UNMED Fall 2011

UNMed Special Commemorative Edition

Fall 2012

A magazine for alumni & friends of The University of New Mexico School of Medicine

“De Dean Says …”

Leonard M. Napolitano, PhD Dean 1972 - 1994

P i o n ee r s

V i s i o n a r i es

Dreamers

L e a de r s

Countdown to the School of Medicine’s 50th Anniversary in 2014 . . . The Second of Our Five Commemorative Editions

UNMed

W

elcome to this latest edition of UNMed. Within these pages are intriguing stories about fellow alumni; updates on the School of Medicine’s research, educational and clinical missions; new scholarship and national award winners; personal profiles of generous supporters and friends, and more.

f r o m

Maybe it’s the time of year, but for me, this issue feels especially loaded with nostalgia. I find reflection an important tool. Periodically, it’s valuable to consider the path our lives have taken and the continually evolving forces that have impacted our trajectory. UNM’s School of Medicine (SOM) boasts a rather remarkable path.

Please read on.

Dr. Leonard Napolitano, a founding SOM faculty member in 1964 and dean 1972-1994, was such a force during his tenure, with crystal clear vision and absolute resolve in guiding medical education in New Mexico. His leadership and impact on healthcare

t h e

C h a n c e l l o r

in New Mexico extend far beyond any campus – or event state – borders. His is a compelling story, from starting quarterback for his college football team to his SOM retirement after 30 years of service.

From 1974 to 1984, the School of Medicine saw tremendous development both on its campus and in its curricula. A great visual timeline in this issue demonstrates critical milestones in our school’s history. It’s the thread that connects us – institutionally, professionally, and socially.

Your time at UNM is so much more than great memories — it’s the foundation on which you’ll

build your professional life.

Your classmates and even professors will continue to mold your interest and understanding of science, society and service.

Ask the folks who are still in the afterglow of a spectacular Khatali Reunion last month. Judging by the photo montage within, there was considerable molding of interests.

I hope you enjoy this issue!

Best regards.

Paul Roth, MD, MS, FACEP Chancellor for Health Sciences Dean, School of Medicine University of New Mexico

Chancellor Roth Announces Leadership Changes “After a comprehensive

Health Sciences Center Leadership Changes

School of Medicine Leadership Changes

clinical strategic plan

Richard Larson, MD, PhD Executive Vice Chancellor and

Tom Williams, MD Executive Vice Dean

that has identified over

strategic planning process, we have developed a

40-key initiatives. The implementation of this strategic plan will be a major undertaking, and I am pleased to announce several changes in senior leadership.

”

UNMed Magazine Fall 2012

will remain as the Vice Chancellor for Research

Michael Richards, MD UNM Health System Executive Physician-in-Chief

Ava Lovell, CPA

Senior Executive Office for Finance and Administration

Leslie Morrison, MD Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Michel Disco, MBA Director of Interprofessional Education

Paul McGuire, PhD Associate Dean for Undergraduate

Medical Education

Steve McLaughlin, MD Chair of SOM Department

of Emergency Medicine

Corey Ford, MD, PhD Interim Senior Associate

Dean for Research

Lee Danielson, PhD, MLS Assistant Dean, Health Professions

and Public Health Programs

T a b l e Editor – Joanne Branyon-Ward Associate Editor – Morris Albert

o f

UNMed

C o n t e n t s

in this issue:

Contributing Writers – Morris Albert, Joanne Branyon-Ward, Luke Frank, Sarah Fuller Photographers – Morris Albert, Paul Akmajian, John Arnold, Joanne Branyon-Ward, Rebecca Gustaf, Kathy Montoya, Libby Sanzero Cover Art Work – M.S. Franco Designer – Kathy Montoya/ Montoya Creative Art Director – Paul Akmajian Dean’s Office Paul Roth, MD, MS, FACEP Chancellor for Health Sciences Dean, UNM School of Medicine

2-5

Historical Time Line

1975 - 1984

17

11

White Coat Ceremony

2012 LTSS Scholarship Recipients

Khatali Physician Alumni Association Officers & Board of Directors Anne Foster, MD, MPH, President Sandra Whisler, MD, Vice President Kristine Bordenave, MD Eve Espey, MD, MPH Jeffrey Griffith, PhD Diane Klepper, MD Effie Medford, MD Paul Roth, Md, MS, FACEP Linda Stogner, MD Catherine Torres, MD Bert Umland, MD Development & Khatali Alumni Relations Office Sherry Wilson Sr. Director of Development and Alumni Relations Joanne Branyon-Ward Associate Director of Development Morris Albert Associate Director of Development for Khatali Alumni Relations Trent Dimas Director of Development Major Gifts & Planned Giving Annie Hooten Development Coordinator Kenneth Thompson Sr. Director of Development Health Sciences Center

6-7

“De Dean Says ...”

18 - 19

12

“Innovation” Expands UNM’s Project ECHO by $8.5 Million

2012 Khatali SOM Reunion Photos

13

DCI Funds the Kidney Institute of New Mexico with $6 Million

20

2012 Khatali Distinguished Alumnus

8

2012 - 2013 Khatali Scholarship Recipients

George E. Omer, Jr., MD A True Helping Hand

9

IDTC —Vibrant Centers Generated for Research and Education

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Your Investment in Scholarships is Critical

14 - 15

Hold The Date ONE

Noteworthy News WEEKEND 2013

16

Khatali and the SOM on the Road

Inside back cover Khatali Alumni Keeping Connected

UNM School of Medicine Development & Khatali Alumni Relations Office MSC 08 4720 BMSB #182B 1 University of New Mexico Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001 505.272.5112 http://hsc.unm.edu/som/development UNMed is published by the UNM School of Medicine Development & Khatali Alumni Relations Office and the UNM Health Sciences Center Marketing Communications Office.

Printed in the USA © Copyright 2012, The University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center

Spring 2013

Fall 2013

Spring 2014

Third Decade Historical Time Line

Fourth Decade Historical Time Line

50th Anniversary Historical Time Line

1984 – 1994

1994 – 2004

2004 – 2014

F a lFl a2l l0 12 20 1 2U NUMNeM d eM g a zg ianzei n 1 d aM e

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Welcome …

Medical School Furthers Growth 1975

1976

It’s the Countdown

1974 – 1994 Ken Gardner, Jr., MD, becomes assistant dean for Graduate Medical Education.

