Apr2015MSMAlumniNewsletter

A Newsletter for the Alumni and Friends of Morehouse School of Medicine ISSUE #1 | APRIL 2015


MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT AND DEAN “The critical question is what

Valerie Montgomery Rice, M.D. our next 40 years will yield”


Dear MSM Alumni and Friends:

After nine months as president, I am still in Our extraordinary track record led to our ranking as the No. 1 medical school in
awe of the enormous capacity of Morehouse the nation in fulfilling its social mission. And we largely owe that honor to you –
School of Medicine. What this institution our alumni.
has accomplished in just 40 years is nothing
short of remarkable. Its tremendous Today, as we celebrate our 40th anniversary, the critical question is what our next
climb is the result of a solid foundation, 40 years will yield. With all our success, health disparities – fueled by crippling
an extraordinary faculty and outstanding social and behavioral factors – are outpacing our ability to tackle them alone. We
students-turned-graduates like you. must be willing to change and recalibrate our efforts amid a new health care law, an
information and technology explosion, and changing demographics.
As a scientist and clinician, I have
experienced the tension and the balance On July 1, 2015, we launch our new strategic plan with a bold vision of leading
between the known and the unknown. The the creation and advancement of health equity. This new shared vision was
seen and the unseen. The measured and the immeasurable. In medicine, this informed by all of our stakeholders and provides the next critical step for this great
natural tension is understandable. It is much easier to address illnesses that we institution. And we have the capacity to achieve it, but to do so we must build bold
know and empirically understand verses those that we don’t. Yet as scientists we partnerships within and outside the health care community. We must develop a
are reminded that new knowledge always begins with a question in search of an new standard of science and clinical care based on outcomes that truly move the
answer … a breakthrough. needle to healthier communities. And we must grow our programs, significantly
increase our endowment and expand our pipeline of new leaders in science and
More than 40 years ago, Morehouse School of Medicine was an answer to the health to continue this work.
question of how the state of Georgia could address the health gap between black
and white citizens. The data were overwhelming. In 1968, there were reportedly To do this, we need your engagement. I ask you to review our new strategic plan
13,810 black citizens for every black doctor but 795 white citizens for every at www.msm.edu/StrategicPlan and provide your ideas. In the coming months, I
white doctor. Such a disparity, researchers said then, contributed to health status will visit at least 40 cities to talk and listen to alumni about how this institution can
disparities within those communities. In addition, research suggested that more better serve you and how you can help serve it. I am convinced that Morehouse
primary care doctors were needed throughout Georgia but acutely necessary School of Medicine is the answer to the question of health equity.
within African American communities.
Sincerely,
Morehouse School of Medicine answered the call and part of the question. Since our
founding in 1975, we have been committed to diversifying the medical workforce
and producing physicians who go into primary care specialties. More than 70 percent
of our medical graduates practice in primary care, and more than half practice in
Georgia. Sixty-three percent of our residents practice primary care and more than 64
percent practice in Georgia. In addition, we are graduating exceptional biomedical Valerie Montgomery Rice, M.D.
scientists and public health professionals who are equally committed to our mission. President and Dean


INSIDE THIS ISSUE

+


5 Distinguished Message from the SVP,
Alumna

MSM’s National OIA and Marketing &
Communications 2
Alumni Association 9 Alumni Professional Updates 2
President
7 Giving Back 7

