’ve seen her blossom since the surgery.” Richard McCarthy, M.D., examines Paige Collins
8
giving.uams.edu
“Allied health professionals make up 60-65 percent of the health care work force and the UAMS College of Health Professions (CHP) has programs in 17 different areas of specialty study.” Douglas Murphy, Ph.D. Dean, College of Health Professions THE ANNUAL FUND FOR UAMS
Radical Theory Proves True
breakthrough discovery about Alzheimer’s disease, is a pioneer in the field of neuroinflammation. After joining UAMS in 1986, she published a landmark study in 1989 describing how inflammation in the brain’s neurons can provoke an outof-control immune response. During such a response, neurons continue to release a molecule identified by Griffin (Interleukin-1) that ultimately leads to the creation of plaque that kills off more and more brain cells. “Sometimes it’s like turning a knob W. Sue T. Griffin, Ph.D., Professor and Vice Chairman for Research too far in the right Donald W. Reynolds Department of Geriatrics direction – you BACK IN THE MID-1980s, Sue Griffin, break the connection,” she said. Ph.D., was having a hard time attracting Ten years later, the mechanisms that interest in her radical theory about keep the cycle going were discovered by Alzheimer’s disease. UAMS’ Steve Barger, Ph.D., her collaborator Then she visited UAMS, where she since 1995. presented her ideas about the role The Alzheimer’s program at UAMS has of inflammation in causing the brain’s earned NIH grant awards continuously neurons to self-destruct. Among those since 1991. In 2004, Griffin and her chief listening was the late Robert Fiser, M.D., collaborator at the time, Robert Mrak, M.D., then-chair of the Department of Pediatrics Ph.D., were among the first to start an openin the College of Medicine, who offered his source scientific publication: the Journal of support. Neuroinflammation. Today the journal is an Collaborators at UAMS generously international success. offered her the resources to study Down An estimated 5.3 million Americans have syndrome pathology, which helped prove a Alzheimer’s disease, the most common key part of her Alzheimer’s theory. cause of dementia. Griffin, who sealed her legacy with her THE ANNUAL FUND FOR UAMS
Did You Know? The Donald W.
Reynolds Institute on Aging has grown through the years thanks to support from the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation. The Foundation has allowed us to leverage gifts from many supporters due to matching grants that assist us in finding other funding sources. In fact, our employees held their own campaign to raise funds to meet this challenge, raising more than $236,000.
Many scientists have since confirmed her findings, and today most in the field accept her theory. In fact, several studies have found that regular use of anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen for other conditions sharply reduces chances of developing Alzheimer’s. Today Griffin is working with a number of collaborators to find ways to prevent Alzheimer’s. They include UAMS’ Peter Crooks, Ph.D., a world-renowned drug developer, who is studying drugs that may inhibit inflammation.
“Every day can be a struggle for a person with memory problems. The Walker Memory Center in UAMS’ Donald W. Reynolds Institute on Aging treats the whole person and their environment. With the latest research findings and medical advances, we treat the whole body, not just what’s above the neck.” Jeanne Y. Wei, M.D., Ph.D. Executive Director Donald W. Reynolds Institute on Aging
giving.uams.edu
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What unifies us is what makes us different
{
W. Sue T. Griffin, Ph.D. Researcher
dislocation in surgery back to where it belonged.” Collins’ mother, Jane Anne Beckham, was grateful that McCarthy was able to pinpoint the root of her daughter’s discomfort. “When he identified that there was an additional break, then it was just great to have a plan of action and to know that she wasn’t going to be in that position forever,” Beckham said. McCarthy and Tabbosha performed the surgery to correct Collins’ C1-2 spinal dislocation using an intraoperative CAT scan imaging platform called the O-arm Surgical Imaging System. “Paige came to UAMS because we have an O-arm and the skills to fix her spine,” McCarthy “Paige came to UAMS said. “This was very unusual because we have an asurgery because O-arm and the skills usually you see cases when to fix her spine.” these they first happen. These trauma cases seen later can be problematic.” Collins said she hasn’t experienced any problems since the surgery and is living a normal life again. After a few more months of physical therapy, she will be able to remove her neck brace.
As integral members of our team, CHP graduates extend the spectrum of care to create the best possible outcomes for patients. From surgical techs to radiology techs to physical therapists, these highly skilled clinicians provide specialty care in a variety of forms
“I see this as one of the last steps as far as her physical health and her really recovering and a boost to her confidence because she did have a head tilt,” Beckham said. “I’ve seen her blossom since the surgery.” Richard McCarthy, M.D., examines Paige Collins
8
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“Allied health professionals make up 60-65 percent of the health care work force and the UAMS College of Health Professions (CHP) has programs in 17 different areas of specialty study.” Douglas Murphy, Ph.D. Dean, College of Health Professions THE ANNUAL FUND FOR UAMS
Radical Theory Proves True
breakthrough discovery about Alzheimer’s disease, is a pioneer in the field of neuroinflammation. After joining UAMS in 1986, she published a landmark study in 1989 describing how inflammation in the brain’s neurons can provoke an outof-control immune response. During such a response, neurons continue to release a molecule identified by Griffin (Interleukin-1) that ultimately leads to the creation of plaque that kills off more and more brain cells. “Sometimes it’s like turning a knob W. Sue T. Griffin, Ph.D., Professor and Vice Chairman for Research too far in the right Donald W. Reynolds Department of Geriatrics direction – you BACK IN THE MID-1980s, Sue Griffin, break the connection,” she said. Ph.D., was having a hard time attracting Ten years later, the mechanisms that interest in her radical theory about keep the cycle going were discovered by Alzheimer’s disease. UAMS’ Steve Barger, Ph.D., her collaborator Then she visited UAMS, where she since 1995. presented her ideas about the role The Alzheimer’s program at UAMS has of inflammation in causing the brain’s earned NIH grant awards continuously neurons to self-destruct. Among those since 1991. In 2004, Griffin and her chief listening was the late Robert Fiser, M.D., collaborator at the time, Robert Mrak, M.D., then-chair of the Department of Pediatrics Ph.D., were among the first to start an openin the College of Medicine, who offered his source scientific publication: the Journal of support. Neuroinflammation. Today the journal is an Collaborators at UAMS generously international success. offered her the resources to study Down An estimated 5.3 million Americans have syndrome pathology, which helped prove a Alzheimer’s disease, the most common key part of her Alzheimer’s theory. cause of dementia. Griffin, who sealed her legacy with her THE ANNUAL FUND FOR UAMS
Did You Know? The Donald W.
Reynolds Institute on Aging has grown through the years thanks to support from the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation. The Foundation has allowed us to leverage gifts from many supporters due to matching grants that assist us in finding other funding sources. In fact, our employees held their own campaign to raise funds to meet this challenge, raising more than $236,000.
Many scientists have since confirmed her findings, and today most in the field accept her theory. In fact, several studies have found that regular use of anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen for other conditions sharply reduces chances of developing Alzheimer’s. Today Griffin is working with a number of collaborators to find ways to prevent Alzheimer’s. They include UAMS’ Peter Crooks, Ph.D., a world-renowned drug developer, who is studying drugs that may inhibit inflammation.
“Every day can be a struggle for a person with memory problems. The Walker Memory Center in UAMS’ Donald W. Reynolds Institute on Aging treats the whole person and their environment. With the latest research findings and medical advances, we treat the whole body, not just what’s above the neck.” Jeanne Y. Wei, M.D., Ph.D. Executive Director Donald W. Reynolds Institute on Aging
giving.uams.edu
9
What unifies us is what makes us different Linise Phillips Mother, Nursing Student
{ then something wonderful Happened
Linise Phillips
IN FEBRUARY, epileptic seizures were keeping 12-year-old Davonte Holmes out of school. His mother, Linise Phillips, was worried that while taking care of him she might fall behind in her own studies toward a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) in the UAMS College of Nursing, but then something wonderful happened. “I missed so much class, but you would never know it,” Phillips said. “Classmates passed on lecture notes and made study guides for me. The instructors were very understanding about tests. I even had a classmate who learned my son’s
Did You Know? Under the leadership of Lorraine Frazier, Ph.D., R.N., F.A.A.N., Dean, the UAMS College of Nursing ranks in the top 10 of the 47 best graduate nursing schools in the country, according to U.S. News & World Report rankings.
10
giving.uams.edu
medication schedule, so she could babysit for me and I could study.” Through medication, Davonte’s seizures have greatly lessened in frequency. The help Phillips received in coping with her son’s epilepsy was only the latest in a series of positive experiences she has had with UAMS. Phillips adopted Davonte in 2002 as an infant, and a few years later, he was diagnosed as autistic. When he reached school age, he was placed in a special education class. It was after his placement that Phillips learned about a program run by the UAMS Psychiatric Research Institute that could help him with some socialization problems. Since finishing the program, Davonte attends school in a regular student track. “It’s amazing and has made all the difference for us,” Phillips said. “If it had not been for UAMS and the Psychiatric Research Institute, we would not be where we are.” In May, Phillips is expected to graduate from the UAMS College of Nursing with her BSN. That follows 10 years working as a lab technician in the UAMS neonatal intensive care nursery and as a respiratory therapist. UAMS may be as big a part of her future as it has been of her past. Phillips plans to pursue a Doctorate of Nursing Practice degree at UAMS.
UAMS stands apart as a place of care and concern, both through our dedicated patient care and our culture as a supportive, nurturing team. Caring is in our nature and is a part of all we do.
“With nursing there are so many opportunities available,” she said. “That’s why I chose it. There’s no place for me besides UAMS.”
Davonte Holmes Mason, Logan & James Mann
Did You Know? The UAMS Psychiatric
Research Institute (PRI) is one of only nine facilities of its kind in the U.S., offering services such as outpatient clinics, inpatient care, research and educational space in one state-of-the-art structure designed to treat thousands of patients each year.
Pedro Delgado, M.D., Marie Wilson Howells Professor & Chair, Director, Psychiatric Research Institute THE ANNUAL FUND FOR UAMS
{
The Mann Family Patients
ANGELA MANN and her husband, Brian, were at UAMS for their first appointment with a new obstetrician when they quickly found out this would not be a routine visit. They had chosen Dora Mah-Smith, M.D., because their insurance coverage was better at UAMS since Brian works in the physician relations department of the UAMS College of Medicine, and friends recommended UAMS physicians for obstetric care. “We had a 9-year-old daughter, and I knew I was pregnant again,” said Angela. “This was just an appointment to confirm THE ANNUAL FUND FOR UAMS
Baby Times Three the due date and establish a relationship. She did an ultrasound, then asked if there were multiples in our family.” “My first reaction was to ask why she was asking that question,” said Brian. “Then she said, ‘wait there’s another one.’ It was a complete shock.” Angela stayed under Smith’s care and also saw high-risk specialist Paul Wendel, M.D. “In addition to having triplets, I had all kinds of risk factors,” said Angela. “Our goal was to make it to 30 to 32 weeks.” She was relieved when she went for
an appointment at almost 28 weeks and received a good report. “Everything checked out great,” she said. “I worked a full day then took our daughter to dance class.” When Angela started experiencing cramps that evening, she called the UAMS ANGELS Call Center. After going through a list of questions, the call center nurse recommended that she go to UAMS to be checked. “We barely made it through the Emergency Department,” said Brian. “They were waiting on us with a wheelchair giving.uams.edu
11
What unifies us is what makes us different Linise Phillips Mother, Nursing Student
{ then something wonderful Happened
Linise Phillips
IN FEBRUARY, epileptic seizures were keeping 12-year-old Davonte Holmes out of school. His mother, Linise Phillips, was worried that while taking care of him she might fall behind in her own studies toward a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) in the UAMS College of Nursing, but then something wonderful happened. “I missed so much class, but you would never know it,” Phillips said. “Classmates passed on lecture notes and made study guides for me. The instructors were very understanding about tests. I even had a classmate who learned my son’s
Did You Know? Under the leadership of Lorraine Frazier, Ph.D., R.N., F.A.A.N., Dean, the UAMS College of Nursing ranks in the top 10 of the 47 best graduate nursing schools in the country, according to U.S. News & World Report rankings.
