March College News Headlines

March 30, 2022

College & Faculty

  • In her newly appointed role, Julie Phillips, MD, is the first woman chair of the Department of Family Medicine after previously serving as assistant dean for Student Career and Professional Development. Watch her welcome video.
  • Cara Anne Poland, MD, assistant professor, shares a personal essay about loss and self care in JAMA.
  • Lisa Lowery, MD, was named one of West Michigan's most influential women by Grand Rapids Business Journal.
  • Spartan Alumni Magazine recently published two features about the College of Human Medicine. The story Hope, Health and Healing explores the expanding footprint of the Grand Rapids Innovation Park and other research collaborations. The story Health Care Partnerships in Our Cities highlights our statewide partnerships and programs.
  • Larry Charleston IV, MD, professor in the Department of Neurology & Opthamology, joined Neurology Minute to discuss medication overuse in headaches. See related: African American and Have Headaches? It May be Migraine.
  • Leonard M. Fleck, PhD, and Irving E. Vega, PhD, presented at the March 24 Bioethics for Breakfast session, offering perspectives and insight on the topic “Aducanumab, Alzheimer’s: Having That Conversation.”
  • Helga Toriello, PhD, director of Intersessions, been selected as the 2021 National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners Item Writer of the Year, COMLEX-USA Level 3. Dr. Toriello's work was acknowledged as a model for the type and format needed to produce a valid, high-quality examination that assesses competencies for osteopathic medicine and related health professions.
  • Ping Wang, MD, PhD, assistant professor in the Precision Health Program, was inducted into the Academy for Radiology & Biomedical Imaging Research Council Early Career Investigators in Imaging (CECI2) Class of 2022.
  • Kipling Bohnert, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, discussed the statewide availability of cannabis dispensaries in Hour Detroit.

Research & Innovation

Students

  • Rhea Wyse and Matt Tiacharoen, both third-year medical students, have organized a book drive to serve Ukrainian families seeking refuge in the Netherlands. Read their student view "Knowledge is Power."
  • Third-year medical student Neej Patel partnered with the Flint Institute of Art to host “The Art of Observation,” a workshop to help healthcare professionals work through the ability of gleaning nuances when talking to patients by practicing their observational skills while looking at specific art pieces.
  • On the morning of Match Day, WOOD TV interviewed Chi Chi Mbanugo about this milestone event and what it means to her career in medicine.