Living Out the Making A Photo Gallery 8

4 MSM Mission Difference Lifetime Dues Members 10
How to Give 11
Events Calendar 12

Message from the Senior Vice {

President, Office of Institutional

Advancement and Marketing & ALUMNI PROFESSIONAL

Communications NEW S & UP D A TES
Bennie Harris, Ph.D. {





Dear Morehouse School of Carlos Williams, M.D., (’98) has been selected as a member
Medicine Alumni: of the inaugural class of Presidential Leadership Scholars, a unique
leadership development initiative that draws upon the resources
It is a very exciting time to be part of of the U.S. presidential centers of Presidents Lyndon B. Johnson,
Morehouse School of Medicine, as George H.W. Bush, William J. Clinton, and George W. Bush. The
we celebrate 40 years of preparing presidential centers have partnered to bring together a select group
physicians and public health of leaders who have the desire and capacity to use their leadership
professionals that are among the strengths to serve their communities and the nation. Over the course
nation’s best. of the program, scholars will travel to each participating presidential
center to learn from former presidents, key administration officials,
Since 1975, the school has been in and leading academics. Dr. Williams, an active duty commander
a state of constant discovery. This in the U.S. Navy Medical Corp., currently serves as the U.S. Health
spirit of exploration helped to shape Affairs Attaché to the Pacific Islands posted to the U.S. Embassy in
students into the more than 1,400 Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.
alumni who represent the institution in the form of conscientious
physicians, researchers, and health care professionals. Lemuel Leon Dent, M.D., M.S., M.S.C.R., M.M.H.C. and
F.A.C.S., (’85) is a 2014-2015 Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
In this publication, we will be showcasing some of the many MSM alumni Health Policy Fellow. The RWJF Health Policy Fellows program
who embody excellence and are living the school’s mission by serving enables exceptional mid-career health professionals and social
their communities as exceptional physicians, public health leaders, and scientists to participate in policy making in Washington D.C., for
educators – all of whom share a common bond to advancing the field a one-year residency working for a member of Congress. Fellows
of medicine, public policy, and an impressive dedication to achieving parlay the experience into leadership roles in health policy, health
health equity. care, and public health.

Our heritage and reputation for excellence in teaching, research, Farook Karsan, M.D., (’82) implemented the Radiation
clinical care and public policy have been consistently demonstrated Oncology Department at the Aga Khan University Hospital in
over 40 years, particularly over the past few months. Since last July, Karachi, Pakistan, and was recently invited to help establish the
we completed a Phase III of a new strategic planning process, raised department at Aga Khan’s University System in Nairobi, Kenya.
more than $7 million for the Presidential Scholarship Fund and other
important programs and research, secured millions of dollars in grants, Tarsha Ward, Ph.D., (’11) is the inaugural recipient of the 2013
forged groundbreaking alliances, expanded our strategic partnerships, Dean’s Postdoctoral Fellowship at Harvard Medical School. The
and welcomed the largest entering class in our history. Our global award is a two-year postdoctoral research fellowship cosponsored
impact and influence is growing. by the Office for Diversity Inclusion and Community Partnership
(DCP) and the Office for Postdoctoral Fellows. She performs work
MSM is riding on a very strong crest of public support, and we are in the Seidman laboratory at Harvard under the dual mentorship
thankful that so many supporters are MSM alumni. I continue to be of Jonathan Seidman, Ph.D., and Christine Seidman, M.D., in the
amazed at the level of engagement and involvement of our alumni Department of Genetics. The Seidman lab has made a murine model
community. of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in humans and demonstrated that
these mutations lead to altered Ca2+ concentrations in myocytes.
Morehouse School of Medicine National Alumni Association is vital to Ca2+ channel blockers reduce the hypertrophic response to
advancing the mission of MSM and championing the interests of alumni, sarcomere protein gene mutations in mice.
students, prospective students and the community. As we celebrate our
40th anniversary, we are mindful that our success can largely be traced Martin Shelton, Ph.D., (’12) is a UNCF Merck Postdoctoral
to outstanding alumni involvement and contributions. We encourage Fellow at the Institute for Systems Biology in the laboratory of
you to continue contributing to MSM financially and/or donating time Lee Hood, Seattle, Wash. He is part of a cross-disciplinary team
to dozens of meaningful opportunities to serve the institution, students employing Systems Biology approaches to the study of developmental
and the community. Your involvement will undoubtedly help to ensure cell biology, cellular heterogeneity, and neurodegenerative and
that MSM continues to thrive well into the future. cardiovascular diseases using induced-pluripotent stem cells, multi-
omic single-cell analyses, and computational network modeling. Dr.
Shelton aspires to apply Systems Biology approaches to infectious
disease research and technology development, while assisting in
shaping science policy and education.
Bennie Harris, Ph.D.
Anita Johnson, M.D., (’94) is the F.A.C.S. Director of the Breast
Center for Cancer Treatment Centers of America.
“Our heritage and reputation for
excellence in teaching, research, Dione Occenad, M.D., (’11) will be joining the private medical
practice of Dr. Alison DeSouza, a physician who has been practicing
clinical care and public policy have in the Coral Springs, Fla., community for more than 25 years. Dr.
been consistently demonstrated over Occenad is currently the Junior Fellow Vice Chair of District XII for
40 years” the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

2

DONOR

SPOTLIGHT










Advocating for Community Health
While Giving Back to MSM



W. James Steen, M.D., (’83) leads a thriving pediatric practice in
Peachtree City, Ga., that provides health care to children and gives her
the opportunity to teach residents, run her own business and also do
something that was implanted in her more than 30 years ago during
her studies at Morehouse School of Medicine: providing care and
advocacy for patients in underserved communities.

