From the Dean: Facilities updates, ‘Joggin,’ and the return of the Wadhwani Family Dean’s Hour
A month and a half ago, I summarized the various facility improvements that are underway at our main building on the UND campus in Grand Forks as well as at our regional campuses in Fargo (our Southeast campus) and Minot (our Northwest campus). Additionally, Altru Health System’s new hospital building in Grand Forks is nearing occupancy and it has excellent space allotted for our medical students.
Two projects at our Grand Forks building are finished, and both look great. On the south side of the building, the UND facility folks have placed new plantings in several of the green spaces that welcome visitors to the building. And on the north side of the building facing Gateway Drive, there are two new signs that identify the building as the UND School of Medicine & Health Sciences. Both of these updates are welcome additions to what continues to be an outstanding facility for learning, discovery, and service.
The building first opened in 2016, and it’s hard to believe that its now eight years old. We’ve worked hard to keep the building in top-notch shape, and it certainly doesn’t show its age. That’s a real credit to our own Terry Nelson and Tom Peterson who look over the facility as if it were their own home. So thanks to them and to the other dedicated folks at UND who maintain the physical plant for the benefit of faculty, staff, and students.
This has been a busy week inside the building as well! Yesterday we had two memorable events. The first was the re-start of our Dean’s Hour lecture series, where invited speakers present on topics that are of interest to our entire healthcare family. Starting this year, the lecture series is named for the Wadhwani Family who have generously contributed to the recruitment of a scientist to lead our translational science initiative, focusing on speeding the development of effective medical treatments from the lab bench to the bedside.
Accordingly, I gave the first Wadhwani Family Dean’s Hour presentation for this academic year. The title of my presentation was “From Throat Ache to Heartache – A Tale of Rheumatic Fever Through Time and Across Continents.” It turns out that rheumatic fever, which can scar the valves in the heart, is the result of recurrent strep throats and is common especially in developing countries. My talk highlighted the progress that has been made in dealing with this worldwide problem, but also addressed various cultural and other issues related to treatment and prevention strategies.
The Dean’s Hour talk was followed several hours later by the 15th annual “Joggin’ with Josh” 5K run/walk around the beautiful UND campus. Because of my recent back surgeries for recurrent herniated lumbar discs, I was more of a cheerleader than participant, but I hope to get physically active again soon. We had a great turnout despite the warm weather, and all seemed to enjoy the walk/jog/run.
Finally, later today will be the first of what we hope will be many iterations of an event dedicated to exploring the importance of interprofessional collaboration and cooperation in healthcare. Organized completely by our students through their Students for Interprofessional Health organization, the afternoon event will consist of lunch and a keynote speaker, followed by an afternoon of simulation experiences, a case competition, and an interprofessional panel. I’m looking forward to the event and hope to see you there as well!
Joshua Wynne, MD, MBA, MPH
Vice President for Health Affairs, UND
Dean, UND School of Medicine & Health Sciences
