2022 Archives
Dean's Update
December 16, 2022 - Aron Sousa, MD
This has been a big week - the Michigan State University Board of Trustees voted unanimously to approve the creation of the Charles Stewart Mott Department of Public Health in the College of Human Medicine, the college adopted the College of Human Medicine Strategic Plan, and I’ve had a series of meetings about the Sparrow-UM announcement.
Dean's Update
December 16, 2022 - Aron Sousa, MD
Many of you have heard about the recently announced Michigan Medicine takeover of Sparrow Health System. Not everything that happens with a hospital is about clinical care. In most of our communities, hospitals have become major employers and economic engines. We must acknowledge the importance of thriving hospitals in our community where our students learn, our faculty practice, and our people receive essential health care services. Regardless of hospital ownership, our students, residents, and faculty will continue as stalwart, essential members of the Lansing community, improving care, ensuring local access, and saving lives.
MSU’s new Charles Stewart Mott Department of Public Health to expand and strengthen community care
December 16, 2022 - Nardy Baeza Bickel and Geri Kelley
For years, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine researchers in the Division of Public Health have been working with Flint community partners. Now, the university is creating its first fully philanthropically named department in recognition of this long-term support from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation.
DeLano Named Chair of Radiology
December 15, 2022
After a nationwide search, the College of Human Medicine found the best person to chair the Department of Radiology was within its own faculty. Mark DeLano, MD, FACR, a lifelong Spartan, recently was appointed chair of the Department of Radiology, which serves the College of Human Medicine and the College of Osteopathic Medicine. DeLano graduated from MSU’s Lyman Briggs College and the College of Human Medicine.
Race or Racism? Researchers Study Racial Disparities in Neurological Diseases
December 15, 2022
While Black Americans suffer a disproportionate number of neurological diseases and resultant deaths, the reason is not due to biological differences in the races but to racism, a recent article coauthored by a College of Human Medicine professor concluded.
November & December College News Headlines
December 14, 2022
Catch up on headlines and updates from the college.
Making an Impact More Than Skin Deep
December 14, 2022
Second-year medical student Christina Druskovich and third-year medical student Aldana Garcia start MSU chapter of Sun Protection Outreach Teaching Students (SPOTS) to teach local high school and middle school students about skin cancer and sun protection.
Published Research
December 13, 2022
The latest published research from College of Human Medicine faculty.
Research Grants
December 13, 2022
The latest grants and research funding awarded to College of Human Medicine faculty.
Dean's Update
December 9, 2022 - Aron Sousa, MD
Many of you have heard about the recently announced Michigan Medicine takeover of Sparrow Health System. Not everything that happens with a hospital is about clinical care. In most of our communities, hospitals have become major employers and economic engines. We must acknowledge the importance of thriving hospitals in our community where our students learn, our faculty practice, and our people receive essential health care services. Regardless of hospital ownership, our students, residents, and faculty will continue as stalwart, essential members of the Lansing community, improving care, ensuring local access, and saving lives.
Dean's Update
December 2, 2022 - Aron Sousa, MD
As a college we have been a national leader in community-based education; indeed, we were the first medical school accredited as a community-based medical school. It’s always a pleasure to visit our community campuses, and this week I had the joy of visiting our Midland Regional Campus.
Fall 2022 Faculty Awards
December 1, 2022
Congratulations to the recipients of the College of Human Medicine's 2022 Faculty Awards! Among those honored was Jack Lipton, PhD, who received the Lester J. Evans, MD, Distinguished Service Award.
AOA Inductees
November 30, 2022
Congratulations to the students, residents, faculty and alumni inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society Gamma Chapter.
Dean's Update
November 18, 2022 - Aron Sousa, MD
In today’s Town Hall, I overviewed the whole strategic plan and wanted to talk more in depth about the The Student Success pillar. The Student Success pillar begins with a very general overarching goal: Ensure that all students graduate satisfied with their education, with a lower debt burden, and prepared to enter a variety of health and medical careers. Then, we continue into more specific goals and strategies. As you read those goals and strategies, I want to be clear that these are goals and strategies for all students and programs unless they are specifically directed toward one program.
Rural Medicine Student Spotlight: Sydney Brief
November 17, 2022
Sydney Brief's time as an undergrad at Michigan State University, along with her life experiences, interests and goals set Brief on a path to joining the College of Human Medicine’s Leadership in Rural Medicine program.
Dean's Update
November 11, 2022 - Aron Sousa, MD
The strategic planning task force has been working on our major goals and strategies since last spring. Not every goal or area of scholarship can be in a strategic plan, but a good plan helps focus the college and guides important changes in how we implement projects and use our resources. One key goal area is “staff and faculty success". Our goals build on the university’s plan, and you can read from the specific goals and strategies below that our focus is on the people of the college.
Dean's Update
November 4, 2022 - Aron Sousa, MD
Over the next few weeks, we will complete the last draft of the college’s new strategic plan. In brief, the plan has nine strategic goals across four main areas: Student Success, Faculty and Staff Success, Healthy Communities, and Research and Scholarship. Those nine goals also create two main themes across the four main areas: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; and Improving Health Equity.
MSU pediatric infectious disease expert discusses RSV, flu, COVID-19 in children
November 3, 2022
Rebecca Schein, MD, discusses how this RSV season compares to other years and how both the flu and the COVID-19 pandemic might have affected the virus’ infection trends.