W

elcome to the second decade of our history, 1975 to 1984.

This was the beginning of the Napolitano era — statewide services, development of the Primary Care Curriculum (PCC), and opening of a biomedical research facility.

In the succeeding three issues, we’ll continue to share our history decade by decade leading up to the SOM celebrating 50 years in 2014.

1976 - Medical Sciences

“Khatali,” the ancient Navajo word for “healer,” is frequently chosen to embody the concepts of healing and health in the School of Medicine.

First used by the class of 1969 as the name of their yearbook, Khatali is the symbol of the school’s alumni association, Khatali Alumni Association.

Michael Norviel is the artist of the Salud cover. He was the head of medical illustrations and photography for HSC.

2 2UUNNMMe edd MMa agga az zi ni ne e F Fa al ll l 2 20 01 12 2

He Health Sciences Center Library

h

Medical School Furthers Growth 1978

1977

UNMed 1979

A handful of enthusiastic faculty changed the way medical curriculum is taught ... some of the faculty are: Doctors Robert Waterman, Arthur Kaufman, Stewart Mennin, Scott Obenshain, and Max Bennett.

The Primary Care Curriculum is developed.

- Medical Sciences Library Building was completed.

Health Sciences Library and Informatics Center

School of Medicine outreach covers all of New Mexico’s 122,000 square miles

-- 1978 -Novitski Hall Dental Programs Building opened

Fall 2012Â UNM ed M agazine 3

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M e d i c a l Sc h o o l F u r t h e r s G r o w t h

1980

1981

Primary Care Curriculum (PCC) starts with 10 medical students supported by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. School of Medicine emphasizes problem-based learning curriculum ...

... followed six years later by Harvard.

Biomedical research facility opens and provides 40 new labs.

“Women account for half of the traditional ‘singers’ or healers in Navajo society,” states Dr. Susie John, class of ’82, the first, full-blooded Navajo woman medical doctor.

Family Practice Center opens.

4 UNMed Magazine Fall 2012

M e d i c a l Sc h o o l F u r t h e r s G r o w t h 1982

1983

UNMed 1984

opens s.

Lifeguard Helicopter service is established.

School of Medicine faculty work on communities state-wide, staffing regular outreach clinics, filling temporary vacancies and providing support to community providers.

Doctors Solomon, McLaren, Scaletti, Anderson, Napolitano and Loftfield

Fall 2012Â UNM ed M agazine 5

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E d u c ato r

a d v o c at e

“De Dean Says … ” PhD, grew up in

L

his impact on New Mexico

Oakland, CA, one of

and the Southwest during his

three children and the only

long, accomplished career as

son of Italian immigrants

a medical school dean. “… I

from the central part of Italy.

never knew what that was,” he

From humble beginnings

muses.

Napolitano’s childhood

From the Beginning

eonard M. Napolitano,

aspiration was simply “to get a job.”

He could not have imagined

Dr. Nepolitano also led the

The Golden Age of Napolitano ...

1972 - 1994

establishment of the Allied Health Programs, now the Health Professions & Public

Dr. Napolitano became

Health Program, to train

the School’s third Dean.

Medical education has always meant intensive classroom, laboratory, and library study to master the basic sciences.

By the fall of 1964 when UNM School of Medicine

Under Dr. Napolitano’s

(SOM) opened, Dr. Napolitano

stewardship, medical education

joined other “founding

also meant knowing patients

faculty” members as an

as people, so attention to the

associate professor of anatomy.

human side of medicine began

They later described their

in the first weeks of study.

In 1972 the School received

decision to build a medical

l e a d e r

school from scratch as the

funding from the National

most daring and exciting thing

Cancer Institute to begin

they’d ever attempted.

construction of a new cancer treatment facility.

medical technologists, physical therapists, nuclear medicine and radiology technicians, and respiratory therapists.

In 1975 the UNM Cancer Research and Treatment Center opened. The next year the Medical Sciences Library, now the Health Sciences Library and Informatics Center, relocated to a new building on the North Campus.

Under the guidance of Napolitano and visionary colleagues, the school’s problem-based learning

A Visionary Quarterback

“At my first faculty meeting I found out who

Napolitano majored in biology and

was in charge. A moment

chemistry at Santa Clara College. As the

after a controversial

team’s quarterback, he learned important

question had been voted

leadership lessons. In 1949, Napolitano’s

on, Dr. Napolitano

underdog team won the Orange Bowl

looked over his glasses

— an upset victory over legendary Bear

and said: ‘I’m invoking

Bryant’s Kentucky Wildcats and Santa

the godfather clause.’

Clara College’s only Orange Bowl

In Dr. Napolitano’s

appearance.

office a common (and

“Len continued to be a quarterback throughout

commonly accepted)

his career. He called most of the plays that led to

victory proved that small institutions

explanation for a

UNM School of Medicine becoming the nationally

could compete on equal footing with

particular policy or

and internationally recognized institution that it

large institutions. “You don’t need the

practice was: ‘DDS.’

became.”

resources of a Harvard. You don’t have

Translation: De

— Scott Obenshain, MD

For Napolitano the Orange Bowl

to have the student body of 25,000 to do

Dean Says. End of

something well and to be competitive,”

discussion.”

he asserts. He carried this lesson into his

— John Trotter, PhD 6 UNMed Magazine Fall 2012

decades at UNM.

E d u c ato r

a d v o c at e

l e a d e r

UNMed

A Living Legend curriculum, the Primary Care

Education Program. The

Curriculum, drew interest

School received national

world-wide as an innovative

recognition for its Disaster

way of teaching medical

Medical Assistance Team

students. In 1977, Napolitano

(DMAT).

hospitals and clinics.

Other growth under his

Award on May 15, 2009, presented by his successor, Paul Roth, MD, Chancellor for Health Sciences and Dean, School of Medicine.

