As of September 1st, the medical school has a new dean, Dr. Tim Ridgway, a 1984 graduate of the medical school and a native of Ravinia, South Dakota. Ridgway follows Dr. Mary Nettleman, who retired after eight highly productive years as dean. According to USD president Sheila Gestring, “Dr. Ridgway is a proven leader in the medical school. Under his leadership the school of medicine will continue to strengthen its position as one of the best in the nation.” |
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White Coat Event Practices Social Distancing |
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The University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine held a socially distanced White Coat Ceremony on July 22. The event was livestreamed to family and friends.
The Class of 2024 consists of 73 individuals, including 39 males and 34 females. There are 58 students from South Dakota. Other states represented in this class include Minnesota (5 students), Iowa (2) Nebraska, District of Columbia, Florida, Texas, Virginia and Wyoming. In keeping with the medical school’s rural mission, thirty-five students hail from communities smaller than 10,000 people. All students have a family connection to South Dakota.
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Dr. Michelle Schimelpfenig is the Sioux Falls campus dean, effective October 12. Dr. Schimelpfenig did her pediatric residency at the USD Sanford School of Medicine, served as the school’s pediatric clerkship director, and most recently was the Pillar 3 Director.
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Dr. Susan Anderson has been appointed executive dean. Anderson also serves as chair of family medicine and dean of rural medicine.
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Jason Kemnitz, EdD, has been appointed interim associate dean of academic development and faculty affairs. Kemnitz has been at the medical school for ten years, and formerly served as assistant dean. He is also an assistant professor in family medicine.
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Medical School Sponsors Rural Health Summit |
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The medical school and the South Dakota Area Health Education Center (SD AHEC) co-sponsored the 2020 Rural Health Equity Summit, held September 10th. SD AHEC is a federally funded health care education provider that is led by the medical school. Summit topics included telehealth, workforce recruitment, critical access hospitals serving rural areas, and access issues related to rural obstetrical care. |
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Pillar 3 Student Wins in Poster/Case Study Competition
John Fanta, a Pillar 3 medical school student, was a winner in the 2020 American College of Physicians’ (ACP) poster and case study competition. Fanta, from Yankton, South Dakota, presented his study titled “A Blue Patient Poses a Clinical Conundrum” along with a poster of his investigation at the national ACP conference that was held virtually. Fanta’s case involved a patient who had been erroneously diagnosed with methemoglobinemia after taking an over-the-counter urinary pain relief medication when the patient suffered from sulfhemoglobinemia. Fanta was awarded a cash prize for his accomplishment.
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Center for Disabilities Staff Recognized |
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Tova Eggerstedt, M.S., Ed.S., training and technical assistance specialist with the University of South Dakota’s Center for Disabilities, has been selected by the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Association of University Centers on Disabilities to serve as a Children’s Mental Health Champion. She is one of only six individuals from across the nation chosen for this funded work. |
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Kendra Gottsleben, marketing and communications specialist for the center, was honored by SD Governor Kristi Noem as 2020’s “Governor’s Award for Outstanding Individual with a Disability”. Gottsleben has been at the center for ten years. |
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The Center for Disabilities is a statewide organization conducting research and advocating for and providing clinical and educational services to disabled people and their families. It is affiliated with the medical school, and its main offices are in USD’s Health Science Center, in Sioux Falls. |
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Show Your Medical School Pride! |
The medical school’s alumni relations council has launched an e-store featuring medical school attire and other items! You can now proudly display your school spirit. A portion of sales supports the alumni endowment so you’ll not only be showcasing your pride but benefitting the next generation of physicians. |
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2020-2021 Alumni and Faculty Awards Nominations are Open |
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The alumni relations council has a standing tradition of honoring distinguished and committed alumni and faculty. Let us know who you think deserves an extra-special recognition by submitting a letter of nomination to have your candidate considered for one of the following 2021 awards:
Distinguished Alumnus Award: The prestigious USD Sanford School of Medicine Distinguished Alumnus Award honors an alumnus who is established in their medical profession, has active involvement in the school (teaching, mentoring, volunteering, etc.) and whose interest and loyalty are evident. This is open to all alumni and one letter of recommendation is required explaining the nominee's qualifications.
Class of 1983 Clinical Faculty Award: This award was established to recognize clinical faculty within the USD Sanford School of Medicine and their critical role in preparing future physicians. Candidates should be in clinical practice and have an appointment within the school for a minimum of five years. One letter of recommendation is required.
Class of 1954 Warren L. Jones, MD Faculty Award: This award honors members of the USD Sanford School of Medicine academic faculty. Candidates who have demonstrated excellence and continuous service for a minimum of five years within the same department can be nominated. Two letters of recommendation supporting the candidate's merit in teaching are required.
Letters of recommendation can be emailed to Nicole.Plesec@usd.edu or mailed to Nicole Plesec at 1400 West 22nd Street, Sioux Falls, SD 57105 by November 1, 2020.
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© 2020 USD is governed by the Board of Regents of South Dakota |
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