October College News Headlines
October 31, 2022
Read more news headlines and updates from the college this month.
Gossain Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award
October 31, 2022
Ved Gossain, MD, has had a prolific and distinguished career, including 47 years on the College of Human Medicine faculty and receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American College of Physicians Michigan Chapter.
Rayamajhi Receives Early Career Physician Award
October 31, 2022
The American College of Physicians Michigan Chapter recently presented Supratik Rayamajhi, MD, the 2022 Raymond Murray Governor’s Award for an Early Career Physician for his contributions to medicine.
Laird-Fick Receives Laureate Award
October 31, 2022
The American College of Physicians Michigan Chapter honored Heather Laird-Fick, MD (CHM '97), with the Laureate Award for her dedication to patient care, research, and medical education.
Bouknight Receives Laureate Award
October 31, 2022
Reynard Bouknight, MD, PhD, (CHM '75) received the Laureate Award during the annual meeting of the American College of Physicians Michigan Chapter in honor of his commitment to excellence in medical care, education, or research and in service to the community.
Dean's Update
October 28, 2022 - Aron Sousa, MD
I am pleased to announce that Jack Lipton, PhD, chair of the Department of Translational Neurosciences has been awarded the Lester J. Evans, MD, College of Human Medicine Distinguished Service Award for 2022. This is an award for lifetime achievement and service to the College of Human Medicine and is the college’s highest award.
Dean's Update
October 21, 2022 - Aron Sousa, MD
Let me encourage you to vote. Whatever your political point of view, this is an important election...So, get registered, get educated and do your civic duty and vote. We need an active citizenry in this country.
MSU Academic Governance Update from Dr. Karen Kelly-Blake
October 20, 2022
Current events have been deflating for many of us, and I write today to assure you that no matter how this situation unfolds, the Faculty Senate leadership is resolved to engage in the hard and necessary work of academic governance—defending academic freedom, pushing for greater transparency, and ensuring that MSU upholds its mission.
Can Belly Fat Promote Breast Cancer?
October 19, 2022
The link between obesity and cancer has been known for about 20 years. Jamie Bernard, a College of Human Medicine associate professor of Pharmacology & Toxicology, is studying exactly how obesity contributes to breast cancer and what can be done to prevent it.
Dean's Update
October 14, 2022 - Aron Sousa, MD
This week, I visited Petoskey and Traverse City. Our merry band of me, Jerry Kooiman, Andrea Wendling, MD, and Stephanie Stotenbur, met with donors, hospital partners, researchers, clerkship directors, campus staff, community partners, and alumni. I always learn about our communities when I visit, but this time the visit changed my brain in important ways.
Dean's Update
October 7, 2022 - Aron Sousa, MD
Engaging with Hispanic communities is an essential part of our work. We are a community-based medical and public health school and always will be. Connecting to community is core to our educational programs and anchors more and more of our research.
Vega ‘Pays It Forward’ Mentoring Hispanic Students Exploring Neuroscience Research Careers
October 7, 2022
Since January, Irving Vega, PhD, has taken on additional responsibilities as the director of a program at MSU to increase diversity in the neurosciences, much like one at the University of Puerto Rico that encouraged and helped him keep studying toward a research career.
September College News Headlines
September 30, 2022
Read more news headlines and updates from the college this month.
In Memoriam: Margaret Thompson, MD
September 29, 2022
Margaret "Peggy" Elizabeth Thompson, MD, age 63, passed away on September 24, 2022. Dr. Thompson was an integral part of the college since 1990 when she began teaching. She served as lead clerkship director for the family medicine clerkship, was instrumental in the expansion of the College of Human Medicine in Grand Rapids and served as the community associate dean of the Grand Rapids campus for ten years.
Advocating for Gender Equity in Medicine
September 29, 2022
In honor of Women in Medicine Month, the College of Human Medicine celebrates alumna Shikha Jain, MD. She is a renowned oncologist, advocate for gender parity in medical professions, founder of the Women in Medicine Summit and was recently named one of Medscape's Rising Stars in Medicine.
Kulkarni Received Eternal Spirit Award for Career in Blood Disorders
September 28, 2022
In honor of Women in Medicine Month, the College of Human Medicine celebrates Roshni Kulkarni, MD, emeritus professor of Pediatrics and Human Development and emeritus director of the MSU Center for Bleeding and Clotting Disorders. She has dedicated her career to the research, advocacy, and treatment of patients suffering with blood disorders.
Improper Folds in Uterus Can Result in Miscarriage
September 27, 2022
In honor of Women in Medicine Month, the College of Human Medicine celebrates Ripla Arora, PhD, assistant professor, who recently received a $1.98 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to study how changes in levels of the hormone progesterone affect the folds in the uterus, making it either receptive or unfavorable to pregnancy.
Working to Make Changes to the Health Care System
September 24, 2022
In honor of Women in Medicine Month, the College of Human Medicine celebrates Donna Tran, a third-year medical student, National President of the Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association and Medical Student Representative of the Association for College Psychiatry. In May, she graduated with a Master of Public Health degree from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. She recently completed an internship with the U.S. Senate HELP Committee and the Maryland Department of Health.
Dean's Update
September 23, 2022 - Aron Sousa, MD
Big week. Big alumni week. Today, I had the remarkable pleasure to join about 70 alumni for an in-person Dean’s Town Hall. I had so much fun with the alumni on the panel, in the room, and our friends online. That said, I am not ready to be a TV host.
