Team UAMS Members Turn Out for Charity Walks

By Yavonda Chase

Team UAMS at the Central Arkansas Heart Walk on April 27.

Team UAMS at the Central Arkansas Heart Walk on April 27.

UAMS had teams in five walks last month — the March of Dimes’ March for Babies on April 6; the Walk to Defeat ALS on April 13; and the Central Arkansas Heart Walk, the Parkinson’s Foundation Moving Day Little Rock and Take Steps for Crohn’s and Colitis Walk, all on April 27. UAMS also served as a sponsor for two of the walks — Crohn’s and Colitis and Parkinson’s.

“I think it is a testament to the wonderful people who work here that their passion for their patients extends into the weekend as they walk to raise awareness and money for these various diseases and conditions,” said Chancellor Cam Patterson, M.D., MBA.

Conan Mustain, M.D., a colon and rectal surgeon, and UAMS wound, ostomy and continence nurses Brenda Goss, R.N., and Lori Phares, R.N., at the Take Steps for Crohn's and Colitis Walk on April 27.

Conan Mustain, M.D., a colon and rectal surgeon, and UAMS wound, ostomy and continence nurses Brenda Goss, R.N., and Lori Phares, R.N., at the Take Steps for Crohn’s and Colitis Walk on April 27.

Many of the team members were nurses and doctors who participated in walks that corresponded to the clinic or specialty they work in.

Conan Mustain, M.D., a colon and rectal surgeon and assistant professor in the College of Medicine’s Department of Surgery, served with Jodi Love, R.N., a clinical services manager, as co-captains of Team UAMS in the Crohn’s and Colitis Walk. The team raised $1,600.

“The Crohn’s and Colitis Walk is a great opportunity for me to show my patients that I’m committed to being by their side at every step of their journey,” said Mustain, who previously has served as the walk’s medical director.

Mahmoud Kiaei, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the College of Medicine’s Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology who researches motor neuron diseases like ALS, led that team.

Jean McSweeney, Ph.D., R.N., associate dean for research in the College of Nursing who holds the Women’s Cardiovascular Health Professorship, teamed with Pamela Kahler, an executive assistant in the College of Medicine’s Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, for the Heart Walk. Approximately 20 people joined the UAMS team and raised more than $1,100.

Team UAMS at the March of Dimes' March for Babies on April 6.

Team UAMS at the March of Dimes’ March for Babies on April 6.

The NICU turned out in force for the March of Dimes walk, with Shannon Hall, R.N., serving as the team captain and leading a team of more than 30 people that raised more than $1,700.

Shannon Doerhoff, APRN, led the Parkinson’s team. Also in April, the UAMS Movement Disorders Clinic held the fifth annual Parkinson’s Symposium in the Spine Institute. Nearly 200 people, including patients and their families, attended the forum.