Within the School of Medicine, Napolitano is known as a man of fairness, honesty, and determination. When asked

also became director of the UNM Medical Center’s many

Napolitano, received the School of Medicine’s Living Legend

At Heart, A Scientist In July 2010, his passion

what drove him to do so much for New Mexico, Napolitano replied simply, “It was my job.”

for anatomy and science

leadership included the

were acknowledged at the

Is it in the DNA? Son Dr.

opening of the Family Practice

dedication of The Leonard M.

Leonard Napolitano, Jr. and

building, which housed

Napolitano, PhD Anatomical

daughter, Janet Napolitano,

Departments of Family

Education Center. The

U.S. Secretary of Homeland

and Community Medicine;

ceremony was attended

Emergency Medicine;

by Napolitano’s children,

Practice clinic; Department

Leonard, Jr., Janet, and

of Psychiatry; Emergency

Nancy, and grandchildren

Medical Services Academy;

William and Sara.

the Medical Book Store.

Funded by the National

Janet Napolitano, United States Secretary of Homeland

Institutes of Health in 1977,

Security, said of her father,

the General Clinical Research

“He is at heart a scientist

Center became a reality. The

by academic training and

UNM Children’s Psychiatric

academic practice. Although,

Hospital was also completed.

I think, Dad … if you’d ever

The 80s brought even more

gone into electoral politics,

expansion. The SOM began

you would have done very,

its Continuing Medical

very well.”

Security, honor their Dad at the Living Legend Award Dinner.

“The School of Medicine has achieved national and international accolades in its innovative curriculum. It is perceived as a School with extraordinary assets in its faculty and programs. We all stand on the shoulders of those who went before us, and Leonard’s shoulders are the broadest of all.”

— Paul Roth, MD, MS, FACEP

A Tenacious Fighter for His School and Students A man of many talents, Napolitano proved himself a savvy political negotiator.

Napolitano personally lobbied legislators in Santa Fe. He blended in with the “railbird” lobbyists who stood at the rail of the State Capitol rotunda. A native Californian and an East Coast academic, Napolitano became a New Mexico insider.

By avoiding partisanship and by dealing equally with both sides, Napolitano became “… Through personal integrity and

well-regarded by local NM politicians. Napolitano credits his effectiveness in Santa Fe as

skillful leadership, he set the course

being key toward his success as a dean, and toward stabilizing the School of Medicine.

for one of New Mexico’s proudest and most important institutions.”

— Maralyn S. Budke

Due to his efforts, the Basic Research Facility opened with laboratory and office space for basic science researchers and clinical research scientists, and the NM Legislature strengthened the School’s ability to successfully compete for research grant monies.

Fall 2012 UNM ed M agazine 7

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T R U E

H E L P I N G

H A N D

Orthopaedics Department is Indebted to George E. Omer Jr., MD The first chair and creator of hand surgery at UNM SOM — the first academic division in the nation Originally from Kansas, Dr. Omer: • Obtained his undergraduate degree from

George E. Omer, Jr., MD A True Helping Hand

B

efore 1970 options for orthopaedic patients in the state of New Mexico were somewhat limited. Specific areas of expertise provided by the University of New Mexico Orthopaedic Department were years away, and the department itself was a tiny division of the UNM Department of Surgery.

However, with the recruitment of the distinguished U.S. Army surgeon George Omer, Jr., MD, the UNM orthopaedic program was soon providing New Mexicans with an unprecedented level of care under the guidance of one of the nation’s most accomplished orthopaedic surgeons.

Founding Programs of Excellence at UNM

In 1970 Dr. Omer joined the UNM School of Medicine and worked quickly to establish a freestanding orthopaedic department becoming the first chair.

Building on his expertise as a nationally recognized hand surgeon, he organized the division of hand surgery within the department – the first academic division of hand surgery in the nation.

In 1973, he founded a program in physical therapy to assist with patient rehabilitation. After his retirement in 1990, the program grew to include occupational therapy.

8 UNMed Magazine Fall 2012

Fort Hays Kansas State University in 1944 in chemistry • Earned his medical degree at the University of Kansas School of Medicine in 1950 • Completed his orthopaedic residency at Brooke Army Medical Center

Leading the Way – The Future of Hand Surgery

Dr. Omer is credited worldwide as a pioneer for his work and was instrumental in shaping the current field of hand surgery.

Today, hand fellowships at UNM are highly sought-after, and the program is consistently recognized as one of the best in the country.

“Dr. Omer embodies the standards that we as orthopaedic surgeons strive for in the profession,” posits Moheb S. Moneim, MD, chairman emeritus, SOM Orthopaedics. “His knowledge and intellectual curiosity have sparked enthusiasm in countless orthopaedic residents and medical students.”

His love for teaching, his enthusiasm, integrity, and affability earned him the respect of colleagues, residents, students, and patients.

• Was the Chief of the Hand Surgery Unit

at Fitzsimons Army Medical Center • Served as Director of Orthopaedic Residency Training Program Walter Reed Army Medical Center • Retired from the service after a 20-year career at the rank of Colonel • Was one of the U.S. Army’s most prominent orthopaedic surgeons

Balancing Professional and Personal Life

According to Wendie Omer, Dr. Omer’s wife “… he was equally passionate about his professional and personal lives.

In those early days, it was a small group of physicians and researchers, so our families were very close … social gatherings were weekly,” she recounts.

“We had our introduction to the best and hottest chile ever when the Native American families would cook on the Plaza to feed the patients in the Indian Hospital. They shared food and many of their family traditions. We were honored.

“I remember early trips to Gallup where George was starting a residents’ rotation program there,” Wendie continues. “We were invited into homes for more really hot chile and by then it was a regular part of our meals.

“George was quite well recognized in his profession, but when he was at home, he was focused on family and friends,”

His love for teaching, his enthusiasm, integrity, and affability earned him the respect of colleagues, residents, students, and patients.

she states proudly. “He would get home late, but his attention was on our family.”

Wendie smiled, “Well, there was one time that he talked about work. Having come from years in the military with strict dress codes, George found it a little disconcerting that the medical students were ‘informally dressed.’ So he insisted that the medical students wear ties.