MSU brings better cancer diagnosis and treatment to Michigan
September 21, 2022
Doug Meijer’s own cancer journey inspired him to support the MSU College of Human Medicine’s mission, by bringing the world’s most advanced medical technology to MSU for cancer treatment.
Dean's Update
September 16, 2022 - Aron Sousa, MD
Courage comes in many forms and from many people, and recently, we have witnessed remarkable courage from many of our colleagues.
Get to Know: Seraphima Sidhom
September 14, 2022
Our "Get to Know" series introduces a few our incoming students. Meet Seraphima Sidhom! She just completed a master’s degree and finished a thesis at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
Get to Know: Richard Nguyen
September 14, 2022
Our "Get to Know" series introduces a few our incoming students. Meet Richard Nguyen, a Hufflepuff who loves interacting with new people from different backgrounds.
Get to Know: Maria Cielito Robles
September 14, 2022
Our "Get to Know" series introduces several first-year medical students as the college welcomes the Incoming Class of 2022! Meet Maria Cielito Robles, a commissioned officer in the Navy Medical Corps.
Get to Know: Laila Sareini
September 14, 2022
Our "Get to Know" series introduces several first-year medical students as the college welcomes the Incoming Class of 2022! Meet Laila Sareini. She enjoys the great outdoors and cooking traditional Lebanese dishes.
Get to Know: Joseph Mariscal
September 14, 2022
Our "Get to Know" series introduces several first-year medical students as the college welcomes the Incoming Class of 2022! Meet Joseph Mariscal, husband, father, musician and Rubik's cube wiz.
Get to Know: Monica Hill
September 14, 2022
Our "Get to Know" series introduces a few our incoming students. Meet Monica Hill, plant mom who loves to travel and kayak. She discusses her experience with the ABLE program.
Dean's Update
September 9, 2022 - Aron Sousa, MD
I am submitting a series of proposals for new departments in the college to the College Advisory Committee, the college’s committee for faculty academic governance. These new departments are exciting because they expand opportunities for the university’s students and faculty and fill out a group of disciplines not currently in the college.
Words of Wellness: Silence
September 6, 2022 - Sabrina Ford, PhD
Have we found the time to capture that true solace that allows us to regenerate and recuperate? Have you been soaking up sunbeams that metabolize Vitamin D and rejuvenate our energy levels? There is still time to find the stillness and quietness that is a necessary practice of the art of well-being.
Dean's Update
September 2, 2022 - Aron Sousa, MD
If, at some point in your career, you get the chance to run a medical school, one of the fun parts of the job will be meeting the people who make your school special. Now that summer has begun to give us the slip, I’ve started a bit of a “meet the new dean” tour of campuses and one-on-one meetings.
Welcome Class of 2026
August 31, 2022
See highlights from the annual Matriculation and White Coat Ceremony. The event marked the symbolic beginning of the journey into the medical profession for our new students. Congratulations!
More Medical Education Research Needed on Patient-Centered Outcomes
August 31, 2022
Medical education, particularly at the College of Human Medicine, has increasingly focused on patient-centered outcomes in training students. A study co-authored by Matthew Emery, MD, finds more research focused on patient-centered outcomes is needed.
Vega Honored with Red Cedar Distinguished Faculty Award
August 30, 2022
Irving Vega, PhD, was named Red Cedar Distinguished Faculty for his research in Alzheimer's disease and engagement with the community.
New Program Honors Effective Teachers and Rekindles Joy in Education
August 30, 2022
In a movement to elevate a culture where teaching is joyful, valued and recognized, Randi Stanulis, PhD, shares plans for this year’s Finding Joy In Teaching honorific program.
August College News Headlines
August 29, 2022
Read more news headlines and updates from the college this month.
Basil Abdo Named Community Assistant Dean of Southeast Michigan Campus
August 27, 2022
Abdo is a family physician, clinical associate professor, clerkship director for family medicine, and associate chair of the Department of Family Medicine at Ascension-Providence Hospital in Southfield. In May, he took on more responsibilities as the new community assistant dean for the college’s Southeast Michigan campus.
Alumnus David Buzanoski Becomes Midland Community Assistant Dean
August 27, 2022
On July 1, David Buzanoski became the Community Assistant Dean of the Midland Regional Campus. After graduating from the college in 2011, Buzanoski completed a combined residency in internal medicine and pediatrics in his native Maine. Since returning to Michigan, he has mentored many medical students, and this year he received the Outstanding Community Faculty award.
Dean's Update
August 26, 2022 - Aron Sousa, MD
Over the last several months, I have worked with the Dean’s Advisory Committee on Diversity (DACD) to create a new program to hire or support faculty who will expand the college’s scholarship in topics relevant to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice...We are calling this effort the 1964 Project.
In Memoriam: E. James Potchen, MD, JD
August 25, 2022
E. James Potchen, MD, JD, Michigan State University Distinguished Professor and inaugural chair of the MSU Radiology Department, passed away August 20, 2022, at the age of 89.
In Memoriam: John Hickner, MD, MSc
August 25, 2022
John M. Hickner, MD, MSc, long-time College of Human Medicine faculty member, died peacefully in his home in Escanaba on August 22, 2022, at the age of 72.
