Pediatric Update Newsletter - Winter 2024 - University of Mississippi Medical Center

A Message from the Chair

The Department of Pediatrics at the University of Mississippi Medical Center always has a full calendar, and the past several months have been no exception. Throughout our department, medical education, research and care fill the days of our faculty members as we work to improve the quality of pediatric care for Mississippi’s children.

The Department of Pediatrics welcomes new faculty

The Department of Pediatrics welcomes new faculty members to the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

Calendar of Events

Department of Pediatrics Grand Rounds, the Mississippi Miracles Radiothon and Run the Rainbow for Children's are just a few of the upcoming events.

Ashanti Blockmon gets to sit atop a horse with a little help from the Mississippi Highway Patrol.

Photos: Mardi Gras parade at Children’s of Mississippi

Monday, February 12, 2024

Laissez les bons temps rouler! The Mississippi Department of Public Safety brought its annual Mardi Gras parade to Children’s of Mississippi Feb. 7. First Lady Elee Reeves and Miss Mississippi Vivian O’Neal were among those throwing beads to spectators of all ages, and law enforcement officers on horseback and motorcycles were part of the fun.

Kennedi Jackson gets a kiss from mom Kashanta Jackson as dad Tyrone Jackson looks on.

Gene therapy offers hope for sickle cell patients

Monday, January 22, 2024

Two Children’s of Mississippi patients are among the youngest to have participated in clinical trials for two gene therapy options for treatment of sickle cell disease that were approved by the FDA in December. Both teens are enjoying activities that wouldn’t have been easy for them prior to treatment.

Belhaven presents Dr. Jarrett Morgan with STEM Distinction Award

Dr. Jarrett Morgan, assistant professor of pediatrics and internal medicine at UMMC, is the recipient of the STEM Distinction Award from Belhaven University.

Department of Pediatrics Honored at Pillars Awards

The Department of Pediatrics received an honorable mention for the Espirit De Corps Award as part of 2024 Pillars: Recognition of Service and Inclusive Excellence sponsored by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion.

School nurse Christin Streif uses a scope to allow a physician to view Warren Central student Jaxson Wilson's throat during a telehealth visit.

Expanded care fuels school-based telehealth growth

Monday, February 12, 2024

More students in Mississippi public schools are getting the medical and behavioral health care they need, thanks to the Center for Telehealth at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. The program, funded by the Mississippi Department of Education, has grown from serving four school districts to 73.

March 13 Grand Rounds

“Wild Animals I Have Known: Alpha-Gal Syndrome, the Three C’s and Other Tangential Tales” will be presented by Barrett H. Barnes, MD, associate professor of pediatrics and program director of the pediatric gastroenterology fellowship program at the University of Virginia, from noon to 1 p.m. on March 13 in the S123 Conference Room at UMMC or via WebEx.

Ava Clarke Edney, with her mom, Shala Edney, by her side, speaks during her announcement as the state's 2024 Children's Miracle Network Hospitals Champion.

2024 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Champion Ava Clarke Edney celebrating differences

Monday, February 5, 2024

A Children’s of Mississippi patient since infancy, Ava Clarke will represent the state’s only children’s hospital and its many patients. Advocating for greater acceptance of the differences that make each person unique will be a facet of her year as Champion.

Children's of Mississippi patient Samuel Farve of Sumrall adds color to a creature while child life specialist Allyson Holliman looks on.

Laughs 4 Life creates fun space for Children’s of Mississippi patients

Sunday, January 8, 2023

An annual comedy show in Hattiesburg has given Children’s of Mississippi patients a great reason to smile. The Laughs 4 Life Smile Room in the Batson Tower of the state’s only children’s hospital is now open, giving them a fun, interactive place to play during hospital stays.

Applauding the $1 million donation to Friends of Children's Hospital from Century Club Charities are, from left, Pic Billingsley, senior vice president and general manager of retail sales for Wayne-Sanderson Farms; Dr. Mary Taylor, Suzan B. Thames Chair and professor of pediatrics; Phillip Carpenter, Century Club Charities president; Dr. LouAnn Woodward, vice chancellor for health affairs and dean of the School of Medicine; Kristin Allen, Friends of Children's Hospital board chair; Steve Jent, Sanderson Farms Championship executive director; and Hilary Burroughs, director of marketing for Wayne-Sanderson Farms.

Sanderson Farms Championship host organization donates $1M to benefit Children’s of Mississippi

Tuesday, December 12, 2023

Century Club Charities donated $1 million to Friends of Children’s Hospital, marking the 10th year its donation to benefit Children’s of Mississippi has been $1 million or more. The announcement was made Tuesday at the Kathy and Joe Sanderson Tower, the expansion that Century Club’s donations helped build.

Winter 2024