10
giving.uams.edu
medication schedule, so she could babysit for me and I could study.” Through medication, Davonte’s seizures have greatly lessened in frequency. The help Phillips received in coping with her son’s epilepsy was only the latest in a series of positive experiences she has had with UAMS. Phillips adopted Davonte in 2002 as an infant, and a few years later, he was diagnosed as autistic. When he reached school age, he was placed in a special education class. It was after his placement that Phillips learned about a program run by the UAMS Psychiatric Research Institute that could help him with some socialization problems. Since finishing the program, Davonte attends school in a regular student track. “It’s amazing and has made all the difference for us,” Phillips said. “If it had not been for UAMS and the Psychiatric Research Institute, we would not be where we are.” In May, Phillips is expected to graduate from the UAMS College of Nursing with her BSN. That follows 10 years working as a lab technician in the UAMS neonatal intensive care nursery and as a respiratory therapist. UAMS may be as big a part of her future as it has been of her past. Phillips plans to pursue a Doctorate of Nursing Practice degree at UAMS.
UAMS stands apart as a place of care and concern, both through our dedicated patient care and our culture as a supportive, nurturing team. Caring is in our nature and is a part of all we do.
“With nursing there are so many opportunities available,” she said. “That’s why I chose it. There’s no place for me besides UAMS.”
Davonte Holmes Mason, Logan & James Mann
Did You Know? The UAMS Psychiatric
Research Institute (PRI) is one of only nine facilities of its kind in the U.S., offering services such as outpatient clinics, inpatient care, research and educational space in one state-of-the-art structure designed to treat thousands of patients each year.
Pedro Delgado, M.D., Marie Wilson Howells Professor & Chair, Director, Psychiatric Research Institute THE ANNUAL FUND FOR UAMS
{
The Mann Family Patients
ANGELA MANN and her husband, Brian, were at UAMS for their first appointment with a new obstetrician when they quickly found out this would not be a routine visit. They had chosen Dora Mah-Smith, M.D., because their insurance coverage was better at UAMS since Brian works in the physician relations department of the UAMS College of Medicine, and friends recommended UAMS physicians for obstetric care. “We had a 9-year-old daughter, and I knew I was pregnant again,” said Angela. “This was just an appointment to confirm THE ANNUAL FUND FOR UAMS
Baby Times Three the due date and establish a relationship. She did an ultrasound, then asked if there were multiples in our family.” “My first reaction was to ask why she was asking that question,” said Brian. “Then she said, ‘wait there’s another one.’ It was a complete shock.” Angela stayed under Smith’s care and also saw high-risk specialist Paul Wendel, M.D. “In addition to having triplets, I had all kinds of risk factors,” said Angela. “Our goal was to make it to 30 to 32 weeks.” She was relieved when she went for
an appointment at almost 28 weeks and received a good report. “Everything checked out great,” she said. “I worked a full day then took our daughter to dance class.” When Angela started experiencing cramps that evening, she called the UAMS ANGELS Call Center. After going through a list of questions, the call center nurse recommended that she go to UAMS to be checked. “We barely made it through the Emergency Department,” said Brian. “They were waiting on us with a wheelchair giving.uams.edu
11
What unifies us is what makes us different Did You Know? The Neonatal
Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the UAMS Medical Center is a Level III Nursery equipped with cutting-edge technology and staffed by nationally known experts in neonatology. Our NICU program surpassed 90%, which is ahead of national averages, in a comparison of survival rates among infants weighing less than two pounds, three ounces.
minutes. The doctors drew pictures to explain things to us. We are very appreciative of the extra time they took so we could understand what was going on with each of our babies.” The Manns are also grateful for the extra effort the UAMS staff took to involve their daughter, Addison, in the babies’ care. “It was hard for her at first,” said Angela. “Our first inclination was to keep her at home, but the nurses encouraged us to bring her to see the babies. They taught her how to read the monitors, and they told her what was going on so she wouldn’t be so worried. The nurses even wrote notes from the babies to Addison.” Baby Mason
and rolled her through triage and straight into surgery. We had the babies 15 minutes after we got to the hospital. “The babies The babies spent 99, came out in A-B-C he said. 110 and 151 days in order,” “It was one every the NICU and are minute -- 9:44, and 9:46. It now home. 9:45 was crazy hectic. Every baby had four or five people around him, there was non-stop movement, and I had no idea what was going on. Then this one neonatologist came over and started talking to me. He kept me calm. I just said, ‘I trust you. Please keep them alive.’ It was tough.” 12
giving.uams.edu
Mason weighed 2 pounds, 2 ounces; Logan weighed 2 pounds, 4 ounces; and James weighed 2 pounds, 6 ounces. The babies spent their first two weeks at UAMS. “The NICU was great,” said Angela. “Each baby had a private room and a primary nurse dedicated to him.” Mason and Logan were transferred to the NICU at Arkansas Children’s Hospital for surgery to close a heart valve. James joined them a few days later. “The neonatologists who took care of our babies were the same at both hospitals,” said Angela. “The care was seamless. They learned we liked to be there for rounds, so they called us at work, and we could be there in 10
Through the ANGELS (Antenatal and Neonatal Guidelines, Education and Learning System) program, UAMS Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal specialists provide consultation services for physicians across the state. Training can be provided, real-time ultrasounds can be read, and call centers for both physicians and women with questions about pregnancy, delivery and postpartum concerns can be addressed.
{
Josh Jones Patient
a walking miracle
LOOKING AT JOSH JONES today, it would not be easy to guess that he nearly died less than a year ago from a very severe case of H1N1 flu. “There were days during his stay here at UAMS when we didn’t know if he would make it,” said Alisa Carlock, an intensive care unit nurse. “He should have died so many times.” Jones did not receive a flu shot last year. That was the last time he or anyone in his family will go without being vaccinated. The ordeal has made the Jones family committed to spreading awareness about the importance of flu vaccinations. The flu vaccine, which includes protection from H1N1, reduces the risk of seeing a doctor for flu-related illness by about 60 percent. Typically the elderly, the very young and pregnant women are considered at high risk for developing flu-related complications. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services says younger people were hit particularly hard during the 2013 flu season. Nearly 60 percent of flu deaths occurred in those ages 25-64. “Had he had his shot,” his sister, Jennifer Jones Davis, said, “it’s likely the symptoms would not have been this severe.” Jones, 37, began feeling aches and pain along with a high fever and coughing on Christmas morning 2013. He went to a clinic in Pocahontas, Arkansas. Doctors gave him medication and tested him for influenza. The initial test came back negative.
Katherine Lusardi, Pharm.D., obtained approval from the FDA for the drug IV Zanamavir to be acquired for Josh through an Emergency Investigational New Drug (EIND) application. THE ANNUAL FUND FOR UAMS
THE ANNUAL FUND FOR UAMS
Josh Jones spent 60 days in ICU at the UAMS Medical Center giving.uams.edu
13
What unifies us is what makes us different Did You Know? The Neonatal
Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the UAMS Medical Center is a Level III Nursery equipped with cutting-edge technology and staffed by nationally known experts in neonatology. Our NICU program surpassed 90%, which is ahead of national averages, in a comparison of survival rates among infants weighing less than two pounds, three ounces.
minutes. The doctors drew pictures to explain things to us. We are very appreciative of the extra time they took so we could understand what was going on with each of our babies.” The Manns are also grateful for the extra effort the UAMS staff took to involve their daughter, Addison, in the babies’ care. “It was hard for her at first,” said Angela. “Our first inclination was to keep her at home, but the nurses encouraged us to bring her to see the babies. They taught her how to read the monitors, and they told her what was going on so she wouldn’t be so worried. The nurses even wrote notes from the babies to Addison.” Baby Mason
and rolled her through triage and straight into surgery. We had the babies 15 minutes after we got to the hospital. “The babies The babies spent 99, came out in A-B-C he said. 110 and 151 days in order,” “It was one every the NICU and are minute -- 9:44, and 9:46. It now home. 9:45 was crazy hectic. Every baby had four or five people around him, there was non-stop movement, and I had no idea what was going on. Then this one neonatologist came over and started talking to me. He kept me calm. I just said, ‘I trust you. Please keep them alive.’ It was tough.” 12
giving.uams.edu
Mason weighed 2 pounds, 2 ounces; Logan weighed 2 pounds, 4 ounces; and James weighed 2 pounds, 6 ounces. The babies spent their first two weeks at UAMS. “The NICU was great,” said Angela. “Each baby had a private room and a primary nurse dedicated to him.” Mason and Logan were transferred to the NICU at Arkansas Children’s Hospital for surgery to close a heart valve. James joined them a few days later. “The neonatologists who took care of our babies were the same at both hospitals,” said Angela. “The care was seamless. They learned we liked to be there for rounds, so they called us at work, and we could be there in 10
Through the ANGELS (Antenatal and Neonatal Guidelines, Education and Learning System) program, UAMS Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal specialists provide consultation services for physicians across the state. Training can be provided, real-time ultrasounds can be read, and call centers for both physicians and women with questions about pregnancy, delivery and postpartum concerns can be addressed.
{
Josh Jones Patient
a walking miracle
LOOKING AT JOSH JONES today, it would not be easy to guess that he nearly died less than a year ago from a very severe case of H1N1 flu. “There were days during his stay here at UAMS when we didn’t know if he would make it,” said Alisa Carlock, an intensive care unit nurse. “He should have died so many times.” Jones did not receive a flu shot last year. That was the last time he or anyone in his family will go without being vaccinated. The ordeal has made the Jones family committed to spreading awareness about the importance of flu vaccinations. The flu vaccine, which includes protection from H1N1, reduces the risk of seeing a doctor for flu-related illness by about 60 percent. Typically the elderly, the very young and pregnant women are considered at high risk for developing flu-related complications. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services says younger people were hit particularly hard during the 2013 flu season. Nearly 60 percent of flu deaths occurred in those ages 25-64. “Had he had his shot,” his sister, Jennifer Jones Davis, said, “it’s likely the symptoms would not have been this severe.” Jones, 37, began feeling aches and pain along with a high fever and coughing on Christmas morning 2013. He went to a clinic in Pocahontas, Arkansas. Doctors gave him medication and tested him for influenza. The initial test came back negative.
Katherine Lusardi, Pharm.D., obtained approval from the FDA for the drug IV Zanamavir to be acquired for Josh through an Emergency Investigational New Drug (EIND) application. THE ANNUAL FUND FOR UAMS
THE ANNUAL FUND FOR UAMS
Josh Jones spent 60 days in ICU at the UAMS Medical Center giving.uams.edu
13
What unifies us is what makes us different Jones’ symptoms became worse. One week later, he was sent to a nearby emergency room. Within hours, Jones was in a helicopter on his way to Little Rock. He spent 60 days in ICU at the UAMS Medical Center. Nikhil Meena, M.D., an interventional pulmonologist, was on call when Jones arrived to the hospital. “He was in bad shape,” Meena said. “It was tough being confident of a favorable outcome given how sick he was.” Jones’ flu symptoms led to other complications, including pneumonia and organ failure. He had emergency surgery for a collapsed lung. All his toes were amputated because they were not receiving adequate blood circulation. “The next thing I know, I woke up – two and a half months later – at UAMS,” Jones said. His family was happy to fill him in on the things he had missed and how relieved they were he regained consciousness. “He’s really come a long way,” Carlock said. “He’s a walking miracle.” Carlock remembers Jones’ very supportive
Josh gives a thumbs up while recovering at UAMS
14
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{
Cliff Hudson Veteran, Ph.D. Student
Josh the day before he got sick with parents Carol and Mike Jones, grandmother Barbara Jones, sister JJ Davis, and nephews Jake, Michael and Drew
family. She requested to take care of Jones whenever she was on duty during his stay. Eleven months after his diagnosis, Jones has learned to walk again. Based on his recovery so far, his family is confident his kidney and lungs will heal as well. Doctors believe it will be several more months before he fully recovers. “He’s never once complained,” Carol Jones said of her son. “He’s never felt sorry for himself. He’s a fighter.” Jones says he will be adamant now
in making sure he receives his annual flu vaccine as well as taking everyday precautions to protect himself and his family.
Did You Know? Overall, less than
half of Americans (46.2%) get their flu shot. Vaccination rates are low for those aged 18-64, and only 34% of people in this group got a flu shot in the 20132014 season – and the flu hit this group particularly hard.