“Those students wore ties,” and she chuckles. “… some ties were down to their knees. I thought that might upset him, but all he said was “ … at least they are wearing ties.”

Endowed Professorship Created to Honor Dr. Omer

This endowed professorship perpetuates Dr. Omer’s legacy, and enhances the department’s prestige among peer institutions, and increases the department’s professional profile with the consumer market.

For more information about the George E. Omer, Jr., MD Endowed Professorship ... ... please contact Trent Dimas at tdimas@salud.unm.edu in the Development Office.

Visit http://orthopaedics.unm. edu/about-us/omer.html for the full story of Dr. Omer’s Legacy.

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EDU C ATION

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IDTC —Vibrant Centers Generated for Research and Education

Innovation, Discovery and Training Complex Opens on North Campus

T

he UNM Health Sciences Center opened the doors to its new Innovation, Discovery and Training Complex (IDTC), an 89,000 sq. ft. remodeled space for its: • Center for Molecular Discovery • UNM’s Center for Digestive Diseases Research • Emergency Medical Services Academy

Among other things, the CMD will provide highthroughput automation aimed at identifying small molecules that can be used as chemical probes and as leads for drug discoveries. These accurate and reproducible experiments of unique molecular samples enable the screening of thousands of drugs quickly with excellent precision.

A $16.5 million renovation has equipped the complex to quickly advance the Health Sciences Center’s research, clinical and educational missions.

“We have a great team that we’ve been building for years,” remarks Larry Sklar, PhD, UNM Regents Professor and discovery center director. “We’ve even developed and patented some of our own technology to dramatically accelerate the process of molecular discovery.”

Center for Molecular Discovery (CMD)

The CMD was selected as one of only nine national molecular discovery centers in the U.S. with a six-year, $15.5 million grant from the National Institutes of Health in 2008. Another $9.5 million was provided by the NIH in 2010 to help develop the CMD space.

UNMH Center for Digestive Diseases (UNMH CDD)

Emergency Medical Services Academy (EMSA)

The UNMH Center for Digestive Diseases research now can more vigorously explore vaccines and treatments for food-borne illnesses, and digestive disease and infection, while sharing that knowledge with the next generation of medical practitioners.

UNM’s Emergency Medical Services Academy (EMS Academy), which offered its first course in 1972, rounds out the IDTC. UNM’s EMS Academy is wholly unique as part of UNM’s Department of Emergency Medicine.

EMS Academy students, who come from all corners of the world, have access to all of the resources available through the UNM Health Sciences Center. UNM’s EMS Academy, formerly located near the Albuquerque Sunport, provides more than 150 instructors across New Mexico. EMS Academy students now can interact onsite with UNM faculty, medical students, residents and fellows from 41 different medical specialties.

The UNM Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, home of the UNMH CDD, is a worldclass academic center for the study and treatment of digestive diseases, and is recognized as one of the top research divisions in the country, having more than $15 million of active federal government research funding. The UNMH CDD also cares for more than 10,000 patients a year.

Visit http://hsc.unm.edu/ about/features/2012_1029b. shtml for more information on the Innovation, Discovery and Training Complex.

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S C H O L A R S H I P S T R U LY M A K E A D I F F E R E N C E

Your Investment in Scholarships is Critical Every $2,500 scholarship awarded saves a student nearly $5,000 in debt repayments —$160,000 — Median Public Medical School Debt – Graduating Class of 2012

Based on $160,000 national median loan debt:

A

ccording to the Association of

… Over 10 years, a 2012 graduate’s monthly payment is $1,841 … Over 25 years, a 2012 graduate’s monthly payment is $920

American Medical

Colleges, the median loan debt for a student graduating from a public medical school in 2012 was $160,000. The median debt for a UNM SOM 2012 graduate was

Scholarship Honors Dr. Whorton

Recognizing his values of decency, integrity, and commitment to family, community, fairness, and justice

$134,355 and limited SOM

From humble beginnings in Las Vegas, NM, Don Whorton, MD, grew up in a family that valued and supported education.

scholarships may provide only four percent of the cost of education.

As the cost of medical

He attended the UNM School of Medicine on a full scholarship, and was in the first graduating class — 1968.

education increases, student support is ever more critical.

A student’s only recourse is to borrow more. Student debt is now one of the largest challenges faced by our school, our students, and our state’s ability to meet the healthcare needs of its citizens.

M. Donald Whorton, MD Class of 1968 1943 - 2008

Dr. Whorton was an internationally recognized occupational health physician and workplace epidemiologist.

The M. Donald Whorton, MD Endowed Scholarship was created by his wife, Diana Obrinsky, MD, 1968 classmates, family,

colleagues, and friends to honor “Don” and his values of decency, integrity, and commitment to family, community, fairness, and justice.

The Whorton Scholarship and legacy will assist medical students in achieving their professional goals, following in Don’s footsteps, making a difference for their patients and communities.

For the full article visit UNMed Spring 2009 at http://hsc.unm.edu/ som/development/docs/ UNMmed09.pdf - page 8.

What will be your legacy?

We invite you to create your own School of Medicine legacy today.

To learn more, contact Sherry E. Wilson, Sr. Director, Development & Khatali Alumni Relations at SEWilson@salud.unm.edu or 505.272.4129.

10 U N M e d M a g a z i n e F a l l 2 0 1 2

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2012 LTSS SCHOLARSHIPs and communi t y gr an t

2012 LTSS Scholarship Recipients

SOCIETY

Providing Scholarships to Retain our Brightest Students

LTSS Dean’s Endowed Scholarship Brittany Garcia Class of 2015 $15,000

La Tierra Sagrada Society

Flannery Merideth Class of 2015 $7,500 Sponsored by Jeff Doll & Lindy Novy-Doll LTSS Gold Level Members

the School of Medicine’s prestigious giving society As a membership society LTSS has awarded more than $583,000 in medical student scholarships and community grants since 2003.

For membership information contact Joanne Branyon-Ward JBranyon-Ward@salud.unm.edu 505.272.8413.

Visit http://hsc.unm.edu/som/development/latierra.shtml for more information.

