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SMHS Dean Dr. Marjorie Jenkins was a guest on the WittKieffer “Impactful Leaders” podcast recently. Speaking with Kerry Quealy about her influences and ideas for the future, Dr. Jenkins discussed her commitment to rural health and healthcare access, among other topics. “If we aren’t designing systems to think of everyone, and we try a one-size-fits-all […]

Four down and two to go with our discussion of the 6 pillars of Lifestyle Medicine. Today I’ll discuss the pillar of “social connection.” In this newsletter  back in late July, I wrote about loneliness and reminded readers of former U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy’s declaration that loneliness and isolation were an urgent public health […]

It is with deep regret that we announce the death of Dr. Abdallah Abou Zahr, clinical assistant professor of medicine and associate program director for UND’s Hematology and Medical Oncology Fellowship Program. Dr. Abou Zahr joined the Roger Maris Cancer Center in Fargo in 2017 as a hematologist/oncologist. His appointment at the UND School of […]

In recognition of outstanding performance in the encouragement, enrichment, and education of tomorrow’s physicians, the medical student Class of 2028 has recognized three faculty for Outstanding Unit Instructor Awards in Unit VIII for the 2025-26 academic year. The Class of 2028 (Phase 1) Unit VIII awardees are the following individuals: Mark Christenson, M.D., Office of Education […]

“It’s the people I’m going to miss the most.” And with that sentiment, the longtime Director of Finance at the UND School of Medicine & Health Sciences, Terry Nelson, closed the book on an astounding 40-year career at the University of North Dakota, 35 of which were spent in UND’s School of Medicine & Health […]

Thirty-three University of North Dakota School of Medicine & Health Sciences (SMHS) physician assistant (PA) students are set to begin the clinical portion of their studies this month in an effort to earn their Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) degree. To this end, UND’s Physician Assistant Class of 2027 will receive its white coats on […]

Have you made a New Year’s resolution this year? Interestingly, most New Year’s resolutions are associated with one or more of the 6 pillars of Lifestyle Medicine. Readers might recall that I’ve featured Lifestyle Medicine pillars in three previous columns (sleep, nutrition, and substance use, respectively). Today, I continue with a fourth pillar: physical activity. […]

Big thanks to everyone who contributed to the four School of Medicine & Health Sciences squares for UND’s community quilt project, especially Cherie Stoltman, Storey Gillen, Arzu Iliyazova, Jena Pierce, Angie Floden, Shae Carlson, Peggy Biberdorf, Dawne Barwin, Savannah Patton, and Jessica Doty! The UND Community Quilt Project is a campuswide effort to create a […]

Several second-year medical students at UND’s School of Medicine & Health Sciences received awards on Tuesday, Jan. 13, at the School’s 2026 Sophomore Awards Ceremony. Academic, teaching, and service awards were awarded on behalf of the School and the North Dakota Medical Association, including: North Dakota Medical Association Awards Awarded to second-year students who were […]

The Dean’s Office at UND’s School of Medicine & Health Sciences (SMHS) is pleased to announce the promotion of administrative faculty across multiple units. Moving into the role of Senior Associate Dean for Health Sciences is Dave Relling, P.T., Ph.D. The former chair of UND’s Department of Physical Therapy, Relling has been with the School […]