The road to running her successful medical practice, Pediatrics Village,
actually had an unlikely beginning, as Dr. Steen began her health care
career as Nurse Steen.

“I had always wanted to be a doctor, but my teachers steered me
toward nursing because they thought the demands of being a doctor
would be difficult for me if I became a wife and mother,” said Dr. Steen.
“However, I decided to pursue what I really wanted to do and was so
pleased to be accepted into the second charter class of Morehouse
School of Medicine.”

At the time, MSM only offered a two-year program and upon
completion, students had to transfer to Emory University School of
Medicine to complete their medical degree. While doing her pediatric
residency at Emory, Dr. Steen was asked to become the chief resident
after impressing her supervisors with her skills, knowledge and a little
something extra that made her stand out from her peers. “My superiors
said that I seemed to bring a perspective to medicine that they had
not often seen in other residents,” said Dr. Steen. “I believe what they
saw in me was a focus on addressing disparities in health and health
“MSM instilled care among certain populations, and a conscientious commitment to
in me the critical addressing the needs of underserved patients.”
importance of Dr. Steen has incorporated that approach into her private practice,

addressing health and it is reflected in her interaction with doctors taking their residency
disparities in at Pediatrics Village. It is also demonstrated by the seriousness with
which she takes her role representing underserved adults and children
underserved in rural Georgia as a member of the Academy of Pediatrics.
communities,

and I take that “MSM instilled in me the critical importance of addressing health
disparities in underserved communities, and I take that responsibility
responsibility very seriously,” she said. Steen speaks ebulliently as she gives credit
very seriously” to the two years she spent at MSM for preparing her to bring that
perspective to practicing medicine. She added that her education at
MSM and the support she received from her instructors are compelling
reasons why she gives back to the institution through her time and
financial contributions.


When Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice, president and dean of MSM,
asked Dr. Steen to serve on the Departmental Review Committee,
she considered the opportunity to serve an honor. She is also vice
chair of the Community Physicians Network, recently became adjunct
faculty for MSM and is a past president of the MSM National Alumni
Association.

Dr. Steen provides financial support as readily as she gives her time
and energies to MSM.

“Actually, anytime I am asked to do something for the school, I am
happy to say ‘Yes,’” she said warmly. “I give credit to Morehouse School
of Medicine for preparing me for what I have achieved, and I will
continue to give back to the school and to community health.”


3

Living Out the MSM Mission





















Living the Dream:


SERVING THE UNDERSERVED



Dr. Thomas is an anesthesiologist and is staffed by multiple hospitals in the
north Dallas, Texas, metro area. He is currently president of MSM’s National
Alumni Association (NAA).

Whereas they are all focused on supporting the work of other physicians,
the real glue of their friendship is a shared commitment to serving others
through “treating the person.” The physicians know that educating patients
and the community on how to better take care of themselves is as much a
part of their daily responsibilities as treatment.

A case in point is Dr. Thomas serves as an extension of the care provided to
patients of primary physicians. “A man might come in for a hernia but he
hasn’t seen his primary care physician in five to 10 years,” said Dr. Thomas.
“He doesn’t see the connection between high blood pressure and vascular
and heart disease until I talk to him. So, I get to be his advocate there.”


(left to right) Hutchings, Blake, Thomas and Bass


hen most students enter a college or university, the institution
works to instill in them its values and culture in hopes that
Wgraduates will go out into the world and be shining symbols of “The real glue of their friendship is a
the school’s best and brightest. shared commitment to serving others”