UAMS Medical Center CEO Roxane Townsend, M.D., and College of Medicine Dean G. Richard Smith, M.D. coordinate the efforts of all clinical staff members to achieve a collaborative environment that facilitates the involvement of families as caregivers to ensure the health and wellbeing of our patients THE ANNUAL FUND FOR UAMS
IN 2006, CLIFF HUDSON was a Sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps, a squad leader deployed in Ramadi, Iraq, at the heart of what is called the “Sunni Triangle.” Hudson and his troops spent nearly a year there, enduring round after round of intense combat. Hudson’s battalion lost 16 members; another committed suicide upon returning home. Flash forward eight years. Hudson, now a husband and father of three, is waging a different kind of war, one only a veteran can Working with understand. two- and four-year After suffering a traumatic institutions across brain injury as Arkansas, Hudson well as injuries to his neck and is organizing lower back, support programs to Hudson returned to the U.S. to encourage student face an oftenveterans to stay in overwhelming health care school and graduate. system. He underwent three knee operations and months of physical therapy while dealing with haunting memories and feelings of guilt and sadness that were eventually diagnosed as post-traumatic stress disorder. Hudson determined that the best way he could help himself was to help others going through similar problems. He enrolled in the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, where he obtained a master’s in social work, and is working toward a doctorate of public health at the UAMS College of Public Health. Because of his background, Hudson was approached by Justin Hunt, M.D., and Ann Cheney, Ph.D., of the UAMS Psychiatric THE ANNUAL FUND FOR UAMS
You’re not alone
Sergeant Cliff Hudson walking through the streets of Ramadi, Iraq while deployed with the U.S. Marine Corps
LCpl Ireta, LCpl Valasquez, Sgt. Cliff Hudson and LCpl Allen
Research Institute, to assist them on a project to help veterans reach a goal they might have thought beyond their grasp — a college degree. Working with two- and four-year institutions across Arkansas, Hudson is organizing support programs to encourage student veterans to stay in school and graduate. Funded by the
Department of Veterans Affairs’ Office of Rural Health, he is recruiting peer advisors on each campus to assist other veterans dealing with issues like financial support, academic choices and health care options. “I had to find out a lot of things on my own,” said Hudson. “I don’t want any veterans to feel like they are alone out there, in school or anywhere else.” giving.uams.edu
15
What unifies us is what makes us different Jones’ symptoms became worse. One week later, he was sent to a nearby emergency room. Within hours, Jones was in a helicopter on his way to Little Rock. He spent 60 days in ICU at the UAMS Medical Center. Nikhil Meena, M.D., an interventional pulmonologist, was on call when Jones arrived to the hospital. “He was in bad shape,” Meena said. “It was tough being confident of a favorable outcome given how sick he was.” Jones’ flu symptoms led to other complications, including pneumonia and organ failure. He had emergency surgery for a collapsed lung. All his toes were amputated because they were not receiving adequate blood circulation. “The next thing I know, I woke up – two and a half months later – at UAMS,” Jones said. His family was happy to fill him in on the things he had missed and how relieved they were he regained consciousness. “He’s really come a long way,” Carlock said. “He’s a walking miracle.” Carlock remembers Jones’ very supportive
Josh gives a thumbs up while recovering at UAMS
14
giving.uams.edu
{
Cliff Hudson Veteran, Ph.D. Student
Josh the day before he got sick with parents Carol and Mike Jones, grandmother Barbara Jones, sister JJ Davis, and nephews Jake, Michael and Drew
family. She requested to take care of Jones whenever she was on duty during his stay. Eleven months after his diagnosis, Jones has learned to walk again. Based on his recovery so far, his family is confident his kidney and lungs will heal as well. Doctors believe it will be several more months before he fully recovers. “He’s never once complained,” Carol Jones said of her son. “He’s never felt sorry for himself. He’s a fighter.” Jones says he will be adamant now
in making sure he receives his annual flu vaccine as well as taking everyday precautions to protect himself and his family.
Did You Know? Overall, less than
half of Americans (46.2%) get their flu shot. Vaccination rates are low for those aged 18-64, and only 34% of people in this group got a flu shot in the 20132014 season – and the flu hit this group particularly hard.
UAMS Medical Center CEO Roxane Townsend, M.D., and College of Medicine Dean G. Richard Smith, M.D. coordinate the efforts of all clinical staff members to achieve a collaborative environment that facilitates the involvement of families as caregivers to ensure the health and wellbeing of our patients THE ANNUAL FUND FOR UAMS
IN 2006, CLIFF HUDSON was a Sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps, a squad leader deployed in Ramadi, Iraq, at the heart of what is called the “Sunni Triangle.” Hudson and his troops spent nearly a year there, enduring round after round of intense combat. Hudson’s battalion lost 16 members; another committed suicide upon returning home. Flash forward eight years. Hudson, now a husband and father of three, is waging a different kind of war, one only a veteran can Working with understand. two- and four-year After suffering a traumatic institutions across brain injury as Arkansas, Hudson well as injuries to his neck and is organizing lower back, support programs to Hudson returned to the U.S. to encourage student face an oftenveterans to stay in overwhelming health care school and graduate. system. He underwent three knee operations and months of physical therapy while dealing with haunting memories and feelings of guilt and sadness that were eventually diagnosed as post-traumatic stress disorder. Hudson determined that the best way he could help himself was to help others going through similar problems. He enrolled in the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, where he obtained a master’s in social work, and is working toward a doctorate of public health at the UAMS College of Public Health. Because of his background, Hudson was approached by Justin Hunt, M.D., and Ann Cheney, Ph.D., of the UAMS Psychiatric THE ANNUAL FUND FOR UAMS
You’re not alone
Sergeant Cliff Hudson walking through the streets of Ramadi, Iraq while deployed with the U.S. Marine Corps
LCpl Ireta, LCpl Valasquez, Sgt. Cliff Hudson and LCpl Allen
Research Institute, to assist them on a project to help veterans reach a goal they might have thought beyond their grasp — a college degree. Working with two- and four-year institutions across Arkansas, Hudson is organizing support programs to encourage student veterans to stay in school and graduate. Funded by the
Department of Veterans Affairs’ Office of Rural Health, he is recruiting peer advisors on each campus to assist other veterans dealing with issues like financial support, academic choices and health care options. “I had to find out a lot of things on my own,” said Hudson. “I don’t want any veterans to feel like they are alone out there, in school or anywhere else.” giving.uams.edu
15
What unifies us is what makes us different Amy Kizziar Patient
{ Trauma Care Begins Road to Recovery
AMY KIZZIAR of Malvern was on her way to work on the morning of Nov. 29, 2011, when her sport utility vehicle collided with a tractor trailer carrying a mobile home. It took 90 minutes for emergency response personnel to pry her from her vehicle, where she had been impaled by a 2-by-6-foot board and suffered multiple broken bones and life-threatening blood loss. She was rushed to the Malvern football field where a helicopter met her and flew her to “Amy was one of the UAMS. worst traumatic A team of trauma specialists injury patients was waiting when I’ve ever seen.” she arrived, and she was in the operating room within 14 minutes. “Amy was one of the worst traumatic injury patients I’ve ever seen,” said Ron Robertson, M.D., director of the UAMS Trauma Program. “We found nails, wood and just about anything you can think of that is part of a mobile home imbedded in her hip and abdomen. I remember telling her family that I didn’t know if she would survive or not.” Two trauma surgeons, two orthopedic surgeons and their medical residents, and five anesthesiologists worked on different parts of her body simultaneously to stop bleeding and to clean and assess wounds. After 13 hours of surgery and 122 units of blood, the doctors felt there was hope Kizziar would survive. “Our mass transfusion program that lets us get blood products very quickly was key to Amy’s survival,” said 16
giving.uams.edu
Ron Robertson, M.D., Professor of Surgery, Director of Trauma with Amy Kizziar
Robertson. “We were able to make a single call to the blood bank and receive everything we needed. This is a system we learned through the Iraqi war experience. It has given people much better outcomes – their mortality is much less.” Kizziar also benefited from the surgical intensive care unit at UAMS and the hospital’s ability to quickly assemble a team of surgeons in an operating room reserved for trauma patients. Kizziar spent 99 days at UAMS recovering from the accident. In the past three years, she’s had more than 120 surgeries, extensive physical therapy and months of hospitalization. In April 2014, she had reconstruction surgery on her abdomen and pelvis, and in September she had surgery to help her regain complete range of motion in her knee. She has resumed the traveling she
Nov. 2011, Amy Kizziar was impaled by a two-by-six when a mobile home transported on an 18-wheeler crashed into her sports utility vehicle
loved before the accident and celebrated her birthday this summer with a flight over central Arkansas with the medical helicopter team who delivered her to UAMS on the day of her accident. “Amy is one of the most driven patients I have ever worked with,” said Robertson. “Being a physical therapist, I think she knew her recovery would be more difficult THE ANNUAL FUND FOR UAMS
the longer she was in bed so she pushed herself to get up and get to work on healing as soon as possible. “She is a perfect example of the benefits offered “She is a perfect by a Level 1 center example of the trauma like we have benefits offered by here at UAMS,” Robertson. a Level 1 trauma said “We had the center like we have trauma room in Emergency here at UAMS.” the Department ready to receive her, an operating room waiting, a team of surgeons assembled and all the blood products she needed. If any of those elements had been missing, Amy probably wouldn’t be here now to share her story.” “When I arrived at UAMS, my family was told the next 72 hours would determine whether I lived or not,” said Kizziar. “After my first few days in the hospital, they received the wonderful news that the surgeons had a plan to correct all my injuries and were no longer worried about whether I’d live or not. Because of the talented doctors and nurses who cared for my wounds, I remained infection-free, which helped me heal faster and begin my therapy as soon as possible.” “The past three years have been very challenging, but I see healing every day,” she said. “I am forever grateful I was taken to UAMS, where they had everything needed to get me started on this road to recovery.”
Only the care found in a university affiliated hospital could have created this tremendous outcome for Amy. The ability to assemble a team of highly-specialized trauma surgeons in a dedicated trauma OR, allowing them to work simultaneously, is an essential component of a Level 1 trauma center.
Did You Know? UAMS Medical
Center is the only adult Level 1 trauma center in Arkansas. The Level 1 rating is given to institutions providing the highest level of trauma services. Traumatic injuries have been the leading cause of death in Arkansas for adults and children ages 1 to 44.
Amy has undergone extensive physical therapy and more than 120 surgeries
Amy has been able to return to her active lifestyle thanks to the care she received at UAMS THE ANNUAL FUND FOR UAMS
giving.uams.edu
17
What unifies us is what makes us different Amy Kizziar Patient
{ Trauma Care Begins Road to Recovery
AMY KIZZIAR of Malvern was on her way to work on the morning of Nov. 29, 2011, when her sport utility vehicle collided with a tractor trailer carrying a mobile home. It took 90 minutes for emergency response personnel to pry her from her vehicle, where she had been impaled by a 2-by-6-foot board and suffered multiple broken bones and life-threatening blood loss. She was rushed to the Malvern football field where a helicopter met her and flew her to “Amy was one of the UAMS. worst traumatic A team of trauma specialists injury patients was waiting when I’ve ever seen.” she arrived, and she was in the operating room within 14 minutes. “Amy was one of the worst traumatic injury patients I’ve ever seen,” said Ron Robertson, M.D., director of the UAMS Trauma Program. “We found nails, wood and just about anything you can think of that is part of a mobile home imbedded in her hip and abdomen. I remember telling her family that I didn’t know if she would survive or not.” Two trauma surgeons, two orthopedic surgeons and their medical residents, and five anesthesiologists worked on different parts of her body simultaneously to stop bleeding and to clean and assess wounds. After 13 hours of surgery and 122 units of blood, the doctors felt there was hope Kizziar would survive. “Our mass transfusion program that lets us get blood products very quickly was key to Amy’s survival,” said 16
giving.uams.edu
Ron Robertson, M.D., Professor of Surgery, Director of Trauma with Amy Kizziar
Robertson. “We were able to make a single call to the blood bank and receive everything we needed. This is a system we learned through the Iraqi war experience. It has given people much better outcomes – their mortality is much less.” Kizziar also benefited from the surgical intensive care unit at UAMS and the hospital’s ability to quickly assemble a team of surgeons in an operating room reserved for trauma patients. Kizziar spent 99 days at UAMS recovering from the accident. In the past three years, she’s had more than 120 surgeries, extensive physical therapy and months of hospitalization. In April 2014, she had reconstruction surgery on her abdomen and pelvis, and in September she had surgery to help her regain complete range of motion in her knee. She has resumed the traveling she
Nov. 2011, Amy Kizziar was impaled by a two-by-six when a mobile home transported on an 18-wheeler crashed into her sports utility vehicle
loved before the accident and celebrated her birthday this summer with a flight over central Arkansas with the medical helicopter team who delivered her to UAMS on the day of her accident. “Amy is one of the most driven patients I have ever worked with,” said Robertson. “Being a physical therapist, I think she knew her recovery would be more difficult THE ANNUAL FUND FOR UAMS
the longer she was in bed so she pushed herself to get up and get to work on healing as soon as possible. “She is a perfect example of the benefits offered “She is a perfect by a Level 1 center example of the trauma like we have benefits offered by here at UAMS,” Robertson. a Level 1 trauma said “We had the center like we have trauma room in Emergency here at UAMS.” the Department ready to receive her, an operating room waiting, a team of surgeons assembled and all the blood products she needed. If any of those elements had been missing, Amy probably wouldn’t be here now to share her story.” “When I arrived at UAMS, my family was told the next 72 hours would determine whether I lived or not,” said Kizziar. “After my first few days in the hospital, they received the wonderful news that the surgeons had a plan to correct all my injuries and were no longer worried about whether I’d live or not. Because of the talented doctors and nurses who cared for my wounds, I remained infection-free, which helped me heal faster and begin my therapy as soon as possible.” “The past three years have been very challenging, but I see healing every day,” she said. “I am forever grateful I was taken to UAMS, where they had everything needed to get me started on this road to recovery.”
