Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/863733
HE COLLEGE OF MEDICINE and its mission remain important to the advancement of health in our state and across the country. During the next year, UIC has approved for Dr. Dimitri Azar to pursue a unique opportunity at the confluence of industry and biomedical innovation by accepting an appointment as senior director of ophthalmologic innovation with Verily Life Sciences (formerly Google Life Sciences), where he previously served on the scientific board. As such, the leadership of UIC and the College of Medicine have appointed me Acting Dean, entrusting me with the responsibility and privilege of the continued pursuit of our priorities to enhance the health of those in our communities through the education of physicians, advanced knowledge of health and disease, and service to our patients through the care we provide. Since beginning his tenure as executive dean of the College of Medicine, Dr. Azar has promoted and encouraged biomedical innovation and the collaboration to advance medicine and health care delivery for future generations. This issue of Illinois Medicine features many achievements of our impassioned clinical faculty and inspired medical students as they pursue innovative approaches to the complex medical issues of today. Our cover story showcases several clinical departments that are each distinct constellations of talent and discusses their approaches to innovation in medical education, translational research and patient care. The departments of anesthesiology, otolaryngology, ophthalmology, orthopaedic surgery and surgery have built robust clinical programs that aim to serve patients who may have nowhere else to receive care, while also training physicians at every level to advance the delivery of care for all patients — even beyond our clinics and hospitals. We also feature some of our medical students who have collaborated with faculty to pursue a valuable service, which helps provide basic necessary care to homeless individuals in Chicago. Our UI Health partners are also featured in that same article through their pioneering project that places homeless individuals into housing with the aim of improving their quality of living and decreasing dependence on the emergency room for modest medical needs. The Peoria and Rockford campuses of the College of Medicine also feature unique clinical programs that aid communities near and far. In Peoria, a trailblazing team headed by Matthew Bramlett, MD, is pursuing 3-D and virtual reality heart models to develop clinical interventions and interactive modules for training. Meanwhile, Rockford's RMED program continues its national and international leadership in rural medical education as it celebrates early successes in the Native American Pathways Program and builds a relationship with a university in Sweden known for its geriatric and rural-oriented delivery of care. I know the Illinois Medicine community will continue to thrive, inspire and impact the lives of our students and patients for generations to come. It is my honor to partner with our faculty, staff, students, alumni and generous donors to advance the noble mission of our College of Medicine for today and into the future. dean's message I L L I N O I S M E D I C I N E | 1 dean's message T Charles "Chuck" E. Ray Jr., MD, PhD, MS Acting Dean, Professor of Radiology P H O T O : D I A N E S M U T N Y