University of Tennessee Health Science Center

Gregory Vidal, MD, PhD, and Janeane N. Anderson, PhD, MPH, are launching a study to investigate why Black women in Memphis are twice as likely to die from breast cancer compared to other demographics. This new study aims to explore the factors that motivate some women to seek immediate cancer treatment while others do not, including potential barriers to accessing care. Read MLK50's story on their research and how the duo is trying to improve outcomes for women throughout the mid-south: https://mlk50.com/2024/12/23/more-than-others-black-women-die-from-all-types-of-breast-cancer-survivors-are-fighting-to-reverse-the-trend/

More than others, Black women die from all types of breast cancer. Survivors are fighting to reverse the trend Marian Fryer sits for a portrait in the waiting room of the Baptist Women’s Health Center. Photo by Andrea Morales for MLK50 The last time Marian Fryer’s friend told her she wanted yet anothe…

A couple of our University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry students had some fun in the snow!

“The Rural Health Certificate program has changed many of my views on rural health in TN. To begin, it has enhanced my knowledge of the struggles that many people go through. One of the main areas is a lack of healthcare access. This is due to few healthcare professionals wanting to practice in these areas and people having unreliable transportation methods. Also, it has shown me that this is an area of pharmacy where I could have a large impact in the community, as a local pharmacist can provide education on not only prescriptions but also on healthy lifestyle factors.” Jack Crider, P3 PharmD Student, UT Health Science Center College of Pharmacy

Read more from Crider about his experience in the program at: https://bit.ly/4h5mlXX

The Rural Health Certificate promotes access to health care and pharmacy services in rural areas. It prepares future pharmacists at the UT Health Science Center College of Pharmacy with the expertise needed to practice in diverse rural health care settings by incorporating pharmacy curricula, experiential learning, and rural pharmacy partnerships. This post is part of a series highlighting the benefits of the Rural Health Certificate program to our students.

The University of Tennessee Relative Caregiver Program (RCP) has provided support for caregivers throughout Shelby county by providing them access to supportive services geared toward self-sufficiency and stability to ensure the child is able to stay within the family instead of entering foster care. Learn more about the Shelby County Relative Caregiver Program through Nashville Public Television's video highlighting the program: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60ImXGjalcs

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren | Aging Matters | Nashville PBS In 2023, more than 2 million U.S. grandparents were responsible for their grandchildren. These circumstances are often born of tragedy, and research shows th...

Therapeutic Optimization of Stiripentol for Dravet Syndrome: James Wheless, MD, FAAP, FAAN, FAES The Le Bonheur Chair in Pediatric Neurology at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center highlighted the benefits and challenges of using stiripentol, an FDA-approved treatment for Dravet syndrome. [WATCH TIME: 4 minutes]

In downtown Manchester, Tennessee, Baker Brother’s Drugs, run by University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Pharmacy alumna Sara Adams, PharmD, has maintained its authentic feel with old-school bottles, décor, and other implements while continuing to provide care to the Manchester community.

“It’s like walking into a museum. The historic, old-school charm needs to be respected and preserved. If I don’t preserve it, then it will be lost,” said Adams.

Read more about this historic pharmacy and its impact on the community: https://news.uthsc.edu/alumna-leads-with-personalized-care-at-her-hometown-pharmacy/

Jimmie Mancell, MD has served as professor in the College of Medicine for 19 years and has remained focused on the supervision of medical students, residents, and fellows training! His work combining athletics and medicine has allowed countless athletes to continue to perform at their peak.

Dr. Jimmie Mancell (UTM '90), a physician at the Campbell Clinic treats patients at all levels. From high school and college athletes to helping manage the NBA “bubble” protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic, Mancell aims to keep his patients in the game. His connection to athletics and some of the top names in sports came as a sidebar to his successful medical career.

Read more about this feature at https://campusscene.utm.edu/2025/01/the-doctor-is-always-in/.

In 1992, College of Medicine's Brion Randolph, MD, was named as the first Black drum major in the more than 150 years since the University of Tennessee marching band had been founded. Today, Dr. Randolph serves as a hematologic oncologist and stem cell transplant physician specializing in the care of patients with blood cancers and remains one of the three Black drum majors in the history of the University of Tennessee marching band!

UT's three Black drum majors all have ties to Memphis There have only been three Black drum majors in the more than 150 years since the University of Tennessee marching band was founded.

Associate Professor Jami Smith Brown, DHEd, MSN, RN, CNN, FANNA, has been selected as an inaugural Fellow of the American Nephrology Nurses Association (FANNA). The induction for ANNA’s first fellowship cohort will be May 2, 2025. Dr. Brown also is a member of the Founding Council for the program, which is vital to shaping the future of the fellowship. Congratulations to Dr. Brown on this honor, which recognizes her longtime leadership in nephrology nursing. In addition to being a fellow, Dr. Brown is also national secretary of the ANNA Board of Directors.

Beckman’s Prescription Shop has been a trusted part of the Murfreesboro community for more than 50 years and as one of the few independently owned pharmacies in downtown Murfreesboro it continues to make an impact for the surrounding community. University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Pharmacy alumni Keith Beckman, PharmD, and Shannon Beckman, PharmD, are dedicated to carrying on this legacy, by providing personalized care to rural communities across the region.

Discover more about their work and how our alumni are making a difference in health care access statewide: https://news.uthsc.edu/alumni-carry-forward-caring-legacy-of-beckmans-prescription-shop-in-murfreesboro/

Welcome to campus, PA1's! 💚🧡

University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Pharmacy alumnus Ted Lyons, PharmD, and his wife Merica Lyons, PharmD, founded ShotRx to support underserved areas with low vaccination rates and limited health care access. By working with UT Health Science Center student pharmacists, ShotRx aims to provide care through education and community trust.

“We might only vaccinate 50 patients and provide health care to 10 people in this community, but we will impact everyone who comes here. Whether housed or unhoused, every individual matters. Through education, we can help them identify early issues like elevated blood pressure, hypertension, and diabetes,” said Dr. Lyons.

Learn more about ShotRx's mission and the vital role our College of Pharmacy alumni play statewide: https://news.uthsc.edu/community-pharmacy-series-alumni-serve-with-compassion-and-innovation-across-tennessee/

Even in the operating room, we’re cheering for the Vols! Good luck Tennessee Football tomorrow in Columbus!