Only the care found in a university affiliated hospital could have created this tremendous outcome for Amy. The ability to assemble a team of highly-specialized trauma surgeons in a dedicated trauma OR, allowing them to work simultaneously, is an essential component of a Level 1 trauma center.
Did You Know? UAMS Medical
Center is the only adult Level 1 trauma center in Arkansas. The Level 1 rating is given to institutions providing the highest level of trauma services. Traumatic injuries have been the leading cause of death in Arkansas for adults and children ages 1 to 44.
Amy has undergone extensive physical therapy and more than 120 surgeries
Amy has been able to return to her active lifestyle thanks to the care she received at UAMS THE ANNUAL FUND FOR UAMS
giving.uams.edu
17
What unifies us is what makes us different Colby Brownlee, M.D. Third-Year Resident
{
Keeping an Eye on the goal
surgeries. I really liked his practice, the surgery aspect and that he could have an effect on patients’ lives.” In fact, it was witnessing a cataract surgery, seeing the patient sit up five minutes afterward and start crying because she could see again, that tipped the scales, he said. “That was my defining moment, I guess you could say. Colby Brownlee, M.D., examines a patient at the Harvey & Bernice Jones Eye Institute My ‘all in,’” he said. He chose the Jones COLBY BROWNLEE, a third-year resident Eye Institute to practice after traveling to at the Harvey & Bernice Jones Eye Institute, UAMS during medical school rotations. He always wanted to be a doctor, but it took liked the physicians and staff he met, liked persistence and good timing to see it the variety and structure of the program, through. and liked that it wasn’t too far from family A native of Andrews, Texas, Brownlee (an important factor with a toddler and was wait listed by medical schools three infant twins). years in a row. On the fourth try, he But he also loved the patients, he said. received several offers, and chose a It’s a sentiment shared by many of our program in Texas to begin his career. “Medicine,” he chuckled, “is not for the Did You Know? Arkansas has faint of heart.” one of the highest rates for retaining But it’s a calling, Brownlee added. A physicians. Many of our graduates “ministry” even, through which one can “affect real change in patients’ lives.” That’s return to their hometowns to set up practice. According to the most recent what drew him to ophthalmology. study, 80.6% of physicians who trained “In college, I had a family friend who at UAMS stayed in the state to practice, was an ophthalmologist in west Texas. I ranking us second in the nation behind had the chance to work in his office. He let Hawaii. me see his work with patients and watch 18
giving.uams.edu
AR SAVES network’s 500th patient, Dustin Martinez, right, along with a co-worker, prepares to install fiber optic cable at a Little Rock location
Colby Brownlee and family
UAMS physicians who dedicate their lives in the hopes of positively impacting the lives of others. We are fortunate to have so many of our UAMS-trained physicians choose to practice here in Arkansas.
Arkansas ranks third in the nation in new cases of blindness each year, so the Harvey & Bernice Jones Eye Institute’s main mission is to fight blindness in our state through patient care, education and research.
Christopher Westfall, M.D., F.A.C.S. Director, Harvey & Bernice Jones Eye Institute THE ANNUAL FUND FOR UAMS
{
Dustin Martinez Patient
Telemedicine Network Saves Stroke Patient
DUSTIN MARTINEZ’S truck crashed through a mailbox, three culverts and hit a tree before he found himself at UAMS as the 500th stroke patient to receive a powerful blood-thinner through the AR SAVES stroke network. AR SAVES (Arkansas Stroke Assistance through Virtual Emergency Support) uses a high-speed real time video communications system to help a stroke neurologist evaluate whether emergency room physicians should use the clot busting drug t-PA within the critical threehour period following the first signs of stroke. THE ANNUAL FUND FOR UAMS
Before Martinez had his stroke in November 2013, the 29-year-old husband and father of two had experienced a weekend of painful headaches. Driving to work Monday morning, his vision became spotty. He remembers being confused before his hand went numb and limp. His memory of the truck he was driving running off the road isn’t clear. Paramedics rushed him to Conway Regional Medical Center, one of more than 40 AR SAVES sites at hospitals statewide. Via an AR SAVES video teleconference with Margaret Tremwel, M.D., at Sparks Regional Health System in Fort Smith,
she recommended he receive t-PA and transportation by helicopter to UAMS Medical Center for additional care. Martinez spent the Martinez spent the next four nights next four nights at at UAMS and by UAMS and by the time the time he was released, he had he was released, he regained his ability had regained his to walk. Although he has some remaining ability to walk. numbness in his left hand, he has no other functional deficits and by Jan. 13, 2014, he returned to work. giving.uams.edu
19
What unifies us is what makes us different Colby Brownlee, M.D. Third-Year Resident
{
Keeping an Eye on the goal
surgeries. I really liked his practice, the surgery aspect and that he could have an effect on patients’ lives.” In fact, it was witnessing a cataract surgery, seeing the patient sit up five minutes afterward and start crying because she could see again, that tipped the scales, he said. “That was my defining moment, I guess you could say. Colby Brownlee, M.D., examines a patient at the Harvey & Bernice Jones Eye Institute My ‘all in,’” he said. He chose the Jones COLBY BROWNLEE, a third-year resident Eye Institute to practice after traveling to at the Harvey & Bernice Jones Eye Institute, UAMS during medical school rotations. He always wanted to be a doctor, but it took liked the physicians and staff he met, liked persistence and good timing to see it the variety and structure of the program, through. and liked that it wasn’t too far from family A native of Andrews, Texas, Brownlee (an important factor with a toddler and was wait listed by medical schools three infant twins). years in a row. On the fourth try, he But he also loved the patients, he said. received several offers, and chose a It’s a sentiment shared by many of our program in Texas to begin his career. “Medicine,” he chuckled, “is not for the Did You Know? Arkansas has faint of heart.” one of the highest rates for retaining But it’s a calling, Brownlee added. A physicians. Many of our graduates “ministry” even, through which one can “affect real change in patients’ lives.” That’s return to their hometowns to set up practice. According to the most recent what drew him to ophthalmology. study, 80.6% of physicians who trained “In college, I had a family friend who at UAMS stayed in the state to practice, was an ophthalmologist in west Texas. I ranking us second in the nation behind had the chance to work in his office. He let Hawaii. me see his work with patients and watch 18
giving.uams.edu
AR SAVES network’s 500th patient, Dustin Martinez, right, along with a co-worker, prepares to install fiber optic cable at a Little Rock location
Colby Brownlee and family
UAMS physicians who dedicate their lives in the hopes of positively impacting the lives of others. We are fortunate to have so many of our UAMS-trained physicians choose to practice here in Arkansas.
Arkansas ranks third in the nation in new cases of blindness each year, so the Harvey & Bernice Jones Eye Institute’s main mission is to fight blindness in our state through patient care, education and research.
Christopher Westfall, M.D., F.A.C.S. Director, Harvey & Bernice Jones Eye Institute THE ANNUAL FUND FOR UAMS
{
Dustin Martinez Patient
Telemedicine Network Saves Stroke Patient
DUSTIN MARTINEZ’S truck crashed through a mailbox, three culverts and hit a tree before he found himself at UAMS as the 500th stroke patient to receive a powerful blood-thinner through the AR SAVES stroke network. AR SAVES (Arkansas Stroke Assistance through Virtual Emergency Support) uses a high-speed real time video communications system to help a stroke neurologist evaluate whether emergency room physicians should use the clot busting drug t-PA within the critical threehour period following the first signs of stroke. THE ANNUAL FUND FOR UAMS
Before Martinez had his stroke in November 2013, the 29-year-old husband and father of two had experienced a weekend of painful headaches. Driving to work Monday morning, his vision became spotty. He remembers being confused before his hand went numb and limp. His memory of the truck he was driving running off the road isn’t clear. Paramedics rushed him to Conway Regional Medical Center, one of more than 40 AR SAVES sites at hospitals statewide. Via an AR SAVES video teleconference with Margaret Tremwel, M.D., at Sparks Regional Health System in Fort Smith,
she recommended he receive t-PA and transportation by helicopter to UAMS Medical Center for additional care. Martinez spent the Martinez spent the next four nights next four nights at at UAMS and by UAMS and by the time the time he was released, he had he was released, he regained his ability had regained his to walk. Although he has some remaining ability to walk. numbness in his left hand, he has no other functional deficits and by Jan. 13, 2014, he returned to work. giving.uams.edu
19
What unifies us is what makes us different The AR SAVES program is a partnership between the UAMS Center for Distance Health, the Arkansas Department of Human Services, Sparks Regional Health System in Fort Smith and
more than 40 other Arkansas hospitals. “Dustin Martinez’s story is a great illustration of UAMS reaching out to other areas of the state to improve patient outcomes while helping local physicians
It was the kind of high-speed video communications, carried on fiber optic cable like that shown here, that helped AR SAVES physicians provide Martinez, below, the stroke care he needed
identify patients with stroke,” said Michael Manley, outreach director for the UAMS Center for Distance Health and AR SAVES director.
{
Elvin Price, Pharm.D., Ph.D. Researcher
By targeting certain nuclear receptor genes, Price hopes that his work will lead to more individualized treatments, ensuring that patients get the safest, most effective medicines for their particular cardiovascular condition. “I think back on that initial motivation, which was seeing people suffering, seeing people asking for help,” he said. “It continues to inspire me because I know people need this.”
It costs more than $1 billion to develop, test and get a new drug on the market. In recent years fewer drugs are being approved, in part because of safety concerns. With recent funding from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the College of Public Health is studying new approaches to testing drug safety. The primary goal is to help more quickly predict adverse reactions to a drug before it is on the market, so that people needing medications can get them sooner and those with a genetic predisposition to an adverse reaction will not be put at risk. Elvin Price, Pharm.D., Ph.D.
ELVIN PRICE grew up watching family members suffer and die from diabetes. His great-grandmother, who lived next door to his boyhood home in rural Quincy, Florida, and his great-aunt and uncle and their children, who lived next door on the opposite side, all had diabetes. It was part of everyday life seeing them administer insulin and discarding the needles in biohazard boxes. One day his great-grandmother dropped a log on her foot and developed a diabetic foot ulcer. Despite her efforts to treat it, the ulcer became infected and she went into a diabetic coma and died. “All of those family members ultimately passed away as a result of their diabetes,” Price said. He thought it was odd that diabetes had struck so many family members, and it encouraged him to become more aware of the health conditions of those around him in his community. “Everyone always knew what the diagnosis was, and it was always something 20
giving.uams.edu
Inspired Research
THE ANNUAL FUND FOR UAMS
THE ANNUAL FUND FOR UAMS
related to diabetes, heart disease or hypertension,” Price said. “It seemed to be concentrated out in that rural community, and that was motivation for me to become some type of scientist and help figure out how to get better outcomes for people in small rural communities.” Today Price, with both Pharm.D. and Ph.D. degrees, is a rising research star, having been honored by the UAMS Translational Research Institute with a KL2 Mentored Career Development Award that offers research funding and other support.