Jared Funston

Casey Kohler

Danielle Mascarenas

Class of 2015 $7,500

Class of 2014 $7,500

Class of 2015 $7,500

2012 Community Grant Recipients This selected project advances the relations between the School of Medicine community and the public communities it serves.

Establishing a Registry for Oculopharyngeal Muscular Dystrophy Patients and Family Members

O

culopharyngeal muscular dystrophy (OPMD) is an inherited muscle disease that is progressive and incurable. OPMD

Nathaniel Hodoba, MSII Sarah Youssof, MD Assistant Professor - Neurology Director of Neuromuscular Services

Philip Kroth, MD, MS Associate Professor – Health Sciences Library & Informatics Center Associate Professor – Internal Medicine

Awarded $18,763

is highly prevalent among Hispanic people in New Mexico. Prospective clinical registries are needed to advance rare disease research.

We propose establishing a disease registry for OPMD. The SOM’s excellence will be promoted because the OPMD registry will be the first in the U.S. Recruitment will entail community engagement efforts

organized and led by the project team and the community collaborator, the Muscular Dystrophy Association. A medical student will interact with OPMD patients and family members during community engagement efforts.

Establishment of an OPMD registry will foster partnership between the OPMD community and researchers at UNM, and will advance knowledge of the natural history of OPMD, which is necessary for designing future clinical trials.

Grant funded by LTSS Corporate Ruby Level Member Posada Consulting, Inc, MarieAnn Thornburg, CEO. F a l l 2 0 1 2 U N M e d M a g a z i n e 11

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C O M M U N I T Y

E N G A G E M E N T

“Innovation” Expands UNM’s Project ECHO by $8.5 Million Outpatient “Intensivists” to Take-On 5,000 Complex Patients

U

NM Health Sciences Center’s Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) was awarded this year nearly $8.5 million over the next three years from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Healthcare Innovation awards.

The award, one of 26 nationwide, is administered through HHS’s Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation, and estimated to save more than $11 million in healthcare costs over the same time period.

The department says the 26 awardees were selected for offering innovative solutions to healthcare challenges facing their communities and a focus on creating a well-trained healthcare workforce.

Under the grant, UNM will identify 5,000 high-cost, high-utilization, high-severity patients in New Mexico and Washington State, and use a team of outpatient “intensivists” trained to care for complex patients with multiple chronic diseases, working with area managed care organizations and care providers. Project ECHO will train as many as 120 workers to help increase primary care physicians’ capacity to treat and manage complex patients.

Sanjeev Arora, MD Internal Medicine, ECHO Director 12 U N M e d M a g a z i n e F a l l 2 0 1 2

About ECHO Project ECHO is an internationally acclaimed program developed within the School of Medicine by Sanjeev Arora, MD, to improve rural and frontier access to specialty care for New Mexico patients.

In 2002, Arora, a physician with the Department of Internal Medicine at UNM Hospital and one of New Mexico’s few hepatitis specialists, developed Project ECHO to provide care for thousands of New Mexicans across the state suffering from hepatitis C. “Providing patients who have complex chronic diseases with the treatment they need can be extremely challenging in rural areas,” posits Arora.

ECHO teams communitybased providers with specialists at university medical centers to manage patients with complex chronic conditions.

Through real-time virtual clinics conducted weekly in the manner of grand rounds, Project ECHO shares medical knowledge to expand treatment capacity.

“ECHO provides much needed healthcare access and medical expertise in the far reaches of our state,” adds UNM Regents’ Professor and Internal Medicine Chair Pope L. Moseley, MD. “It’s a superbly effective model adaptable to numerous chronic health challenges that can be applied in rural and urban areas throughout the world.”

Treating hepatitis C is a complicated process. In rural and medically underserved areas, proximity to specialists,

ECHO Video Consultation in Session

able to take advantage of ECHO training and guidance to treat addictions in our community. We look forward to continuing this partnership in the implementation of the care of complex patients.”

Saverio Sava, MD First Choice Community Healthcare Edgewood, NM

a limited number of specialty providers, and inadequate medical insurance severely limit a patient’s ability to seek specialty care. This means that thousands of rural patients across the state who did not have access to a specialist or the means to gain access would largely go untreated.

“Project ECHO has been an amazing partner and project in allowing many of the NM First Choice providers to expand their ability to serve patients right in their own community,” offers Saverio Sava, MD, First Choice Community Healthcare provider in Edgewood, NM. “I have been able to treat more than 25 patients with Hepatitis C in Edgewood, most of whom would not otherwise have been able to access such treatment. We also have been

The program has experienced great success in improving patient access and health outcomes, and in training community healthcare providers. Over the past decade, ECHO has been expanded to assist with asthma, diabetes, HIV and AIDS, pediatric obesity, chronic pain, substance abuse, rheumatoid arthritis, and more in New Mexico and more recently in Washington State.

The fundamental mission of Project ECHO is to develop the capacity to safely and effectively treat chronic, common, and complex diseases in rural and underserved areas, and to monitor treatment outcomes.

In addition to funding from RWJF, Project ECHO has received support from the NM Legislature, UNM, and the NM Department of Public Health.

Visit http://echo.unm.edu/ for more information.

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DCI Funds the Kidney Institute of New Mexico with $6 Million

“W

e need to figure out what will work in New Mexico.

We have a social and moral contract to improve kidney disease outcomes in this state.”

Internal Medicine Chair Pope Moseley, MD, offers words of hope and encouragement at the September 19 reception for the new Kidney Institute of New Mexico.

The new comparative effectiveness research institute made possible through a $6 million partnership with Dialysis Clinic, Inc. (DCI), is the nation’s largest nonprofit dialysis firm. Doug Johnson, MD, of DCI, states the emphasis of care is completely patient centered. “We started as a nonprofit. If we have the resources, we want to invest in our patients. We want the next 1,000 patients to receive more advanced care than the current 1,000 patients,” Dr. Johnson shares with UNM and DCI staff.

DCI began with Dr. Doug Johnson’s father, H. Keith Johnson, MD, affectionately referred to by many as “Dr. J.” In the late 1960s, while pursuing nephrology training at the VA Medical Center in Nashville, TN, “Dr. J” realized a need for additional dialysis services. His commitment to his patients and their needs often kept him up into the early morning hours, performing dialysis on chronic cases.

