Thank You!
We’d like to extend a special “thanks” to so many of you who’ve sent acknowledgments and compliments on our new publication, North Dakota MEDICINE. We greatly appreciate your readership and will continue to improve upon the publication.
The Buck Starts Here!
One of my goals when I became the dean here was to strengthen the ties between the medical school and the health of the children of our state. As a pediatrician, I know the value of early education on proper diet and exercise. Recent studies have shown that nearly two-thirds of Americans are overweight - and the likelihood of obesity is greater if weight is a factor as a child. Nancy Vogeltanz-Holm, Ph.D., has established a successful and recognized program aimed at reducing obesity and cardiovascular risks in the children in rural North Dakota. Read more about this here.
The Tradition Continues!
April and May have been busy months. Associate Dean for Student Affairs Judy DeMers led a team through the interview process to finalize and select members for the Class of 2010. The process is highly competitive, with four applicants interviewed for every student accepted.
Second-year students will begin third- and fourth-year rotations this summer. We were notified recently that 15 percent of this group scored in the top 1 percent in the nation on Step One of the National Board examination (included more than 17,000 medical students).
Fourth-year students returned to campus for their senior colloquium, followed by graduation ceremonies on May 6. About half of this class has chosen a primary care field as their specialty.
And Not Just Physicians!
The health sciences continue to grow and expand their offerings which further advance the school. A doctorate in physical therapy is now offered, and a master’s of both the occupational therapy and physician assistants studies programs are now available.
Strength in Research
When I visit with alumni around the country they are often surprised to learn that the majority of the medical research conducted in North Dakota is housed at the School of Medicine and Health Sciences. A strong research program complements a strong medical education program. At UND we focus on the diseases that affect the citizens of this region, and have some of the finest basic scientists and researchers in the nation, including Ed Carlson, Ph.D., a specialist in diabetes research who was recently awarded the Chester Fritz Disinguished Professorship.
If you’re in the neighborhood this summer, please stop by. We’d be happy to see you!
H. David Wilson, M.D.
Vice President for Health Affairs and Dean
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