Dean's Update
August 12, 2022 - Aron Sousa, MD
This has been a big week for the college’s strategic planning effort. After months of meetings on Zoom, the Strategic Planning Task Force and its workgroups met in person for the first time in the whole process. I understand there were hugs.
'Michigan Model' National Pilot Program to Help Curb Acts of Mass Violence
August 11, 2022
Michigan State University’s Department of Psychiatry is launching a pilot program – with a $15 million grant from the state of Michigan – to help curb acts of violence and spare families from unthinkable trauma before it’s too late.
MSU Scientists Use Artificial Intelligence to Find New Uses for Drugs in Treating Diseases
August 10, 2022
A team of Michigan State University researchers, led by Bin Chen, PhD, has received a $1.7 million federal grant to speed up the search for new drugs in the fight against a range of diseases by using artificial intelligence.
Michael Brown to Become Next University Physician
August 8, 2022
Michigan State University President Samuel L. Stanley Jr., M.D., today appointed Michael Brown, M.D., to be the next university physician. Brown will begin his new role on Aug. 15.
Dean's Update
August 5, 2022 - Aron Sousa, MD
I have a series of announcements for this week, and since I am down with COVID, there will be no pleonasm. The week’s big news is our new relationship with Bay Mills Community College (BMCC) and Srinivas Kavuturu, MD, will be the interim chair of our surgery department.
MSU College of Human Medicine signs articulation agreement with Bay Mills Community College
August 3, 2022
Bay Mills Community College (BMCC) premedical students who transfer to Lake Superior State University (LSSU) will have an enhanced opportunity for early admission to the MSU College of Human Medicine under an agreement signed Wednesday.
Dean's Update
July 29, 2022 - Aron Sousa, MD
We are getting very close to the beginning of our fall semester. And we have some exciting and unusual events coming up. The first event comprises of two white coat ceremonies on August 20 in Grand Rapids.
July College News Headlines
July 28, 2022
Read more news headlines and updates from the college this month.
Lifelong Medical Educator Dianne Wagner Retires
July 28, 2022
Dianne Wagner, MD, served as interim senior associate dean for academic affairs from November 2019 until March 2022 and retired as associate dean for undergraduate medical education on June 1.
Dr. Ryan Thomas' Career in Pulmonology Comes Full Circle
July 28, 2022
Dr. Ryan Thomas' career in pulmonology came full circle when he received a teaching award named after the pediatrician who saved his life during an asthma attack as a child.
Barbara Forney Retires After 24 Years of Service
July 28, 2022
On June 6, Barbara Forney official retired after serving in several university roles, including associate dean for administration in the College of Human Medicine.
Dean's Update
July 22, 2022 - Aron Sousa, MD
The college’s strategic planning work is picking up speed as a series of workgroups are meeting to create and prioritize goals and strategies. The topics of these work groups include diversity, equity, and inclusion; finance; organizational culture; reputation; the college’s identity; whether the college should take on a grand challenge; advancing discovery; clinical care; community partnerships; education; and faculty, student, and staff success.
Women With Endometriosis May Have Higher Risk of Stroke
July 21, 2022
Research by Stacey Missmer, ScD, professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive biology, finds that women with endometriosis may have higher risk of stroke.
Dean's Update
July 15, 2022 - Aron Sousa, MD
Those of you who follow this space know that I have been on the internal medicine service at Sparrow Hospital since the new residents started on July 1. I have had a great time, and the residents and students have done great work for the patients.
Dean's Update
July 8, 2022 - Aron Sousa, MD
This week has been particularly busy for me, so my update was going to be short and mostly news. I can already hear sounds of relief from some of you, but while it is all news, brevity escaped my mastery. So on to the news.
Michigan State University Welcomes Perrigo North America to Innovation Park
July 6, 2022
The new Perrigo corporate headquarters located at MSU's Innovation Park will bring over 150 jobs to Grand Rapids.
Dean's Update
July 1, 2022 - Aron Sousa, MD
Today is July 1, the starting date for residencies and residents across the country. It’s a big day for the profession, and a bigger day for the new residents. Almost everyone I know has some story about their first day as a resident. I’ll share one of my own...
June College News Headlines
June 30, 2022
Read more news headlines and updates from the college this month.
Words of Wellness: Transitions
June 30, 2022 - Sabrina Ford, PhD
When I chose the topic, I hadn’t remembered that Claudia wrote something very similar exactly one year ago. However, it is still important to acknowledge and contemplate the significance of transitions. Let’s take a short pause, in this moment, to consider how transitions affect us and how to embrace them.
Study Finds Multiple Brain Regions Associated with Abdominal Pain in Children
June 29, 2022
A study by Natoshia Cunningham, PhD, finds that children experiencing functional abdominal pain (FAD) disorders have enhanced connectivity between the amygdala, a region implicated in emotional processing, and multiple brain regions associated with pain and cognition.
Can Poor Sense of Smell in Older Adults Lead to Chronic Diseases?
June 28, 2022
The National Institute on Aging recently awarded Honglei Chen, MD, PhD, a $2.7 million grant to study what adverse health outcomes might be foreshadowed by a poor sense of smell.
A Passion for Pediatric Plastic Surgery
June 28, 2022
One case during Darin Patmon's plastic surgery rotation – a child suffering from multiple facial fractures from an accident – solidified his future in the field and led to his passion for research.