Morehouse School of Medicine takes this a step further; the school pours
into its students a strong dedication to improving the health and well-
being of individuals and communities, and a sense of urgency that the
health of people in underserved communities can be elevated through
physicians living MSM’s social mission. There are four doctors who took
MSM’s mission seriously and today, more than 20 years after graduation, Many of Bass’ patients are farmworkers who also struggle with literacy,
they are a reflection of why the school is recognized as the top institution while Hutchings practices in a community where much of the population
among U.S. medical schools for its social mission. is obese, and illiteracy and high school dropout rates approach 50
percent.
Doctors Edward Bass (M.D., ‘93), David Blake (M.D., ‘93), Warren
Hutchings (M.D., ‘90), and Kevin Thomas (M.D., ‘92) commit their “We understood the MSM mission to help the underserved back when we
education, energies and time to helping patients attain better health. were medical students, and now going to areas where we are most needed
Dr. Bass is medical director at the Phoebe Worth Family Medical Center is part of what we do,” said Hutchings. “We also encourage many of our
in Sylvester, Ga. He is president of the Griffin-Jordan Medical Society fellow alumni to get together and participate in service.” The group of
of Southwest Georgia and past president of the Morehouse School of friends believe it is important to create this legacy and pass it on to MSM’s
Medicine National Alumni Association. medical students and new physicians.

Dr. Blake is a family physician in Lithia Springs, Ga. He is a founding Blake recalls how small class sizes of 24 students helped to build
member of the Independent Physicians Association of Georgia and acts camaraderie among students who were bound together by the challenges
as medical director for the North Atlanta area. He was the first MSM of navigating medical school at an institution that engenders the critical
alum to serve as president and chairman of the board of the Atlanta importance of closing health disparities in the underserved. “I remember
Medical Association. how important it was to work alongside people who were seeking the
same things as me, who looked like me. We’re living the dream.”
Dr. Hutchings is medical director of student health at Mercer University
in Macon, Ga., where he is also assistant professor of family medicine and Bass, Blake, Hutchings and Thomas all agree that their dedication to
a practicing physician. He is a past president of the Georgia State Medical ensuring that their dream—to serve those who need it most—lives on in
Association and a past regional chair of the National Medical Association, and for future generations of MSM graduates.
which honored him as its Practitioner of the Year in 2013.





4

Living Out the MSM Mission





















MSM’s National Alumni

Association President: At a Glance


ON A RECRUITMENT MISSION







efore Kevin Thomas, M.D. became the current president of
the MSNNAA, he had a strategy to boost membership that he
Bis implementing today with early signs of success. Dr. Thomas
has included in his platform a program that involves exposing MSM
students to the National Alumni Association before they graduate.
“I have long wanted to find a way to build a connection between
students and alumni as a way of sowing into them seeds that will
hopefully grow the number of new members the association attracts and
retains,” he said. “I believe that if medical students are introduced to the
NAA through consistent personal contact with our members, they will
be more inclined to become members themselves. This is one way to
grow our membership, while encouraging students to support MSM and Dr. Harjee
carry forth the school’s social mission as part of their medical practice.”

Dr. Thomas, who is an anesthesiologist based in Dallas, Texas, has ulshan Harjee, M.D., (’82) co-founded the Clarkston
been leading the effort that includes association members showing up Community Health Center (CCHC) in Clarkston, Ga. The 501C
at events such as the Student National Medical Association conference Gprovides state-of-the-art primary care to the “gap community,”
and demonstrating a genuine interest in MSM students. NAA members a huge community of refugees and undocumented people who are not
engage with the students, spend time with them and expose them to the eligible for any affordable health care plans. Given that the center is in its
benefits and responsibilities of membership. infancy stage, all health care providers are volunteers. MSM alumni are
encouraged to volunteer as well. CCHC is open on Sundays from 10:00
“If we show students that we care about them and are interested in their a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Its two-year strategic plan includes providing dental and
studies and will support them, they are more likely to assimilate into the mental health services to the community. The center is currently seeking
association,” said Dr. Thomas. collaboration with partners such as medical schools and hospital systems.

Dr. Thomas also proposes that as the classes at Morehouse School of Dr. Harjee is the recipient of the 2015 John Huston Allen Humanitarian
Medicine have grown from being 25 to 30 students to between 75 and Award from Atlanta Interfaith Broadcasting for Humanitarian Services
100 students that are more diverse, connecting the MSMNAA to so in recognition of her work to ensure that the homeless, unemployed and
many people is even more challenging. refugee communities of Clarkston, Ga. receive health care. Dr. Harjee was
also honored for providing financial support to impoverished students
“We want students to know that the National Alumni Association pursuing an education in health care. The award recognizes distinguished
members are here to support them in any way they need,” he said. achievement and meritorious service of individuals who bring people
“I have bought tickets for students to attend events, helped with airfare together from diverse backgrounds to the betterment of communities and
and I mentor them whenever and wherever possible. I also talk with society.
them about how I incorporate MSM’s social mission into my work as
an anesthesiologist on a daily basis.”
ichelle Huggins, M.D., (‘89) is on the board of Healthy
With the support of many NAA members and Dr. Valerie Montgomery Nation, Inc., an organization that provides preventive health
Rice, Thomas’ program is in full swing. He anticipates that the work Mcare services to school-aged children in Monrovia, Liberia.
being done now to engage students will result in new members that are Teams go directly into the schools and provide screenings and follow-
committed to the association, to supporting MSM and to advancing the up care on a monthly basis. Healthy Nation needs monetary donations
school’s mission to serve underserved populations and close and is also interested in partnering with physicians and other health care
health disparities. providers to assist in the training of staff as it moves towards establishing
a clinic for acute care. Visit the organization’s website at
www.ahealthynation.org.








