Dr. Joan Richardson to receive Steel Oleander Award
INSIDE UTMB
Dr. Joan Richardson will be honored as the Galveston Historical Foundation’s 22nd annual Steel Oleander.
Richardson, professor and chairwoman of UTMB’s department of pediatrics and director of the division of neonatology, will receive a cast oleander blossom sculpted by the late Galveston sculptor David Moore.
The award is given each year to salute an outstanding Galveston woman whose community service reflects the ideals and independent spirit of Miss Bettie Brown of Ashton Villa.
Dr. Merkley appointed as interim chairman of ophthalmology and visual sciences
Dr. Kevin Merkley has been appointed interim chairman of UTMB’s Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences. Merkley will oversee all departmental activities and personnel until a permanent chairman is recruited.
Merkley earned his medical degree from the University of Utah Health Sciences Center and completed his residency training in ophthalmology at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cleveland and his cornea/anterior segment fellowship at the University of California, Irvine.
Merkley has more than 20 years of management experience in the private sector, currently serves as medical director for the Joffe MediCenter in Houston and has most recently been serving as program director for our ophthalmology residency.
Certified Nurses Day essay winners
Veronica Serona won first place for her essay answering the question, “How Does Your Nursing Certification Enhance Your Practice?” The essay contest was put on by UTMB and gifts were awarded to the authors of the top five winning essays. Other essay winners included certified nurses Jaisamma Samuel, Eduardo Niez, Lorife Nepomuceno and Annie Chacko.
Students helping the community
The Students Together for Service organization at UTMB is hosting a Healthy Living Event on April 18 at the McGuire-Dent Recreation Center, 28th Street and Seawall Boulevard, in Galveston. The event will include health screenings, healthy cooking demonstrations and games for children.
Inside UTMB is compiled by the communications department at the University of Texas Medical Branch.