Welcome to News in Brief
Welcome to the December issue of News in Brief. This newsletter is published bi-monthly to feature what is happening in Rural Health Education and Services at the KU Medical Center. For more information contact Lorene Valentine at lvalenti@kumc.edu
Kansas Bridging Plan Deadline Approaching
The December 31st deadline for first and second year residents to participate in the Kansas Bridging Plan is quickly approaching. Resident physicians in family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, or med peds, can apply either in the Rural Health office or on the Rural Health Web site at http://ruralhealth.kumc.edu/kbp/residents.html. Loans will be awarded to applicants in the order in which the applications are received. For more information, contact Joyce Tibbals, jtibbals@kumc.edu.
Rural Health Education and Services Announces the Promotion of Andrea Ellis
Andrea (Andee) Ellis has been promoted from Sr. Coordinator to Assistant Director of Rural Health Education and Services. Andee served in her former role for 4 years. She will continue to head up the Kansas Locum Tenens and Kansas Medical Resource Programs. Both programs are designed to provide interim medical coverage in Kansas. In addition, she will take on more executive tasks. Andee is a key player in the success of Rural Health Education and Services. You may reach Andee at 913-588-1228 or aellis2@kumc.edu.
Andrea Ellis Prepares for Maternity Leave
Andrea (Andee) Ellis, assistant director, Rural Health Education and Services will be taking maternity leave in January and will return in April. During her absence Marinn Rank will continue to fill temporary coverage requests for Kansas Locum Tenens and Kansas Medical Resource. Marinn can be contacted at 316-293-2649, toll-free 888-503-4221, or mrank@kumc.edu.
Rural Health Education and Services Welcomes New Staff Members
Marena Frazier has joined Rural Health as the writing and marketing coordinator and will focus on the Kansas Connections publication. She will also support the marketing efforts of the department and of the University of Kansas Medical Center’s External Affairs, Area Health Education Centers, and Center for Telemedicine and Telehealth. Contact Marena directly at mfrazier@kumc.edu Welcome to RHES, Marena!
Kansas Recruitment Center Welcomes New Placement
The Kansas Recruitment Center (KRC) and Rural Health Education and Services is pleased to announce the placement of a physician assistant to Lincoln County Hospital. To date, KRC has assisted in placing 43 health care providers in rural communities across the state. For more information about KRC, contact Lauren Lambert, llambert2@kumc.edu.
RHES Attended the Winter External Affairs Retreat in Kansas City
On Dec. 7 the RHES staff gathered in Overland Park for the annual winter retreat. At this event Sarah Guinn was the guest speaker with a presentation titled, “Living the Vision.” Each department also held their presentations which were a mix of hilarious skits, including song and dance. Ryan Smith of the Kansas City JayDoc Clinic spoke on the important of the clinic before accepting donated items made by external affairs staff for both the Kansas City and Wichita JayDoc Clinics. The retreat ended with inspiring words from David Adkins, Vice Chancellor of External Affairs.
Kansas Locum Tenens Accepting 2008 Coverage Requests
Kansas Locum Tenens is now accepting service requests for 2008. Interested physicians or organizations may submit a Service Order Form to Rural Health Education and Services to initiate the service. Thank you and happy holidays to all Locum Tenens providers and clients. For more information regarding Locum Tenens, contact Andee Ellis, aellis@kumc.edu.
Rural Health Attended Kansas Hospital Association Conference
Rural Health staff exhibited at the Kansas Hospital Association (KHA) conference in Wichita, Kan., on Nov. 13 -14, 2007. This conference provided an opportunity to showcase programs and services offered through the Rural Health office.
Kansas Recruitment Center Receives Marketing Award
The Kansas Recruitment Center received an Award of Merit at the 2007 Emerald Awards presentation on Nov. 14 in Wichita for the “Take a Closer Look Campaign.” The Emerald Awards is an annual Awards Ceremony presented by the Kansas Association of Health Care Communicators (KAHCC). The ceremony was held in conjunction with the Kansas Hospital Association’s Conference in Wichita.
Rural Health Staff Member Receives Ally Award
Susan Belden, office coordinator, received the Ally Award at the University of Kansas External Affairs holiday retreat for her superior work on projects that go beyond her usual work load. Recently, Belden completed extensive planning for the Summit on Enhancing Primary Care for Kansas. RHES would like to thank Susan for her hard work; she is an invaluable part of the team.
Rural Health Visits with Residents and Residency Programs
On Nov. 28 Rural Health staff spoke to the Internal Medicine Residents in Wichita during the lunch hour. This visit gave residents the opportunity to learn about the programs offered by Rural Health Education and Services.
On Nov. 14-15, the Kansas Recruitment Center (KRC) staff traveled to Missouri to increase recruitment efforts with out-of-state residents. KRC staff visited with residency programs in Colombia, Mo. and St. Louis, Mo. to promote practicing in rural Kansas.
Kansas Recruitment Center Presented at the State Network Council Meeting
On Nov. 30 the Kansas Recruitment Center presented, “Strengthening Kansas Workforce through the Kansas Recruitment Center,” at the State Network Council meeting. The purpose of the presentation was to inform hospital administrators and representatives about the Kansas Recruitment Center’s services including the enhanced services of background checks and Focus on Kansas.com.
Rural Health Education and Services Visited with KUMC Rural Medicine Interest Groups
The Rural Medical and Family Medicine student interest groups gathered during their lunch hour on Nov. 28 at KUMC to hear about several programs that could be terrific resources for them. Rural Health Education and Services staff offered the first and second year medical school students an opportunity to learn about Rural Health Programs, with special attention dedicated to the Kansas Bridging Plan.
