Category: Public Service


Prioritizing Partnership and Progress, Dr. Karen Derefinko Guides Faculty Senate Forward

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Dr. Karen Derefinko speaking at the podium at a Faculty Senate meeting

When Karen Derefinko, PhD, talks about her work, there is a theme that comes up again and again: people working together can solve almost anything. This principle is what first drew her into clinical psychology, what motivates her research today, and what shapes her goals as president of the Faculty Senate at the University of… Read More


Director Selected to Lead Tennessee Rural Health Care Center of Excellence

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Photo of Matt McDaniel

Matt McDaniel, MPH, MPA, has been named the director of the Tennessee Rural Health Care Center of Excellence. McDaniel brings strong experience in public health and public service to his leadership role in the new, statewide initiative housed at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. He joined the Center of Excellence as director on… Read More


Fall 2025 Pharmacy Magazine Highlights College’s Legacy of Drug Discovery

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College of Pharmacy Magazine Cover

As one of the nation’s top pharmacy schools, the College of Pharmacy at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center is leading the way in advancing pharmaceutical research while training the next generation of pharmacy professionals. The fall 2025 issue of Pharmacy Magazine demonstrates how the college continues to transform lives through excellence in pharmacy… Read More


The University of Tennessee Foundation Names Dr. Melissa Robinson Chief Development Officer for UT Health Science Center

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Melissa Robinson

The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc. (UTFI) and the University of Tennessee Health Science Center have named Melissa Robinson, DHA, MBA, the chief development officer and associate vice chancellor for Advancement. In this role, Dr. Robinson will guide the long-term strategic direction of fundraising across UT Health Science Center’s four statewide campuses, lead major and… Read More


Healthy Smiles, Full Hearts Tackling Tennessee’s Dental Care Shortage

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Dr. Cutshaw providing patient care alongside a colleague

Recent College of Dentistry alumnus Dillon Cutshaw, DDS, knows a trip to the dentist may sometimes be benched in favor of life’s necessities. “We can go to the dentist every six months,” he says. “It’s not you having to decide between this tooth hurting versus not buying food the next day. For a lot of… Read More


UT Health Science Center Pediatric Physician Recognized for Championing Community Care

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Dr. Burroughs-Ray and Dr. Finkel pose in front of a chamber pop-up banner.

Desiree Burroughs-Ray, MD, is committed to improving health care both inside the hospital and out. “I really like to look at health on a community level,” she said. “Seeing how we can impact the health of our patients not just in the clinic or hospital, but also by connecting with the people they live with… Read More


Advisory Board to Meet Friday, Nov. 14

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Photo of Madison Plaza Buildings

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center’s Advisory Board will meet Friday, Nov. 14, at 11 a.m., in the Mooney Library, 875 Monroe Ave., on the Memphis campus. On the agenda:  While the meeting will be conducted in person, it will also be available to view online. The webcast link, more information about the UT Health… Read More


Tennessee Rural Health Care Center of Excellence Seeks Grant Applications for Rural Initiatives

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Photo of a nursing student taking blood pressure at a rural Women's Health Expo.

The Tennessee Rural Health Care Center of Excellence at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center has launched its grant application process for organizations seeking funding for projects that provide solutions to health care concerns in rural communities across the state. The Center of Excellence is seeking proposals for both planning grants and implementation grants. The planning… Read More