In Memoriam: Shirley Siew, MD, PhD
June 27, 2022
In Memoriam: Shirley Siew, MD, PhD, passed away peacefully after a short illness, Thursday, June 16, 2022.
Dean's Update
June 24, 2022 - Aron Sousa, MD
Today, the U.S. Supreme Court released its opinion reversing the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that had made abortion legal, if not universally accessible, in the U.S. The new ruling makes the legality of abortion an issue of state law, and for Michigan revives a 1931 law that prohibits abortion.
Gold Humanism Honor Society Welcomes New Inductees
June 23, 2022
Congratulations to honor society's newest members! Watch the induction ceremony held on June 21.
A Targeted and Personalized Approach to Fighting Cancer
June 22, 2022 - MSUToday
Q&A with biomedical engineer Kurt Zinn.
Ask The Expert: MSU Doctor Answers Questions About The COVID-19 Vaccine for Children
June 21, 2022 - MSUToday
Rebecca Schein, MD, answers questions about the new FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccine for children under age 5.
Nicoletti's Dx:Q Educates Others on Queer Health Topics
June 13, 2022
Fourth-year medical student Nick Nicoletti recently founded Dx:Q, an organization to increase LGBTQ visibility and understanding among patients, health care providers, and medical educators.
May College News Headlines
May 31, 2022
Read more news headlines and updates from the college this month.
Bioethics Faculty Address Structural Racism in Health Care Settings
May 31, 2022
Jennifer McCurdy was a task force member of a recent report calling on the field of bioethics to take the lead in addressing the structural racism that causes inequality in health care. The report, “A Critical Moment in Bioethics: Reckoning with Anti-Black Racism Through Intergenerational Dialogue,” is a collection of essays produced by The Hastings Center.
Celebrating the Class of 2022
May 31, 2022
Congratulations to our newest class of Spartan MDs! Watch highlights from our Commencement Ceremony, see photos from our graduates and check out some fun facts about the Class of 2022 in our graduation recap.
Artificial Intelligence Biased Against People with Mental Illness
May 30, 2022
The increasing use of a technology called emotion artificial intelligence could lead to discrimination against people with mental illnesses, particularly in employment, a report led by Scott Monteith, MD, warns.
Dean's Update
May 27, 2022 - Aron Sousa, MD
The epidemic of gun violence in this country is a public health and medical crisis, and we need to think about it in those terms, if we are going to make a safer, freer, and more healthy country.
Wendling named Interim Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
May 27, 2022
Andrea Wendling, MD, a longtime professor of family medicine, has been named the College of Human Medicine’s interim senior associate dean for academic affairs.
Schafer Awarded Scholarship Recognizing Contributions of Graduate Students with Disabilities
May 27, 2022
College of Human Medicine student Christa Schafer is the 2022 Robert L. Decker & Benjamin Muns Friendship Memorial Scholarship recipient, meant to recognize contributions of graduate students with disabilities.
Pregnancy-Associated Deaths Due to Drug Use, Suicide and Homicide Increase
May 26, 2022
Drug use, suicide, and homicide accounted for more than one-fifth of all pregnancy-associated deaths in the United States during a recent 10-year period, Michigan State University researchers found.
Dean's Update
May 20, 2022 - Aron Sousa, MD
It would be easy to see current events as beyond our scope and a distraction from caring for patients, educating the health-related workforce, making discoveries, and doing scholarship. But I think we need to be of our world. We are a college where people work, study, and are treated, and we need to have a culture of being engaged in the world.
Words of Wellness: Passing the Torch
May 19, 2022 - Culture of Caring - Claudia Finkelstein
Many of you are already aware of the fact that my role at the college has changed. I retired, and then much like Tom Brady, have already partially come out of retirement. I am passing the torch while still available for faculty & staff support.
Dean's Update
May 13, 2022 - Aron Sousa, MD
Summer feels like it has come to Michigan, but no one seems to have told our main respiratory virus that this is not its season. For those of you keeping track, COVID-19 is on the rise in our communities.
PET Scanner Arrives at Doug Meijer Medical Innovation Center
May 9, 2022
Michigan's first total body PET/CT scanner has arrived at the Michigan State University Radiopharmacy in the Doug Meijer Medical Innovation Building.
Dean's Update
May 6, 2022 - Aron Sousa, MD
Welcome to graduation season, the best season of the academic year! This weekend, the university celebrates the graduation of undergraduates and graduate students. Our MPH, MA, and MS students had a chance to walk this morning, and the PhD students walk in the afternoon. It is always a wonderful day.
Kenechukwu Isi: It's Medicine or Bust
May 5, 2022
Kene Isi’s path to becoming a physician might have been set the moment he was born. He wasn’t breathing and doctors and nurses struggled for nine minutes to save him before he took his first breath. A doctor who cared for him while he was critically ill with malaria inspired him to pursue a career in medicine.
Inaugural "Finding Joy in Teaching" Reception Celebrates Faculty
May 5, 2022
To celebrate the launch of "Finding Joy in Teaching," a special reception honored several faculty for their excellence in medical education.
Karrar Aljiboori: Cool, Calm and Collected
May 4, 2022
Just surviving was a daily struggle in Baghdad, Iraq, where Karrar Aljiboori was raised. The idea that he could graduate from medical school, become a doctor with an eye toward becoming a neurosurgeon might seem beyond reach. But the extreme hardship didn't discouraging him, it strengthened his resolve.