While sharing his father’s story at the recent reception, Dr. Johnson spoke with a sense of pride, remembering his father’s dedication to Kidney Disease treatment and DCI’s commitment to patients around the country. “My father knew there had to be a better way,” explains Dr. Johnson.

Over 50 years after its first clinic opened, DCI now has 200 clinics in 27 states, 11 of which are located in New Mexico.

“As a non-profit organization, DCI funds education and research initiatives designed to improve the lives of those with kidney disease, and to prevent the disease for individuals who are at risk. Having worked with the talented physicians and staff at UNM School of Medicine for many years, we are honored to support the establishment of the Kidney Institute of New Mexico. We fully believe their research will have the power to yield insights that will help provide higher quality care to future generations with kidney disease,” states Ed Attrill, DCI President.

The goal for the UNM Kidney Institute is simple: • Educate patients around the state • Allow them access to groundbreaking treatments regardless of their financial or geographic limitations • Continue the patient focus “Dr. J” started in decades past

L-R Internal Medicine Chair Pope Moseley, MD; Vice Chairman of Dialysis Clinic, Inc. Douglas Johnson; DCI President Ed Attrill

Visit http://medicine.unm. edu//nephrology/index.html for more information.

UNM Nephrology Chief Mark Unruh, MD

Mark Unruh, MD, the newly appointed Nephrology Chief asserts, “This new clinic is an example of how a small investment can snowball into something that can truly change lives. The challenge of care in New Mexico is accessing patients. Part of what we do is to find care for all New Mexicans and offer help where no dialysis care is offered.”

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N O T E W O R T H Y ■ FIRST HOSPITAL IN THE NATION TO RECEIVE GET WITH THE GUIDELINES®GOLD PLUS RECOGNITIONS

American Heart Association/ American Stroke Association’s Quality Improvement Programs awarded UNMH both a Gold Plus Stroke and Target: Stroke Honor Roll, and a Gold Plus Heart Failure and Target: Heart Failure Honor Roll — the first hospital in the nation to be recognized on the Target: Heart Failure honor roll. This recognition is a result of UNMH’s efforts to keep care consistent with the latest scientific guidelines from the AHA & ASA.

■ Howard Waitzkin, MD, Receives 2012 Freidson Award

Congratulations to Howard Waitzkin, PhD, MD, RWJF Senior Fellow, whose recent book “Medicine and Public Health at the End of Empire” was honored with the prestigious 2012 Freidson Award from the American Sociology Association. Waitzkin is a Distinguished Professor with the departments of Family and Community Medicine, Internal Medicine, and Sociology.

■ UNM Distinguished Professor Award Recipients Honored in Sept. 2012

Four UNM School of Medicine faculty received Distinguished Professor Awards. They are Marianne Berwick, PhD, Department of Internal Medicine in Epidemiology and RWJF Senior Fellow; David Schade, MD, Department of Internal Medicine in Endocrinology; Victor C. Strasburger, MD, Department of Pediatrics; Howard Yonas, MD, chair, Department of Neurosurgery. Award recipients were honored at a Lecture/Performance in Sept. 2012.

■ Renee Ornelas, MD, Gold Headed Cane Award

Renee Ornelas, MD, Professor, Department of Pediatrics, received the Gold Headed Cane Award for 2012. The Gold-Headed Cane is a symbol of the highest degree of excellence in the medical profession.

This award recognizes faculty who define excellence in basic science or clinical practice, academics, ethics/professionalism and in community service or advocacy.

■ Third Annual SOM Faculty Promotions Event held October 2012

■ Steven Adelsheim, MD, receives

AACAP National Award

Steven N. Adelsheim, MD, HS ’85’90, received the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) 2012 Sidney Berman Award for the School-Based Study and Intervention for Learning Disorders and Mental Illness.

Dr. Adelsheim was recognized at a Distinguished Awards Luncheon and made an Honors Presentation about his work during the AACAP 2012 Annual Meeting in San Francisco in Oct. His tremendous work and dedication over many years in improving school-based psychiatric care has positively impacted and improved the lives of many youth in our New Mexico communities.

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The UNM SOM Office of Academic Affairs recently announced 49 SOM faculty promotions at their annual event in October. The promotions include 23 Associate Professors, 21 Professors, and four receiving Tenure.

Throughout the month of October, posters highlighting the promoted faculty were on display at the medical school and within the hospital, including their photo and chair’s quotes acknowledging their amazing accomplishments. Please visit our website at http://hsc.unm.edu/som/development/, click on Noteworthy – Info from SOM to learn more about this year’s promoted faculty.

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N O T E W O R T H Y ■ HSC SOCIAL MEDIA ■ AAMC Names David Sklar, MD, Editor of Academic Medicine

The AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges) announced that David P. Sklar, MD, will be the next editor-in-chief of Academic Medicine, the AAMC’s monthly peer-reviewed, scholarly journal.

An associate dean of graduate medical education and a distinguished professor at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine, he will succeed Dr. Steven Kanter, vice dean of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, who has served as editor-in-chief since 2008.

Dr. Sklar will begin his five-year term as the journal’s editorin-chief on January 1, 2013. He has worked closely with Academic Medicine’s editorial staff for more than a decade, serving as a member of the editorial board since 2001 before being named associate editor in 2009.

HSC TV Stories on YouTube The University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center is the largest academic health complex in the state of New Mexico.

Its four mission areas - education, research, patient care, and community outreach - are reflected in the amazing stories found on YouTube.

Visit http://www.youtube.com/unmhsc to watch HSC TV featured and past featured stories.

HSC on Facebook Go to http://www.facebook.com/unmhsc and get connected with the latest HSC news, announcements, and discussions.

■ A $2.1 million Grant Awarded to HSC Office of Diversity to Develop Pipeline Programs

The HSC Office of Diversity has been awarded a $2.1 million grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to expand educational pipeline programs in the state.

