UTHSC In the Media


Vaccinating Mice May Finally Slow Lyme Disease

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Kirby Stafford, Connecticut’s state entomologist, knows only one surefire way to reduce tick populations enough to cut Lyme disease rates: killing deer. Otherwise, he says, “very little by itself really reduces tick numbers enough.” But in some Connecticut neighborhoods Stafford has been testing a new strategy, one he hopes might show real promise after years… Read More


UT/West Institute for Cancer Research offering free lung cancer screenings

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The University of Tennessee/West Institute for Cancer Research is offering free lung cancer screenings in February for qualifying individuals. Lung cancer is the leading cause of death in men and women in the U.S., and it claims more lives than breast, colon and prostate cancers combined, according to UT/West Institute for Cancer Research.


New cardiovascular institute secures leadership team

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Coming from Texas, Ohio and Oklahoma, three nationally renowned heart doctors have been recruited to lead a new cardiovascular institute in Memphis. The University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) and Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare have partnered to create a national-caliber cardiovascular program between the university and its clinical partner. “My vision for the institute… Read More


Growing Challenges in a Shrinking Field

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As one of only a very small number of pediatric neuro-ophthalmologists in the nation, in a field that medical experts say is in rapid decline, Lauren Ditta, MD, says versatility is key in her profession. A subspecialist in neurology and ophthalmology, Dr. Ditta believes her job brings with it a series of challenges that include:… Read More


‘Nationally renowned’ physicians to lead new cardiac institute

The Memphis Business Journal

A trio of leadership hires has set the foundation for a new, “national-caliber” cardiovascular institute in Memphis. Dr. Chittoor Sai Sudhakar will be the UTHSC-Methodist Cardiac Institute’s co-director with Dr. John L. Jefferies. Dr. Zhongjie Sun, a cardiovascular researcher, will be its deputy director. Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare and the University of Tennessee Health Science… Read More


Mid-South surgeons restore vision for 25 people

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For a third year, Mid-South surgeons, nurses and volunteers restored vision for 25 people. It was all part of the Cataract-a-Thon, which offers free cataract surgery to those who are uninsured or unable to access proper eye care. The event honors the late Dr. Ivan Marais, innovator of cataract surgery.


Shelby County, Tennessee to pilot new assessment center for justice-involved youth

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Shelby County, Tennessee is launching a pilot youth assessment resource center to divert youth ages 12 to 17 from delinquency. The center will provide early intervention, comprehensive assessment and referral to supportive services, and positive strategies tailored to address individual needs of youth and their families. On December 3, 2018, the Shelby County Commission authorized… Read More


Le Bonheur video game collaboration has kids jumping to exercise

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Living a healthy lifestyle takes more than one hour a week. Webb Smith, exercise physiologist at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital is trying to come up with a way to start healthy practices, like exercise, early-on by introducing kids to video games that get them running, jumping and squatting. The concept began in 2015 when Smith… Read More