Specialized clinicians such as Price who have dedicated interests in both pharmacology and research will usher in improved treatment options and best approaches relating to the safety and effectiveness of medicines—a problem that affects many people today. The ability to focus medicine in the most individualized ways will ensure that patients receive the safest and most effective treatments of their conditions.
UAMS is one of only 60 institutions chosen by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to help scientists achieve better, faster and more relevant results for public health. The NIH Clinical and Translational Science Award program, along with a significant UAMS commitment, enabled the creation of the Translational Research Institute. Researchers at TRI are dedicated to taking discoveries from the bench to the bedside to benefit our patients immediately.
Did You Know? The UAMS Graduate
School is one of the most exciting academic environments in Arkansas and the nerve center for innovative biomedical research in the nation. Affiliations with UAMS Colleges of Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing, Health Professions and Public Health, along with our clinical centers, adds strength to our programs and creates improved outcomes for our patients, as well as a network of opportunities for our students.
giving.uams.edu
21
What unifies us is what makes us different The AR SAVES program is a partnership between the UAMS Center for Distance Health, the Arkansas Department of Human Services, Sparks Regional Health System in Fort Smith and
more than 40 other Arkansas hospitals. “Dustin Martinez’s story is a great illustration of UAMS reaching out to other areas of the state to improve patient outcomes while helping local physicians
It was the kind of high-speed video communications, carried on fiber optic cable like that shown here, that helped AR SAVES physicians provide Martinez, below, the stroke care he needed
identify patients with stroke,” said Michael Manley, outreach director for the UAMS Center for Distance Health and AR SAVES director.
{
Elvin Price, Pharm.D., Ph.D. Researcher
By targeting certain nuclear receptor genes, Price hopes that his work will lead to more individualized treatments, ensuring that patients get the safest, most effective medicines for their particular cardiovascular condition. “I think back on that initial motivation, which was seeing people suffering, seeing people asking for help,” he said. “It continues to inspire me because I know people need this.”
It costs more than $1 billion to develop, test and get a new drug on the market. In recent years fewer drugs are being approved, in part because of safety concerns. With recent funding from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the College of Public Health is studying new approaches to testing drug safety. The primary goal is to help more quickly predict adverse reactions to a drug before it is on the market, so that people needing medications can get them sooner and those with a genetic predisposition to an adverse reaction will not be put at risk. Elvin Price, Pharm.D., Ph.D.
ELVIN PRICE grew up watching family members suffer and die from diabetes. His great-grandmother, who lived next door to his boyhood home in rural Quincy, Florida, and his great-aunt and uncle and their children, who lived next door on the opposite side, all had diabetes. It was part of everyday life seeing them administer insulin and discarding the needles in biohazard boxes. One day his great-grandmother dropped a log on her foot and developed a diabetic foot ulcer. Despite her efforts to treat it, the ulcer became infected and she went into a diabetic coma and died. “All of those family members ultimately passed away as a result of their diabetes,” Price said. He thought it was odd that diabetes had struck so many family members, and it encouraged him to become more aware of the health conditions of those around him in his community. “Everyone always knew what the diagnosis was, and it was always something 20
giving.uams.edu
Inspired Research
THE ANNUAL FUND FOR UAMS
THE ANNUAL FUND FOR UAMS
related to diabetes, heart disease or hypertension,” Price said. “It seemed to be concentrated out in that rural community, and that was motivation for me to become some type of scientist and help figure out how to get better outcomes for people in small rural communities.” Today Price, with both Pharm.D. and Ph.D. degrees, is a rising research star, having been honored by the UAMS Translational Research Institute with a KL2 Mentored Career Development Award that offers research funding and other support.
Specialized clinicians such as Price who have dedicated interests in both pharmacology and research will usher in improved treatment options and best approaches relating to the safety and effectiveness of medicines—a problem that affects many people today. The ability to focus medicine in the most individualized ways will ensure that patients receive the safest and most effective treatments of their conditions.
UAMS is one of only 60 institutions chosen by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to help scientists achieve better, faster and more relevant results for public health. The NIH Clinical and Translational Science Award program, along with a significant UAMS commitment, enabled the creation of the Translational Research Institute. Researchers at TRI are dedicated to taking discoveries from the bench to the bedside to benefit our patients immediately.
Did You Know? The UAMS Graduate
School is one of the most exciting academic environments in Arkansas and the nerve center for innovative biomedical research in the nation. Affiliations with UAMS Colleges of Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing, Health Professions and Public Health, along with our clinical centers, adds strength to our programs and creates improved outcomes for our patients, as well as a network of opportunities for our students.
giving.uams.edu
21
What unifies us is what makes us different Isaac Fridman Patient
{
A Changed Man Did You Know? The UAMS Myeloma
Institute is the world’s leader in the care and treatment of multiple myeloma and stands as the authority on research discoveries relating to the cure of multiple myeloma.
Isaac Fridman with family
WHEN ISAAC FRIDMAN of Mexico City was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2005, no distance “The doctors at the was too far to get for this rare Myeloma Institute treatment and, until recently, and the rest of UAMS incurable disease. He out to find the best are outstanding.” set care available—and wound up in Little Rock at the UAMS Myeloma Institute. “My wife and I have family in Israel,” Fridman said. “I sought advice from Haifa University in Israel, and we trusted their judgment. They said UAMS in Little Rock was the place to be.” He was nervous when he first came to Little Rock. “I had doubts and uncertainty about going so far away from home and about what would lie ahead. I underwent intensive treatment and I must say it was very difficult to be far away from family at 22
giving.uams.edu
such a fragile time.” But the level of medical expertise along with the human touch and compassion of then-director Dr. Bart Barlogie and staff gave him reassurance. “The doctors at the Myeloma Institute and the rest of UAMS are outstanding. I know that the main reason I am alive today is because of the advanced medical treatment I received.” He also credits his faith in God. Nearly 10 years later, Fridman is a changed man. “There is no question that I am a totally different person from who I was before my diagnosis. It has changed my values, my goals, my ideals and my views on what is really important in life.” To others facing a myeloma diagnosis, Fridman has this advice, “There is no doubt that the UAMS Myeloma Institute is the best place to be treated.”
As the UAMS Myeloma Institute marks its 25th anniversary, it celebrates world-leading advances in the treatment and cure of several types of multiple myeloma. The Institute also begins a new chapter under Gareth Morgan, M.D, Ph.D., F.R.C.P., F.R.C.Path., who assumed the directorship after Bart Barlogie, M.D., Ph.D., the institute’s founder, stepped down in July to focus on clinical care and translational research. Dr. Morgan is committed to “making the Myeloma Institute about the best science, the best treatment – personalizing our patients’ treatment while supporting their emotional and spiritual needs. Most of all we want our patients to know that we won’t give up on them even if others have.”
Gareth Morgan, M.D., Ph.D. Director, Myeloma Institute THE ANNUAL FUND FOR UAMS
{ A Lifeline for Adults with Sickle Cell Jarques Smith Patient
FREQUENT TRIPS to a hospital emergency room for sickle cell pain was making it difficult for Jarques Smith to hold a job or be a student. “There’ve been classes that I failed, jobs that I lost, because of crisis pain,” Smith said. That started to change in the fall of 2013 when Smith met Robin Devan, M.D., during a trip to the UAMS Emergency Department. Devan told Smith, now 24, that UAMS was forming a clinic to treat adults with sickle cell — a problem many people simply didn’t know about. “Once I came across Dr. Devan, it was better. She was a sickle cell doctor. She told me that she really did understand how I was feeling and what I was going through,” Smith said. Devan joined UAMS in 2012 and with funding from the Arkansas Legislature, UAMS began the clinic. “So I developed a plan in conjunction with members of the Hematology/Oncology Division here at UAMS and our Center for Distance Health.” The plan included a multidisciplinary clinic for adults living with the disease. It would offer not only treatment – infusions and medications without having to resort to the emergency room – but also support groups and a help line for patients, their families and even their doctors. “In the past, adult patients were sent to a primary care provider. But it’s a rare disease. So it puts a burden on that provider,” she said. The clinic, which began in January 2014, isn’t meant to replace primary care providers, but add “another layer THE ANNUAL FUND FOR UAMS
Jarques Smith with UAMS care team (from left) Temekis Hampton, Stella Bowers and Robin Devan, M.D.
of support for patients,” Devan said. Sometimes that’s immediate care; other times it’s just a listening ear via the help line. The call center gets about 150 calls a month. For Smith, the clinic and associated
Partnerships with the Arkansas Legislature often create opportunities for UAMS to expand programs and facilities that are essential to positioning our state as a fierce competitor for the recruitment of the best physicians and researchers. Because our state’s leaders know the high quality of the clinical and educational programs at UAMS, they are committed to collaborating with us toward strengthening these programs in creative ways.
programs have allowed him to stay active. He’s on track to graduate with a business degree next year and works for a nonprofit that engages at-risk teen boys in service projects.
Did You Know? Because UAMS is an
academic medical center with a mission to educate and train the next generation of health care providers, we have the ability to recruit and retain exceptional clinicians and researchers—resulting in patients who are seen by the best specialty care team around. It’s a dynamic that no other health care facility in our state can claim.
giving.uams.edu
23
What unifies us is what makes us different Isaac Fridman Patient
{
A Changed Man Did You Know? The UAMS Myeloma
Institute is the world’s leader in the care and treatment of multiple myeloma and stands as the authority on research discoveries relating to the cure of multiple myeloma.
Isaac Fridman with family
WHEN ISAAC FRIDMAN of Mexico City was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2005, no distance “The doctors at the was too far to get for this rare Myeloma Institute treatment and, until recently, and the rest of UAMS incurable disease. He out to find the best are outstanding.” set care available—and wound up in Little Rock at the UAMS Myeloma Institute. “My wife and I have family in Israel,” Fridman said. “I sought advice from Haifa University in Israel, and we trusted their judgment. They said UAMS in Little Rock was the place to be.” He was nervous when he first came to Little Rock. “I had doubts and uncertainty about going so far away from home and about what would lie ahead. I underwent intensive treatment and I must say it was very difficult to be far away from family at 22
giving.uams.edu
such a fragile time.” But the level of medical expertise along with the human touch and compassion of then-director Dr. Bart Barlogie and staff gave him reassurance. “The doctors at the Myeloma Institute and the rest of UAMS are outstanding. I know that the main reason I am alive today is because of the advanced medical treatment I received.” He also credits his faith in God. Nearly 10 years later, Fridman is a changed man. “There is no question that I am a totally different person from who I was before my diagnosis. It has changed my values, my goals, my ideals and my views on what is really important in life.” To others facing a myeloma diagnosis, Fridman has this advice, “There is no doubt that the UAMS Myeloma Institute is the best place to be treated.”
As the UAMS Myeloma Institute marks its 25th anniversary, it celebrates world-leading advances in the treatment and cure of several types of multiple myeloma. The Institute also begins a new chapter under Gareth Morgan, M.D, Ph.D., F.R.C.P., F.R.C.Path., who assumed the directorship after Bart Barlogie, M.D., Ph.D., the institute’s founder, stepped down in July to focus on clinical care and translational research. Dr. Morgan is committed to “making the Myeloma Institute about the best science, the best treatment – personalizing our patients’ treatment while supporting their emotional and spiritual needs. Most of all we want our patients to know that we won’t give up on them even if others have.”