HEALTH NM (Hope, Enrichment and Learning Transform Health in NM) will provide a developmental sequence of programs for economically and educationally disadvantaged students to undertake education and graduate from a health or allied health professions program.

Principal Investigator is Valerie Romero-Leggott, MD, Vice Chancellor for Diversity. She has worked for more than nine years to ensure that New Mexico’s higher education institutions and health professions schools have a larger pool of qualified disadvantaged students, including those from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds.

Visit http://hsc.unm.edu/programs/diversity/programs.shtml to learn more about the Pipeline Programs.

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K hata l i an d S O M on the R oa d …

Visiting Alumni and Friends Around the Country .

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16 U N M e d M a g a z i n e F a l l 2 0 1 2

WHITE

C OAT

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C EREMON Y

Khatali Welcomes the SOM’s Class of 2016 The 48th Class of Medical Students Receives White Coats

O

n July 18, 2012, the first day of medical school, Khatali welcomed the 48th incoming class of medical students.

The Class of 2016 is made up of 111 students, including the third group of BA/ MD students and a record number of 96 students who graduated from NM high schools.

For the third year, Khatali facilitated the sponsorship of our incoming students and provided them with their first white coats and gift certificates for their first stethoscopes – two important symbols of our medical profession. In turn our students learned about the important ‘circle of support’ our alumni, faculty, staff, and members of our community invest in their education.

Two weeks later, the UNM SOM held its White Coat Ceremony - a rite of passage for beginning medical students as they are welcomed into the medical community by having their first white coats placed on them one at a time.

The White Coat Ceremony is meant to emphasize the importance of humanism, compassion, and honor as

integral parts of a medical career. In addition to receiving their coats, the students recite the Oath of Geneva, which represents the public acknowledgement of the responsibilities of the profession and their willingness to assume these obligations. The message to students is that physicians care as well as cure.

ThankYou “Thank you for sponsoring me … for believing in me … your generosity overwhelms me.”

Jenna F.

“Thank you … it means a lot that the alumni still give back [to UNM SOM] ….

I look forward to doing the same in the future.”

Victor G.

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K hata l i

R eu n i o n

2012

K

hatali Reunion 2012 brought together nearly 400 attendees who participated in the numerous activities during the three-day reunion held Oct. 5-7, 2012.

In addition to celebrating the SOM’s 48th Anniversary, the Department of Emergency Medicine also celebrated its 25th. Congratulations to both the SOM and Emergency Medicine for achieving these milestones and for hosting such great celebrations.

Happy 40th Class of ’72

Doing the ‘Travolta’ Boogie …

’02 Classmates – at Saturday Night Fiebre – 10 years and stronger than ever.

’72 Classmates Padilla and Benge

The Madrid’s & Johnson’s ’82 enjoying the VIP tent.

Terry Lewis ’74 and wife Cheryl at the Balloon Fiesta VIP Tent.

Barbara Nyland ’76 (2nd from left) with her friends

Happy 30th Class of ’82

Visit http://hsc.unm.edu/som/development/ and click on Reunion 2012 to see more photos.

Hold the Date for 2013 Oct. 11-13, 2013

Lydia Roybal-Aragon ’77 reminds her husband, Steven “… it’s time to dance!”

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Visit http://hsc.unm.edu/som/development/ and click on Reunion 2013 to learn more.

K h ata l i

R eu n i o n

2012

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2nd Annual Docs, Dogs and Drinks brings alums and students together.

Happy 35th Class of ’77

’02 Classmates Jennifer Huffman & Kristin Garrett … still competing!

Rita Suina & Marty Boyd, ’78 alums staying warm at Balloon Fiesta.

Happy 25th Class of ’87

Congratulations – 2nd Annual Khatali Dance Contest Winners — “You Rock.”

Sunday’s Brunch hosted nearly 50 alums and their families.

Virgil “Bud” McCullum & Randy Sword, ’72 classmates, toasting their wives and their 40th reunion.

Megan Babcock ’97 and family, Robert, Andrew & Caroline – here to celebrate.

Gary Meller and Karen Guice ’77 classmates celebrating her award at their class’ 25th reunion.

Irene Agostini, MD & former resident in Emergency Medicine jokes with Brandon Wolsey. Robert Khlanlian ’77 looks on.

’87 classmates Dennis Lucero, and Lieu Rupp added great entertainment to the BBQ.

Karen Guice ’77, Khatali Distinguished Alumnus flanked by Leslie Morrison ’87, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, and Anne Foster, ’93, Khatali President.

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K h a t a l i — T h e SOM A l u m n i A s s o c i a t i o n

... Supporting Students, Alumni & the SOM for a Better Tomorrow

2012 Khatali Distinguished Alumnus ’77 Grad is U.S. Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs Recognized October 6, 2012 at 48th Khatali Reunion

K Karen S. Guice, MD, MPP UNM SOM Class of ‘77

aren S. Guice, MD, MPP, is the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, and also serves as the Principal Deputy Director, TRICARE Management Activity. She assists in the development of

strategies and priorities to achieve the health mission of the Military Health System, and participates fully in formulating, developing, overseeing, and advocating the policies of the Secretary of Defense.

Visit http://hsc.unm. edu/som/development/ khatali_2012reunion.shtml to view the full article.

2012 - 2013 Khatali Scholarship Recipients Congratulations to our outstanding medical students who received a Khatali Scholarship for their good academic standing and community involvement.

Khatali provided over $42,500 in core-value funding in 2012.

• Scholarships and Awards • White Coat Ceremony • Match Day • Emergency Loans

Marshall Caraveo Class of 2016

Awarded at NM Hispanic Medical Association Annual Dinner

Sevy Gurule Class of 2014

Dessislava Ianakieva Class of 2013

• Alumni Reunions • Student and Resident Initiatives such as: - Travel Grants - Appreciation Day - Pumpkin Carving & Salsa Contests

David Medrano Class of 2015 20 U N M e d M a g a z i n e F a l l 2 0 1 2

Susan Mirabal Class of 2016

Hans Moen Class of 2015

E-mail Khatali Today at malbert@salud.unm.edu or call 505.272.3748.

k e e p i n g 1970s Stephen H. Munderloh, MD ‘77, is a Diagnostic Radiologist at Springhill Medical Center, Mobile, AL. Steve writes: “After graduating from UNM, I did a radiology residency at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and after that spent three and a half years at Letterman Army Medical Center in San Francisco. I was in private practice in Mt. Kisco, NY for about 2 years and then joined my friend and residency classmate at the practice in Mobile.”

