Jackson State University Coach Deion Sanders and Virgil Miller, incoming president of Aflac U.S., surprised patients and families at the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Children’s of Mississippi with My Special Aflac Ducks designed with cancer and sickle cell patients in mind.

Dr. Shou-Ching Tang, associate director of the Cancer Center and Research Institute, has conducted seven Phase 1 trials and dozens of Phase II and Phase III trials at UMMC, bringing millions in funding and international recognition in breast cancer research to the Medical Center.

Lung cancer is so lethal because it’s most often diagnosed after it’s spread and more difficult to cure. Early detection is key, and the Medical Center on Nov. 12 is offering low-dose CT screening as part of National Lung Cancer Screening Day.

Physician burnout and struggles with faculty work-life balance is a nationwide concern, and UMMC is no exception. But thanks to the Medical Center’s Office of Well-being and its Everyday Wellness efforts, UMMC has been recognized by the American Medical Association with its Joy in Medicine designation. It’s bestowed on health organizations engaged in improving physician satisfaction and reducing burnout.

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 October 24 - 30.