Gareth Morgan, M.D., Ph.D. Director, Myeloma Institute THE ANNUAL FUND FOR UAMS
{ A Lifeline for Adults with Sickle Cell Jarques Smith Patient
FREQUENT TRIPS to a hospital emergency room for sickle cell pain was making it difficult for Jarques Smith to hold a job or be a student. “There’ve been classes that I failed, jobs that I lost, because of crisis pain,” Smith said. That started to change in the fall of 2013 when Smith met Robin Devan, M.D., during a trip to the UAMS Emergency Department. Devan told Smith, now 24, that UAMS was forming a clinic to treat adults with sickle cell — a problem many people simply didn’t know about. “Once I came across Dr. Devan, it was better. She was a sickle cell doctor. She told me that she really did understand how I was feeling and what I was going through,” Smith said. Devan joined UAMS in 2012 and with funding from the Arkansas Legislature, UAMS began the clinic. “So I developed a plan in conjunction with members of the Hematology/Oncology Division here at UAMS and our Center for Distance Health.” The plan included a multidisciplinary clinic for adults living with the disease. It would offer not only treatment – infusions and medications without having to resort to the emergency room – but also support groups and a help line for patients, their families and even their doctors. “In the past, adult patients were sent to a primary care provider. But it’s a rare disease. So it puts a burden on that provider,” she said. The clinic, which began in January 2014, isn’t meant to replace primary care providers, but add “another layer THE ANNUAL FUND FOR UAMS
Jarques Smith with UAMS care team (from left) Temekis Hampton, Stella Bowers and Robin Devan, M.D.
of support for patients,” Devan said. Sometimes that’s immediate care; other times it’s just a listening ear via the help line. The call center gets about 150 calls a month. For Smith, the clinic and associated
Partnerships with the Arkansas Legislature often create opportunities for UAMS to expand programs and facilities that are essential to positioning our state as a fierce competitor for the recruitment of the best physicians and researchers. Because our state’s leaders know the high quality of the clinical and educational programs at UAMS, they are committed to collaborating with us toward strengthening these programs in creative ways.
programs have allowed him to stay active. He’s on track to graduate with a business degree next year and works for a nonprofit that engages at-risk teen boys in service projects.
Did You Know? Because UAMS is an
academic medical center with a mission to educate and train the next generation of health care providers, we have the ability to recruit and retain exceptional clinicians and researchers—resulting in patients who are seen by the best specialty care team around. It’s a dynamic that no other health care facility in our state can claim.
giving.uams.edu
23
What unifies us is what makes us different Johnelle Hunt Patient
{
In Good Hands
{
Kiana Moore Patient
From Childhood Cancer to College Sophomore Did You Know? The UAMS Bone
and Soft Tissue Tumor Center combines the efforts of clinicians and researchers at UAMS and Arkansas Children’s Hospital. This unique multi-disciplinary collaboration offers treatment at both facilities and expands the understanding of these types of tumors.
Kiana Moore
Johnelle Hunt
JOHNELLE HUNT knew it was bad. She had slipped and fallen, fracturing two vertebrae. At her local hospital, doctors told her she needed to be transported to a trauma center and asked if she had a preference. UAMS, she told them without “I’ve never given hesitation. “I’m thankful I as much to them as was alert and could them where I they’ve given me.” tell wanted to go,” Hunt said of the 2013 incident. Once at UAMS and under the care of neurosurgeon T. Glenn Pait, M.D., “I knew I was in good hands. I knew I was in the right place and would get the best care.” Hunt’s relationship with UAMS began in the 1980s and is one she has cherished throughout the years. It didn’t start in the doctor’s office, but in the 24
giving.uams.edu
context of UAMS’ role as an academic medical center responsible for training future health care professionals and performing research to discover new treatments while providing patient care. The northwest Arkansas entrepreneur, who with her husband, J.B. Hunt, founded what became one of the largest trucking companies in the U.S., was invited to serve on the UAMS Foundation Fund Board. She became involved in raising money to build what is now the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute. She still serves on the board of the Harvey & Bernice Jones Eye Institute, having joined the day that John Shock, M.D., announced it would be built. “The one thing I find about UAMS that is so special is it’s a teaching hospital. You have a lot of doctors – all these
smart people taking care of you.” Cancer Institute founders James Suen, M.D., and Kent Westbrook, M.D., have become good friends, along with Shock, Pait and others. “We are so fortunate to have a medical center such as UAMS. It’s a very important asset to our state. It’s been something that’s been an inspiration to me for a long, long time. I’ve never given as much to them as they’ve given me.” Because UAMS offers an array of specialty care, we are the destination of choice for many in our region—both for their care, as well as their philanthropic support. Many turn to us with the reassurance that we are the premier provider for all encompassing patient-and family-centered care.
EIGHT YEARS AGO, Kiana Moore was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a bone cancer, and faced an uncertain future. Today, she is a thriving college sophomore committed to a career in health care. “When I heard my daughter had cancer, time just stopped,” Kiana’s mom, Stephanie Moore, said. “I had this beautiful little girl with her whole life ahead of her, and in a moment’s notice we were faced with a life of uncertainty.” Kiana’s journey began at age 11 when she noticed a painful lump on her leg. After a biopsy led to her diagnosis
“As an academic cancer center, the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute is committed to the very best and most cutting-edge treatments. Our responsibility as doctors is to stay current on the latest developments to bring them to patients as soon as we can.” Peter Emanuel, M.D. Director, Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute
THE ANNUAL FUND FOR UAMS
THE ANNUAL FUND FOR UAMS
of osteosarcoma, treatment began with orthopaedic oncologist Richard Nicholas, M.D., director of the UAMS Bone and Soft Tissue Tumor Center and one of only two orthopaedic oncologists in Arkansas. “Dr. Nicholas is one of the best doctors I’ve ever met,” Moore said. “He had real concern for Kiana, almost treating her as if she were his own.” First, Kiana underwent chemotherapy. Then, Nicholas removed her tibia bone, replacing it with a titanium implant. More chemo and two additional surgeries followed, and Kiana is now proud to call herself a cancer survivor. “Having a second chance at life feels wonderful. It’s a great feeling to know I beat osteosarcoma,” Kiana said. Although years have passed, Moore still shares the message that without medical research, Kiana might not be here today. “If my daughter had been diagnosed 10 years earlier, she might not have made it. Medicine has come so far, but we still have far to go,” she said. The UAMS Bone and Soft Tissue Tumor
Center is a collaborative effort between UAMS and Arkansas Children’s Hospital dedicated to research and treatment of bone and soft tissue cancers. Although these types of cancer often occur in children, they can be diagnosed at any age. After college, Kiana plans to attend UAMS and pursue a career in radiology, bringing her life full circle. “I can’t think of a greater ending to her story,” Moore said.
The UAMS Orthopaedic Oncology Clinic specializes in state-of-the-art treatment of bone and muscle cancers. Dr. Corey Montgomery (left) and Dr. Richard Nicholas are Arkansas’ only orthopaedic oncologists who provide care both at UAMS and Arkansas Children’s Hospital giving.uams.edu
25
What unifies us is what makes us different Johnelle Hunt Patient
{
In Good Hands
{
Kiana Moore Patient
From Childhood Cancer to College Sophomore Did You Know? The UAMS Bone
and Soft Tissue Tumor Center combines the efforts of clinicians and researchers at UAMS and Arkansas Children’s Hospital. This unique multi-disciplinary collaboration offers treatment at both facilities and expands the understanding of these types of tumors.
Kiana Moore
Johnelle Hunt
JOHNELLE HUNT knew it was bad. She had slipped and fallen, fracturing two vertebrae. At her local hospital, doctors told her she needed to be transported to a trauma center and asked if she had a preference. UAMS, she told them without “I’ve never given hesitation. “I’m thankful I as much to them as was alert and could them where I they’ve given me.” tell wanted to go,” Hunt said of the 2013 incident. Once at UAMS and under the care of neurosurgeon T. Glenn Pait, M.D., “I knew I was in good hands. I knew I was in the right place and would get the best care.” Hunt’s relationship with UAMS began in the 1980s and is one she has cherished throughout the years. It didn’t start in the doctor’s office, but in the 24
giving.uams.edu
context of UAMS’ role as an academic medical center responsible for training future health care professionals and performing research to discover new treatments while providing patient care. The northwest Arkansas entrepreneur, who with her husband, J.B. Hunt, founded what became one of the largest trucking companies in the U.S., was invited to serve on the UAMS Foundation Fund Board. She became involved in raising money to build what is now the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute. She still serves on the board of the Harvey & Bernice Jones Eye Institute, having joined the day that John Shock, M.D., announced it would be built. “The one thing I find about UAMS that is so special is it’s a teaching hospital. You have a lot of doctors – all these
smart people taking care of you.” Cancer Institute founders James Suen, M.D., and Kent Westbrook, M.D., have become good friends, along with Shock, Pait and others. “We are so fortunate to have a medical center such as UAMS. It’s a very important asset to our state. It’s been something that’s been an inspiration to me for a long, long time. I’ve never given as much to them as they’ve given me.” Because UAMS offers an array of specialty care, we are the destination of choice for many in our region—both for their care, as well as their philanthropic support. Many turn to us with the reassurance that we are the premier provider for all encompassing patient-and family-centered care.
EIGHT YEARS AGO, Kiana Moore was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a bone cancer, and faced an uncertain future. Today, she is a thriving college sophomore committed to a career in health care. “When I heard my daughter had cancer, time just stopped,” Kiana’s mom, Stephanie Moore, said. “I had this beautiful little girl with her whole life ahead of her, and in a moment’s notice we were faced with a life of uncertainty.” Kiana’s journey began at age 11 when she noticed a painful lump on her leg. After a biopsy led to her diagnosis
“As an academic cancer center, the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute is committed to the very best and most cutting-edge treatments. Our responsibility as doctors is to stay current on the latest developments to bring them to patients as soon as we can.” Peter Emanuel, M.D. Director, Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute
THE ANNUAL FUND FOR UAMS
THE ANNUAL FUND FOR UAMS
of osteosarcoma, treatment began with orthopaedic oncologist Richard Nicholas, M.D., director of the UAMS Bone and Soft Tissue Tumor Center and one of only two orthopaedic oncologists in Arkansas. “Dr. Nicholas is one of the best doctors I’ve ever met,” Moore said. “He had real concern for Kiana, almost treating her as if she were his own.” First, Kiana underwent chemotherapy. Then, Nicholas removed her tibia bone, replacing it with a titanium implant. More chemo and two additional surgeries followed, and Kiana is now proud to call herself a cancer survivor. “Having a second chance at life feels wonderful. It’s a great feeling to know I beat osteosarcoma,” Kiana said. Although years have passed, Moore still shares the message that without medical research, Kiana might not be here today. “If my daughter had been diagnosed 10 years earlier, she might not have made it. Medicine has come so far, but we still have far to go,” she said. The UAMS Bone and Soft Tissue Tumor
Center is a collaborative effort between UAMS and Arkansas Children’s Hospital dedicated to research and treatment of bone and soft tissue cancers. Although these types of cancer often occur in children, they can be diagnosed at any age. After college, Kiana plans to attend UAMS and pursue a career in radiology, bringing her life full circle. “I can’t think of a greater ending to her story,” Moore said.
The UAMS Orthopaedic Oncology Clinic specializes in state-of-the-art treatment of bone and muscle cancers. Dr. Corey Montgomery (left) and Dr. Richard Nicholas are Arkansas’ only orthopaedic oncologists who provide care both at UAMS and Arkansas Children’s Hospital giving.uams.edu
25
What unifies us is what makes us different Kali Hardig Patient
{
A Series of Small Miracles
Kali Hardig and her mom, Traci
EVERYTHING went exactly right. It’s
the best way — maybe the only way — to describe how then-12-year-old Kali Hardig last year became only the third recorded survivor in North America to beat Naegleria Linam, who had just fowleri, a rare caused come on call, was infection by an amoeba contacted immediately. that can cause infection He, in turn, immediately athatbrain is 99 contacted the Centers percent fatal. From the for Disease Control and UAMS physicians Prevention in Atlanta. working at Arkansas Children’s Hospital (ACH) with nurses and technicians to diagnose and treat Kali, to 26
giving.uams.edu
public health officials quickly finding the source of her infection, the whole ordeal boils down to what one of her doctors called “a series of small miracles.” “It was one of those situations in which everything worked perfectly and proved to be a testament to what health care should be,” said Matt Linam, M.D., medical director of infection prevention and hospital epidemiology at ACH and an assistant professor in the Department of Pediatrics at UAMS. It was only a day after a summer swimming trip to a favorite local water park that Kali started complaining of headaches and nausea, said her mother Traci Hardig. When her fever spiked and she was unable to keep her eyes focused, Traci made the mad dash to the hospital.
