University of Mississippi Medical Center

From visitor to student to faculty member, the Medical Center has been a constant in life for Dr. Penny Rogers, the 2021 School of Health Related Professions Alum of the Year. After graduating with a BS in occupational therapy from UMMC in the 1990s, Rogers returned 10 years ago as a faculty member in the Occupational Therapy Department, where her energy and passion for both patient care and education made her this year’s honoree. Learn how her journey has come full circle: https://bit.ly/3pXWlo3

University Physicians, which has more than 700 physicians seeing patients statewide, has a new leader in Dr. George Russell. In his new role, Russell, as CEO, will oversee the operations and finances of the University Physicians practice plan, which allows faculty members from the state’s only academic medical center representing more than 100 specialties to care for Mississippians outside of a traditional hospital setting. Congratulations, Dr. Russell! Read the story to learn about University Physicians and Russell’s new leadership role: https://bit.ly/3iR0Lvm

We are excited to host 28 Mississippi-native rising undergrad junior and seniors representing colleges and universities in and out of state for our School of Medicine PROMISE program. PROMISE is intended to engage and encourage underrepresented students interested in medicine. Students who complete the PROMISE program and meet certain metrics established by the school's admissions committee are eligible for a medical school slot after finishing their bachelor's degree.

Each year UMMC's AirCare, the state’s most advanced medical helicopter transport, infuses more than 425 units of blood into critically ill and injured patients statewide. AirCare and Mississippi Blood Services are partnering to sponsor drives across the state to put a spotlight on the need for blood at small hospitals where the stock is traditionally low. As AirCare says You Give It, We Bring it! Learn more in the full story: https://bit.ly/3zwgGVH

When the University of Mississippi Medical Center was constructed in its current location on North State Street in Jackson, it unknowingly inherited the remains of thousands of patients from the previous tenant- the Mississippi State Lunatic Asylum. Now, more than a decade since the discovery of the now unmarked graves on the Medical Center’s campus, $3.7 million from the Mississippi Legislature will help the Medical Center give these long-forgotten patients a final resting place and strengthen their place in UMMC’s history: https://bit.ly/2TCRxbK