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Seven full-time, board-certified academic rheumatologists and two rheumatology fellows make up the Division of Rheumatology and Molecular Immunology, which provides rheumatologic consultative services to the community, the Medical Center, the University Medical Pavilion, the G.V. ("Sonny") Montgomery Department of Veterans’ Affairs Medical Center, the Mississippi Methodist Rehabilitation Center, and an outreach primary care clinic in Greenville. In addition, the division is actively involved in academic and research activities in a broad spectrum of rheumatological and immunological avenues. Several division members have been invited to speak at national and international meetings, and the division has hosted several local and statewide programs in rheumatologic continuing medical education. Four faculty members perform research in areas encompassing cell and molecular immunology, cytokine immunobiology, complement immunology, and immunoendocrinology. Three of the division’s rheumatologists focus on the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of systemic lupus erythematosus. In 2003, the division was awarded an educational grant to host the first Southeastern U.S. "Amgen Young Rheumatology Investigator Forum." John Jenkins, MD, directs the Metabolic Bone Disease and Osteoporosis Program, which provides bone mineral densitometry measurement and advanced evaluation of metabolic bone disease. In addition, he maintains an active, basic immunology research laboratory. Valee Harisdangkul, MD, PhD, provides clinical services to the Medical Center, the Mississippi Methodist Rehabilitation Center, and the University Medical Pavilion, and directs the division’s fellowship program, which accepts one fellow per year into the two-year program. Vikas Majithia, MD, provides educational and clinical support to medical student and housestaff teaching programs, as well as growing clinical practices at the Jackson Medical Mall and the University Medical Pavilion. Suzanne Sanders, MD, and Jim Wilson, MD, provide clinical, academic, and scientific support at the G.V. ("Sonny") Montgomery Department of Veterans’ Affairs Medical Center and participate actively in the Jackson Heart Study. Ken Hardy, MD, PhD, past division director, provides continued clinical, educational, and research guidance and support. Recently-named Division Director Rob McMurray, MD, will build upon this foundation with expansion of clinical services at the Jackson Medical Mall and the University Medical Pavilion; increased community and institutional education programs; and a reemphasis on research programs, particularly hormonal modulation of immunity. The division’s goals are to provide outstanding clinical care, remain academically and investigationally competitive both nationally and internationally, and offer excellent training experience for medical students, residents, and fellows. | ||||
