Representatives of UMMC earn top national and statewide awards

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.

Darby is radiology organization’s national winner; semifinalists from UMMC also named 

Ashley Darby, executive director of health system clinical operationsfor the University of Mississippi Medical Center, is the winner of a national award recognizing excellence in radiology. 

AuntMinnie.com, described on its website as “the first comprehensive community internet site for radiologists and related professionals in the medical imaging industry,” also named three UMMC educators as semifinalists in other categories as part of the organization’s annual campaign to recognize the best and brightest in medical imaging. 

For her recent role as director of imaging services for the UMMC Department of Radiology, Darby was named by AuntMinnie.com as the 2025 Most Effective Radiology Administrator/Manager.  

For the Most Effective Radiology Educator category, Dr. Tanya Moseley, professor of radiology in the School of Medicine, was a semifinalist.  

Also named semifinalists, for Most Effective Radiologic Sciences Educator, were Dr. Kristi Moore, professor and chair of the radiologic sciences program in the School of Health Related Professions, and Dr. Asher Street Beam, professor of education in that same program.  

Referring to her award, Darby told Aunt Minnie, “This recognition reflects the work of many, not one. Success in health care is never an individual achievement – it’s shared, supported and strengthened by every voice at the table.  

“Progress for us in imaging services at UMMC has been and will continue to be built on our people.” 

Darby received the Minnie Award after two rounds of voting on over 100 nominees in 15 categories this year. In 2024, she made it to the finalist stage for Most Effective Radiology Administrator/Manager as well. 

“The department’s national recognition has increased dramatically over the past few years, and much of this is clearly attributed to [Darby’s] terrific leadership,” said Dr. Richard Duszak, UMMC chair of radiology.  

Darby has a clinical background in diagnostic radiology, computerized tomography (CT), general ultrasound and vascular ultrasound. A certified Six Sigma Green Belt, she is affiliated with the Mississippi Chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives.  

She holds a master’s degree in business administration specializing in project management, and a master’s degree in health administration, both from Louisiana State University Shreveport. 

For her part, Moseley earned her medical degree at the University of Iowa College of Medicine in 1994. She completed her residency in diagnostic radiology at the Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Medicine in Rochester, Minnesota, where she also completed a clinical fellowship in mammography and thoracic imaging. She is the Department of Radiology’s vice chair of faculty development, division chief of breast imaging, and breast imaging fellowship director. 

Moore earned her PhD in Clinical Health Sciences in 2013 from UMMC. An educator since 2003, she has served in various roles for the Department of Radiologic Sciences including chair since 2015. 

Street earned a Doctor of Health Administration in 2017 at UMMC. She joined SHRP’s Department of Radiologic Sciences in 2013 and led the development and implementation of a post-baccalaureate certificate program in magnetic resonance imaging and oversaw its transition to a master's degree level.  

Leaders, faculty and students at the University of Mississippi Medical Center received a number of awards and honors from the Mississippi Psychological Association during its annual convention. 

The MPA, which is committed to advancing psychology as a science and a profession, honored the following during its September event in Biloxi:  

Dr. Penni Foster, professor of family medicine, director of the Office of Academic Engagement and Office of Academic Affiliations, was named an MPA fellow.  

Dr. Natalie Gaughf, assistant vice chancellor for academic affairs, received the C.D. Gaston Spirit of MPA Award, which recognizes an MPA member who embodies the organization through commitment to leadership, mentorship, legislative advocacy and more.  

Dr. Cynthia Karlson, professor of pediatrics and director of inpatient pediatric psychology for Children’s of Mississippi, received the Distinguished Scientific Contribution Award for her research in psychology. 

Karlson was also senior investigator for the team that took first place in the Student Data Blitz Research category. Other members of the team associated with UMMC were Andrea Golden, an affiliated student from Jackson State University and a clinical psychology doctoral student; Dr. Jacob Daniels, assistant professor of physical therapy in the School of Health Related Professions; Dr. Alyssa Bradford, assistant professor of physical therapy in SHRP; and Dr. Shuying Lin, associate professor of physical therapy in SHRP.  

Also part of the team were Dr. Zikiya Carter, who recently received her Doctor of Physical Therapy at UMMC; Dr. Kristen Qualls, who recently completed her pediatric PT residency at UMMC; and Dr. Caylie Blair, recently a sports PT resident at UMMC.