5

Match Day Results: New Alumni Join us for Commencement


98.3% of students matched (60) on the Way! Saturday, May 16th
at 9 a.m.

82% matched to the specialty Congratulations to Alumni Reception & Dinner
of their first choice (50) the Class of 2015 Saturday, May 16th



69% matched to primary and our soon-to-be at 6 p.m.
care and core specialty fellow alums! Email [email protected]

disciplines (42) for more information



6

Making A MSM: You have been District Health Director for the Georgia Department of
Public Health’s Southwest Health District since 2005 as well as medical director.
What are some of the most pressing public health issues in the 14-county area?
Difference Jacqueline Holt Grant: The most pressing issues in the district are the low

socioeconomic status of the residents as well as low education attainment and

A Conversation with: high rates of poverty. In terms of health, the high burden of diseases such as
hypertension and diabetes are prevalent.
Dr. Jacqueline Holt Grant MSM: How is your District attempting to address these issues?

Georgia Department of Public Health District Health Director JHG: We are actually addressing them through several programs and
initiatives. We started Hooked on Health, a program that focuses on five
healthy living aspects: Eating healthy, physical activity and exercise, reducing
Jacqueline H. Grant, M.D., stress, health screenings, and tobacco cessation. We continue to have
M.P.H., M.P.A., (‘88) is a doctor on partnerships with churches and work with community gardens and schools to
a mission. Since taking her current raise awareness about healthy living among adults and children; we are seeing
role as District Health Director for the chronic health issues even in young children. We have really tried to address
Georgia Department of Public Health’s tobacco cessation by working with local public schools to get them to become
Southwest Health District in 2005, the tobacco free. We have seen some success but we know that achieving tobacco
OB/GYN-trained physician has set free schools and greater success in tobacco cessation is a continuing journey.
out to not only tackle pressing issues
in public health, she has aimed to MSM: It appears that you are aiming to address chronic diseases throughout
eradicate them. the community and in every age group. Are there other health issues you would
say are particularly problematic in this area of the state?
Dr. Grant works from Albany, Ga.,
and is responsible for managing all JHG: Yes, one other urgent health issue that I am addressing is infant mortality.
public health programs within a This is a huge issue, especially when you look at Georgia. Given my training
6,000-square-mile, 14-county health and interest in obstetrics, I wrote a March of Dimes grant in 2008 to initiate
district that abuts Alabama to the west and Florida to the south. The area CenteringPregnancy®, a Centering Healthcare Institute program. We were
has a population of 360,000. awarded the grant and have received funding for multiple years. The program
has three primary components: prenatal assessment, education, and support in
Dr. Grant holds a Master of Public Administration degree from Harvard a group setting. In October 2009, we began providing the program in Albany,
University, a Master of Public Health degree from the University of Ga., targeting low-income African Americans. In 2011, we expanded the
Alabama at Birmingham, Ala., and a Doctor of Medicine degree from program to a second site in Ellenton, Ga., a predominantly agricultural region
Morehouse School of Medicine.
Continued on page 8





GivingBack Dr. Raegan Tuff: Driven to Devote Time, Energy,

Expertise and Care to Help People Live Healthy






Raegan A. Tuff, Ph.D., M.P.H., (‘03) is driven to strive for one When viewed in combination, researchers have been able to see that all
overarching goal—empowering others to live holistically. Dr. Tuff can be Americans do not have same opportunity to make choices that will allow them
found teaching graduate courses and spearheading events for nontraditional to live full and healthy lives. Lack of access to basic life necessities like quality
learners, women, and youth. care, clean air, transportation, quality education, fresh fruits and veggies, and
safe physical activity opportunities make it difficult for some blacks to get the
As a senior public health analyst at the Centers for Disease Control and care they need to prevent illness and detect disease.
Prevention, she partners with states and communities to place the bulls
eye on innovative public health projects. She also manages agency-wide MSM: One of your interests is aligned with your dissertation on black women’s
technology solutions that help to track chronic disease prevention activities physical health activities. Talk about your particular interest in that arena and
in all 50 states and Pacific Islands. how you are continuing to focus in that area.


