Emily de los Reyes, M.D., an assistant professor in the UAMS College of Medicine Department of Pediatrics and a pediatric neurologist at ACH, was elected to serve as the president of the Southern Pediatric Neurology Society for a two-year term.

John Dornhoffer, M.D., associate professor, Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery and director, Division of Otology/Neurotology, was recently named a fellow in the American Neurotology Society. The Division of Otology is conducting innovative research in several areas: gene therapy for hearing loss, implantable hearing devices and new treatments for Mèniére’s disease. Dr. Dornhoffer is the executive director of the International Prosper Mèniére Society, whose primary goal is to promote the dissemination and discussion of clinical and basic research data on Mèniére’s disease and all aspects of inner ear dysfunction, pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment.

Lynn Dreher, RN, was selected nurse of the month for August. Dreher started work as a patient care technician (PCT) five years ago. She graduated from UAMS College of Nursing with a bachelors degree in nursing science three years ago and opted to continue working on the wing where she was employed as a PCT. Dreher enjoys the continual learning experiences that arise from working with patients.

Debra Henry Fiser, M.D., chair, Department of Pediatrics, received the 2002 Distinguished Faculty Award from the UAMS College of Medicine. Dr. Fiser has ascended rapidly through the academic ranks after joining the college’s faculty in 1981. She has held numerous research grants, published significantly, solidified the financial stability of the department and recruited a number of strong academic section heads. She has also enhanced coordination and communication between the College of Medicine and ACH.

Ehab Y. Hanna, M.D., associate professor, Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, and director, Division of Head and Neck Oncology, recently became a fellow in the American College of Surgeons. Dr. Hanna was invited to join the Head and Neck Organ Site Committee of the American College of Surgeons Oncology Group.

Cindy J.M. Kane, Ph.D., associate professor, Department of Anatomy and Syndrome (FAS) research entitled "Alcohol and Brain Development: Microglial Pathogenesis" at the FAS Data Session for new, exciting, groundbreaking research during the 25th annual meeting of the Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Study Group at the Research Society on Alcoholism Meeting in San Francisco. The international meeting was the largest Research Society on Alcoholism meeting ever, with more than 1500 presenters from around the world attending. Dr. Kane delivered both an oral and a poster presentation about the newly discovered role of microglial cells in FAS.

Ann Luther, RN, was selected nurse of the month for July. Luther has been a nurse for 17 years. She graduated with honors from Arkansas Technical University with a bachelor’s degree in nursing in 1985. She began her health care career as an ophthalmic technician in 1962, took time off to rear her children and upon graduation in 1985 joined the Jones Eye Clinic, where she has remained until now. One of the positive things Luther enjoys about her career is her daily contact with patients and coworkers.

Kathleen H. McComber, SPHR., has joined UAMS as its new director of Human Resources for Clinical Programs. She will work to prioritize and coordinate human resource services for the hospital and clinics. McComber has over 20 years of human resources experience in the private sector working in retail, information technology and, most recently, directing the human resources functions at StaffMark, Inc. She earned both a bachelors degree in education and a master’s degree in Management from Webster University. McComber is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management, serving as chair in 1998.

The Clinical Programs Recognition Council named Tonya Meadows most valuable player for the month of July. Meadows is a patient care technician on wing 2A/4A. Her manager is Joyce Randof. She has worked at UAMS for nearly two years.

The Endocrinology Department is pleased to announce that Neda Rasouli, M.D., is the 2002 recipient at UAMS for the 1st Annual Pfizer Scholars in Endocrinology Grant Program. Dr. Rasouli was nominated by Debra L. Simmons, M.D., assistant professor of medicine and director of the Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism Subspecialty Training Program, to receive this year’s grant. The award honors "this outstanding physician for important contributions to research and patient care in endocrinology." Rasouli recently completed her training and plans to join the faculty to continue her investigation of the basic pathophysiology of Type 2 Diabetes.

Frances Swain, A.A.S., special procedures technician, Orthopaedic Surgery, was honored as the 2002 Arkansas Histotechnologist of the year. The prestigious award was presented at the recent meeting of the society, where Swain was recognized for her more than 30 years of experience as a histologist and her service to the education and development of young histotechnologists. She was previously affiliated with the Departments of Pathology and Medicine of the UAMS College of Medicine and has held many elected offices in both the state and national histotechnology societies.

Earlier this year, the Southern Society of Pediatric Research (SSPR) presented awards to two UAMS College of Medicine Department of Pediatrics faculty members and ACH physicians. Associate professor Gary Wheeler, M.D., received the "Pediatric Education Award" for his outstanding teaching of pediatric medicine. Richard Jacobs, M.D., a professor and the chief of infectious diseases, received the "Founder’s Award" for his significant contributions to both the health care of children and the activities of SSPR.

Sue S. Williamson, CFRE, Major Donor Development Programs, Division of Institutional Advancement (IA was recently reorganized as Development and Alumni Affairs) received the 2002 College of Nursing Dean’s Award. She joined IA staff in 1984 and has been a major facilitator and partner in the college’s efforts to increase endowment and scholarship programs. During the past 13 years, the college’s endowment increased by over $1.45 million dollars. Through her efforts as a fundraiser, many past graduates — and class of 2002 graduates — have enjoyed scholarship support that often made a critical difference in enabling them to complete their nursing education.

Suzanne Yee, M.D., assistant professor, Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, and director, UAMS Laser and Cosmetic Surgery Center, was named a fellow by the American Academy of Facial Plastics and Reconstructive Surgery. Dr. Yee was selected by the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery to serve as a member of the reference committee: Young Cosmetic Surgeons.