In Memoriam: Roy Gerard, MD
May 2, 2022
Roy J. Gerard, MD, founding chair of the Department of Family Medicine, died April 17.
Dean's Update
April 29, 2022 - Aron Sousa, MD
Those of you tracking the MSU 2030 strategic plan will know that EVP Beauchamp is the executive sponsor for the Sustainable Health pillar of the MSU plan. Our college will be deeply interested in the implementation of all pillars of the plan, but Sustainable Health is pretty obviously in our wheelhouse.
April College News Headlines
April 29, 2022
Read more news headlines and updates from the college this month.
Dr. Lipscomb Receives Equity Champion Award
April 29, 2022
The Grand Rapids African American Health Institute (GRAAHI) presented Wanda Lipscomb, PhD, with an Equity Champion Award in recognition of her many contributions to diversifying the medical professions and promoting equal health care for all.
Samuel Surgalski: Military and Medicine
April 29, 2022
Samuel Surgalski always knew he was going to join the Navy. His mother's career as a nurse inspired him to combine the military with medicine. Upon graduation, he will be commissioned as a lieutenant and begin his anesthesiology residency at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
A Dose of Inspiration
April 29, 2022
Several experiences led Alyssa Abdelnour and Pedro Castellanos, both entering their third year in the College of Human Medicine, to develop a program introducing underserved middle school students to careers in health care.
Allison Hoppe: Finding Purpose in Medicine
April 28, 2022
After two heartbreaking events, Allison Hoppe struggled to find meaning in her life. But after traveling abroad, she found purpose in medicine.
"Say His Name! Patrick!"
April 28, 2022
On April 15, 2022, College of Human Medicine students organized the White Coats for Black Lives: Justice for Patrick Lyoya march to stand by their friends and colleagues and to advocate for a more just and equitable future for all.
Sunny Panh: An Advocate for the Community
April 27, 2022
Through the traumas his family experienced in Cambodia, Sunny Panh sees his role as more than just a doctor. He serves as a community organizer and social justice advocate to help heal his community.
Axucillia Moyo: It Takes a Village to Raise a Doctor
April 27, 2022
Growing up in Zimbabwe, Axucillia Moyo saw first-hand the inequality in health care and the positive impact a little compassion can have. She sees becoming a doctor as an achievement for her whole family.
Chinchilla Receives Excellence in Public Health Award
April 27, 2022
Jennifer Chinchilla has been presented a 2022 Excellence in Public Health Award by the United States Public Health Service. The award recognizes medical students who advance public health and who exemplify the health service’s mission to protect, promote, and advance the health and safety of the nation.
Joshua Cole: From Computer Programmer to Doctor
April 26, 2022
Joshua Cole was struck by the homelessness, the poverty, and the inequity he saw around him living in San Francisco. After years working as a computer programmer, he went to medical school so he could make a bigger difference in helping others.
Research Engagement: Recruiting Pregnant Women of Color
April 26, 2022
When it comes to medical studies, researchers often face a challenge: recruiting enough people of color to make their findings valid across different ethnic groups. Sarah Vaughan, PhD, recently identified several strategies for engaging more African American women in research.
Kendall Stevens: There's No Backup Plan
April 25, 2022
Kendall Stevens concedes she never had a backup plan. As long as she can remember, she wanted to be a doctor. Now, as she is about to graduate and begin a three-year emergency medicine residency, she can say she chose the right profession, even without a plan B.
Winners of the Annie Li Yang Student Essay Contest
April 25, 2022
Three student essays were chosen for the 2022 Annie Li Yang Student Essay Contest. Momin Samad won first prize for his essay “Efficient Humanity.” Second prize was awarded to Eliza Burr for the essay “In the In-Between, Finding the Humanity in Medicine” and third place to Daniel Brown for his essay “Vertigo.”
Dean's Update
April 22, 2022 - Aron Sousa, MD
Last week, about 75 College of Human Medicine students participated in the student led ‘White Coats for Black Lives’ march in Grand Rapids. They and a group of faculty walked from the Secchia Center to the Rosa Parks Circle statue in response to the shooting death of Patrick Lyoya.
Sousa Appointed Dean of the College of Human Medicine
April 22, 2022
The Michigan State University Board of Trustees today approved the appointment of Aron Sousa, MD, FACP, to serve as dean of the MSU College of Human Medicine.
Achtyes Named Physician of the Year
April 19, 2022
Eric Achtyes, director of the College of Human Medicine’s Division of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, was named 2022 physician of the year by the National Alliance on Mental Illness Michigan Chapter.
Dean's Update
April 14, 2022 - Aron Sousa, MD
Events like the death of Mr. Lyoya can affect us no matter where they happen, but this killing happened in one of our communities. It matters because we will care for the people around him, and because we live and work here. It is our community, and we have a responsibility to make our part of society more just, less racist, more peaceful, more loving. Better.
Dean's Update
April 8, 2022 - Aron Sousa, MD
I have had a classic pre-COVID-19 deanly week complete with in-person meetings, four campuses, some dreary weather, and a celebration or two.
Dean's Update
April 1, 2022 - Aron Sousa, MD
Late last week, I had the pleasure of signing my letter of offer for the deanship at the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. By now, you all know how special I think the college is.