Dr. Tuff is an esteemed graduate of Furman University. A native of Atlanta, RT: My Dissertation is titled, “Her Story: Exploring the Physical Activity
she earned a Ph.D. in Health Promotion & Behavior from the University of Experience of Black Women Using Narrative Methodology,” I developed nine
Georgia College of Public Health. She obtained a Master of Public Health story narratives of black women’s school-age physical activities experiences to
(M.P.H.) degree from Morehouse School of Medicine. She is a member of the understand factors that shape attitudes and engagement during youth.
American Evaluation Association (AEA) and the Society for Public Health
Education (SOPHE). Despite enduring discrimination and carrying a disproportionate public health
burden in almost every disease category when compared to other women,
MSM: You had a burning question when you were a student at MSM and black women have continued to assume major responsibilities – families,
that was why blacks experience so many health challenges. What answers communities, religious and civic organizations at the expense of caring for
have you uncovered in your work? themselves. The consequences for this centuries-long burden have taken their
collective toll on the physical and psychological health of black women.
Raegan Tuff: Unfortunately, minorities such as black Americans do
not fare as well as others in achieving health. I believe the answer lies The absence of physical activity is linked to a large number of chronic diseases
somewhere at the complex intersection of race, class, sex, and gender. (e.g. diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, etc.). Physical activity, as much

Continued on page 8

7

Making A GivingBack
Difference Continued from previous page Continued from previous page


in the district, targeting pregnant Hispanic, migrant workers. We see as anything, is a lifestyle issue, an issue that is often nurtured during youth,
patients from 17 counties in those two sites. There is still a lot of work and yet, has implications throughout the lifespan. As I watch my sisters in
to do but I am pleased that our data looks very promising in terms of spirit at home, church, workplace and society struggle with being physically
improving health outcomes for infants. healthy, it seems that only in understanding their stories in their voice can
we find some of the answers we so desperately need and deserve.
MSM: How did your education at Morehouse School of Medicine prepare
you for the challenges so many communities around the nation are facing MSM: How did MSM prepare you for what you are doing in terms of public
in public health? health, solutions and addressing health disparities?

JHG: What I really enjoyed about my education at Morehouse School of RT: While attending MSM, coursework and fellowships required that I
Medicine was that the instruction brought a public health perspective become proficient in community public health practice and working in
into medical school. It was there that I was really exposed to disparities underserved areas. I often collaborated on small projects to address the
in health and became interested in public health. At MSM, I got a taste of needs of local community members. Establishing connections and working
looking beyond individuals to consider populations as a whole. closely with the professors outside of school exposed me to relevant public
health activities and research in program evaluation, HIV/AIDS, obesity
MSM: What do you like most about what you do in your current role? prevention, and infectious diseases. I developed long lasting relationships
and partnerships that still exist today.
JHG: I like the policy work and the public health work. As a physician,
when you are seeing one patient at a time, you can impact that patient To complete my dissertation research, I returned to one of the underserved
and that patient’s family. However, in policy work, with the stroke of a neighborhoods and community organizations I partnered with during my
pen you can change the course or an outcome for a population, which tenure in the MSM M.P.H. program.
often has a much greater impact than what can be accomplished by seeing
individuals. Of course, I still see patients because it makes me a better During the last year of my Ph.D. program, I learned of a postdoctoral
public health administrator and I love the hands-on clinical work. fellowship at CDC. During my interview, I learned that a couple of the
branch leaders worked closely with me during the completion of my
MSM: It sounds like you really do have a passion for both. What is next practicum in the MSM M.P.H. program. They were impressed with my
for you? work then and hired me for the position. Today, I am a senior public
health analyst. Although I’m not working at community level at CDC, I am
JHG: In July, I am leaving my post here and turning my career in a able to provide knowledge and guidance to state and community health
different direction so that I am able to do more clinical work. I am certain departments to improve public health and evaluation practice.
to bring a public health perspective into my clinical work. I am looking
forward to going to University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to start MSM: What do you mean when you use the term “blue-colored glasses?”
a fellowship in Maternal Fetal Medicine. I will be concentrating on the
areas that I am most passionate about, which are clinical quality and RT: The school’s colors blue and white. By blue colored glasses, I mean
safety, and eliminating racial, ethnic and geographic disparities in seeing the world through the lens that Morehouse School of Medicine
birth outcomes. offered me: serving in underserved populations.
PHOTO







