Virginia Van Duyne, MD (Family Health Center) graduated from the University of Vermont College of Medicine. Ginny received her BA in French Language and Literature from Gordon College, where she was named Phi Beta Kappa. Ginny enjoys traveling, camping and running and also has a passion for working with the underserved.

Resident Retreat 2011

The residents and faculty of both the Worcester and the Fitchburg residencies participated in the annual Residency Retreat on Feb. 8 at the Wachusett Village Inn. This year's theme: "All You Ever Wanted to Know and More About Caring for Yourself...So You Can Care for Others." 

Morning discussions were led by Hugh Silk, MD; Suzana Makowski, MD and Melissa Blacker, MA of the UMMS Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, Health Care and Society. Following lunch, residents and faculty opted to either ski at Mount Wachusett or relax with a massage at the Inn.

A big 'thank you" to Tamara Cullen and our chief residents for organizing a wonderful (and relaxing) retreat for all! 
                       

            
             
Patient Centered Medical Home

All three health centers are hard at work on their efforts to integrate a PCMH model of care into the practices. Over the next year, residents will have increased training and opportunity for involvement in this process, including quality initiatives and IHI training. We all look forward to the transformation of the practices for the best care possible for our communities.  
 

Global Health Track  

The department's Global Health track kicks off this month. Residents and fellows in the track, Amber Wiekamp, Christina Mota, Juan Carlos Ramos, and Elliot Schaeffer, will be traveling to Nicaragua later this month following a two-week course locally. The objectives of the course will include maternal child health, oral health, refugee health, and health beliefs, to name just a few. Great appreciation goes to all the faculty who are participating in this course as well as a great big thank you to Anna Doubeni, MD for her dedication and commitment as the director of this track! 

Recruitment Update
Congratulations to faculty and residents for the completion of a tremendous (and very busy) recruitment season. We look forward to exciting news from Match Day on March 17th. The end-of-season brunch at the Worcester Art Museum was very well attended and proved to be a great opportunity to socialize and interact with applicants. Thanks to all who attended and for all the hard work throughout the season!

Dr. Potts and Michael Smith would like to extend a special thanks to the following individuals for their incredibly hard work in making our many interview days run smoothly: Melissa Arrell, Kathy Alexander, Janice Craig, Tamara Cullen, Barbara Foley, Cricket Haley, Katie Onorato and Joni Pulnik.

Curriculum Committee Update
The February meeting included discussion of Advancement Criteria and Procedures from David Gilchrist, MD. Agenda items for the next meeting (March 1 at 7:30 am) will include FMIS and the Adult Medicine Curriculum.

Executive Committee
There will be no February meeting but the next meeting is scheduled for March 22.
Agenda items will include the GME Policy Guide and On-line Policy Guide.

Please note that the Curriculum Retreat has been rescheduled to March 1 due to weather. The agenda will include Simulation Program Development.  

Curling is Coming....March 20 "Learn to Curl" Day!
 Can't wait to go curling? Do you find that curling board games are simply not enough action for you? Then save the date for our first curling party on March 20, 12-5 pm at the Petersham Curling Club in Petersham, MA! Families are welcome!

           

Congratulations to Jay Broadhurst, MD for his recent board certification in addiction medicine. Jay continues to provide addiction medicine services at Spectrum Health.
 

Warm Birthdays Wishes to These Residents!
2/6: Radha (Rudy) Akkinepalli, PGY-3, Family Health

2/27: David Rosa, PGY-3, Family Health
3/2: Kylee Eagles, Barre
3/8: Stephanie Carter, Barre
3/28: Rebecca Blumhofer, Barre
3/30: Larissa Calka, Hahnemann

A February Fun Fact
We may not have any adorable baby photos to show off this month, but we do have a timely tidbit from the Worcester Telegram. Some of you may have seen this article.... if you are searching in vain to prevent ice dams in your gutters....read here!