1980s Laura C. Borelli, MD ’87, volunteers with Volunteers in Medicine (VIM) in Hilton Head, SC, a not-for-profit established in 1993 to serve people on the island who had no access to health care. Today VIM is celebrating its 20th year of helping to heal the medically underserved in the community.

c o n n e c t e d

Jon Bruss, MD ’87, MSPH, MBA, FAAP, FIDSA, early last year joined Medpace, Inc. as Medical Director with Therapeautic expertise in guiding global clinical trials in infectious disease. Prior to this, he has spent 20 years in drug development with global, clinical, and regulatory expertise, managing clinical trials in the area of infectious diseases, including leading drug development in the US, Europe, and Asia.

James E. Cheek, MD ’87, MPH, recently returned to UNM SOM as Assist.

Professor in the Dept. of Family and Community Medicine. Prior to this, he was the Director of the IHS National Division of Epidemiology and Disease Prevention, providing epidemic assistance and disease control to American Indian and Alaska Native communities throughout the United States. An enrolled member of the Cherokee tribe of Oklahoma, Dr. Cheek was born and raised in Carlsbad, NM.

ONE WEEKEND

Hold The Date 49th

Khatali Alumni Reunion

Oct. 11-12-13, 2013 (Fri-Sat-Sun)

Karen Guice, MD ’87, MPP, was awarded the Khatali Distinguished Alumnus Award for 2012. Refer to page 20.

Leslie A. Morrison, BS-PT ’79, MD ’87, was recently promoted to Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs of UNM Health Sciences. In addition to her new duties, Leslie continues as a Professor of Neurology and Pediatrics at the SOM.

1990s Randal W. Brown, MD ’92, HS ’92-’93 was one of nine New Mexican honorees who received this year’s NM Distinguished Public Service Award. He is the CEO of the Santa Rosa Medical Clinic in Santa Rosa, and is credited with bringing clinics, doctors, and good medical care to Guadalupe County.

Michael Hsu, MD ‘95 was recently promoted (February 2012) to Associate Medical Director of Emergency Medicine at Kaseman Presbyterian Hospital, Albuquerque, NM. Congratulations Michael!

Steven A. McLaughlin, MD, HS ’95’98, was recently appointed Interim Chair of the SOM Department of Emergency Medicine. He is a Regents’ Professor.

Michael E. Richards, MD, MPA , HS ’97-’00 was recently promoted to Executive Physician-in-Chief for the UNM Health System.

Ruy Carrasco, MD ’99 HS ’99-‘02, is currently the chief of the division of rheumatology at Dell Children’s Medical Center (DCMC) of Central Texas. In July 2012, he was promoted

UNMed to chair of Information Technology for “Specially for Children,”a nonprofit physicians’group at DCMC. “Specially for Children” is the largest pediatric subspecialty group in Central Texas.

2000s Angela R. Gallegos-Macias, MD ’02, HS ‘02-’05 was promoted to Medical Director for Presbyterian Healthcare’s Isleta Office. She specializes in Family Medicine and has been with PHS for seven years.

Santiago Macias, MD ’02, HS ’02-’05, was promoted earlier this year to Medical Director for First Choice Community Healthcare.

He is an adjunct faculty for the UNM’s Department of Family and Community Medicine, and is active in coordinating and attending family residents in their continuity practice at the South Valley Family Health Commons — his primary clinic of practice.

Melanie M. Falgout, MD ’08, HS ’08-’11 - joined ABQ Health Partners at their Montgomery Healthcare Center in Family Practice.

Peggy Rodriguez, MD ’08, HS ’08’12, has joined the SOM faculty as assistant professor-medical director, UNMPC Psychiatric Emergency Service and attending psychiatrist, UNMPC. Peggy is from Santa Fe. She has her BS, MS, and MD degrees from UNM, along with attending her residency here.We are delighted to welcome her as part of our talented faculty serving our community.

In Memoriam Jeffrey J. Ahmed, MD – HS ‘91-‘94 Neurology Henry R. Bramanti, MD – HS ’66-‘67 Edward R. Chelist, MD – HS ’89-‘90 Edward J. Gerety, MD – HS ’62-’65 Surgery Harrith M. Hasson, MD – Volunteer Faculty ’03-’12 OBGYN Joel D. Nash, MD – HS ’64-’65, Clinical Faculty Dermatology

Visit http://hsc.unm.edu/som/development/ for more information.

Contact Morris Albert at malbert@salud.unm.edu or call 505.272.3748.

Carol S. Robinson, BSPTH ‘84 James K. Sewell, MD ’86, HS ’89-’90 Psychiatry Virginia L. Vader, MD ‘97 *House Staff Fall 2012 UNM ed M agazine

Nonprofit Org U.S. Postage

PAID Albuquerque, NM Permit No. 39

Office of the Dean Development & Khatali Alumni Relations MSC 08 4720 • BMSB 182B 1 university of new mexico albuquerque, NM 87131-0001 Address Service Requested

Is a Charitable Gift Annuity for You?

Are you looking for a secure source of fixed income for now or your future?

One solution is a charitable gift annuity.

Janet Kiehle Allen, MD, ’80 enjoying her freedom to explore.

Have a Plan

Win-Win Situation Janet Kiehle Allen, MD, pathologist, is living proof that it’s never too late to pursue one’s dreams or to be generous. Allen began practicing medicine at age 48 — Class of 1980.

She established a Deferred Charitable Gift Annuity which has allowed her to plan for her future … life after serving village clinics and bush hospitals in Anchorage.

For Dr. Allen’s full story, visit http://www.unmgift. org/?pageID=3&storyNum=3

Please contact Sherry E. Wilson, Sr. Director of Development & Khatali Alumni Relations — SEWilson@salud.unm.edu or 505.272.4129.