From medical student to surgeon to education leader and more, Dr. Ralph Didlake has been a part of, or associated with, the Medical Center in some way for almost three decades. Now, some nine years after taking on the job he thought he would fill for less than half that time, he’s ready to call it a day. “It’s been a great run,” he said.

The drug Evusheld can be a boon for patients who are immunocompromised and unable to build antibodies against COVID-19, despite being vaccinated and boosted. However, too few people are stepping up to receive the therapy that could save their lives or protect them from severe illness should they be sickened by the virus. UMMC has a full stock of Evusheld and stands ready to give it to those who qualify.

The Southeastern Conference recognized Dr. Rob Rockhold, deputy chief academic officer at UMMC, for his outstanding contributions to scholarship and research. With the award, he becomes the University of Mississippi’s nominee for SEC Professor of the Year, who will be named March 30.

Reports from Ukraine may have children asking questions or voicing their concerns. Parents can strengthen bonds with their children by acknowledging their worries and answering questions in honest and age-appropriate ways, experts in pediatrics and mental health say.

School of Dentistry 1995 grad Dr. Tim Ricks has devoted his life to service to his country. As the nation’s top oral health official, the chief dental officer in the U.S. Public Health Service, Ricks is a champion of oral health care. That extends to his position as deputy director of the Indian Health Service (IHS) Division of Oral Health.

The Medical Center extends its sympathy to the family of a former faculty member in appreciation for the loved one’s contributions to the academic health sciences center.

Several interesting events are scheduled for the upcoming week at the Medical Center.

Medical Center leadership is proud to acknowledge those employees who will celebrate service anniversaries during the week of March 28 - April 3.