Highlights from Match Day
March 31, 2022
Congratulations to our fourth-year students on a successful Match! This year, 97.6% of students received residency placements through all pathways, with 45.2% remaining in Michigan for their residencies. See the highlights from this year's Match.
March College News Headlines
March 31, 2022
Read more news headlines and updates from the college this month.
Words of Wellness: Transitions
March 31, 2022 - Culture of Caring - Claudia Finkelstein
You will notice that this March edition of the Culture of Caring newsletter is arriving at the last minute. Why? Because the topic has flip flopped as the month has passed. It ranged from goodbye to anticipation, and now, to the concept of transparency, goodbye and anticipation all rolled into one newsletter.
Art and Medicine: An Open Heart Heals
March 30, 2022
Third-year student Pallavi Prabhu has been practicing and performing the classical Indian dance form called Bharatanatyam since she was 5 years old. She talks about the impact this artform had on her personal life and medical training.
Tech Tool Tracks Nutrition in High-Risk Pregnant Women
March 30, 2022
What a pregnant woman eats can affect not only her health, but the long-term health of her child. That is why a new study led by Jean Kerver, PhD, aims to help high-risk pregnant women make healthier choices, including eating more fruits and vegetables.
Eileen Hug Named Community Assistant Dean of New Detroit Campus
March 30, 2022
After 25 years of caring for patients while teaching students, Eileen Hug, DO, has been appointed community assistant dean for the College of Human Medicine’s Detroit campus based at Henry Ford Hospital. Later this summer, 20 third-year students will begin their clinical rotations at Henry Ford.
In Memoriam: Steven Almany, MD
March 29, 2022
Steven Almany, MD (CHM ’84), of Bloomfield Hills, Mich., passed away peacefully on March 17, 2022, after a prolonged illness.
Reproductive Health Researchers Among World’s Elite
March 28, 2022
Michigan State University is emerging as a leading institution in reproductive health research as indicated by the number of its faculty members who are ranked among the world’s top fertility experts.
Dean's Update
March 25, 2022 - Aron Sousa, MD
Late last week, I had the pleasure of signing my letter of offer for the deanship at the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. By now, you all know how special I think the college is.
Aron Sousa Recommended as Dean of College of Human Medicine
March 22, 2022
Aron Sousa, MD, has been recommended to serve as dean of Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. He has served as the interim dean for the college since October 25, 2019. If approved by the MSU Board of Trustees, the appointment will be effective April 22, 2022.
Dean's Update
March 18, 2022 - Aron Sousa, MD
Today is Match Day! This year I am confident we have a very large number of very happy people...this year 97.6% of our students matched, and that is excellent.
Lisa Lowery, MD, MPH, Named One of West Michigan's Most Influential Women
March 17, 2022
Lisa Lowery, MD, MPH, assistant dean for Diversity and Cultural Initiatives, has been selected as one of West Michigan's 50 Most Influential Women by the Grand Rapids Business Journal. Beyond her work with patients and students, Dr. Lowery says her contributions are all about community.
Study Indicates COVID-19 Patients Fall into Two Main Groups Benefiting from Two Types of Therapies
March 17, 2022
A COVID-19 study by Spectrum Health, Michigan State University and six other organizations highlight the importance of precision medicine.
Faculty Voice: I Love You—Always the Last Words
March 16, 2022
Cara Anne Poland, MD, assistant professor, shares a personal essay about loss and self care in this week's issue of JAMA.
Dean's Update
March 11, 2022 - Aron Sousa, MD
I know this is a very difficult time for our people with connections to Ukraine and the surrounding region. Equally, this is difficult for all with loved ones in harm’s way around the globe, even, or especially, if those conflicts have not resulted in the kind of media and social notice as the war in Ukraine has received.
MSU and Spectrum Health Collaborate on Research Project to Sequence SARS-CoV-2 Virus
March 11, 2022
Spectrum Health and MSU will work together to collect and analyze genomic data to address emerging infectious disease threats and enhance the state of Michigan’s ability to respond to them.
Support Future Spartan MDs on Give Green Day
March 8, 2022
Future Spartan MDs are real-life heroes. These heroes don't wear capes—they wear white coats—and on Tuesday, March 15, they need your help.
Dean's Update
March 4, 2022 - Aron Sousa, MD
I had a chance to drop in on one of the two ECE poster sessions this week, and I really enjoyed myself. I got a tour of several posters, and I came away impressed and delighted. Our first-year students made an impressive contribution toward improving clinical care in the greater Grand Rapids and Lansing communities.
Study Finds Link Between Cholesterol Crystals and Heart Infections
February 28, 2022
A study led by George Abela, MD, is the first to establish a link between the formation of cholesterol crystals and bacterial infections in the heart.
February College News Headlines
February 28, 2022
Read more news headlines and updates from the college this month.
Dean's Update
February 25, 2022 - Aron Sousa, MD
As I write, the Russian invasion of Ukraine has commenced and is playing out in video before our eyes. It is frightening, surreal, and deeply disturbing. The tragedies for the people of Ukraine must be first in our thoughts. Geographically but not emotionally distanced from this madness, we have students, staff, and faculty with loved ones in harm’s way. And, if we can be of help to you, by all means reach out to any of us.
SNMA Students Celebrate Black History Month
February 25, 2022
In honor of Black History Month, students in the college's Student National Medical Association (SNMA) chapter shared their thoughts on the annual event and interviews with Black physicians, faculty and administrators throughout the college.
