Illinois Medicine

HE HUMAN BRAIN IS A CENTRAL ORGAN that governs much of our physical and mental well- being, yet it remains one of the most mysterious biological structures. Although medicine has made significant discoveries in the last 30 years about how the brain functions, we have only just scratched the surface of understanding its complexity. Our cover story this issue takes an in- depth look at how researchers both within the COM and across the University are collaborating to chart new paths and gain insight into this next frontier of medicine — through such diverse areas as anatomy and cell biology, neurology and rehabilitation, neurosurgery, advanced imaging, and psychiatry. Additionally, while the College of Medicine has been implementing a broad curricular update starting with our incoming class of first-year medical students this year, we have also taken a closer look at the well-being and resiliency of our students. The modern medical student encounters a variety of stressors and pressures to understand and achieve in the profession. One aspect of our new curriculum aims to address burnout, anxiety, depression and social isolation by encouraging and teaching coping strategies. We know that students who practice self-care are equipped with the tools to become effective and impactful physicians who care for the health of others. In training the next generation of medical education experts domestically and internationally, the College of Medicine offers a master of health professions education (MHPE) degree, while the Chicago campus of the University of Illinois provides an executive master of health administration (EMHA) program. Graduates of these programs are based across the U.S. and beyond pursuing careers that influence the way we teach the practice of medicine to not only medical students, but also the teachers and leaders in medicine. The impact of our gold-standard department of medical education goes far beyond the walls of our college—it influences medical schools around the globe. This past fall, we also celebrated our tradition of excellence with our many outstanding alumni and donors. During our annual reunion, visitors heard about the many changes to the college's facilities and curriculum as well as groundbreaking faculty research. Visitors also attended the Illinois Medicine Gala, where they feted Root Society members and the 2017 Illinois Medicine Award winners: Emil Freireich as Pioneer in Medicine, Terry Mason as Distinguished Alumnus, Janet Lin as Emerging Innovator, Bruce Gillis as Innovator of Today, and James and Marion Grant for the Spirit of Medicine, all of whom are profiled in this issue. The Gala also launched the fundraising campaign for the COM as part of "IGNITE: The Campaign for UIC," as we celebrated the exciting future of medicine that happens here. We hope that all of our alumni and friends will participate in this campaign because you are truly the spark that ignites our future. As UIC Chancellor Michael Amiridis said as he quoted Greek philosopher Plutarch: "A mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled." 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 E. Ray Jr., MD, PhD, MS Interim Dean, Professor of Radiology P H O T O : D I A N E S M U T N Y

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