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Recent News Stories from UMMC News

For a complete list of our news articles, please use the site navigation to the left. Past news articles can be found according to their publication month and in the order of their publication date, starting with earliest to latest in that particular month.

We hope you find what you are looking for regarding achievements, accomplishments and advancements at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. For more information, contact the Office of Communications and Marketing.

Ashley Castle shares a laugh with her transplant team, from left, Dr. Chris Anderson, Dr. Praise Matemavi and Dr. Mark Earl.

A first for Mississippi, a second chance for UMMC patient with rare type of cancer

Monday, August 3, 2026

Ashley Castle’s successful liver transplant — believed to be the first in Mississippi for hilar cholangiocarcinoma, a rare form of cancer — reflects the strength of UMMC’s expertise. Read More

Before competing for the Miss Mississippi title, Morgan Nelson was crowned Miss Starkville 2026. She has also held the titles of Miss Vicksburg 2023 and 2025, and Miss Mississippi State University 2024, representing her communities and university throughout her pageant journey.

UMMC student connects beauty pageants to medicine

Monday, August 3, 2026

Moments after being named first runner-up, the Vicksburg native Morgan Nelson traded evening gowns and rehearsals for orientation and anatomy, stepping into a new role that she hopes will have an even greater impact on the lives of others. Read More

The former Greenwood Leflore Hospital now bears the UMMC Greenwood name following its Aug. 1 changeover to UMMC, becoming part of Mississippi's only academic medical center and expanding access to health care throughout the Delta.

UMMC Greenwood preserves access to health care in the Delta region

UMMC Greenwood is opening a new chapter for health care in the Mississippi Delta. By bringing the former Greenwood Leflore Hospital into Mississippi's only academic medical center, the transition preserves vital local services while expanding access to specialized care, medical expertise and long-term stability for the region.

Published on Monday, August 3, 2026

Nurse practitioner Barbara Herring talks with patient Fershurn Stanford of Canton at the UMMC Cancer Center and Research Institute's high-risk breast cancer clinic.

High risk for breast cancer calls for increased screening at CCRI clinic

At the Cancer Center and Research Institute, a specialized clinic is giving high‑risk patients the structure, support and advanced screening they need to stay ahead of breast cancer.

Published on Monday, July 27, 2026

Wesley Smith, chief nursing officer at Children's of Mississippi, poses for a photo in the Children's executive suite.

Front and Center: Wesley Smith

For more than a decade, Wesley Smith has cared for Mississippi's children and families in different roles across Children's of Mississippi. Now, as chief nursing officer, he leads the nursing organization he has grown alongside, bringing a deep understanding of the people, purpose and culture that define the children’s hospital.

Published on Monday, July 27, 2026

Medical Hall of Fame inductees, from left include Stephanie Chapman (wife of Dr. Stanley Chapman), Dr. Fred Ingram, Dr. Michael Mansour, Dr. James (Jim) Rayner and Dr. Hannah Gay.

School of Medicine honors alumni leaders during 2026 reunion weekend

Hundreds of alumni, faculty and friends returned to the University of Mississippi Medical Center to celebrate the School of Medicine's 2026 Alumni Reunion, honoring the Class of 1976 Golden Graduates and recognizing physicians whose leadership, research and service have left a lasting impact on medicine in Mississippi and beyond.

Published on Monday, July 27, 2026

Every year, members of the School of Medicine incoming class receive their white coats, marking a significant milestone in their medical education and symbolizing their commitment to patient care, professionalism and the journey ahead as physicians-in-training.

UMMC School of Medicine grows class size to address physician shortage

Published on Monday, July 20, 2026

Dr. Hiram Gatewood has been a member of the UMMC School of Dentistry faculty for 45 years.

Front and Center: Dr. Hiram Gatewood

Published on Monday, July 20, 2026

Dr. Thomas Skelton Jr., an adult cardiologist at UMMC, examines Barth syndrome patient Jordan McDade during a multidisciplinary clinic visit, where specialists collaborate to develop a coordinated, personalized care plan.

