The 145 names called out in the UMMC Cemetery one day last week represented people with a variety of abilities, backgrounds and personal stories. But their contributions to science carry equal weight. Their gifts were acknowledged during the Medical Center tradition known as a Ceremony of Thanksgiving.

Dr. John Hall, the Arthur C. Guyton Professor and Chair of Physiology and Biophysics, had several turns of fate that led him to his illustrious, 48-year career at UMMC. Chosen by students, Hall shared his wisdom with both future and present educators, scientists and clinicians.

Colby Roberts always knew he wanted a career in health care, but thought dental school might be out of his reach. He took his undergraduate degree in kinesiology to nursing school, earning his bachelor of science in nursing and landing a job in UMMC’s surgical ICU. But dental school still beckoned. He answered the call, and his dream becomes reality this month.

The last two years of the pandemic have been hard, and it’s not over yet. Medical Center leaders want to show employees how meaningful their work is, and to invite them to take a breath and salute each other during Employee Appreciation Week, which starts Sunday, May 8.

When Lauren Burch cares for her patients, she knows how they feel during a medical crisis. The School of Nursing graduate became an RN while battling cancer.

Medical Center faculty and staff often are recognized regionally, nationally and internationally for their academic or medical achievements. These accolades place UMMC among health science centers worldwide.

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 May 2 – 8.