People: Student News

Master Clinician and Inspirational Academic Leader Named Executive Dean of the College of Medicine at UT Health Science Center

Written by Peggy Reisser

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Clinical CareEducationPublic ServiceResearch
Headshot of Dr. Mike Hocker

After an extensive nationwide search, Michael Hocker, MD, MHS, a highly accomplished academic physician, innovative educator and mentor, and inspirational servant leader, has been named the new executive dean of the College of Medicine at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. He will begin his tenure in July 2025. Dr. Hocker currently serves as… Read More

New Director of Military-Affiliate Student Services Committed to Supporting Veterans, Students

Written by Peggy Reisser

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Education
Portrait of Commander Mark MacNamara

In 2015, the University of Tennessee Health Science Center was named the first institution in the UT System to receive the “VETS Campus” distinction from the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, recognizing the university’s work to help veterans transition from military service to higher education. UT Health Science Center has recently taken another major step in… Read More

Physical Therapy Student on a Mission to Keep Community Moving

Written by Christopher Green

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Education
Photo of Juan Martin running with students

As a second-year physical therapy student, Juan Martin is forging a path that blends his passion for athletics, helping others, and fostering community. Originally from Cookeville, Tennessee, and the son of Guatemalan immigrants, Martin is navigating the challenges and accomplishments of being a first-generation student, while simultaneously building a thriving running club at UT Health… Read More

UT Health Science Center Receives Coveted R1 Designation: A Testament to Excellence Among University Scientists and Educators

Written by Lee Ferguson

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Research
Photo of researcher in lab

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center has earned the prestigious R1 designation from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. This honor underscores the pivotal role of research to the university’s mission and highlights the university’s enduring commitment to advancing knowledge and innovation. It also represents a significant strength that UT Health Science… Read More

Physician Assistant Students Among Volunteers Providing Care at Wellness and Stress Clinic

Written by Communications and Marketing

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Clinical CareEducationPublic Service
Photo of PA students

Students in the Physician Assistant program are among many students across the colleges at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center who volunteer to help provide free health care to the uninsured and underserved in the community at the Wellness and Stress Clinic (WSC) of Memphis. Since the clinic’s opening in 2018, students from the… Read More

CPR Training Gives Pharmacy Student Life-Saving Skills

Written by Peggy Reisser

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Clinical CareEducationPublic Service
Portrait of Anita Baluch

Fourth-year College of Pharmacy student Anita Baluch did more than just celebrate her 24th birthday last April at a Nashville restaurant. She saved a life.  Baluch, who is from Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, and on rotation in Nashville, was having her birthday dinner with her boyfriend, when one of the restaurant patrons started choking. Using the… Read More

Alumna Offers Words of Wisdom to Postdocs

Written by Peggy Reisser

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EducationResearch
Portrait of Dr. Weili Sun

Weili Sun, MD, PhD, traveled to Memphis from China in 1998 to pursue a PhD in pathology at UT Health Science Center. She had not been back to the university since leaving in 2005 for her postgraduate medical training, until she was invited to be the keynote speaker at the 17th Annual Winter Postdoc Research Showcase  last month. … Read More

Advisory Board Approves Tuition Changes, Praises Longtime Chair

Written by Christopher Green

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Clinical CareEducationPublic ServiceResearch
Photo of Dr. Phil Wenk

At its winter meeting Friday, the University of Tennessee Health Science Center’s Advisory Board unanimously recommended increases to tuition and mandatory fees, honored the board’s inaugural chair, Phil Wenk, DDS, and heard from Chancellor Peter Buckley, MD, and the college deans about the university’s latest accomplishments and goals. The recommendations for tuition and mandatory fee… Read More