College of Human Medicine Students Earn Important Designations at LMSA Midwest Regional Conference
February 24, 2022
Current College of Human Medicine students enjoyed a recent trip to Chicago for the 2022 Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA) Midwest Regional Conference, earning several important designations.
Dean's Update
February 18, 2022 - Aron Sousa, MD
Dianne Wagner, MD, has announced her retirement date of June 1, 2022. She is not going anywhere for a while, but our college will have to make some decisions in the nearer term. In the meantime, give her a shout-out and a thank you for all she has done for patients, the college, and the profession.
Words of Wellness: Enjoy the Journey
February 18, 2022 - Culture of Caring - Claudia Finkelstein
If you have been reading the Culture of Caring newsletters, you may be aware that in the pursuit of chasing away the winter doldrums, I signed up for two winter activities: the Groundhog Day half marathon and the Muskegon luge.
Fighting COVID and Future Diseases
February 16, 2022
Several College of Human Medicine researchers received grants from the state and CDC to bolster the Michigan’s fight against COVID, foodborne illnesses and more.
Study Could Help Predict a Deadly Pregnancy Complication
February 10, 2022
A blood test could help doctors predict which pregnant women are likely to develop a life-threatening condition called preeclampsia, a study co-authored by Claudia Holzman, PhD.
Expanded Pipeline Program to Increase Diverse Health Care Workforce Through University-Community Partnerships
February 10, 2022
MSU College of Human Medicine is part of the expanding West Michigan Health Careers Pipeline Program, an initiative that introduces teens from underrepresented and minority populations to health science careers.
A Journey from Doctor to Terminal Patient
February 9, 2022
Alumna Sally Wilson reflects on her experiences as a doctor, mother and terminal patient. The daughter she carried across the stage at commencement 25 years ago is now in medical school, following in her mother’s footsteps.
Kalkanis Appointed Associate Dean for Detroit Campus
February 9, 2022
In his new role, Steven Kalkanis, MD, will oversee the education of medical students at the new regional campus based at the historic Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit.
Meet Jamila Power, Lansing's new Community Assistant Dean
February 9, 2022
As an emergency room physician, Jamila Power is always ready for whatever comes. In her new role as community assistant dean for the Lansing campus, she draws upon that experience to help students navigate the demanding third and fourth years of medical school.
Dean's Update
February 4, 2022 - Aron Sousa, MD
Each week during Black History Month, I try to write something relevant in the dean’s update, or rather I hope to encourage people to look up and learn something relevant to Black History Month. HBCUs have a long and cherished place in our communities, and these institutions have been leaders in creating opportunity and expertise for Americans, especially African Americans.
Building a Better Bandage
January 28, 2022
With a $2 million grant from NIH, Morteza Mahmoudi, PhD, and his team are working to find effective treatments for chronic wounds.
Dean's Update
January 26, 2022 - Aron Sousa, MD
Today, Michigan State University and the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation announced a transformational, $25 million grant from the foundation to the College of Human Medicine to expand the college’s public health program in Flint, Michigan.
Mott Foundation Grants $25M to MSU to Expand Public Health Initiatives in Flint
January 26, 2022
The Charles Stewart Mott Foundation has granted $25 million to expand the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine’s public health presence in Flint. The grant will create an endowed fund to increase public health faculty, academic research and community health collaborations.
Students Honored with Appointments to Academy of Family Physicians Boards Take to Heart the Importance of Women of Color in Leadership Positions
January 25, 2022
Two College of Human Medicine students chosen to Academy of Family Physicians Executive Boards are honored by the appointments and understand the importance of women in leadership roles.
Dean's Update
January 21, 2022 - Aron Sousa, MD
Despite progress on testing equity and some perception that Michigan has been doing better than many states in addressing COVID-19 disparities, as a state we have tragic racial disparities in deaths rates from COVID-19. In the current surge in Ingham County, case rates show the same kind of disparity. As we see consistently in economic upheaval, downturns land with their own racial disparities evidenced this year in higher levels of unemployment and evictions among Black Americans.
Fighting addiction and removing the stigma
January 18, 2022
How MSU is saving lives by training current and future doctors to treat substance use disorders
Dean's Update
January 14, 2022 - Aron Sousa, MD
Despite progress on testing equity and some perception that Michigan has been doing better than many states in addressing COVID-19 disparities, as a state we have tragic racial disparities in deaths rates from COVID-19. In the current surge in Ingham County, case rates show the same kind of disparity. As we see consistently in economic upheaval, downturns land with their own racial disparities evidenced this year in higher levels of unemployment and evictions among Black Americans.
Words of Wellness: Having Some Fun
January 14, 2022 - Culture of Caring - Claudia Finkelstein
It may seem crazy to be asked “when did you last have fun?” in the throes of a never-ending pandemic. But hear me out, I really want you to consider what you do for fun, and how recently you deliberately had any.
Dean's Update
January 7, 2022 - Aron Sousa, MD
I trust you all had as good a holiday season as beloved parts of American culture can offer, and that you had the chance for some rest. Of course, I suggest getting some rest just as the university converts again to partial online education and COVID-19 cases skyrocket.
2021 Academic Affairs Award Recipients
January 1, 2022 - Office of Academic Affairs
The Office of Academic Affairs announces its 2021 award recipients.