UMMC transforms rare disease diagnosis and care through collaboration

Published on Monday, July 20, 2026

Leafy greens such as iceberg lettuce have been identified as a likely source of a spike this summer in cases of cyclosporiasis.

UMMC experts explain what to know about gastrointestinal illness

Published on Monday, July 20, 2026

Image for 2025-2026 UMMC Promotions and Tenure

2025-2026 UMMC Promotions and Tenure

Published on Monday, July 13, 2026

Will Appleby, manager of MED-COM, stands in the emergency transfer center of Mississippi MED-COM.

Front and Center: Will Appleby

Published on Monday, July 13, 2026

Dr. Tim Yen, assistant professor of medicine and nephrologist,  takes measurements of April Harris of Jackson during her hospital visit. Yen's research aims to develop safer, more personalized approaches to managing fluid levels during dialysis.

Federal programs transform health research in Mississippi

Published on Monday, July 13, 2026

Jim Kennedy, chairman emeritus of Cox Enterprises, has made a $5 million personal gift to It's About Time: The Campaign for the UMMC Cancer Center and Research Institute.

From hunter to advocate: Jim Kennedy gives $5M to strengthen cancer care at UMMC

Published on Monday, July 6, 2026

Learning incubating techniques, Victor Diaz-Ornelas, a first-year student in the PROMISE Program, receives hands-on training from Dr. Jessie Harvey, associate professor in the School of Medicine’s Pulmonary Division, alongside three other program participants, Luz Luna, Bryant Lewis and Madison Howard during an early clinical learning experience.

UMMC PROMISE Program opens doors for future physicians from across Mississippi

Published on Monday, July 6, 2026

Laurie McHenry, nurse educator, spins the safety wheel for a chance to win prizes as the wheel made a stop at 3 Wiser as part of Patient Safety Week activities in 2024.

UMMC aims for the goal during Patient Safety Week

Published on Monday, July 6, 2026

Alice Chaney Herndon is fighting cancer while serving as director of adult nursing services, a job she loves.

Front and Center: Alice Chaney Herndon

Published on Monday, June 29, 2026

Dr. Mary Taylor, Suzan B. Thames Chair and CEO of Children’s of Mississippi; Dr. Brad Ingram, McCarty Chair of Neurology; and Dr. LouAnn Woodward, vice chancellor for health affairs, pose together at the naming celebration for Ingram.

Ingram named McCarty Chair of Neurology

Published on Monday, June 29, 2026

Ransom Paul, 4, alongside his family, jumps for joy with Ann Skelton, program director of mental health services, during the bean bag toss at the NICU reunion at the children's hospital.

Photos: NICU reunion brings former patients, families back to Children's of Mississippi

Published on Monday, June 29, 2026

Camia White, a student in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program, acts as a mock patient during Acute Care in Physical Therapy II class in the PT lab with fellow PT student Drew Horton.

Programs in physical therapy, nursing to expand in Oxford

Published on Monday, June 22, 2026

Jean Adams is pictured with Fred Adams on a trip to Prague.

CCRI receives $10M gift from philanthropist Jean Morris Adams in honor of late son and best friend

Published on Monday, June 22, 2026

Photos: A magical day at Children's of Mississippi

Published on Monday, June 22, 2026

Celebratory cheers erupt as the Magnet Recognition Program Commission reveals Children's of Mississippi's Magnet recognition.

Children's of Mississippi achieves Magnet recognition, earns seven exemplars

Published on Wednesday, June 17, 2026

Research is an essential part of studies for Cancer Biology and Therapeutics students Rhea Kishore and Landon Wiggins.

New cancer biology and therapeutics PhD program approved at UMMC

Published on Monday, June 15, 2026

Photos: Ole Miss Rebels football brings joy and encouragement to Children’s of Mississippi

Published on Monday, June 15, 2026