It was a Friday. There, Linam said, the emergency room staff did well to trust Hardig’s assessment that her daughter was simply not herself. They performed a lumbar puncture and, by chance, a veteran medical technologist who had seen Naegleria the last time a patient had been diagnosed with it was on hand to look at the sample. She hadn’t been scheduled to work that day and had only come in for an annual competency review. It was a rare but terrifying diagnosis. “You just can’t believe it,” said Hardig. “You bring her in thinking she’s dehydrated or maybe has a virus. And then to be told you’re not taking her home?” Linam, who had just come on call, THE ANNUAL FUND FOR UAMS
was contacted immediately. He, in turn, immediately contacted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta. Again by chance, they’d just received a supply of an anti-cancer drug developed in Germany that showed potential for anti-parasitic use. Though approved now, at the time it had not yet been cleared for use in the United States. Linam, following procedures for research use, filed an emergency request for the drug and drove to the airport himself to pick it up. By Monday, doctors induced Kali into a coma and slowly lowered her core body temperature to 93 degrees. The goal, said Linam, was to lower stress on her swelling brain “It was amazing to as the mix of be part of a health care medications was put to team working with work. Even still, a really complicated there was a constant battle patient and working to balance together to get her that swelling against other through it.” vitals like blood pressure and kidney function, which was not impaired. It was a precarious team effort, Linam said. “It was a roller coaster,” said Hardig. “Someone would ask if we were taking it day by day, but the answer was no. It was hourly. We’d have a good two or three hours and then a bad two or three hours. It was a constant struggle, and we didn’t know from one minute to the next what the outcome would be.” It would take three weeks in ICU, another 30 days in the hospital and
Kali celebrates her 13th birthday and the series of miracles that led her to that day
months of recovery before the prognosis predicted, with certainty, a full recovery. A year after Kali’s release, “things are wonderful,” Traci Hardig said. She’s back in school. She’s playing volleyball. Life at 13 is, ultimately and thankfully, normal. “I give the doctors and nurses tremendous credit,” said Hardig. “They were on top of everything. I don’t believe we’d be here without them having been on their A game.”
Did You Know? The UAMS College of Public Health (COPH) is dedicted to improving the health and well-being of individuals, families and communities in Arkansas through education, research and service. It is due to elevated public health education in our state that physicians like Dr. Linam not only understand critical situations like Kali’s, but also they know how to reach the resources needed to result in the best possible patient outcomes. THE ANNUAL FUND FOR UAMS
Linam was moved to have been a part of it. “It was amazing to be part of a health care team working with a really complicated patient and working together to get her through it.” “The COPH has played an important role in educating environmental health specialists who work hand-in-hand with UAMS doctors and governmental leaders across the state. Our public health courses focus on enforcement and regulation of key environmental areas including recreational swimming areas and waters, drinking water quality, water sanitation and emergency preparedness.” Jim Raczynski, Ph.D. Dean of the College of Public Health giving.uams.edu
27
What unifies us is what makes us different Kali Hardig Patient
{
A Series of Small Miracles
Kali Hardig and her mom, Traci
EVERYTHING went exactly right. It’s
the best way — maybe the only way — to describe how then-12-year-old Kali Hardig last year became only the third recorded survivor in North America to beat Naegleria Linam, who had just fowleri, a rare caused come on call, was infection by an amoeba contacted immediately. that can cause infection He, in turn, immediately athatbrain is 99 contacted the Centers percent fatal. From the for Disease Control and UAMS physicians Prevention in Atlanta. working at Arkansas Children’s Hospital (ACH) with nurses and technicians to diagnose and treat Kali, to 26
giving.uams.edu
public health officials quickly finding the source of her infection, the whole ordeal boils down to what one of her doctors called “a series of small miracles.” “It was one of those situations in which everything worked perfectly and proved to be a testament to what health care should be,” said Matt Linam, M.D., medical director of infection prevention and hospital epidemiology at ACH and an assistant professor in the Department of Pediatrics at UAMS. It was only a day after a summer swimming trip to a favorite local water park that Kali started complaining of headaches and nausea, said her mother Traci Hardig. When her fever spiked and she was unable to keep her eyes focused, Traci made the mad dash to the hospital.
It was a Friday. There, Linam said, the emergency room staff did well to trust Hardig’s assessment that her daughter was simply not herself. They performed a lumbar puncture and, by chance, a veteran medical technologist who had seen Naegleria the last time a patient had been diagnosed with it was on hand to look at the sample. She hadn’t been scheduled to work that day and had only come in for an annual competency review. It was a rare but terrifying diagnosis. “You just can’t believe it,” said Hardig. “You bring her in thinking she’s dehydrated or maybe has a virus. And then to be told you’re not taking her home?” Linam, who had just come on call, THE ANNUAL FUND FOR UAMS
was contacted immediately. He, in turn, immediately contacted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta. Again by chance, they’d just received a supply of an anti-cancer drug developed in Germany that showed potential for anti-parasitic use. Though approved now, at the time it had not yet been cleared for use in the United States. Linam, following procedures for research use, filed an emergency request for the drug and drove to the airport himself to pick it up. By Monday, doctors induced Kali into a coma and slowly lowered her core body temperature to 93 degrees. The goal, said Linam, was to lower stress on her swelling brain “It was amazing to as the mix of be part of a health care medications was put to team working with work. Even still, a really complicated there was a constant battle patient and working to balance together to get her that swelling against other through it.” vitals like blood pressure and kidney function, which was not impaired. It was a precarious team effort, Linam said. “It was a roller coaster,” said Hardig. “Someone would ask if we were taking it day by day, but the answer was no. It was hourly. We’d have a good two or three hours and then a bad two or three hours. It was a constant struggle, and we didn’t know from one minute to the next what the outcome would be.” It would take three weeks in ICU, another 30 days in the hospital and
Kali celebrates her 13th birthday and the series of miracles that led her to that day
months of recovery before the prognosis predicted, with certainty, a full recovery. A year after Kali’s release, “things are wonderful,” Traci Hardig said. She’s back in school. She’s playing volleyball. Life at 13 is, ultimately and thankfully, normal. “I give the doctors and nurses tremendous credit,” said Hardig. “They were on top of everything. I don’t believe we’d be here without them having been on their A game.”
Did You Know? The UAMS College of Public Health (COPH) is dedicted to improving the health and well-being of individuals, families and communities in Arkansas through education, research and service. It is due to elevated public health education in our state that physicians like Dr. Linam not only understand critical situations like Kali’s, but also they know how to reach the resources needed to result in the best possible patient outcomes. THE ANNUAL FUND FOR UAMS
Linam was moved to have been a part of it. “It was amazing to be part of a health care team working with a really complicated patient and working together to get her through it.” “The COPH has played an important role in educating environmental health specialists who work hand-in-hand with UAMS doctors and governmental leaders across the state. Our public health courses focus on enforcement and regulation of key environmental areas including recreational swimming areas and waters, drinking water quality, water sanitation and emergency preparedness.” Jim Raczynski, Ph.D. Dean of the College of Public Health giving.uams.edu
27
What unifies us is what makes us different Dolapo and Bukola Odeniyi M.D.-Ph.D. Students
{
Fulfilling a Dream
{
UAMS Northwest/ Regional Programs
Reaching out
Did You Know? Northwest Arkansas
Did You Know? The UAMS Center for
is home to a growing population of Marshallese and Hispanic residents. These citizens face significant health disparities. UAMS Northwest is committed to addressing these disparities through research and community-based programming. During the last two years, more than $5 million in grants have been awarded to UAMS supporting this outreach.
Diversity Affairs envisions UAMS as an academic health center where diversity, inclusion and cultural competency are realized in all aspects of its mission, contributing to a society in which all individuals enjoy equity in health, wellbeing and opportunity.
to the United States in 2001. They graduated from high school in Little Rock, then both earned biology and chemistry degrees from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Dolapo and Bukola Odeniyi
AFTER EXPERIENCING the inadequacy of the health care system in their home of Lagos, Nigeria, Dolapo and Bukola Odeniyi, identical twin sisters, are studying at UAMS to fulfill their dream of becoming doctors. Bukola’s research interest is immunology and Dolapo’s pharmacology. They credit help received through the UAMS Center for Diversity Affairs. “The center has been guiding us since we graduated from high school,” Dolapo said. “It was through them that our exposure to research began. The center — along with our mentors —helped us prepare to apply for the M.D.-Ph.D. program.” Billy Thomas, UAMS vice chancellor for diversity and inclusion, believes “they embody the mission of UAMS and the center to advance diversity and inclusiveness in the creation of the future health care of Arkansas.” The sisters’ desire to become doctors was cemented at a young age. At 7, 28
giving.uams.edu
Dolapo had a motorcycle wreck and almost had to have her foot amputated due to infection because of loose regulations and substandard care of the hospital where she was treated. “I realized I wanted and needed to be a physician,” Dolapo said. “I said to myself, if I was a doctor, I would never allow that to happen to anybody, especially to a child.” Bukola’s interest in medicine developed through several experiences, including watching her sister recover from her foot infection and malaria and seeing a childhood classmate who could not afford surgery to repair her cleft palate. “These experiences developed a desire in me to eliminate these defects in the health care system by working as a physician,” Bukola said. “Our futures in medicine and research are similar because we hope to use both of our perspectives to make health care more accessible to underserved populations.” The sisters and their family immigrated
The UAMS Center for Health Literacy strives to improve individual, provider, systems and community health literacy at a local, state and national level. More than 286,000 Arkansans and 75 million Americans are estimated to have low health literacy, increasing barriers to accessing and utilizing health care services, self-management of chronic health problems and overall health promotion.
(From left) Billy R. Thomas, M.D., M.P.H., Vice Chancellor of Diversity & Inclusion; Lawrence E. Cornett, Ph.D., Vice Chancellor of Research; and Robert E. McGehee, Jr., Ph.D., Dean Graduate School THE ANNUAL FUND FOR UAMS
The UAMS Northwest campus is a prime example of InterProfessional Education in practice
A FEW YEARS AGO, a young woman from northwest Arkansas was searching for a college with a physical therapy program. She looked for one close to home, but came up empty-handed and eventually went out of state. That prompted the beginning of a public and private collaboration that came together this year to establish a physical therapy program in the College of Health Professions at UAMS Northwest beginning in the fall of 2015. It is one of a number of advanced educational programs offered by UAMS Northwest, established in 2007 to increase the number of health care professionals throughout Arkansas. Programs at the northwest campus THE ANNUAL FUND FOR UAMS
include medicine, pharmacy, graduate nursing and health professions learning in team-based clinic settings. In addition, UAMS Regional Programs has been a hub for medical and continuing education programs in the area. This includes two primary care clinics in northwest Arkansas. Throughout the state, Regional Programs is increasing access to quality health care and health education. Family medicine physicians serving residencies in six of the eight regional centers provide health care to rural and underserved communities. The centers also offer training for students in all health disciplines, and continuing education for health
professionals in the community. Its primary care clinics have received the top rating as patient-centered medical homes, helping patients manage chronic health conditions better to avoid hospital readmissions and long-term complications. Mark Mengel, M.D., vice chancellor for Regional Programs, said patient outcomes have markedly improved since the concept was implemented in 2008. Also, physicians are more likely to continue practicing in or near the communities where they complete their residency training, increasing the number of physicians in rural areas. So, too, the programs at UAMS Northwest have the opportunity to promote a healthier community, especially for the aging population, said Peter Kohler, M.D., UAMS Northwest vice chancellor. “Our programs can improve access to care— extending health and improving the quality of life within our communities,” Kohler said.
UAMS Regional Programs improves health by increasing the number of local health care providers, helping train and educate current professionals and providing health education. Eight teaching centers expose future professionals to underserved communities and provide varied handson experiences not seen in a traditional urban, academic environment. giving.uams.edu
29
What unifies us is what makes us different Dolapo and Bukola Odeniyi M.D.-Ph.D. Students
{
Fulfilling a Dream
{
UAMS Northwest/ Regional Programs
Reaching out
Did You Know? Northwest Arkansas
Did You Know? The UAMS Center for
is home to a growing population of Marshallese and Hispanic residents. These citizens face significant health disparities. UAMS Northwest is committed to addressing these disparities through research and community-based programming. During the last two years, more than $5 million in grants have been awarded to UAMS supporting this outreach.
