Education

Written by Mark Kemball I am not a techie, but my family will tell you that I am addicted to my smartphone. I hear tales of parents who restrict their childrens’ screen time. In our house, it is my teenage daughter who confiscates my phone at mealtimes. Of all the things that my phone does, I am most amazed by its camera. Its tiny dimensions and pin head lens belie its extraordinary clarity, wide zoom … Read More

Written by Mark Kemball OHSU has been home to some excellent musical ensembles over the years. Three of the following four groups have been active at OHSU at some point between the mid 1950s and today. The fourth is–at least for the moment–wholly fictitious. Can you spot the imposter? The Forcep Four. A barbershop quartet, whose repertoire included a performance of “Jungle Town” with a live chimp and a skunk as “props” and a great … Read More

Written by Jeff Kraakevik, M.D. I have had the privilege to work with the curriculum transformation committee for the OHSU School of Medicine for the last few months. The group has a variety of viewpoints represented at the table, and we have had some very lively and thought-provoking discussions on how the medical curriculum can best prepare students to be the physicians of the early twenty-first century (we can leave the 24 1/2th century to … Read More

Written by Jackie Wirz, Ph.D. Fall is swiftly approaching, and with it comes a new crop of students*.  It seems like only yesterday that I was writing my applications for graduate school and dealing with the universally awkward “Personal Statement” essay. One of my goals was to never use the words “destiny”, “passion” or “dream”.  And definitely no Robert Frost quotes**. To be sure, my attempts at squishing a lifetime of hopes and dreams into … Read More

Written by Mark Kemball Oregon may well be known for its wines, but no vineyards are to be found on the south-facing slopes of Marquam Hill. The tram lacks tie-downs for the transportation of aged oak barrels. The finer points of pigeage–the French wine-making term for the annual stomping of the grapes–are absent from the academic curriculum. But we do share one characteristic with the grape harvesters and the wine makers: we mark the graduation … Read More

By Jackie Wirz, Ph.D. Recently I had the pleasure of attending the Portland premiere of Cirque du Soliel’s Ovo. It is an inspired performance that incorporates acrobats, aerialists, some pretty amazing trampolining crossed with rock climbing (!) and more than a few flamboyantly costumed bugs. The small size of the tent makes you feel like you are involved in a surreal dream that strangely involves feats of strength on a tightrope, acts of amazing coordination … Read More

By Jeff Kraakevik, M.D. I recently became the co-course director for the neuroscience and behavior class for the second year medical students.  This course stretches nine weeks, and covers topics ranging from basic anatomy of the nervous system to how to treat common conditions like stroke and depression.  We have four hours of material to cover every day for that two-month stretch.  We’re just starting week three of this endeavor.  I thought I’d use this … Read More

By Jackie Wirz, Ph.D. Hello there – my name is Jackie, and I am the Biomedical Science Specialist and Assistant Professor at the OHSU Library.  Sounds pretty impressive, doesn’t it?  I have fancy business cards and everything.  But I have a secret to tell – I was actually a graduate student here at OHSU.  As such, I know all of the places to get food at 2 a.m., the warmest areas to catch a nap … Read More

By Mark Kemball Spring is in the air and the Pacific Northwest air is filled with the hum of spinning hats. Yes, it’s graduation. Thanks to the M.D. Class, this year tam o’shanters will join the exuberant flight of mortarboards and other assorted headwear that traditionally marks the annual migration of students from all of OHSU’s academic programs. But data from our alumni records suggest that while our graduating students are indeed leaving their campus-based … Read More