GALLERY











































Top Row: 2014 NMA Conference Hawaii
Middle: Back to School Picnic
Bottom: Alumni Student Mixer
8

Distinguished Alumna




Dr. Bessie Chapman Jones


Lives MSM’s Social




Mission, Gives Back










Bessie Chapman Jones, M.D., M.P.H., (’84) gives Returning to Morehouse School of Medicine an alumna and a physician. She also gives to
Morehouse School of Medicine a tremendous to perform her residency, Jones was the first MSM’s students in countless other ways that are
amount of recognition for helping to make a graduate of its Community Medicine Program making a huge difference.
dream come true that she often doubted would in 1987. She joined the Dekalb County Board
come to fruition. When she was accepted into of Health where she spent the next 20 years “I have two scholarships that I give to students
medical school at age 43 in 1980, she describes practicing medicine in a way that honored at the school annually,” said Jones. “I give
the occasion as being almost unbelievable. Morehouse School of Medicine’s social mission. a scholarship to the Community Medicine
Program, of course, and I gave one through the
The Macon, Ga., native entered Talladega “I practiced in several primary care health clinics Heritage Fund last year.”
College at age 16, and after graduating in 1957, in Dekalb County including family planning,
began work, married and started a family. teen health, hypertension and pediatric clinics Jones added that she is dedicated to helping
However, Jones had a calling that she had long that treated newborns, and I took what I learned the next generation of students graduate with
put on hold and that was to become a physician. at Morehouse School of Medicine all the way.” less debt and hopes that her support will result
When she was accepted into MSM’s third and After working in community health for 10 years in a few more students deciding to be primary
last charter class in 1980, it was the beginning full time and 10 years part time, Jones retired care physicians.
of an opportunity to practice medicine that and joined her husband in traveling to practice
took her from Atlanta to countries across the medicine in underserved communities abroad “There is a real shortage of primary care
seas as she fulfilled the school’s social mission. for several years. physicians practicing in underserved
communities and that is a problem,” she said.
MSM, established in 1975, was initially a two- Throughout her career in Dekalb County and her “I hope that my contributions will help MSM
year program in the basic medical sciences, and travels to serve others as a volunteer physician to close that gap in some way. Whenever and
students were sent to Emory University School around the world, one aspect of Jones’ life never wherever I have time and money, I will help
of Medicine after their first two years. Jones wavered, and that was her commitment to MSM. deserving medical students, and I will always
began classes at Emory in 1982 and graduated She has served on the Admissions Committee for give back to the school that gave me an
from the medical school in 1984, but continued more than 20 years, traveling back to MSM several opportunity to really fulfill my lifetime dream.”
to treasure those two years she spent at times a month to interview prospective students
Morehouse School of Medicine. and lend them the benefit of her experience as














MSMNAA Kevin F. Thomas, M.D.,’92 Anita D. Haugabrook, M.D.,’95


Assistant Secretary/Marketing
President
2014-2016 Leslie R. Holmes, M.D.,’95 B. David Blake, M.D.,’93



OFFICERS President Elect/Vice President Treasurer/Development



Ngozi F. Anachebe, M.D.,’98
Secretary/Marketing Raegan A. Tuff, M.P.H.,’03
Assistant Treasurer/Development








9

LIFETIME DUES MEMBERS




The following alumni elected to pay Lifetime Membership dues. Dues paid of
$1,500 for an individual and $2,750 a couple qualify as lifetime membership in
the MSM National Alumni Association. Members are never again required to
pay annual dues. Lifetime membership dues are designated for MSM scholarship
support. An endowment account will be set up with the provision that only the
interest from the account be awarded annually.