Diversity Affairs envisions UAMS as an academic health center where diversity, inclusion and cultural competency are realized in all aspects of its mission, contributing to a society in which all individuals enjoy equity in health, wellbeing and opportunity.
to the United States in 2001. They graduated from high school in Little Rock, then both earned biology and chemistry degrees from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Dolapo and Bukola Odeniyi
AFTER EXPERIENCING the inadequacy of the health care system in their home of Lagos, Nigeria, Dolapo and Bukola Odeniyi, identical twin sisters, are studying at UAMS to fulfill their dream of becoming doctors. Bukola’s research interest is immunology and Dolapo’s pharmacology. They credit help received through the UAMS Center for Diversity Affairs. “The center has been guiding us since we graduated from high school,” Dolapo said. “It was through them that our exposure to research began. The center — along with our mentors —helped us prepare to apply for the M.D.-Ph.D. program.” Billy Thomas, UAMS vice chancellor for diversity and inclusion, believes “they embody the mission of UAMS and the center to advance diversity and inclusiveness in the creation of the future health care of Arkansas.” The sisters’ desire to become doctors was cemented at a young age. At 7, 28
giving.uams.edu
Dolapo had a motorcycle wreck and almost had to have her foot amputated due to infection because of loose regulations and substandard care of the hospital where she was treated. “I realized I wanted and needed to be a physician,” Dolapo said. “I said to myself, if I was a doctor, I would never allow that to happen to anybody, especially to a child.” Bukola’s interest in medicine developed through several experiences, including watching her sister recover from her foot infection and malaria and seeing a childhood classmate who could not afford surgery to repair her cleft palate. “These experiences developed a desire in me to eliminate these defects in the health care system by working as a physician,” Bukola said. “Our futures in medicine and research are similar because we hope to use both of our perspectives to make health care more accessible to underserved populations.” The sisters and their family immigrated
The UAMS Center for Health Literacy strives to improve individual, provider, systems and community health literacy at a local, state and national level. More than 286,000 Arkansans and 75 million Americans are estimated to have low health literacy, increasing barriers to accessing and utilizing health care services, self-management of chronic health problems and overall health promotion.
(From left) Billy R. Thomas, M.D., M.P.H., Vice Chancellor of Diversity & Inclusion; Lawrence E. Cornett, Ph.D., Vice Chancellor of Research; and Robert E. McGehee, Jr., Ph.D., Dean Graduate School THE ANNUAL FUND FOR UAMS
The UAMS Northwest campus is a prime example of InterProfessional Education in practice
A FEW YEARS AGO, a young woman from northwest Arkansas was searching for a college with a physical therapy program. She looked for one close to home, but came up empty-handed and eventually went out of state. That prompted the beginning of a public and private collaboration that came together this year to establish a physical therapy program in the College of Health Professions at UAMS Northwest beginning in the fall of 2015. It is one of a number of advanced educational programs offered by UAMS Northwest, established in 2007 to increase the number of health care professionals throughout Arkansas. Programs at the northwest campus THE ANNUAL FUND FOR UAMS
include medicine, pharmacy, graduate nursing and health professions learning in team-based clinic settings. In addition, UAMS Regional Programs has been a hub for medical and continuing education programs in the area. This includes two primary care clinics in northwest Arkansas. Throughout the state, Regional Programs is increasing access to quality health care and health education. Family medicine physicians serving residencies in six of the eight regional centers provide health care to rural and underserved communities. The centers also offer training for students in all health disciplines, and continuing education for health
professionals in the community. Its primary care clinics have received the top rating as patient-centered medical homes, helping patients manage chronic health conditions better to avoid hospital readmissions and long-term complications. Mark Mengel, M.D., vice chancellor for Regional Programs, said patient outcomes have markedly improved since the concept was implemented in 2008. Also, physicians are more likely to continue practicing in or near the communities where they complete their residency training, increasing the number of physicians in rural areas. So, too, the programs at UAMS Northwest have the opportunity to promote a healthier community, especially for the aging population, said Peter Kohler, M.D., UAMS Northwest vice chancellor. “Our programs can improve access to care— extending health and improving the quality of life within our communities,” Kohler said.
UAMS Regional Programs improves health by increasing the number of local health care providers, helping train and educate current professionals and providing health education. Eight teaching centers expose future professionals to underserved communities and provide varied handson experiences not seen in a traditional urban, academic environment. giving.uams.edu
29
What unifies us is what makes us different Rafaella Oliveira Patient
{
Overcoming Overwhelming Odds
Rafaella Oliveira with the man she calls her angel, Dr. Suen
WHEN RAFAELLA CALIXTO OLIVEIRA was 6 months old, her mother noticed blood vessels appearing on her cheek. When they started Her treatment was to bleed, she took to the doctor transferred to Suen’s her in her hometown practice at UAMS of San Luis, That was where she continued Brazil. 33 years ago. to have surgeries Today, Oliveira a home in due to the persistent shares Little Rock with malformation. her mother and sister and says she owes her life to UAMS surgeon James Y. Suen, M.D. The road from Brazil to Little Rock was a long one, paved with years 30
giving.uams.edu
of unnecessary procedures and misdiagnoses, but Oliveira has kept a positive outlook despite overwhelming odds. “When I was young, the doctors in Brazil weren’t sure what was wrong with me.” Oliveira underwent more than 100 embolization procedures to block blood flow to the area, but her pain and facial bleeding continued to worsen. Finally,
at age 21 after a radiation treatment caused her skin to break open and bleed nonstop, her doctor gave a dire prognosis, telling her nothing more could be done and she would ultimately bleed to death. Refusing to accept that outcome, Oliveira’s family started searching the Internet for someone to offer hope. That’s when they found a program offered jointly by UAMS and its affiliate Arkansas Children’s Hospital (ACH). “When we arrived, I was told I needed to see Dr. Suen. I didn’t know who he was, but now he is my angel,” she said. “Without him, I wouldn’t be alive.” Suen, professor and chairman of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery at UAMS, is highly regarded for his treatment of congenital vascular lesions of the head and neck. Suen immediately diagnosed Oliveira with an extensive arteriovenous malformation (AVM) that was destroying the right side of her face and eye. She was admitted to ACH where she ultimately spent six months, undergoing an initial 26-hour surgery, followed by multiple follow-up surgeries. AVMs most commonly manifest themselves very early in life or during puberty. They occur when arteries
connect directly to veins and the capillary bed is abnormal. Tangles of vessels then expand and will invade tissues or organs causing destruction and bleeding. What Oliveira and her mother had hoped to be a short visit to the United States turned into “When we two years. Her treatment was arrived, I was transferred to told I needed to Suen’s practice at UAMS where she see Dr. Suen. I continued to have didn’t know who surgeries due to the persistent he was, but now he malformation. is my angel.” “An extensive AVM cannot be cured, but it can be controlled,” Suen said. After two years in Arkansas, Oliveira was allowed to return home to Brazil. She tried to work and live a normal life, but the bleeding continued. When she began bleeding from her tear duct, she rushed back to UAMS for surgery during which Suen removed her right eye. She again returned to Brazil, undergoing MRIs every three months
Rafaella Oliveira (right) with her sister and mother
that were sent to Suen to evaluate. “He tried to stay positive and help me live a normal life,” she said. However, in 2011 Oliveira hit a turning point when her Brazilian doctor suggested that her physical condition might not be her primary concern, and that she should
Did You Know? People from all over the world seek out UAMS for our cutting-edge
treatment capabilities and expert specialty knowledge. People from every county in Arkansas, every state and more than 50 foreign countries receive care at UAMS each year in the hands of the best clinicians and researchers around. Patient- and Family-Centered Care is at the heart of all we do at UAMS. Pictured above are Romona Davis, M.D., Carmelita Pablo, M.D., and John Pemberton, D.O., M.B.A. THE ANNUAL FUND FOR UAMS
THE ANNUAL FUND FOR UAMS
instead seek help from a psychiatrist. “That’s when we decided to move to Arkansas, so I can be close to Dr. Suen and get the treatment I need,” she said. Since her move, she has had 13 additional surgeries, with another one scheduled in late 2014. “In spite of all the surgeries she has had, Rafaella continues to have a positive attitude and has helped many others afflicted with an AVM by spreading the word both here and in Brazil about our program. She is a determined young woman, and I admire her remarkable courage and spirit,” Suen said.
UAMS is dedicated to involving patients and their families in the care process. Our patient- and family- centered care model recognizes the mutually beneficial partnerships among health care providers, patients and families that ultimately lead to better health outcomes and wiser allocation of resources and greater patient and family satisfaction.
giving.uams.edu
31
What unifies us is what makes us different Rafaella Oliveira Patient
{
Overcoming Overwhelming Odds
Rafaella Oliveira with the man she calls her angel, Dr. Suen
WHEN RAFAELLA CALIXTO OLIVEIRA was 6 months old, her mother noticed blood vessels appearing on her cheek. When they started Her treatment was to bleed, she took to the doctor transferred to Suen’s her in her hometown practice at UAMS of San Luis, That was where she continued Brazil. 33 years ago. to have surgeries Today, Oliveira a home in due to the persistent shares Little Rock with malformation. her mother and sister and says she owes her life to UAMS surgeon James Y. Suen, M.D. The road from Brazil to Little Rock was a long one, paved with years 30
giving.uams.edu
of unnecessary procedures and misdiagnoses, but Oliveira has kept a positive outlook despite overwhelming odds. “When I was young, the doctors in Brazil weren’t sure what was wrong with me.” Oliveira underwent more than 100 embolization procedures to block blood flow to the area, but her pain and facial bleeding continued to worsen. Finally,
at age 21 after a radiation treatment caused her skin to break open and bleed nonstop, her doctor gave a dire prognosis, telling her nothing more could be done and she would ultimately bleed to death. Refusing to accept that outcome, Oliveira’s family started searching the Internet for someone to offer hope. That’s when they found a program offered jointly by UAMS and its affiliate Arkansas Children’s Hospital (ACH). “When we arrived, I was told I needed to see Dr. Suen. I didn’t know who he was, but now he is my angel,” she said. “Without him, I wouldn’t be alive.” Suen, professor and chairman of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery at UAMS, is highly regarded for his treatment of congenital vascular lesions of the head and neck. Suen immediately diagnosed Oliveira with an extensive arteriovenous malformation (AVM) that was destroying the right side of her face and eye. She was admitted to ACH where she ultimately spent six months, undergoing an initial 26-hour surgery, followed by multiple follow-up surgeries. AVMs most commonly manifest themselves very early in life or during puberty. They occur when arteries
connect directly to veins and the capillary bed is abnormal. Tangles of vessels then expand and will invade tissues or organs causing destruction and bleeding. What Oliveira and her mother had hoped to be a short visit to the United States turned into “When we two years. Her treatment was arrived, I was transferred to told I needed to Suen’s practice at UAMS where she see Dr. Suen. I continued to have didn’t know who surgeries due to the persistent he was, but now he malformation. is my angel.” “An extensive AVM cannot be cured, but it can be controlled,” Suen said. After two years in Arkansas, Oliveira was allowed to return home to Brazil. She tried to work and live a normal life, but the bleeding continued. When she began bleeding from her tear duct, she rushed back to UAMS for surgery during which Suen removed her right eye. She again returned to Brazil, undergoing MRIs every three months
Rafaella Oliveira (right) with her sister and mother
that were sent to Suen to evaluate. “He tried to stay positive and help me live a normal life,” she said. However, in 2011 Oliveira hit a turning point when her Brazilian doctor suggested that her physical condition might not be her primary concern, and that she should
Did You Know? People from all over the world seek out UAMS for our cutting-edge
treatment capabilities and expert specialty knowledge. People from every county in Arkansas, every state and more than 50 foreign countries receive care at UAMS each year in the hands of the best clinicians and researchers around. Patient- and Family-Centered Care is at the heart of all we do at UAMS. Pictured above are Romona Davis, M.D., Carmelita Pablo, M.D., and John Pemberton, D.O., M.B.A. THE ANNUAL FUND FOR UAMS
THE ANNUAL FUND FOR UAMS
instead seek help from a psychiatrist. “That’s when we decided to move to Arkansas, so I can be close to Dr. Suen and get the treatment I need,” she said. Since her move, she has had 13 additional surgeries, with another one scheduled in late 2014. “In spite of all the surgeries she has had, Rafaella continues to have a positive attitude and has helped many others afflicted with an AVM by spreading the word both here and in Brazil about our program. She is a determined young woman, and I admire her remarkable courage and spirit,” Suen said.
UAMS is dedicated to involving patients and their families in the care process. Our patient- and family- centered care model recognizes the mutually beneficial partnerships among health care providers, patients and families that ultimately lead to better health outcomes and wiser allocation of resources and greater patient and family satisfaction.
giving.uams.edu
31
The Hub of Health THE 2014 - 2015 ANNUAL FUND FOR UAMS 4301 W. Markham St., #716 Little Rock, AR 72205
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