LITTLE ROCK – Kevin Raney, Ph.D., a scientist who has studied enzymes that help build and maintain the body’s DNA, has been named chairman of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) College of Medicine.

 

Raney, a native Arkansan, joined the UAMS faculty in 1995, becoming a full professor in 2007. From 2002-2007, he led the UAMS Proteomics Core Facility, which hosted research into the changes of proteins in the body’s cells. His appointment is effective June 1. He succeeds the late Alan Elbein, Ph.D., who died in November 2009 after serving as chairman for nearly two decades.

 

He has authored 47 peer-reviewed manuscripts and eight review articles and is principal investigator on three National Institutes of Health research grants. His research interests include nucleic acid metabolism, viral genome replication, single molecule enzymology, proteomics and the use of nanoparticles for biological applications.

 

 Raney earned his doctorate in organic chemistry in 1992 at Vanderbilt University. Prior to that, he received a bachelor’s degree with distinction in chemistry from Hendrix College in Conway.

 

He is a member of the American Chemical Society, American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

 

LITTLE ROCK – Anthony Baker has been named director of the Division of Diagnostic Medical Sonography in the Department of Imaging and Radiation Sciences in the College of Health Related Professions at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS).

 

Baker has served as an instructor and clinical coordinator in the Division of Diagnostic Medical Sonography since 2000, coordinating clinical rotations for the program’s students and teaching numerous courses. An Air Force veteran, he received his master’s degree in education in 2004 from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

 

Baker was class president for the first diagnostic medical sonography class at UAMS, graduating in 1997. Prior to his UAMS faculty appointment, Baker worked as a clinical instructor at Baptist Health Medical Center in Little Rock.

 

He is a member of the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography and a member of the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers Examination Development Task Force for Sonographic Principles and Instrumentation.

 

LITTLE ROCK – A Rogers couple has pledged $3 million to the Harvey & Bernice Jones Eye Institute at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) to establish the Leland and Betty Tollett Center for Retinal and Ophthalmic Genetics Disorders.

 

 The Tolletts’ gift will provide the resources to finish out the eighth floor of the Jones Eye Institute to house the center, which will include diagnostic and treatment space, low vision and rehabilitation space, clinical research and database facilities. Basic research will continue on the third floor and will be expanded to include basic genetic research.

 

 John P. Shock, M.D., distinguished professor and founding director of the Jones Eye Institute, said there have been major discoveries in the knowledge of retinal disorders and ocular genetics in the past decade, prompting the need for the new center.

 

The new discoveries along with new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies have provided exciting opportunities for the prevention of vision loss said Shock and when taking into account that in the next decade or so the number of patients with serious ocular conditions will double due to our growing aging population, the timing for developing a Retinal and Ophthalmic Genetic Disorders Center is ideal.

 

Leland Tollett, a former two-time chief executive officer and chairman of the board of Tyson Foods Inc. of Springdale, decided to make this gift because of his lifelong interest in eye care.

 

Jones Eye Institute leaders agree that the new center has the potential to be a magnet for attracting patients and families from across the region.

 

The gift will go a long way in helping to make the Jones Eye Institute a premiere comprehensive eye center for cutting-edge genetics research and treatment according to Christopher Westfall, M.D., chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology and director of the Jones Eye Institute.

 

Shock said the eighth floor renovation project will take up to 18 months, and that the Jones Eye Institute already has the team in place to help the new center grow.

 

Arkansas Hospice is excited to announce that Dr. David Hall has joined its team as a staff hospice physician. Dr. Hall will be making pre-hospice visits to patients and families in the Little Rock and North Little Rock areas.

 

Dr. Hall comes to Arkansas Hospice from St. Vincent Health System, where he was the Chief medical Medical Officer and Senior Vice President for Medical Affairs for more than 10 years. Dr. Hall has been a huge supporter of hospice and palliative care since attending a conference sponsored by the Center to Advance Palliative Care. During his time at St. Vincent, Dr. Hall helped start the palliative care program, which was one of the first in Arkansas.

 

Dr. Hall hopes to add support and comfort to patients and their families during the end-of-life stages, an area in medicine that is little understood by many physicians and the public.

 

Sparks Health System is pleased to announce that Dr. Katherine Irish-Clardy will be Sparks Health System’s Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Clardy is certified by the American Board of Family Practice, and has been affiliated with Sparks since 2001. She has served on various Sparks’ committees, and received numerous awards including a Certificate of Congressional Recognition from the U.S. House of Representatives for Service to Victims of Hurricane Katrina.

 

Also, Sharon McMillan has been appointed as Spark Health System’s Director of Laboratory effective June 14. McMillan brings a proven record of success as a Director of Laboratories with 30 years of experience. She graduated from the University of Texas Medical Branch with a Bachelor of Science in Technology, American College of Pathologist Registry, and University of Arkansas Fort Smith, Lean Six Sigma Certification.

 

Patti Kirby has accepted the position of Assistant Director of Laboratory effective June 14. Patti has been with Sparks for 30 years.

 

The appointment of Dr. Cygnet Schroeder as Medical Director of Case/Resource Management.

 

Dr. Cygnet Schroeder has been appointed as Medical Director of Case/Resource Management. Dr. Schroeder’s duties will include rounding to identify utilization issues while interacting with medical staff, managed care providers, assisting Risk Management with observation issues, reviewing and evaluating various reports and costs.