Thomas F. Adams, M.D.,’80 Suzanne Lam, M.D.,’05


Melinda O. Amosu, M.D.,’02 Gossie Heath Mathis, M.D.,’81


James B. Benton, M.D., ‘87 Woodrow W. McWilliams, M.D.,’01


Byron W. Biscoe Jr., M.D.,’87 Rhonda M. Medows, M.D.,’86


Lonnie R. Boaz III, M.D.,’81 Courtney Pettiford, M.D.,’05



Rudolph A. Buckley, M.D.,’92 Debbie D. Phoenix-Hagins, M.D.,’89


Aalok Chandora, M.D.,’07 Wayne J. Riley, M.D.,’93, M.P.H., M.B.A.


Adrienne S. Coker-Evans, M.D.,’98 Kevin L. Scott, M.D.,’93


Tamyra Y. Comeaux, M.D.,’96 Sultan J. Simms, M.D.,’01



Stacey N. Desamours, M.D.,’04 Marcus C. Sims, M.D.,’01


Charlene Dewey- Riley, M.D.,’90 Yolonda M. Smith, M.D.,’03


Jennifer O. Corbitt Freeman, M.D.,’88 John E. Spaulding, M.D.,’92


Gulshan Harjee, M.D.,’80 Ivorie C. Stanley, M.D.,’14, M.P.H.,’09


Angela P. Highbaugh-Battle, M.D.,’04 Janice M. Stewart-Hooks, M.D.,’82



Leslie R. Holmes, M.D.,’95 Stephen Ngwa Tafor, M.D.,’02


W. Steen James, M.D.,’81 Guy A. Williams, M.D.,’82


Loni Elise Jenkins, M.D.,’07 Michael A. Williams, M.D.,’87


Evelyn D. Johnson, M.D.,’87 Terrence R. J. Wise, M.D.,’02


Bessie C. Jones, M.D.,’82 Earl Y. Young, M.D.,’96
















10

SUPPORT


MSM






Your gift has impact.



Donations provide critical support for the
fundamental academic and administrative
operations of the School – by bridging the
gap between tuition and the true costs
of a health professions education.


Your tax-deductible gift will not only assist
an MSM student in financing his or her
education, it will also help increase the
number of physicians in Georgia and
help the vulnerable communities
that MSM students serve.



DONATE ONLINE AT

www.msm.edu/more




Or learn more about supporting MSM:

404-752-1730 | [email protected]


Please make your gift today.
It means more than you know.








11

2015 ALUMNI ACTIVITIES



MAY JUNE OCTOBER
Town Hall Meeting Alumni monthly meeting Alumni monthly meeting
5/5 - 4:00 p.m. 6/9 – 7:00 p.m. 10/13 – 7:00 p.m.
The Louis W. Sullivan National Room #406 – NCPC Room #406 – NCPC
Center for Primary Care Building GSMA Annual Convention
(NCPC)
6/10 – 6/13 NOVEMBER
Alumni monthly meeting Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort Alumni monthly meeting
5/12 – 7:00 p.m. Hilton Head, SC 11/10 – 7:00 p.m.
Room #406 – NCPC Room #406 – NCPC

Delmar Edwards Library Dedication AUGUST
5/15 - 12:30 p.m. NMA Annual Convention DECEMBER
Medical Education Building 8/1 – 8/5 Annual Holiday Breakfast
Atrium Cobo Center 12/5 – 9:00 a.m.
Class Day Detroit, MI Medical Education Building
Lobby
5/15 - 4:00 p.m. Alumni monthly meeting
NCPC 8/11 – 7:00 p.m.

Alumni Reception Room #406 – NCPC
5/15 – 6:00 p.m. Welcome Picnic Visit www.msm.edu
Le Meridien Atlanta Perimeter Date to be determined for a full calendar of events
31st Commencement Exercises Home of Dr. Gulshan Harjee
5/16 – 9:00 a.m.
Martin Luther King Jr. International SEPTEMBER
Chapel at Morehouse College Alumni monthly meeting

Alumni Reception and Dinner 9/8 – 7:00 p.m.
Room #406 – NCPC
5/16 – 6:00 p.m. The “NCPC” is The Louis W. Sullivan National Center
Le Meridien Atlanta Perimeter HeLa Women’s Health Conference for Primary Care Building
9/18 - 9:00 a.m.
NCPC






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Morehouse School of Medicine exists to:
• Improve the health and well-being of individuals and communities
• Increase the diversity of the health professional and scientific workforce
• Address primary health care needs through programs in education, research and service
With emphasis on people of color and the underserved urban and rural populations in Georgia, the nation, and the world.